Skin Care Herbs and Minerals and Their Benefits
February 28, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
Popular Herbs Used in Skin Care and Their Benefits: Chamomile, Aloe Vera, Lavender and Rosemary
Today skin care and cosmetics are increasingly going natural. You may have heard that herbs and oils are commonly used in skin care and cosmetics; but, you may not know why or what purpose they serve. why, and what do the do? Four very common and popular herbs that are used in the form of oil or gels are chamomile, Aloe Vera, lavender, and rosemary. All provide unique benefits for the skin and body.
The benefits of chamomile for the skin and body range from calming effects to healing. Recent and on-going research has identified
chamomile herb
chamomile’s specific benefits as anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-allergenic. Chamomile is most often recognized as an herbal tea; however, chamomile is present in many skin care products. Chamomile’s active ingredients extracted from the flower are essential oils and flavonoids. Essential oils help to calm and relax irritated skin. Essential oils have also been found to be beneficial to treat and sooth acne prone skin. Flavonoids – or plant metabolites- are rich in anti oxidants that help the body repair and heal damaged skin, as well as fight free radicals, which create damage to bodily cells. Chamomile has few side effects and is effective and beneficial to the skin topically or if ingested.
Aloe Vera contains numerous, minerals, vitamin, enzymes, and natural sugars that help with inflammation. Aloe Vera is commonly known for its healing properties, which explains its popular use in skin care. Aloe Vera aids in the healing of skin burns and cuts and moisturizes and softens skin. Aloe Vera is used in skin care products to help with dry sensitive skin as the plant has unique healing and soothing properties. Taken internally, Aloe Vera has been found to regulate digestion, which in turn builds healthy skin from the inside out. Aloe Vera is available as a gel, spray, lotion, juice, cream and in the form of a capsule. Aloe Vera is most commonly found in skin care gels or creams.
Lavender has many uses in skin care that include aiding skin repair, stimulating cell growth, reducing inflammation, preventing scarring and pigmentation, regulating oil production, and reducing pain. Lavender also works as antiseptic or antibacterial agent and is considered an essential oil. Due to its extensive benefits to the skin, lavender is often found in skin care or facial masks formulated to treat acne prone skin.
Rosemary can be used as an essential oil just like chamomile and lavender. Rosemary and lavender are actually found in the same herbal family. Rosemary tones the skin, helping to even out skin tone and texture, while reliving dryness. Rosemary strengthens capillaries and is good to use on aging skin. Rosemary is found in skin care cleansers, face masks, toners and creams.
Zinc for Skin
Zinc is one element that is essential for healthy skin. In addition, to wound healing, zinc acts as an astringent and may help in the treatment of acne among other benefits.
Wound Healing
zinc facial cream
One benefit of zinc for skin is in the area of wound healing. Oral zinc supplements help heal bed sores, skin ulcers, cold sores, canker sores, surgical incisions, burns, and a variety of other skin irritations. Topical treatments are also used for wound healing.
Zinc is a mineral that the body requires for the synthesis of collagen, which is a requirement for the healing of skin wounds. Zinc is also a component in the proper functioning of enzymes that are required by the body to repair skin wounds.
Mild Astringent
The benefit of zinc as a mild astringent is well noted. An astringent is a chemical substance that shrinks, constricts, or tightens body tissues. Zinc oxide has this mild astringent property. It acts as a skin-drying agent and can act as a skin anti-inflammatory. Zinc oxide also helps sooth the skin from itching, rashes, and moist skin conditions such as diaper rash.
There are many other herbs used in skin care and cosmetics today-most in the form of essential oils or extracts- and all can have different or positive effects on the skin and body. Herbs and oils have been used to heal for many centuries and now are being utilized for safe, natural ways to treat skin conditions and maintain a healthy complexion.
by Tiffany Oney
Natural Facial Masks and Home Recipes
October 2, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Today, there are so many facial treatments available, it’s hard to know what to choose. What will cause a reaction, what might cause a breakout? There are many great facial masks and treatments such as face lifts, chemical peels, botox, laser resurfacing and others, but many are expensive, can be risky, while some offer only a short term result. If you want to really remove wrinkles and have healthier, glowing skin you need to use natural remedies and creams to help you improve your overall facial look.
Some of the basic things you need to know to avoid wrinkles is to: use sun protection- preferably one with zinc or zinc oxide, have a healthy diet, avoid stress, have proper sleep, eat your fruits and vegetables, take vitamins and drink plenty of water.
As an alternative to more expensive spa treatments, using some home remedies for skin care can also be very helpful in improving the health of your skin naturally. For example you can use a natural anti wrinkle face mask or a skin brightening mask.
