Skin

Ah! It’s winter – the snow time to enjoy the weather but the dry and flaky skin is the most common skin problem faced at this time.

This condition occurs when you’re skin is unable to hold proper moisture level (or) your sweat glands unable to produce much moisture. Rough, scaly patches on the skin will lead to scratching and thus result in a permanent scar formation on the skin.

Cold and dry winter air will suck the life out of the silky and smooth skin. Other triggers of dry skin are nutritional deficiencies, aging, genetics, environmental exposures, excessive bathing, exposure to harsh soaps or detergents or household cleaners, etc.

Fine lines, redness, scaling or peeling, rough skin, cracks, skin tightness, flaking, itching, etc. are some symptoms of dry skin.

Constant usage of cosmetic moisturizers, lotions or creams may cause some side effects, if used in the longer run. So, the best way is to choose the natural remedies at home to grab an effective hydrating and nourishing skin.

Home Remedies for Dry Skin:

Here is the list of best natural home remedies that will turn your dry skin into the smooth and hydrated skin. Have a look at these dry skin remedies and try them to combat your skin dryness.

Remedy – 1: (Olive Oil)

Olive oil is enriched with essential nutrients, healthy fatty acids, vitamins (E & K) and antioxidant that moisturize the skin to make it smooth and prevent aging signs and roughness. It acts as a natural humectant that attracts the moisture to prevent skin dryness.

Here are few ways of using olive oil for treating skin dryness.

• Mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of raw honey in 4 tablespoons of fine brown sugar. Stir well till it forms a fine scrub paste and use it to scrub your dry skin using circular motions for few minutes. After that, take your bath and apply a light moisturizer.
• Apply olive oil on all over your skin where you suffer from dry skin and massage gently. Leave it on for 30 minutes and take your shower. Dry your skin and apply moisturizer.
• Egg yolk controls the shedding of skin cells to prevent dryness. Mix 1 teaspoon of olive oil in 2 egg yolks and apply it on the skin. Wait for few minutes till it dries and then rinse off with water. Pat dry the skin and apply a natural moisturizer. Repeat it once daily.

Remedy – 2: (Yogurt)

Yogurt has lactic acid that exfoliates the skin and prevents over dryness. It also has antioxidant, skin soothing and skin hydrating properties that help you a lot in preventing skin dryness.

Here are few ways of using yogurt for moisturizing your dry skin.

• Apply fresh yogurt on all over the body and massage gently till the skin absorbs it. Take your shower or bath after 10 – 15 minutes. Yogurt has a mild exfoliating property that removes germs and bacteria causing dryness or itching. Repeat it once daily.
• Mix 3 tablespoons of mashed papaya in 1/2 cup of yogurt. Stir well by adding few drops of honey and lemon juice. Apply it on the skin and wash the area with cold water after 10 minutes. Repeat the same regularly for once a week.
• Mash 1 ripe banana and add it to 1/4 cup of yogurt. Stir well and apply it on the dry and rough patches of the skin. Rinse off with warm water after 30 minutes.
• Also, you can use ripe banana paste directly on the dry skin area to moisture the skin.

Remedy – 3: (Milk and Milk Cream)

Milk contains lactic acid that exfoliates the skin and locks the moisture to make the skin smooth and supple. It balances the pH levels of the skin to relieve you from dryness and itching. It has skin soothing property that clears the discomfort and irritation caused by dry skin.

Here are some methods of using milk for preventing dry skin.

• Mix few drops of fresh lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of milk in 2 teaspoons of milk cream. Apply it on your dry hands and legs. Wait for few minutes and take your shower. Repeat it once daily.
• Mix few drops of organic rose water in 4 tablespoons of milk. Stir well and rub it all over the skin. Rinse off with cold water after 10 minutes. Do it twice daily.
• Soak a clean cloth in cold milk and place it on the dry skin for 5 – 7 minutes. Rinse off the milk with another cloth soaked in lukewarm water.
• Pour 1 cup of raw milk in a bathtub filled with lukewarm water and soak yourself in this water for 10 – 15 minutes. Continue this bath regularly to combat dry skin.
• Mix 1 teaspoon of almond oil in 1 glass of warm milk. Drink it at night before bedtime to moisturize your skin and to enhance sound sleep.

