NAIL BITING

Tips to get rid of Nail Biting habit

Ta-dum. Yes, it often begins with boredom. Or impatience. Or fidgeting. Then a nibble. And the next thing you know, your fingernails look like the Mad Nail Nibbler went on a binge.

If you are among the millions who regularly bite their nails, you know the Mad Nail Nibbler all too well. And you've probably said to yourself (how many times?) "I wish I'd stop biting my nails!"

Anyone can be a nail biter--and it often begins in childhood. Forty to 50 percent of all children regularly pick and chew their nails and cuticles, though many of them manage to kick the habit by the time they get to be adults. But nail biting can also get started in adulthood--sometime s out of the blue.

"While nail biting in some people may be a nervous reaction to stress, those who engage in it generally are not nervous individuals, " according to R. Gregory Nunn, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and president of R. G. Nunn and Associates, a private clinic in San Diego. "Nail biting is a learned behavior that usually results from factors that have nothing to do with stress. Ironically, one of the most common causes is the physical condition of the nails."

"If the nails become irregular or damaged, it promotes attempts to try to smooth them, and biting is one such means. But biting just worsens the condition of the nails and encourages further biting."

How, then, do you resist this urge to indulge in a five-finger feeding frenzy? Just sink your teeth into these proven tips.

First, pretend to bite your nails.

That's right. And do it in slow motion in front of a mirror, so you can actually see all the movements that are involved.

"Most nail biters begin by running their thumb along the nails' edges, feeling for irregularities, before bringing the hand to the mouth. "We want them to identify the initial parts of the movement. It's much easier to interrupt it at the initial stage than to wait until the finger is nearly in the mouth." Other signals: rubbing your face or cupping your hands just before you bite.

Keep a daily record.

Build up your awareness by noting when nail biting occurs--that is, how often, when, where and with whom. Your goal is to identify all the situations in which you are more likely to engage in the habit, then consciously remind yourself not to bite your nails in those situations as you enter them.

Grip, grab and clench.

You can't bite your nails if your hands are involved in other activities. So if you realize you're getting the urge to bite, immediately do something else with your hands. If you're sitting on a sofa, for instance, grab the armrest. If you're reading, hold the book firmly. And if you're in a meeting, gently grab your knee. Just hold on for a couple of minutes and the urge will pass.

File your nails daily.

"Keep your nails well trimmed and short, especially for the first few weeks. Use an emery board instead of a metal file or scissors--it is gentler and won't weaken your nails."

It is recommended to fill your nails into a rounded or oval shape. "If you file your nails straight across, they will have two sharp points that are tempting to bite."

Baby them.

"Soak or massage your nails with baby oil, olive oil, vitamin E oil or a gentle dish detergent at least twice a day to replenish lost moisture, stimulate growth and prevent cracking and chipping. "Also, use a moisturizing hand lotion several times a day to keep the skin around the nails healthy and attractive."

Make your nails less tasty.

Schorr and Webster both suggest coating your fingers with hot pepper or lemon juice: Any nontoxic, bitter substance will make you think twice about putting your fingers near your mouth. But make sure you also keep your hands away from your eyes.

Go undercover.

When you're at home, try wearing some light cotton gloves. They're surefire protection against nail biting.

Dress up your digits.

Once the appearance of your nails has improved, don't hide them--show them off! it is suggested wearing rings and jewelry and putting your hands on top of a desk or table rather than hiding them underneath. After you've given up nail biting, you should begin to feel comfortable extending the fingers rather than cupping them. If you draw attention to your fingers and receive compliments, that's a wonderful incentive to keep up the good work.

DRY SKIN & WINTER ITCH

Beauty Tips

As winter approaches, our bodies turn toward flannel, our attention turns toward cheap Florida airfares, and our skin takes a turn toward something resembling Melba toast.

You can blame that toasted skin on the warm, toasty air that heats our homes, schools and offices. When it gets cold, we naturally warm up the house. The problem is, unless you add humidity to your surroundings with a humidifier or pans of water near radiators, a heated room has only about 15 percent relative humidity-as dry as Death Valley. And that turns our skin dry, flaky, scaly and usually itchy (and always bothersome).

Plus, there are other irritants to make matters worse--wind, cold, soaps, water (which dries skin when it evaporates), even added stress. Put it all together and your epidermis can dry out quicker than Aunt Gizelda's holiday fruitcake.

Dry skin and winter itch share a lot of symptoms with eczema and dermatitis, and some of the remedies for those problems can bring relief. But the key to making the winter season a merry one, itch-wise, is keeping your birthday suit well protected.

Here's how.

Keep skin moisturized.

