Natural Health and Beauty

Summer is a favorite season for many an outdoor enthusiast.  The weather is warm and sunny, and there are lots of fun activities we can participate in.  But while we’re out enjoying the beautiful sun, it is important to protect ourselves from sunburn.

Sunburn can be very painful and unpleasant, and it can cause us to age prematurely.  But it can also be dangerous.  Sunburn can lead to skin cancer, so avoiding it can not only allow us to have a more fun and active summer, it can also save us from serious health problems later in life.

Preventing Sunburn

The best way to prevent sunburn naturally is to either stay in the shade or wear protective clothing.  Long-sleeved cotton shirts in light colors will protect the arms without being too hot.  A wide-brimmed hat can provide protection for the face and neck.  If you’re going to be in one spot for a long period of time, a large umbrella or awning can provide protection without the need for extra clothing.

Sunscreen is the most effective sun protection option for those who do not want to stay in the shade or wear protective clothing.  SPF 15 or higher is sufficient for most people.  For babies over 6 months of age and young children, however, SPF 30 may provide more protection.

If you’re going to be swimming or doing something to work up a sweat, waterproof sunscreen is crucial.  Products that are not marked as waterproof will rinse or sweat off, leaving you unprotected.  It is also advisable to reapply sunscreen every 8 hours, even if you remain dry.

Treating Sunburn

There are lots of products on the market for treating sunburn.  Hydrocortisone cream and calamine lotion are two popular commercial remedies.  But there are several all-natural remedies that also work very well.

Aloe vera is a popular natural sunburn remedy.  You can buy aloe vera gels and creams at most drugstores and discount stores.  Or you can get an aloe plant, and break off the leaves and squeeze out the juice when you need it.

Witch hazel is also great for sunburn.  You can gently rub it on the skin as needed, or you can add it to bath water and soak to soothe the sunburn if it covers a large portion of the body.  You can also do this with vinegar, but you will need to dilute it well.

When it comes to sunburn, prevention is the best way to keep it from putting a damper on your summer fun.  If you do get mild sunburn, a good remedy can reduce the pain and help you get back to your favorite activities sooner.  However, for extreme sunburns, particularly those that blister, it is best to see a doctor.

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Vitamin A for Healthy Skin

There are all sorts of skin treatments on the market today.  Many have ingredients that are difficult to pronounce, much less understand what they do to our skin.  With all of the different products that are out there, it is surprising to some that Vitamin A is one of the best things available for skin of virtually any type.

Using Vitamin A in any form is great for your skin.  It can help clear up acne and get rid of fine lines and wrinkles.  It keeps the skin supple and aids in the repair of sun damage.  In many cases, simply making sure that you’re getting enough Vitamin A in your diet can dramatically improve your complexion.

Many fruits and vegetables contain Vitamin A.  Here are some of the best sources:

* Carrots
* Spinach
* Apricots
* Papaya
* Mango
* Peaches
* Red peppers

If you eat a balanced diet, it is fairly easy to get enough Vitamin A each day.  But if you do not, it might be a good idea to take a Vitamin A supplement.  Not only is this good for your skin, it can also help your body fight off infections and produce cells.  It can improve night vision as well.

Topical Vitamin A

In addition to taking Vitamin A internally, many people use skin creams and gels that contain the nutrient.  Some are available over the counter, while others require a prescription.

Retin-A is one of the most recognizable types of topical Vitamin A.  Primarily used for the treatment of acne, Retin-A is available only by prescription.  It works by increasing the quality of skin cells in the dermis.  Retin-A is also prescribed for those with fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage.

A variety of topical Vitamin A preparations are available without a prescription.  They are most often used to treat signs of aging, but may also be used for skin disorders such as psoriasis and warts.  Some are available in gel form for those with extremely oily skin.

You can also obtain Vitamin A in cod liver oil, and it’s a safe supplement for virtually everyone. Because it is a food, your body can assimilate it easily and elimininate any excess easily so the chances of overdose are almost nonexistent. (This can be a danger with Beta Carotene and other sources of Vitamin A)

Side Effects of Vitamin A

Vitamin A is generally very safe as long as you do not overdo it.  But it can produce some unwanted side effects.  It can dry out the skin, and this can be particularly bothersome for those who had dry skin already.  It also makes the skin more sensitive to the sun, resulting in a higher incidence of sunburn and sun damage.  Using a good sunscreen can help prevent sun-related problems.

