10 Beauty Products That Are a Waste of Money – Natural Alternatives

It goes without saying that we all want to look and feel our very best. Unfortunately, these desires sometimes drive us so strongly that the latest diet fad or skincare trend can have us whipping out our wallets and plunking down obscene amounts of money, solely in the hopes of dropping a few pounds or looking a few years younger.

But slow down. While some products certainly are worth their price tags, some are not. Learn to look beyond the hype, and avoid spending money on the products that aren’t worth your money. That way, you can better afford those that are.

Beauty Products That Waste Your Money
1. Teeth Whiteners
Among the most common beauty product money-wasters are over-the-counter teeth whiteners. I’m a big tea drinker, and my teeth have always had a bit of a yellow tinge to them. I’ve tried using whitening toothpastes, but have never noticed any benefits. Since whitening toothpaste costs more money than regular toothpaste, I’ve come to see such products as a waste of money.

Teeth-bleaching kits can also be a serious waste of money. This isn’t to say that they don’t work; however, the cost and side effects are entirely undesirable. Using trays and strips to bleach your teeth can lead to discoloration, tooth and gum sensitivity, and even chemical burns.

Natural Alternative
There is a better way to obtain a bright smile on the cheap with no harsh side effects. In a small jar, combine enough hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to make a watery paste, and then add 5 to 10 drops of essential clove oil. Voila! You have an instant brightening toothpaste that keeps your mouth fresh and bacteria-free.

Peroxide and baking soda are both natural bleaching ingredients that offer a bright, even smile with no side effects. You can also use an electric toothbrush to naturally polish teeth.


2. Diet Pills/Shakes/Foods
Most diet pills work in one of two ways: They either use a stimulant to suppress your appetite, or they prevent your body from absorbing fat from your meals. Neither is a healthy or effective way to lose weight. Moreover, the side effects associated with them include anxiety, sleeplessness, loose stools, and abnormal cellular growth in the colon, a precursor to colon cancer.

The majority of commercial diet shakes and meals follow the caloric restriction plan, which makes you lose weight by slow starvation. This plan is unhealthy because your body does not get the nutrients it needs to function properly. Soon, it enters “starvation mode.” You may drop some serious pounds, but this comes at the expense of feeling dizzy, rundown, and tired – and as soon as you start to eat “normally” again, you’ll gain all that weight back and more.

Natural Alternative
To lose weight the natural way, cut junk food from your diet, especially food products containing high-fructose corn syrup, which can trick your body into eating more food. Replace heavily processed foods with fresh fruits and vegetables, and follow a regular exercise plan and stick with it. Implementing such changes in your lifestyle is much healthier and cheaper than any fad diet.

3. Anti-Aging Creams
According to a Consumer Reports Health study reported by CBS News, even the most expensive anti-aging creams have little to no effect on the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.

Natural Alternatives
Aging gracefully does not have to be an expensive (or painful) process. Try some of these natural alternatives for wrinkle-free skin:

Dry Skin Brushing. I’ve been using a dry skin brush for several years, and I love the way it makes my skin look and feel. Using a dry skin brush before taking a shower each day helps slough off dead skin, improves circulation, and detoxifies your body. Watch this video on dry skin brushing to get the proper technique.

Coconut Oil. This natural oil contains high levels of lauric acid, capric acid, and caprylic acid, which can help ease inflammatory skin conditions. The high antioxidant levels in coconut oil fights the free radicals that cause premature aging. Plus, the gentle exfoliation provided by this oil helps reduce the signs of fine lines and wrinkles.

Antioxidants. Free radicals are the cellular waste products produced by the body in response to foods, smoking, and pollution. Adding an antioxidant such as vitamin C, CoQ10, selenium, vitamin E, or vitamin A can help reverse the aging process from the inside out, as it scavenges free radicals and moves them safely from your body.

4. Expensive Body Scrubs
Some women believe the more products they use, the better their skin will look. Expensive body scrubs are a waste of money because they may actually speed up the aging process. This is because most commercial skincare products, ranging from lotions, to makeup, to body scrubs, contain dangerous additives, dyes, and perfumes.

Natural Alternatives
My two favorite natural exfoliants are Epsom salt and baking soda, which are both inexpensive and completely safe for your skin. For a quick, gentle facial exfoliation, sprinkle some baking soda onto your hands and add enough water to make a paste. Scrub your face and neck gently, and then splash with cool water to close pores. You can do the exact same with Epsom salt, though it’s better as a body scrub because it can be a bit harsher than baking soda.

5. Perfume
Many people use perfume and cologne on a daily basis and don’t even consider how unsafe it is. Many commercially-produced scents are nothing but a cocktail of chemicals that can cause everything from allergic reactions to cancer.

Natural Alternative
Instead of dropping $100 or more on the latest and greatest scent, try making your own perfume from essential oils – it’s homemade beauty at it’s most creative. All you need are some dark-colored glass jars, jojoba oil, and the essential oil of the scent you love. Essential oils go a long way, so you may only need to add a few drops to your jar of jojoba to get a pleasant scent that will absorb right into your skin.

6. Store-Brand Makeup
I had skin cancer in 2007. Since I was never a sunbather, the only cause I could deduce is because I had a history of autoimmune disease (celiac disease and ITP) and vitamin deficiencies, as well as a habit of using commercial makeup, self-tanner, and skincare products. According to PreventCancer.com, common commercial makeup ingredients such as DEA, TEA, cosmetic talc, and pesticides (such as DDT) have all been linked to the development of cancer.

Natural Alternatives
Since my cancer diagnosis, I’ve rid myself of all commercial products and traded them for natural, affordable alternatives – I buy cosmetics from Sun Cat Naturals, Burt’s Bees, and AllNaturalCosmetics.com. I love the selection, as well as the way my skin looks and feels with natural cosmetics. These are just the products I use – there are literally hundreds of companies dedicated to providing safe, affordable, natural makeup.

