December 2014 - Skin Disease Remedies

aloe vera for acne

Your skin needs moisturizer to keep infection causing bacteria at bay. Sebaceous glands look after this by secreting oil known as sebum. Medical News Today states, when your skin produces excess sebum it gets clogged in hair follicles along with dirt and dead skin cells forming pimples. Thus acne arises. Hormonal imbalance is the mere cause of acne blemishes.

With home remedies you can reduce inflammation, swelling of acne/pimples and fade acne scars. Aloe vera gel for acne is one of the eminent remedies. Aloe vera is packed with all essential nutrients needed to soothe skin. This includes antioxidant, astringent, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. According to a review published on National Institute of Health, aloe vera gel has 75 active nutritional constitutes namely, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, sugars, enzymes and proteins. (1)

How Aloe Vera for Acne Works?

Let’s dwell into nutritional profile of aloe vera gel and know how these properties soothe acne blemishes.

Aloe gel contains 8 enzymes; bradykinase is one among them that aids to reduce inflammation of acne blemishes. While other enzymes in aloe gel work to break down compound sugars and fats in your body.
Aloe gel has abundant anti-inflammatory agents like auxins, gibberellins, β-sisosterol, lupeol and salicylic acid. All these aids to reduce inflammation, swelling, redness and pain of pimples.
Antioxidant agents like zinc, beta-carotene, vitamin C and E, thwarts free radicals that trigger infection. It also soothes your skin and enhances healing process.
Amino acids in aloe gel acts on hard skin cells to soften it and zinc acts as an astringent to tighten pores and control excess sebum production.
Along with anti-inflammatory properties salicylic acids consists of antibacterial properties, which kills acne causing bacteria, P.acnes.
Aloe vera gel is acclaimed for its healing properties. Gibberellin and glucomannan enhances collagen production. This in-turn results in fading acne scars.

How to Use Aloe Vera Gel for Acne?

aloe vera for acne scars — Image credit: Skindiseaseremedies.com

To reap all nutritional properties of this natural herb use it in raw form. Aloe vera is a home plant; borrow it from your neighbor if you don’t have one. You can either mix it with other natural ingredients or directly apply it over acne blemishes. Remember to test before trying as you may be allergic to aloe vera gel.

#1 Using Raw Aloe Gel

Initially extract gel from succulent aloe leaf. It’s simple! Just like you peel any vegetable, peel the skin off and congrats you’ve sticky gel in your hands.
Wash affected part with warm water and pat dry with soft cloth. When the skin is still damp apply aloe vera gel smoothly.
Don’t rub it too hard, it may burst pimples. Rinse it off with water.
Repeat the process daily to see the change.

Note: Change your diet plan.

#2 Aloe Vera and Honey for Acne

Mix fresh aloe gel with turmeric, honey and rose water.
After mixing it well apply it over acne blemishes.
After settling it for about 15-20 minutes, wash with thoroughly with water.

Also read: Honey and cinnamon face mask

#3 Aloe Vera and Lemon for Acne

Extract aloe gel from fresh aloe leaf and blend it.
Now drop few drops of lemon juice into aloe vera gel.
Stir thoroughly and apply it over acne blemishes. Rinse it off with water.

Else you can try store-bought aloe vera gel or creams with aloe gel as ingredient. Regular application is must to see results.

#4 Aloe Vera Mask for Acne

aloe vera gel for treating acne — Image credit: Skindiseaseremedies.com

For a radiant and glowing skin add aloe vera gel to your face mask regimen. With cucumber, cottage cheese, lemon juice you can make aloe vera face mask, to treat acne and acne scars. Beauty of this face mask is that it heals acne, fades acne scars and also leaves your skin supple.

Mix cottage cheese, seedless dates, cucumber and aloe vera gel in a bowl.
Now add few drops of fresh lemon juice.
Wash your face or cleanse it using any natural or store bought cleanser.
Using your prewashed hands massage this mask on acne blemishes.
Let it settle while nutrients in aloe gel and other ingredients start acting on pimples, then rinse it off after 15- minutes.

People with sensitive skin should limit the use of lemon juice.

Related post: Cucumber for Acne

#5 Aloe Vera for Acne Scars

As listed above aloe vera gel consists of anti-inflammatory properties, which acts on acne scars to fade them by enhancing collagen production. You can use any of them recipe to fade acne scars or use it in raw form.