Probably the most important thing you can do to prevent and treat dry skin is to moisturize daily with a cream-based moisturizer, advises Sheryl Clark, M.D., a dermatologist at The New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center in New York City. "An oil-free moisturizer is recommended for those who tend to break out. Also, those with sensitive skin should choose a moisturizer without perfumes or lanolin." The brands most highly recommended by experts include Eucerin, Complex 15, Moisturel, Aquaphor and Aquaderm-all available over the counter.

But don't get soaked.

You don't need expensive skin creams to keep skin moisturized. "Nothing beats plain petroleum jelly or mineral oil as a moisturizer, " says Howard Donsky, M.D., associate professor of medicine at the University of Toronto and author of Beauty Is Skin Deep. In fact, he acids that virtually any vegetable oil or hydrogenated cooking oil--from Crisco oil to sunflower or peanut oil--can be used to relieve dry skin. But note: They do feet greasier than commercial moisturizers.

Don't be too hyper about your hygiene.

"Bathe in cool to tepid water as briefly as possible and no more than once a day," according to Michael Ramsey, M.D., clinical instructor of dermatology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. "Cleansing lotions are more gentle than soaps, and they're just as effective at removing dirt," adds Leonard Swinyer, M.D., clinical professor of medicine at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. And don't use a washcloth--just your fingertips. If you must use soaps, stick with mild brands such as Dove, Aveeno or Basis.

Add some oil to your bath.

Make the most of your tub time by adding a bath oil rich in moisturizers- -even when you apply creams after bathing.

Again, there's no need for the fancy stuff: Plain ol' castor oil is an excellent, low-cost choice. "It's one of the few oils that will disperse in water, and it won't leave a ring around the tub," says Varro E. Tyler, Ph.D., professor of pharmacognosy at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, and author of The Honest Herbal.
Make your own bath oil by mixing 1/2 cup of castor oil with ten drops of sandlewood-, pine-, rosemary- or mint-scented oil and storing it in a closed jar. Add one teaspoon of the mixture each time you bathe. For those who prefer store-bought brands, Alpha Keri body oil, Geri-Bath and Nutraderm bath oil are highly recommended.

Caution: Be careful in the bathroom, because these oils can make tubs and floors extremely slippery.

Dry yourself damp.

After bathing, pat your skin almost dry-never totally dry with a towel. While the skin is still damp, apply your moisturizing lotion. "It's more effective to apply moisturizer to damp skin immediately after bathing than to put it on totally dry skin, because the moisturizer is what holds the water in," says Kenneth H. Neldner, M.D., professor and chairman of the Department of Dermatology at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock. "A couple of pats with a towel will make you as dry as you want to be before you apply the lotion. You're trying to trap a little water in the skin, and that's the fundamental rule in fighting off dryness." If you have dry hands, he advises keeping some moisturizer near each sink in the house and using it as needed.

Be wary of wool.

Clothing made of wool--or any other fuzzy or heavy material--can be particularly irritating to excessively dry skin, says Stephen M. Purcell, D.O., chairman of the Department of Dermatology at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and assistant clinical professor at Hahnemann University School of Medicine in Philadelphia. "The last thing itchy skin needs is to have something scratchy over it. Cotton is probably the best material to wear, since polyester blends can also be irritating to some people."

Shave before bedtime.

Shaving is tough enough on your tender skin, but meeting the cold reality of Old Man Winter right afterward makes your dry skin even worse, adds Dr. Swinyer. Unless you're hampered by severe five o'clock shadow, shave before bedtime, when your puss won't be subjected to such a drastic change in temperature.

And avoid eye-opening after-shaves.

Their high alcohol content is too drying and zaps remaining moisture during this mean season, adds Dr. Swinyer.

Wear baggy,

loose-fitting clothing. In addition to being more abrasive, tighter clothing traps perspiration, which softens the outer layer of skin, breaks down its protective barrier and worsens dry skin, says dermatologist Rodney Basler, M.D., assistant professor of internal medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. But looser-fitting clothes, particularly in "breathable" fabrics like cotton, allow perspiration to be absorbed naturally.

Dark Circles under Eyes

Causes and Home Remedies

Dark circles under the eyes tell us about the health of an individual. They are produced due to overstrain, after an illness or an allergy. They can also be the result of undernourishment. But these dark circles do not produce any harm to the body. So anybody with dark circles should not worry about them. In fact, sometimes they're not even an indication of physical problems.

Dark circles can be aggravated by fatigue, allergies, overexposure to the sun, menstruation or pregnancy. But they're usually hereditary; if your parents have them, there are more chances that you do, too have them.

Dark circles are the result of the engorged blood vessels under your eyes. Because the skin under eyes is thinner than skin anywhere else on body, therefore blood vessels there are more noticeable, especially in fair skinned persons. Usually, dark circles are caused by hyper pigmentation of melanin, the substance that gives color to the skin.


In western countries, the kidneys are related to the adrenal glands and with stress levels in life being so high; these glands are very often exhausted. When these glands are weakened, allergies are prevalent. Dark circles under the eyes are known to be a classic symptom of an allergy, together other signs including edema and fatigue.


