Showing posts with label beauty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beauty. Show all posts

Thursday, July 10, 2014


Get Rid of Dark Lips

1.    Honey And Lemon

Make a mixture of honey and lemon juice and store it in your refrigerator. Apply this mixture to your lips and let it stay for an hour. Cleanse your lips after one hour. Practice this remedy for 2 to 3 times. The citrus contents of lemon can reduce pigmentation. The nutrients in the honey help in nourishing the skin and making it healthier. Honey also helps in making your lips look more pinkish.

2.    Glycerine

Dry lips are one of the reasons behind dark lips. Glycerine can help you to maintain the moisture in your lips. Apply it on your lips and leave it overnight.

3.    Water

Lack of water and dehydration causes dark and dry lips. In order to avoid this drink lot of water and keep your body well hydrated. This is one of the best dry lip remedies.

4.    Beetroot

Beetroot is one of the best and the easiest home remedies for dark lips. Scrub a piece of beet root on your lips for 5 minutes. Leave it on for some time and allow your skin to soak all the juice. This will make your lips pinkish in color.

5.    Avoid Harmful Lip Products

Avoid using cheap and low quality lip products. They can ruin the natural beauty of your lips and cause extreme pigmentation. Switch to herbal lip products and make use of natural fruit juices and natural lip masks to reduce tanning and pigmentation of your lips.

6.    Almond Oil

Use almond oil on your lips for reducing pigmentation. For best results apply it before going to bed.

7.    Cucumber Juice

Cucumber juice is one of the best dark lip remedies that can help you in reducing pigmentation and improving the color of your lips.

8.    Lemon

Lemon acts as a natural bleaching agent. It is traditionally used to lighten dark spots and patches on the skin. You can also use it as one of the most effective herbal remedies for dark lips.

Applying lemon juice on your lips can make your lips lighter.  Follow this for a couple of months.
You can scrub your lips with a piece of lemon to exfoliate your skin. Sprinkle some sugar on the lemon to make it more effective.  Follow this for 2 to 3 weeks.
You can also apply a mixture of lemon juice, honey and glycerin (1/2 tbsp each) for improving the complexion of your lips. After applying leave it overnight. Practice this remedy until you get the desired results.

9.    Rose

Rose helps in soothing and moisturizing your skin. It also improves the color of your lips.

Add some honey to rose water and apply the mixture on your lips. Repeat this thrice in a day.
Make a mixture rose petal paste, honey and butter (1 tbsp each). Scrub your lips with this mixture. Practice this remedy 2 to 3 times in a week.
Soak some petals of rose in raw milk. After an hour crush these petals and add ½ tbsp of honey and some saffron. Apply this mixture on your lips and let it stay for 15 minutes. Practice this twice in a day.

10.    Olive Oil

Olive oil helps in softening and moisturizing your lips. It contains lots of essential nutrients that can make your lips beautiful.

Massage your lips with virgin olive oil. Practice this every night.
Make a natural scrub by mixing sugar with olive oil. Scrub this mixture on your lips to make it lighter. Practice this every week for a couple of months.

11.    Sugar

Sugar is a good exfoliating material that can help you in removing all the dead skin cells from your lips.

Make a mixture of granulated sugar (3 tbsp) and butter (2 tbsp). Use this as a natural scrub and gently exfoliate your lips. Practice this remedy once in a week.
Mix granulated sugar (1 tbsp) with honey (1 tbsp) and almond oil (1/2 tbsp). Scrub this mixture on your lips to make it soft and lighter. Repeat this every week.
You can also make a natural scrub by simply mixing some cold cream with sugar. Use this once in a week.

12.    Pomegranate

Pomegranates can make your lips pinkish and moist. It is one of the best dark lip remedies. It has lots of nutrients that help in nourishing your lips.

Crush some pomegranate seeds and add some rose water and milk cream to this paste. Scrub your lips with this mixture for 2 to 3 minutes. Cleanse your lips with warm water.
Apply a mixture of pomegranate juice, carrot juice and beetroot juice on your lips. Practice this daily until you get the desired results.

13.    Berries

Strawberries and raspberries can help you to improve the complexion of your lips. It contains lots of nutrients and minerals that can nourish your lips and make them healthy.

Make a mixture of raspberry juice (1/2 tbsp), honey and Aloe Vera gel. Scrub it on your lips for few minutes. Wash it off after 10 minutes with some warm water.  Repeat this thrice in a week.
Make a mixture of strawberry juice (1 tbsp) and petroleum jelly (2 tbsp). Apply it on your lips 2 times in a day.

14.    Honey

Honey can make your lips moist and pinkish.

Every night apply a little honey on your lips. Rinse it off in the morning using some warm water. This can definitely lighten the color of your lips.
Make a mixture of gram flour, honey and yogurt (1/2 tbsp each). Apply this mixture on your lips and let it remain for half an hour and then wash it off with warm water. Practice this on a regular basis to get the desired results.

