Acne Skin Softening-Flax and Yeast
Here’s a mask good for all skin types but excellent for acne. It softens, smoothes and nourishes skin giving it a fresh, youthful glow. Yeast is a particularly good treatment for acne:
Place 2 teaspoons flax seeds (available in health food and specialty stores) in a small bowl with just enough water to cover seeds. Let sit until the water forms a gel like substance. If you want to make it faster, you can boil the seeds covered in water until seeds burst and form a gel then let cool. Add 1 tablespoon Brewer’s or Baker’s yeast (found in little packets in the bread baker’s area) and more water as needed to make a soft paste like gel. Apply to clean face and let dry then rinse with tepid water and pat dry.
For more information on Acne and Yeast: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
Showing posts with label Facial Skin Care-Oily or Acne Prone Skin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Facial Skin Care-Oily or Acne Prone Skin. Show all posts
Traditional Skin Care Recipes "Beauty Tonics"
Rose Water and Glycerin Skin Care
Rose water and glycerin has been a popular skin care product forever. The rose is anti-inflammatory and nourishing to skin while the glycerin helps pull in moisture to the skin from the air. It makes a great skin toner that is slightly astringent with oil free moisturizing, and just pure rose water alone can be used as toner. Here is a recipe to make your own and following this one is a recipe to make your own authentic rose water.
1 cup real rose water-recipe follows
(or you can substitute placing a handful of dry rose petals in a jar, cover with boiling water, seal and let sit overnight to infuse the water then strain)
2 teaspoons glycerin
4-8 drops of rose essential oil
Combine all in a jar and shake well to blend. Adding about ½ teaspoon of grapefruit seed extract will help preserve it so it will last longer.
How to Make Authentic Rose Water
Most rose water you purchase is not pure rose water but synthetic oil with water and preservatives added to it. Pure rose water is made by distilling water of roses and can also be used to flavor foods such as rice pudding and pastries.
You can make about a quart of high quality rose water in about 1 hour. Use caution not to simmer too long so the rose water essence doesn’t become diluted. Be sure to have a brick and heat safe stainless steel or glass quart bowl.
2-3 quarts fresh roses or rose petals.
Water and ice cubes or crushed ice
In the center of a large tall pot, like the round lidded type used for canning, place a fireplace or heatproof brick. On top of the brick place the heat safe bowl and put the roses in the pot, enough to reach the top of the brick. Pour just enough water to cover the roses and the water should be just above the top of the brick. Place the rounded lid upside down on the pot. Turn the stove on and bring the water to a rolling boil then lower heat to slow, steady simmer. As soon as the water begins to boil, put 2-3 trays of ice cubes or a bag of ice on top of the lid so the steam created in the pot will hit the cold lid and condense. The condensed water will drip down from the center of the lid and drop into the bowl sitting on the brick. This is a simple home “still”. About every twenty minutes, quickly lift lid and take out a sample of the water. It’s time to stop distilling once you have about a pint and a quart or water and it smells and tastes strong of roses.
Ancient Mayan Skin Cream Recipe
This cream has long been used by Mayans to keep skin young looking, softened and helps correct pH balance while fighting off damaging free radicals.
½ cup aloe vera gel
1/8 cup glycerin
1/2 to 1 teaspoon royal bee jelly
1 teaspoon plumeria flower essential oil (also known as frangipani)
Mix all ingredients together well and keep refrigerated up to 6 months in a glass jar. Massage into face at bedtime.
Rose water and glycerin has been a popular skin care product forever. The rose is anti-inflammatory and nourishing to skin while the glycerin helps pull in moisture to the skin from the air. It makes a great skin toner that is slightly astringent with oil free moisturizing, and just pure rose water alone can be used as toner. Here is a recipe to make your own and following this one is a recipe to make your own authentic rose water.
1 cup real rose water-recipe follows
(or you can substitute placing a handful of dry rose petals in a jar, cover with boiling water, seal and let sit overnight to infuse the water then strain)
2 teaspoons glycerin
4-8 drops of rose essential oil
Combine all in a jar and shake well to blend. Adding about ½ teaspoon of grapefruit seed extract will help preserve it so it will last longer.
How to Make Authentic Rose Water
Most rose water you purchase is not pure rose water but synthetic oil with water and preservatives added to it. Pure rose water is made by distilling water of roses and can also be used to flavor foods such as rice pudding and pastries.
You can make about a quart of high quality rose water in about 1 hour. Use caution not to simmer too long so the rose water essence doesn’t become diluted. Be sure to have a brick and heat safe stainless steel or glass quart bowl.
2-3 quarts fresh roses or rose petals.
Water and ice cubes or crushed ice
In the center of a large tall pot, like the round lidded type used for canning, place a fireplace or heatproof brick. On top of the brick place the heat safe bowl and put the roses in the pot, enough to reach the top of the brick. Pour just enough water to cover the roses and the water should be just above the top of the brick. Place the rounded lid upside down on the pot. Turn the stove on and bring the water to a rolling boil then lower heat to slow, steady simmer. As soon as the water begins to boil, put 2-3 trays of ice cubes or a bag of ice on top of the lid so the steam created in the pot will hit the cold lid and condense. The condensed water will drip down from the center of the lid and drop into the bowl sitting on the brick. This is a simple home “still”. About every twenty minutes, quickly lift lid and take out a sample of the water. It’s time to stop distilling once you have about a pint and a quart or water and it smells and tastes strong of roses.
