30+ Awesome Benefits of Aloe Vera for Skin, Health and Hair

aloe vera for skin

The yellow-colored liquid which is extracted from Aloe vera can do wonders when you consume it with any citrus juice.

Since 600 years, this short stemmed plant has been used for healing. Though there are no more scientific evidence to back the benefits of aloe vera for skin, cosmetic industries includes aloe gel to their products, claiming that it soothes, moisturizers and heals skin. Aloe vera gel has been an ingredient in many cosmetic products, including tissues, makeup, moisturizers, soaps and shampoos.

Aloe vera is packed with nutritional, antiseptic and antioxidant properties; this helps to destroy fungus, virus and infection causing bacteria. There are long list of diseases which can be cured by treating with aloe vera, which include eczema, psoriasis, skin ulcers, diabetes, blisters and so on.

Not just its gel, but aloe vera juice for skin has abundant identical benefits.

With all the benefits and uses of aloe vera juice for skin unfortunately there are side-effects of consuming excessively. So, don’t miss the last section about over-use and procedure to consume aloe vera.

 

34 Benefits of Aloe Vera for Skin

  1. Aloe vera for eczema

    Reduces eczema flare-ups – apply aloe gel on eczema affected skin directly twice a day and rinse with cold water.

  2. Aloe vera for dry skin

    Act as a moisturizer on your itchy dry skin. Either use raw aloe leaf or apply with olive oil.

  3. Aloe vera for wrinkles

    Aloe is a good anti-aging remedy, also rejuvenates skin making your skin glow.

  4. Enhances fast healing processaloe vera for acne

    A great healing remedy, mostly used for skin burns, allergies, cuts, insect bites and injuries.

  5. Aloe vera gel for acne

    This is an innate remedy. People with acne, a chronic skin disease have red bumps and rashes on their skin, by applying aloe vera gel on the targeted skin can reduce or lighten blemishes.

  6. Topical application protects you from UV rays

    Applying aloe vera gel regularly on face and hands can protect you from harmful UV rays. With this you can save yourself from pricey sunscreen products.

  7. Aloe vera for herpes

    Herpes can be reduced by applying aloe gel on wounds. Herpes a viral infection effecting face, mouth and genitals. Resembles like small wounds filled with fluid.

  8. Aloe vera unclog pores

    Afraid of hanging out with friends because of pimples? Get aloe vera and extract its gel to apply the lotion on your pores.

  9. Prevents skin pigmentation

    Helps remove pigmentation and dark spots on skin.

  10. Aloe vera for for Psoriasis

    This is a chronic skin disease that can be treated or reduced by applying aloe gel on flare-ups. It reduces itching instantly.

  11. As a body massage

    A body massage, mix 1 tbsp of aloe gel, 1 tbsp of lemon juice and 2 tbsp of brown sugar, now apply it all over the body for an Eco-friendly massage. It exfoliates dead cells.

  12. Fed up with stretch marks?

    Aloe vera for stretch marks is an excellent remedy.
    Mix 2 cups of sea salt
    1 cup of coconut oil
    1 cup of aloe and 2 cups of honey or manuka honey, using a swab apply it on stretch marks regularly.

  13. Frost Bites

    Reduces tissue damage from frostbite. Frostbite is a medical condition caused due to freezing; it damages parts away from heart.
    You’ll know benefits of aloe vera for skin when you use it. You can either get a raw aloe leaf or rush to near-by store to pick aloe vera gel.

Aloe Vera Benefits for Health

  1. Asthma patients boil aloe vera leaves and breathe in its vapor to alleviate asthma.
  2. Lower your blood sugar level by consuming aloe vera juice with any citrus juice. Blend aloe gel with any citrus juice and consume it.aloe vera gel benefits for health
  3. Get rid of joint and muscle pain by applying aloe gel on affected part.
  4. Lose weight with regular consumption of aloe vera juice, it helps to burn fat.
  5. Drinking aloe vera juice will relieve you from indigestion, stomach ulcers, heartburn, urinary infections and colitis.
  6. Vaginal irritation is very comfortable and most of the times look awkward to scratch in public places, you can treat this aloe vera gel.
  7. Aloe is rich in magnesium lactate which helps to helps to get rid of sinus problem.
  8. Wash off eye makeup with aloe vera and water mix, you can also add boric acid.
  9. Aloe vera works great for painful gums, directly apply aloe on gums.
  10. Detoxifying agent.
  11. Improves circulation by reducing cholesterol and wiping toxins.
  12. On the while boost immune system.
  13. Can cure or prevent few cancer tumors.
  14. Aloe is a cellular regenerator.
  15. With its anti-inflammatory properties it can save you from inflammation by arresting it.
  16. Aloe vera is an alkaline in nature, which is good for your body as body needs 80 percent alkaline.
  17. Taking aloe vera orally in liquid form can help reduce cholesterol and triglycerides for healthy heart.