Dark circles under eyes may also be due to aging which thins the skin around the eyes. Eight hours of sleep is essential. Do not leave cream on the skin around the eyes for long periods. Circles under the eyes can worsen in people who smoke or suffer from allergies.


HOME REMEDIES FOR DARK CIRCLES UNDER THE EYES

• 
  
  Apply a cold compress this will help to constrict blood vessels and turns tissue white, and dark circles will lighten.
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  Drink at least eight to ten glasses of water everyday.
• 
  Put slices of raw potatoes or cucumber by closing eyes over the eyelids for 15-20 minutes. Wash with warm water and apply a cream.
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  Take out the juice of the cucumber. Prepare a mixture of lemon juice, lanolin cream and cucumber juice and apply around the eye for 10-15 minutes.
• 
  Prepare a mixture by adding equal quantity of potato and cucumber juices. Dip a cotton swab in this mixture and put the cotton on eyelids and keep for 20 minutes. Wash your eyes with cold water.
• 
  Prepare a mixture of lemon and tomato juice (equal parts) and apply it on the black circles 2 times a day.
• 
  Make a paste of turmeric powder with pineapple juice for dark circles under the eyes.
  Apply crushed mint around the eye.
• 
  Another home remedy for dark circles under the eyes is - massage with almond oil under and around eyes at bedtime daily for 2 weeks. Almond helps to remove dark circles.
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  No cream should be left on the skin around the eyes for long periods.
  
  Rub the area with a powdered Vitamin E capsule and wash off with a mixture of honey and egg white.
• 
  Put hot and cold clothes alternatively under eyes for 10 minutes. Then apply some almond oil on the dark circles before going to bed.
• 
  The acupressure point for eyes is on the mount below the index finger of your palms. Pressing this mount may help.
• 
  Dip some carrot leave in hot water and leave for a few minutes. Drink the liquid 3 times a day before meals.
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  Dip cotton balls in rose water or cold water and keep under the eyes for 10 minutes.
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  Make a paste of 1 tsp. tomato juice, 1/2 tsp. lemon juice, a pinch of turmeric powder, and 1 tsp. of flour. Apply around eyes. Leave on for 10 minutes before washing. This is an effective home remedy for dark circle treatment.
• 
  Take some freezed parsley. Use the parsley cubes instead of eye creams to reduce the dark circles and puffiness. Parsley is packed with chlorophyll which helps fade darkness, while the ice cubes reduce the swelling.
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  Takes vasoline, put it on a metal spoon and freeze it for 15 minutes. Then apply it to the eyes for a few minutes.
• 
  Add some mint leaves, lemon juice, and sal t to tomato juice and drink.
• 
  Grate some cucumber and freeze in an ice tray. Massage frozen cucumber cubes onto eyes to reduce puffiness and dark circles.
• 
  Avoid excess of chocolates and try to take more fibres in the diet.
• 
  To prevent dark circles take 2 magnesium tablets per day, especially if you're taking calcium.
• 
  Use a sunscreen especially made for the face with a sun protection factor (SPF) to keep the sun's rays from darkening the skin under your eyes.
• Eat vagetables and fruits rich in vitamin A for the treatment of dark circles under eyes.

ACNE SCARS

Causes and Treatment

A general information all about the acne scars, effects of acne scars and its proper medication.

Macules and Scars:

Before I jump into the topic of scars, I need to clarify the difference between Macules and Scars. Macules may look like scars, but they are not scars in the sense that a permanent change has occurred. Macules are essentially the final stage of most inflamed acne lesions. They are normally flat, reddish spots that can remain for up to 8 months. But the difference between a Macule and a scar is that a Macule will end up disappearing completely whereas a scar will remain for years or indefinitely.

As for scars, this can also vary from person to person. With some individuals, scars may remain for a lifetime without change but with others, their skin will undergo a form of remodeling that will eventually diminish the scar.

Another factor that needs to be evaluated is the human element of scarring. People simply have different feelings about acne scars. Those who are distressed about their acne scars are much more likely to actively seek out treatment to moderate or remove the scar than those who are more indifferent about the scars.

Cause of Scars:

Let us first gain a better understanding of acne scars by first determining the cause of scars. A scar is a mark left in the skin by the healing of a wound or surgical incision in which the normal functional tissue (skin) is replaced by connective tissue (scar). In the case of acne, the lesion is caused by the body's inflammatory response to sebum, bacteria and dead cells that are trapped in the plugged sebaceous follicle.

When your skin tissue has suffered a lesion of some sorts, your body will attempt to heal the injured site. It does so by increasing the white blood cells in the area along with an array of inflammatory molecules whose function is to repair the damaged tissue and fight infection. In the end, the repair job can be messy, and the site of the lesion is now filled with fibrous scar tissue or eroded tissue. As for the inflammatory molecules and white blood cells, they can remain at the acne lesion for days and even weeks.

