Beauty tips:
Grate raw coconut and squeeze milk out of it. Apply this milk over your lips and face. It adds grace and glow to your skin.
Cleansing the skin :
Dip a piece of cotton wool in unboiled milk and wipe on the face with it. It also cleans unseen dirt and goes down to pores.
Skin Moisturizer:
For normal skin mix 1 tablespoon orange juice and 1 tablespoon lemon juice in a cup of yogurt, to make a paste. Apply it on face as a mask and keep it on for 15 minutes. Then clean it off with a wet tissue. This mask enhances the complexion and glow of face.
Nourishing the skin A protein mask help to nourish your skin. Soak a teaspoon of urad dal and 5-6 almonds overnight. Grind this to a fine paste apply this protein mask on face and wash it off after half an hour. This mask nourishes the facial skin and also enhances the complexion.
Preventing wrinkles :Application of pure castor oil prevents wrinkles and softens the skin. This slows down the aging process also
Home made conditioner: mix one table spoon of honey and 2 table spoon of cream. apply this mixture on face and wash it off after few minutes. It works wonders.
Removing Skin pigmentation and marks:
Rubbing a raw potato on face removes marks and pigments.
Sun-screen Lotion from kitchen:
Prepare a homogenious mixture of cucumber juice , glycerin and rose water .Apply this mixture on face. this mixture can be refrigerated.
Thursday, March 1, 2007
HOME BASED BEAUTY TIPS
We all are creations of beautiful nature. There is no word as ugly in natures' creations. The judgment of grades of beauty lies in the vision of viewer. One looks beautiful and radiant only when his inner beauty surfaces. This inner beauty is gained through yoga, meditation and use of natural beauty enhancers. 
Friday, February 16, 2007
Age Spots, Liver Spots - Prevention and Treatment
One of the most common complaints of aging is the appearance of age spots, also known as liver spots, sunspots or lentigines. They're annoying dark spots that tend to form on your face, arms and hands. The sole cause of these brown spots is sun exposure. 
Most people don't have to worry about them until they're nearing the age of forty. If you're young, you should begin preventive measures to prevent them from appearing later on. Age spots aren't dangerous but they can be unsightly. If they're already becoming visible, there are a few things you can do to diminish them, though there is no quick cure.
Home Remedies and Spot Removal
The most important thing you can do is to protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays. Reduce exposure when possible and wear a sunscreen that has a SPF of at least 15. Wear hats when outside and cover up with clothing when it's practical to do so. Remember, though reduced, the sun's rays also penetrate your skin when it's cloudy.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Due to the fact that lemon juice has a high acid level, it's no surprise that it will help peel off layers of skin. This will either lighten or remove age spots completely if you rub it on your skin twice daily. It will probably take several weeks to see improvement, so you'll need to be dedicated and patient. Don't have lemons? Try red onions, they're known to produce the same results.
Exfoliation: Exfoliation removes dark surface cells to fade existing discolored pigmentation. Benefits include increased skin cell renewal which promotes softer skin, fades age spots, and helps even out skin tone. This technique can be done at home or by an esthetician.
Fade Creams: Available in most drug stores, fade creams are over-the-counter creams that contain bleaching agents to lighten spots. The best results are on those with naturally light skin. If your skin is dark, fade creams can make your dark spots even darker.
Skin Peels: This is a process in which acids and lasers work to remove deep layers of skin in an attempt to remove the age spots. You can find chemical peels for home use or go to a professional for a series of laser treatments.
Retinoids: The main ingredients in retinoids is vitamin A. Their job is to trigger growth of new cells, fading unwanted spots in the process. On the downside, retinoids can be too harsh for your skin, causing it to become dry and flaky.
Cover Them Up: Cosmetics, a girl's best friend. While you're waiting for your brown spots to fade, hide them with foundation or concealer. Need a more heavy-duty formula? There is special makeup available specifically for hiding spots or covering scars. If you don't want to spend the extra money, you can try regular, heavy-based products.
Most people don't have to worry about them until they're nearing the age of forty. If you're young, you should begin preventive measures to prevent them from appearing later on. Age spots aren't dangerous but they can be unsightly. If they're already becoming visible, there are a few things you can do to diminish them, though there is no quick cure.
