HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIPS
Acne
Zits
suck, like a biggie always pops out just before the big night... Here are some tips on care, etc. =))
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Before washing face, rinse with warm/hot water to open pores, and after washing, rinse with cold water, which closes the pores.
Acne typically appears on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and scalp and can take the following forms:
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Whiteheads. These are created when pores become clogged and blocked with oil secretions and dead skin.
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Blackheads. These are clogged pores that remain open and trap dirt.
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Pimples. These are raised, reddish spots that signal inflammation or infection in plugged pores.
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Cysts. These are thick lumps beneath the surface of the skin, which are formed by the buildup of secretions deep within hair follicles.
Most acne can be avoided or controlled with good basic skin care and the following self-care techniques:
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Wash problem areas with a gentle cleanser. Products such as facial scrubs, astringents and masks generally aren't recommended because they tend to irritate skin, which can aggravate acne. Overly washing and scrubbing also can irritate skin.
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Try over-the-counter acne lotion to dry excess oil and promote peeling. Look for products containing benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol or salicylic acid as the active ingredient.
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Avoid irritants. You may want to avoid oily or greasy cosmetics, sunscreens, hair styling products or acne concealers. Use products labeled water-based or noncomedogenic. If the sun worsens your acne, protect yourself from sunlight � which is a good idea in general. If stress causes outbreaks, work on reducing your stress level.
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Watch what touches your face. Keep your hair clean and off your face. Also avoid resting your hands or objects on your face. Tight clothing or hats can also pose a problem, especially if you'll be sweating. Sweat, dirt and oils can contribute to acne.
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Don't pick or squeeze blemishes. Picking or squeezing can cause infection or scarring. Most acne will clear up without this kind of intervention. If aggressive treatment is needed, see your doctor or dermatologist.
Homemade Remedies
Honey Facial Mask
Place a cloth in warm water and apply to your face to open the pores. Smear on honey, and leave on for 15 to 30 minutes. Rinse off with warm water, then use cold water to close the pores. Use once a week.
Honey Cleansing Scrub
Mix 1 Tablespoon of honey with 2 Tablespoons finely ground almonds and 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice. Rub gently onto face. Rinse off with warm water.
Firming Face Mask
Whisk together 1 Tablespoon honey, 1 egg white, 1 teaspoon glycerin (available at drug and beauty stores) and enough flour to form a paste (approximately 1/4 cup). Smooth over face and throat. Leave on 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.
Minty Fresh Massage Oil
Needed: 10 tsp. grapeseed oil, 3 drops eucalyptus oil, 4 drops rosemary oil, 2 drops peppermint oil
This is a green-scented massage oil. Blend ingredients well. Pour into a small bottle and seal well. Warm up oil before doing any massage.
Lavender Bath Recipe
This is so easy but so relaxing and you can make it right in your kitchen. All you need is 5 drops of essential oil and 1/4 cup powdered milk. Add 1 cup of water to the milk powder and stir to combine. Add to bath and enjoy the fragrant soak.
Scented Moisturizer
Aloe Vera gel is sold in jugs these days and it can be the makings of a great moisturizer. All you have to do to personalize it, is to add a few drops of your favourite essential oil to the gel to make an all-over moisturizer.
Nail Whitening
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Use a common whitening toothpaste. Try scrubbing your nails with Pearl Drops, it's just as easy as achieving a pearly white smile and will take away any stains and shine up your nails.
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Soak your nails in water with lemon juice or lemon slices. The lemon acts as an astringent and will strip away stains. Once your hands are dry, you'll only need to put on a couple of coats of a clear topcoat.
Orange Yogurt Facial Mask
Ingredients Needed:
1 tsp plain yogurt
the juice of 1/4 of an orange
Stir to mix and then dip fingers into mixture and smooth onto face. The sensation is both cool and relaxing. Leave on for a five minutes and then rinse. If you are feeling sluggish, this is the perfect mask for you. Yogurt will cleanse and nourish your skin. The orange is full of Vitamin C and AHA's!
Apple Facial Mask
This is good for Oily or Acne Prone skin.
Needed:
1 medium size apple, grated fine
5 tbs. honey
Mix the grated apple and honey well. Smooth over skin and let sit for 10 minutes. Rinse off with cool water.