7. Cellulite Creams
I’ve had cellulite on and off since I was in my early 20s, and if you have it, you’re one of millions of women. Cellulite is just fat deposits concentrated in one place, and whether you’re a size 2 or a size 20, you can develop it.

Cellulite creams are expensive beauty treatments that are frequently hit or miss. These creams usually “work” to reduce the appearance of cellulite by either filling it in with collagen or using caffeine to dry out the skin, making it temporarily firmer. They do nothing to actually eliminate cellulite – they just mask it temporarily.

Natural Alternatives
Two things I’ve done that have worked to help reduce my cellulite are a coffee-cellophane wrap and dry skin brushing. Dry skin brushing works to improve circulation and remove toxins from your body, resulting in smoother, clearer skin.

8. Shave Minimizing Lotions
The chemicals contained in shave minimizing lotions may make body and facial hair finer, lighter, and softer, but they do not actually prevent hair from growing back any faster, which is what such products imply. Plus, as with the makeup and perfume, these lotions and creams often contain unhealthy additives that can cause serious health problems down the line.

Natural Alternative
For some people, hair simply grows back faster than for others. If you want to reduce how often you shave, you can try “sugaring.” Sugaring is a natural method of hair removal that uses only sugar, water, and lemon juice. Most say it’s less painful than conventional waxing.

9. Hair Growth Products
According to Dr. Bernard Cohn, products such as Rogaine do not regrow hair, but rather increase the fullness of existing hair by 20% to 30%. This simply makes hair appear thicker and fuller without any actual regrowth.
Natural Alternatives
The best way to treat hair loss is to first discover what’s causing it. Undiagnosed gluten intolerance made my hair fall out in clumps due to nutritional deficiency. Other autoimmune conditions, such as thyroid disease, lupus, anemia, and diabetes, can also contribute to falling hair. Stress is also a common factor in sudden hair loss.

Addressing any underlying medical conditions with a trusted healthcare provider can help you get to the root of your problem and determine ways to solve it. By doing so, you can improve your health and avoid wasting money on “hair treatments” that don’t really do what they promise.


10. Skin Lotion
That fancy bottle of high-priced skincare lotion may make promises of healthier, younger-looking skin – but what’s really in the bottle? Most commercial cosmetic and skincare products contain a host of irritating chemicals such as parabens, lanolin, and cosmetic-grade talc that may not only dry out skin, but cause allergic skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

Natural Alternative
Coconut oil is chock full of antioxidants and skin-soothing vitamins. It absorbs quickly into your skin and leaves it feeling smooth, supple, and moisturized.

Final Word
In addition to taking a second look at the products you use, consider what you allow your children to use. Are you spending a lot of money on unhealthy chemical shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and play makeup? If your child has allergies or behavioral problems, it may be something they’re inhaling or getting on their skin. In addition to causing allergic reactions and cancer, many cosmetic chemicals act as neurotoxins, which can result in behavioral anomalies.


Source: moneycrashers.com

The Surprising Reason You Have Wrinkles (Hint: It’s NOT The Sun)

If you care about the way your skin is aging or if you want more youthful skin, check out this one major reason we end up with wrinkles and sagging skin. It goes by the fancy name of Glycation.

What is glycation? It is a natural part of the aging process, but it does not have to rear its ugly head with bountiful wrinkles and droopy skin. In fact, many people can go through their advancing years with minor wrinkles and sagging. They know something most people do not…Essentially, glycation is the chemical reaction that occurs when sugars in the body, attach to proteins in the body .. and we have a lot of proteins and sugar naturally flowing creating yet another feature of glycation called Advanced Glycation End Products or AGES as is so aptly named.

Science now shows that it is not just the sun that wreaks havoc with our skin, but the glucose or sugar circulating throughout our body. Glucose is vital and a necessary fuel for our bodies. However, if ingested in excess, is damaging over time. The reason people with diabetes who do not monitor their sugar level suffer from so many age-related conditions is an excellent example of what can occur via chronic glucose exposure.

Glycation is essentially the caramelization of bodily tissue..yes. It goes by another fun name as well called the ‘Browning Reaction’ Think about crispy browned potatoes on the stove or fried chicken, this browned chicken or potatoes are examples of what happens in our bodies, just slower. Just like chicken and potatoes, we too have sugar and proteins that when they come together they create this chemical reaction.

Advanced Glycation End Products (AGES) doesn’t just contribute to an aesthetic overhaul, but more importantly to health issues such as heart disease, kidney failure and cataracts.

The heart of the issue with regard to glycation is its ability to change the shape and function of tissues in our body. For example, glycation from excess sugar can stiffen and harden arteries, simply through excess sugar circulating throughout the body. We want flexible arteries and a flexible heart for optimal health. All molecules in protein and fat have their own structure set in stone..however, if a minor change in the structure occurs, such as with glycation, normal functioning of the fat or protein is lost forever.

“Glycation is essentially the caramelization of bodily tissue”
What are the causes of AGES (Advanced Glycation End Products)?
-Excess sugar (in all forms)
-Excess carbohydrate intake – all forms
-High temperature cooking. Yes, cooking at a high temp on the stove or grill. Think crispy, blackened foods.
-A lack of antioxidant rich veggies, nuts, seeds, fruits to help protect tissues
-A lack of supplements that can help prevent oxidized cells and glycation

Source: Realfarmacy.com

7 Weird Health Tips That Actually Work

People have been known to do some crazy things in the name of health. Here are a few super weird health tips that actually work despite how bizarre they may seem!

Have you ever tried something that you thought was completely crazy in the name of health? Something so out of the box that your friends and family thought that you had lost your mind and considered having you committed?

Well, sometimes it is the oddest behavior that gets the best results, which is exactly what a number of people have found when they engaged in the following rather weird health tips.

#1 Use Beer As A Shampoo

Catherine Zeta-Jones uses this particular health remedy to give her hair that is worthy of the silver screen. Simply wash your hair as you normally would, pour on a cup of the brew of your choice, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing it out (which, incidentally, is about the perfect amount of time to finish off the pint or bottle that it came from).