Ancient Mayan Skin Cream Recipe
This cream has long been used by Mayans to keep skin young looking, softened and helps correct pH balance while fighting off damaging free radicals.
½ cup aloe vera gel
1/8 cup glycerin
1/2 to 1 teaspoon royal bee jelly
1 teaspoon plumeria flower essential oil (also known as frangipani)
Mix all ingredients together well and keep refrigerated up to 6 months in a glass jar. Massage into face at bedtime.
Strawberries For Both Aging and Oily Skin
Strawberry Facial
This facial is great for aging skin since strawberries contain AHA and vitamin C, both anti-aging ingredients touted in many store bought cosmetics. Strawberries are also excellent for oily skin. Always test the ingredients on the inside of your elbow or wrist for allergies before applying any facial.
Ingredients:
2 large ripe strawberries
1 Tablespoon almonds ground up fine
1 Tablespoon Milk
1 Tablespoon Kaolin or other facial clay
Prepare ingredients:
-Mash 2 ripe strawberries well in a bowl and set aside.
-In another bowl, combine 1 tablespoon milk with a little bit of the mashed strawberry to create a facial cleanser.
-In another bowl, combine the almond powder with about ½ teaspoon of the mashed strawberry to make a facial scrub.
-To the remainder of the mashed strawberry, add 1 tablespoon kaolin clay and mix well adding a little milk if needed to make a smooth paste for a facial mask.
Facial Procedure:
1. Pull hair off your face with a headband and begin boiling a large pot of water.
2. Using clean cotton pads dipped in the strawberry cleanser, massage the cleanser gently into skin then rinse very well with lots of water.
3. Gently massage the strawberry scrub into your face for a few minutes and rinse very well with water. Pat skin dry with clean towel.
4. Pour the boiling water into a large bowl and ‘tent’ a towel over your head to steam your face about a foot above the steaming water. (Skip the steaming if you have broken capillaries from Rosacea or have asthma). Let face steam about 10 minutes.
5. Apply the strawberry mask to your face and lie down to relax for 20 minutes. Rinse well with lots of water and pat dry.
6. Apply your favorite moisturizer.
This facial is great for aging skin since strawberries contain AHA and vitamin C, both anti-aging ingredients touted in many store bought cosmetics. Strawberries are also excellent for oily skin. Always test the ingredients on the inside of your elbow or wrist for allergies before applying any facial.
Ingredients:
2 large ripe strawberries
1 Tablespoon almonds ground up fine
1 Tablespoon Milk
1 Tablespoon Kaolin or other facial clay
Prepare ingredients:
-Mash 2 ripe strawberries well in a bowl and set aside.
-In another bowl, combine 1 tablespoon milk with a little bit of the mashed strawberry to create a facial cleanser.
-In another bowl, combine the almond powder with about ½ teaspoon of the mashed strawberry to make a facial scrub.
-To the remainder of the mashed strawberry, add 1 tablespoon kaolin clay and mix well adding a little milk if needed to make a smooth paste for a facial mask.
Facial Procedure:
1. Pull hair off your face with a headband and begin boiling a large pot of water.
2. Using clean cotton pads dipped in the strawberry cleanser, massage the cleanser gently into skin then rinse very well with lots of water.
3. Gently massage the strawberry scrub into your face for a few minutes and rinse very well with water. Pat skin dry with clean towel.
4. Pour the boiling water into a large bowl and ‘tent’ a towel over your head to steam your face about a foot above the steaming water. (Skip the steaming if you have broken capillaries from Rosacea or have asthma). Let face steam about 10 minutes.
5. Apply the strawberry mask to your face and lie down to relax for 20 minutes. Rinse well with lots of water and pat dry.
6. Apply your favorite moisturizer.
Apple Cider Vinegar
The Many Uses of Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has so many uses it's a great item to keep on hand in your pantry and it's very inexpensive. It can be used as a hair rinse to clarify product build up, makes hair shiney and helps control dandruff and oiliness. Also use it as a skin toner after cleansing your face instead of using high priced store bought toners. The antibacterial properties of vinegar help keep acne under control and rids skin of excess oil without stripping your skin of it's natural protectants since it has the same pH balance as your skin. Simply mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 2 parts water (since straight vinegar can be too strong for skin and hair). Use on a cotton pad wiping over skin or pour over hair after washing and don't rinse. Since vinegar can be a bit drying, do not use on dry skin or dry/damaged hair.