15.    Honey And Almond Oil

Mix honey (1 tbsp) and almond oil (1 tbsp) and rub it on your lips. Leave it on for half an hour before rinsing it off. You can repeat this remedy thrice in a day to get the desired results.

16.    Cream And Rose Petals

Crush some rose petals and make a fine paste. Add some milk cream and honey to this paste and apply it on your lips. Let it remain for 20 minutes before rinsing it off with milk. Following that, cleanse your lips with water.
This remedy can help you to exfoliate your lips and also in making it lighter and reddish.

17.    Lemon And Turmeric

Make a mixture of lime juice and turmeric powder and apply it on your lips. Let it remain for about 10 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.

18.    More Tips to get rid of dark lips:

Always scrub your lips gently. Lips are delicate and forceful scrubbing can damage its skin.
Avoid strong lip glosses and lipsticks.
Before going to bed cleanse off all the traces of cosmetics from your lips.
Before going to bed moisturize your lips with the help of some clarified butter.
Are you concerned about your dark lips? Are you searching for a safe and secure remedy for your dry and dark lips? If you wish to try some natural remedies to soften your lips then try some of the aforementioned tips on how to get rid of dark lips. These remedies are simple and quite easy to practice. They can nourish you lips and make them naturally beautiful. If you have beautiful pink lips, you need not depend on harsh cosmetics like lip glosses and lipsticks anymore.

Thursday, July 3, 2014

 The beauty benefits of Aloe Vera are well known all across the world. This plant is believed to have originated in Northern Africa, Madagascar and Arabian Peninsula. This succulent plant stores water in its leaves stems and roots, which gives it a fleshy appearance.


It is used as an active ingredient in moisturizers, face washes, soaps and sunscreen lotions due to its moisturizing, curative and calming properties. The ancient Greeks and Romans used aloe vera for treating wounds, cuts and inflammation. It is believed that Egyptian Queen Cleopatra used aloe vera gel as a part of her beauty regime.

Let’s find out how this herb heals acne and pimples and treats the scars caused by them:

The antibacterial properties of aloe vera gel are very effective in treating acne and reducing the redness caused by it. It prevents bacteria from infecting acne wounds and accelerates the process of healing. Its anti-fungal properties are useful for treating inflammation like boils and cysts on the skin.
Magnesium lactate present in Aloe helps to alleviate the itching sensation caused by acne. Magnesium lactate is also effective in treating skin rashes and sunburns.
The astringent property of aloe removes excess oil and dirt from the skin to prevent acne breakout. It reduces the size of inflamed nodules and cysts to relieve pain caused by the swelling.
Not just acne, aloe gel also helps to reduce acne scars by promoting skin regeneration. Anthraquinone present in aloe invigorates skin’s essential nutrients and boosts cell development and restoration. This can be very helpful in removing acne scars and make your skin look radiant and flawless. It also lightens skin pigmentation to reduce the appearance of scars and blemishes caused by acne and pimples.
Aloe Vera contains saponins like gibberellin, mannans and polysaccharides which kill acne causing bacteria and viruses, including propioni bacteria that lead to severe acne. This plant also contains salicylic acid, a compound which unclogs the pores and eliminates acne, blackheads and whiteheads from the skin. It further helps to regulate the pH balance of the skin.
Dirt build-up in the skin clogs the pores, leading to bacterial infection and blackheads. Regular application of this gel on the face tightens the pores, thereby, decreasing the pores exposure to germs.
Remember! Aloe Vera does not cure acne, but reduces the swelling, inflammation and redness associated with it.
How to Use Aloe Vera for Acne?

There are numerous ways to use aloe to fight acne. Some of them include:

For treating acne and scars with aloe, wash your face with a gentle cleanser and apply this gel on face and neck area. Leave it overnight and wash the next morning.
You can also use this gel as a facial mask. Blend aloe vera gel, honey and rose water to make a smooth paste. Apply this mask on the acne prone areas and wash it off after 20 minutes. Apply this mask thrice a week to get rid of acne. You can also add a pinch of turmeric to this facial mask to brighten your complexion.
Add a few drops of lemon juice to aloe vera gel and mix well to form a paste. Apply this mask on your face and neck and let it stay overnight. The antibacterial properties of lemon and aloe vera gel clear acne and will prevent further breakout.
Use organic aloe vera soap twice a day to reduce acne and maintain an even skin tone. Make sure that the soap contains glycerin as an active ingredient, lest it might result in dry and flaky skin.
Not just the gel, but even the juice is also effective for treating acne. Blend aloe vera gel with water and apply it on the face using a cotton ball. Leave it for an hour and then wash it off. This will reduce the formation of acne by nourishing the skin.
Drink half a glass of freshly squeezed aloe vera juice daily to increase the vitality of the skin. Pick a large leaf of aloe vera juice and wash it thoroughly to remove all the dirt and debris. Squeeze the gel from it and blend it with carrot juice to make a refreshing drink. Apply this mask on the acne prone areas and wash it off after twenty minutes.
Why wait? Make aloe your friend and others will start envying you for your radiant, glowing skin.
Source

Sunday, June 22, 2014

Many women will experience the appearance of dark spots on their skin at some point in their lives. They generally appear as brown blemishes, or brown spots, primarily on the cheeks, arms and hands. Some home remedies have been proven effective in removing dark spots.