Don’t worry about wasting your favorite, more expensive beer because the low cost stuff works just as well. That way you can have a healthy, shiny mane without spending a lot of time and money at a high priced salon. It’s a weird health tip for your hair, but give it a try and see the results for yourself.

#2 Condition With Avocado

Follow up your beer-infused hair treatment with an avocado paste to give your strands some deep conditioning to further enhance its health and make it super soft suggests Juan Carlos Maciques, hair stylist to the celebrities in and around the New York area. You can even add a touch of mayonnaise or olive oil if your hair is really dry and breaks off easily when it is being blow-dried or styled. So, next time you go to the store, get one avocado for your salad and another for your head.

The one word of caution with using avocado and oil is that you want to keep it on your hair and off your scalp or it will take your hair from lush and moisturized to super oily. For this reason, you’ll want to use great care when applying this mixture so you get the intended effect.

#3 Use Coconut Oil In Place Of Toothpaste

Commonly referred to as “oil pulling”, this latest health craze involves putting a tablespoon of slightly hardened organic coconut oil into your mouth to liquify and then swishing it around for 5-20 minutes. People who have tried it say that they have cleaner and whiter teeth than they ever thought possible and their breath has never been fresher.

There is one claim about oil pulling that is still unsubstantiated and that is that it pulls toxins out of your body through your oral cavity, leaving you healthier overall in the process. Until they find out for sure if this is true or not, there appears to be no negative side effects of engaging in this particular weird health tip, so you’ve lost nothing by trying it.

However, if you have a sensitive gag reflex, this process may not be for you. The texture can be off-putting, so you’ll want to stick to other, more traditional whitening treatments if the idea of swishing oil around your mouth makes you want to vomit.

#4 Apply Vodka To Your Smelly Feet

If you’re all out of foot powder but the odor of your feet is strong enough to make your neighbors ask you to keep your shoes on even while in your own house, try applying some vodka to them instead. The alcohol kills and dries any bacteria, leaving you with feet that smell, well, a little like vodka which is more pleasant than smelling like a dead body or a fish that has washed ashore and died.

Note that this slightly bizarre odor treatment also works for other people in your home if it isn’t your feet that are so offensive. And, if you can’t get them to do it themselves, you can always apply it for them. Simply take a sip or two of the vodka before wetting a cotton ball with it and it will numb your senses, making the process easier to stand.

#5 Cure Calluses With Licorice

Do you have some licorice in your house that you want to get rid of since you are on a diet and watching each calorie you take in? Then blend it up and mix it with a little bit of petroleum jelly to make a paste that will smooth the calluses on your hands and leave you with softer, more beautiful skin despite all of the hours you spend doing dishes, gardening, and otherwise putting them through the works.

The same process is said to work on corns, too, so make an extra-large batch and apply it to your feet as well. It is unclear whether the licorice should be red or black, so you might want to try each one and see which one feels (and smells) better to you.

#6 Take Sugar For Hiccups

There is nothing more frustrating than sitting there and hiccupping uncontrollably for a long period of time. You can’t finish a sentence without letting out an embarrassing sound and sometimes it can even get downright painful.

When your hiccups begin, take a teaspoon of raw white sugar as it is said to affect the nerves in your diaphragm causing it to stop the spasms. This doesn’t mean that you should have sugar all the time as a preventative though as this is one case where too much can definitely do more harm than good.

#7 Eat Olives To Stop Seasickness

If being on a boat makes you feel queasy, you can soothe your tummy by eating a couple of olives to dry up your saliva and make you feel better almost instantly. Take a can or jar of them with you on your next seaside adventure so that you can enjoy the adventure without worrying about throwing up your lunch.

Don’t try to be crafty with this suggestion and order an alcoholic drink that has olives in it and expect the same positive results. Alcohol may intensify the very same seasick effect that you’re trying to squelch with the olives, making the problem worse and not better.

Try these seven slightly weird health tips and see if they make a difference to you!

Source: healthdigezt.com

Why You Should Wash Your Face With Apple Cider Vinegar

The thought might put you off. Why would you want to smear such smelly stuff all over your face when there are delightfully scented face care products available? I’ll tell you why. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is freaking awesome, that’s why!…Still not convinced? Let me elaborate…

Real ACV is made by fermenting pressed apple juice until the natural sugar turns into vinegar. The ACV you should use is the raw, organic, unfiltered, and unpasteurized kind of ACV. Not the refined kind. Only the good quality kind of ACV contains the “mother” of vinegar, which is the cloudy stuff that sinks to the bottom of the bottle.

This substance contains the beneficial enzymes, bacteria, pectin and trace minerals that makes ACV so good for you. Just remember to shake the bottle each time before using ACV to distribute the elements. You can even easily make your own natural ACV.

ACV for Age Spots

AVC contains powerful alpha hydroxy acids to help remove dead skin cells and reveal a fresher and healthier complexion underneath them. Many expensive commercial face washes bang on about the tiny amounts of alpha hydroxy acids they’ve added to their products, but ACV is full of far higher levels, of which are alive and ready to revive your skin. The ‘natural’ ingredients in commercial face products are actually dead and useless by the time they are processed and bottled up.

When you use ACV for age spots, apply a little undiluted ACV directly onto the age spots with a cotton wool bud and leave for about 20-30 minutes once or twice a day before rinsing of. Do it for about 6 weeks to see if you notice any improvement.

ACV for Acne and Pimples

Instead of buying a typical over-the-counter pimple cream, why not allow mother nature to work her magic on your skin? Celebrities such as Hilary Duff and Scarlett Johanson use ACV to cleanse their skin and keep pimples away. They have the choice to use super-expensive products and they choose to use good old ACV, and here’s why…

– During the creation of ACV, substances such as malic acid are formed, which give ACV antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiviral properties which help prevent acne and skin infections.
– ACV’s natural goodness also unblocks pores and allows skin to breathe properly, so it is very effective in treating acne and pimples.
– AVC doesn’t just effectively remove excess oil from your skin, it also helps to balance pH levels and can prevent your skin from becoming too oily or too dry by balancing the production of sebum.