Below are some ingredients and different types of facial masks that you can make at home:
Honey Mask
Egg cream mask
Cornflour mask
Apple facial mask
Egg white olive oil face mask
Egg white lemon mask
Banana Mask
Egg white cucumber min anti wrinkle face mask
Papaya cream face pack
Peach lemon face pack
Let’s start with the honey anti wrinkle mask
You will need:
1 and a half tbsp honey, half tsp carrot juice, and a pinch of baking soda
You then mix honey and juice of carrots, apply it and leave it on your face for 20 minutes. Remove with a cotton wool (or wash cloth) soaked with warm water with a pinch of baking soda added.
DIY Green-Papaya Brightening Mask
Enrich and beatify your skin with honey, yogurt,and papaya. Well, this is a great recipe to feed your skin the beauty it needs.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup unripe papaya, diced
1 teaspoon plain yogurt
1 teaspoon raw honey
Tools:
1 large glass or ceramic bowl
1 bath towel
1 small spray bottle
1. You will need ½ cup of unripe, diced papaya. This contains natural alpha-hydroxy acids and high levels of
papain, an enzyme that helps dissolve dead skin cells.
2. 1 teaspoon of plain yogurt. The yogurt adds lactic acid (another alpha-hydroxy) and gives the mask a creamy texture.
3. 1 teaspoon of raw honey helps the skin to retain moisture.
4. Blend the ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Apply to clean skin using fingers; leave on for 8 to 10 minutes. When left on, the mask should tingle slightly. If you have sensitive skin or prefer a gentler exfoliation, use ripe papaya, which has less papain. Rinse off using cool water and pat dry. Finish by applying a gentle moisturizer.
There are infinite varieties of cosmetic face masks that can help as well.
Clay face masks, are great for oily skin, it detoxifies, opens up clogged pores and remove blackheads.
Firming Masks, massaging in the contours of your face will firm up your skin.
Radiance masks, use vitamins and add glow to lifeless skin.
Hydrating face masks, or Anti-Aging Masks, moisturize dry skin
You have to choose what is best for your skin, based on your skin type. A homemade mask can be very useful and easy to do with simple natural ingredients that you can find at home. If “cooking” is not your thing, then try out some of the more natural options on the market for facial masks and treatments. Don’t forget to ask for samples as well! Natural anti aging face masks with organic ingredients can do wonders to restore your fresh facial look and return reduce wrinkles.
The Benefits of Anti Aging Facial Masks
April 19, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Skin wrinkles are caused by two main factors: heredity and the environment. There is little you can do about heredity and the natural aging process, but there is something you can do about the other causes. Pollution in the environment, sun exposure and stress can all lead to premature aging of the skin. Using anti aging creams is beneficial for reducing the appearance of wrinkles. The creams are even more effective when combined with regular facials.
Facials counteract the effects of pollutants and sun exposure on your skin. Having regular facials will also help your skin absorb your anti aging creams better. Monthly facials improve elasticity, give your skin a smoother texture and improve the hydration of your skin. In addition, a facial will help remove dead skin which aids in the absorption of other creams or lotions used to combat wrinkles.
The products used for your facial will depend on your skin type. If you have dry skin, a moisturizing mask will be used to help add moisture to the skin. A rich moisturizer will also be used at the end of the treatment. Oil free products will be used for people with oily skin.
Facials can be done at home or by a professional in a salon or spa. Facial massage is very beneficial for wrinkles. The massage increases the blood circulation to the muscles of the face, which helps to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. There are over one hundred muscles in the face and massage helps to relax these muscles. This is particularly effective for wrinkles that result from muscle contractions, such as laugh lines and worry lines.
If you want to enjoy the benefits of facial massage, visit a salon for your facial. Facial massage is best done by a professional who is knowledgeable in massage techniques. An inexperienced person may actually cause more harm than good. When the muscles are not massaged properly, they sag which can cause wrinkles to be more prominent. The massage is also very relaxing. At some salons and spas, the arms, neck and shoulders are massaged as well. This is great for stress relief.
The basic facial procedure starts by examining the skin. This will help the professional assess the skin and determine the products that will be of the greatest benefit. Steam is then used to open the pores and remove impurities from the skin. A gentle cleanser is then used to clean the skin. This step is followed by a toner that is appropriate for your skin type. A facial mask is used to soothe and refresh the skin as well as to add moisture. At the end of the massage, a moisturizer that is appropriate for your skin type will be applied.
Once you have had your facial, you will want to keep your skin in good condition at home. Use a gentle cleanser that is not drying in the morning and at night. Invest in good quality anti aging creams to minimize wrinkles and prevent new ones from forming. It’s important to choose creams that are good for your skin type and the condition of your skin. Read reviews to help you choose the best products for your skin.