Diluted vinegar can also be used as ear drops to help prevent ear infections. Soak your feet in vinegar water to reduce bacteria and keep feet odor free and prevent foot fungus from developing. It helps reduce the itch and sting of insect bites when poured over them. If you feel a cold or flu coming on, mix a shot of vinegar to a glass of water and drink all at once or sip throughout the day. It works on the principle of making your body more alkaline which fights the germs (bacteria cannot grow in alkaline environments). Eating a lot of carbohydrates makes your body more acid which in turn makes it more susceptable to germs that feed on it. Keeping your system more alkaline helps keep you healthy. There are even diets that use vinegar to help you lose weight. Ancient people traveling to unknown areas where they would be eating food they were unsure of, would first drink vinegar to protect their stomachs and keep from getting sick. Words of caution: Never ingest apple cider vinegar along with baking soda or even Alka-Seltzer. If you want to see what happens when the two are mixed, try mixing them in a bowl and imagine the eruption that would occur if that were in your stomach. Also, if you drink vinegar along with dairy products there is a chance it can curdle in your stomach and make you sick to your stomach if you tend to be sensitive. If you intend on drinking vinegar on a regular basis, the acidic properties of vinegar can eat away at tooth enamel over time. Use a drinking straw to sip it so it has little to no contact with your teeth. You can swish the vinegar solution around your mouth to help fight bacteria just don't do it continuously. For a trusted source of medical advice with information on your health and vinegar visit WebMD. They state that medical studies about the use of vinegar for treating cancer, blood pressure, obesity weight loss and diabetes is promising. Always keep in mind that vinegar should always be diluted since it's a strong acid.
Vinegar will safely clean your floors, windows, etc without damaging any surfaces and make them bacteria free. It removes soap residue and sticky labels. Remove wallpaper by wetting the wall with equal parts vinegar and warm water. Eliminate smokey and other odors by boiling water with a generous amount of vinegar added to create steam. Add a cup to your load of laundry to rid clothes of body odor and musty or sour smells of linens. Reduce the saltiness of soup or stew by adding about a teaspoon of vinegar. Soak sponges in vinegar to remove odor and disinfect. Clean drains by pouring 1/2 cup baking soda down drain and follow with 1/2 cup vinegar, let stand 5 minutes and run hot water. Mix equal parts flour and salt with enough vinegar to make a paste to polish metals or make a paste of vinegar and cream of tartar to get grime off pots and pans. Keep cut flowers fresher by adding 1 tablespoon vinegar and 1 tablespoon sugar to 1 quart water in the vase. For a great, inexpensive glass cleaner recipe, mix 1 quart water with 1/2 cup vinegar and 1 cup ammonia. And of course it's a natural preservative for food-when have you ever seen pickles spoil? Clean up pet urine accidents on carpet and other surfaces with vinegar which neutralizes the urine ammonia smell and helps keep pets from soiling the same area again. When you give your dog a bath, a vinegar rinse will keep their coat shiney and helps keep insects away. Cleaning musty smelling antiques with vinegar helps remove the bad odor. With all the uses of this cheap miracle liquid, be sure to keep a gallon on hand!
Apple cider vinegar has so many uses it's a great item to keep on hand in your pantry and it's very inexpensive. It can be used as a hair rinse to clarify product build up, makes hair shiney and helps control dandruff and oiliness. Also use it as a skin toner after cleansing your face instead of using high priced store bought toners. The antibacterial properties of vinegar help keep acne under control and rids skin of excess oil without stripping your skin of it's natural protectants since it has the same pH balance as your skin. Simply mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 2 parts water (since straight vinegar can be too strong for skin and hair). Use on a cotton pad wiping over skin or pour over hair after washing and don't rinse. Since vinegar can be a bit drying, do not use on dry skin or dry/damaged hair.
Diluted vinegar can also be used as ear drops to help prevent ear infections. Soak your feet in vinegar water to reduce bacteria and keep feet odor free and prevent foot fungus from developing. It helps reduce the itch and sting of insect bites when poured over them. If you feel a cold or flu coming on, mix a shot of vinegar to a glass of water and drink all at once or sip throughout the day. It works on the principle of making your body more alkaline which fights the germs (bacteria cannot grow in alkaline environments). Eating a lot of carbohydrates makes your body more acid which in turn makes it more susceptable to germs that feed on it. Keeping your system more alkaline helps keep you healthy. There are even diets that use vinegar to help you lose weight. Ancient people traveling to unknown areas where they would be eating food they were unsure of, would first drink vinegar to protect their stomachs and keep from getting sick. Words of caution: Never ingest apple cider vinegar along with baking soda or even Alka-Seltzer. If you want to see what happens when the two are mixed, try mixing them in a bowl and imagine the eruption that would occur if that were in your stomach. Also, if you drink vinegar along with dairy products there is a chance it can curdle in your stomach and make you sick to your stomach if you tend to be sensitive. If you intend on drinking vinegar on a regular basis, the acidic properties of vinegar can eat away at tooth enamel over time. Use a drinking straw to sip it so it has little to no contact with your teeth. You can swish the vinegar solution around your mouth to help fight bacteria just don't do it continuously. For a trusted source of medical advice with information on your health and vinegar visit WebMD. They state that medical studies about the use of vinegar for treating cancer, blood pressure, obesity weight loss and diabetes is promising. Always keep in mind that vinegar should always be diluted since it's a strong acid.