How to use apple cider vinegar to cleanse your skin

• ACV is strong stuff, so you are best to dilute it with water when you apply it all over your face. Don’t be naughty and use undiluted ACV on the skin. It is very acidic and can damage the skin. To make your own ACV toner, mix equal parts of ACV and water. You can get creative with your ACV solution. Try adding green tea, aloe vera gel or witch hazel. After a while when your skin got used to it, you can gradually increase the concentration of the ACV. It depends on the tolerance of your skin. Just make sure you shake it before you use it, so that the water and ACV are thoroughly mixed up.

• Before you use ACV all over your face, it is advisable to test it on a small area of your face. Under the chin is a good spot, just in case you do get a reaction, then it’s not too noticeable!

• To apply ACV to your skin, simply use a cotton bud and gently glide over skin to remove make-up, oil and impurities. Be careful not to get it in your eyes!. If you are suffering from a break out, then be warned it will sting your pimples. However, this should feel like a ‘good’ hurt, and not be intolerable.

• When you use AVC for the first time, after 5 minutes, it is a good idea to rinse it off with warm water. This is just so your skin isn’t too exposed to ACV on your first time. If you don’t get a reaction, then the next time you use it, don’t wash it off, and then you can build up your skin’s tolerance. It is best to apply the ACV toner at night as ACV can increase sensitivity to ultra-violet rays.

• Don’t leave your body out. ACV isn’t just for your beautiful face. If you suffer from acne on your back, you are not alone. Fortunately, ACV is wonderful for treating acne on the back too. If you’re worried about how the hell you’re going to apply it, then just use a spray bottle.

• To finish off your new fabulous ACV skin care regime, you can use a natural, chemical free moisturizer such as coconut or jojoba oil, or whatever suits your skin.

 Source: healthdigezt.com

10 Home Remedies for Blackheads

People of any age can have problems with blackheads on their skin, but most often it is an issue during the teenage and adolescent years. Blackheads commonly occur on the face, particularly the nose. They can also appear on the ears or anywhere else on the body. Two main causes of this problem are hormonal changes in the body and excessive use of cosmetic products.




There are many prescription medicines for the treatment of blackheads, but you can always try natural treatments. With simple ingredients easily found in most kitchens, you can treat your blackheads within a few days.

     1. Baking Soda

Baking soda is an effective treatment for blackheads as well as acne. It helps clear the skin of impurities such as debris and dirt.

1. Mix two teaspoons of baking soda with mineral water to make a paste.
2. Apply the paste generously on the affected skin area and massage gently. Allow it to dry for a few minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.
3. Repeat this remedy once or twice a week.

      2. Cinnamon

Cinnamon can be used to remove and prevent blackheads

• Mix one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and honey to form a thick paste.
• Apply the paste on the affected area before bed and leave it on overnight.
• In the morning, wash your face well with normal water. For best results, follow this remedy daily for about 10 days.
• You can also mix one teaspoon each of cinnamon powder and lime juice with a pinch of turmeric powder (optional). Use this as a facial cleanser.

       3. Oatmeal

The combination of oatmeal and yogurt is great for keeping your skin free of blackheads.

1. Mix one teaspoon honey and the juice of four tomatoes in sufficient oatmeal to make a paste.
2. Scrub it on your skin.
3. Wash it off after 10 minutes.
4. Repeat regularly for clear skin.

You can also make a paste by mixing together two tablespoons of oatmeal, three tablespoons of plain yogurt, and small amounts of lemon juice and olive  oil. Apply the paste to your entire face, leave for a few minutes and then rinse your face with water.

      4. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice, also used in acne treatment, can help remove blackheads. The nutrients and vitamins present in lemon juice are good for all skin types.

• Make a facial scrub by mixing lemon juice with salt, yogurt and honey. Gently scrub the affected area with this natural exfoliating mixture.
• You can also mix fresh lemon juice with milk or rosewater to create a facial cleanser. Use it daily for 10 to 12 days.

      5. Green Tea

Green tea can also be used to treat blackheads.

1.  Mix one teaspoon of dry green tea leaves with a little water to make a paste.
2.  Gently scrub the paste over the affected area for two to three minutes. This scrub deep cleans oily skin and helps unclog pores.
3.  Rinse it off with lukewarm water.

      6. Honey

The balancing quality present in honey is good for both oily skin and blackheads. Honey hydrates as well as tightens the skin pores, giving you a clear     complexion.

• Apply some pure honey on your face. Leave it on for about 10 minutes.
• Rinse your face with lukewarm water.
  

  7. Turmeric

  Turmeric, which works well for minor burns, can also be used to treat blackheads.
  
  • Mix some turmeric powder with two tablespoons of mint juice. Apply it to the affected areas. Allow it to dry for a few minutes and then wash the area with lukewarm water.
  • You can also make a thick paste by mixing red sandalwood, turmeric powder and milk together. Apply it on the affected area and after 10 minutes wash the skin with water.

  8. Epsom Salt

  Another effective and natural way to treat blackheads is Epsom salt.
  
  1. Mix one teaspoon of Epsom salt and a few drops of iodine in a little hot water until the salt dissolves completely. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
  2. Use a cotton ball to apply to the mixture on the affected area. Allow the mixture to dry.
  3. Use a clean washcloth to gently wash it off.
     

     9. Cornmeal

     Cornmeal acts as an abrasive to clean out dirt blocking the pores in your skin.
     
     1. Mix one tablespoon of powdered cornmeal with some of your regular facial cleanser.
     2. Before applying the mixture, use steam to help open the pores on your face. Then apply the mixture and gently massage it in a circular motion. Concentrate on the most affected areas.
     3. After a few minutes, rinse your face with cold water. This will help close the pores.

     10. Fenugreek

     One of the easiest and simplest natural remedies for blackheads is fenugreek.
     
