Natural Home Skincare Treatments

Homemade Orange Scrub
Orange away your dryness today!

Experience a soothing and natural treatment for dry skin on heels, knees, and elbows by using a fresh and fragrant orange.

Ingredients:
1 organic orange (any type of orange will work)
½ cup of raw organic sugar
½ cup of grape seed oil (for normal to oily skin) or olive oil (for dryer skin)

1. Start by getting 1 organic orange (any type of orange will work). Cut the orange in half and gently squeeze one half into a bowl to release its juices.

2. Add ½ cup of raw organic sugar and ½ cup of grape seed oil (for normal to oily skin) or olive oil (for dryer skin) with orange juices and stir to combine.

3. Using the other half of the orange, gently scrub the exposed side over any dry spots on the body including knees, elbows, and feet. Follow with the orange scrub to remove dead skin.

4. Rinse with warm water

Lemon Lift
Need A Pick-Me-Up? Try Sour Stimulation!

Wonderfully refresh your skin while stimulating your circulatory system. And guess what
stimulating your circulatory system is good for? Cellulite!

Ingredients:
5 drops of lemon essential oil
6 fresh lemon slices
Warm water

Add five drops of lemon essential oil and six fresh lemon slices to a small bowl of warm water. Soak a washcloth in the bowl for two minutes, and then swirl it over the oil droplets floating on the top of the water. Wring it out and set it aside.  After a warm shower, take the washcloth and, starting at your feet and moving upward, scrub toward your heart to stimulate your circulatory system.

DIY Green-Papaya Brightening Mask

Enrich and beatify your skin with honey, yogurt,and papaya.  Sounds like a yummy snack-right?  Well, this is a snack to feed your skin the beauty it needs with a unique combination that  can be made right at home.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup unripe papaya, diced
1 teaspoon plain yogurt
1 teaspoon raw honey
Tools:
1 large glass or ceramic bowl
1 bath towel
1 small spray bottle

1. You will need ½ cup of unripe, diced papaya. This contains natural alpha-hydroxy acids and high levels of
papain, an enzyme that helps dissolve dead skin cells.

2. 1 teaspoon of plain yogurt. The yogurt adds lactic acid (another alpha-hydroxy) and gives the mask a creamy texture.

3. 1 teaspoon of raw honey helps the skin to retain moisture.

4. Blend the ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Apply to clean skin using fingers; leave on for 8 to 10 minutes. When left on, the mask should tingle slightly. If you have sensitive skin or prefer a gentler exfoliation, use ripe papaya, which has less papain. Rinse off using cool water and pat dry. Finish by applying a gentle moisturizer.

Homemade Protective Hair Treatment
News Flash! Sun Can Help Nourish Your Hair!

What? How can that be? Go to the beach and relax while your hair receives the nourishment it needs.

Ingredients:
Several tablespoons natural oil like Jojoba, olive or camellia oil
Natural shampoo
Sun!

1. At home or right at the beach apply several tablespoons of natural oil to dry hair, working from the ends towards the roots. Jojoba oil makes a good choice because it closely resembles the scalp’s natural oil. You can also try olive or camellia oil.

2. Comb through your hair to distribute the oil

3. Braid or wrap your hair in a secure bun for the  rest of the day and relax in the sun while your hair receives a nourishing treatment.  When you return home, apply a natural shampoo before wetting your hair to wash out the oil. This allows the shampoo to break down the oil more effectively and keeps water from sliding off slick hair.

Protein Rich Diet Helps Aging Skin

Recent studies report that lack of proteins causes skin-sagging and lack of glow on the skin’s surface. True to the facts,  proteins are very important for the regeneration of skin. They have collagen and keratin that make up of the elastin in the skin. Moreover, you don’t have to eat meat to get your daily source of proteins. For instance, red beans, which are highest in protein content are also highest in antioxidants.

Omega3 fatty acids found in fish and poultry also enhance the hydrating effects of the skin. Therefore, it is important to have a good amount of proteins in our diet, which will detoxify our system naturally, purify our blood and fight the aging process by increasing blood supply to the skin.

Since the American FDA doesn’t always follow organic or other industrialized nation’s standards of health and nutrition. I find it more informative to go to articles and studies conducted in countries where food hormones, pesticides and genetically modified foods are illegal and testing results aren’t skewed in favor of Big Business. Here are some excerpts I found from a great site in Australia.