Vinegar will safely clean your floors, windows, etc without damaging any surfaces and make them bacteria free. It removes soap residue and sticky labels. Remove wallpaper by wetting the wall with equal parts vinegar and warm water. Eliminate smokey and other odors by boiling water with a generous amount of vinegar added to create steam. Add a cup to your load of laundry to rid clothes of body odor and musty or sour smells of linens. Reduce the saltiness of soup or stew by adding about a teaspoon of vinegar. Soak sponges in vinegar to remove odor and disinfect. Clean drains by pouring 1/2 cup baking soda down drain and follow with 1/2 cup vinegar, let stand 5 minutes and run hot water. Mix equal parts flour and salt with enough vinegar to make a paste to polish metals or make a paste of vinegar and cream of tartar to get grime off pots and pans. Keep cut flowers fresher by adding 1 tablespoon vinegar and 1 tablespoon sugar to 1 quart water in the vase. For a great, inexpensive glass cleaner recipe, mix 1 quart water with 1/2 cup vinegar and 1 cup ammonia. And of course it's a natural preservative for food-when have you ever seen pickles spoil? Clean up pet urine accidents on carpet and other surfaces with vinegar which neutralizes the urine ammonia smell and helps keep pets from soiling the same area again. When you give your dog a bath, a vinegar rinse will keep their coat shiney and helps keep insects away. Cleaning musty smelling antiques with vinegar helps remove the bad odor. With all the uses of this cheap miracle liquid, be sure to keep a gallon on hand!
Wrinkles, Aging, Acne a Result of Stress?
Stress and Skin Problems, Acne and Aging
Skin is your body’s largest organ and it has immune system functions to protect your health just like other organs. Stress alerts the hypothalamus which sends a message to the pituitary gland and on to the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands react within minutes to the stress by producing cortisol stress hormone. This production of cortisol in your system causes inflammation in organs which in turn produces ‘oxidants’ that damage cells. Short term, this inflammation can ward off disease but if the inflammation becomes chronic it can harm the body in many ways with a large variety of illnesses. This is also true for the skin as well. If a pore is inflamed due to production of cortisol, it is thick with swelling and more likely to become clogged and result in a blemish. And when the collagen in your skin becomes inflamed, its structure breaks down and causes wrinkles and sagging. The more stress you’re exposed to and the longer, the more skin problems may worsen such as premature aging, wrinkles and acne. Even the facial expression responses to stress (frowning, pursing lips, etc) can really speed up the wrinkling process. Acne in teens is shown to flare up and become 23% worse around exam time when stress is greater. When you combine the fact that teens normally produce more sebum oil in their skin at their age, with inflammation from cortisol, you’re sure to have zits. And the teen years can be filled with stressful life changes. Most often when anyone is under stress, the first thing they do is throw healthy habits out the window-they skip exercising, eat junk food or smoke, omit skin care routines, etc. To reduce the effects of stress on your skin (and the rest of your organs), prepare for stress and give yourself breaks so you can handle the situations better. Don’t cut out exercising during stressful times, in fact that’s when it’s most beneficial. In as little as 15 minutes of brisk walking a day, your endorphin levels will be raised which boost mood uplifting chemicals in your brain. Things that improve endorphin levels and also relax your body/mind are yoga, meditation or massage. And absolutely don’t forget to give yourself plenty of sleep since that’s a time of healing and sleep is a natural anti-inflammatory which brings down cortisol levels. Antioxidant vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, C and E and zinc can also help ward off the cell damage caused by chronic inflammation. The best form of getting these vitamins are always from your natural food sources of course, but there are plenty of supplements on the store shelves along with lots of skin products containing antioxidants and vitamins for external use as well. Green tea is well known for its internal and external benefits of being a strong antioxidant so make use of these natural healers internally and externally as well.
Skin Creams and Vitamins
Vitamins A, C and E often are antioxidant ingredients added in expensive skin care products to rejuvenate and repair skin cells. You can add these skin healthy vitamins to your less expensive creams by puncturing the vitamin gel capsule with a straight pin and mix a few drops into your dollop of cream, or apply a thin film directly to skin before massaging in your cream. Keep in mind that the vitamin strength and integrity will diminish quickly once it is exposed to air so only use one small capsule at a time. Use the straight pin to plug the hole in the capsule if you need to use it over a few days. The best time to use creams with vitamins or rejuvenating nutrients is before bed since sleep helps your skin to repair itself.
When looking for a base cream or lotion, hyaluronic acid and peptides based creams help plump up skin with moisture which makes wrinkles look less noticeable. Glycerin can absorb moisture from the air making your skin look more dewy and moist. For oily skin, serums can hydrate skin without clogging pores or making skin look oilier. Serums are also good to use for damaged and aging skin as well. They are lightweight, don’t look greasy and they tend to have more potent levels of skin repairing nutrients that absorb quicker which can make them more effective rather than heavy creams that tend to lie on top of your skin.