     • Make a thick paste by mixing fresh fenugreek leaves with a little water.
     • Apply it on the affected area and allow it to dry for about 10 minutes. Rinse it off with lukewarm water.
     • Use this remedy daily.
     These remedies have helped many people eliminate blackheads. Most need to be used regularly for long-term results. If they do not work for you, you may want to consult a dermatologist. 
     
      Source: healthdigezt.com

6 Nutrients You Should Know for Healthy Hair

Fill your plate with these foods to get the shiny, lustrous hair you’ve always wanted.
The secret to think, strong, shiny strands isn’t an expensive shampoo or fancy salon treatment—it’s all about your diet. Eating a variety of healthy foods will give you the mane you’ve always dreamed of. Fill up on these nutrients to begin growing your healthiest hair ever.

1. & 2. Iron and zinc

Iron and zinc help hair follicles to grow, says Wilma Bergfeld, MD, a dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic. She suggests eating lean red meat, which is rich in both nutrients, twice a week. Pair nonmeat sources, such as soybeans or lentils, with a vitamin C-rich food like an orange to boost iron absorption.

3. Vitamin D

Several studies have found that vitamin D may help activate hair growth. However, D is a tricky vitamin. Few foods contain it naturally, and although sitting in the sun for a few minutes a day can help your body produce more of it, many experts advise against it due to the increased exposure to harmful UV rays. Your best bet? Take a 1,000 IU supplement daily.

4. Protein

Protein is one of the building blocks of life, promoting cell growth and repair—and it boosts your hair strength, too! Women should get at least 46 grams a day (3 ounces of chicken has about 23). Follow this guide to determine exactly how much protein you should be consuming daily.

5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Eat fatty fish (like salmon) twice a week for hydrated hair, or take up to 1 gram a day of a DHA and EPA supplement. In addition to silky hair, omega-3s may help relieve depression and are a proven heart-helper.

6. Biotin

Eggs are rich in this B vitamin essential for growth. (They’re also an excellent source of protein, choline, and vitamin D.) Not an egg fan? You could also take 30mcg supplement daily.

Source: healthdigezt.com

What to Eat to Get a Healthy Tan

Does your tan depend on the food you eat? Some people argue that food and diet don’t have anything to do with your body’s tan. But others, including some experts, say that the food you eat (or don’t eat) does in fact help you get a tan.

Does your tan depend on the food you eat? Some people argue that food and diet don’t have anything to do with your body’s tan. But others, including some experts, say that the food you eat (or don’t eat) does in fact help you get a tan.

Since doctors recommend only short exposure to sun, you can increase your ability to get tan by eating certain food. In fact, eating the wrong food for your next meal can prevent you from getting tan. So, what should you eat to get a tan?

Mangos and Other Fruit

Mangos are rich in Vitamin A which allows your skin to get tan by attracting the suns rays, which will give you a healthy glow. Other fruits that contain vitamin A are peaches and melons. Watermelon, above all, doesn’t only offer vitamins but is also full of water, which is important when you expose your body and skin to the sun. Water helps hydrate your skin against the sun’s heat.  VB Vitamins and vitamin B6, which are found in watermelon, also boost your skin’s ability to tan.

Carrots and Other Vegetables

Raw carrots, which are high in carotene, offer the best benefit to get a beautiful tan. The beta carotene content in carrots is converted to vitamin A all over the body, which defends the skin against sunburns and supplies the nutrients to protect you. Carotene helps support melanin, which is responsible for the darkening of the skin by sunlight. It is also used in artificial tanning products. Other vegetables like peppers, zucchini, or tomato can also prepare your skin for a tan.

Eggs

Eggs are rich in vitamins A, B, D, and E, which are regenerative and revive the body and skin. Egg yolks offer other revitalizing ingredients like vitamin B6, fat acids like Omega-3 and Omega-6, which prepare the skin for a tan. By adding a little bit of cheese, especially white cheese, you will enrich your diet with calcium and possibly improve your tan. Calcium rich foods tend to help you tan faster.

Grilled Food

Grilling foods can help increase the benefits of your tan as long as they are cooked properly. On meat and fish, spread olive oil, red wine, soy sauce, or balsamic vinegar to strengthen your tan. The grilling process keeps the meat lean, and olive oil and other monounsaturated fats, which contain revitalizers and regenerators when they are rubbed directly on the skin, can help your skin from inside, by keeping it properly hydrated and healthy. When you grill food, stay away from citrus, parsley, and watercress because you could undo your efforts to tan your skin.

 Source: healthdigezt.com

How to Make 5 Cleansing and Rejuvenating Detox Baths

Did you know that the skin is sometimes called the third kidney, due to the role it plays in detoxing the body? Some people are lucky to be living close to an inexpensive herbal steam room like in Scandinavia, so they get their dose of healthy sweating as often as they desire. Heat combined with the smell of fresh herbs is a very relaxing, yet rejuvenating experience. By sweating, you help the skin – your largest organ – get rid of the toxins and dietary and metabolic acids.


Not everyone lives next to a steam room, so here are some of my favorite detox bath recipes. Your deep body cleansing can start in the comfort of your own bathroom. Dim light, candles and meditative music will add to the positive experience – detoxing and de-stressing at the same time.


Ginger Detox Bath


Ginger has been revered for centuries as an immune system booster. It’s a strong antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral and even anti-cancerous substance. I have a friend who swears by drinking nothing but ginger throughout winter to ward off colds and flu – successfully so far.

For ginger baths, add half a cup of grated fresh ginger (best) or a tablespoon of ginger powder into hot water, and soak yourself for at least 20 minutes. Expect to perfuse intensely and enjoy the cleansing sensation.

Apple Cider Vinegar Detox Bath

This bath might not be as popular – possibly due to the less soothing smell, but the benefits of using apple cider vinegar are abundant. You can always add a few drops of your favorite aromatherapy oil to change the fragrance.

Add one cup of pure apple cider vinegar to your bath and soak for at least 20 minutes. Apple cider vinegar is an excellent skin softener and rebalances your skin’s pH. It’s also an effective natural cure if you’re suffering from a fungal infection or rosacea, due to its antifungal and antimicrobial properties.