Take note of the fact that not everyone functions in the same way, and this holds true with our skin as well. Some people are simply more prone to scarring than others.

Treatment for scars:

Bear in mind that treating acne and treating acne scars are two completely different things. Treating your acne has nothing to do with treating an acne scar. Acne scars can indeed be treated, but it is important that an acne sufferer bring their acne condition under control first if they still suffer from moderate to severe acne.

Once your acne subsides, make an appointment with a dermatologist and discuss the methods (if applicable) of scar treatment(s) he/she recommend you undergo to treat your scars. Keep in mind that there are many methods with which you may treat your scars. These methods vary according to your scar type, size and location, type of skin, and of course, money $$$. All this should be discussed in great detail with your dermatologist.

Before undergoing scar treatment, ask yourself the following questions before having your dermatologist undergo the decided procedure(s) .: Are you willing to wait and see if the scars will subside on their own with time? Do your acne scars affect you emotionally and socially? Is your scarring substantial enough to warrant scar treatment? Can you afford the treatment or what treatment options can you afford?

Keep in mind, the objective of scar treatment is not to necessarily rid you of all indications of scars by completely restoring your skin. It very much depends on the severity of your scars, your skin type, your skins ability to regenerate, etc. Significant improvements can definitely be achieved, but complete restoration is often impossible.

23 Ways to Reduce Wrinkles

Beauty Tips

Worried that your skin looks older than you feel? Here are 23 ways to reduce wrinkles – starting now!

Whether you're 35 and just beginning to see the first signs of aging, or 55 with skin that isn't exactly keeping your birthday a secret, seeking ways to reduce wrinkles is probably on your agenda.

At the same time, experts say, many of us are losing the wrinkle battle, watching helplessly as the glow of youth goes on the dimmer switch.

"Many women as well as men believe that aging skin is inevitable, but with the information and technologies we have today, you really can look as young as you feel," says Robin Ashinoff, MD, a dermatologist at the Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey.

To help put you on the right path, WebMD asked Ashinoff and several other experts what really works to reduce wrinkles. What follows are 23 ways experts say you can make a difference. While some require a visit to the dermatologist, many are things you can do on your own.

How to Reduce Wrinkles: What You Can Do

1. Avoid the sun. It's the No. 1 cause of wrinkles, with dozens of studies documenting the impact. In one study that looked at identical twins, New York plastic surgeon Darrick Antell, MD, found sun exposure was even more important than heredity. Siblings who limited sun time had fewer wrinkles and looked younger overall than their sun-worshiping twins.

2. Wear sunscreen. If you must go out in the sun, the American Academy of Dermatology says, wear sunscreen! It will protect you from skin cancer, and help prevent wrinkles at the same time.

3. Don’t smoke. Some of the research is still controversial, but more and more studies are confirming that cigarette smoke ages skin -- mostly by releasing an enzyme that breaks down collagen and elastin, important components of the skin. Sibling studies done at the Twin Research Unit at St. Thomas Hospital in London found the brother or sister who smoked tended to have skin that was more wrinkled and up to 40% thinner than the non-smoker.

4. Get adequate sleep. Yale dermatologist Nicholas Perricone, MD, says that when you don't get enough sleep, the body produces excess cortisol, a hormone that breaks down skin cells. Get enough rest, Perricone says, and you'll produce more HGH (human growth hormone), which helps skin remain thick, more "elastic," and less likely to wrinkle.

5. Sleep on your back. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) cautions that sleeping in certain positions night after night leads to "sleep lines -- wrinkles that become etched into the surface of the skin and don't disappear once you're up. Sleeping on your side increases wrinkles on cheeks and chin, while sleeping face-down gives you a furrowed brow. To reduce wrinkle formation, the AAD says, sleep on your back.

6. Don't squint -- get reading glasses! The AAD says any repetitive facial movement -- like squinting -- overworks facial muscles, forming a groove beneath the skin's surface. This groove eventually becomes a wrinkle. Also important: Wear sunglasses. It will protect skin around the eyes from sun damage -- and further keep you from squinting.

7. Eat more fish -- particularly salmon. Not only is salmon (along with other cold-water fish) a great source of protein -- one of the building blocks of great skin -- it's also an awesome source of an essential fatty acid known as omega-3. Perricone tells WebMD that essential fatty acids help nourish skin and keep it plump and youthful, helping to reduce wrinkles.

8. Eat more soy -- So far, most of the proof has come from animal studies, but research does show certain properties of soy may help protect or heal some of the sun's photoaging damage. In one recent human study, published in the European Journal of Nutrition, researchers reported that a soy-based supplement (other ingredients included fish protein and extracts from white tea, grapeseed, and tomato, as well as several vitamins) improved skin's structure and firmness after just six months of use.