Home Remedies and Spot Removal
The most important thing you can do is to protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays. Reduce exposure when possible and wear a sunscreen that has a SPF of at least 15. Wear hats when outside and cover up with clothing when it's practical to do so. Remember, though reduced, the sun's rays also penetrate your skin when it's cloudy.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Due to the fact that lemon juice has a high acid level, it's no surprise that it will help peel off layers of skin. This will either lighten or remove age spots completely if you rub it on your skin twice daily. It will probably take several weeks to see improvement, so you'll need to be dedicated and patient. Don't have lemons? Try red onions, they're known to produce the same results.
Exfoliation: Exfoliation removes dark surface cells to fade existing discolored pigmentation. Benefits include increased skin cell renewal which promotes softer skin, fades age spots, and helps even out skin tone. This technique can be done at home or by an esthetician.
Fade Creams: Available in most drug stores, fade creams are over-the-counter creams that contain bleaching agents to lighten spots. The best results are on those with naturally light skin. If your skin is dark, fade creams can make your dark spots even darker.
Skin Peels: This is a process in which acids and lasers work to remove deep layers of skin in an attempt to remove the age spots. You can find chemical peels for home use or go to a professional for a series of laser treatments.
Retinoids: The main ingredients in retinoids is vitamin A. Their job is to trigger growth of new cells, fading unwanted spots in the process. On the downside, retinoids can be too harsh for your skin, causing it to become dry and flaky.
Cover Them Up: Cosmetics, a girl's best friend. While you're waiting for your brown spots to fade, hide them with foundation or concealer. Need a more heavy-duty formula? There is special makeup available specifically for hiding spots or covering scars. If you don't want to spend the extra money, you can try regular, heavy-based products.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
PERSONAL CARE PART1 - SKIN CARE
Health and Beauty comes from inside. The outside appearance is mostly a reflection from the inside. In this blog I like to give you tips and tricks to increase your inner and outside health and beauty. I like to show you that it is very possible to use natural ways, natural therapy and nature products to change your appearance. Glowing hair and prevention from starting baldness in my subject haircare.
Beauty is not caused. It is.
Great skin is the first step toward an excellent makeup. Skin plays a vital role in our life, how one looks and feels directly correlates to ones skin. Making the best choices for our bodies, and ultimately our skin, is achieved through diet/ food, exercise, regular professional treatments, personalized homecare, and a healthy mental attitude.
The type of skin you have depends on your genes, sex, age, environment, structure and regeneration. How you treat your skin will always be evident in your face, hands and body. Its never too early nor too late to begin looking after your skin.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OILY, NORMAL, DRY SKIN :
Your skin type is determined by how much -- or how little -- oil your skin produces. Genes, diet, stress level, medication & even your skincare regimen all determine how much oil your skin produces.
To determine what skin type you have, take the 'skin test.'
To do this, wash your face & pat it dry then take a few pieces of rice paper or lens-cleaning tissue paper & press on different spots on your face. If your skin is oily, the paper will stick, pick up oily spots & become translucent. If the paper doesn't stick or pick up any oily spots, your skin is dry. If it sticks in your t-zone (forehead, nose & chin) then you have combination (or normal) Skin. About 70 percent of women have combination skin.
Here are the 5 different skin types & their characteristics.
• Type 1: Oily
Oily skin tends to shiny with enlarged pores, and is prone to blackheads & blemishes. You might experience some tightness.
• Type 2: Combination/normal
This skin type has medium pores, a smooth & even texture, good circulation, healthy color, may tend toward dryness on the cheeks while being oily in the t-zone
.
• Type 3: Sensitive
Sensitive skin tends to be thin, delicate with fine pores. It flushes easily, is prone to broken capillaries, is frequently allergic & can be rashy.
• Type 4: Dry
Dry skin feels tight, especially after cleansing, & have fine wrinkles, flaking & red patches. In women of color, skin may appear ashy or dull from dead skin buildup.
• Type 5: Aging or sun-damaged
This skin also feels tight with visible wrinkles, slack skin tone -- especially around the cheeks & jawline -- with leathery texture & broken capillaries.