Remedy – 4: (Honey)

Honey is a natural moisturizer that is loaded with antimicrobial, antioxidant and humectant properties which help to lock the moisture in your skin to keep it soft and supple.

When you massage the skin with honey then it increases the blood circulation and provides deep moisturizing action, which helps to get rid of dry skin.

Here are few ways of using honey for dry skin.

• Apply enough pure honey on the dry skin and massage gently for 2 – 3 minutes. Wash the area with warm water (or take shower) and apply moisturizer. Repeat it once daily.
• Mix equal quantities of raw honey, olive oil and beeswax (melted). Apply this mix on all over the body and let it sit for 10 minutes. Rinse off and do it once daily.
• Mash 1/2 a ripe avocado and mix it by adding 1/2 cup of honey. Stir well and apply it on the dry skin and rinse off after 15 – 20 minutes. Also, use this mix as your hydrating face mask for once or twice a week (or simply apply avocado pulp).

Remedy – 5: (Coconut Oil)

Coconut oil acts as a natural moisturizer that makes your skin soft and supple. It has essential nutrients and fatty acids that lock the skin moisture and prevent dryness.

• Warm some coconut oil and apply it all over the body at night before going to sleep.
• Leave it on for overnight and rinse off in the morning.
• Do it daily till you get a smooth, hydrated and nourished skin.

Note:

• Or apply coconut oil after taking your bath or shower to hydrated your body and prevent dryness.
• Also, massage your dry skin areas with castor oil or almond oil at night before bedtime and rinse your face in the morning.

Remedy – 6: (Oatmeal)

Oatmeal moisturizes the skin with its high protein content. It locks moisture levels by preventing water loss and soothes the skin with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

• Add 1 mashed ripe banana in 1 cup of ground oatmeal.
• Mix well by adding some lukewarm milk to make a paste.
• Apply it on the dry face as a face mask.
• Rinse off with cold water after 10 – 15 minutes.
• Apply this face mask regularly for once a week.

Note: Or simply go with the oatmeal bath by pouring 1 cup of plain oatmeal in your bathtub filled with warm water along with few drops of lavender oil. Soak for 15 – 30 minutes and rinse off. Have this soothing bath for once a week regularly.

Remedy – 7: (Aloe Vera)

Aloe vera exhibits skin soothing and antimicrobial properties that prevent your flaking, dried and irritated skin. It forms a protective layer to keep your skin hydrated and free from any impurities.

• Freshly squeeze aloe vera gel from an aloe leaf.
• Apply this gel on the dry skin areas and massage gently.
• Wait for 10 – 15 minutes and wash the area with lukewarm water.
• Continue doing this process for twice daily to combat your dry skin.

Tips and Precautions:

1. Drink plenty of water and other healthy liquids to keep your body and skin hydrated.
2. Include oily fishes which are rich in essential fatty acids to prevent dry skin.
3. Run a humidifier to add moisture to the air and thereby prevents dry skin.
4. Protect your skin from environmental irritants by applying moisturizing lotions or sunscreen.
5. Avoid hot water showers and always prefer lukewarm water or cool water shower to prevent excessive dryness.
6. Choose liquid soaps that have fat or oil rather than bar soaps to moisture your skin.
7. Consult your doctor once if you’re suffering from the extreme dry skin for proper diagnose and treatment.
8. Prefer natural fibers like silk and cotton which help the skin to breathe rather than wool (irritates normal skin). So, choose the fabrics that suit your skin.
9. Go for scrubs like lemon – sugar scrub (or) sea salt with vegetable glycerin scrub to exfoliate the dead skin and make your skin smooth. But remember to apply moisturizer after rinsing the skin thoroughly.

Try these natural dry skin remedies. Do you know any other remedies for dry skin? Then share it with us in the below comments box.

