good skin – That Madras Mom

April 14, 2021April 14, 2021

L’s which help in skincare

Every ingredient out there has some benefit be it for the body, skin or hair. In some cases the ingredient or even it’s kin or residue is considered to be of great usage. Lemon juice, orange juice, lemon or orange peel coffee grounds are some examples.

Let’s take a look at the L’s which help in skincare.

Lemons

Lemons are rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C as we know is an antioxidant which helps protect skin against damage and delay premature aging.

Lemon is known for its astringent properties hence it can be used to reduce pores.

The vitamin C in lemon help in boosting collagen and helps repair sun damage and rejuvenate the skin.

Lemon has very high pH level and hence it helps in controlling production of sebum.

Lemon can naturally lighten age and dark spots upon continuous usage.

But make sure you do not apply it directly on to skin because it could sometimes burn the skin.

DIYs

Face mask : Mix in one egg white, one teaspoon of lemon juice and 1/2 tablespoon of honey. Apply on to face and wash off after 30 minutes. The mask absorbs excess oil and tightens pores .
Anti acne mask: Mix in one teaspoon of lemon juice, honey and baking soda. Apply on face and wash off in 15 minutes.
Mask for reduction of inflammation and redness : mix in two tablespoons of honey to one tablespoon of lemon and cinnamon powder. Apply on to face and wash off in 15 minutes.
Mask for hyperpigmentation: mix in one teaspoon of lemon juice, one tablespoon of honey , yogurt and turmeric powder. Apply on to face and wash off in 15 minutes.
Moisturizer : mix in few drops of coconut water to few drops of lemon juice. Mix and apply. Leave on for ten minutes and wash off.
Lip scrub: Mix in few drops of lemon juice to one tablespoon of brown sugar. Apply over lips and mildly scrub. Wash off after 5 minutes.
Anti aging mask : Mix in one teaspoon of lemon juice to one tablespoon of green tea and a pinch of turmeric. Apply on.to face and wash off after 15 minutes.
Exfoliating mask ; mix in two tablespoons of besan to one tablespoon of lemon juice. Apply on to face and wash off after a gentle scrub post 10 minutes.

Licorice

One main problem that makes it hard for you to make the dream come true of flawless skin is dark spots. It could be due to acne or hormonal but it’s just making it difficult to get the spotless skin. I’m not preaching that you should aim for spotless skin that’s when you are beautiful. If you read carefully I’m just giving out tips that could make your skin feel better. Not expensive tubs or tubes or chemical treatments just simple ingredients at home that could make it work for you.

Coming back to the point doctors suggest hydroquinone to treat dark spots, which is said to be highly potent. But if something at home can give you the same result why would you want to use hydroquinone.

Licorice is the magic ingredient that has the ability to fade of dark spots. Licorice reduces or inhibits production of melanin and removes it of it is in excess. Licorice also helps treat inflammation due to its antiinflammatory properties.

But if you’re using retinol or hydroquinone do not use licorice simultaneously.

It’s a potent antioxidant that helps in preventing aging and discoloration.

DIYs

Mix two tablespoons of mulethi or licorice powder to one tablespoon of honey. Mix in a teaspoon of lemon juice and apply on face. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes. Repeat twice a week for best results.
Mix one tablespoon of licorice powder to half a tablespoon of honey and sandalwood powder. Add in two tablespoons of yoghurt. Mix and apply on to face and wash off in 15 minutes.

The above two packs have the same benefits with respect to lightening and evens out skin tone. But if you use sandalwood it gives a cooling effect.

Licorice gives a tingling sensation when applied, do a patch test before applying to see if it does not cause any reaction.

This post is written as part of Blogchatter’s A2Z challenge.

April 12, 2021April 12, 2021

J’s which help in skincare

Essential oils are great to use for skincare. But you need to know how to use them. They cannot be used directly but can be used in combination with carrier oils. Right from curing ailments , relaxing your mind to healing skin issues essential oils have varied benefits.

Now lets see how we could used jojoba oil and its benefits for skin.