The right ways to cleanse, moisturize & exfoliate your skin:
You probably learned in school that your skin is your body's largest organ. What you probably weren't taught is how to properly care for your skin. The truth is no matter your age or skin type, the minute you start taking care of your skin -- keeping it clean, nourished & pampered -- it will respond in gratitude & you will reap the benefits. Here I show you tips on how to properly care for your skin, from the right way to wash your face, to the best moisturizers & UV protection.
Before we start with the proper daily 4-step skincare routine, you'll need to know your skin type. How you care for your skin is utterly dependent on the type of skin you have: oily, normal/combination, dry, sensitive or sun- damaged. Check out this article to determine what skin type you are.
The Basic 4-Step Skincare Regimen
You need to find a good cleanser that
• your skin responds well to, and stick with it. Avoid soap at all costs. According to Rona Berg, in her book, 'Beauty,' a French cosmetics executive once told her 'soap should only ever touch your skin from the neck down.' Most cleansers contain oil, water & surfactants. The oil dissolves oil on your face, surfactants dissolve dirt & makeup & the water washes it all away. The secret is finding the right mix of oil. Too much on your skin will clog pores, while too little will dry it out. This is why you need to know your skin type.
Most women need only clean their faces at night. In the morning, a splash of lukewarm water is all you need. However, if you apply moisturizer at night, you will need to cleanse in the morning, too. Never wash your face with hot or cold water (both hot & cold water causes broken capillaries) & never go to bed with makeup on, you run the risk of clogging your pores. Also be careful about over-cleansing your skin.
Step 1: Cleansing Simple is key here.
Here's the best way to wash your face: Use warm water to loosen dirt & clogged pores. Use a dime-sized bit of cleanser & gently apply it in a circular motion, then rinse with cool water. Cool water tends to tighten the pores. You'll also want to take off your makeup with a proper makeup remover.
Step 2: Exfoliate
The most important thing you can do for bright, glowing skin is gentle daily exfoliation,' Katie Rodan, clinical assistant professor at Stanford University, said in Allure's April 2005 issue. 'Not weekly, daily. Do it in the shower every morning, a routine like brushing your teeth.'
Every 3 weeks, skin cells are replenished, meaning new skin cells make their way up from the lowest level of the epidermis. The secret to exfoliating is to make way for new skin cells by getting rid of dead skin cells. Removing dead skin cells helps give your skin a youthful, fresh appearance not only because new skin cells are fresh & plump, but because getting rid of the dead skin allows your skin to absorb moisturizer more readily. Exfoliation is the step most people skip in their daily skincare routine. But trust me, if you start properly exfoliating your skin, you will notice an almost immediate difference.
So how much should you exfoliate?
If you have oily or combination skin, you'll need to exfoliate 4 or 5 times a week, after you cleanse. If you have dry skin or sensitive skin, it's recommended that you exfoliate once or twice a week. You'll actually need to exfoliate more in summer & any hot months because sweat acts like glue & will cause your dead skin cells to stick together and coat your skin. Many women with mature or sun-damaged skin (a sure sign: wrinkles) have turned to different types of hydroxies which act as deep exfoliants. According to Berg, one of the reasons men's skin looks more youthful than women's is because men tend to exfoliate daily when they shave.
Should you use a toner?
Some people swear by toners, but many beauty experts do not. Toners are meant to remove all remaining traces of oil, makeup & dirt, but a good cleanser should do this. So go ahead, skip it & save money. Turns out only copy machines really need toner.
Step 3: Moisturize
A basic law of beauty is that everyone, no matter her skin type, should moisturize. Even if your skin is oily, it will benefit from moisturizers. (The only exception is those with acne). Why? Moisturizers attract moisture & draw it into the skin. They also seal in moisture (Berg calls this the 'Saran Wrap effect') & plump skin cells. So how much should you moisturize? Your skin will tell you. When your skin is tight, it's crying out for moisture. Be careful not to overmoisturize -- this can cause pore-clogging. For the skinny on great moisturizers for your skin type, check out this article.
Step 4: Apply sunscreen
The #1 cause of wrinkles is sun damage, so it's important to use sunscreen from your early years on even in winter & on cloudy days. A great trick is to purchase 2 moisturizers: one for nighttime & one for daytime that includes UV protection. Don't use moisturizers with sunscreen at night, the ingredients are not meant to be used 27/7 & can aggravate the skin. When choosing a sunscreen, make sure it contains 1 of 3 ingredients as an 'active ingredient': titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.