1. Lemon Juice
Apply the juice to the blemish areas and let it soak for no less than 20 minutes. Rinse the skin for 3 minutes with cool water. The bleaching agents in lemon juice make it a great treatment for lightening dark spots.

2. Potato Juice
Potato juice will give your skin a lighter and more even tone. Grate some potato, wrap the pieces in a cloth and wring out the juice that absorbs. Add 3 drops of lemon juice and some drops of honey as well. Apply this all over your face, hands, etc. or just to areas with dark spots, and rinse after 20 minutes.

3. Lactic Acid
This is a good treatment for dark spots on your face because it facilitates the exfoliation of dead skin. Lactic acid is found in dairy products do put some yogurt or milk onto a cotton pad and rub that into your face. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes.

4. Onion and Vinegar
The acids in these items work to break up melanin and reverse oxidization in your skin that causes dark spots. Mix a tablespoon of vinegar and a tablespoon of onion juice together and apply to your face. Leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing.

5. Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil
Apply the oil directly to your skin to reduce discolorations and brown spots. The high Vitamin C content is what helps repair your skin.

6. Rose Hip Oil
The agents that occur naturally in the oil have qualities that can correct dark spots when applied directly to them. Massage the oil into affected areas daily for best results.

7. Tea Extracts
Not only does this extract reduce dark spots when applied to your skin, but it can also be used to prevent them.

8. Ginger
Apply some slices of ginger to your dark spots for 20 minutes at a time. Repeat this process regularly to brighten and clear spots.

9. Watermelon
Rub watermelon rinds onto your skin where you have dark spots. The fiber and vitamins in the rind are what help diminish their appearance. Do this 2 times a week.

10. Aloe Vera
Dab aloe vera onto your dark spots every day. The plant enzymes will correct them and the texture of your skin will become more fresh and firm.

Monday, June 16, 2014

Whether you are suffering from hair growth problems or envious of the long and shiny locks of your favorite movie star or want to get out of a disastrous haircut, we have the best solutions for all these hair issues!



The Science Behind Hair Growth

1. An average human has 1,00,000 hair follicles, each of which produce 20 hairs in a lifetime.
2. Each of our hair strands undergoes 3 stages: Anagen phase, Catagen phase and Telogen phase.

About 90% of the hair on your scalp now is in the growth phase or the Anagen phase which usually takes around 5 years.

During the Catagen phase, the hair follicle shrinks. This happens to 1% of hair strands and takes about a month’s time.

And finally in the Telogen phase, the hair rests or falls off. This happens to around 10 – 15% of the hair strands and this period last upto 5 months.

3. The rate of hair growth varies from person to person, but the average rate is about 15 centimeters or 6 inches per year.


4. Each hair strand completes its cycle and wears off. A person loses about 50 to 100 of hair strands per day. On the day when you wash your hair, you end up losing up to 250 strands. But if you lose more than this range, you suffer from severe hair fall problem and should consult a dermatologist.

Causes Behind Hair Fall

1. Genetics:

Genetics is one of the major causes of hair fall. Studies show that 60% of the people inherit the problem of acute hair fall. And sadly there are no treatments to cure hair fall caused by heredity. However you can take care of your mane to delay the process and make it healthy and shiny.

2. Improper Diet:

A healthy diet is very important not only for our body, but also for skin and hair. Our scalp cells needs proper nourishment and nutrition. People who follow low protein diet can suffer protein deficiency which leads to massive amount of hair shedding. Deficiency of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients can cause hair fall and thinning of hair.

3. Prolong Diseases:

Hair loss caused due to diseases or illness is mostly temporary.It is cured once the body returns to good health. Typhoid, flu, fungus infection on the scalp (ringworm) etc causes hair fall.

Thyroid imbalance is another condition which leads to temporary hair fall, as both underactive and over active thyroid glands is responsible for hair loss. However it can easily be cured by proper medication from the physician.

4. Stress:

Our present day lifestyle has long working hours and a hectic schedule and stress is the subversive effect. Our scalp cells, like other body cells, need relaxation and rejuvenation. Therefore practice yoga and meditation to reduce the effects of stress and thus reduce hair fall.

5. Cosmetics:

Use of chemical laden cosmetics causes severe hair fall.These chemicals clog your scalp pores by forming a layer over it. Most of the shampoos and conditioners contain harsh chemicals which have adverse effects on your hair. Avoid using them and switch to natural products, you can use a mixture of amla, reetha and shikakai to wash your hair. A hair pack of honey and eggs can be used as a natural conditioner.

There are also some mechanical reasons also which cause hair fall like excessive combing, hair styling (like dye, bleach, perming), tight braids etc are.

