Dark/discoloured lips could be due to an unhealthy lifestyle or bad hygiene habits.
If you smoke, here's one more reason to kick the butt. Smoking is one of the biggest causes of lips turning dark. Experts say that the nicotine present in cigarettes causes lip discolouration.
Your lips also need regular exfoliation. Use a soft bristle toothbrush to scrub your lips once a week. This will remove all dead skin and keep your lips pink, soft and healthy.
Experts say that massaging your lips regularly will improve circulation. Make a paste of crush almonds and lemon juice and massage it on your lips regularly.
Lips also need to be hydrated and moisturized. Apply petroleum jelly or lip balm daily so that you don't suffer from dry and chapped lips. Use a balm, which has cocoa butter, known to be great for lips.
A simple home remedy to lighten dark lips is to crush pomegranate seeds and mix them with a few drops of milk cream. Apply this paste on your lips and leave for 20 minutes.
Sunday, 5 April 2015
Easy ways to cure underarm darkening
Simple ways to get rid of dark underarms
Frequent use of razors and deodorants can cause dark, ugly looking underarms that can cause you a lot of embarrassment. Here's how to get rid of the darkness.
Milk and flour pack - Make a thick paste out of milk and white or wheat flour and apply a thick layer of it on your underarms. Let it dry off and rinse. This mixture helps exfoliate the dead skin off and the milk helps lighten the skin.
Coconut oil - Massage underarms for a few minutes with some warm coconut oil and leave it on for about half an hour. Go for a steam and then have a warm exfoliating bath with a good quality scrub. Doing this three to four times a week can show effective results.
Vinegar pack - IF you're not allergic to vinegar, mix some rice flour with a few drops of vinegar to form a thick paste. Apply on the affected areas and let it dry for about 20 minutes. Scrub it once it is dry and have a warm bath.
Home lightening pack - A pack made with a mix of yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric and besan should be applied and kept for about 20 minutes. Wash it off with some warm water. Repeat the process everyday for several days to see results.
9 Ways to keep your skin looking young
You might not know what it is, but collagen is the key when it comes to keeping your skin youthful and wrinkle-free.
Collagen is a protein produced by our cells that helps "hold" the skin together, giving it firmness and elasticity. When we're young, our skin stays plump and smooth because it constantly regenerates itself. But as we age, collagen production slows -and existing collagen can get damaged due to sun exposure and bad skin habits.The results?
Wrinkles and sagging skin. Luckily , there's lots you can do to preserve your collagen and even boost its production...
1. UP YOUR VITAMIN C IN TAKE
A study published in the American Journal of Nutrition found women over 40 with the highest amount of vitamin C in their diet were less likely to develop wrinkles than those who consumed lower levels."Vitamin C is crucial to the formation of collagen. Without it, amino acids can't be linked to form the protein," says dietitian Jo Travers, "Good sources are red pepper, dark green leafy vegetables like broccoli and sprouts, tomatoes, oranges and kiwi fruit." Skincare products that contains vitamin C is also thought to encourage collagen repair (it's usually listed on the label as LAscorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate or ascorbyl phosphate).
2. STOP SMOKING
"Smoking creates enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which damage the collagen in your skin; hence the telltale sagging which many smokers are betrayed by," says consultant dermatologist Dr Nick Lowe.
3. STAY SUN SAFE
Sun exposure is a prime suspect for hastening collagen loss. "UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and damage the deep collagen support structures there," says Dr Lowe, "My advice would be to wear an SPF15 broad spectrum cream (one that protects against UVA and UVB rays) through the year."
4. REACH FOR RETINOL
Retinoid creams -only available on prescription -have been proven to help boost collagen production. "Retinoids reduce substances in the skin that break down collagen after sun exposure and also target receptors in the skin which increase the production of collagen," says Dr Maria Gonzalez. You can get your hands on milder forms of retinoid in over-the-counter retinol creams.
5. CUT BACK ON THE STUFF SWEET
According to Dr Patricia Farris, eating too much sugar can be a beauty disaster. It causes premature ageing of the skin by a process called gly cation. This is where excess sugar in the blood attaches itself to lipids, nucleic acids and proteins (especially your collagen) to form "advanced glycation end products" or AGEs, which accelerate the ageing process and cause wrinkly skin.