Skin is your body’s largest organ and it has immune system functions to protect your health just like other organs. Stress alerts the hypothalamus which sends a message to the pituitary gland and on to the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands react within minutes to the stress by producing cortisol stress hormone. This production of cortisol in your system causes inflammation in organs which in turn produces ‘oxidants’ that damage cells. Short term, this inflammation can ward off disease but if the inflammation becomes chronic it can harm the body in many ways with a large variety of illnesses. This is also true for the skin as well. If a pore is inflamed due to production of cortisol, it is thick with swelling and more likely to become clogged and result in a blemish. And when the collagen in your skin becomes inflamed, its structure breaks down and causes wrinkles and sagging. The more stress you’re exposed to and the longer, the more skin problems may worsen such as premature aging, wrinkles and acne. Even the facial expression responses to stress (frowning, pursing lips, etc) can really speed up the wrinkling process. Acne in teens is shown to flare up and become 23% worse around exam time when stress is greater. When you combine the fact that teens normally produce more sebum oil in their skin at their age, with inflammation from cortisol, you’re sure to have zits. And the teen years can be filled with stressful life changes. Most often when anyone is under stress, the first thing they do is throw healthy habits out the window-they skip exercising, eat junk food or smoke, omit skin care routines, etc. To reduce the effects of stress on your skin (and the rest of your organs), prepare for stress and give yourself breaks so you can handle the situations better. Don’t cut out exercising during stressful times, in fact that’s when it’s most beneficial. In as little as 15 minutes of brisk walking a day, your endorphin levels will be raised which boost mood uplifting chemicals in your brain. Things that improve endorphin levels and also relax your body/mind are yoga, meditation or massage. And absolutely don’t forget to give yourself plenty of sleep since that’s a time of healing and sleep is a natural anti-inflammatory which brings down cortisol levels. Antioxidant vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, C and E and zinc can also help ward off the cell damage caused by chronic inflammation. The best form of getting these vitamins are always from your natural food sources of course, but there are plenty of supplements on the store shelves along with lots of skin products containing antioxidants and vitamins for external use as well. Green tea is well known for its internal and external benefits of being a strong antioxidant so make use of these natural healers internally and externally as well.
Skin Creams and Vitamins
Vitamins A, C and E often are antioxidant ingredients added in expensive skin care products to rejuvenate and repair skin cells. You can add these skin healthy vitamins to your less expensive creams by puncturing the vitamin gel capsule with a straight pin and mix a few drops into your dollop of cream, or apply a thin film directly to skin before massaging in your cream. Keep in mind that the vitamin strength and integrity will diminish quickly once it is exposed to air so only use one small capsule at a time. Use the straight pin to plug the hole in the capsule if you need to use it over a few days. The best time to use creams with vitamins or rejuvenating nutrients is before bed since sleep helps your skin to repair itself.
When looking for a base cream or lotion, hyaluronic acid and peptides based creams help plump up skin with moisture which makes wrinkles look less noticeable. Glycerin can absorb moisture from the air making your skin look more dewy and moist. For oily skin, serums can hydrate skin without clogging pores or making skin look oilier. Serums are also good to use for damaged and aging skin as well. They are lightweight, don’t look greasy and they tend to have more potent levels of skin repairing nutrients that absorb quicker which can make them more effective rather than heavy creams that tend to lie on top of your skin.
All Natural Recipes for Oily and Acne Prone Skin
Large Pores
To help tighten up pores, add about a teaspoon of vodka to your skin lotion or toner. To quickly shrink pores (although temporary), rub an ice cube over areas with large pores.
Easy Cheap Mud Mask Skin Astringent
About 1/2 cup of dirt (any kind but clay based works best) mixed with enough water to form a thick paste
1 tablespoon of sour cream or buttermilk
Add the sour cream or buttermilk and mix well till smooth. Apply to face. Leave on till dry and wash off with warm water.
Revitalizing Mask for Normal to Oily Skin
Mix 1 tablespoon of cognac, 1 egg, 1/4 cup of nonfat dry milk, the juice of 1 lemon, and a half-teaspoon of Epsom Salt. Spread mask over face and leave on 20-30 minutes while lying down.
Astringent, Oil Reducing, Tightening Mask
1 egg white
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons sour cream
1-2 tablets of l-lysine amino acid supplement crushed
Mix well till smooth, apply to face and leave on 20 minutes, then rinse well with warm water.
Ancient Arab Ghassoul Clay Mask
Mix together clay (you can buy clay powders from health food stores or pharmacies or red clay used for crafts will also work), wheat germ, and a very strong infusion of chamomile tea to make a paste. Add a spoonful of olive oil, and let it dry in the sun. Reduce it to dust by pulverizing it in a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder. Whenever you need a mask for face or body, mix it with water for the desired consistency, apply to skin. Let it dry, and have a warm shower to rinse off. This mask cleans while drawing out excess oil and nourishes skin while making it very smooth.
Oily Skin Mask
1/4 tomato mashed and deseeded
3 teaspoons plain yogurt
1 teaspoon mashed cucumber
1 teaspoon aloe gel
3 teaspoons oatmeal
2 mint leaves (crushed)
Mix all well, apply to face and leave on 20 minutes then rinse with cold water.
Kitty Litter Oily Acne Mask
Kitty litter is nothing more than clay. Take just the cheap, plain kitty litter (make sure it's 100% clay litter and not with other ingredients or deoderants) and add enough to a beaten egg to make a paste, blend well till smooth and apply to face, avoiding eye area. Let dry and rinse well with warm water and soft cloth. Most any clay will help draw out impurities and excess oil from skin. Don't forget kitty litter is also a great absorbant material for soaking up and drawing out oil and grease from concrete and other hard porous surfaces.
