Dec 11, 2013

Beauty Tips...

The finest clothing made is a person's own skin, but, 
of course, society demands something more than this..




As usual when I read something I think may be of interest, I always like to share it.  Most women I know and I include myself of course, are always looking for ways to improve something about ourselves.  We are always hoping to find that miracle something that would give us perfect skin, perfect hair etc.  You name it we are interested.  It's no wonder that the the industry that caters to women's beauty needs rakes in billions of dollars a year.

This morning I was reading about 

7 At-Home Treatments for Super Clear Skin

As we all know, there are so many suspected causes for bacteria and acne and whatever else it is that affects our skin these days, and let me tell you just about everything today will cause some kind of a blemish that will drive us women seeking help to "fix" it.  There are also tons and tons of products out in the market today that one can buy that will supposedly clear everything away and give us that baby clear complexion we always seek.

Does it matter if they work?  Not at all.  We just want to believe in something and for that the price sometimes is irrelevant.  Most of us will do and buy just about anything for that beautiful looking skin.  

 That said, you don't necessarily need to shell out hard-earned cash to fight the zits. First, take a trip to your own pantry and medicine cabinet--these simple at-home ingredients can treat your blemishes effectively, and economically.
Here are the tips for beautiful skin and what products will provide us with this "magical" solution to everything.


Apple cider vinegar balances pH levels of skin and hosts natural antibacterial and antiseptic properties to nip acne-causing bacteria in the bud. It also contains acids that gently exfoliate and soften skin.
How To Use It: Mix 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with 3 teaspoons of water. Cleanse and dry your face. Moisten a cotton ball and swipe over entire face, avoiding eye area. Leave on for 10 minutes and rinse with tepid water. Use up to 3 times a day.
Distilled from the leaves an Australian shrub, tea tree oil contains powerful antibacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal compounds that kills bacteria that can lead to breakouts. Studies show that they daily use of tea tree is as effective as benzoyl peroxide (found in most over the counter acne creams and gels) to reduce inflammation of mild to moderate acne. While tea tree's effects work more slowly than benzoyl peroxide, it's a lot less drying and irritating to skin.
How To Use It: It's potent stuff and should be diluted before applying to skin. Mix 1/2 teaspoon tea tree oil with 2 tablespoons of water or aloe vera juice or gel. Moisten a cotton ball with the solution and use to spot-treat problem areas. Use daily or 2 times a day.
Lemon juice contains L-asorbic acid, which works as a natural astringent to reduce excess oil and as a mild exfoliant to slough off dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores. Plus, lemon contains natural antibacterial compounds that disinfect bacteria that can lead to acne.
How To Use It: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice (not bottled) for maximum efficacy. Moisten a cotton ball with the juice and use it to swipe over affected areas. For sensitive skin, dilute with water. Leave on for 30 minutes and as long as overnight before rinsing with tepid water. Use every 1 to 3 days.
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, balances pH levels of skin thanks to its amphoteric properties. It works to remedy imbalanced pH levels that contribute to and aggravate acne. Baking soda's mild antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties also calm skin and cool out exacerbation of inflamed acne. Plus, the grain of baking soda powder is round, so it works as a gentle exfoliate that won't harm skin.
How To Use It: Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 1 teaspoon of water or lemon juice to form a paste. Cleanse your face and use baking soda to gently exfoliate damp skin with your fingertips. Rinse with tepid water to remove completely. Use 2 to 3 times per week.
Witch hazel, a solution distilled from the leaves and bark of a North American shrub, contains tannins, which have astringent effects on skin to effectively soothe inflammation and reduce excess oil. Plus, its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antimicrobial properties help curb bacterial colonization.
How To Use It: Use alcohol-free witch hazel without artificial fragrances or ingredients. Cleanse and dry skin. Moisten a cotton ball with it and apply to problem areas. No need to rinse. Use up to 3 times per day.
Hydrogen peroxide, H2O2, is an antiseptic that kills bacteria that can lead to acne and also oxygenates pores to potentially prevent future breakouts.
How To Use It: Use a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution (yep, the same stuff you use to clean and disinfect cuts). Cleanse and dry your face. Moisten a cotton ball with it and apply to problem areas. No need to rinse. Use daily when breakouts occur.
The sap of aloe vera leaves, a cactus-like  plant, have antibacterial properties to kill the bacteria that instigates acne, anti-inflammatory properties to soothe aggravated skin, and astringent properties to heal harmed skin. Aloe also helps heal scars, balances moisture in skin and stimulates new skin growth.
Happy Holidays:)
How To Use It: Cleanse and dry your face. If using gel or juice, use a cotton ball to apply over your entire face. If using a fresh leaf, peel away the green skin (especially the prickly edges!) and apply directly to skin. Let it dry completely before rinsing with tepid water. Use daily or several times per week.
Just about all of these products are simple and easily obtained.  Not to mention they are inexpensive and best of all many of them actually work.  When I was younger I used the witch hazel.  Have to say it cleans the face and leaves it feeling fresh and revitalized.  No oily residue there.
Maybe we all know that Aloe really is a miracle worker.  For blemishes, cuts and many skin conditions noting like rubbing the sap directly to the affected body part.
Yes, sometimes back to basics is not such a bad idea.  
We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. 
There is no end to the adventures that we can have
 if only we seek them with our eyes open...
~Nadiya~