6. EXFOLIATE
Exfoliation -removing the top, dead layer of skin -helps speed up the natural process of skin and col lagen renewal, says Amanda Elias, founder of a skin care brand. "My favourite way to b exfoliate is with chemical exfo liants such as gly colic acid and lac tic acid. They dis solve the glue-like ubstance that substance that bonds dead skin to the surface rather than sloughing it away like scrubs do, and give a more even scrubs do, and give a more even r result, leaving skin looking healthier tand more radiant."
7. ADD ANTIOXIDANTS TO YOUR SKINCARE REGIME
Antioxidants help protect against free radicals that can cause ageing skin."The term `free radical' describes a damaged skin cell," says Amanda."It's `free' because it's missing an elec tron (healthy cells have two electrons, a damaged cell has one). "Free radicals attach themselves to healthy skin cells and basically suck out the electrons they need, leaving healthy skin cells damaged. This process triggers an enzyme in the skin that breaks down collagen. Antioxidants help by neutralising the free radical so that it doesn't have to feed off our healthy skin cells."
Sip on green tea -it contains antioxidants called catechins -and eat foods high in lutein, an antioxidant found in green leafy veg like spinach. Look for creams and serums containing antioxidants, too.
8. PLANT PROTEINS, PLEASE
The menopause can make us wrinkly because, as we age, our oestrogen levels drop. Because oestrogen is vital to making healthy collagen, creases and crinkles can creep in to our skin. Lots of foods contain plant oestrogens (phytoestrogens) that can help replace the effects of lost oestrogen. Try hummus, nuts, soy and pinto beans. Look for face creams containing phytoestrogens.
9. MASSAGE
"Massaging your face daily will help boost the production of collagen, give skin a more plump appearance and help stimulate the lymph glands to promote clear skin," says Nichola Joss, a skincare expert. "Use a collagen boosting oil," she adds.
Collagen is a protein produced by our cells that helps "hold" the skin together, giving it firmness and elasticity. When we're young, our skin stays plump and smooth because it constantly regenerates itself. But as we age, collagen production slows -and existing collagen can get damaged due to sun exposure and bad skin habits.The results?
Wrinkles and sagging skin. Luckily , there's lots you can do to preserve your collagen and even boost its production...
1. UP YOUR VITAMIN C IN TAKE
A study published in the American Journal of Nutrition found women over 40 with the highest amount of vitamin C in their diet were less likely to develop wrinkles than those who consumed lower levels."Vitamin C is crucial to the formation of collagen. Without it, amino acids can't be linked to form the protein," says dietitian Jo Travers, "Good sources are red pepper, dark green leafy vegetables like broccoli and sprouts, tomatoes, oranges and kiwi fruit." Skincare products that contains vitamin C is also thought to encourage collagen repair (it's usually listed on the label as LAscorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate or ascorbyl phosphate).
2. STOP SMOKING
"Smoking creates enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which damage the collagen in your skin; hence the telltale sagging which many smokers are betrayed by," says consultant dermatologist Dr Nick Lowe.
3. STAY SUN SAFE
Sun exposure is a prime suspect for hastening collagen loss. "UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and damage the deep collagen support structures there," says Dr Lowe, "My advice would be to wear an SPF15 broad spectrum cream (one that protects against UVA and UVB rays) through the year."
4. REACH FOR RETINOL
Retinoid creams -only available on prescription -have been proven to help boost collagen production. "Retinoids reduce substances in the skin that break down collagen after sun exposure and also target receptors in the skin which increase the production of collagen," says Dr Maria Gonzalez. You can get your hands on milder forms of retinoid in over-the-counter retinol creams.
5. CUT BACK ON THE STUFF SWEET
According to Dr Patricia Farris, eating too much sugar can be a beauty disaster. It causes premature ageing of the skin by a process called gly cation. This is where excess sugar in the blood attaches itself to lipids, nucleic acids and proteins (especially your collagen) to form "advanced glycation end products" or AGEs, which accelerate the ageing process and cause wrinkly skin.
6. EXFOLIATE
Exfoliation -removing the top, dead layer of skin -helps speed up the natural process of skin and col lagen renewal, says Amanda Elias, founder of a skin care brand. "My favourite way to b exfoliate is with chemical exfo liants such as gly colic acid and lac tic acid. They dis solve the glue-like ubstance that substance that bonds dead skin to the surface rather than sloughing it away like scrubs do, and give a more even scrubs do, and give a more even r result, leaving skin looking healthier tand more radiant."