JOJOBA OIL

Jojoba oil was long ago used by native Americans for its cosmetic and healing properties. They ground the seed with pestle to use the buttery residue that has many benefits.

Jojoba oil is a humectant. It helps to seal moisture and also act as a barrier preventing bacterial infection and acne.

Jojoba oil is rich in antioxidants and contains vitamin E. The antioxidants help protect against pollution effects on skin. Since antioxidants also help in collagen production it helps skin look younger and firm.

Jojoba oil is said to be noncomedogenic. Its similar to sebum secretion in skin.When applied on skin, it helps in less building up of sebum and thereby does not clog pores which eventually is the primary reason for acne or breakouts. This is because when applied the body is signaled that there is similar substance already present and does not need anything in addition to be secreted.

Jojoba oil is a hypoallergenic and does not cause an allergy when used on skin. It is easily absorbed because of its waxy texture.

Jojoba oil is a good ingredient to be used as cleanser. Soaps or face wash could be avoided and the oil can be used to remove dirt and impurities. Its an excellent makeup remover and makes it easier to remove it with ease.

Jojoba oil is a common ingredient in many sunscreen due to its healing abilities. It helps heal sunburns.

Jojoba oil helps in healing because of its anti inflammatory properties. Skin issues like dry skin, eczema, psoriasis ,acne and scarring can be healed. Topical application over skin can help in relieving itching, dryness and flaking.

Because of its oily consistency and texture it is suitable for treating dry and chapped lips.

USES:

Jojoba oil can be mixed with peppermint oil to ease pain.
Jojoba oil can be mixed with eucalyptus oil for stress relief.
Jojoba oil can be used to massage dry lips. This can be followed by using your regular lip balm. Visible difference on continuous usage.
Massage jojoba oil on skin around nails to moisturize the cuticles and to prevent infections in nails.
On prolonged usage it helps in lash growth.

DIYS

LIP SCRUB: Mix 1 tablespoon sugar, 2 tablespoon jojoba oil, few drops of peppermint oil, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon of honey to make your own lip scrub. Store in an airtight glass jar.

FACE MASK: Blend 1/2 cup oats to powder, mix in 1.5 tablespoons of coconut oil, honey and greek yogurt to it. Mix in few drops of jojoba oil and vitamin E oil. Oats helps in exfoliation and jojoba oil helps in moisturizing.

BODY SCRUB: Mix 1/2 cup brown sugar with one teaspoon each of jojoba and sweet almond oil. Mix in one tablespoon of honey and two tablespoons of lemon juice for your very own body scrub.

JUICES :

Juices are perfect to be taken in for glowing skin. After all a healthy body shows in the glowing skin. So your skin condition also depends on what you consume in.

Let me list down some juices that also guarantee glowing skin.

Beetroot juice: Beetroot is best to cure blemishes and dark spots. It also helps in purifying blood. Best time to consume would be in between meals.
Carrot juice:Helps ward off sun damage, acne and pigmentation. It also helps even out skin tone. Best time to consume would be early morning.
Tomato juice: Rich in antioxidants helps achieve younger looking skin. Also helps reduce dis-colouration and large pores. Best time to consume would be early morning.
Spinach juice: Helps lightening the tone and enhancing complexion. Best to be consumed as a meal replacement.
Orange juice: Prevents skin from getting dry and flaked. Boosts collagen and reduce premature ageing. Best time to consume is early morning or before meals.
Lemon juice: Cleanse the body and flush out toxins. Best time to consume is early morning with honey.
Aloe vera juice: Helps in skin healing and maintain natural glow. Best time to consume is early morning before meal.
Gooseberry or amla juice: Boost collagen production and delays ageing thereby reducing wrinkles , fine lines and dark spots. Best time to consume would be early morning or before meals.
Cucumber juice: Helps keep skin nourished and hydrated. Also helps in flushing out toxins. Best time to consume would be early morning in empty stomach.
Sweet lime juice: Helps purify blood and heals dry skin. Best time to be consumed is early in the morning.
Pomegranate juice: Slows down ageing, purifies blood, keeps skin hydrated and renews skin cells. Best time to consume is early in the morning.
Apple juice: Helps keep skin firm by boosting collagen and has antioxidants which delay signs of ageing. Best time to consume is early morning in empty stomach

This post is written as part of Blogchatter’s A2Z challenge.