After cutting aloe leaf to the ground from aloe plant.
Wash it with water to remove mud or dirt.
Now slice the borders of succulent leaf and cut into small pieces.
Then peel the green skin off using knife.
Start rubbing over acne scars regularly.
Regularly apply this herb over skin to fade scars.

Also read: 10 Home Remedies for Acne Scars

You can use aloe vera juice for acne, but we prefer it in gel form as it stays on skin for long time. Instead you can consume aloe vera juice with any citrus fruit.

According to Livestrong.com, aloe barbadensis and arborescens, species of aloe vera plant has mostly associated with healing properties. Though there is lack of conclusive evidence, aloe vera gel has shown significance results when used topically.

Did you ever use aloe vera gel for acne or acne scars? Please share your thoughts on this herb.

Image source: 1, 2

Natural Resource

Apple Cider Vinegar for Yeast Infection

ByMoin Nex

apple cider vinegar for yeast infection

Apple cider vinegar is acclaimed to be used for culinary purpose and to treat various skin conditions like yeast infection and eczema. ACV is made by subjecting apple and cider to fermentation. Its use as medicine dates back from centuries. Even Hippocrates acknowledged the medical benefits of ACV.

Yeast is a fungus that lives in your body, mostly in the vagina in small numbers. Growth of this yeast is the root cause of yeast infection. According to WebMD Candida albicans, a type of yeast is behind this infection. 75 percent of women experience yeast infection at some point of their life. Yeast infection causes itching, soreness, pain and burning sensation. Based on WebMD, some women may have white thick liquid discharge before menstrual period.

Related post: Benefits of Vinegar for skin

Apart from vagina, this infection may occur in mouth, between skin folds and intestinal tract. It’s common and need no serious medication; anyhow corticosteroid cream application can reduce inflammation and itchiness. According to Medlineplus, apple cider vinegar for yeast infection prevents candidiasis. (Also read: Candida (Yeast) and Body Odor)

How Apple Cider Vinegar Cures Yeast Infection

Properties in ACV kill excess yeast and treat infection. Vitamins like B1, B2, B6 and C are packed into ACV. It also contains minerals and acids, namely, folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid, potassium, calcium and iron.

Restorative properties in ACV react on skin to restore pH level of vagina.
Mayoclinic states that antibiotics kill bacterial infection, and ACV is one of the strongest antibiotics.
ACV to not just thwart bacteria but it enhances the balanced environment for all necessary healthy bacteria.
Consuming apple cider vinegar boosts your immune system.
Acetic acid in ACV lowers pH of vagina skin; this makes it less tolerable for yeast infection.

Must read: ACV to remove mole on skin

Apple Cider Vinegar for Treating Yeast Infection

braggs apple cider vinegar

Consume it or topically apply it over affected part, it restrains bacterial infection and maintains healthy environment. To consume, mix it with water and drink it before meals. For topically application of ACV you’ve different methods you can opt the one that works for you.

Note while consuming ACV, don’t add honey or sugar, as Candida yeast feed on sugar.

1. Apple cider vinegar douche

Reducing the amount of bacteria in vagina will cure yeast infection. Mix raw apple cider vinegar with water and use it as douche on vagina to kill Candida yeast. 3 tbsp of ACV and 2 quarts of warm water can be used to make vagina douche.

Rinse this solution twice, in the morning and in the evening, till you see no itching or pain. Decrease ACV ratio if you experience burning sensation. Optionally add pinch of cayenne pepper to ACV.

2. ACV bath for yeast infection

Yeast infection may cause on various parts of the body, to give your whole body ACV treatment, mix 2 tbsp of ACV in warm bath water. Leave it for about 15 minutes and take bath. Alternatively you can dip your tampon in ACV solution before inserting it into vagina. Regularly use this method for 1-2 weeks for improvement.

You can take ACV bath once a day or twice a week depending on severity of infection.

3. Consume ACV

For mouth yeast infection, mix 2-3 tbsp of apple cider vinegar with 8 ounces of water and drink it before meals. Yes, it tastes bitter. But don’t ever think of adding honey or sugar, this will increase Candida yeast. If you’ve infection in mouth, then swish it before drinking.

Consuming ACV kills infection causing yeast in intestinal tract and enhances balanced environment for healthy bacteria, this controls Candida yeast growth.