Aloe Vera Benefits for Hair

  1. Get rid of dandruff by mixing aloe gel with coconut oil and then rinse.
  2. By massaging with aloe you can have fast growing hair.
  3. Replace your pricey conditioners with aloe for smooth and silky hair.
  4. To keep hair and scalp moist you must maintain pH level, by applying aloe vera gel with coconut oil you can keep your hair and scalp moist.

How to Make Aloe Vera Gel

how to make aloe vera gel

Aloe vera is an herb with bunch of benefits to human body and especially for skin; it’s an instant remedy for dry and itchy skin. Though you can get aloe vera gel from local store, we doubt its freshness. As making aloe vera gel at home is damn simple we don’t recommend store bought aloe gel.

Get some fresh aloe leaves from local garden or borrow it from neighbor. Place the leafy vertically upwards so that resin goes off. (Resin is sticky insoluble substance.) Then wash the leaf. Carefully slice the borders of the leaf from both sides. To extract the gel easily, cut aloe into pieces and peel the thick skin with a knife.

Now you’ve gel in your hand. Blend these gel pieces with vitamin C powder and vitamin E oil. Pour the blended solution in a jar and refrigerate for future use.

How to Make Aloe Vera Juice

After extracting aloe gel from leaves, blend them with any citrus juice and add sugar in required quantity. Initially try with small quantity. [List of citrus fruits]

Nutrients in Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a cornucopia of vitamins and minerals including:

  • Vitamin A (beta-carotene), C and E.
  • Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6, B12.
  • Folic acid.
  • Choline, calcium, sodium, selenium, iron, copper, magnesium, potassium and zinc.
  • Fatty acids and 20-22 human required amino acids.
  • Sugars include glucose and fructose.

Dosage Recommendation

Consult your doctor before taking any step.

Don’t buy; grow your aloe vera plant for fresh juice.

Start with small dosage for 1-2 weeks, and then try if you don’t any results. Treat like a medicine not a juice.

News About Benefits of Aloe Vera

  • Healing the skin inside out – drinking aloe vera juice will balance alkaline and acid level in stomach. (source)
  • Reduce cholesterol by taking 10 – 20 milliliters of aloe juice. (source)
  • Aloe vera can be used as cleanser. (lifehacker.com)

Image source 1, 2

References:

  • http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763764/
  • http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/herbal-remedies/amazing-aloe-vera.htm

Baby Eczema Symptoms, Causes, Treatments and Triggers

Unlike eczema in adults, baby eczema is common and treatable. Dry itchy patches flare up on your baby’s skin.

In most cases these patches are wiped out naturally, in other cases you must practice a moisturizing remedy prescribed by doctor. 10 to 15 percent of babies are affected by atopic dermatitis or infantile eczema.

Where it appears and what does it look like?

red baby eczema rashes

Dry, red, itchy and crusty eczema patches may appear anywhere on baby’s skin, but in most cases flare ups can be seen on fore head, cheeks, scalp and over joints.

You may confuse eczema rashes with cradle cap rashes. Cradle cap rashes normally occurs on baby’s scalp, it is harmless and does not usually itchy (goes off in 8 months).

What causes baby eczema?

Scientists are researching to find the exact cause of eczema, right now cause for eczema in adults and babies are unknown.

But few experts say that dry skin and hereditary can cause eczema flare ups.

Skin is barrier which protects inner parts and natural oils present on skin helps it to work efficiently. When these natural oils are stripped either by using harsh soaps or by hydrating baby from inside the body, dry skin appears which results in itch-scratch cycle.

Related: How to get rid of dry skin in adults

Or if anyone in parents have hay fever or asthma or diseases which are associated with eczema, then eczema flare ups may appear.

Does this patch go away by itself?

In most cases red itchy patches goes away when your infants grow up. Only small number of children will carry it to adolescence age. Anyway, remissions may appear in different stages of life. Avoiding dry skin by applying moisturizer will work.