7. ADD ANTIOXIDANTS TO YOUR SKINCARE REGIME
Antioxidants help protect against free radicals that can cause ageing skin."The term `free radical' describes a damaged skin cell," says Amanda."It's `free' because it's missing an elec tron (healthy cells have two electrons, a damaged cell has one). "Free radicals attach themselves to healthy skin cells and basically suck out the electrons they need, leaving healthy skin cells damaged. This process triggers an enzyme in the skin that breaks down collagen. Antioxidants help by neutralising the free radical so that it doesn't have to feed off our healthy skin cells."
Sip on green tea -it contains antioxidants called catechins -and eat foods high in lutein, an antioxidant found in green leafy veg like spinach. Look for creams and serums containing antioxidants, too.
8. PLANT PROTEINS, PLEASE
The menopause can make us wrinkly because, as we age, our oestrogen levels drop. Because oestrogen is vital to making healthy collagen, creases and crinkles can creep in to our skin. Lots of foods contain plant oestrogens (phytoestrogens) that can help replace the effects of lost oestrogen. Try hummus, nuts, soy and pinto beans. Look for face creams containing phytoestrogens.
9. MASSAGE
"Massaging your face daily will help boost the production of collagen, give skin a more plump appearance and help stimulate the lymph glands to promote clear skin," says Nichola Joss, a skincare expert. "Use a collagen boosting oil," she adds.
Five benefits of having oily skin
So, you thought it was downright bad to have an oily skin? Well, it's time to think again. The occasional breakouts should not demoralise. Because, here are a five benefits of having an oily skin.
Much slower rate of aging: People with dry skin show the signs of aging much faster than the ones with oily skin. Wrinkles and fine lines get camouflaged by the oily skin.
Your skin a natural glow, all the time: The shine on your oily face doesn't look bad all the time. While many buy expensive products to get that shiny T-zone, you have it for free. Isn't that awesome?
Your face has natural oils: And these oils keep your skin healthy and soft. Hence, you don't need expensive day or night creams to protect your skin and make it smooth. Your skin will always be moisturised, season no bar: Your skins natural oils will take care of it. Not only that, your skin is also resilient to the harshness of various environmental conditions.
Low maintenance: Yes, you don't need those heavy foundations that wear out in the middle of the day. A simple dash of face powder and you are ready to go.
Much slower rate of aging: People with dry skin show the signs of aging much faster than the ones with oily skin. Wrinkles and fine lines get camouflaged by the oily skin.
Your skin a natural glow, all the time: The shine on your oily face doesn't look bad all the time. While many buy expensive products to get that shiny T-zone, you have it for free. Isn't that awesome?
Your face has natural oils: And these oils keep your skin healthy and soft. Hence, you don't need expensive day or night creams to protect your skin and make it smooth. Your skin will always be moisturised, season no bar: Your skins natural oils will take care of it. Not only that, your skin is also resilient to the harshness of various environmental conditions.
Low maintenance: Yes, you don't need those heavy foundations that wear out in the middle of the day. A simple dash of face powder and you are ready to go.
6 easy home remedies to get rid of dark circles
Someone truly said that eyes can say a thousand words. But if the dark circles under your eyes also give out a lot about your health, lifestyle and routine.
Dark circles can affect both men and women. Now there are many reasons for dark circles to appear under your eyes; from stress, lack of sleep, hormonal changes, a disturbed lifestyle, hereditary and many more. But if not treated on time, they will not only dull your overall appearance, it can also lead to serious health issues. Though chemical based products helps in getting rid of them, but then there are many who have an extremely sensitive skin and only pure home remedies can help them. We list down some easy and doable home remedies which will help you to get rid of dark circles.
1. Tomatoes: Tomatoes are an excellent solution for getting rid of dark circle, as it naturally helps to decrease the dark circles and also makes the skin soft and supple. All you need to do is mix one teaspoon of tomato juice with a teaspoon of lemon juice and apply it under your eyes. Let it remain for about 10 minutes and then, wash it off with water. Repeat this remedy at least twice a day. On a daily basis you can also drink tomato juice mixed with some lemon juice and mint leaves in order to get rid of dark circles.
2. Grated potatoes: Grate some raw potato and extract the juice of the same. Now take a cotton ball and soak it in the potato juice. Close your eyes and place these cotton balls on your eyes. Make sure they cover the entire area of the dark circles under your eyes as well as the eyelids. Leave it on for 10 minutes and wash off with cold water.
3. Cold tea bags: Another simple technique to get rid of the dark circles is using cold tea bags. Soak a tea bag preferably a chamomile or green tea bags in water. Chill it by placing it in the refrigerator for a while. Now, place them over your eyes. Use this remedy on a regular basis to see considerable difference.