The body releases toxins that comes out of the skin as sweating. So, sweating is not a bad thing but the problem arises when the bacteria break down the sweat into acids and thus causing odor.

We know that our underarm glands are more prone to sweating and so, we are using deodorants or antiperspirants to get rid of underarm odor.

Although, there are many commercial deodorants available in the market, the reasons to avoid these commercial ones is, they contains parabens, propylene glycol, triclosan, aluminum-based compounds and toxic chemical fragrances which cause harm to the skin (like causing breast cancer, dark underarms, Alzheimer’s).

The armpits are a very sensitive area that applying toxins will cause rashes and darkness. So, to keep your armpits fresh and free from toxins, you have to prepare a homemade deodorant and use it.

Natural Homemade Coconut Oil Deodorants:

Here are some homemade deodorants using natural ingredients like coconut oil. Before going to see the DIY coconut oil deodorants, let’s know how coconut oil is good for underarms.

• Coconut oil has lauric fatty acid that exhibits antibacterial and antiseptic properties that fight against the bacteria causing odor and infection in your armpits.
• It has an antioxidant property that detoxifies your pores and prevents body odor.
• It contains vitamin E that helps to nourish and moisturize your skin to prevent the odor. The fragrance of coconut oil will keep your skin refreshed and odor less.

Now, let’s have a look on how to prepare DIY homemade coconut oil based deodorants to get rid of body odor.

Deodorant – 1: (Coconut Oil with Baking Soda, Shea Butter, Beeswax and Cornstarch)

Baking soda absorbs bad odors, neutralizes the pH and fights against the microbes causing odor. Shea butter moisturizes the skin to prevent it from dryness and also relieves you from the bumps caused after shaving your armpits.

Cornstarch observes the excess moisture causing odor, beeswax is used to maintain the deodorant in solid form, essential oils add soothing fragrance to deodorants and coconut oil acts as a base to your natural deodorants.

• Add 3 tablespoons of grated beeswax, 2 tablespoons of shea butter and 1/3 cup of coconut oil in a double boiler.
• Let them melt properly and turn off the heat.
• Then add 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 1/3 cup of cornstarch (or arrowroot powder) to this mix.
• Stir well till it forms a smooth paste and add 10 – 15 drops of your favorite essential oils in this mix for aroma.
• Mix well and pour this mix into any deodorant sticks or silicone molds.
• Let it sit aside to cool and settle for few hours and then use them as your deodorants.
• Roll or rub the deodorant directly on the armpits and let it dry for 5 minutes before placing your clothes.
• Use it regularly instead of commercial deodorants to get rid of body odor.

Note: Or prepare a deodorant without using beeswax.

Deodorant – 2: (Coconut Oil with Baking Soda and Arrowroot Powder)

Baking soda and arrowroot powder absorbs the sweat and moisture to reduce the body odor. This natural deodorant will work effectively in clearing body odor.

• Add 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, 3 tablespoons of arrowroot powder, 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil, 5 – 10 drops of essential oils and 1 tablespoon of baking soda in a bowl.
• Mix all these ingredients till you get a fine paste consistency.
• Transfer this mix into an empty deodorant container and freeze it for few minutes to get a solid form.
• Use it regularly to get rid of body odor or underarm odor.

Note:

• Or mix 2 tablespoons of bentonite clay, 1 tablespoon of baking soda, 5 – 8 drops of essential oil and 6 tablespoons of arrowroot powder in 5 tablespoons of coconut oil. Stir well and place it in a jar.
• Or mix equal amounts of (1/4 cup) coconut oil, baking soda and arrowroot powder in a bowl. Stir well and place it in a jar to use it regularly.

Deodorant – 3: (Coconut Oil with Almond Oil, Arrowroot Powder and Diatomaceous Earth)

Almond oil and coconut oil have antibacterial and skin soothing properties that reduce bad odor. Arrowroot powder draws out the toxins and makes the deodorant thicker. Diatomaceous earth works well for sensitive skin and works well in removing moisture and toxins from the applied area.