Baby Eczema Triggers?

Triggers or irritations increases flare-ups and may make the situation worse. But remember that eczema triggers will not be same for all babies. Here are common eczema triggers.

#1 Dry skin

It causes itching, which increase eczema condition. Dry skin is caused when you use soaps with alcohol as ingredient. They strip natural oils from skin leaving it dry from the outside. Climate can also make skin dry; like winter. The dry air makes skin dry by stimulating itching.

Tip

Apply moisturizer prescribed by doctor and use humidifier in your room when air outside is dry. Prefer moisturizing soaps. Hot water leaves your baby’s skin dry, instead go for lukewarm water.

#2 Stress

Babies with eczema react to stress by flushing, which leads to itching.

Tip

Keep yourselves stress free to calm your babies.

“When parents stress, the kids are going to be stressed,” says Andrew Garner, MD (source: WebMD)

#3 Irritants

Keep your babies away from wool or synthetic fibers which trigger itching, also from body sprays, perfumes and soaps or creams which are made for adults.

Sweat and heat can make infant eczema worse.

Tip:

If you’re not sure which type of clothes are your baby’s skin love, take advice from other or consult your doctor.

#4 Allergens

According to WebMD still there is a debate on food allergies triggering eczema. Few experts suggest that removing cow’s milk, peanuts and eggs from baby’s diet may help to reduce eczema flare ups.

Read this: Home Remedies for Skin Allergies

Treating Baby’s Eczema

If you want to get rid awkward looking rashes on your baby’s skin then you may try below suggested tips. (Few of them are already discussed above, will repeat it here)

  • Before taking for a bath apply oil (essential oil or any other oil) on your baby’s whole body.
  • Avoid hot water, consider lukewarm water.
  • After bath pat dry baby’s skin, don’t rub.
  • While baby’s skin is damp apply moisturizing cream.
  • Dress baby with cotton and avoid synthetic fiber cloths.
  • Cut your baby’s nails (be careful, you might hurt him/her). So that, while scratching he/she won’t damage skin. You can use gloves instead.
  • Avoid putting too many blankets, because sweating can trigger itching.

If none of the above is working go for steroids, which may include creams or any other medication if needed.

We recommend consulting a doctor before taking a step.

Baby Eczema Pictures

Image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4

Reference:

  • http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby-eczema-questions-answers
  • http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cradle-cap/Pages/Introduction.aspx
  • http://www.parenting.com/article/3-things-that-stress-out-babies

Psoriasis Causes, Symptoms and Treatment – with Pictures

Psoriasis (suh-RY-uh-sus) is a chronic (long term) skin disease resulting red, scaly and dry patches on skin; mostly concentrating elbows, scalp, knees and fingers. These patches may be small (mild psoriasis) or large (severe psoriasis).

In some cases psoriasis also affects joints; there will be no rash or bump on skin. This is called psoriatic arthritis, one among the 5 main types of psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis is most common type of psoriasis. Patches are caused due to rapid growing of skin cells which accumulate and form a silvery-white appearance. Fingernails and toenails are also affected by detaching nail plate; this is called psoriatic nail dystrophy.

psoriasis causes and treatment

Though we’ve lots more information about different types of psoriasis its causes are still unknown. Few experts say that over reaction of immune system and having psoriasis in families can cause psoriasis. Psoriasis is associated with cancer, diabetes and heart diseases. Why it’s associated and why it affects health is still unknown.

Good thing is it’s not contagious. When you come in contact with psoriasis effected person no need to worry. But it may spread to children, as it is termed as genetic disease (Wikipedia).

Stats on Psoriasis

Just to show how dangerous this disease can be, we’re sharing these stats.

  • In US psoriasis is most prevalent autoimmune disease. (Autoimmune disease is a condition where your immune system attacks your body by mistake) (source: Nlm.nih.gov)
  • 2.2 percent of world population has psoriasis.
  • This skin disease affects mostly adults. Children and young people may have this condition.
  • Psoriatic arthritis, a type of psoriasis effects people between 30-40 ages.
  • It’s no more a cosmetic disease. Nearly 60 percent of people reported that this is a large problem in their lives.
  • Quality of life is shattered.

What Causes Psoriasis?

The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown. Anyway, experts associate it with genetic disease and autoimmune disorder where immune system attacks your own body.