9. Trade coffee for cocoa. In a study published in the Journal of Nutrition in 2006, researchers found cocoa containing high levels of two dietary flavanols (epicatchin and catechin) protected skin from sun damage, improved circulation to skin cells, affected hydration, and made the skin look and feel smoother.

10. Eat more fruits and vegetables. The key, says Kraus, are their antioxidant compounds. These compounds fight damage caused by free radicals (unstable molecules that can damage cells), which in turn helps skin look younger and more radiant, and protects against some effects of photoaging.

11. Use moisturizer. "Women, especially, are so concerned with antiaging products they often overlook the power of a simple moisturizer. Skin that is moist simply looks better, so lines and creases are far less noticeable," says Ashinoff.

12. Don't over-wash your face. According to dermatologists at the University of Maryland Medical Center, tap water strips skin of its natural barrier oils and moisture that protect against wrinkles. Wash them off too often, and you wash away protection. Moreover, unless your soap contains moisturizers, you should use a cleanser instead.

Topical Treatments That Reduce Wrinkles

Studies show the following ingredients can reduce wrinkles. Most are found in a variety of skin-care treatments, both prescription and over-the-counter.

13. Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). These natural fruit acids lift away the top layer of dead skin cells, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, particularly around the eyes. New evidence shows that in higher concentrations, AHAs may help stimulate collagen production.

14. Retinoids (including Retin A). The only FDA-approved topical treatment for wrinkles is tretinoin, known commercially as Retin A. Ashinoff says this prescription cream reduces fine lines and large wrinkles, and repairs sun damage. Retinol is a natural form of vitamin A found in many over-the-counter products. Studies show that in a stabilized formula, in high concentrations, it may be as effective as Retin A, without the side effects, such as skin burning and sensitivity.

15. Topical vitamin C. Studies at Tulane University, among others, have found it can increase collagen production, protect against damage from UVA and UVB rays, correct pigmentation problems, and improve inflammatory skin conditions. The key, however, may be the type of vitamin C used. To date, most of the research points to the L-ascorbic acid form as the most potent for wrinkle relief.

16. Idebenone. This chemical cousin to the nutrient coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)is a super-powerful antioxidant. In one study published recently in the Journal of Dermatology, doctors found that with just 6 weeks of topical use, there was a 26% reduction in skin roughness and dryness, a 37% increase in hydration, a 29% decrease in lines and wrinkles, and a 33% overall improvement in sun-damaged skin. Other studies have found similar results.

17. Growth factors. Part of the body's natural wound-healing response, these compounds, when applied topically, may reduce sun damage and decrease lines and wrinkles, while rejuvenating collagen production, studies have shown.

18. Pentapeptides. The results of a study supported by the National Institutes of Health suggested pentapeptides can increase collagen production in sun-damaged skin. Several subsequent studies (including one presented at a recent national dermatology conference) showed that when topically applied, pentapeptides stimulated collagen production and diminished lines and wrinkles.

Medical/Spa Treatments That Reduce Wrinkles

19. Botox. An injection of this purified version of the Botulinum toxin A relaxes the muscle just underneath the wrinkle, allowing the skin on top to lie smooth and crease-free.

20. Wrinkle fillers. Doctors fill wrinkles with a variety of substances, including collagen, hyaluronic acid, and other synthetic compounds. Popular treatments include Restylane, Juvederm, and ArteFill, among others.

21. Laser/light resurfacing. Here, energy from a light source -- either a laser or a pulsed diode light -- removes the top layer of skin, causing a slight but unnoticeable skin "wounding." This kicks the skin's natural collagen-production system into high gear, resulting in smoother, more wrinkle-free skin.

22. Chemical peels. In this treatment, one of a variety of different chemicals is used to "burn" away the top layer of skin, creating damage that causes the body to respond by making more collagen. You end up with younger-looking, smoother skin.

23. Dermabrasion. A vacuum suction device used in tandem with a mild chemical crystal, dermabrasion helps remove the top layer of skin cells and bring new, more evenly textured skin to the surface. In the process, fine lines and wrinkles seem to disappear.

WRINKLES - Beauty Tips

Beauty Tips for glowing skin

Wrinkles are delicate creases caused by thin, sagging skin. These are especially visible on the face, neck and hands. Wrinkles appear when the collagen and elastin present in the connective tissue of the skin is weakened or decrease in number. Skin that has suffered such damage appears thinner, loses fat content, elasticity and smoothness.

Symptoms for wrinkled skin

Some of the symptoms of wrinkled skin are -

Lined and creased skin
Sagging skin
Areas that are more affected include sensitive skin near the eyes, lips and neck.

Though some creases are temporary, they may become deeper and more permanent due to ageing.