How To Grow Hair Faster 

1. Check What You Eat:

It has already been discussed that diet plays an important role for the growth of healthy and lustrous hair. It is very important that you nourish them from outside as well as inside.

A well balanced diet for healthy skin and hair should consist of fresh fruits and vegetables and should be followed religiously. Include nutrients such as Vitamin B12, zinc, iron and calcium as they prevent hair loss. You know that our hair is composed of “keratin”- a protein, so have a protein rich diet which consists of soybean, cheese, milk, fish, chicken etc. Stay away from that junk and processed food as it inhibits hair growth. So what you eat is the answer to how to increase hair growth.

Here is a detailed article onfoods that help hair growth.

2. Dietary Supplements:

To regulate the growth of the hair naturally, include dietary supplements such as bio vitamins, multivitamins and omega 3 fatty acids. They are also found in green leafy vegetables, cereals, peas, fish, beans, almonds, yoghurt etc. However before taking any supplements in the form of tablets or capsules, consult your physician as some people may be allergic to them.

Here is a list of essential vitamins for hair growth that will help answer the question of how to improve hair growth.

3. Drink More Water:

Do you know that our hair consists of 95 % protein and 5 % water? Therefore it is important that you should drink 10-12 glasses of water daily, to keep your grow hair faster and keep it nourished and healthy.

4. Regular exercise:

Regular exercise not only keeps our body healthy but also encourages hair growth. 20 minutes of regular exercise such as yoga, meditation, walking, jogging, dancing, cycling etc improves blood circulation and helps the nutrients to penetrate into our scalp.

Here is a detailed post on 8 Yoga exercises that protect your hair.

5. Proper Sleep:

Do not forget to include 8 hours of sleep in your daily routine. Lack of sleep causes hair fall, dark circles, pigmentation, dull skin and a stressful mind. A peaceful sleep is important for healthy mind and body. Try to sleep on silk pillowcase as it will be soft on your hair by causing less friction.

6. Regular Trimming:

Split ends are one of the major reasons which inhibit hair growth. If your hair is dry and damaged, then you are bound to have split ends. Trim your hair every 3 months to get rid of split ends and encourage hair growth. Remember – never prick your split ends as it would further aggravate your problem.

7. Cleansing:

Wash your hair regularly to keep it clean and healthy. The sebum produced by the oil glands form a layer over the scalp and inhibits the growth of hair. Do not use chemical laden products, instead opt for natural shampoos and conditioners. But frequent shampooing is also harmful as it will make it dry, stripped and prone to breakage.Wash your hair twice a week to keep it squeaky clean and healthy.

8. Hot oil Massages:

Nothing can be more soothing than a hot oil massage with your favorite aromatic oils. Oil massage improves blood circulation to the roots of your hair and encourages hair growth. You can use various oils such as coconut, almond, olive, and jojoba or rosemary oil for regular massages. Use a towel dipped in hot water to cover your hair after the massage as it helps in penetrating the oil into your scalp opening the pores.

9. Protect Your Hair:

Pollution, sun and dust can have adverse effects on your tresses. They make your hair dry and damaged by stripping off the natural oils from the scalp and inhibit the hair growth. Wear a hat or cover your head with a silk scarf when you step outside. Avoid tight hairstyles such as high ponytails, tight braids, cornrows as they put a stress on your hair making them loose form the roots and cause hair fall. Do not comb wet hair as they are easily prone to breakage.

10. Natural Hair Pack:

Apart from all these, you obviously have the best and safest option of the various homemade remedies for hair growth. You can use amla, fenugreek seeds, onion juice, avocado etc for effective results. However these remedies may take a long time and thus you have to be patient with these.

Here are 5 natural hair packs to help your hair grow faster.

In most cases, it has been observed that by the regulation of diet, exercising, healthy hair practices and regulating the stress levels, people have successfully been able to control even the most severe hair fall problem.

11. Hair Extensions:

The fastest way to make your hair appear longer is to use hair extensions. These are of varying lengths, straight or wavy and different colors used to accentuate your look. They look chic and trendy and are the quickest solution.

12. Simple Tricks To Make Your Hair Look Longer:

Apart from hair extensions, there are a few hair styling options that make your hair look longer than it actually is. These could include straightening, middle parting, adding layers etc.

13. Consult a Dermatologist:

If you have tried all the home remedies without any success or have the genetic disorder of hair fall, you can try prescription for a hair growth treatment. In this treatment, firstly consult a dermatologist so that he or she can study about your problem. By his or her advice, you can take supplements and undergo medications.

14. Homoeopathy For Hair Loss:

We all are familiar with homeopathic treatment, as it has very less side effects as compared to allopathic treatments. They are clinically proven to give you effective but slow response. Be patient when you choose homeopathic treatment.

15. Rogaine for Hair Growth:

Rogaine (minoxidil) is widely famous as the only non-prescription hair growth treatment. It is a topical treatment that stimulates hair growth and also prevents hair loss. Rogaine is safe for application for both men and women. You can easily buy Rogaine at any local drugstore.