April 6, 2021

E’s which help in skincare

Eggs

E for ‘egg’ stays right . So lets start with benefits of using egg in skincare. Eggs provide a good dose of nourishment to skin since they are protein packed. It is not wrong to call them as super foods. Hydration and elasticity to skin is provided by eggs since they are rich in lutin. They also play a big role in repairing skin tissues and making skin firm since they are protein rich.

Eggs help in improving the texture be it dry or oily skin. The protein rich yolk aids in moisturizing whereas the white that is rich in albumin helps in reducing open pores.

Eggs help in regulating oil production thereby also removing dead skin cells so they’re good ingredients for exfoliation.

1.DIY to reduce open pores
Take two egg whites, beat and mix with one tablespoon of lemon juice. Apply on to areas where pores are visible. Once it dries wash off with lukewarm water.

2.DIY for glowing skin
Take two eggs, add yogurt and beat. Apply this mask on to face and neck.
Wash off after it dries for discover glowing skin.

3.DIY for dry skin
Take one egg and mix in half a tablespoon of honey. Apply on to face and neck.
Wash off after it dries for discover hydrated skin.

4.DIY to reduce eye bags
Egg whites are known to bring in firmness to skin. Take two beaten egg whites and apply the paste beneath the eyes. Wash off after ten minutes.

5 DIY for skin lightening
Take one egg white mix with one teaspoon of orange juice and half a teaspoon of turmeric. Apply onto face and neck. Wash off once it dries.

6.DIY for sensitive skin
Take one egg white, mix with a teaspoon of honey, yogurt and cucumber juice. Apply on to face and neck. Wash with lukewarm water.

7. DIY anti ageing eye mask
Mix one egg white with grated carrot and a teaspoon of aloe vera gel. Apply under the eyes and around. Do not apply on to eyelids.

8.DIY to remove black heads
Apply beaten egg white on to nose. Take a strip of paper towel and place over the area. Apply one more layer of egg white. Leave it to dry for about 30 minutes. Peel off.

When using masks containing egg whites make sure you do not put them into eyes and mouth. Eggs have salmonella which could cause an infection.

Eucalyptus

Originally native to australia eucalyptus is now grown all over the world. The eucalyptus oil is derived from the tree’s oval shaped leaves.

An ingredient that cannot be directly applied on to skkin but can be found in many of personal care products. It’s uses in skincare would mostly include healing of skin.

Soothes insect bites
A natural anti septic ingredient, eucalyptus helps in healing of bug bites,cuts and burns. The additional anti microbial property helps in prevention of new germ infestation. Makes an easy application too. Just dab a cotton ball in 2-3 drops of oil and apply on the affected area.

Heals cuts and scrapes
Eucalyptus oil helps make an easy anti-septic spray. Be it a cut or a burn you can now make your very own anti-septic spray at the comfort of your home. Combine 10-12 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to two cups of water and store in a spray bottle. Tada!! so easy isn’t it.

Heals sunburns

Sunburns are really painful and irritating. A refreshing spray that helps heal the burns and also makes your skin fresh is what everyone needs. The pain relieving properties and anti inflammatory properties help in healing sunburns. Combine two ounces of water, a teaspoon of aloe vera gel and 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil and your spray to heal sunburns and to deal with a hot day is ready.

Eucalyptus is usually diluted with a carrier oil when making lotions, moisturizers. Eucalyptus also finds its place in soaps, shower gels and handwashes because of its ability to soothe the skin and heal.