• Pour 30 gms of coconut oil, 20 gms of shea butter, 10 grams each of beeswax and almond oil in a double boiler.
• Melt it on a low temperature and turn off the heat.
• Keep it aside to cool down for few minutes.
• Then add 15 grams each of arrowroot powder and diatomaceous earth, 5 drops of vitamin E oil and 20 – 25 drops of essential oils in it.
• Stir well and pour it into a container and use it regularly to get rid of body and armpit bad odor.

Deodorant – 4: (Coconut Oil with Baking Soda and Essential Oils)

This natural deodorant works well in treating your body odor. Add your favorite essential oils in this mix.

• Take 1/2 cup each of coconut oil and baking soda in a bowl.
• Stir well and add 40 – 60 drops of essential oils in this mix.
• Mix it thoroughly and store it in a deodorant container.
• Dab a little of this mix with fingers and rub it gently onto your underarms.
• Wait for few minutes and wear your clothes.
• Repeat its application regularly to get rid of underarm odor.

Tips and Precautions:

1. Shower with an antibacterial soap (like tea tree oil, lemongrass oil) will prevent the bacteria on your skin and thus reduces the odor from your body.
2. Always use aluminum free natural deodorants to prevent sweating and thus to inhibit the body’s natural detoxification process.
3. Certain foods like onions, garlic, refined sugar, strong spices, dairy products and fried foods will break down into compounds that circulate into your blood stream and comes out as sweat through your pores. So, avoid consuming such foods that increase your body odor.
4. Dirty, damp and sweaty clothes are more prone to cause odor. So, thoroughly wash your clothes using antibacterial laundry soap and rinse well to get rid of the body odor.
5. Stress, anxiety, and depression will also make you sweat. So, find some ways to beat these things to get relief from excessive sweating and thereby body odor.
6. Other than coconut oil, you can also use baking soda and corn starch, potassium alum, lemon juice, rubbing alcohol, vinegar, and cornstarch, etc. as your natural deodorants to get rid of underarm odor.

Try these natural DIY coconut oil based deodorants and share your experience with us

 

Face masks provide with an instant refresh and brighten up to the skin, so treat your skin with a face mask for once a week to rejuvenate it. We all know that different people have different types of skin like dry or oily, bright or dark, clear or clogged skin, etc. So, applying same face masks is not suitable for everyone.

However, going to beauty parlor or salon for maintaining healthy skin may not be possible all the time but don’t worry, there are some natural skin care masks which you can prepare at home and use it to get rid of the dull skin and to get healthy and nourished skin.

Here are the best masks that are explained below in detail as per your skin type. All you need is simply two main ingredients for preparing this mask. Regular follow up of these masks will definitely help you to get healthy and beautiful glow to your skin.

Mask – 1: (Turmeric and Aloe Vera Gel for Oily Skin)

Oily skin is generally caused due to over active sebaceous glands that produce more of sebum. Our skin needs some natural oils but it should be in right amount or else it clogs the skin pores and cause breakouts and other skin problems.

Turmeric regulates the production of sebum which in turn helps for the enough amount of oil production. Aloe vera gel removes the excess oil from the skin and soothes it.

This mask is very effective in clearing the oiliness and gives natural glow to your skin with its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that cleanse the skin deeply and remove dead cells and excess oil.

Steps to be followed…

• Add 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder in 1 – 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel (prefer fresh one).
• Stir well to make a fine smooth paste.
• Clean and dry your face and neck.
• Apply this paste on the face as a mask and massage it gently.
• Let it sit for about 10 – 15 minutes and rinse off with warm water.
• For best results, wet your fingers and rub the mask to remove the applied mask and oiliness on the facial skin.
• Repeat it for 2 – 3 times a week till you get rid of oily skin.

Note: Or use honey instead of aloe vera to prevent oily skin.

Mask – 2: (Coffee and Honey for Skin Firming and Tightening)

Coffee is an excellent ingredient that exhibits certain amazing properties like cleansing, exfoliation and moisturizing the skin. It has antioxidant property that fights against the free radicals to firm and tighten the skin.