Clay and Epsom Salt Detox Bath

Dissolve half a cup of Epsom salt in hot or warm water. Mix clay with a little water separately in a cup. When the clumps break up, add to the bathwater. Another option is to apply the mixed clay paste onto your body as a mask. Let it rest for a few minutes, then soak in the bath.

The use of clay will require slightly more commitment, but the detoxifying effect of clay is worth the time investment. Epsom salts additionally draw the toxins out and improve the circulation. You may also be interested to read my article how to use clay for body detox and great skin and the most extraordinary uses for Epsom salt.

Baking Soda Bath

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) has fantastic cleansing ability as well as anti-fungal properties. It leaves the skin very soft and helps sooth irritated skin. Dissolve 1/2 cup of baking soda in the bath and soak for 20 minutes. You may also want to read the article about 6 uses for baking soda as a kitchen medicine.

Sea Salt

Sea salt contains many minerals that are good for our skin. Sea salt contains calcium, which is seldom known for its ability to deep-clean the pores in our skin. It also contains bromide, a mineral known for soothing the skin, Potassium that aids in the reduction of water retention, and iodine that regulates metabolic processes on a cellular level. Just dissolve 1/2 cup of sea salt and soak for about 20 minutes in the bath. Read also my article how to use sea salt for your skin.

Some Bathing Tips

Allow enough time for the body to detox and to absorb the minerals from the water. Drink plenty during or after the bath, to replenish lost fluids and prevent dehydration. I’m always upset when the morning after a bath, I wake up with a headache, just because I forgot to drink. It’s best to drink alkalizing drinks, such as herbal teas or lemon water. In this way you further help the body re-work the pH balance (which as you probably know, tends to be overly acidic for most modern humans).

As the skin’s pores are wide open after you’ve had a bath, stay away from toxic sources, to prevent absorbing them more readily. These include chlorine, smoke, air fresheners, road pollution, and other chemicals.

Another option is to add a nice fragrance of your favorite essential oils, which can also have particular therapeutic properties that add to the experience. There are many oils to choose from that can enhance the relaxing experience (such as lavender, chamomile or rose), as well as others that will stimulate and invigorate you (such as peppermint, rosemary or lemongrass) or enhance the detoxification process (such as tea tree oil or eucalyptus).

Usually 20 drops is sufficient for a standard bath. If you are interested to learn more about essential oils you can find useful information in my e-0book Magical Aromatherapy. This book will help you to discover the power of essential oils and the most effective ways to use them.

Finally and by all means, apply common sense if you suffer from a heart or any other health condition, as extreme heat can burden a delicate body.

Source: healthdigezt.com

Watch Out! These 10 Things May Be Irritating Your Skin

Your bar of soap or scented moisturizer may not be as innocuous as you think. Here’s a look at 10 things that may unknowingly be irritating your skin.

1. Soap:

Soap and water strip skin of moisture, which will often cause dry, irritated skin.

2. Fragrances:

The first thing most people do is smell their beauty products. But whether natural or synthetic, fragrance is the most common irritant in skincare. This also applies to the products you’re using to wash your clothes and sheets.

3. Petroleum:

Petroleum is often found in moisturizers (Vaseline is the most common petroleum jelly). But ironically, while it’s used to hydrate skin, it often has the opposite effect. Petroleum is water-repellent, meaning it forms an oily layer on the skin to block moisture from leaving, giving you an instantly hydrated feel while it traps dirt (potentially leading to breakouts) and dries out pores because it’s keeping air and moisture out.

4. A diet rich in salt:

Salt not only causes your body to retain more water leading to swelling, but it can dry out skin.

5. Heat:

Warm weather and sweating aggravate redness, chafing, acne, rosacea and hives. That said, it’s not all bad — heat/hot water will open up pores and is great for circulation. When you’re exposed to heat, make sure to drink a lot of water and load up on these dietician-recommended foods.

6. Spicy food:

Hot dishes and spices will raise body temperature and dilate blood vessels, which may irritate skin, especially for those that are rosacea-prone.

7. Fabric softeners and dryer sheets:

Chemically rich, they are one of the most common skin irritants.

8. Wool:

Because of its coarse consistency, wool clothing can lead to rashes and itches.

9. Scrubs made with walnut shells:

If you have sensitive skin, avoid using these on your face as crushed walnut shells have rough edges.

10. Alcohol-based toners:

Alcohol is not only known to dry out skin, but often leads to breakouts and skin sensitivity.

Source: healthdigezt.com

12 Super Foods for Healthier Nails

No matter nails are just dead tissues; still, they are the significant part of our body. When nails are clean and shiny, they actually add grace to your hands, and nails are probably one of those parts of human’s body, which are magnificently embellished by girls.

Moreover, nails are bitten perilously when a person is nervous and stressed out. For all these reasons, it is necessary to look after the nails to a great extent. There are a number of super foods, which adds great strength and vigour to your nails and make them look healthy.

1. Banana
The zinc, vitamin B6, and mineral silica in banana perk up the appearance and the strength of the nails.

2. Milk
Besides being excellent for teeth and bones, milk is also amazing in strengthening the nails. The calcium in milk induces the nails to grow faster. The insufficiency of calcium in one’s body, apart from affecting teeth and bones, can also make the nails dull and brittle.

3. Carrots
The vitamin A in carrot can bring back the strength and shine of your nails, if consumed regularly. Carrots not only revamp the nails, but are also effective in treating the immune system and keeping the hair and skin healthy.

4. Eggs
Eggs are protein based foodstuff, which are great for the health of nails. Nails are made of keratin, which is a type of protein, and hence; it becomes necessary to intake protein rich food.

5. Tomatoes
The lycopene and biotin in tomatoes are helpful in bringing shine and strength to the nails. They save nails from getting brittle. Lycopene makes the nails thicker and lustrous.

6. Broccoli
Broccoli is an affluent source of iron, which prevents the brittleness and decolouration of nails. Broccoli not only increases oxygen in blood, but also nurtures the red blood cells.

