Emergency Rescue for Winter Skin - 4 Natural Ways to a Healthier Complexion

The winter months can play havoc with your complexion. Biting cold winds outdoors, warm and dry heating indoors, not to mention the indulgences of the festive period – all of this can leave your skin feeling dry, flaky, and out of condition.

Cosmetics companies will try to tell you that their unique formulas are worth the high prices they charge, but for healthy skin that feels and looks great, nature often has the best answers. Here are 4 wholesome ways to give your complexion a winter pick-me-up.

1. Coconut Oil 

Coconut oil has been used for millennia in its native lands as a skin moisturizer, cleanser, and sun protector. It is high in natural saturated fats which strengthen the underlying structure of the skin, making it more supple and less prone to wrinkling and cracking. These fats also act as powerful moisturizers, locking in moisture below the skin surface and preventing it evaporating through the pores. Coconut oil also contains a substance known as capric acid, which has a mild anti-microbial action, promoting overall skin health and helping to prevent spots and rashes.

To use coconut oil, simply massage a few pure drops into your face after a shower or bath. It is absorbed more efficiently and works more effectively on damp skin.

2. Evening Primrose Oil 

This natural oil is extremely rich in Omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential building blocks of cell membranes, and promote skin elasticity. These acids are also vital in regulating the production of the hormones responsible for skin health, and trials have shown that evening primrose oil has beneficial effects for sufferers of acne, eczema, and psoriasis. 

This oil can be taken in capsule form, or rubbed directly onto your skin for a fast lift in tone and texture.

3. Green Tea 

Green tea is one of those supplements that has been somewhat over-hyped, and touted as a cure for all sorts of ailments. However, studies have suggested that the polyphenols it contains do indeed have strong benefits for skin condition, particularly in helping to reduce inflammation. One of the main benefits of green tea however is its strong anti-oxidant properties which are thought to help slow down the enzymes responsible for premature skin ageing.

Green tea can of course be taken as a drink, although topical application delivers the active ingredients to your skin more quickly, especially if you then use one of the moisturizing oils mentioned to lock the nutrients in.

4. Lavender Oil 

Lavender oil is widely used in the treatment of eczema and other skin complaints thanks to its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. It contains compounds that improve circulation and increase blood oxygenation, meaning it has an anti-inflammatory action and can soothe irritated skin. 

Lavender oil also has a calming scent; use this in combination with other oils to replicate perfumed lotions without the harsh chemicals that commercial cosmetics sometimes use.

There's nothing at all wrong with using light, neutral cosmetic lotions and creams as part of your daily skin care routine, but next time you're feeling swayed by tempting claims made for your complexion in a commercial, remember that nature usually knows best. Using these healthy, natural products either alone or in combination will have great long term benefits for both your skin and your pocket.

Harness the Natural Beauty Properties of Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has long been used to enhance beauty and treat common skin complaints, with an increasing number of celebrities now choosing this natural oil on their skin, hair and even teeth. Coconut oil is packed with nourishing vitamins and antioxidants, including vitamin E, which is well-known for its moisturizing properties. 

With a large pot of coconut oil costing far less than most branded moisturizing creams, coconut oil is also an excellent choice for frugal shoppers.

1. Face 

Coconut oil is a natural skin moisturizer that helps to repair damage, hydrate skin and replenish the skin's natural oils. 

Coconut oil is also packed with powerful antioxidants that help to prevent skin damage caused by free radicals, environmental pollutants and the sun. Antioxidants are also crucial ingredients in anti-aging products, as they help to prevent premature aging of the skin. As coconut oil contains anti-fungal and antibacterial properties, it can also be used as a topical treatment for acne and other skin conditions.

2. Teeth 

Coconut oil can be used as a mouthwash to whiten teeth and prevent tooth decay. Some coconut oil experts claim that a technique known as oil pulling can whiten teeth. 

Oil pulling involves rinsing the mouth with coconut oil for several minutes a day. The results of oil pulling vary depending on the amount of staining. The antibacterial properties in coconut oil can also help to prevent the build up of plaque, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. In addition, using coconut oil as a lip balm is an effective and natural way to prevent cracked or chapped lips.

3. Hair 

Coconut oil is an excellent hair conditioner that leaves hair feeling silky smooth. Warm coconut oil can be used as a hair mask, with long-lasting benefits from root to tip. The anti-fungal and antibacterial properties in coconut oil can treat dandruff and fungal or scaly scalp conditions, while the moisturizing properties and nourishing vitamins help to repair and prevent split ends. Simply massage the oil into the scalp and hair, cover with a towel or shower cap and leave for at least an hour before rinsing out. Coconut oil can also be used as a leave-in serum to control frizz.

Coconut oil is a natural, affordable product that provides a range of benefits for skin, hair and teeth. To achieve the best results, always buy organic and unrefined coconut oil from a reputable supplier. In addition, always perform a small skin sensitivity test before using on larger areas of the body.

Hacking Your Beauty Routine - Top Health and Beauty Tips You Need to Know

Are you looking for fast and efficient ways to improve your beauty routine? Do you want to spend less time on basic health and beauty tasks so you can spend more time doing the things you love? 

Just like growth hackers can use short-cuts in marketing, you can use beauty hacks to take care of your hair and skin. Check out the following beauty hacks to see which ones might be just what you need to increase the efficiency of your beauty efforts:

1. Remove Foot Odor with Vodka 

Although you might hate to waste it, vodka is particularly good for stinky feet. Massage your feet with vodka to help kill off yucky odors.