NATURAL FACIAL CARE:
A face pack not only cleanses your skin and pores but it also helps to maintain the tautness of your skin and its balance. Here are some face packs for different skin types know your skin type and choose the pack that's just right for you.
Oily skin pack:
Oily skins have very active sebaceous glands that secrete more oil leaving the skin look dull and greasy thus attracting a lot of dirt which then clogs the pores. It needs a thorough cleansing routine to remove the surface grime and unclog blocked pores. For this you need a pack that rejuvenates, tightens and exfoliates skin. Mash six strawberries with a teaspoon of Brandy, two spoons of breadcrumbs, two spoons of fuller's earth and a few drops of rose water. Mix well and apply a thick layer on the face and neck and leave on for 20 minutes. Since strawberries have Vitamin C and a certain acidic properties they leave the skin sparkling clean. Breadcrumbs help to exfoliate dead skin while fuller's earth will tighten the pores and brandy would help to add some glow.
Dry skin pack:
Dry skins are usually flaky and dull looking around the eyes and cheeks. It also needs constant moisturizing. Wash your face with milk and oatmeal instead of soap as milk nourishes the skin while oatmeal acts like an exfoliater while soap dries of the skin further. For extra moisturizing, make a pack with a mixture of 10 almonds, two spoons oatmeal, four tablespoons of full cream milk, two spoons china clay, juice of half a lemon, and one mashed avocado. Apply on face and leave it for 20 minutes. Dampen cotton wool with cold milk and wipe it off. Splash your face with cold water and apply a light moisturizer.
Combination pack:
This type of skin is usually oily on the nose and forehead and dry around the eyes and cheeks. Cleanse the center zone with an astringent while dab the rest of the face with cold milk. Apply a pack made of half a cup of powered, dry peas, mixed with three spoons of curd, juice of one lemon and half a cup of papaya pulp. Apply it for 20 minutes and wash your face with ice- cold water. Better still rub an ice cube dipped in rose water over the T-Zone. It prevents enlarged pores and blackheads. Freeze tray with rose water ice cubes so you can rub your face with them any time of the day especially after a bath as it opens the pores.
The truth about facials:
• Pollution, sun rays and stress all combine to ruin your skin and lead to pre mature and early wrinkling. Facials are deep skin treatments with real benefits to counteract the ravages of pollution and the damaging ultraviolet rays of the sun. Besides, facials are useful as mild treatments to take care of skin and, of course, the dreaded wrinkles.
• Facials can deep cleanse, re hydrate and rejuvenate the skin. With the appropriate techniques and products, these face treatments can have a lasting revitalizing effect.
• The four important steps of a facial are:
1) Deep and thorough cleansing, exfoliating the top layer of dead skin so that the skin looks healthier.2) Rejuvenating the skin by aiding in faster cell renewal3) Providing in depth moisturizing4) It accentuates the good effects of the appropriate products.
• What most people do not realize is that with regular treatments, a lot of skin problems can be prevented and reduced. We sail through our 20's thinking sagging skin will never happen to us. Confidence begins to falter in the 30's and by the time we have reached the 40's and 50's it may be too late.
• Each facial will vary depending on your skin type, the kind of treatment you have chosen and the products used. What facials help to do is remove the dead , dull outer layer of cells that make-up the skin's surface or epidermis along with pollutants. Thus, the newer and younger cells underneath are revealed, giving the skin a youthful glow. The actual massage helps blood circulation, which in turn aids lymphatic drainage, the system, which removes our waste and toxins. The massage relaxes the face, which has over 120 muscles and to delay wrinkles it is very important to massage them consistently
Beauty is not caused. It is.
Great skin is the first step toward an excellent makeup. Skin plays a vital role in our life, how one looks and feels directly correlates to ones skin. Making the best choices for our bodies, and ultimately our skin, is achieved through diet/ food, exercise, regular professional treatments, personalized homecare, and a healthy mental attitude.
The type of skin you have depends on your genes, sex, age, environment, structure and regeneration. How you treat your skin will always be evident in your face, hands and body. Its never too early nor too late to begin looking after your skin.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OILY, NORMAL, DRY SKIN :
Your skin type is determined by how much -- or how little -- oil your skin produces. Genes, diet, stress level, medication & even your skincare regimen all determine how much oil your skin produces.
