Skin

Healthy and well-moisturized skin is a desire to everyone. Do you know that dry skin will allow (welcome) so many microbes and impurities to get into the body easily?

It is a fact that most of the people are unknown of it. Also, the skin will moisturize itself regularly to shred the dead cells, clear impurities and to act as a protective barrier.

At certain times like cold air of winter, seasonal changes in the weather, environmental pollutants, harmful sun’s UV rays, etc. will make your skin very dry and if left untreated then it results in itching, dry patches, dullness, wrinkles and thereby result in many other skin problems.

Also, remember that it is not that people with dry skin only has to apply moisturizer but people with normal, oily and combination skin will have to moisturize their skin regularly.

So, no matter of the season, we have to apply moisturizer daily to keep the skin glowing and hydrating. It also helps to delay the fine lines and other aging signs.

There are many moisturizers available in the market but do you know that there are many natural ingredients that work well when compared to expensive pre-packaged moisturizers at low cost without any side effects.

Now, let’s have a look at the best natural ingredients that moisturizes the skin and keeps it soft and supple.

Natural Moisturizers for the Skin:

Here are some best natural moisturizers that contain all essential nutrients to keep your skin well moisturized.

1. Natural Oils:

The natural oils will act as natural moisturizers that provide deep hydration to prevent dry and itchy skin. They are rich in vitamins (A & E) and fatty acids which help to lock the moisture and make your skin smooth and supple.

Here you can use any of natural oils like coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, castor oil, baby oil, sesame oil, etc. For better absorption, warm up the oil before applying on the skin.

How to Apply:

• Apply this lukewarm natural oil on all over your skin.
• Massage gently for few minutes till the oil penetrates and gets well absorbed by the skin.
• Let it sit for about 30 – 45 minutes (prefer you can leave for overnight by applying it at night before bedtime).
• After that, take your shower or bath and dry your skin thoroughly.
• Do this oil massage once daily to enjoy hydrated and smooth skin.

Check out more on How to deal with Dry Skin using  Coconut Oil

2. Aloe Vera:

Aloe vera is enriched with vitamins (A & E) and has skin soothing and antimicrobial properties that treat dried, flaking and irritated skin. It also forms a protective layer which helps to keep the skin hydrated and free from any impurities.

How to apply:

• Take an aloe leaf and cut it to open the leaf. Scoop out the gel and apply it on the skin. Massage gently and let it sit for 10 – 15 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water.
• Also, mix the gel from 1 aloe leaf in 1/2 cup of organic coconut oil. Stir well and store the mix in an airtight container. Refrigerate and apply it 1 – 2 times daily.
• You can replace aloe vera with cucumber juice. Also, blend cucumber juice with yogurt and apply it as your hydrating mask. Rinse off with lukewarm water after 15 minutes.

3. Honey:

How wise you decided to use honey as your natural sweetener, the same will be if you decide to use honey to moisture your skin.

Honey acts as a natural humectant that helps to retain the moisture in the skin. It is a natural emollient that penetrates into the deep layers of the skin to keep it hydrated.

How to apply:

• Mix 2 tablespoons each of raw honey and whole milk in a bowl. Stir well and apply it on all over the skin. Leave for 10 minutes and take your shower or bath. Repeat it daily.
• If you suffer from an extremely dry skin then spread a layer of honey on the affected skin areas and wait for 15 – 20 minutes to rinse off with lukewarm water. Pat dry and repeat it 3 – 4 times daily.

4. Glycerin:

Just like honey, glycerin also acts as a natural humectant that attracts water and retains moisture on the skin. So, we generally use glycerin soaps during winter to prevent dryness and keep it moisturized.

How to apply:

• Mix equal quantities of glycerin and water (prefer rosewater) in a bowl.
• Stir well and apply it on all over the skin at night before bedtime.
• Leave it on for overnight and take your shower with lukewarm water in the next morning.
• Rinse it off thoroughly and continue this application as needed to keep your skin nourished and hydrated.

5. Avocado:

Avocado is a super food that effectively used to moisturize your skin. It acts as an emollient that lubricates and restores the natural moisture to the skin. It is enriched with vitamins that protect the skin from the damaged caused by free radicals and oxidative stress.