4. ACV with other remedies

To fasten the healing process you can mix other innate remedies with ACV. Mix apple cider vinegar with tea tree oil, antimicrobial properties in tea tree oil kills bacteria. Eat raw garlic with vinegar kill Candida yeast. Yogurt and acidophilus consumption can reduce yeast infection.

If you want apple cider vinegar to work for yeast infection, then only opt for raw ACV.

Note: As ACV is acidic in nature never use it directly, dilute it with water. Avoid using baking soda and sugars, this grows Candida yeast.

Image source: 1, 2

Dry skin

Aloe Vera: Why It’s Good for Skin

ByMoin Nex

is aloe vera good for oily skin

Alarming levels of pollution we emit weakens your skin’s functionality, as a result wrinkles start appearing, skin loses its moisture and becomes prone to infections. Though there are lots of pricey chemical filled creams to moisturize your skin from the outside, a natural remedy is in demand to bring your skin back to life.

Do you like to have 4-5 creams over your desk? No.

So you must go for a product which works for all skin types, as your skin type changes with climate, it becomes dry in winter. Aloe vera is one such innate remedy that is packed with minerals and vitamins. Now stop asking, is aloe vera good for pimples? Is aloe vera good for dry skin or oily skin? Aloe vera, in its nutritional aisle has exceptional properties that work for all skin types.

Related post: Jojoba oil for oily skin

Active properties in aloe vera gel which makes your skin radiant and smooth

Along with vitamin, minerals and acids, aloe gel consists of 75 potential active constituents. Beta-carotene, vitamin C and E (antioxidants), B12, folic acid, and enzymes namely, alkaline phosphatase, peroxidase and bradykinase are included in its arsenal. Coming to minerals zinc, calcium, copper and sodium are few to name. Others include sugars, fatty acids, hormones with anti-inflammatory action etc…, are packed in aloe vera gel.

Is Aloe Vera Good for Dry Skin?

aloe vera for pimples Aloe vera gel is renowned for its moisturizing properties. Mucopolysaccharides in aloe vera gel aids to bind moisture to skin. Also nutritional properties in aloe gel stimulates fibroblast which enhances collagen production resulting is less wrinkles skin. Amino acids in aloe gel soften hard cells and zinc with astringent property tightens skin pores.

Packed with assorted properties aloe vera gel for dry skin is an effective and innate remedy that hydrates your skin from outside as well as inside.

Also read: DIY Aloe vera face mask Recipes

Aloe Vera for Oily Skin

Wonder how come a moisturizer treats oily skin?

Do you’ve oily skin? Unconcerned of what you heard, your skin needs a moisturizer. Epidermis fails to absorb oil over skin; it needs something simple, natural. Your sebum is filled with fat compounds. Apply aloe vera gel over skin after cleansing it.

Properties in aloe gel enhance collagen production and cell turnover, after regular application. Antioxidant in aloe gel thwarts free radicals and antimicrobial agents restrain bacterial infection. According to US National Institute of Health, aloe gel consists of 6 antiseptic agents, which stop fungi, bacteria and viruses.

Aloe Vera for Pimples

To know, how aloe vera is good for pimples. Let’s check out its nutritional aisle. From the above brief nutritional profile we came to know that aloe gel is packed with anti-inflammatory, antioxidants and antibacterial properties.

Pimples or acne is caused due to bacterial infection and hormonal imbalance. When you topically apply this sticky gel antibacterial action treats pimples by reducing redness and stimulates healing process.
Gibberellin and Glucomannan, in aloe gel interact with fibroblast in skin, which then not only stimulates collagen production but change its composition. (1)
Zinc acts as an astringent agent to remove excess sebum and cleanse dirt from pores. It also reduces inflammation and pain.
Along with reducing pimples, aloe can fade acne scars.

Though you can’t completely treat acne or pimples you can easy reduce swelling and redness. To reap nutritional benefits of aloe vera for skin, use pure and natural aloe vera.

Did you ever use aloe vera? What’s your opinion? Is aloe vera good for pimple, dry skin or oily skin?

Image source: 1, 2

Face Masks

5 Aloe Vera Face Masks for All Skin Types

ByMoin Nex

aloe vera face mask

Renowned for its moisturizing and soothing properties, aloe vera is an innate remedy for all skin problems. Though it’s widely grown as an ornamental plant, aloe vera is putatively medical plant. Restorative properties in this herb soothe cuts, burns and other skin irritations. Antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are also included in its nutritional aisle.