DIY SHOWER SPRAY

Mix 15-20 drops of eucalytus oil( 2 caps) to 4 ounces of distilled water and store in spray bottle. This makes a great rejuvenating shower spray. Make sure you store this only in glass bottles since eucalyptus is known to break plastics. This shower sure does calm down the muscles and gives a relaxed effect to the whole body and mind.

This post is written as part of Blogchatter’s A2Z challenge.

January 6, 2021January 6, 2021

Five habits of people with good skin

Some people when you look at them, the immediate thought that strikes up your mind is “my my, how clear is the skin?” . Sit down and think if you have asked this question at least once.

For some people, they are blessed with genes who have clear luminous skin. But if you still want to have that beautiful skin that would make eyeballs roll, you need to make sure the below pointers are what you follow. You need to religiously take good care and simple steps to maintain skin. Glowing skin doesn’t appear in a jiffy. It needs your dedication to keep you devoted to follow that regimen.

Here are five most common habits which people who have good skin follow.

1. Hydration

The key and the foremost habit that you need to cultivate if you aren’t doing. At least two liters of water a day. Drinking plain water is the natural way to flush out toxins. If you still don’t drink enough water, you would probably making way for the toxins to pile up and result in clogged pores. Your skin needs to have proper elasticity, be supple enough and free of any wrinkles. For this, drinking water is the first and easiest habit that you can cultivate. Not only good for your skin and great for your body too. Not drinking enough water makes skin dry and lose its shine. The skin deserves its dose of nutrition every day and no better simple food that giving it enough water.

Therefore hydration is the most easiest and first step to good skin.

2. A goodnight’s sleep

Have you ever wondered why the term is coined as ‘beauty sleep’. The repair process of the body needs sleep to be a most important factor. An essential routine that boosts blood circulation and takes care of skin repair. So make sure you have a goodnight’s sleep and sleep like a baby.

3. Sunscreen or SPFs for the rescue

Photo aging refers to skin damage caused to longer exposure to sunlight and UVA /UVB rays. Invest in a good sunscreen and your skin will thank you later. Fine lines, pigmentation showing up as blemishes are often result of sun exposure leading to premature ageing. So make sure before you take your wallet next time you step out, apply a generous amount of sunscreen on face, neck and other exposed parts of body.

4. CTM- Cleanse, Tone and moisturize

Cleanse– Washing off impurities and thereby unclogging the pores.

Tone – Toner removes last trace of dirt or impurities from skin post face wash. When done regularly you could see a visible difference in skin tightening due to lesser pores.

Moisturize– A gentle way to keep your skin hydrated and not becoming dry. You could avoid using soaps often and go on to opt for a humidifier.

Above in short in known as CTM routine and is predominantly carries out before bedtime. Doing this religiously helps skin heal of any skin related problems and provides a routine for it to run the repair and regeneration process during the night time.

Also one important point to keep in mind is to choose products for CTM according to your skin type. This will not only prove beneficial but also prevent any side effects by using products which don’t suit your skin type.

5. Eating a healthy and a balanced meal

A proper meal that has all vital nutrients aids a lot of benefits to your body. So when your body feels good, it immediately shows up on your skin. Not only eating nutrient food, eating right food in the right way is what I’d want to suggest. Foods rich in anti-oxidants like oranges, tomatoes and berries provide a lot of skin benefits. These foods help delay skin ageing and improve collagen building. Avoid foods having excess oil, sugar, preservatives and foods that are processed to flaunt that healthy skin.

As mentioned above, these are five most common habits that are followed by people around the world to maintain good skin. The priority or importance is not strictly based on the order that I have mentioned.

Make sure you do a patch test every time you try out a new product. Do not go by blind recommendations. Make sure to check the ingredients and suitability to skin type before purchasing a new skincare product.

If you experience or suffer from a skin problem do not hesitate to reach out to a dermatologist. Do not go by following everyone’s advice. Until and unless they have experience in the field, do not reach out to random people on social media asking for skincare advice.

Not all highly priced products give you good results and those which are priced less result in failures. Keep that in mind and start taking care of your skin.

This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla, and happily SPONSORED BY RRE Studios and SHOWCASE Events.