Avoid Doing These:

1. Hair Colour:

Most of the hair colors contain ammonia, which is an industrial bleaching agent. It can play havoc on your hair by making it dry and damaged. Excessive use of hair colors can lead to hair fall by damaging the hair follicles. Instead of chemicals try natural options like henna. It colors as well as conditions your hair making it soft, smooth and healthy hair. You can also use coffee or cinnamon powder.

2. Hair Treatment:

Every other day we fancy different hair styles, sometimes straight, perm or wavy. But do you know that these hair treatments use a lot of harsh chemicals which lead to severe hair fall? Regular hair straightening also leads to split ends, and once it starts splitting, you have to continuously chop them to let your hair grow. Try to avoid them as much as possible and start loving your natural tresses.

3. Do Not Brush Your Wet Hair:

This is the one of the biggest mistakes people generally make – combing or brushing their hair while it’s still wet. Never do this. Wait for your hair to dry naturally, gently detangle and then comb softly.

4. Avoid Hot Water:

Do not use hot water while rinsing your hair. It makes your hair very dry and brittle. Always use cool water as it allows the cuticle to smooth out and lie flat, thus giving you soft and manageable hair.

5. Tight Hairstyles And Rubber Bands:

When you tie your hair into a tight ponytail or braid, the hair gets pulled from the roots and gets stressed. This makes them loose from the roots and thus, more prone to breakage. It makes the hair weak and causes permanent damage.

Rubber bands also pull the hair out from the roots causing extensive damage to the mane. The hair becomes weak and hurts the scalp.

I hope you found these mantras, tips and tricks helpful for growing you hair faster. Do try them and discover your beautiful tresses.
Don’t you just hate the appearance of shallow, dark circles under your eyes? Well, fret no more! Here is a detailed post about the causes and remedies of this hideous problem.

Dark circles may be hereditary or part of the ageing process or can even be caused by stress. Dark circles are a problem that occurs irrespective of your skin colour and type. They make you look much older than you actually are! The skin around your eyes is very thin and delicate which makes these dark circles even more prominent. As this region does not have oil glands, it needs special care and attention.


Dark circles are characterized by the blood vessels present underneath the skin’s surface around the eyes. The blood leaks out from the capillaries making the vessels visible through the skin. This discolouration of the skin is likely to affect everyone at some point of time, but for few the darkness around the eyes is seemingly constant and just refuses to leave.

Dark circles can develop at any age but are mainly visible during adolescence, early 20′s and especially in the old age. You can minimize the appearance of dark circles and in some cases completely get rid of them. The most efficient way to prevent dark circles is by following a nutritious diet, which includes fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, yogurt, sprouts, dairy products, unprocessed milk, lentils and beans. Daily exercises along with deep breathing helps blood circulation, oxygenation and controlling stress.

Causes Of Dark circles:

There are numerous causes of dark circles. Relevant information about the different causes of dark circles will help you choose a better treatment plan. Here are some of the most common causes:

1. Hereditary:

One of the major causes of dark circle is heredity. You are most likely to develop dark circles if your parents also suffer from the same. It happens because your family might have a tendency of having thin skin layer around the eyes or having more blood vessels than the average lot. Or, both the cases can be present. This leads to awfully bad dark circles.

2. Broken Blood Vessels:

If the blood vessels which supply blood underneath the eyes ruptures, it leads to limited blood supply. When the haemoglobin level, oxygen carrying molecule, within the blood is reduced, the result is skin darkening.

3. Anaemia:

Iron deficiency often lead to shortage of oxygenated blood which further aggravates dark circles. Anemia results in improper blood supply.  Therefore, the capillaries under the eyes supply insufficient oxygen. Yet dark circles alone do not signify that a person is suffering from anemia. There might be other reasons involved as well.

4. Hyperpigmentation:

Perorbital hyperpigmentation is a condition in which the production of melanin around the eyes is more active than average, thus resulting in dark circles.

5. Nutritional Causes:

Not having a proper, balanced diet could be a major cause of dark circle. Deficiency in some nutrients, like iron and Vitamin E can lead to dark circles. Moreover, the type of medications which dilate blood vessels and make them more apparent, cause the emergence of dark circles.

6. Allergies:

Allergies such as hay fever, dust allergy and mild allergy not only cause itchy eyes, but can also cause skin discolouration which appears as dark circles under the eyes. Some allergies can be treated with medicines, but most drugs often cause dehydration which may cure the itching but may leave you with dark circles around the eyes.

7. Dehydration:

Dehydration also leads to emergence of dark circles. Dehydration symptoms include a dry mouth, dry skin, fatigue, dark coloured urine and of course dark circles. In mild cases, drinking electrolyte rich beverages and adequate consumption of sodium might solve the problem. But if the dehydration is more severe, you may need medical attention.

8. Smoking:

Smoking leads to vascular problems constricting the blood vessels. This leads to poor circulation of blood which makes the under eye darkness more prominent.