How to apply:

• Mash a small ripe avocado thoroughly by using a fork.
• Apply this mashed avocado directly on all over the skin.
• Rinse off with water after 10 – 15 minutes and apply it daily or few times a week by depending on your skin dryness.
• You can also add some honey and milk to this mashed avocado and apply it on the skin to treat severe dry skin.

6. Milk / Milk Cream:

Milk/milk cream is an ancient remedy used to moisturize the skin along with making smooth, glowing and flawless. It gets absorbed quickly into the skin pores and moisturizes the skin for a longer time.

The lactic acid will exfoliate the skin gently to remove dry and dead skin cells and to make you experience fresh glowing skin.

How to apply:

• Apply milk or milk cream on all over the skin but concentrate more on the over dried skin areas.
• Massage gently for few minutes and let it sit for another 10 – 15 minutes.
• Wash the skin with lukewarm water and repeat it regularly for 2 – 3 times in a week.
• You can also use buttermilk or yogurt instead of whole fat milk or milk cream for moisturizing your skin.

7. Butters:

Applying natural butters like shea butter, cocoa butter, and mango butter will moisturize the skin naturally for a longer period of time. They are enriched with essential nutrients and fatty acids to keep the skin well hydrated.

Along with dry skin, they also used to treat other skin ailments like sunburn, eczema, dermatitis, etc. For best results, you have to use 100% pure butter.

How to apply:

• Take some natural butter into your palm and rub it to melt the butter.
• Apply it all over the skin by massaging it gently for few minutes till the skin absorbs it properly.
• Let it sit for 2 hours to overnight and then rinse off with lukewarm water.
• Repeat it as needed to maintain your skin well moisturized.

8. Overripe Banana:

Banana has high water content and rich amount of potassium and vitamins (E & B) that helps to moisture the damaged skin cells, reverse the aging signs and protect the skin from the damage from free radicals, harsh weather, and sun’s UV rays.

How to apply:

• Take an overripe banana and mash it well by using a fork till it forms a thick paste without any lumps.
• Then add 1 teaspoon of honey and spread it all over the skin.
• Wait for 30 minutes and wash the applied skin areas with lukewarm water.
• Continue applying this banana mash regularly for 2 – 3 times a week.

Tips and Suggestions:

1. Always prefer shower or bath with lukewarm water rather than cold or hot water, as they dry your skin easily.
2. Dry your skin thoroughly with a soft towel after taking your shower and also use a natural and mild soap to prevent the skin dryness.
3. The best time to apply any moisturizing lotion is after your bath or shower, as it is ready to absorb it quickly and lasts longer.
4. Drink plenty of water to stay your skin and body well hydrated.
5. Run a humidifier to add moisture to the air and thereby to prevent over dryness caused by cold weather.
6. Avoid the exposure of your skin to the cold outdoors or hot indoor temperatures, as both of these, will make the skin prone to dryness.
7. Using a moisturizer with SPF will help to protect the skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays damage.
8. Make sure to conduct a skin patch test if you’re unsure that ingredients causing any skin irritation or allergic reaction.
9. Consult your doctor if you’re suffering from extremely dry and brittle skin problem, for proper diagnose and treatment.

Final Word:

Include all these natural moisturizers in your skin care routine to enjoy soft, glowing and moisturized skin and to say goodbye to dry, dull and unhealthy skin.

Have you used any of these natural skin moisturizers? Do you think any ingredient I missed mentioning in this list? Then share it with us in the below comments box.

We all know that skin is the largest organ of the body that constantly slough off dead cells and generate new living cells. This renewal process will help the skin to look young, smooth and supple.

Along with the age and other factors like environmental pollutants, usage of harsh chemical skin products, stress, improper skin care regimen, etc. will slow the natural cycle of the skin and thereby results in the accumulation of dead cells on the outer layer of the skin.

So, skin with dead cells will appear dull, rough and darker which in turn leads to blemishes (like acne) and fine lines or aging signs. We all think that taking the bath or shower will clear away the outer dead cells on the skin but it is not enough to remove those dead cells.

Thinking about the right way to remove the dead skin cells? In fact, most of us know that exfoliation is the best way to remove dead cells and to keep your skin soft and smooth by moisturizing it.