7. Beans
To get longer, thicker, and stronger nails, eat one cup of beans every day. Silicon is that ingredient in beans, which is excellent for healthy nails.

8. Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes are profused with beta-carotene, which converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A is useful in attaining healthy and shiny nails, as well as cell growth.

9. Water
By drinking 8 to 10 glass of water every day, you can prevent dehydration. Dehydration causes nails to look pale, dull, and weak. It also causes cuticles. Other than water, one should also intake fruits and vegetables that are rich in water contents.

10. Pumpkin Seeds
The zinc in pumpkin seeds plays an imperative role in structuring the connective tissues and maintaining the immunity level of the body. The deficiency of zinc can cause nails to attain white areas, which is similar to when we put pressure on nails.

11. Oily Fishes
The omega fatty acids in oily fishes, like salmons, sardines, tuna, etc, are efficient in nourishing the nail bed and giving the body those nutrients, which are essential for healthy nails.

12. Kale
Kale is a green vegetable, which is prosperous in the amount of vitamins and minerals. It makes the nails strong and averts dryness in nails.

Source: homeremedy.com

Discover the Best Fruit Oils You Can Try for Skin Care

We all know them as sweet and delicious fruits, but the oil produced from them have many and varied healing properties for the skin.

These oils for skin care are good as carrier oils that are used to dilute essential oils before they are applied to the skin in massage and aromatherapy.

They are called so because they carry the essential oil onto the skin. They retain moisture in the skin and help to delay skin aging.

The best fruit oils for skin care:

1. Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is extracted from the fruit itself and is used for lubrication and in cosmetics, where it is valued for its supposed regenerative and moisturizing properties.

The fruit is considered very healthy and its oil is rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids. Leading cosmetic products use avocado oil in hair products, lotions for face, eye area and hands, as well as for protection from the sun. Avocado is rich in vitamin E which is antioxidant, and helps to slow aging and protect the skin from sun damage.

The oil is absorbed easily and provides deep moisture for dry skin, and helps retain the skin flexibility and slow the appearance of wrinkles.

2. Peach Oil

Peach kernel oil is extracted from the kernel of the peach and is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, including linoleic acid and oleic acid that help skin to lock in the moisture and retain elasticity. It is also a rich source of antioxidants which has anti aging properties.

Due to its special molecular structure it penetrates easily into the cells. A mixture of almond oil, safflower oil and peach oil is excellent for use after exposure to the sun. Peach Kernel carrier oil is used to massage the skin and has wonderful nourishing, regenerative and moisturizing properties, hence it is helps to soothe sensitive and inflamed skin and is a good treatment for dry and mature skin.

It is excellent for massage blends and in particular facial massages. Peach kernel oil is used in the soap industry and is a popular ingredient in cosmetics, such as creams, shampoos, baby oils, lotions and lip balms. Try it as an effective make-up remover.

3. Apricot Oil

Apricot oil is pressed from the kernels of the apricot. It is used in cosmetics to soften the skin, especially those suitable for baby skin, dry and irritated skin and body and hand creams and lotions.

It can also be used on the scalp to improve its condition. Unlike some oils that remain on the surface of the skin, apricot kernel oil is readily absorbed without leaving a greasy residue.

If you tend to experience dry, itchy skin after bathing or showering, this is the perfect oil to lightly apply to damp skin before toweling off.

4. Grape Seed Oil

This oil contains a high amount of lipids that are essential for cell membrane, is rich in phenol, and many essential fatty acids that strengthen and nourish the cells and maintaining moisture.

Grape seed oil is a excellent cosmetic ingredient to control moisture of the skin. It is light and thin and leaves a glossy film over skin when used as a carrier oil for essential oils in aromatherapy.

It is also used as a base for oil infusions of garlic, rosemary, or other herbs or spices. Grape seed oil is also used as a lubricant for shaving.

5. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is an edible oil extracted from the kernel or meat of matured coconuts harvested from the coconut palm . Coconut oil can be used as a skin moisturizer, helping with dry skin and is suitable for strengthening and lubricating hair.

A mixture of equal parts of jojoba oil, avocado oil and coconut oil is suitable as a hair mask to nourish and treat split ends, as well as ointment for protection from the sun.
Another tip: add half a tablespoon of the above mixture to your shampoo for unusually high quality shampoo.

6. Almond Oil

Sweet almond oil is obtained from the dried kernel of sweet almonds. The oil is good for application to the skin as a moisturizer, and has been traditionally used by massage therapists to lubricate the skin during a massage session, and is the most common base oil for skin care among massage oils and bath.

Sweet almond oil is renowned for its rich concentration of oleic and linoleic essential fatty acids, which help to give it unequalled penetrating and restructuring properties.

Almond oil properties even extend to having benefits for our hair. Massaging a few drops of almond oil into your scalp adds a healthy glow to your hair. Also it helps making your hair stronger, thicker and adds shine as well as nourishing and smoothing hair cuticles.

7. Olive Oil

Olive oil has a long history of being used as a home remedy for skincare. It is a great skin moisturizer, in part because it contains linoleic acid, a compound not made by the body, but which prevents water from evaporating.

Olive oil can also provide a safe and natural lubricant for a close shave. As a soothing aftershave, rub in an extra teaspoon of the oil after rinsing off.

Similarly, olive oil can soothe chapped lips. Make your own balm by mixing olive oil and melted beeswax in a 1:1 ratio (add an essential oil if you want a nice fragrance). Olive oil also has benefits for hair.

You can use olive oil at home to create a hair mask – apply a bit of the oil through dry or frizzy hair to help tame and moisturize your locks, especially in winter. Then just shampoo as usual to reveal a refurbished hair. Olive oil can now be found in everything from skin moisturizers to nail care kits.

Source: healthdigezt.com

5 Best Ways To Protect Skin Against Skin Cancer

There are many things you can do to protect against skin cancer. Here’s how to stay safe.