Overall, the potential ill effects of Vitamin A are overshadowed by its tremendous benefits for the skin.  It is one of the few things that work well for both acne and wrinkles, and it is also useful in the treatment of many other skin problems.  By getting plenty of Vitamin A in your diet, and adding topical treatments if needed, you can keep your skin looking beautiful.

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Benefits of Cod Liver Oil for Dry Skin

As a child, you may remember receiving a spoonful of cod liver oil from your grandmother. While this “spoonful of sugar” didn’t necessarily help the “medicine go down”, it nonetheless was a remedy that was popular at that time. Today, the benefits of cod liver oil for dry skin are still considered worthwhile.

Cod liver oil contains vitamin A, D, and E which are derived from the liver of the cod. However, there are some manufacturers of cod liver oil who add Vitamin E in a synthetic form, while others use the original source of these vitamins contained in the liver of the cod.

Vitamin E helps in promoting healthy skin, while Vitamin A can prevent such skin conditions as acne and the like. Vitamin D helps to lower the toxicity found in Vitamin A. Since dry skin can results from a deficiency of Vitamin A, these three vitamins found in cod liver oil work in tandem to address the problem effectively.

Cod liver oil can be used as a topical agent or taken in capsule form. What are the benefits? When used topically, cod liver oil allows for the acceleration of healing and overall good skin. Taken orally, cod liver oil actually maintains the supple soft skin and may prevent aging skin signs such as “liver spots”. This oil also has been known to reduce the number of wrinkles on the skin as well.

While it is evident that the benefits of cod liver oil for dry skin are numerous, it should be noted that because this oil contains Vitamin A and D, that additional supplementation of these vitamins may cause side effects. Thus, pregnant women should consult their doctors before taking cod liver oil.

In addition, there has been recent news regarding high amounts of mercury found in fish. However, cod liver oil is tested for over 30 contaminants before it is made available to consumers. Further, cod liver oil does not contain mercury, which can only be found in fish and not the oil itself.

Finally, choosing the right cod liver oil may take a bit of research on your part as some companies utilize synthetic vitamins in the processing of this oil. There are well known brands of cod liver oil which you can find online or via your pharmacist that contain the appropriate amount of Vitamin A, D, and E. Two well known and respected brands are Nordic Naturals and Carlson’s Norwegian cod liver oil.

With the crazy weather we have been having lately, most of which has probably contributed to dry skin, it is clear that cod liver oil not only helps prevent this condition but has been used for other ailments as well. Just ask grandma!

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Treat Acne with Coconut Oil

Acne is a skin condition which can encompass blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. This occurs when the opening near the surface of the skin is blocked and produces a build-up of oil. The result is inflammation, redness, and swelling. One of the natural remedies in the treatment of acne is coconut oil.

Since one of the components in coconut oil is lauric acid, which is a saturated fatty acid that fights bacteria and other viruses, utilizing it to treat acne can be very effective. The other components in coconut oil have anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties which further assist in the treatment of skin infections.

While coconut oil can treat the underlying cause of acne, it should be mentioned that there are psychological effects of adolescent acne as well. While acne is less common among girls, boys ages 14 through 18 have a higher incidence of this condition.

Adolescence is a time when the body goes through hormonal changes. Teens are just beginning to explore who they are. Acne can inhibit teens from participating in group activities due to self-esteem issues arising from this condition.

It is important for teens to understand that acne is not a disease, but a temporary condition that may affect them at some point in their lives. For girls, pimples may occur during menstruation, while for boys it usually begins at puberty.

Good hygiene habits can prevent the acne from becoming too severe. For example, teens should not squeeze pimples or scrub the acne area too hard. Girls should avoid wearing make-up that could exacerbate the condition.

While there are a myriad of over-the-counter medications and topical creams, treating acne with coconut oil can be safer and just as effective. Unlike the medications mentioned, coconut oil does not contain any chemicals or preservatives. Further, there is no likelihood that any teen would develop side effects from coconut oil. Using coconut oil can not only treat skin infections, but produce a healthier complexion in teens.

As we continue to explore natural remedies to improve our overall health, it is good to know that coconut oil is tops on the list. Ironically, it wasn’t too long ago that scientists thought coconut oil and other fats were the cause of acne. Today, however, the medical community has embraced this natural product since it has proven to be an effective alternative to modern medicine. It makes sense, then, that the palm tree upon which coconuts grow is called “the tree of life”.

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While it’s great that there are many natural and organic beauty products available nowadays, I’m going to focus on the “reducing” aspect of the equation. If you don’t NEED it, you don’t need to buy it, even if it’s eco friendly. Here are some ways to be a cheap green beauty.