To determine what skin type you have, take the 'skin test.'
To do this, wash your face & pat it dry then take a few pieces of rice paper or lens-cleaning tissue paper & press on different spots on your face. If your skin is oily, the paper will stick, pick up oily spots & become translucent. If the paper doesn't stick or pick up any oily spots, your skin is dry. If it sticks in your t-zone (forehead, nose & chin) then you have combination (or normal) Skin. About 70 percent of women have combination skin.
Here are the 5 different skin types & their characteristics.
• Type 1: Oily
Oily skin tends to shiny with enlarged pores, and is prone to blackheads & blemishes. You might experience some tightness.
• Type 2: Combination/normal
This skin type has medium pores, a smooth & even texture, good circulation, healthy color, may tend toward dryness on the cheeks while being oily in the t-zone
.
• Type 3: Sensitive
Sensitive skin tends to be thin, delicate with fine pores. It flushes easily, is prone to broken capillaries, is frequently allergic & can be rashy.
• Type 4: Dry
Dry skin feels tight, especially after cleansing, & have fine wrinkles, flaking & red patches. In women of color, skin may appear ashy or dull from dead skin buildup.
• Type 5: Aging or sun-damaged
This skin also feels tight with visible wrinkles, slack skin tone -- especially around the cheeks & jawline -- with leathery texture & broken capillaries.
The right ways to cleanse, moisturize & exfoliate your skin:
You probably learned in school that your skin is your body's largest organ. What you probably weren't taught is how to properly care for your skin. The truth is no matter your age or skin type, the minute you start taking care of your skin -- keeping it clean, nourished & pampered -- it will respond in gratitude & you will reap the benefits. Here I show you tips on how to properly care for your skin, from the right way to wash your face, to the best moisturizers & UV protection.
Before we start with the proper daily 4-step skincare routine, you'll need to know your skin type. How you care for your skin is utterly dependent on the type of skin you have: oily, normal/combination, dry, sensitive or sun- damaged. Check out this article to determine what skin type you are.
The Basic 4-Step Skincare Regimen
You need to find a good cleanser that
• your skin responds well to, and stick with it. Avoid soap at all costs. According to Rona Berg, in her book, 'Beauty,' a French cosmetics executive once told her 'soap should only ever touch your skin from the neck down.' Most cleansers contain oil, water & surfactants. The oil dissolves oil on your face, surfactants dissolve dirt & makeup & the water washes it all away. The secret is finding the right mix of oil. Too much on your skin will clog pores, while too little will dry it out. This is why you need to know your skin type.
Most women need only clean their faces at night. In the morning, a splash of lukewarm water is all you need. However, if you apply moisturizer at night, you will need to cleanse in the morning, too. Never wash your face with hot or cold water (both hot & cold water causes broken capillaries) & never go to bed with makeup on, you run the risk of clogging your pores. Also be careful about over-cleansing your skin.
Step 1: Cleansing Simple is key here.
Here's the best way to wash your face: Use warm water to loosen dirt & clogged pores. Use a dime-sized bit of cleanser & gently apply it in a circular motion, then rinse with cool water. Cool water tends to tighten the pores. You'll also want to take off your makeup with a proper makeup remover.
Step 2: Exfoliate
The most important thing you can do for bright, glowing skin is gentle daily exfoliation,' Katie Rodan, clinical assistant professor at Stanford University, said in Allure's April 2005 issue. 'Not weekly, daily. Do it in the shower every morning, a routine like brushing your teeth.'
Every 3 weeks, skin cells are replenished, meaning new skin cells make their way up from the lowest level of the epidermis. The secret to exfoliating is to make way for new skin cells by getting rid of dead skin cells. Removing dead skin cells helps give your skin a youthful, fresh appearance not only because new skin cells are fresh & plump, but because getting rid of the dead skin allows your skin to absorb moisturizer more readily. Exfoliation is the step most people skip in their daily skincare routine. But trust me, if you start properly exfoliating your skin, you will notice an almost immediate difference.
So how much should you exfoliate?