4. Cold milk: Regular use of cold milk will also decrease the dark circles and also soothes your eyes and skin. Take a cotton ball and place it in a bowl of cold milk or iced water for a while. Now apply the cotton ball making sure that it covers the entire eye with the affected area. Keep it for a while. Wash it regular water.
5. Orange juice: Another effective home remedy to remove dark circles is orange juice. Mix some orange juice with a few drops of glycerin and apply this mixture over the dark circles. Not only will it diminish the dark circles it will also give a natural glow to your eyes.
6. Yoga/meditation: One of the main reasons that's seen for the recurrence of dark circles under eyes is because of stress, depression and a hectic lifestyle. No amount of home remedies will work if your mind isn't cool and calm. Yoga and meditation if practiced regularly will not only decrease your dark circles will also balance the body clock whilst calming your mind, body and soul.
Dark circles can affect both men and women. Now there are many reasons for dark circles to appear under your eyes; from stress, lack of sleep, hormonal changes, a disturbed lifestyle, hereditary and many more. But if not treated on time, they will not only dull your overall appearance, it can also lead to serious health issues. Though chemical based products helps in getting rid of them, but then there are many who have an extremely sensitive skin and only pure home remedies can help them. We list down some easy and doable home remedies which will help you to get rid of dark circles.
1. Tomatoes: Tomatoes are an excellent solution for getting rid of dark circle, as it naturally helps to decrease the dark circles and also makes the skin soft and supple. All you need to do is mix one teaspoon of tomato juice with a teaspoon of lemon juice and apply it under your eyes. Let it remain for about 10 minutes and then, wash it off with water. Repeat this remedy at least twice a day. On a daily basis you can also drink tomato juice mixed with some lemon juice and mint leaves in order to get rid of dark circles.
2. Grated potatoes: Grate some raw potato and extract the juice of the same. Now take a cotton ball and soak it in the potato juice. Close your eyes and place these cotton balls on your eyes. Make sure they cover the entire area of the dark circles under your eyes as well as the eyelids. Leave it on for 10 minutes and wash off with cold water.
3. Cold tea bags: Another simple technique to get rid of the dark circles is using cold tea bags. Soak a tea bag preferably a chamomile or green tea bags in water. Chill it by placing it in the refrigerator for a while. Now, place them over your eyes. Use this remedy on a regular basis to see considerable difference.
4. Cold milk: Regular use of cold milk will also decrease the dark circles and also soothes your eyes and skin. Take a cotton ball and place it in a bowl of cold milk or iced water for a while. Now apply the cotton ball making sure that it covers the entire eye with the affected area. Keep it for a while. Wash it regular water.
5. Orange juice: Another effective home remedy to remove dark circles is orange juice. Mix some orange juice with a few drops of glycerin and apply this mixture over the dark circles. Not only will it diminish the dark circles it will also give a natural glow to your eyes.
6. Yoga/meditation: One of the main reasons that's seen for the recurrence of dark circles under eyes is because of stress, depression and a hectic lifestyle. No amount of home remedies will work if your mind isn't cool and calm. Yoga and meditation if practiced regularly will not only decrease your dark circles will also balance the body clock whilst calming your mind, body and soul.
How to get rid of ring marks on your finger
Wearing rings for a prolonged period of time causes ugly marks around your fingers. If ignored, those marks can become permanent.
If you are dealing with such ring stains then not wearing your ring is a temporary solution. Those stains will come back once you put on the ring again. Here are a few tips to get rid of ring marks on your fingers:
Exfoliate the affected areas regularly. This will help you in getting rid of dead cells that darken the area.
Do not forget to apply sunscreen before stepping out. Sometimes the tan caused by exposure to sun makes the marks even more stubborn and hard to get rid of.
Use a mixture of lemon and honey on the marks. Take a tablespoon of each and massage the area with it for 15 minutes thrice a week. This not only lighten the marks but will also decrease your tan.
Moisturise your fingers regularly. Herbal moisturisers are best and will keep your skin hydrated, which will help reduce ring marks.
Go for regular manicures. Either in a parlour or at home, manicures are effective to remove marks.
If you are dealing with such ring stains then not wearing your ring is a temporary solution. Those stains will come back once you put on the ring again. Here are a few tips to get rid of ring marks on your fingers:
Exfoliate the affected areas regularly. This will help you in getting rid of dead cells that darken the area.