To reap these assets of aloe vera you can either directly apply its gel over skin or mix it with some natural ingredients to make aloe vera face mask. It’s no sin to have dried or acne prone skin, but yes its annoying and spoiler to your appearance. If you want to stay away from chemical ingredient face packs, then try this natural homemade aloe vera face mask.

Wonder how to make aloe vera face pack at home? It’s damn simple! Just be with us and within few minutes you’ll become your own beauty expert. Prior to this, check out benefits of aloe vera for skin.

Do you’ve dry skin, oily skin or acne prone skin? One solution to all these skin conditions is, regularly try these face packs and practice good diet. Unlike other remedies, aloe vera gel is a great for all skin types.

Jump to: Aloe Vera Face Mask Recipe

Benefits of Aloe Vera Face Pack

Exceptional medical benefits are packed in succulent leaves of aloe vera. Main compound in this gel is water; anyhow it also contains minerals and vitamins. You can either topically use it or consume it with any citrus fruit juice.

Moisturizing property of aloe vera gel makes this face pack a remarkable remedy to hydrate your skin.
Antioxidant and anti-inflammation properties present in this mask helps you soothe cuts, inflammation and other skin diseases.
It enhances collagen production which tightens skin and fades wrinkles. (1)
Aloe vera gel reduces the production and release of skin keratinocyte. (2)
According to US National Institute of Health, aloe gel consists of 6 antiseptic agents; these agents inhibit fungi, bacteria and viruses.

As we’re not here to list all scientifically proven benefits of aloe gel we’ll stop here and proceed to making of aloe vera face mask.

How to Extract Aloe Vera Gel

how to extract aloe gel at home

Wait! You might be thinking how come we get gel out of this medical plant bordered by small spikes. It’s simple. Initially get one fresh aloe leaf, you can borrow or buy it. To strain aloe resin, place it vertically, and then wash the leaf. Cut the borders and remove upper layer of leaf from all sides.

The sticky substance in your hand is aloe vera gel. Now you’ve natural aloe vera gel, let’s dwell the process to make face pack. If you’ve no time for this adventurous extraction, replace it with store bought aloe gel.

5 Simple Yet Effective Ways to Make Aloe Vera Face Mask at Home

Why only 5? We don’t want to confuse you with long lists; you’ll be able to try other variations at the end of this post.

#1 Aloe Vera Face Mask

Things you’ll need

Aloe vera leaf or gel
Turmeric – a pinch
Raw honey – 1 tbsp
Milk – 1 tbsp
Rose water – few drops

Procedure

Initially extract aloe gel from leaf.
In a bowl mix turmeric, honey, rose water and milk in mentioned quantities.
Blend the mixture after adding aloe vera gel.
Wash or cleanse your face.
Topically apply this over your face and leave it for about 15-20 minutes, then rinse it off with water.

To get glowing skin, regularly apply this face pack, twice in a week.

[Related post: Raw honey benefits for skin]

#2 Aloe Vera Face Pack for Acne and Oily Skin

aloe vera face pack for acne

According to Mayoclinic.com hormones plays vital role in forming acne blemishes. Hormones stimulate excess sebum production. With antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in aloe gel you can easily unclog pores.

Things you’ll need

Aloe leaf
Honey or Manuka honey for acne

Procedure

Extract gel from aloe leaf.
Blend aloe gel with honey, apply this paste on your face for 15-20 minutes, and then rinse it off with water.

Properties in honey and aloe gel along with soothing inflammation, controls sebum production.

[Also read: 10 Home Remedies for Acne Scars Removal]

#3 Aloe Vera Face Pack for Dry Skin

Things you’ll need

Aloe vera gel
Cottage cheese
Seedless dates
Cucumber
Lemon juice

Procedure

Make paste of aloe vera gel, cottage cheese, dates and cucumber.
Drop few drops of lemon juice to above paste.
Now apply this paste over face and neck. Rinse it off after 15 minutes.

Limit the use of lemon juice, if you’ve sensitive skin then limit. Consider reading lemon juice for dark spots.

#4 Aloe Vera and Cucumber Mask

Things you’ll need

Aloe vera gel
Cucumber
Yogurt
Honey

Procedure

After extracting aloe gel blend it with sliced cucumbers.
Now mix honey and yogurt in equal quantities.
Apply it on prewashed face. Leave it for 15 minutes and rinse it off.