If you have oily or combination skin, you'll need to exfoliate 4 or 5 times a week, after you cleanse. If you have dry skin or sensitive skin, it's recommended that you exfoliate once or twice a week. You'll actually need to exfoliate more in summer & any hot months because sweat acts like glue & will cause your dead skin cells to stick together and coat your skin. Many women with mature or sun-damaged skin (a sure sign: wrinkles) have turned to different types of hydroxies which act as deep exfoliants. According to Berg, one of the reasons men's skin looks more youthful than women's is because men tend to exfoliate daily when they shave.
Should you use a toner?
Some people swear by toners, but many beauty experts do not. Toners are meant to remove all remaining traces of oil, makeup & dirt, but a good cleanser should do this. So go ahead, skip it & save money. Turns out only copy machines really need toner.
Step 3: Moisturize
A basic law of beauty is that everyone, no matter her skin type, should moisturize. Even if your skin is oily, it will benefit from moisturizers. (The only exception is those with acne). Why? Moisturizers attract moisture & draw it into the skin. They also seal in moisture (Berg calls this the 'Saran Wrap effect') & plump skin cells. So how much should you moisturize? Your skin will tell you. When your skin is tight, it's crying out for moisture. Be careful not to overmoisturize -- this can cause pore-clogging. For the skinny on great moisturizers for your skin type, check out this article.
Step 4: Apply sunscreen
The #1 cause of wrinkles is sun damage, so it's important to use sunscreen from your early years on even in winter & on cloudy days. A great trick is to purchase 2 moisturizers: one for nighttime & one for daytime that includes UV protection. Don't use moisturizers with sunscreen at night, the ingredients are not meant to be used 27/7 & can aggravate the skin. When choosing a sunscreen, make sure it contains 1 of 3 ingredients as an 'active ingredient': titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.
NATURAL FACIAL CARE:
A face pack not only cleanses your skin and pores but it also helps to maintain the tautness of your skin and its balance. Here are some face packs for different skin types know your skin type and choose the pack that's just right for you.
Oily skin pack:
Oily skins have very active sebaceous glands that secrete more oil leaving the skin look dull and greasy thus attracting a lot of dirt which then clogs the pores. It needs a thorough cleansing routine to remove the surface grime and unclog blocked pores. For this you need a pack that rejuvenates, tightens and exfoliates skin. Mash six strawberries with a teaspoon of Brandy, two spoons of breadcrumbs, two spoons of fuller's earth and a few drops of rose water. Mix well and apply a thick layer on the face and neck and leave on for 20 minutes. Since strawberries have Vitamin C and a certain acidic properties they leave the skin sparkling clean. Breadcrumbs help to exfoliate dead skin while fuller's earth will tighten the pores and brandy would help to add some glow.
Dry skin pack:
Dry skins are usually flaky and dull looking around the eyes and cheeks. It also needs constant moisturizing. Wash your face with milk and oatmeal instead of soap as milk nourishes the skin while oatmeal acts like an exfoliater while soap dries of the skin further. For extra moisturizing, make a pack with a mixture of 10 almonds, two spoons oatmeal, four tablespoons of full cream milk, two spoons china clay, juice of half a lemon, and one mashed avocado. Apply on face and leave it for 20 minutes. Dampen cotton wool with cold milk and wipe it off. Splash your face with cold water and apply a light moisturizer.
Combination pack:
This type of skin is usually oily on the nose and forehead and dry around the eyes and cheeks. Cleanse the center zone with an astringent while dab the rest of the face with cold milk. Apply a pack made of half a cup of powered, dry peas, mixed with three spoons of curd, juice of one lemon and half a cup of papaya pulp. Apply it for 20 minutes and wash your face with ice- cold water. Better still rub an ice cube dipped in rose water over the T-Zone. It prevents enlarged pores and blackheads. Freeze tray with rose water ice cubes so you can rub your face with them any time of the day especially after a bath as it opens the pores.
The truth about facials:
• Pollution, sun rays and stress all combine to ruin your skin and lead to pre mature and early wrinkling. Facials are deep skin treatments with real benefits to counteract the ravages of pollution and the damaging ultraviolet rays of the sun. Besides, facials are useful as mild treatments to take care of skin and, of course, the dreaded wrinkles.
• Facials can deep cleanse, re hydrate and rejuvenate the skin. With the appropriate techniques and products, these face treatments can have a lasting revitalizing effect.