How to avoid skin cancer

Did you know that one American dies from melanoma every hour? A tragic rate, experts say: This cancer is curable when caught early.

The good news is that there are many things you can do to protect against skin cancer. Here are some of the best ways to stay safe.

1.  Use SPF daily

“Women put away their sunblock after Labor Day but should use SPF year-round,” Dr. Marmur says. Cancer-causing UV A and UV B rays are ever present.

2.  Avoid tanning beds forever

They’re a known cancer causer. That’s why the FDA is seeking more strongly worded labels on machines. Meanwhile, the Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF ) has filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission about Jersey Shore, requesting a warning about tanning hazards on reruns. Sorry, Snooki.

3.  Check yourself monthly

The SCF advises using a hand mirror and a full-length mirror to do a head-to-toe once a month in a well-lighted room. Ask a partner to check your posterior. Look for anything out of the ordinary—what derms call “the ugly duckling factor.” Even the busiest doctors should get you in ASAP if you say you’ve found a weird mole.

4.  Size up your doctor today

Use this article as a checkup: If you’re not getting the exam you deserve, ask a doc you trust for a referral to a medical dermatologist she’d send family to.

5.  Get screened yearly

Undergo a skin cancer screening at least once a year, or as often as recommended, depending on your risk. Some doctors take photos of atypical moles to track them—a smart practice.

Source: healthdigezt.com

Home / Beauty Tips Beauty Tips Best Beauty Secrets You Probably Didn’t Know

1.  Sure, it’s chilly in your bathroom in the morning, but don’t be tempted to crank up the heat in the shower. Hot water followed by cool, dry air leads to rough skin. To lock in moisture post-shower, pat — don’t rub — yourself dry, and coat skin in a thick alpha-hydroxy lotion.




2.  For flawless skin choose a cleanser and moisturizer appropriate for your skin type that you can use a.m. and p.m., and then supplement it weekly with a purifying face mask. You should also consider using a nightly skin treatment that exfoliates dead skin cells.



3.  Trying to look well rested when you aren’t? Avoid piling on the foundation. Use a tinted moisturizer instead, followed by a beige eye pencil — it counteracts any redness around your eyes.

4.  Large pores are caused by two things: genetics and age. Want to shrink them? Go to a dermatologist or a spa to get microdermabrasion treatments, a type of facial that gently sloughs off the dead surface layer of skin.

5.  To accentuate your upper lash line without creating overly spidery fringe, apply a strip of false lashes meant for your lower lashes from corner to corner. They’re shorter than traditional falsies, so they’ll thicken your lash line without elongating it too much.

6.  Keep your eyes open when applying liquid liner — otherwise your line will look uneven. Apply by drawing three dashes, one on the corner, one in the middle, and one on the inside corner of your eye. Then go back and connect the dashes for a smooth line.



7.  For full lips go for a glossy look. Try first outlining the perimeter of your lips using a concealer brush dipped in bronzer two shades deeper than your skin tone. Then, top pout with gold, peach, or coral gloss.

8.  To make the waist look narrower, use a white pencil liner to dot an egg shape on each side, starting below the rib cage. Fill in just this area with a self-tanner one shade darker than your natural skin and blend,” says Cindy Barshop, owner of Completely Bare spas.



9.    To keep eye shadow from creasing, eliminate as much oil as possible from your lids. To do it, use an eye shadow base or pressed powder before applying colour. Looser, more powdery shadows are best if creasing is a problem.



10.  Naturally pale but want a healthy glow? The good news is that you don’t need a lot of makeup to achieve great-looking skin, says New York makeup artist Paula Dorf. For natural-looking results, apply glow products to the apples of your cheeks, the bridge of your nose, your hairline, and chin.



11.  When waxing at home, apply tooth-numbing cream in the area you plan to wax about half an hour prior to your session. It will temporarily numb the skin, making the experience a little less painful.



12.  Treating your neck like your face doesn’t work. “Your neck ages in its own way and so has special needs,” explains Adrienne Denese, M.D., Ph.D. “Neck tendons shrink through the years and become more visible and the thin skin in this area doesn’t respond to lasers and peels as well as your face does.” She suggests good posture and neck stretches.



13.  Want to make your small eyes look bigger? Stay away from dark eyeshadows. Start with a nude base, then apply shadow a shade or two darker than the base to your crease and use your finger to blend the color up toward your eyebrow.



14.  When applying fake eyelashes, put a little more glue on the edges than the rest of the lash, since they’re more likely to come loose. Blow on the glue for a few seconds for a better hold.

15.  Olive oil is a great cure for all things dry. For soft cuticles, place your fingers in a bowl of warm olive oil. Olive oil is also a great way to remove waterproof mascara. Put a few drops on a cotton ball and smooth over closed eyes.

16.  For daytime moisturizing, think layering: Use an antioxidant serum under a face cream, topped off with a sunblock. To stave off flaking, consider light exfoliation once a week. Moisturizing without exfoliating first can result in breakouts and dull skin.



17.  “I frequently see women with deeper wrinkles on one side of their face — the side they sleep on, of course,” says New York dermatologist Heidi A. Waldorf. To avoid “sleep lines,” opt for silk or satin pillowcases and pile on the antiaging products.

18.  To sop up oil and refresh makeup, lightly mist your face with toner, then pat with a tissue, says Eva Scrivo, makeup artist and owner of the eponymous New York City salon. Finish with a dusting of loose powder.

19.  Refresh your makeup by spraying your face with water. While your face is still wet, start reblending the foundation, powder, or concealer you already have on.



20.  To avoid an orangey look with self-tanner, after application, wipe a cotton swab or a damp paper towel across your eyebrows and along your hairline.



21.  Water, paper, chemicals: all enemies of soft hands. “You have to fight back every day,” says Jan Arnold, founder of Creative Nail Design. “First, exfoliate to slough off the dead cells. Then, while skin is moist, slather on a cream rich enough to compensate for how few oil glands your hands have. Treat your hands to a paraffin-wax dip next time you’re getting a salon manicure.”



Source: healthdigezt.com