This result in forming of skin cells rapidly, normally it takes weeks for new cells to generate and old cells to shed but in this case on daily basis skin cells are generated. These over generated cells accumulate on skin forming dry, scaly patches. And when blood flows it form redness over these dead cells.

Also environmental factors may cause psoriasis.

How Psoriasis look like? Symptoms and signs of Psoriasis

Concentrating elbows, knees, lower back and scalp psoriasis forms red, flaky, thick silver patches. Anyway, any other area can be involved in this infection. These patches vary from small to large. In severe cases red, loose silvery patches are formed on skin.

Symptoms differ from person to person, depending on the severity of this autoimmune disease. People with severe psoriasis have to battle their everyday. Quality of life is completely shattered.

But don’t worry there are about 75 million Americans who’ve psoriasis.

Though there is no cure for psoriasis you don’t have to battle with it every day. There are different types of treatment to reduce psoriasis levels. Even people (85 -90 percent, approximately) with severe psoriasis reduced flare ups with varying treatments.

Treating Psoriasis

Psoriasis is not equal for everyone; you need to try different treatments to find the exact medicine which affect your psoriasis. So, we advice you to consult a doctor or dermatologist for diagnoses.

Different psoriasis treatments

  • Topical treatments for Psoriasis, this involves directly applying on target area. This is the first type of treatment to try in diagnosis process.
  • Biologic drugs, patients with severe to mild psoriasis are prescribed for this treatment. Biological drugs are given either by injection or intravenous infusion which targets specific parts of immune system.
  • Systemic medications – when topical and light therapy fail to reduce psoriasis flare-ups oral medication is given. Unlike biologics this targets the whole immune system. Systemic medicine is given either by oral or injection or both.
  • UV Light therapy – exposing psoriasis infected parts to UV rays can reduce flare-ups, but you need to be consistent to see the change. More about light therapy here.
  • Complementary and Alternative – NCCAM (National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine) shows that 36 percent of Americans prefer complementary therapy for chronic diseases. This treatment involves both medical and health care systems which are not presently considered in traditional medicine.

Natural treatments

When all medical treatments fail to reduce flare-ups you can try natural remedies. This includes sunlight and ocean water. Aloe Vera, Oily fish, Dead Sea salts and cayenne are mostly used in natural treatments.

Read this: Natural remedies to treat Eczema

Having a healthy diet in no way treats psoriasis, but it can indirectly reduce agents causing psoriasis.

Psoriasis Pictures

Image source 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

References

  • http://www.psoriasis.org
  • http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/
  • http://www.medicinenet.com/psoriasis/article.htm

Benefits of Raw Honey for Skin – Reddit User Shares Acne Transformation Pics

Honey manufactures, Bees add an enzyme that makes hydrogen peroxide making honey anti-bacterial.

Apart from treating heart, cancer and other diseases, the earth’s old sweetener proved that it can treat skin diseases too.

Reddit user cthulhuandcats shares how raw honey helped her to treat acne.

Like everyone she decided to see dermatologist, who insisted her antibiotic medicine. Yes, it worked! But on a high price and skin became dry and started cracking. Now, she decided to try out few natural remedies to get rid of these flaky marks. After a long research she decided to go with honey and you won’t believe it transformed her skin.

After months of honey treatment skin is now hydrated, soft and no blemishes. Have a look at her photos.

(source)

Nutritional Values in Honey

Raw honey has more nutritional values than heated honey. Heated honey is turned into pure sucrose making it lose many nutritional values. It’s difficult to get raw honey in grocery store; you can get organic raw honey from farmers market.

Since many years honey has been used by human as healing medicine. With its antibiotic properties honey can help in healing process.

Have a look at nutritional values of honey.

source

Benefits of Raw Honey for Skin

  1. Honey is natural humectant, this property helps to draw water from air to keep skin moist and to fight dryness.
  2. Antibacterial properties in honey help to fight bacteria and condemn further infections.
  3. Anti aging and helps in rejuvenating your skin.
  4. Best remedy to exfoliate dead cells cleanses skin.
  5. Sugar in honey is absorbed gradually into the bloodstream to result in better digestion.
  6. Apply raw honey on acne affected part to get rid of those annoying pimples. You can also try with other chronic diseases like eczema and dermatitis.
  7. Protects your skin from harmful UV rays.
  8. Weak immune system is the main cause of major skin disease, consuming honey will boost immune system, so that your body can fight germs by itself.
  9. Smoothing honey and lemon juice can help you get rid of nerve-wracking scars.
  10. Cleanse your skin of bacteria and reduce redness or inflammation.
  11. You can also include honey in your facial scrub.
  12. Dabbing little honey on sun burns or skin burns will make you feel better instantly.