Acne Hummus Mask
To hummus, plain or extra garlic (garlic is a good natural antibiotic that will help clear acne), add enough thickener (flour, ground oatmeal, wheat germ, etc) to make a thick paste and cover face avoiding eyes. Leave on 20 minutes then rinse with cold water. Hummus is made with chick peas and Asian women for centuries have used chick pea flour to brighten and lighten the dark spots caused by acne scarring.
Oily Skin Mask
Put the white of an egg, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and pulp of half an avocado into a blender. Blend a few seconds into a very nice green mixture. Apply evenly to washed face and neck. Relax for 20 minutes; remove with tepid water and a face cloth. Follow with cold astringent or skin toner.
Exfoliating Acne Mask
Add baking soda, to half hydrogen peroxide and half water until paste consistency. Massage into skin avoiding eye area. Let dry then rinse
Acne Mask
For redness, oil and blackheads:
1/2 cup oatmeal, ground fine
half an apple, peeled and chopped or pureed
2 inches off a cucumber, peeled and chopped or pureed
2 tablespoons milk
Blend all together and apply to face. Relax 20 minutes then rinse.
Calming Acne Mask
Exfoliate skin lightly first by adding a spoonful or less of very fine sugar and a few drops of lemon juice into your acne type face wash. Take half of a bittermelon (green, lumpy looking squash), remove seeds, and put in juicer or blender to make pulpy. Setting the juice aside, apply the pulp to face, (if the pulp is too watery and runny you can use a thickener of your choice such as ground oatmeal, whole yogurt, wheat germ, etc), rest for 20 minutes. Remove the pulp splashing with cold water, pour the juice into hand and massage into skin, and rinse with more cold water. The detoxing properties of the bittermelon will cool, tone, smooth and soothe acne and oily skin.
Acne Delux Facial Mask
3 tablespoons oatmeal ground
1 packet of bakers yeast
½ banana mashed
½ cucumber mashed
½ avocado mashed
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon antiseptic mouth wash
1 teaspoon milk
Dab of white toothpaste
Mix all ingredients in a bowl (add more lemon juice or milk if it is too thick or add more oatmeal, sugar or flour if it is to liquid). Leave on your face about 20 minutes, then wash it off.
For thousands more tips and recipes on acne, skin and hair care, natural products and more: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
To help tighten up pores, add about a teaspoon of vodka to your skin lotion or toner. To quickly shrink pores (although temporary), rub an ice cube over areas with large pores.
Easy Cheap Mud Mask Skin Astringent
About 1/2 cup of dirt (any kind but clay based works best) mixed with enough water to form a thick paste
1 tablespoon of sour cream or buttermilk
Add the sour cream or buttermilk and mix well till smooth. Apply to face. Leave on till dry and wash off with warm water.
Revitalizing Mask for Normal to Oily Skin
Mix 1 tablespoon of cognac, 1 egg, 1/4 cup of nonfat dry milk, the juice of 1 lemon, and a half-teaspoon of Epsom Salt. Spread mask over face and leave on 20-30 minutes while lying down.
Astringent, Oil Reducing, Tightening Mask
1 egg white
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons sour cream
1-2 tablets of l-lysine amino acid supplement crushed
Mix well till smooth, apply to face and leave on 20 minutes, then rinse well with warm water.
Ancient Arab Ghassoul Clay Mask
Mix together clay (you can buy clay powders from health food stores or pharmacies or red clay used for crafts will also work), wheat germ, and a very strong infusion of chamomile tea to make a paste. Add a spoonful of olive oil, and let it dry in the sun. Reduce it to dust by pulverizing it in a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder. Whenever you need a mask for face or body, mix it with water for the desired consistency, apply to skin. Let it dry, and have a warm shower to rinse off. This mask cleans while drawing out excess oil and nourishes skin while making it very smooth.
Oily Skin Mask
1/4 tomato mashed and deseeded
3 teaspoons plain yogurt
1 teaspoon mashed cucumber
1 teaspoon aloe gel
3 teaspoons oatmeal
2 mint leaves (crushed)
Mix all well, apply to face and leave on 20 minutes then rinse with cold water.
Kitty Litter Oily Acne Mask
Kitty litter is nothing more than clay. Take just the cheap, plain kitty litter (make sure it's 100% clay litter and not with other ingredients or deoderants) and add enough to a beaten egg to make a paste, blend well till smooth and apply to face, avoiding eye area. Let dry and rinse well with warm water and soft cloth. Most any clay will help draw out impurities and excess oil from skin. Don't forget kitty litter is also a great absorbant material for soaking up and drawing out oil and grease from concrete and other hard porous surfaces.
Acne Hummus Mask
To hummus, plain or extra garlic (garlic is a good natural antibiotic that will help clear acne), add enough thickener (flour, ground oatmeal, wheat germ, etc) to make a thick paste and cover face avoiding eyes. Leave on 20 minutes then rinse with cold water. Hummus is made with chick peas and Asian women for centuries have used chick pea flour to brighten and lighten the dark spots caused by acne scarring.