2. Petroleum Jelly: The Best Eye Makeup Remover

Use petroleum jelly to remove your eye makeup. Not only will your eye shadow and mascara come off with ease, you might even notice your eyelashes growing longer over time. Be sure to remove excess petroleum jelly to avoid leaving marks on your pillow cases.

3. Get Stronger Nails with Coconut Oil 

Coconut oil isn't just for cooking. Rub coconut oil into your nail cuticles for soft skin. If you take a few moments to massage your nails at the same time, you're likely to find your nails gradually growing stronger too.

4. Avoids Bad Breath with Parsley 

If you are plagued by bad breath in the morning, try nibbling on parsley before going to bed. The chlorophyll in parsley can help you avoid those smelly morning breath problems.
  
It's easy to hack your health and beauty routine if you know a few essential tips. Instead of investing in expensive lotions and potions from the drugstore, you might already have answer to your health and beauty problems in your home. Do you think you'll be trying any of the above-listed beauty tips?

These Common Kitchen Items Will Transform Your Beauty Routine

You don't need to go further than your kitchen to rejuvenate your skin, soften your hair, and regain that youthful glow. Some of the most effective beauty treatments can be found in your pantry closet. Whether your wallet is empty, or you want to try a more natural beauty approach, try these cheap, natural methods to look and feel your best. 

1) Baking Soda

Do you have oily hair and dandruff? Baking soda helps removes dead skin and oil buildups – without drying out your scalp! Rub a baking soda and water solution into your roots before you get your hair wet. For best results, scrub your entire scalp with your fingertips. After rinsing, apply an apple cider vinegar solution and rinse clean for silky, soft hair. 

Baking soda can also be used as a cheap, effective teeth whitener. Brush your teeth twice a week with baking soda until you have achieved your desired level of whiteness. Use sparingly; baking soda is abrasive and can damage tooth enamel if used long-term. 

2) Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a popular cooking staple, folk medicine for upset stomachs, and, it turns out, an indispensable beauty product.  Apple cider vinegar is a popular component in many all-natural face washes, creams and toners. It can be used as a hair conditioner. 

Kick stubborn acne by applying an apple cider vinegar and water solution to your face daily. Undiluted apple cider vinegar can be used to target stubborn blemishes, fade acne scars, and reduce the swelling in cystic acne. 

Rinse your hair with an apple cider vinegar solution after your regular shampoo routine. Apple cider vinegar returns shine, prevents split-ends, and even reduces frizz and hair-static during dry winter months. 

3) Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is the ultimate moisturizer. Say goodbye to scaly elbows and cracking cuticles. Apply pea-sized amounts of coconut oil to rejuvenate dry skin anywhere on your body. 

Do you struggle with frizzy hair and split ends? Coconut oil has a cure for that too. Periodically apply a coconut oil mask to your hair to re-moisturize dry ends, reduce frizz, and even enhance your natural curl pattern. 

Take Charge of Your Appearance

Looking good is important. Your appearance is the part of yourself you project to the world, and a bad hair day or zit can make you feel less confident. Project the best version of yourself without spending a fortune. These natural beauty methods are cheap, simple, and effective. The best part is that these ingredients are likely already in your house!

Natural Moisturizers You Can Make

Moisturizers can be expensive and contain questionable chemicals. Fortunately, there are natural moisturizers that you can use daily. These moisturizers can slow skin aging and infuse your skin with nutrients that will give it a healthy glow.

Coconut oil, Vitamin E, and Essential Oil Paste

Mix a half cup of coconut oil, one teaspoon of liquid vitamin E, and seven drops of lavender essential oil or tea tree oil in a bowl until you create a homogenized paste. Apply the paste as you would with a moisturizer.

When applied to the skin, coconut oil can sterilize cracked skin with its antiseptic qualities. The vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, neutralizing any free radicals around and in your skin cells, thereby fighting signs of aging such as wrinkles. Lavender and tea tree oil have antiseptic properties as well. 

Although slower acting, studies show that tea tree oil is as effective as benzoyl peroxide.

Witch Hazel

Mix witch hazel with water and apply it to your skin. Witch hazel has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Thus, not only does it moisturize, but it also fights inflammatory skin conditions.

Grape Paste

Crush grapes and mix with an emulsifier like vitamin E to form a paste. Due to the magnesium, potassium, selenium, flavonoid, and vitamin B6, A, and C in the grapes, this paste will make your skin glow.

Rosehip Seed Oil Mixture

Mix rosehip seed oil with water and apply it to your skin. Rosehip seed oil seeps into your skin without leaving a greasy residue. It's rich in essential fats, thus making it well-suited for dehydrated skin. It can also heal scars and prevent signs of aging.

Opt for a natural moisturizer before buying an expensive commercial chemical formula. It takes less than half an hour to make, and not only will it be healthier and cheaper, but it can treat blemishes and prevent premature aging as well.

References: 

• organicfacts.net/health-benefits/oils/properties-of-coconut-oil.html
• goldenrule.com/health-wellness/benefits-of-vitamin-e-on-skin/
• well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/27/remedies-tea-tree-oil-for-acne/
• popsugar.com/latina/DIY-Latina-Beauty-Remedies-38279437
• livesimply.me/2013/09/18/simple-homemade-moisturizer/
• mountainroseherbs.com/products/rosehip-seed-oil/profile