It was rumored that Cleopatra – an Egyptian queen use honey and milk for luxurious bath. (source)

Recipe

Skin Lotion

  • 1 tbsp of honey
  • 1 tbsp of grape seed oil
  • 1 tbsp of lemon juice
  • and 3 drops lavender essential oil

Mix the solution and apply it on your skin.

Skin Cleansing Scrub

  • 1 tbsp of honey
  • 2 tbsp of finely grained almonds
  • 1 tbsp of lemon juice
  • and an aromatic herb of your choice.

Know any other home remedy to treat skin disease? Share here in comments.

Have a healthy diet

Reference:

  • http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/food-nutrition/facts/the-benefits-of-honey.htm
  • http://www.benefits-of-honey.com/honey-nutrition.html
  • http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2011/06/28/a-sweet-sweet-summer-does-raw-honey-have-health-benefits/

7 Homemade Moisturizer for Dry Skin and Face

Though our skin is naturally made to lockup the moisture, at times it fails to do its job because we fail to supply nutritional elements to our body.

Also, change in climate like winter or dry air makes skin dry. Dry skin is most common skin situation where bacteria may invade triggering itch and sometimes leading to chronic skin diseases. (Read tips to get rid of dry skin here.)

Well you can fight this itchy, flaky patch and literally wipe them out.

You don’t have to think about a beauty spa or a pricey moisturizer. Check out your kitchen, it’s stocked up with all the natural moisturizers.

Wait, wait… don’t rush to kitchen now! Take time and read these homemade moisturizers to treat dry skin.

1. Honey

honey - home remedy for skin burnNot just sweetening your tea, honey is equipped with a bunch of nutritional value to soothe skin. It’s a natural humectant, which helps to keep things moist by drawing water molecules from air. Antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties in honey benefits skin to fight dryness and infection.

With amazing benefits of health, honey can help you get a smooth, good complexion and acne free skin.

Recently a Reddit.com user shared her experience with raw honey and how it helped to get rid of acne. (source)

Recipe:

Dissolve equal amount of honey (2 tbsp) and water then add 6 tbsp of water. Apply the solution on face or any other part, rinse smoothly after 15-20 minutes.

Don’t miss: Honey and cinnamon face mask

2. Avocados

Besides being consumed as food avocado has many health and beauty benefits. It contains vitamin A, biotin and antioxidants which is essential for healthy skin. Vitamin A helps in purging off dead skin cells and biotin helps to prevent dry skin. Emollient properties in avocado oil help to keep skin moist.

Apply mashed avocados on affected part and rinse it off after 15-20 minutes.

3. Olive oil

Olives is enriched with vitamin E, vitamins A and K, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium and amino acids. Apart from treating diabetes, breast cancer and lowering blood pressure olive oil can help your skin to get back its moisture. Not just dry skin; with olive oil you can treat stretch marks, oily skin and other skin diseases.

Recipe:

Mix honey, egg yolk in olive oil and stir well. Apply it on affected part or whole body including face leave it for about 15-20 minutes and rinse it off with lukewarm water.

4. Shea Butter

It’s a fat extracted from nuts of African Shea tree. Apart from using it in medical ointments it also used for skin and hair benefits. Most of soap industries include Shea butter as ingredient.

Similar to natural fats found in upper layer of skin, Shea butter is rich in Vitamin A. Skin conditions including dry skin, eczema, dermatitis, sunburn and insect bites can be treated.

Check out its manufacturing date is no more than 18 months. As old Shea butter have less moisturizing benefits.

Also read: Shea Butter for treating acne

5. Aloe Vera

aloe vera to treat dry skinAloe Vera is an excellent remedy to soothe itchy skin. This nature driven medicine helps to moisture and get rid of itchy dry patches.

Anti-allergic properties of Aloe Vera help to cure skin diseases like eczema, psoriasis, itchy skin and dry skin.

Recipe:

Cut one of the tentacles of Aloe Vera plant and apply the gel on affected part. You can also get Aloe Vera cream from local drug store.

You can add Coconut oil and Butter milk to this list of home available moisturizers for dry skin.

Healthy Diet

Which moisturizer you use at home? Let us know.