It penetrates deep into the skin and moisturizes it along with improving the blood circulation. Again thinking of those chemical based cosmetic products (scrubs) to exfoliate the skin.  Do you know that there are many natural ingredients available at home, which helps to remove dead cells on the skin and keeps you feel fresh and clear?

Yes, here in this article, we are going to learn about a few best natural ways to get rid of dead skin cells. Let’s get started…

DIY Homemade Natural Exfoliators:

Exfoliation is essential for every skin type and has to be done in many areas of the skin like face, neck, elbows, feet, knees, etc. which are dull and darker. Have a look at these remedies and try them to get rid of dead skin cells.

Remedy – 1: (Oatmeal)

Oatmeal has a grainy texture that makes it work as an excellent exfoliating agent for all skin types. It has saponins that remove the dead cells, controls the sebum production and also clear other impurities on the skin.

It also moisturizes the skin along with improving the blood circulation which helps to keep the skin healthy and smooth for a longer time.

Here are some ways of using oatmeal to get rid of dead cells. Try these oatmeal methods for once or twice a week.

• Mix 2 tablespoons each of instant oatmeal and plain yogurt in 1 tablespoon of raw honey. Stir well to make a paste. Spread it on your face and neck and massage gently using circular motions to clear the dead cells. Wait for 10 – 15 minutes and wash it off with cool water. Dry it and apply a light moisturizer.
• Add 2 tablespoons of oatmeal, 2 – 3 teaspoons of raw honey and 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice along with a little water in a bowl. Stir well to make a paste and use it to scrub your skin gently for few minutes. Wait for another 10 minutes and rinse off with water.

Remedy – 2: (Coffee)

Coffee grounds not only help to remove the dead cells on the skin but also help for the production of new skin cells. It also repairs the damaged skin and improves the skin texture to make it smooth and shiny with its flavonols.

• Add 1 tablespoon each of olive oil (or almond oil), raw honey and fine sugar in 3 tablespoons of coffee grounds.
• Stir well and use it to scrub all over the face, neck, knees and elbows by using circular motions.
• Leave for 5 – 10 minutes and rinse with warm water.
• Dry the skin gently and repeat the same scrubbing process for once a week.

Remedy – 3: (Sugar and Olive Oil)

This is another excellent combination to scrub all types of skin and also for all parts of the skin. The fine particles of the sugar help to remove the dead cells and olive oil acts as a great moisturizer for the skin.

• Mix 2 – 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 – 3 teaspoons of raw honey and some fresh lemon juice in 1/2 cup of fine sugar.
• Stir well and apply it all over the skin.
• Massage the skin using circular motions for a couple of minutes.
• Wash the skin with lukewarm water and dry the skin.
• For best results, use this scrub for once or twice a week.

Note: Or simply mix the juice of 1/2 a lemon in 2 tablespoons each of olive oil and brown sugar and use this mix to scrub your feet thoroughly. Wait for 15 minutes and rinse off with water.

Remedy – 4: (Almonds)

Crushed almonds have a grainy texture that helps to exfoliate the skin. The usage of almonds helps to pamper your skin with its rich content of antioxidant vitamins A & E along with healthy fats that makes your skin healthy and young looking.

• Take 10 almonds and soak them in water (or milk) for overnight.
• Peel off its skin in the morning and grind it to a granular paste.
• Then stir it by adding 2 teaspoons of organic honey and apply it on the face and neck.
• Massage it gently for a couple of minutes and wait for 10 – 15 minutes.
• Wash the face with lukewarm water and repeat the scrub for 2 – 3 times a week.

Remedy – 5: (Orange Peels)

Most of us are aware of using the orange peels for treating their beauty problems. Oranges exhibit slightly abrasive nature that makes it as a natural exfoliating agent to remove the dead cells and impurities from the skin.

The rich content of vitamin C and rich in antioxidants that help a lot in rejuvenating the skin and make it look vibrant and young.

• Stir equal quantities of orange peel powder and yogurt to make a fine paste and apply it on the face and neck.
• Let it sit for 15 – 20 minutes and then scrub the skin using circular motions with your wet fingers.
• Rinse off the skin and continue using this scrub for once a week to eliminate the dead cells.

Remedy – 6: (Gram Flour)

Gram flour exfoliates the skin to eliminate dead cells and excess oil along with treating many skin problems like acne or pimples. Regular usage will help to make the skin feel fresh and glowing.