• The four important steps of a facial are:
1) Deep and thorough cleansing, exfoliating the top layer of dead skin so that the skin looks healthier.2) Rejuvenating the skin by aiding in faster cell renewal3) Providing in depth moisturizing4) It accentuates the good effects of the appropriate products.
• What most people do not realize is that with regular treatments, a lot of skin problems can be prevented and reduced. We sail through our 20's thinking sagging skin will never happen to us. Confidence begins to falter in the 30's and by the time we have reached the 40's and 50's it may be too late.
• Each facial will vary depending on your skin type, the kind of treatment you have chosen and the products used. What facials help to do is remove the dead , dull outer layer of cells that make-up the skin's surface or epidermis along with pollutants. Thus, the newer and younger cells underneath are revealed, giving the skin a youthful glow. The actual massage helps blood circulation, which in turn aids lymphatic drainage, the system, which removes our waste and toxins. The massage relaxes the face, which has over 120 muscles and to delay wrinkles it is very important to massage them consistently
Thursday, January 4, 2007
GANGA - GODESS/MOTHER RIVER 4 INDIANS
The Ganges River is a river of northern India and Bangladesh. The river has a long history of reverence in India and is worshipped by Hindus as a goddess. It often called the 'holy Ganga'. The total length of the river is about 2,510 km. Along with another river Yamuna, it forms a large and fertile basin, known as the Gangetic plains, stretching across north India and Bangladesh, and supports one of the highest densities of human population in the world.
In Hinduism, the river Ganga is sacred. It is worshipped by Hindus and personified as a goddess, who holds an important place in the Hindu religion. Hindu belief holds that bathing in the river on certain occasions causes the forgiveness of sins and helps attain salvation. Many people believe that this will come from bathing in Ganga at any time. People travel from distant places to immerse the ashes of their kin in the waters of the Ganga; this immersion also is believed to send the ashes to heaven. Several places sacred to Hindus lie along the banks of the river Ganga, including Haridwar and Kashi. People carry from ganges, sacred water that is sealed in copper pots after making the pilgrimage to Kashi. It is believed that drinking water from the Ganga with one's last breath will take the soul to heaven.In most Hindu families, a vial of water from the Ganga is kept in every house. This is done because it is auspicious to have water of the Holy Ganga in the house, and also if someone is dying, that person will be able to drink its water.
Many Hindus believe that the water from the Ganga can cleanse a person's soul of all past sins, and that it can also cure the ill. The ancient scriptures mention that the water of Ganges carries the blessings of the Lord's feet. Hence mother Ganges is also known as Visnupadi. Some of the most important Hindu festivals and religious congregations are celebrated on the banks of the river Ganga such as the Kumbh mela or the Kumbh fair and the chhat puja. The largest religious gathering on Earth for Hindu peoples. Around 70 million Hindus from around the world participated in Kumbh Mela at one of the Hindu Holy city Prayaga. The most important city sacred to Hinduism on the banks of the river Ganga is Varanasi or Banaras. It has hundreds of temples along the banks of the Ganga which often get flooded during the rains. This city, especially along the banks of the Ganga, is an important place of worship for the Hindus as well as a cremation ground.
In Hinduism, the river Ganga is sacred. It is worshipped by Hindus and personified as a goddess, who holds an important place in the Hindu religion. Hindu belief holds that bathing in the river on certain occasions causes the forgiveness of sins and helps attain salvation. Many people believe that this will come from bathing in Ganga at any time. People travel from distant places to immerse the ashes of their kin in the waters of the Ganga; this immersion also is believed to send the ashes to heaven. Several places sacred to Hindus lie along the banks of the river Ganga, including Haridwar and Kashi. People carry from ganges, sacred water that is sealed in copper pots after making the pilgrimage to Kashi. It is believed that drinking water from the Ganga with one's last breath will take the soul to heaven.In most Hindu families, a vial of water from the Ganga is kept in every house. This is done because it is auspicious to have water of the Holy Ganga in the house, and also if someone is dying, that person will be able to drink its water.