 

 

 

 

Reference:

  • http://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/moisturizing/products/5-moisturizing-home-remedies.htm
  • http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/22/homemade-cures-dry-skin-rough-heels_n_4136308.html
  • http://blog.freepeople.com/2013/01/5-natural-homemade-remedies-dry-skin/
  • http://www.sheainstitute.com/asbi-library/21reasons/

Itchy Dry Skin Patches On Body, Face and Hands

Dry skin is a common skin condition which can be cured in a week by applying a moisturizer.

Dry skin irritates your skin which stimulates itching and it’s almost impossible to refrain yourself from scratching though don’t recommended doing so. Scratching dry skin leaves rough, red and dry patches on skin which will again lead to itching causing severe skin problems.

If dry itchy skin goes away within a week after applying moisturizing cream and hydrating from the inside by taking few energy drinks, then there is nothing to worry. But in case if you still see dry itchy patches on skin then you need to worry a bit, as this can be a chronic skin disease. Rush to your doctor as soon as you identify that itching is not normal.

It can be eczema or psoriasis; both are chronic diseases (last for long time). Unfortunately causes of eczema or psoriasis stays unknown till now. Anyway, scientist after a study, came to know that hereditary is one among the cause of eczema (NHS). This (eczema) is serious skin disease which is affecting about 9% to 30% of US population. Like eczema, psoriasis causes itchy skin with dead cells accumulated on upper layer forming dry patches.

If you’ve dry itchy skin patches on any part of your body for longer period then it can be eczema (Atopic eczema) or psoriasis.

We recommend visiting dermatologist for a definitive diagnosis.

Recommend articles:

How to know if you’ve a chronic skin disease?

Symptoms are simple and easy to recognize. You see your skin dries out and dry skin normally causes itching. It is irresistible to stop scratching and scratching leaves your skin with red or dry skin patches.

One of the main symptoms is, even after applying effective moisturizing cream itching continues.

If you see itchy dry skin more than 2 weeks then experts suggests visiting doctor for diagnosis.

Now that you know you’ve something more than normal itching don’t ignore visit a dermatologist.

Can you get rid of itchy skin at home?

Not sure!

It depends on the level it affected you. With few home remedies itching or dry skin may disappear but it may come back again. Anyway, if you’re looking for a quick home remedy then here it is:

Don’t miss this: Dry skin brushing to get rid of Cellulite

Home remedies for itchy dry skin

  1. Baking Soda Bath – Add one cup of baking soda to bath tub and soak for about 30 minutes. You can also mix one part of water and 3 parts of baking soda to apply on localized itching.
  2. Oat meal – Mix oat meal in water and spread it on affected part which gives smoothing and cooling experience.
  3. Essential oil- Natural oils has many advantages to your skin, it can help you get rid of itchiness. Add any essential oil to bathing tub or apply directly.
  4. Applying Aloe Vera on itchy skin relives you from itchiness, as it moisturizes your skin. Use a cotton ball to apply.
  5. Drink more water, to hydrate your body from the inside.
  6. Humidify your room with a humidifier in winter.
  7. Avoid soaps with fragrance, as ingredients in it stripes essential oils on skin which keeps skin moisture.
  8. Dry skin is main cause of itching so take vitamin A, B and E enriched diet.
  9. Avoid alcohol and smoking which dehydrates your body.
  10. Apply moisturizing cream regularly.

There are literally many home remedies to treat dry skin and itching. Would you like to share any if you know?

Images showing Dry Skin Patches

eczema on hands eczema on two hands eczema on fingers eczema on feet itchy dry skin patches

Image source

References

  • http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/11/21-home-remedies-for-dry-itchy-skin.html
  • http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/understanding-eczema-symptoms
  • http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/eczema-%28atopic%29/Pages/causes.aspx
  • http://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/information/skin-types/dry-skin2.htm

7 Benefits of Carrot for Skin You Won’t Believe Exist

Fed up of using Vitamin A pills?

Forget that and get a bunch of carrots which host many nutritional items. This home available root vegetable is well known for Vitamin A and Beta-carotene. Anyway, there are many other vitamins in carrot which are listed at the end of this post.

It’s interesting to know the connection between Vitamin A and Beta-carotene.

Vitamin A (a fat soluble fat)

benefits of carrots for skinVitamin A is involved in immune system functioning, vision, reproduction and cellular communication.

