Author: Moin Nex

Acne

Use Rosehip Seed Oil for Acne Scars

Author ByMoin Nex

It’s extremely sad that after a long battle with acne breakouts, the healed bumps leave red or brown spots over the face. Acne scars are formed due to the damage of skin’s upper structure leaving it jagged.

Roughness of the skin texture makes it difficult to heal. Skin lightening creams that reduce melanin production claim to fade acne scars, but they fail to work on red or pink scars as they aren’t related to melanin. But, people with dark skin tone may find it helpful.

However, the chemicals used in these creams may trigger allergic reaction. (1)

You must pamper your skin, as it plays a vital role for your enticing appearance. And I don’t see any other option than natural remedies for that. Unfortunately, there is no strong scientific evidence to prove the assumption that rosehip seed oil can fade acne scars. But, those who tried found it helpful with zero side-effects.

Because of its alluring nutritional properties, cosmetic industries incorporated rosehip oil in their products. Just have a glance over the ingredients list on beauty products and you’ll come across this name. Australian model Miranda Kerr revealed that she would like to wear rosehip oil before going to bed.

Rosehip Oil for Acne Scars

rosehip oil benefits for faceThis oil is extracted from the seeds of wild rose bush. For hundreds of years people from Chile used rosehip oil for cosmetic purposes.

Nutrients like vitamin C, A, antioxidants, lycopene and fatty acids combine to rejuvenate and enhance healing process of your skin.

Dr. Ariel Ostad says that assorted properties in rosehip oil can reduce scars, fine lines, fade dark spots, moisturize and rejuvenate the skin. He adds that its non-greasy property makes it perfect mask for sensitive skin.

Anti-inflammatory agents housed in this oil can effectively reduce acne inflammation. Apart from this, the moisturizing activity can relieve you from itching and dry skin.

Free radicals in cell membrane can damage it and lead to premature wrinkles. Antioxidant agents can effectively restrain these radicals and save your cell membrane.

P.acnes bacteria that are responsible for acne lesions are restrained by anti-microbial property of rosehip seed oil. Along with this, other nutrients can promote production of new healthy cells. Rosehip seed oil can fade acne scars, treat acne, fade wrinkles and exfoliate your skin.

But, wonder how to use it over my face?

  1. Initially, exfoliate dead skin cells piled over your face. You can use natural exfoliators like oatmeal or just wash with lukewarm water.
  2. Using a soft cloth to pat dry your face and apply rosehip seed oil on acne scars when the skin is still damp.
  3. Leave it to dry naturally, and then rinse it off.

I personally recommend trying this oil for 2-3 weeks to see positive results. Along with it, you must regularly wipe impurities and dead cells off the skin, have fiber rich diet and do regular exercise.

Important Points

  • Continuous exposure to sunlight will darken the acne scars.
  • Repeatedly washing with soap may irritant your skin and reduces elasticity.
  • Don’t scratch scars, bacterial infection may lead to larger scar.

Will you try rosehip seed oil for acne scars? Or are you already tried?

Skin Whitening

Eucalyptus Oil for Skin Lightening

Author ByMoin Nex

Eucalyptus oil for skin lightening

Eucalyptus leaves are renowned for its healing and antiseptic properties. Oil extracted from its leaves is prominently known as eucalyptus oil. Cineole is a chemical compound found in this oil that has great medicinal properties and can effectively reduce inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and analgesic properties residing in eucalyptus oil can treat bronchitis, skin infections, relieve pain, boost immune system and can aid to get rid of cold. Assorted properties in this oil can help restrain bacterial infection and enhance healing; anyhow eucalyptus oil for skin lightening may not be effective.

Your sensitive skin gets its color from a pigment known as melanin. Due to external and internal factors, melanin production increases exponentially at different spots. UV rays, pollution, dead cells and dry skin all combine to form dark patches over the skin.