[Related post: Benefits of cucumber for skin]

#5 Face Pack to Remove Tan

When your skin gets exposed to UV rays, it darkens your skin color. It’s very insightful to see skin tanning. Based on aloe vera review by US National Institute of Health, aloe gel generates an antioxidant protein called metallothionein; this saves you from UV rays. Try aloe vera face pack to remove tan.

Things you’ll need

Aloe vera gel
Lemon juice

Procedure

As usual, extract aloe vera gel and mix lemon juice thoroughly to it.
Apply it on prewashed face and rinse it off after 15-20 minutes.
Use cotton ball to apply it on skin.

To shed dead skin cells, use oatmeal with cucumber and aloe vera gel. This aloe vera face mask makes your skin enliven.

Did you ever tired aloe vera face mask at home? Did you notice any side-effects?

Image source: 1, 2, 3

Natural Resource

10 Awesome Benefits of Cucumber for Skin

ByMoin Nex

Having hard time drinking 8 glasses of water daily? Munch some crispy cucumbers; naturally they’re packed with 95% of water. The cool cuke is fourth cultivated vegetable in the world and renowned for its soothing properties. Either you consume it or use topically; it cools down blood and body temperature.

Though it’s native to South Asia, other continents also cultivate cucumbers. Uses of cucumber for skin dates back Roman times. According to Wikipedia.org Roman emperor has the cool cuke over his table daily during summer and winter.

Depending on it cultivation cucumber is distinguished into 3 main groups, namely slicing, pickling and burpless. Where slicing cucumbers are eaten raw, pickling cucumbers are cultivated for pickles and burpless cucumbers are sweeter with thin skin.

Cucumber Benefits for Skin

cucumber benefits for skin

Highly priced skin care products include cucumber as one of the vital ingredient. And we knew that it is used in beauty salons and spas to rejuvenate the skin. Now let’s point out impressive uses of cucumber for skin.

1. Cucumber as a Moisturizer

Almighty fashioned human with all necessary resources, but because of dangerous pollution and mischief we make on earth, we’re lacked with natural resources. Skin is gifted with natural oil to moisturize; this oil develops a barrier to protect your body from dangerous bacteria. But with alarming levels of pollution, dirt and chemical filled soaps, our skin loses moisturizer and become prone to skin diseases.

Here comes cucumber, an innate moisturizer. Because of its high level of water content it not only hydrates your body from the inside but when you topically apply over face it treats dry skin. As it’s packed with antioxidant properties it restrains free radicals and enhances skin tightening.

To hydrate your skin, mash fresh cucumbers into bowl and blend with powdered milk for topical application. Or you can consume it raw.

2. Removes Dark Circles and Puffy Eyes

Hereditary, aging and long hours of working in-front of computer are few causes for dark circles. Thin skin over dark circles is called as periorbital skin. Vitamin C, K and antioxidants fight dark circles. As the skin here is very delicate, sliced cucumber is the unrivaled remedy for dark circles.

This is why most spas place two sliced cucumbers over your eye lids, as face pack may irritate thin skin on eyes. Cucumber handles it gently.

Must read: How to Get Rid Of Hereditary Dark Circles

3. Cucumber to Soothe Burns

High levels of water in cucumber, soothes burns. According to a journal published in Fitoterapia, cucumber can relive minor skin irritations and reduce swelling.

On affected area put sliced fresh cucumbers, repeat the process for fast relief.

4. Treatment for Skin Tanning

benefits of cucumber for skin — Credit: Skindiseaseremedies.com

Tanning is caused when your skin is overexposed to harmful UV rays. Bleaching property in cucumber, reverse skin tanning. Grate half cucumber; add powdered milk and lemon drops. Mix it well and apply it over prewashed face. Rinse it off after 15 minutes.

5. Excellent Remedy to Rejuvenate Your Skin

Nutritional properties in cucumber restore skin’s elasticity and glow. Mash cucumber pulps mixed with lemon drops and apply it over your face to rejuvenate your skin. If you’ve dry skin, limit the use of lemon juice.

6. Cucumber to Get Rid of Freckles

Freckles are natural dark brown spots on face and shoulders, genetics being its main cause. Though there is no permanent solution to treat freckles you can lighten dark spots. Cucumber with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties come in handy. Vitamin A or retinol in cucumber, aids to control melanin production, thus reduces dark spots.