Eliminate stuff you don’t need

Every beauty and skin care expert I’ve ever read said that noone needs toner (or astringent). Wash your face well and rinse well. Skip the toner.

If you have oily skin you probably don’t need moisturizer, and if you have normal skin, your sunscreen might be enough of a moisturizer. Use a sunscreen daily and that’s probably all you need. If your skin is dry, use the gentlest cleanser you can and you might need less moisturizer.

Most people, unless your skin is extremely oily, don’t need to wash their faces with a cleanser in the morning. Of course it goes without saying that you should thoroughly cleanse your face at night, but as long as you do this, your face is clean enough in the morning. Just splash with warm water.

Exfoliation is important for healthy and pretty skin, but you probably don’t need an expensive product. Use a very clean washcloth to gently scrub your face. Or put some baking soda in your hand and use that as a gentle scrub. Or sugar or salt mixed with a little olive oil. Olive oil makes a great eye makeup remover by the way!

Skip the allover foundation. Most people don’t need it all over their faces but just a little bit under the eyes and around the nose. Use a little tinted moisturizer instead or try mineral makeup, which makes your face look flawless and seems to last forever.

If you curl your eyelashes you might be able to skip mascara and eyeliner. It opens up the eyes and really makes them pop. If I were stranded on a desert island, I would want my eyelash curler and lip balm! Keeping your brows groomed also shapes your face without needing a product. In addition to tweezing, try trimming the longer hairs that stick out after you comb your brows (use cuticle nippers).

Try multi use products

Dr. Loretta author of “6 Weeks to Sensational Skin” says that dead sea salts have multiple uses for skin problems: everything from acne to eczema. You can find Dead Sea Beauty Products here.

Body lotion or conditioner can double as shaving cream. Buy makeup that can be used for eyes, cheeks and lips, like Kiss My Face 3 Way Color.

Make your own

Making your own skin care products usually means you’ll use far less packaging than if you bought everything. It doesn’t have to be super complicated though. You can mix honey and salt to make a body or facial scrub. Or sugar and olive oil. Lemon juice, salt and olive oil are great to exfoliate and bleach elbows and heels. Here are more homemade skin care recipes.

Learn to love your natural look

I have a story here. My sister has super thick, curly hair. The kind that, if it were long, would rest in ringlets down her back. The kind that other people spend $100 per perm to try and achieve. Now she has accepted her hair and decided not to fight nature, but when she was a teenager and everone had Farrah Fawcett wings, straight was the look. So she would spend money and time trying to chemically straighten her hair, which was mostly an exercise in futility!

Learn to accept your natural face. Freckles are cute and don’t have to be covered up. Curly hair is beautiful and doesn’t have to be straightened. Ask your hairdresser to help you choose a style that works with your facial shape and hair texture. The more you try to change your natural look the more money and time you’ll spend.

Go here to download your free Natural Beauty Guide

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While not generally dangerous, varicose veins are unsightly and sometimes even painful.  While there are treatments available now to remove them, the best way to get rid of them is to avoid getting them in the first place.  That’s why it’s important to know what causes varicose veins, what puts you at risk for getting them, and how to prevent them.

Varicose veins are caused when veins become less elastic and tiny valves that control the direction of blood flow begin to malfunction.  Blood is allowed to flow backwards in the veins and pools.  This not only causes an unsightly blue appearance on the skin, people with this problem may also experience aching, throbbing, burning, or itching in their legs.

There are several factors that cause varicose veins that you have little or no control over.  The good news is that if you fall into these categories, you may want to take extra steps to avoid getting them or at least reduce their appearance.

* Sex.  Women are much more prone to varicose veins than males.
* Age.  As you get older, the wear and tear in your body increases the chance of varicose veins.
* Genetics.  If your mom and/or Grandma has them, you’re likely to have them too.
* Leg injuries.  While you can’t always prevent a serious injury, properly taking care of an injury could help reduce the occurrence of varicose veins.

There are also other factors the will promote varicose veins.  Anything that puts stressed your veins in going to wear them out faster and produce symptoms sooner.  This includes anything that cuts off or reduces circulation.  If you can, it’s best to avoid these risk factors.

* Obesity.  Having to pump more blood through more pounds increases the wear and tear on the veins.

* Birth Control Pills.  If your visible veins are severe, you may want to try a different form of birth control.  Also if you’re taking progesterone or estrogen for other reasons, it will have the same effect.