Eucalyptus leaves

Eucalyptus oil has antibacterial activity that can thwart bacterial infection and anti-inflammatory property can reduce pain. Moisturizing ability helps to get rid of dry skin and healthy functioning of the skin. But, to fade dark patches you must try something more effective remedy that include vitamin C. Eucalyptus oil can’t lighten your dark patches, however you can use it to heal minor wounds, injuries, insect bites and other skin ailments.

Initially, you must wipe the impurities and dead cells off the face. You can do this by massaging with raw honey, baking soda or sugar. Then apply gram flour face mask or honey lemon mask for 15-20 minutes.

Conclusion:

Eucalyptus oil can effectively treat skin and health ailments, but it may not lighten your skin tone effectively. You can try honey, cucumber, gram flour and milk powder for skin lightening.

Note: These home remedies lack scientific evidence, but thousands of people are using it as they see positive results. If you ever used eucalyptus oil for skin lightening, then please share your views in comments and let us know.

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Skin Whitening

Mustard Oil for Skin Lightening

Author ByMoin Nex

mustard oil for skin lightening

Your skin gets its color from a pigment known as melanin. Skin tone turns dark due to few factors like UV rays, cosmetics, diet, hormonal imbalance, stress and dry skin.

Cosmetic industries manufacture skin lightening creams, but they are loaded with chemicals that can harm your sensitive skin. Though home remedies lack scientific evidence to back, people who tried gave positive feedback.

Mustard oil is an age old home remedy recommended by grannies for healthy skin. Apart from skin, you can use mustard oil for skin lightening, pimples, dry skin and for other skin disorders.

This pungent smelled oil is extracted from mustard seeds. Because of its healing activity you can use it for healthy hair, skin and body.

Benefits of Mustard Oil for Skin Lightening

Though cosmetic creams allure with their promising marketing lines, chemical ingredients in the cream cause side-effects. You must be realistic, don’t expect over night results by applying mustard oil. One of the best ways to keep your skin glow is to stay away from UV rays.

When you topically massage this oil, it improves blood circulation, restrains bacterial infection, stops fungal infection and helps to reduce body temperature.

How actually your skin turns dark?

There are many factors that lead to dark skin; hormonal imbalance is one among them. Excess production of melanin results in dark patches over various parts of the skin. Repeated exposure of sun rays and pregnancy also leave dark spots. This condition is popularly known as hyperpigmentation.

Though it’s a harmless skin condition, people out of cosmetic concern try to get rid of them. Though beauty cream, balanced diet and laser treatment can help you to achieve brightening skin (with side-effects), natural remedies is one the cost effective way recommended by many beauticians.

Instead of using mustard oil alone, experts recommend to blend it with other innate ingredients.

  • Mix equal amount of turmeric powder, sandalwood powder and saffron with mustard oil.
  • Before applying it over the skin, wash your face and pat dry.
  • Slightly massage the mask on the face and around the neck.
  • Leave for 20-30 minutes and then rinse it off.

Else simply mix mustard oil with coconut oil and apply it over the face for 10 minutes. Vitamin C residing in this essential oil will protect the skin from harmful UV rays, rejuvenate the skin, post pone aging wrinkles and stimulate healing.

Add besan, curd and few lemon drops to mustard oil and mix thoroughly. Apply evenly and leave it to dry naturally. Use cold water to rinse the mask.

Did you ever use mustard oil for skin lightening? Did it work for you? Please share your views with us.

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Beauty tips

3 Benefits of Sauna for Skin

Author ByMoin Nex

You would be surprised to know that your sweat can treat minor injuries and restrain infection. Sweat secreted by your body contains antibiotic agents that can kill germs. A study states that sweating is the most effective way to thwart toxins out of your body. (1)

Sauna is the most renowned way to sweat and flush toxins from the body. It’s basically a small room designed for dry or wet heat sessions. Benefits of sauna for skin enticed many health spas and resorts to include sauna room to their service. You’ll have a great mental relaxation after experiencing sauna bath.

Sauna is the Finnish word and is originated from Europe. However in modern times, people all over the world love to have this experience. Many hotels and resorts include an interior sauna rooms. Interestingly, sauna has become a natural way that could aid in treating major and minor ailments. Hold your curiosity to read about the benefits it have for your skin.