9. Lack of Sleep:

While it may not be the major cause of dark circles, lack of sleep can lead to stress and other health related problems creating a paler, fatigued skin which create hollows under the eyes and makes the dark circle more noticeable. A good 8 hours sleep will be more than sufficient and will help to ward off exhausted looking eyes.

But the main question is how to reduce dark circles right? Allow us to tell you.

How To Remove Dark Circles:

1. Home Remedies:

Some of the best remedies on how to get rid of dark circles lie in our kitchen. Here are some of the best home-made remedies to wash away dark circles:

Tomatoes are highly effective for treating dark circles. You can prepare a mixture using 1 teaspoon of fresh tomato juice, ½ teaspoon of lemon juice, a pinch of turmeric and gram flour (besan). Apply it gently under the eye and leave it for ten minutes and then rinse it off.
The cooling properties of cucumber and potatoes make them effective remedies of dark circle. You can apply any of these two on your eyes to diminish darkness and swelling. Slice or grate the two vegetables and place the slice over the eyes. You can also use the juice and dab some with a cotton ball. You can even leave the remedy over night for better results. However, it is advisable to apply juice on the affected area rather than placing slices over the eyes.

Tea bags are also considered as a beneficial treatment for dark circles. Place one cold tea bag on each eye and let it rest for a while. Pat it dry and you will see your eyes rejuvenated.
Another effective and one of the most popular remedies to remove dark circles is almond oil. Apply almond oil around your eyes and leave it overnight. Wash if off gently after waking up in the morning.
Cold compress also helps treat dark circles. You may use an ice bag, cloth dipped in cold water, or a frozen spoon. Simply dab anyone of these near the eyes. This will instantly reduce the appearance of dark circles.
Crushed mint is a good option for treating under eye dark circles. It gives a cooling effect and immediately soothes tired eyes, which help to reduce dark circles. Place crushed mint leaves around the eyes and leave it for a while. Wipe off the residue with damp cotton.
Water is the most essential component and the pillar of all remedies. It promotes proper blood circulation around the eyes and prevents blood accumulation. Drink around 8 to 10 glasses of water daily to flush off toxins and have a healthy skin.
 You can also apply a mixture of pineapple juice and turmeric under your eyes.
Dip cotton balls in rose water and keep on the under eye area for 20 minutes. This will also help to reduce dark circle.
Cut some fresh figs in half and keep them under the eyes. Keep it there for 20 minutes and then rinse off with warm water.
Eat fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins and iron. Blend 2 fresh tomatoes, lemon juice and a pinch of salt and drink the juice daily or every alternate day for a healthy skin and refreshed eyes.

2. Exercise:

Daily exercises along with deep breathing improves blood circulation, oxygenation and controls stress. Accompanied with adequate sleep and relaxation, a daily exercise regime leads to a healthier lifestyle resulting in reduced dark circles.

Gentle movements and a light touch are essential while removing makeup and applying creams. Avoid massaging the area as that might pull and drag the skin and stretching of the skin often leads to wrinkles. Massaging should be done by professionals so that correct techniques are employed.

A cleansing gel or a makeup remover should be used to remove every trace of makeup with a cotton wool. Gels and creams help to dissolve makeup and grime and thus facilitate their removal.

3. Dark Circle Treatment:

a. Chemical Peeling:

Chemosurgery is commonly known as chemical peeling. It involves a number of chemical agents to treat various skin conditions like hyperpigmentation on the face or body, scars due to acne or wounds and fine wrinkles. Chemical peeling is a non-evasive treatment for dark circle. A chemical peel is generally performed by a dermatologist and anesthesian. Chemical peels helps to rejuvenate the skin around the eyes by exfoliating the damaged upper layer of the skin to reveal a new and healthier skin layer.

The latest and the most effective and soothing peels for dark circle is Argi peel which contains arginine, lactic acid, allantoin and aloe vera. Arginine is an amino acid derived from brown sugar which boosts collagen, increases elasticity and moisturises the skin. Lactic acid exfoliates and lightens the skin. Allantoin and aloe vera helps to soothe and regenerate the skin. This is used in conjunction with vitamin C and matrixyl that provides firmness and resistance to the skin around the eye.

The skin on the eye lid is very thin, so medium or deep chemical peels are not advised as they have a potential to cause damage to the eye balls. Superficial peels like Glycolic or AHA peels are normally used in such cases, because they are the weakest variant of chemical peels and do not penetrate very deeply.

b. Intense Pulse Treatment:

Intense Pulse Treatment (IPL) reduces dark circle by destroying pigment cells that cause discolouration and smoothens the skin under the eye. IPL uses high energy light waves to penetrate the skin under the eye. The light waves constrict blood vessels which results in less prominent discolouration.  IPL treatment is one of the most effective dark circle treatments but it is too costly. A person will be required to sit for several sessions to achieve the desired results. The frequency of the treatment depends on the magnitude of the circles and overall health and lifestyle of the patient.

c. Laser Treatment:

Laser treatment is another effective treatment for dark circle removal. With laser treatment, the fat deposited under the eye is targeted. After the laser treatment, the skin under the eye becomes smooth and less discoloured.