It is a great resource for skin and body to function normally at the same time to get rid of many harmful diseases. Vitamin A helps to exfoliate skin to remove dead cells which is a great way to eradicate skin diseases. Vitamin A can reprogram a changed cell to normalize the skin condition which can reduce acne and eczema.

Vitamin A has two basic forms 1) Preformed vitamin A 2) Provitamin A.

Preformed vitamin A is mostly found in meat, fish and dairy products.  The Journal of Clinical Nutrition reports that, human absorbs and utilizes preformed vitamin A at the rate of 70 to 90 percent. (source)

Coming to Provitamin A, it’s found in fruits, vegetables and other plant based diet.

Beta-carotene (provitamin A)

Most common provitamin A found in vegetables is beta-carotene. Unlike Preformed vitamin A, beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A by body. A study shows that beta-carotene is effective against UV rays.

And carrot has both these vitamin A forms in it. Including this, carrot is rich in potassium, carbohydrates and fiber.

Must read: Best Foods to Nourish Dry Skin

Benefits of Carrot for skin

Now that you know the nutritional value of carrot, you can easily understand and remember benefits it can give to your skin. To make sure you stay healthy we also included few healthy benefits of carrot.

#1 Can treat acne, eczema and dry skin problems

Numerous studies have concluded that vitamin A in your diet can cure chronic eczema. Vitamin A in carrots can cure tumors, cancer, lesions in skin, reports says. Antioxidants and vitamins present in carrot protect your skin from sun damages. Keeps the skin moisture making the epidermis function properly as a barrier.

Vitamin A in carrots helps to get rid of wrinkles, acne, and pigmentation and improves skin tone.

#2 Can be used as a face mask

Mix carrot with honey and apply it to your face. You can remove dry skin get back moist smooth skin tone on your face. (Also read: 6 homemade face scrubs)

#3 Prevent heart diseases and strokes

Regular consumption of carrots reduces cholesterol level because soluble fiber in carrots binds the bile acids. Study shows that diet which is rich in carotenoids can reduce heart disease.

A study at Harvard University shows that people who consumed extra 6 carrots a week have are less likely to suffer from strokes.

#5 Anti-aging

Vitamin A is the only chemical which is capable of reprogramming cell change helps keep the skin out of wrinkles and dryness through metabolism.

#6 Improved eye vision

Most of us know about this, high intake of carrot helps to improve our vision. Vitamin A after metabolism sent to retina, this is important for night vision.

#7 Acts like body Cleanser

Vitamin A flushes away toxins in body which reduces bile and fat in the body. Also the fiber helps to wash away waste out of colon.

Other benefits include

  • Cleans your teeth and mouth.
  • It’s a powerful antiseptic.
  • Prevent cancer.
  • Treatment for hair loses.
  • Stimulate hair growth.
  • Great source for calcium.
  • Cardiovascular benefits.
  • Boosts immune system.

Side effects

There is a popular story about high consumption of carrot that your skin will turn to yellow – orange. And yes this is not rumor. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition says that over intake of carrot can turn your skin color and whiten your eyes.

Ingesting 20 milligrams of beta-carotene per day can probe you the risk.

Top countries cultivating carrots

The name carrot is derived from the Greek word karoton. And it belongs to Umbelliferae family. Though at starting carrots are highly cultivated in Central Asia and Middle East Countries, China cultivates one-third of all carrots sold worldwide, Russia stands second largest carrots producer with US on third position

In US alone adults consume 12 pounds of carrot each year (9 pounds in fresh form and 3 pounds in canned or frozen form).

We think that carrot is only found in orange color but the fact is they can be found in white, yellow, purple and red. In 15th and 16 the century carrot with purple, yellow and red were the only color varieties of carrots to be cultivated.

Nutritional Value of Carrots

Vitamin A, Beta-carotene, Potassium, Carbohydrates, Fiber, Protein, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Potassium, Sodium, Zinc, Fluoride, lutein and zeaxanthin.

How to consume Carrots?

Carrots are tightly packed with nutrition listed above, to consume all of them best way is to crush them to grab all those vitamins by boiling, grinding, juicing or proper chewing.

With this the consumption and absorption rate increases.

Study proves that having carrots after streaming has more nutritional benefits to boiled carrots.

References

  • http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminA-HealthProfessional/
  • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carrot
  • http://www.care2.com/greenliving/10-benefits-of-carrots.html
  • http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=21

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