Sauna Benefits for Skin

sauna for skin

Dry heat sessions stimulate important function in your body. The dilate capillaries increases blood circulation and sweat production in the body. Dr. Lawrence Wilson says that this heat helps to dislodge toxins and hydrates your skin.

Anyhow, the increased heat in the body may not be beneficial to few elderly people. People with weak health system must consult doctor before trying sauna bath.

1. Clear Skin Pores

Your skin is the largest organ that emits 30% of the body’s waste. Regularly your skin sheds thousands of dead cells, which may get accumulated over skin pores if you don’t wipe them. To make things worse, excess sebum accompanies it resulting in blackheads and acne.

When you sweat heavily, toxins and impurities flushed out through pores. But make sure you clean your body regularly to wipe impurities settled over the skin.

When toxins and dirt are removed, this will reduce the appearance of blackheads, acne or pimples. This process draws more oxygen towards that skin and natural oils surrounding it will restrain infectious bacteria.

2. Collagen Production

Collagen is found everywhere in your body, bones, muscles, skin and tendons. It helps to strengthen the skin and replace dead cells. Sauna enhances collagen production, which will help to makes your skin clear and supple. Fines lines, wrinkles and other age marks are postponed by collagen reproduction.

3. Boost Immune System

benefits of sauna for skin

 

As mentioned earlier, the temperature of your body increases and you’ll feel like fever. The heat produced helps to produce white blood cells in the body. White blood cells combat with infectious germs residing in the body. A regular sauna bather will have higher count of white blood cells and stays healthier.

Other benefits include.

  • Improved blood circulation helps skin to function healthy and relaxes your face muscles to have a clear complexion.
  • Increasing impurities, UV rays and dead cells from your skin forms dark patches at different spots on your face. When you wipe those impurities regularly through sauna bath, you can get a lightening skin.
  • Skin ailments like acne and blackheads can be reduced by this process.
  • Loss of sweat may leave your body dehydrated, so hydrate yourself by taking enough water.
  • Toxins damage cell membrane which leads to wrinkles, fine lines and other skin disorders. Sauna bath is one of the best ways to have a healthier skin complexion.

With lots of benefits for skin, sauna can be a concern for few people who don’t make it in the right way. You must drink 4 to 5 glasses of water regularly and apply natural moisturizer after sauna bath. Stay away from sauna when you’re ill or if you’ve extremely dry skin.

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Psoriasis

Fish Oil for Scalp Psoriasis

Author ByMoin Nex

fish oil for scalp psoriasis copy

About 3 percent of US population is affected with psoriasis. It’s a chronic skin disorder that can appear anywhere on the body. This disorder occurs when your skin cells grow rapidly beyond the surface of the skin forming thick dry patches at different parts.

Most often parts include knees, elbows, legs, lower back, face, palms, fingernails, toenails and scalp. When psoriasis patches appear on the scalp, it is known as scalp psoriasis. This results in loss of hair and triggers rigorous itching.

Studies conclude that fish oil intake can reduce scalp psoriasis. Before dwelling deep into assorted elements in fish oil let me spell few more words about this chronic skin disease.

About Scalp Psoriasis

Most people confuse scalp psoriasis symptoms with seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff. Unlike dandruff this disorder results in thick silver flakes. Psoriasis may extend beyond the scalp and appear on forehead and behind the ears. According to National Psoriasis Foundation, about half of psoriasis affected people have the infection on their scalp. (1)

Unfortunately mere cause of psoriasis is still unknown and there is no permanent solution for this disease. However, using natural and over the counter medicines you can reduce symptoms of psoriasis.

Nation Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases states that, psoriasis is caused when T – cells mistakenly react with immune system and lead to inflammation and rapid growth of skin cells. Hereditary is another common cause of this skin disease. (2)

However, researchers don’t know why T cells trigger immune system and cause cell growth.

Also read: Neem oil for scalp psoriasis

Fish Oil for Scalp Psoriasis

omega 3 for scalp psoriasis

Though scalp psoriasis is identical to psoriasis on face, experts recommend different treatments because the skin on scalp is thick.