Also read: Cucumber for skin lightening

7. Cucumber for Cellulite

Cellulite normally appears over your thighs spoiling your physical appearance. Apart from taking low fat diet, try some topical remedies to reduce cellulite. Grab some fresh sliced cucumbers and start rubbing over your cellulite, this enhances collagen to tighten and bumps disappear.

Also read: Dry Skin Brushing to Reduce Cellulite and How to do it?

8. Cucumber Banish Blemishes

According to book Natural Beauty Secrets from India, cucumber is an astringent, this property helps to treat acne by lighten blemishes. Acne is caused due to excess sebum, dead cells and bacteria. Topically applying cucumber face mask sheds dead cells and hydrates your skin from the outside. When you apply cucumber mask, it open-up clogged pores and cleanse dirt accumulated. Regularly wash your face with cucumber juice and have raw cucumbers to treat acne.

9. Cucumber to Remove Wrinkles

Antioxidants in your body tighten skin, when your skin gets older it loses antioxidants leading to wrinkles. Cucumber is packed with assorted antioxidant properties, when you topically place sliced cucumbers on skin it absorbs antioxidants in it and thus results in wrinkle free skin.

10. Cucumber Revitalizes the Skin

Vitamins and minerals in cucumber revitalize the skin, these properties in this cool cuke tightens skin. Mash cucumber pulp with powdered milk and lemon juice, apply it over prewashed face. Rinse it off after 15 minutes.

11. Treats Open Pores

Mix cucumber with apple cider vinegar, tomato pulp and aloe vera gel. Apply it over face to unclog pores to easy breathing.

Freckles

10+ Ways to Get Rid of Freckles

ByMoin Nex

It’s quite annoying to have dark brown spots on face or hands. It doesn’t just ruin your appearance but also daunt you. Freckles are hereditary and they multiply when exposed to sun rays. A research carried out on twins, they’re exposed to sun rays, and surprisingly both have same number of freckles. This clearly affirms that freckles are genetic.

Genetics and sun exposure are two main causes of freckles.

They aren’t associated with any health issue. However, people contemplate ways to get rid of freckles out of cosmetic concern. And we too recommend it, as it may isolate you from being social.

Assorted treatments are available to reduce or lighten freckles or dark spots on face. But remember that not all skin types react to similar treatments. You must save your skin from harmful UV rays, else freckles appear once again.

Must read: Interesting Facts About Freckles

how to get rid of freckles

How to Get Rid of Freckles on Face

Though these dark spots appear on other parts of the body, brown spots on face are bothersome. You’re free to use these below listed remedies to treat freckles on other parts.

Home Remedies to Get Rid of Freckles

1. Lemon Juice

Apart from cuisines, lemon juice is used in cosmetic world because of vitamin C, manganese and iron in it. You can easily lighten dark spots using lemon juice. Dark freckles caused due to over sun exposure may take long time to be lightened.

Slice fresh lemon and squeeze its juice in a bowl. Using cotton ball apply it over freckle spots. Rinse it off after 15 minutes. If you’ve dry skin, then limit the use of lemon juice.

2. Fruit Peel or Face Mask

Fruits are packed with exceptional nutrients and assorted antioxidant properties which have ability to fade scars, blemishes and dark spots. Mash strawberries in a bowl and rub it over your face. You can use honey face mask, papaya, cucumbers or apricots instead.

[Related post: Cucumber face mask]

3. Castor oil for Freckles

This traditionally used oil can do wonders when you use it. Topically apply it over skin and it nourishes it. Ricinoleic acid, a protein in castor oil has anti-inflammatory and anti microbial properties. Acids in this oil penetrate into skin and lightens freckles.

Before going bed apply it topically over your face and rinse it off in the morning. You can use jojoba oil, vitamin E oil or virgin olive oil instead. [Related post: 40 Uses of Jojoba Oil]

Also read: What benefits Castor Oil has for your Skin

4. Milk Mask for Freckles

Lactic acid in milk lightens freckles by peeling outer layer of your skin. This remedy works effectively for natural freckles, for sun-induced freckles it may or may not be effective.

Mix sour milk with oats and apply it over brown spots. Rinse it off after 15 minutes. To see the change, use regularly.

5. Other Skin Lightening Remedies

All the natural remedies available in your kitchen can be used to lighten dark spots.