Here are some ways of using gram flour for clearing dead cells on the skin.

• Add enough of rose water in 2 tablespoons of gram flour till it forms a fine paste. Spread it on all over your skin where you have dry and dull skin. Wait till it dries completely and then scrub it off with your wet fingers. Rinse off with water and dry it.
• Mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder in 2 tablespoons of gram flour and plain yogurt and stir well to make a paste. Apply it on the face and neck and rinse off with water after it gets dried completely.
• Mix enough raw milk or rosewater to 1 teaspoon each of gram flour and rice powder and 2 teaspoons of sandalwood powder to make a fine paste. Apply it on the skin and rinse off after 10 minutes to remove dead cells and impurities from the skin.

Remedy – 7: (Avocado Seeds)

We all know that avocado pulp is effective in preparing face masks but do you know that the avocado seed helps you to get rid of dead skin cells?

Yes, it is an excellent ingredient to clear dead cells, excess sebum and other impurities from the skin. It has rich content of antioxidants and vitamin E that helps to repair and nourish the dry and damaged skin.

• Wash and remove the brown skin of few avocado seeds.
• Grind them into a fine powder and then take 1 tablespoon of this powder.
• Now mix 1 teaspoon each of honey and olive oil in it and stir well.
• Use this mix to scrub all over the face, hands, neck and other body parts by using circular motions.
• Let it sit for 10 – 15 minutes and take your bath.
• Do this scrubbing process for once a week on regularly basis to get relief from dead skin cells.

Other Effective Remedies:

• The rough texture of green tea leaves helps to exfoliate the skin to clear the dead cells and other impurities. Take out 1 – 2 used green tea bag leaves and mix with 2 – 3 teaspoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of baking soda to make a thick paste. Apply it all over the face and scrub it using wet fingers after 10 minutes. Do it once a week to enhance skin complexion.
• Feet are the main part that has dead cells. So, warm water soak and usage of pumice stone will help to scrub the feet and remove dead skin cells along with clearing the cracked feet. Soak your feet in the warm soapy water for 15 – 20 minutes. Then scrub it with a pumice stone for few minutes. Rinse off with clean water and dry it to apply olive or coconut oil. Wear a pair of clean socks and leave for overnight.
• Dry brushing slough off the dead cells and opens up the pores. Stand upright in the bathroom and start dry brushing the feet and move up to cover the legs, thighs, stomach, chest, back arms and shoulders using gentle but brisk motions. After that, take the long warm bath and dry the skin.
• Sea salt helps to exfoliate the areas like hands and feet. So, mix some lavender oil along with sweet almond oil to sea salt. Apply it on the hands and feet and rinse off with water.

Tips and Suggestions:

1. For best results always steam your face before exfoliation to open up the pores and to soften the oil, dead cells and other impurities from deep layers of the skin. So, steam for at least 15 – 20 minutes before scrubbing the skin.
2. Remove your makeup by rinsing your skin (or face) before applying any scrub to remove dead skin cells.
3. Never ever be too harsh on the skin while scrubbing and avoid too much exfoliating or usage of harsh scrubbing which results in redness and irritating skin.
4. Make sure to apply a moisturizer after exfoliating the skin why because the scrubbing will strip natural oils from the skin and makes it dry.
5. Remember to rinse your eyes immediately with cold water, if any of the scrubs enters into it, as it irritates the eyes and also harms your vision.

Have you tried any of these natural remedies to get rid of dead skin cells? Do you know any other effective remedy to clear dead skin cells? Then share it with us in the below comments box.

Toner is a basic beauty skin care regimen that helps to restore the skin’s natural pH levels, absorbs excess oil, shrinks pores, protects your skin from makeup and removes dirt and dead cells to make the skin clean and clear.

It tightens and soothes the skin to make it soft and problem free. There are many cosmetic toners in the beauty world but they might contain chemicals that cause excess dryness and breakouts. This is the main thing that makes us to choose the natural homemade toner, which is safe, cost effective and gives long lasting results.

Isn’t it a good idea to prepare a homemade toner and use it daily to get rid of many skin problems? So, today we’re going to know how to prepare a natural homemade facial toner using simple ingredients.