Wrinkles occur due to ageing process

Though wrinkles are a part and parcel of the ageing process, premature wrinkles are a cause of concern for many. Some of the common causes of wrinkles on skin are -

Over exposure to sun - The damage caused by the ultraviolet rays of the sun is known as photoageing.

Smoking - Smoking hastens the ageing process. The large amount of free radicals produced by cigarette smoke is one of the biggest culprits for premature wrinkles. Free radicals can play havoc with the skin, damaging it to an alarming extent.

Pollution - Environmental factors such as exposure to air pollutants, dust, chemicals and harsh lights can cause wrinkles on skin over a period of time.

Repeated motions such as squinting can cause wrinkles around the eyes. These are referred to as "crow's feet". Smiling and frowning can also cause laugh lines around the mouth or frown lines on the forehead.

Drug use

Stress

Weight Loss - Rapid weight loss can cause wrinkles as the volume of the fat cells (which have a cushioning effect) are drastically reduced. This causes the skin to sag and crease.

Loss of Vitamin E - Depletion of this important vitamin can cause the skin quality to deteriorate.

Home Remedies for wrinkle on skin

Here are some simple home remedies to deal with wrinkles on skin and prevent the formation of new ones –

Mix 1 teaspoon of raspberry juice with one teaspoon of orange juice. Add one teaspoon of olive oil, whipped egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of grind oatmeal. Wait for 20 minutes and smear on face. Wait until it gets dry and wash off with warm water.

Grind an onion and Rub on face to loose the wrinkles.

Mix 2 tablespoons of Vodka with 1 tablespoon of fennel seeds and half a teaspoon of honey. Boil and then refrigerate for 3 days. Apply on face with a cotton ball and wash off with warm water.

Apply egg whites to the skin under your eyes.

Odor-free castor oil can be applied to the skin under the eyes or on that of the throat.

Empty the contents of 3 Vitamin E capsules into a small bowl. Add to this 2 tsps plain yogurt, 1/2 tsp honey and 1/2 tsp lemon juice. Apply this mixture on the face using a cotton ball. Leave it on for 10 minutes and rinse.

A mixture of 1/4 cup comfrey infusion, 1/4 cup witch hazel and 10 drops of patchouli essential oil is effective in treating wrinkles. This can be stored in a clean bottle and applied on affected areas with a cotton ball.

Gently massage coconut oil on portions of skin prone to wrinkles every night a bedtime.

A paste of turmeric made with sugarcane juice is great to get rid of wrinkles and slow skin ageing.

Cut a green Thompson seedless grape in half and gently crush it on your face on the wrinkles. Leave it for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water and let it dry in natural air.

Rub the core of pineapple on the face and leave it for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off. This works well on fine wrinkles.

Applying juice of green pineapples and apples on the face daily for 10-15 minutes is good for fine wrinkles and cracked skin.

Application of pure castor oil regularly prevents wrinkles.

Quik Tips

• Cucumber juice can be effective in alleviating age spot skin problems.
  
• Fresh Papaya juice can remove dead and rough skin, and apple and pineapple juices can help to diminish fine lines, wrinkles and cracked skin.
  
• Regular facial is very necessary to control wrinkles.
  
• Massage increases blood circulation, which results in tightening of the muscles and tissues, thereby, reducing the fleshiness of the skin and restoring a young look.
  
• Apply lemon juice few times a day to reduce the blemishes and age spots
  
• Prepare a paste of turmeric powder with sugarcane juice and apply to the face to remove wrinkles and to prevent skin ageing.
  
• Cut a Green Thompson seedless grape in half and gently crush it on your face at wrinkles (lines). Leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water and let it dry in natural air. This is very effective home remedy for wrinkles and they will disappear shortly.
  
• Rub the core of pineapple on the face for a few minutes and leave for 10-15 minutes. This is excellent for fine wrinkles.
  
• Apply juice of green pineapples and apples the face daily and leave for 10-15 minutes. This is excellent for fine wrinkles and cracked skin.
  
• Apply pure castor oil to prevent wrinkles
  
• Applying a good quality cream with a firm pressure with the fleshy tips of fingers. Do not apply pressure around eyes. Continue massage for 15 minutes.
  
• For wrinkle treatment wipe off the face with wet cotton.
  
• For fast removal of wrinkles, massage with your all the fingers of both the hands rapidly with rapid circular motion.
  
• For wrinkles on jaw, pinch the skin between your thumb and fingers. Pinching is also good if you have double chin.
  
• Massage coconut oil into the skin where wrinkles appear before bed.
  
• Leave metal spoons overnight in the freezer. In the morning when you first wake up, apply the backs of spoons under the eye to reduce under-eye wrinkles. This also helps with under-eye circles.
  
• Eat a spoonful of shredded ginger with some honey every morning for wrinkle cure.
  