Freckles Removal Treatments (chemical & surgical method)

6. Store bought Cream

There are several creams to lighten freckles in a drug store. Licorice, hydroquinone and oxybenzone ingredient creams effectively lightens freckle spots.

7. Chemical peel for freckles

chemical peels for freckles

Chemical peels are classified into three major types, superficial peels used to peel top layer of skin, medium peels used to peel more layers and deep peels with highly concentration trichloroacetic acid used to peel inner layers of skin.

Peeling outer layers will lighten freckles but they can appear again. So we recommend staying away from sun rays.

8. Laser treatment for Freckles

It’s expensive but a permanent solution to freckles. Though it’s not known to have long term damage, it comes with temporary side-effects like redness, bruising and swelling. Check with certified dermatologist before going for laser treatment.

For lighter freckles we don’t recommend this method.

9. Cryosurgery (or cryotherapy)

It’s a surgery involving extreme cold to repair damaged tissues. Various methods involved in this surgical method are liquid nitrogen, carbon dioxide, argon and propane. Check with certified doctor.

10. Retinoids for Freckles

Retinoids are known for chemical ingredients which peel outer layer of skin and lighten freckle spots. But you shouldn’t try without prescribed by a doctor.

Cover Freckles with Makeup

Well we don’t recommend this makeup, as most of them consist of chemical ingredients which harm your sensitive skin.

11. Concealer to hide Freckles

If you’ve no option but to hide annoying dark spots, you can use a concealer. You need to consult makeup consultant to determine natural mineral foundation. You can also use creams at home to hide brown spots.

12. Prevent Freckles

Freckles are mainly caused due to genetics and sun exposure. Genetics is something which you’ve no control, so concentrate on sun exposure.

Save yourself from going out in sun unnecessarily. Wear sun screens or hat to hide from harmful sun rays.

Conclusion

You can get rid of freckles using home remedies but they may turn up again. So stay away from sun rays, wear wide-hat. Be positive, having freckles is no sin. Be yourself. Freckles mark your unique identity in your group. Kick the depression out and enjoy what you’re.

Image source

Home remedies

20 Raw Shea Butter Benefits for Skin

ByMoin Nex

raw shea butter benefits for skin

Exceptional healing properties of shea butter made it unrivaled remedy for various chronic skin diseases. Shea butter is a solid, white or ivory colored fat extracted from African tree known as Vitellaria paradoxa. Raw shea butter benefits for skin were harnessed thousands of years ago. From Ancient Egypt till now, it’s continued to be used to protect and soothe skin from harmful UV rays and free radicals.

Nuts obtained from tree are dried and crushed, roasted and grinded to extract raw solid shea butter. While this is the traditional method followed by local African people, industries use Universal Nut Sheller to extract refined shea butter.

According to American Shea Butter Institute, shea butter is classified into various classes, namely Class A, Class B, Class C or Class F. Where, Class A pure shea butter is packed with healing properties and Class F mean poor quality mainly used as a moisturizer with no or less healing properties.

Jump to Nutritional value of shea butter

20 Awesome Benefits of Shea Butter for Skin

1. Healing Trait

Shea butter belongs to non-saponifiable fat and oil with this type has more healing properties, this is what sets shea butter unmatched from other oil because of its large healing properties. And not all shea butters have same healing fractions, class A, shea butter has more healing fraction compared to other classes. shea butter for burns

Attributed fatty acids which have exceptional healing properties include oleic, palmitic, stearic and linolenic acids. Though it’s solid at room temperature, it melts when subjected to body temperature and it penetrates into deeper layers of skin to enhance fast healing process.

2. Moisturizing Property

African shea butter benefits are renowned because of its moisturizing ability. According to American Shea Butter Institute, moisturizers in sebum and shea butter are identical. So there is no exaggeration in saying shea butter is unrivaled moisturizing agent.

Most of the skin diseases are triggered because of dry skin, moisture over skin thwarts infection causing bacteria. But when your skin fails to secrete natural oil sebum, then this pave the way to chronic skin diseases.

You can either apply raw shea butter over face and other parts of the body or pour your favorite essential oil into it before using.

3. Antioxidant Qualities

Shea butter includes antioxidant properties in its arsenal that thwarts skin damaging free radicals. Thus promotes healthy and supple skin. Vitamin A, E and cinnamic esters in shea butter show antioxidant properties.