Do not forget to apply sunscreen before stepping out. Sometimes the tan caused by exposure to sun makes the marks even more stubborn and hard to get rid of.
Use a mixture of lemon and honey on the marks. Take a tablespoon of each and massage the area with it for 15 minutes thrice a week. This not only lighten the marks but will also decrease your tan.
Moisturise your fingers regularly. Herbal moisturisers are best and will keep your skin hydrated, which will help reduce ring marks.
Go for regular manicures. Either in a parlour or at home, manicures are effective to remove marks.
How chocolate can make your skin look beautiful
Here are a few ways chocolate works on your skin —
- Chocolate has strong aroma because of phytochemical like polyphenol which is anti oxidant, it has flavonoids like valeric acid which is a relaxant. It gives a sense of well being.
- Chocolate facial can boost up dull looking , sagging skin by stimulating circulation and heat nerve endings, so skin looks radiant.
- At home you can mix milk powder and dark coco with any cleanser to make chocolate cleanser.
- Crushed strawberry with coca beens powder can be a good scrub.
- Mix Multani miti with chocolate powder to make pack, which is not only affordable, but also without preservatives and more beneficial for quick fix before new year party.
- Caffeine facials: It uses cocoa extracts that stimulates cellular metabolic process, reduces skin nodules, clarifies and tackles spot forming bacteria. It's anti-inflammatory and reduces scars.
- Being made from cocoa, it's rich in anti-oxidants (vitamins A and E) and cocoa butter hydrates and sooths the skin. There are also more than 300 different compounds that can contribute to one's health and beauty. Chocolate is packed with superpowers: it's an excellent free radical scavenger and works as an anti-oxidant, hydrates the skin, reduces blemishes and increases collagen.
- Cocoa beans are rich in magnesium, which helps stimulate the body to produce a vital hormone, progesterone, that is ideal for dealing with stress-related breakouts. It is filled with tryptophan, an essential amino acid that is a precursor of serotonin, called happy hormone.
- Theo bromine, an integral part of chocolate, stimulates the body and has a slimming effect. It also helps cellulite.
- It has lots of polyphenol, which is the same substance that makes red wine good for you. the polyphenol compounds in cocoa have anti-ageing properties. Theobromine, an integral part of chocolate, stimulates the body and has a slimming effect.
- Can also be as an exfoliant along with almond oil, chocolate extract and crushed cocoa beans. It can be used in various forms on skin.
- Chocolate mask, scrub, wax, massage cream, after shower cream etc. There are cosmetic product lines exclusively dedicated to caffeine and chocolate benefits.
- Chocolate has strong aroma because of phytochemical like polyphenol which is anti oxidant, it has flavonoids like valeric acid which is a relaxant. It gives a sense of well being.
- Chocolate facial can boost up dull looking , sagging skin by stimulating circulation and heat nerve endings, so skin looks radiant.
- At home you can mix milk powder and dark coco with any cleanser to make chocolate cleanser.
- Crushed strawberry with coca beens powder can be a good scrub.
- Mix Multani miti with chocolate powder to make pack, which is not only affordable, but also without preservatives and more beneficial for quick fix before new year party.
- Caffeine facials: It uses cocoa extracts that stimulates cellular metabolic process, reduces skin nodules, clarifies and tackles spot forming bacteria. It's anti-inflammatory and reduces scars.
- Being made from cocoa, it's rich in anti-oxidants (vitamins A and E) and cocoa butter hydrates and sooths the skin. There are also more than 300 different compounds that can contribute to one's health and beauty. Chocolate is packed with superpowers: it's an excellent free radical scavenger and works as an anti-oxidant, hydrates the skin, reduces blemishes and increases collagen.
- Cocoa beans are rich in magnesium, which helps stimulate the body to produce a vital hormone, progesterone, that is ideal for dealing with stress-related breakouts. It is filled with tryptophan, an essential amino acid that is a precursor of serotonin, called happy hormone.
- Theo bromine, an integral part of chocolate, stimulates the body and has a slimming effect. It also helps cellulite.
- It has lots of polyphenol, which is the same substance that makes red wine good for you. the polyphenol compounds in cocoa have anti-ageing properties. Theobromine, an integral part of chocolate, stimulates the body and has a slimming effect.
- Can also be as an exfoliant along with almond oil, chocolate extract and crushed cocoa beans. It can be used in various forms on skin.
- Chocolate mask, scrub, wax, massage cream, after shower cream etc. There are cosmetic product lines exclusively dedicated to caffeine and chocolate benefits.
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