Oily Skin Mask
Put the white of an egg, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and pulp of half an avocado into a blender. Blend a few seconds into a very nice green mixture. Apply evenly to washed face and neck. Relax for 20 minutes; remove with tepid water and a face cloth. Follow with cold astringent or skin toner.
Exfoliating Acne Mask
Add baking soda, to half hydrogen peroxide and half water until paste consistency. Massage into skin avoiding eye area. Let dry then rinse
Acne Mask
For redness, oil and blackheads:
1/2 cup oatmeal, ground fine
half an apple, peeled and chopped or pureed
2 inches off a cucumber, peeled and chopped or pureed
2 tablespoons milk
Blend all together and apply to face. Relax 20 minutes then rinse.
Calming Acne Mask
Exfoliate skin lightly first by adding a spoonful or less of very fine sugar and a few drops of lemon juice into your acne type face wash. Take half of a bittermelon (green, lumpy looking squash), remove seeds, and put in juicer or blender to make pulpy. Setting the juice aside, apply the pulp to face, (if the pulp is too watery and runny you can use a thickener of your choice such as ground oatmeal, whole yogurt, wheat germ, etc), rest for 20 minutes. Remove the pulp splashing with cold water, pour the juice into hand and massage into skin, and rinse with more cold water. The detoxing properties of the bittermelon will cool, tone, smooth and soothe acne and oily skin.
Acne Delux Facial Mask
3 tablespoons oatmeal ground
1 packet of bakers yeast
½ banana mashed
½ cucumber mashed
½ avocado mashed
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon antiseptic mouth wash
1 teaspoon milk
Dab of white toothpaste
Mix all ingredients in a bowl (add more lemon juice or milk if it is too thick or add more oatmeal, sugar or flour if it is to liquid). Leave on your face about 20 minutes, then wash it off.
For thousands more tips and recipes on acne, skin and hair care, natural products and more: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
ACNE-How to Treat it
Some Basics on Acne:
There are different types and grades of acne, but most of them have a hormonal cause. Often acne responds well to birth control pills, which reduce the presence of androgen (male hormone) in the body. Excess androgen causes increased oil production in women, which leads to breakouts for those susceptible to the condition. Given the side effects of birth control pills (even the low-dose versions approved for managing acne), it may not be the best decision to keep taking them solely to keep your skin clear, but that is something to discuss with your physician. If you decide not to take birth control pills, your breakouts may be manageable if you follow a routine of gentle cleansing, disinfecting, exfoliating and moisturizing but that takes experimentation and dedication. You might also speak to your physician about prescription products for acne, including tretinoin (Retin-A), Differin (Adapalene), or topical products that combine 2.5% benzoyl peroxide with an antibiotic or .5% salicylic acid. Higher percentages in the benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can cause other problems, and it’s best to begin using lower strengths and increase slowly. These products help exfoliate skin or eliminate bacteria. One or all of these methods might keep your skin clear without the need for birth control pills or expensive treatments and many of these ingredients are available in over-the-counter products. The chemical action of these exfoliating creams helps rid skin of the dead skin cells that clog the pores along with the excess oil and bacteria which leads to breakouts and infections. Don’t over dry your skin since your skin will react to it by working harder and producing even more oil and you’ll probably end up with irritated, flakey skin along with the acne. Use a mild, oil free lotion to keep skin hydrated along with a sunscreen to keep skin from drying out from the sun.
Mild and occasional outbreaks of acne can respond well to: natural products such as clay masks to draw out excess oil; mild exfoliating scrubs (be sure skin scrubs contain perfectly sphere shaped beads, not jagged ones like apricot kernel seeds which tear skin and irritate) or use natural fruit acids such as papaya and apple to rid skin of dead, pore-clogging skin cells; and natural disinfectants to keep acne causing bacteria at bay such as honey and apple cider vinegar.
Try alternating weekly face masks: one week with a clay mask for drawing out excess oil, and one week with a medicated mask with benzoyl peroxide in it. And don’t forget to keep your pillow case and towels absolutely clean and bacteria free too. Avoid touching your face since your fingers have oils and bacteria on them that can affect acne. Since stress is a major trigger of acne, try to rid your life of any unnecessary stress or learn yoga and/or meditation for stress release, or just some brisk exercise regularly can purge your body of stress. That’s why when you have a big event coming up (like your wedding day!) you tend to get a pesky pore blowup!
To hide a bad pimple, press an ice cube in a washcloth over it to shrink swelling or apply Preparation H hemorrhoid cream, dot on some Visine to reduce redness and camouflage with makeup (see also other categories on “Makeup Tips” and “Acne”).
Here’s a good outline to follow on skin care for acne:
Daily:
Each Morning
Wash with Cetaphyl gentle liquid cleanser, apply plenty of medicated cream containing 2.5% benzoyl peroxide and .5% salicylic acid, then a light, oil/fragrance free moisturizer with SPF15 sunscreen. If applying makeup, use mineral foundation makeup.