* Excessive standing or sitting.  If you have a job that involves a lot of standing in one place, ask for a chair to sit on while you don’t need to be standing.   If you have a job where you sit most of the day, try to change your position regularly.

* Sitting cross-legged.  Try crossing your legs at the ankles instead of at the knee.  You should also avoid sitting in any other position that cuts off blood flow to part of your legs.

* High-heeled shoes.  Wearing a tall heeled shoe can reduce circulation in the legs leading to varicose veins.  Try to choose a more sensible heel for everyday use.

* Tight Fitting Clothes.  Clothes that are too tight around the waist and legs can reduce circulation to the legs and contribute to varicose veins.

In addition to these causes, varicose veins development can be triggered by natural hormonal changes caused by puberty menopause, and pregnancy.  Besides avoiding the listed activities, you can also increase your level of exercise.  This will increase circulation throughout your body and reduce the occurrence of this annoying and sometimes painful problem.

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Your healthy habits have made the skin on your face look great for your age, but what about your hands? One day I looked down at mine and thought: “Ugh! When did my hands get so wrinkly and dry looking?” So I decided to do something about it. I found that there are 3 major enemies to your hands. If you know how to get around these, your hands will be softer, prettier and younger looking.

Keep Your Hands Out Of Water - Housewifery and Mommyhood are hard on your digits. Washing your hands frequently after diaper changes, dishwashing, exposing your hands to cleaning products (even environmentally safe ones) can be extremely drying, making your hands look old before their time and also increasing the likelihood of getting little nicks and cuts that can lead to infection.

So baby your hands - be diligent about wearing gloves while doing house cleaning. Better yet, slather on lotion before you put them on for an extra moisture boost. After every handwashing, repeat. And look for moisturizing products with oil, not water, as the first ingredient, like these.

Stay Away From The Sun - If you’re like most women, you put moisturizer and sunscreen on your face every single day. Why? To prevent premature aging, of course. Why do your hands deserve less? Excessive sun damage is a major cause of premature aging. Protect your hands with a good sunscreen.

Remove Dead Skin - Your hands need exfoliation every once in awhile to look their best. Try putting a handful of sugar in your palm and adding a bit of olive oil, and scrubbing for a minute. Rinse and then moisturize. You can also use a bit of lemon juice with the sugar if your nails need brightening. For a special treat, slather on a thick moisturizer after this routine and wear cotton gloves to bed. You’ll wake up with baby soft hands.

Your hands work so hard. They deserve some tender loving care so treat them well! For more natural bath and beauty ideas as well as free recipes, visit SaltScrubsandBathMelts.com

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Would you be surprised to learn that spending a small fortune on beauty products is quite unnecessary? Many of the ingredients you need are in your kitchen or pantry cabinet. Here are three ways in which you can use natural home beauty remedies in a flash.

Olive Oil: You cook and bake with it; but did you know you can use it in a variety of other ways? Because olive oil is chemical free, it can be used on your skin; as a bath oil, moisturizer, massager, and conditioner. For example: You can apply a mixture of olive oil and lemon juice to your skin before bedtime to reduce wrinkles and, at the same time, moisturize your skin. To strengthen your nails, soak them in warm extra virgin olive oil for five minutes. Massage your sore muscles with a mixture of extra virgin olive oil and rosemary. Apply olive oil to dry hair as an overall conditioner. It will leave your hair smooth and shiny. It also can be used to remove makeup. Use a facial cleanser afterwards to remove traces of oil.

Oatmeal: Wouldn’t you love a facial? Get out the box of oatmeal from your cabinet and begin. This oatmeal facial will not only exfoliate, but moisturize your skin as well. Here are the steps: Take out a package of instant oatmeal; add a half a cup of water; two tablespoons yogurt; two tablespoons of honey and one egg white. Mix the water and oatmeal, then add the additional ingredients. Apply a thin layer to your face. Leave it on for about 15 minutes or until you feel tightness; then rinse your face with warm water.

Dry Skin Brushing: Here is a technique that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Before taking a shower in the morning, use a brush or sponge and begin the dry skin brushing process to exfoliate dead skin cells, and improve your blood circulation. Here’s how to do it: While standing the shower with the water off, start at your feet and begin brushing in small circles toward the upper part of your body. Then work your way down the back of your body to complete the process. Do not scrub hard, but apply even and light pressure. After you have completed this procedure, take a shower.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to enhance your beauty. All of these natural beauty remedies are probably already in your home. Go here to download the free Natural Beauty guide with more natural beauty tips.

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