Mayoclinic.org states that psoriasis is less in people who include cold water fish into their diet. Study carried out in 2011 concludes that omega-3 fatty acid supplement shown significant improvement in scalp psoriasis. Fish oil and krill oil are two major sources of animal based omega-3 fats.

Experts say that excess consumption of omega-6 fatty acid may increase psoriasis condition. But, excess consumption of omega-3 fat will reduce this skin disease as mentioned in the report. (3)

Omega-3s exhibit anti-inflammatory property, which helps to reduce inflammation caused by psoriasis. Apart from this, other nutrients in fish oil can improve your overall health condition. If you don’t eat fish you can replace it by flaxseed oil or avocado oil to reduce psoriasis.

To treat psoriasis you can directly apply fish oil over the scalp or consume it regularly. Dr. Wilson Liao, a dermatologist at University of California, recommends adding salmon to diet instead of omega-3 supplement.

For topical application of fish oil, one must initially clean sliver scales on the scalp to improve absorption of the oil.

  • First method: Apply any oil to make the scalp damp, then using comb softly remove the scales. Rigorous combing can lead infection. Wash the scalp with shampoo to remove scales and then pat dry. When the scalp is still damp apply fish oil directly over it and leave it to dry naturally.
  • Second method: You can mix cold pressed avocado oil and concentrated fish oil for scalp psoriasis. But, remember to patch test small area before trying.
  • Take both oils in equal quantity. Initially, apply avocado oil after removing silver scales. Then apply fish oil on the same spot and leave it to dry naturally. (4)

Remove excess oil with a clean cloth. The oil penetrates deep into the skin and fights inflammation. Don’t expect over night results. It may take weeks to months to see positive results.

Along with topical application, you must consider internal consumption of fish oil. Else include oily fish to your diet.

Important Tips

  • Avoid scratching your itchy scalp, it will worsen the psoriasis.
  • Remember to be gentle while applying fish oil and other medications.
  • While removing silver scales comb softly and use scale softener to clean the scalp before treatment.
  • Don’t get depressed and stress yourself. Stress will increase psoriasis condition.
  • Avoid food that can trigger psoriasis, like red meat, dairy products, fried foods and alcohol.

Image source: 1, 2

Face Masks

3 DIY Fig Face Mask Recipes for Glowing Skin

Author ByMoin Nex

fig face mask

Figs are mentioned in religious books like Qur’an and Bible, by this you can figure out the nutritional benefits it can provide for your health. In Hindi and Urdu it is known as “Anjeer”. Laxative effect and fiber in figs can improve your digestive functioning.

Even the dried fig can give you 2 grams of fiber. Apart from rich fiber, fig or anjeer is packed with antioxidant and omega- 3 & 6 fatty acids. This bell shaped fruit tastes sweet and its aroma is excellent. You can add it salads to make them more delicious.

Besides being healthy food, fig face mask include nutrients like vitamin C, A, calcium, iron and fiber that can enhance your appearance.

Your skin is the largest organ if your body and it is surrounded by natural oil that protects it from infectious bacteria. External and internal factors influence healthy functioning of the skin. Topical application of the mask allows vitamins in fig to penetrate deep into the skin and improve functioning of the skin.

Fig Face Mask Benefits

  • Vitamin A housed in fig can effectively reduce aging wrinkles and improve the elasticity of the skin. It can make your skin look young.
  • Vitamin K in this mask will fade stretch marks, acne scars and enhance healing of minor injuries.
  • Excess sebum production leads to acne breakouts. Vitamin B6 intake will reduce production of sebum and thus helps to treat pimples/acne.
  • Free radicals in your body damage cell membrane of the skin and interrupt its healthy functioning. Antioxidant agents in the face mask will thwart free radicals and reduce wrinkles.
  • Vitamin C improves elasticity of the skin and makes you look younger.
  • Other assorted nutrients like phosphorus, potassium, copper, manganese and pantothenic acid hydrate your dry skin and heals minor injuries.
  • Exfoliating activity of the face mask will remove dead cells and impurities residing on the surface of your face.