Overview

Proteins are made up of smaller organic chemicals called amino acids. When proteins are digested, they are broken down into their constituent amino acids before being absorbed into the bloodstream. The body then uses these amino acids to build the kinds of proteins it needs to maintain and repair body tissues such as muscles and organs, and to grow.

There are 20 amino acids. Eleven of these amino acids can be made by the body itself, while the other nine (called Essential Amino Acids) must be obtained from food. The classification of an amino acid as essential or non-essential does not reflect its importance, because all 20 amino acids are necessary for health.

The dietary requirement for protein has two components: total nitrogen requirement (represented by essential plus non-essential amino acids), and requirements for essential amino acids. In assessing dietary protein sources, both need to be considered, as the amount of food protein needed to meet the protein requirement will depend not only on its amount and digestibility, but also on its content of essential amino acids.

Plant Sources of Protein

Plant sources of protein alone can provide adequate amounts of the essential and non-essential amino acids, assuming that dietary protein sources from plants are varied and that total calorie intake is sufficient to meet energy needs. Whole grains, legumes (beans), vegetables, seeds, and nuts, as well as commercial meat alternatives, all contain essential and non-essential amino acids.

Some plant foods are low in one kind of amino acid (e.g. grains are low in lysine), while other plant foods are higher in that amino acid (e.g. legumes are quite high in lysine). So by eating a well balanced diet that contains a variety of foods it is possible to obtain all the amino acids that the body requires. Note that while recent research shows that soy contains all essential amino acids, and is therefore a complete protein source, in my opinion it is preferable to have a varied diet and not depend on one food source to meet a particular dietary need.

The American Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada state in their Position Statement on Vegetarian Diets:

“It is the position of the American Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada that appropriately planned vegetarian diets are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases… Plant protein can meet requirements when a variety of plant foods is consumed and energy needs are met. Research indicates that an assortment of plant foods eaten over the course of a day can provide all essential amino acids and ensure adequate nitrogen retention and use in healthy adults…”

In the past it was widely believed that in order for vegetarians to obtain adequate amounts of protein, all of the essential amino acids had to be ‘balanced’ at each meal. For example, grains and legumes had to be consumed at the same meal. This is referred to as ‘protein combining’. However, more recent research has indicated that, while consuming a proper mix of amino acids is important, it is not necessary to consume them all at the same meal.

Protein Deficiency

Protein deficiency is rare in Western countries but has wide-ranging effects on the body. Dietary protein deficiency in humans occurs principally in children in the form of kwashiorkor, although a similar syndrome is sometimes seen in severely depleted hospital patients with increased protein catabolism.

Kwashiorkor occurs most commonly in areas of famine, limited food supply, and low levels of education, which can lead to inadequate knowledge of proper diet. Early symptoms of any type of malnutrition are very general and include fatigue, irritability, and lethargy. As protein deprivation continues, growth failure, loss of muscle mass, generalised swelling (oedema), and decreased immunity occur. A large, protuberant belly is common. Skin conditions, such as dermatitis, changes in pigmentation, thinning of hair, and vitiligo (loss of skin colour) can also occur.

Protein deficiency among well-fed vegetarians and vegans is rarely a concern. A protein deficiency may be seen when there is also a calorie deficiency, but in such cases many nutrients would be a concern. The other possible scenario of insufficient protein intake would be where a vegan has a very poor diet that is heavily dependant on fruit or refined junk food such as sugary drinks, pastries and chips.

To read more on proteins and vegetarianism, go to http://www.vnv.org.au

No-Cost Techniques to Prevent Aging

By Van Le | Skin care has come a long way in recent years, and the numbers say it all.  Current estimates assert the skincare industry generates over $2 billion annually.  That’s not to say our mothers and grandmothers never took care of their complexion.  Many of the tips our mothers taught us still ring true today — in fact,  some of the most effective remedies for healthy skin have been passed down from generation to generation.  The following are easy, no-cost techniques to prevent premature skin aging.

Don’t Smoke

Smoking causes so much damage to the skin that the term “smokers’ face” was coined to describe the shallow lines and wrinkles caused by cigarettes.  Even more shocking, a study published in the British Medical Journal featured a doctor who could distinguish a non-smoker from someone who has been smoking for ten years or more based on their facial features alone.  A single cigarette contains thousands of toxins that seep into the bloodstream and affect the appearance of skin.   In addition, scientists have calculated that every cigarette takes ten minutes off your life.