• Mix two tablespoons vodka, a tablespoon fennel seeds, and 2 teaspoons honey, and let sit for three days. Strain out the fennel seeds and use as a toner on the face.
  
• Remove wrinkles from the face by simmering 1/2-cup rosemary leaves in 2 cups of water for about 30 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of brandy and leave on for 10-15 minutes. Strain and wipe onto skin every morning and evening to preserve a face free of lines Wash face thoroughly and pat dry. This is also very effective home remedy for wrinkles
  
• Eat a balanced diet including fruits, vegetables, whole grain foods, seeds, nuts and legumes.
  
• Drink plenty of fluid every day. This help to keep the skin hydrated and to flush away toxins.
  
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine and cigarettes; they dry the skin encouraging the development of wrinkles. Also the smoking habit uses the lips muscles hundreds of times a day, which contributes wrinkling.
  
• Always protect your skin from the sun applying a sunscreen
  
• Prick 3 capsules of vitamin E and drain into small bowl. Add 2 tsps plain yogurt, 1/2 tsp honey and 1/2 tsp. lemon juice. Apply to face with cotton ball. Leave on skin for about 10 minutes. Rinse.
  
• For wrinkle cure apply egg yolk once in a week for 10 minutes.
  
• Prepare a mixture of honey, olive oil and cream. Apply it on the face. It gives very good results.

Balanced diet

The role of a balanced diet for a healthy, youthful looking skin cannot be undermined. A diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains paves the way for a wrinkle-free skin.

Flax seed oil is an excellent wrinkle cure agent. Take a tablespoon of flax seed oil 4 times a day. This may cause diarrhea, so make sure your body is used to taking flax seed oil.

Consume at least 4-6 liters of water everyday. This is the best way to hydrate and moisturize your skin from within.

Other suggestions for Wrinkles

More smiling, less squinting and frowning are ways to keep your face young, wrinkle-free and attractive.

Use natural moisturizing creams and lotions regularly. Light massage with cream or lotion every night can keep your skin soft and supple.

Use a good quality sunscreen lotion whenever you go out in the sun.

Turmeric - HALDI

A knife cut. Blood. Dripping incessantly. Unflustered, the Indian housewife reaches for the closest and safest remedy at hand–Haldi.

Bodies responding to seasonal changes with the flu, coughs, and running noses, are immediately administered with honey mixed with turmeric, or turmeric mixed in milk by the homemaker, to soothe and to cure.

 

The Friday oil bath routines with the application of Haldi is almost sacrosanct with the South Indian women, resulting in beautiful skin, and hairless bodies! In fact, in South India, it is considered very auspicious and therefore, is the first item on the grocery list. The turmeric plant is tied around the vessel used to make Sweet pongal on the harvest festival, which is celebrated on the Makarshankranti Day, universally celebrated on 14th of January, every year.


In many North Indian traditional wedding ceremonies, haldi is applied to both, the groom and the bride, not only to make them look good with fresh glowing skins, but to ward off the evil eye. It is considered by the Hindus as a symbol of prosperity and as a cleansing herb for the whole body. Pieces of crushed roots mixed with seawater are sprinkled to remove the negative influences from places, persons, and things during ceremonies.

Indians therefore, are no strangers to the multiple uses of Turmeric (Curcuma longa). It is well recognized as the best anti-oxidant, hypoglycemic, colorant, antiseptic and wound healer. Used in cooking as a spice for over 2,500 years, turmeric has a bitter, musty flavor similar to mustard. It is this spice that gives Indian curries their characteristic bright yellow-orange color.

The healing properties of turmeric have made it a most sought after ingredient in cosmetics and drugs, as the leaf oil and extract can also be used as sunscreens and bio-pesticides.


In fact, Turmeric has been in the global limelight for the granting of the controversial patent on it!

Its modern approved applications in European medicine, stem from its traditional uses in Asia. Turmeric is used extensively in the Indian systems of medicine (Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha). It is used as a carminative and stomachic in the treatment of digestive disorders such as flatulence, bloating, and appetite loss. Turmeric is used internally as boiled powder, fresh juice, and confection and externally as paste, oil, ointment, and lotion. It is also applied topically for ulcers, wounds, eczema, and inflammations. In both the Ayurvedic and Siddha systems of medicine, a turmeric paste is used topically to treat ulcers and scabies.

Turmeric, with its antibacterial action, prevents bacterial infections on wounds. Turmeric also has a long history of use for its anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic effects. As in India, it is used in China, Japan, and Korea for a range of indications including, Amenorrhea. Turmeric has been investigated for its cholagogous influence on the secretion of bile, pancreatic, and gastric juices. It is currently being evaluated for its anticarcinogenic and antimutagenic properties.