Toner – 1: (Apple Cider Vinegar)

Apple cider vinegar is loaded with powerful enzymes, beneficial acids and nutrients that are essential for skin care. It has antimicrobial, antioxidant and antiseptic properties that deal with skin infections and makes it problem free.

It balances the natural pH of the skin, exfoliates gently to remove excess oil and dead cells and lightens scars.

• Add 1 part of organic apple cider vinegar in 2 parts of distilled water.
• Stir well and pour into a bottle with a tight lid.
• Apply it as your toner on the clean skin using a cotton pad or ball.
• Store it in a cool and dry place.
• Use it regularly after giving it a shake to mix.

Note: Or use any of these ingredients like essential oils (lavender oil), hydrosols, aloe vera, glycerin, rosehip oil, rosewater, orange oil, chopped fresh mint leaves, green tea or brewed herbal tea, etc. in the above mix and use it as a toner on your skin.

Toner – 2: (Witch Hazel with Vitamin C)

Witch hazel acts as a natural astringent agent that clears all impurities, dead cells and oil from the skin. It reduces redness, acne and skin irritation and it also locks your skin’s moisture.

Vitamin C (or ascorbic acid) has antioxidant and anti-aging properties that tighten your skin and maintain its natural pH along with providing much more skin benefits. Vitamin C breaks down over time, so make it as much as you need for a week at a time and refrigerate it.

• Combine 1/2 teaspoon of natural vitamin C powder and 1/4 cup of witch hazel extract in a small bottle.
• Shake it well and apply it daily on your clean face using a cotton pad.
• Let it air dry and apply your cream or makeup.

Note:

• Or add 8 drops of lavender essential oil to the above mix.
• Alternatively, mix 1/4 teaspoon of vitamin C powder, several drops of vitamin E oil and 5 drops of essential oil in 1/2 oz of hydrosol in a dark glass bottle with a fine mister. Shake it well and use it as a toner every day.
• Also, if you have dry or sensitive skin, then replace witch hazel with food grade glycerin. Or use alcohol-free witch hazel.
• Or mix 2 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol, 1/3 cup of witch hazel and 1/4 cup of lemon juice in 1/2 cup of water in a spray bottle. Shake it well and apply it on the clean face.
• Also, mix 1 part of witch hazel and few drops of lavender oil in 4 parts of rose water. Store it in a spray bottle and use it as a toner to minimize skin pores and tightens your skin.

Toner – 3: (Vegetable Glycerin with Tea Tree Oil)

Vegetable glycerin (or glycerin) has strong humectant properties that lock the moisture in your skin. It can be easily soluble in any liquid and also draws oxygen into the skin.

Tea tree oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that provide you with the best skin care.

• Mix 15 drops of tea tree oil and 2 teaspoons of vegetable glycerin in 1/2 cup of filtered water.
• Stir well and pour it in a bottle which has a tight lid.
• Use it as your facial toner on daily basis.

Note:

• Or mix 2 tablespoons each of vegetable glycerin and alcohol-free witch hazel in 6 ounces of freshly brewed green tea (or mint tea). Use it as your facial toner.
• Or mix 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and 2 teaspoons of glycerin in 6 oz of chamomile tea. Stir well and use it as a toner.
• Also, mix 1 tablespoon of glycerin along with few drops of facial oil in 1 cup of rose water. Store it in a spray bottle and use it as a toner.

Tips and Precautions:

1. Perform a skin patch test to know how your skin responds to that particular ingredient. Also, don’t afraid to experiment with the ratios to find out the best suit for your skin.
2. Use rosewater or fresh lemon juice or aloe vera gel or rosewater with kombucha or a combination of essential oils with a carrier oil or neem leaves boiled in rose water as an effective natural facial toner.
3. Other than applying toner, rinse your wash thoroughly for twice daily (once in the morning and once at night before bedtime).
4. Toner is an essential for the people who have oily or acne prone skin. So, that it clears excess oil and impurities that result in breakouts.
5. Always remember to shake the toner bottle before using to mix the content well in the bottle.
6. Prepare a small amount of toner and use it for a week or 10 days. Discard the remaining toner, as it doesn’t have any preservative and might get damaged.

Are you going to try these natural facial toners? Let me know which one you liked most and how it works for you by sharing your experience with us.