Honey has antibacterial, soothing and moisturizing properties that soothes the skin and whitens it naturally. This mask firms and tightens the skin by improving the blood circulation and moistures it.

Steps to be followed…

• Add equal quantities of organic coffee and warm honey (slightly) in a cup.
• Mix well and apply it on the face as a mask.
• Massage gently and leave for about 15 – 20 minutes or till it dries completely.
• Then use a damp cloth or paper towel to loosen the mask.
• After that, rinse off with warm water and do the same process regularly.

Mask – 3: (Turmeric and Coconut Oil for Healthy Skin)

This mask provides you with a healthy natural glow with even skin tone. Both coconut oil and turmeric have antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and skin brightening properties that help you to get healthy skin without any breakouts, dryness, sagging, wrinkles, etc.

Coconut oil acts as an excellent moisturizes that repair the damaged skin, moisturizes the dry skin and hydrates it to glow with soft and smooth skin without discoloration on the skin.

Steps to be followed…

• Add 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder in 1 tablespoon of organic coconut oil.
• Mix it well to make it a fine paste.
• Apply it on the clean face as a facial mask.
• Massage gently to spread the mask all over the facial areas.
• Leave it on for about 20 – 30 minutes and rinse off with cold water.
• Dry your skin with a soft towel and continue applying this mask regularly till you achieved healthy skin with even tone.

Note: This mask is also used to reduce acne blemishes, wrinkles, fine lines, dark and uneven skin tone.

Mask – 4: (Lemon and Honey for Clear Skin)

Lemon has enriched with vitamin C, calcium, potassium, magnesium and other essential nutrients along with anti-bacterial, antiseptic, skin lightening and tightening properties that unclog the skin pores, makes it free from oil and clears the skin.

Honey has antibacterial, antioxidant and skin soothing properties that moisturizes the skin and reduces the acidic affect of lemon on the skin and acts as a cleanser.

Steps to be followed…

• Add 1 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice in 2 teaspoons of raw honey.
• Stir well and apply it on the face and neck as a mask.
• Let it sit for about 20 – 30 minutes and then rinse off with warm water followed by cold water.
• Dry your face thoroughly and repeat it regularly to get clear skin with blemishes and breakouts free.

Mask – 5: (Yogurt and Lemon Juice for Glowing Skin)

Lemon juice has natural astringent and antioxidant properties that tighten the pores and reduces sebum secretion, bleach the skin to whiten it up, repairs damaged skin, encourages the new cells growth, etc. to create a fair skin complexion.

Yogurt has rich amount of lactic acid and bleaching properties which treat the hyper-pigmented skin. It exfoliates the skin to clear dead cells and suppresses melanin production to brighten the skin.

This mask is one such effective mask for brightening skin with even skin tone along with clearing scars.

Steps to be followed…

• Add 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice in 2 tablespoons of yogurt.
• Stir well and apply it on the face and neck as a mask with gentle massage.
• Allow it to sit for about 30 – 40 minutes and rinse with cold water.
• Continue this process for twice a week on regular basis till you get glowing skin.

Tips and Precautions:

1. Avoid direct sunlight for 2 hours after applying lemon juice why because it causes skin more sensitive and also prevent applying the juice on open wounds.
2. Always use organic and raw ingredients which are fresh (but not bottled) for best and effective results.
3. Consume a healthy diet, do some regular exercises, proper skin care hygiene, reduce your stress levels, sleep for 7 – 8 hours per day, etc. has to be included in your daily lifestyle to get rid of any skin or health problems.
4. Make sure to rinse your face or eyes before going to bed to remove make up and to get some refreshment along with good sleep.
5. It’s better to use natural ways to clear your skin problems rather than using harmful cosmetic products which results in some side effects when used in long run.
6. Turmeric might cause stains on the clothes and skin. So, be careful while applying turmeric on the skin.

This is all about Face Masks with 2 Simple Ingredients. Try them at your home and share your experience with us.