Give your skin a refreshing feel by applying fig face mask on it.

DIY Fig Face Mask Recipe

To enhance its effect, experts recommend blending fig with other innate ingredients.

#1. Fig and honey face mask

  • Take two fresh figs. After washing scrape the filling and mash it.
  • Optionally, add 1 teaspoon of raw honey or yogurt to it. Wash your face and pat dry.
  • Use your clean fingers and apply the mixed fig mask over face evenly. Rinse it off after 15-20 minutes.

Alternatively, you can blend dried fig and add some water to it to make paste like consistency. Now, you can apply this mask over your skin.

#2. Fig and soya yogurt face mask

With these two ingredients you can give your skin a spa feeling. Now, you don’t have to run after spa center appointments. Add this mask to your beauty regimen and your will be ready all the time for a party.

  • Soya yogurt – 1 tbsp
  • Fresh ripe figs – 2
  • Raw honey – 1 tbsp

Peel the skin of ripe figs and mash them. Add soya yogurt and honey to the paste and mix thoroughly. Meanwhile, wash your face with lukewarm water so that the skin pores open up.

Apply the mask evenly all over the face and leave it to dry naturally. After 20 minutes you can wash it off.

#3. Fig face scrub

Your skin sheds thousands of dead cells that get piled over your skin along with other impurities. Using natural exfoliators you can wipe dead cells and pollutants off the face.

  • Mash fresh ripped figs, after peeling its skin.
  • Add 1 teaspoon of powdered sugar and 2 table spoons of orange juice to it.
  • Optionally, add few drops of olive oil to the paste.
  • Now apply the mask over prewashed face and slightly massage over face. Rinse it off after 15 minutes. Ingredients in the mask will shed dead cells and rejuvenates the skin.

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Natural Resource

Lavender Oil and Tea Tree Oil to Remove Facial Hair

Author ByMoin Nex

Unwanted hair growth in women is known as Hirsutism. It is quite embarrassing for most women to have hair on face. Experts say excess male hormones called androgens leads to this condition.

Laser and other expensive treatments are available to remove unwanted facial hair, nature lovers recommend to try home available remedies. As they provide permanent results without any side-effects.

Based on a research we can say that lavender oil and tea tree oil can be used to remove facial hair. Renae a blogger who has struggled with unwanted facial hair says that lavender and tea tree oil has shown positive results in reducing mild hirsutism. If you’ve mild hair over your face try this home remedies to reduce their growth. She also tells that it took several weeks to see positive results, but she still recommends it.

There are many ways with which you can remove facial hair like shaving, pulling hair, Epilator, dyeing, chemical depilatory, waxing, threading, trimming, laser, electrolysis and oral contraceptives. But, these methods are either expensive or cause pain.

Unlike above mentioned ways, natural remedies take time but come with no or less side-effects. When you topically apply these natural oils, you don’t have to use moisturizer or cosmetic creams for your skin. These oils are filled with vitamins and nutrients that can enhance cell regeneration and make your skin supple.

Lavender Oil and Tea Tree Oil for Facial Hair

lavender oil and tea tree oil for facial hair

Tea tree oil is an essential oil extracted from a plant in Australia. Prominent nutrients in tea tree oil can aid to soothe minor burns, treat acne, remove skin tags, treat jock itch and other chronic skin conditions. Due to its higher concentration, tea tree oil is not recommended to use internally.

Lavender oil on other hand is extracted from blue aromatic flowers of lavender plant. It is renowned for its relaxing and calming aromatic effect. It can fight fungal infection and reduce migraine headache.

Combine these two natural oils and apply it over prewashed face. If you’ve sensitive skin, it’s recommended to dilute lavender oil with some water.

Add 1 tbsp of lavender oil to 4-6 drops of tea tree oil. Use cotton ball to apply this lotion over face. These oils have anti-androgen effect, which is how it helps to reduce hair growth.