Wear Sunglasses

Long before they became fashion statements, sunglasses served a humble purpose: to protect the eyes from the sun.  Skin near the eyes is extremely delicate, and since we can’t apply sunscreen to these areas, we need the UV protection provided by sunglasses.  Not wearing sunglasses can also cause you to squint, which can lead to wrinkles over time.

Get Adequate Sleep

While  we sleep, our body generates new skin cells, repairs damaged ones and strengthens collagen.  Doctors recommend seven to eight hours of sleep each night for maximum performance during the day.  In addition to under-eye bags - the tell-all sign that you’ve been up all night - lack of sleep can cause skin to appear dull, puffy and wrinkled.

Sleep on your back

In a perfect world, we would get our beauty sleep every night.  However, in today’s fast-paced world, eight hours of sleep each night, every night is not always possible, therefore, it’s important to make the best of the time we do have to rest.  We are up and about at least 12 hours a day, and gravity can take its toll.  Sleeping on your back instead of stomach promotes circulation, and reduces wrinkles since your face is not buried in a pillow.

Limit Your Stress Level

Stress is an inevitable part of life, but not all stress is bad.  There are two kinds of stress: eustress and distress.  Eustress keeps us energized about life and stems from exciting events such as starting a new job, getting married or simply getting on a roller coaster ride.  Unfortunately, most of us are more familiar with distress (negative stress) which can weaken our immune system and cause hormonal changes that result in pimple breakouts.  Participating in stress-reducing activities such as exercise, spending time in nature and yoga is key in balancing eustress and distress.

Doing your best to implement these tips to prevent skin aging and overall health will keep you looking your best for years to come.

Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.

For the latest findings on natural skincare and anti-aging, you can also link to http://naturalantiagingproducts.net/

Harmful Skincare Ingredients in Pregnancy

By Van Le | Many pregnant women radiate that natural special “glow”, however, hormonal changes can also influence new reactions to certain chemicals. Knowing what, and more importantly, what not to put into your body during those nine months can affect the well-being of you and your baby. What to put on your body is no different. Since some skincare products can seep into the bloodstream, pregnant women should avoid the following ingredients.

Retinoids

Due to the ability to accelerate cell growth and renewal, retinoids (a type of Vitamin A) are commonly found in many anti-aging products. While Vitamin A is vital for growth and development of the fetus, excessive amounts can lead to birth defects. A study conducted in 1995 suggests that women who consume more than the recommended amount of Vitamin A in the first two months of their pregnancy doubled the risk of having a child with birth defects, according to the March of Dimes website. Topical application of retinoids has not been proven to be harmful, but as a precaution, many doctors and the National Institute of Health advise pregnant patients to stay away from skincare products containing this ingredient.

Salicylic Acid

Acne can wreak havoc anytime, but can be especially frustrating during pregnancy. Salicylic acid is a powerful and common remedy to help sooth inflammations and reduce redness caused by acne pimples, however, it can be harmful for the developing fetus. Medical experts have yet to pinpoint the exact amount of salicylic acid to deem as harmful, but believe that it can lead to respiratory problems for both the mother and baby.

Oxybenzone and Avobenzone

Just because you’re pregnant does not mean you can’t have some fun in the sun. As always, sun protection is pivotal, especially during hours of 10am and 4pm, when the sun’s UVA and UVB rays are most harmful. During the 1970s the Food and Drug Administration approved oxybenzone and avobenzone as safe UVA absorbers, however, a study done at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York states that oxybenzone may cause lower birth weight in baby girls and has also been linked to cell damage and allergies. Avobenzone is capable of absorbing UVA lights, making it effective in sunscreen products, however, it can be absorbed into the skin, therefore, some healthcare professionals encourage expecting mothers to stay away from products containing oxybenzone and avobenzone. A safe sunscreen alternative is zinc oxide, which is made of organic ingredients that siton top of the skin as a protective barrier. Physical sun protection such as clothing as hats are also effective and highly recommended by doctors.

An expecting mother may not have total control over her cravings or hormones, but can dictate which products and ingredients go in and on her body. Most pregnant women abstain from products that have been proven as dangerous and unsafe, such as alcohol and cigarettes. A commitment to stay away from potentially harmful ingredients can also have long-lasting positive effects for both the mother and unborn child.

Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU paper the Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.

For the latest findings on natural skincare link to http://naturalantiagingproducts.net