In laser treatment, an ultraviolet light or infrared invisible light is used to create a wave length that releases energy as they move across the skin. The energy is absorbed through the skin layers and gives a soothing effect, while correcting the dark and irregular skin pigments that cause dark circle.

d. Surgery:

Eye surgery for dark circle is known as blepharoplasty which is performed by a plastic surgeon. The under eye fat deposits are removed resulting in less puffiness, less discolouration and more lively eyes. There are two types of under eye surgery. One is transcutaneous lower lid blepharoplasty where 1 or 2 incision below the lower lid eyelashes is made. It is the ideal solution for those who have more skin under the eye.

The second one is for dark circles under the eye. A local anaesthesia is given for general comfort and may even result in some bruising and swelling lasting for about a week. It’s better to weigh the pros and cons before going for the surgery.

4. Creams For Dark Circles:

Various topical creams, ointments and gels are available in the market to minimize the appearance of dark circles. You have to ensure that the creams contain active ingredients which can give optimum results. These active ingredients include vitamin K which helps to reduce dilated blood vessels; and vitamin C and alpha hydroxyl acids which aids in the stimulation of the collagen production of the skin. These nutrients also help lessen the appearance of dark circles caused by ageing and genetics. Some of the best under eye cream available in India are:

a. Aroma Magic Under Eye Gel:

This is one of the most affordable and effective under eye gels available in the Indian market. This under eye gel gives an immediate cooling effect and refreshes the eyes. It effectively combats dark circles and tired looking eyes with regular application. You will find visible improvement in about one month of usage which leaves the skin fresh, healthy and nourished. It retails Rs 120 and is easily available at leading online shopping sites.

b. Khadi Under Eye Gel:

Khadi Under Eye gel contains some natural ingredients like olive oil, almond oil, wheat germ oil, soy  protein and aloe vera which not only moisturises the under eye area, but also provides an instant cooling effect to the eyes. With gradual time, this eye gel reduces puffinesss and fines lines around the eyes and refreshes exhausted eyes. Khadi under eye gel is available for Rs 225 and is available at all leading stores.

c. Wunder Eye Cream:

Wunder Eye Cream is available in 15 grams at Rs 500. In spite of being a cream, this eye cream is extremely light in texture and gets absorbed in the skin within seconds. It keeps the under eye area moisturised for the whole day and reduces the eye puffiness, but works on dark circles only to an extent. It might not effectively remove extremely stubborn dark circles. You can find this cream at any drug store.

d. Oriflame Eye Cream, Seeing is Believing:

This is a light weight eye cream which helps to reduce puffiness, brightens the eyes, reduces dark circles and smoothens lines around the eyes. With regular usage, the shadow under the eye gets reduced and it reduces puffy eyes within 2 weeks. The cream retails Rs 498 and is available only through Oriflame agents.

e. The Body Shop Vitamin E Eye cream:

The Body Shop Vitamin E Eye cream is a moisturising eye cream that protects the delicate skin around the eye and reduces the appearance of dark circles, fine lines, puffiness and wrinkles and keeps the skin soft and smooth. The Body Shop Vitamin E Eye cream is available at all The Body Shop outlets at Rs 1025 for 15 ML.

More than any eye cream or gel, our eyes need good care, rest, proper sleep and nutrients to keep us healthy from inside, not just externally. Do share your views in the comments section below. Stay fit, stay healthy!

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Sunday, June 15, 2014

Lemon is a very common fruit and is easily available. Most of us love having lemons or lemon juice in the summers to beat the summer heat but only few know that lemon has a number of nutritional benefits and can be used in many ways.

Lemon comes from an evergreen tree originally found in Asia and the fruit is usually greenish or yellow. The whole fruit with its pulp, the juice, the rind and the zest are used in cooking as well as non-culinary purposes. Lemon juice is often used to make lemonade and other lemon beverages. The juice contains 6% citric acid which makes its taste sour. They contain vitamin c, calcium, folate, vitamin b5, vitamin b3, vitamin b1 and b2, iron, magnesium, phosphors, potassium, zinc as well as sugar, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, fat and protein.


Wonderful Benefits And Uses Of Lemon
Image: Shutterstock


Health benefits of lemon:

Lemons have citric acid so they taste acidic but the juice helps to form alkaline in the body and are used in cooking as well as various other things.

Here we provide you an exhaustive list of health benefits of lemon:

1. Lemons are a rich source of vitamin c. vitamin c is essential to keep you immune from cough and cold. Also they contain flavonoids which work against viruses and keep the body fit.

2. Lemons help alkalize the body by restoring the pH balance of the body.

3. Drinking lemon juice with warm water in the morning will help in giving regular and easy bowel movement. This particular one of the lemon juice benefits can certainly come in handy at time! Following a lemonade diet is certainly beneficial for those with troubled bowel movements.