The study was carried on a group of women affected with mild hirsutism. 12 members of one group (A) are treated with lavender and tea tree oil spray. The second group of 12 women (B) was given placebo twice per day for 3 months. After 3 months hormone evaluation and hair growth measuring were taken.

Though no hormonal difference was found in two groups, significant decrease of hair growth was found in group A. So the result shows that lavender oil and tea tree oil can reduce facial hair, it is now represented as economically safe to use over skin.

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Eczema

Neem Oil for Eczema – An Herbal Remedy

Author ByMoin Nex

Neem leaves and oil has got prominent space in Ayurveda to treat skin and health ailments. Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties residing in neem can effectively heal minor injuries and wounds.

Villages in India are surrounded by big neem trees. Not sure, if they were planted for its medicinal properties or just for shade. The bitter taste of neem is believed to be beneficial for health and villagers use neem twigs to brush their teeth.

Unfortunately, western world is not aware of this miraculous tree. However, the oil extracted from neem seeds is used by most westerners to treat skin ailments. Neem oil for eczema works effectively because of its healing properties.

Eczema is a chronic skin condition that has no cure. (1) But, using steroids and home remedies like neem oil you can reduce eczema flare ups. Commonly known as atopic dermatitis, eczema triggers rigorous itching making your skin red and dry. Rashes are formed at different parts of the body and it’s quite annoying to scratch all the time.

neem oil for eczema

Neem oil can’t permanently treat eczema, but it can reduce the symptoms.

Before dwelling into neem oil, let me write few lines about eczema.

As discussed above, eczema makes your skin scaly and dry. Mere cause of eczema is unknown. However, research states that hereditary may trigger eczema flare ups. Other irritants include soaps, detergents, dust mites, hot and cold temperature, foods, stress and hormones.

Neem Oil and Eczema

Your skin is surrounded by natural oil that protects it from infection. First symptom of eczema is that your skin becomes dry and it starts itching. To combat atopic dermatitis, one must hydrate the skin and avoid scratching.

Neem oil is renowned for its moisturizing properties. Emollient activity of neem oil locks the moisture over your skin and avoids scratching. Not just for eczema, you can use neem oil to hydrate your dry skin. Dry skin is the main cause of major chronic skin infections.

When you hydrate your skin regularly and stay away from irritants like tight clothes, contact with animals, wool, chemical filled creams and cool temperature you can control eczema flare ups.

  • Nimbin and nimbidin, the two agents in neem oil exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. Apart from hydrating your skin, neem oil reduces redness of flare-ups and restrains bacterial infection.
  • Analgesic activity of neem oil reduces pain caused by rigorous itching.
  • Antibacterial and anti-fungal agents in neem oil thwart bacterial and fungal infections.
  • Regenerative properties in neem can enhance healing of your skin.
  • These assorted properties can actually make your skin supple, wrinkle free and remove dark spots.

In short, neem oil can hydrate your skin, reduce redness of eczema flare-ups and relieve you from pain. Above all this, neem has no side-effects and cost effective.

How to Use Neem Oil for Eczema?

neem seeds

Are you still using soap or creams over your affected skin? Stop using them right now. They stripe natural moisture from the skin and make it dry. Even if the soap has neem extracts in it, stop using it.

Neem oil is made in different variations to satisfy various ailments. So, do your research to select the prefect neem oil that can treat eczema or other similar skin infections.

High concentration of neem oil can worsen the eczema situation. So it’s recommended to blend neem oil with other carrier oil. (Patch test before using it) Experts recommend dropping few neem oil drops in your bath tub before taking bath. Another way is to apply neem oil over affected parts after taking bath, when the skin is still damp.

Alternatively, you can crush neem leaves with turmeric and add some water to make thick paste. Wash the affected part of the skin with lukewarm water and apply the paste. Avoid hot water, as it will irritate your skin.

You can also prepare neem oil at home, boil mustard oil and add neem leaves to it. When the neem leaves turns black, off the flame and strain neem leaves.

Did you ever use neem leaves or oil for eczema? Share your views in comments.

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