The roots are pounded and pressed to extract a juice that, when mixed with water, is helpful in earaches and to clear the sinuses through nasal application. The astringent qualities of turmeric are also useful in cases of consumption, tuberculosis, bronchitis, colds and asthma, the root being lightly cooked and eaten. At times, turmeric has been taken as a diuretic, and topically it can be helpful with pimples or to stop bleeding.

The active constituent of turmeric is curcumin, which has been shown to have a wide range of therapeutic effects. It protects against free radical damage, as it is a strong antioxidant and reduces inflammation by reducing histamine levels. Curcumin has a protective effect on liver tissue exposed to liver damaging drugs and is traditionally used for liver ailments. Liver damage resulting from excessive consumption of alcohol or prolonged use of painkillers like paracetemol may be minimized to some extent.

Turmeric also protects the liver from a number of toxic compounds. Studies have shown that turmeric may help reduce cholesterol and also prevent the internal blood clots that trigger heart attack and strokes. There are promising results on the use of turmeric to treat cancer, as it is believed to inhibit the growth of lymphoma tumor cells.


Turmeric is extremely safe. It has been used in large quantities as a food, with no adverse reactions. However, persons with symptoms from gallstones should avoid turmeric. Turmeric’s potential anti-clotting effect might cause problems for those with clotting disorders. Unusually large amounts of turmeric consumption, may result in an upset stomach. Turmeric is best avoided during pregnancy, obstructive jaundice, hepatitis and acute bilious colic and should not be administered to people who suffer from stomach ulcers or hyperacidity.

Growing Turmeric

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a plant of the ginger family, native to India and Southeast Asia. It is a perennial plant with pulpy, orange, tuberous roots that grow to about 2 feet in length. The aerial parts include large, lily-like leaves, a thick, squat, central flower spike, and funnel-shaped yellow flowers. It is largely cultivated in all parts of India, mainly in Chennai, Bengal, and Mumbai. It is also cultivated in China, Taiwan, Japan, Burma, Indonesia, and throughout the African continent.

Turmeric is without a stem, yet the overlapping clustered leaves appear to be growing out of a stem above the ground. The leaves are blade-like, 8 inches long by 3 inches wide, and rise to about 20 inches high, directly from the underground root. This root/rhizome grows its leaves much as the banana does.

Soil rich in humus, which is sandy in nature, is ideal for growing turmeric. The mother rhizome is kept beneath river sand, till the hot summer is over and is planted in June. Each germinating rhizome is planted at the distance of one, to one and half feet and watered in such a way, that there is no stagnation leading to root destruction.

After the rhizomes are planted, turmeric hides in the garden for three or more months, before it sprouts from the ground. The rhizomes are collected, leaving some, at the end of six months, so that the plant is perennial. This plant is usually dormant from about September to March, but the roots do survive and will revive to come up with green leaves once again. This plant can also be grown at home, in wide mouth pots of 2-ft height as the underground part is of use.

Look Beautiful - Naturally

LOOK BEAUTIFUL, THE NATURAL WAY

Our skin faces a constant barrage of chemicals everyday from pollution to harsh chemically formulated products that strip the skin of its natural balance. These simple Ayurvedic home remedies help you to attain a clear, healthy and glowing complexion. Ayurveda mentions many simple natural ways to maintain a healthy and glowing skin. Using these natural ways, one can stay beautiful for a longer period without having to suffer the side effects of the chemicals.

Below are some simple 'secrets' to achieve a naturally beautiful skin.

• Mix equal quantities of cucumber juice, rose water and lime juice. Wash the face and apply it overnight. Rinse off in the morning. This clears the complexion and keeps it healthy.
  
  
  
  
• Take 50 ml. of raw (not boiled) milk and mix a pinch of salt and two teaspoonful of lime juice in it. Use it as a cleansing lotion. It helps to clean the deep pores of skin.
  
  
  
  
• Mix equal quantities of lime juice, glycerin and rose water. This lotion if applied to the face regularly at bed time is very useful in removing pimples, blackheads and other stains of the skin. It makes the skin soft, and can also be applied to other parts of the body (hands, feet etc.)
  
  
  
  
• Take 50 ml. of tomato juice and mix with one teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply this mixture to the face. It helps to make the skin soft and glowing.
  
  
  
  
• Take equal quantities of turmeric powder and wheat flour and make a paste with sesame oil. Apply it to the face to remove unwanted hair.
  
  
  
  
• Apply orange juice to the face for smooth and soft skin.
  
  
  
  
• Take 30 ml. of cabbage juice and mix one teaspoon of honey in it. This mixture, if applied regularly to the face, helps to keep the wrinkles away.
  
  
  
  
• Make a paste of raw carrots and apply it to the face. Wash it after one hour. The skin will become glowing.
  
  
  
  
• Regular application of mint juice to the face helps to remove stains.

Try out some of these simple natural remedies for smooth, clear and radiant complexion.