4. Lemon juice helps to dissolve uric acid and other poisons as well as it helps to liquefy the bile; thus it helps to stimulate the liver and detoxifies it.

5. In traditional ayurvedic medicine, lemon is greatly valued as it helps to help with gastric troubles, helps to keep vision safe, is pungent and works as an astringent.

6. Vitamin c which is found in lemons help to neutralize the free radicals which cause aging and diseases.

7. Lemon has been discovered to be the only food in the world which is anionic (ion with negative charge). So it is very important for the body.

8. Eye disorders have shown improvement with consumption of lemon which has rutin.

9. One of the uses of lemon has been discovered to be 22 anti cancer compounds which include limonene that slows down the growth of cancer tumors and flavonol glycosides which can stop cell division in cancer cells.

10. Lemon benefits includes it ability to help destroy the presence of intestinal worms

11. Lemon peel has tengeretin which has been proved to be effective for brain disorders like Parkinson’s disease.


12. Lemon is known for its antibacterial properties and can destroy malaria, cholera, diphtheria, typhoid and other bacteria.

13. Vitamin p in lemon helps to strengthen blood vessels

14. Lemons use are highlighted in treating high blood pressure as well

15. Vitamin c in lemon helps to treat scurvy. British navy stocks its ships with lemons to help the sailors to have at least an ounce of juice each day.

16. The citric acid in lemon helps to dissolve gall stones, kidney stones as well as calcium deposits.

lemon benefits for face
Source: Shutterstock
Lemon benefits for skin care:

17. Lemon is a great astringent and can be used as a skin astringent as well.

18. Lemon juice can work wonders for oily skin. Using lemon juice on skin can help reduce the excess oiliness of the skin.

19. Lemon juice is a natural antiseptic and if used within a facial mask, it can help clear oil and dirt as well as bacteria which cause breakouts.

20. Lemon juice is very effective to reduce acne. Use a small cotton bud dipped in freshly squeezed lemon juice to help reduce its appearance.

21. Lemon juice is also said to be effective on pimples and acne scars. Using freshly pressed lemon juice over scars after cleansing face in the evening will help reduce the appearance of scars.

22. Use lemon juice to lighten the freckle marks effectively. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice on freckles before going to bed at night. Follow the method for two weeks to see the freckles appear lightened.

23. If you feel the raw juice is too strong for your skin, add a little water to dilute it. This way the intensity will lessen.

24. Use lemon juice to make age marks less visible. Use lemon juice on the body parts such as elbows, knees, face, hands to get smooth skin and less visible age marks.

25. Lemon juice works great for nails as it has vitamin c which makes nails healthy and strong. To help keep nails healthy immerse the nails in a bowl of lemon juice for about 10 minutes. Then immerse them in a mixture of warm water and white vinegar.  Rinse off with water and see the difference in your nails.

26. Lemon works great to condition dry and damaged hair. Lemon juice used with 3/4th cup olive oil and ½ cup raw honey will help in keeping hair damage free and conditioned. Apply the mixture on hair and cover with a plastic wrap for half an hour. After the 30 minutes rinse off and use a mild shampoo to clean your hair.

Some miscellaneous uses of lemon:

27. Lemon peel is great for cleaning the micro oven. Sometimes food explosions create a mess and food items get stuck to the oven’s inner surface. So what should we do? Use lemon rind to get rid of these messes. Soak some rind into a microwave safe bowl and add water to it. Then microwave it for 5/6 minutes on high and watch out for the water to boil so that the steam fills the microwave. The condensed steam will help soften the messy food items. Then take out the bowl and carefully clean using a towel.

28. Sometimes we have a greasy spot on the stove, or on the kitchen table or maybe the dining table which is very hard to remove. But this problem can be fixed using a lemon. Take a lemon and cut it in half and use one piece sprinkled with salt to rub on the greasy spots. Then rub with a clean towel.

29. The chopping boards are often neglected and many bacteria may grow on it. Use lemon to gently refresh those cutting boards. Take a lemon, cut It in half and rub over the board and rinse with water.

30. Steel sinks and pots get dirty with water sediments and other deposits over them. Use lemon juice to get rid of them quickly.  To clean these items, just use lemon juice on the needed spots and rinse after a while and gently buff with a cloth to get rid of the stains.

31. Use a vegetable peeler to peel long strips from lemon to add as garnishing to drinks and cocktails. These look great. You may also use a knife to make the long peels. Store these peels in a sealed container or freezer safe bag and refrigerate for future use.

32. If your sugar turns into brick sugar the use some lemon peel to keep them dry.

Some lemon packs:

33. Body skin loses moisture when in contact with chlorinated water at the time of bathing. Use lemon along with turmeric and starch as a cleanser before bath.

34. Take 4 tablespoons of yogurt and 3 teaspoons of lemon juice and mix them well. Add 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil (any variant) to it and massage this pack on body using upward strokes and leave it for 10-15 minutes. Then wash off and take your usual bath.

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