Each Afternoon
Wash again if needed to remove oiliness and reapply all creams. Avoid caking up makeup.
Each Night
Wash with Cetaphyl liquid cleanser, wipe face with pH balanced toner on a cotton pad to remove all traces of dirt (such as 1 part apple cider vinegar mixed with 2 parts water) and apply a heavy coat of the medicated cream again and light moisturizer if needed. Treat inflamed blemishes with a topical antibiotic.
Weekly:
Apply a facial mask for 15-30 minutes and rinse. Alternate a clay mask one week then medicated mask the other. Exfoliate once per week with a mild exfoliant such as baking soda mixed with your cleanser or water.
Always Avoid:
Stress, sun, junk food and sodas, touching your face, dirty linens, alcohol based products which irritate, and abrasive exfoliant scrubs. Never, ever go to bed with a dirty face.
Always Have:
Plenty of exercise (breaking a sweat preferably), relaxation, 8 hours of sleep every night, good wholesome foods and lots of water, clean linens and hair, along with religious daily skin care treatments as above.
For much more info on acne and natural treatments: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
There are different types and grades of acne, but most of them have a hormonal cause. Often acne responds well to birth control pills, which reduce the presence of androgen (male hormone) in the body. Excess androgen causes increased oil production in women, which leads to breakouts for those susceptible to the condition. Given the side effects of birth control pills (even the low-dose versions approved for managing acne), it may not be the best decision to keep taking them solely to keep your skin clear, but that is something to discuss with your physician. If you decide not to take birth control pills, your breakouts may be manageable if you follow a routine of gentle cleansing, disinfecting, exfoliating and moisturizing but that takes experimentation and dedication. You might also speak to your physician about prescription products for acne, including tretinoin (Retin-A), Differin (Adapalene), or topical products that combine 2.5% benzoyl peroxide with an antibiotic or .5% salicylic acid. Higher percentages in the benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can cause other problems, and it’s best to begin using lower strengths and increase slowly. These products help exfoliate skin or eliminate bacteria. One or all of these methods might keep your skin clear without the need for birth control pills or expensive treatments and many of these ingredients are available in over-the-counter products. The chemical action of these exfoliating creams helps rid skin of the dead skin cells that clog the pores along with the excess oil and bacteria which leads to breakouts and infections. Don’t over dry your skin since your skin will react to it by working harder and producing even more oil and you’ll probably end up with irritated, flakey skin along with the acne. Use a mild, oil free lotion to keep skin hydrated along with a sunscreen to keep skin from drying out from the sun.
Mild and occasional outbreaks of acne can respond well to: natural products such as clay masks to draw out excess oil; mild exfoliating scrubs (be sure skin scrubs contain perfectly sphere shaped beads, not jagged ones like apricot kernel seeds which tear skin and irritate) or use natural fruit acids such as papaya and apple to rid skin of dead, pore-clogging skin cells; and natural disinfectants to keep acne causing bacteria at bay such as honey and apple cider vinegar.
Try alternating weekly face masks: one week with a clay mask for drawing out excess oil, and one week with a medicated mask with benzoyl peroxide in it. And don’t forget to keep your pillow case and towels absolutely clean and bacteria free too. Avoid touching your face since your fingers have oils and bacteria on them that can affect acne. Since stress is a major trigger of acne, try to rid your life of any unnecessary stress or learn yoga and/or meditation for stress release, or just some brisk exercise regularly can purge your body of stress. That’s why when you have a big event coming up (like your wedding day!) you tend to get a pesky pore blowup!
To hide a bad pimple, press an ice cube in a washcloth over it to shrink swelling or apply Preparation H hemorrhoid cream, dot on some Visine to reduce redness and camouflage with makeup (see also other categories on “Makeup Tips” and “Acne”).
Here’s a good outline to follow on skin care for acne:
Daily:
Each Morning
Wash with Cetaphyl gentle liquid cleanser, apply plenty of medicated cream containing 2.5% benzoyl peroxide and .5% salicylic acid, then a light, oil/fragrance free moisturizer with SPF15 sunscreen. If applying makeup, use mineral foundation makeup.
Each Afternoon
Wash again if needed to remove oiliness and reapply all creams. Avoid caking up makeup.
Each Night
Wash with Cetaphyl liquid cleanser, wipe face with pH balanced toner on a cotton pad to remove all traces of dirt (such as 1 part apple cider vinegar mixed with 2 parts water) and apply a heavy coat of the medicated cream again and light moisturizer if needed. Treat inflamed blemishes with a topical antibiotic.
Weekly:
Apply a facial mask for 15-30 minutes and rinse. Alternate a clay mask one week then medicated mask the other. Exfoliate once per week with a mild exfoliant such as baking soda mixed with your cleanser or water.
Always Avoid:
Stress, sun, junk food and sodas, touching your face, dirty linens, alcohol based products which irritate, and abrasive exfoliant scrubs. Never, ever go to bed with a dirty face.
Always Have:
Plenty of exercise (breaking a sweat preferably), relaxation, 8 hours of sleep every night, good wholesome foods and lots of water, clean linens and hair, along with religious daily skin care treatments as above.
For much more info on acne and natural treatments: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
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