Many Hindus believe that the water from the Ganga can cleanse a person's soul of all past sins, and that it can also cure the ill. The ancient scriptures mention that the water of Ganges carries the blessings of the Lord's feet. Hence mother Ganges is also known as Visnupadi. Some of the most important Hindu festivals and religious congregations are celebrated on the banks of the river Ganga such as the Kumbh mela or the Kumbh fair and the chhat puja. The largest religious gathering on Earth for Hindu peoples. Around 70 million Hindus from around the world participated in Kumbh Mela at one of the Hindu Holy city Prayaga. The most important city sacred to Hinduism on the banks of the river Ganga is Varanasi or Banaras. It has hundreds of temples along the banks of the Ganga which often get flooded during the rains. This city, especially along the banks of the Ganga, is an important place of worship for the Hindus as well as a cremation ground.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
NATURAL BEAUTY SALON
Festivals in India are geared to ensure that one stays in tune with the rhythms of nature and changing seasons. We herald the beginning of spring with a water drenched Holi and welcome winter with Diwali.
This festive season, turn to the treasure box of traditional beauty routines, most of which depend on the use of natural ingredients like turmeric, sandalwood and honey for skincare, or essential oils to moisturize the body. Oil baths and ubtan (face and body packs) keep the skin luxuriant and well moisturized. The natural products from the kitchen are the safest way to attain that healthy glow, since they have no chemicals or added preservatives.
In Maharashtra, the practice is to take a bath before sunrise with oil and ubtan (pack) of gram flour and fragrant powders, a traditional option to an apricot scrub. An oil bath that involves the ritual of rubbing oil all over the body and head, then washing it off with coarse shikakai,is still followed in many a south Indian household. Even today, aromatic pastes are prepared out of a powder called sugandhi, in Maharashtra. Consisting primarily of gram flour, turmeric and sandalwood powder, the paste is smeared on the body before a ceremonial bath.
In the North, the festive season also heralds winter, which is when the skin dries up and cracks. Keeping your face moisturized is the most essential thing. In Rajasthan, women use the husk of whole wheat called choker, mixed with cream left at the bottom of a pan after draining the milk as moisturizer. On Diwali day, they use besan to scrub their bodies.
In the East, the land of torrential rainfall, women prepare masks using fresh fruits like grapes, watermelon, papaya and cucumber, which help eradicate blackheads and pimples. They are left on the face for 30 minutes, and then washed off.
Another aid to beauty is large quantities of curd, great for soft and supple skin, or for getting rid of unwanted pimples. A day before Diwali , women soak methi seeds in water overnight and grind them to a paste. It is applied on hair and left for 30 minutes, before it is washed off.
Most traditional beauty practices have a scientific and rational base, whichever part of the country you choose to draw inspiration from.
Some herbs and oil extract from them are used to nourish the skin from decades, viz...
TURMERIC - Among the most widely used herb is turmeric or haldi, also known as Indian saffron. It ensures that your skin glows. Turmeric has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties and softens the skin.
Haldi body pack - This cleanser is great for dry skin, since it doesn’t disturb the delicate acid balance.
Take half-a-cup of besan (gram flour), 2 teaspoons of haldi, 2 teaspoons sandalwood powder, and 2 teaspoons of ghee or almond oil.
Add water to make a paste .Apply on your face and entire body.
Leave it on for 10 minutes. Rub with both palms and fingers to remove all the paste.
BESAN - Besan or gram flour is another widely used ingredient. It is shampoo, face scrub and hair remover, all powdered into one. When used in the right combination, it makes for a great scrub.
Skin glow mask – Soak tamarind root or imli for some time. Grind and mix it with a little besan, and apply it on your face, hands and other parts of your body.
Keep it on for 10 minutes, and then wash it off. Your skin will have a golden glow.
Another option is to mix cream and besan.
Apply this paste on your entire body. But avoid areas around the eyes, eyebrows and lips. Shower after 5 minutes. Your skin will be soft as silk.
MILK AND HONEY- These two ingredients are a must in all ancient beauty therapies.
Milk Hair – conditioning mask – After washing your hair, pour milk all over it.
Leave it on for two minutes, and then rinse it out for shiny, long hair.
Body and Face scrub – Soak a few almonds in milk overnight. Grind them and mix with honey. Use this as a face or body scrub.
You could add a little milk to your bath water and bathe normally, for soft skin.
Alternatively, use pre-boiled unpasteurised milk as liquid pack on your face. Milk is a natural bleaching agent and nourishes the skin. It also acts as a skin softener.
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