4. Anti-inflammatory Agent

Vitamins and fatty acids in shea butter exhibit anti-inflammatory properties that soothe inflammation caused by acne blemishes, eczema flare-ups and other injuries. It also restrains bacteria which may worsen injury.

5. Shea Butter as a Natural Sunscreen

Alarming levels of pollutants and UV rays damage the skin layer and dehydrates it. Topically applying moisturizer like shea butter protects skin with barriers. Restorative properties in raw shea butter consider as best skin care cream in winter and summer, as it also controls sebum production and hydrates skin when needed. Cinnamic acid esters in shea butter exhibits SPF – 6 approximately.

6. Shea Butter for Anti-aging

Vitamin A and E found in shea butter is well known for keeping skin nourished and supple. This repairs broken connective fibers responsible for skin’s elasticity and postpones aging signs. Though there is no clear proof of vitamin E benefits in anti-aging, it’s described as an effective remedy to treat aging signs.

7. Restores Skin Elasticity

benefits of shea butter for skin

Collagen is the protein responsible for skin’s elasticity and strength. When this connecting fiber breaks skin loses its elasticity and wrinkles or fine lines starts appearing. Vitamin F and non saponifiable properties enhances collagen production and restores skin elasticity.

With topical application, you must also change your diet.

8. Prevents Stretch marks

As a result of weight gain or loss, connecting fibers under skin gets damaged; this forms fine lines over different parts of the skin known as stretch marks. No need to worry its normal and experts say you can’t permanently treat stretch marks. However, vitamins and fatty acids in shea butter can reduce its appearance. [Related post: Shea Butter for Stretch Marks]

9. Reduces Eczema

Eczema is not the name of single skin disease. Collection of skin condition is known as eczema, most popular one is dermatitis. Till now researches are going on to find exact cause of eczema and unfortunately there is no medicine to permanently treat eczema flare-ups. Anyhow, you can reduce them with specific remedies; raw shea butter is one among those tremendous remedies to soothe eczema flare-ups. Moisturizing and healing trait in butter are enough to reduce eczema. [Related post: Shea Butter for eczema]

You need to stay away from eczema triggers after using this remedy.

10. Reduces Psoriasis

Psoriasis is another chronic skin disease like eczema. Even its cause is unknown and can’t be treated completely. Shea butter moisturizes skin and keeps itching at bay which is associated with psoriasis. You can either apply it directly or mix with any base oil and essential oil.

11. Shea Butter to Soothe Sunburns

As listed above its fascinating healing properties make it renowned remedy to soothe all types of minor burns. Apply shea butter on prewashed skin. [Related post: Home remedies for Chemical Burns]

12. Shea Butter to Acne

shea butter acne Acne is mainly caused by excess oil, bacteria and dead cells accumulated over skin. Shea butter face mask or face scrub can be used to shed dead cells and its antimicrobial properties restrains bacterial growth. Anti-inflammation property soothes inflammation and reduces acne blemishes.

13. Fades Acne scars

Not just acne scars, regular application fades any scar on skin. Mix it with raw honey and apply it on scars.

14. Shea Butter as Shaving Cream

Inflammation triggered by a shave can be reduced with shea butter’s antioxidant properties. Many cosmetic industries include refined shea butter to their shaving cream to soothe skin.

15. Remove Wrinkles

It’s moisturizing and repairing connecting fibers removes wrinkles.

16. Shea Butter for Skin Allergies

When your skin comes in contact with any allergens, infection triggers. Topically apply shea butter over skin and it fights germs causing infection.

17. Relieves itching by moisturizing skin

In most cases dry skin is mere cause of itching, shea butter hydrates your skin from the inside which not just treats dry skin but relieve you from itching.

18. Shea Butter Frostbites

Inadequate blood supply and freezing leads to frostbites. Your thumb becomes red, numb and pale. Normally they appear on most exposed parts. Try shea butter under doctor’s supervision to treat frostbites.

19. Controls Excess Oil

Though moisturizing elements in shea butter are identical to oil secreted by sebaceous glands, its non-comedogenic, mean it doesn’t clog pores. It controls excess sebum production by well hydrating layers of skin.

20. Healthy Skin

All these benefits of raw shea butter lead to supple and healthy skin. Few shea butter cream recipes for skin are listed below.

Nutritional value of shea butter

In its nutritional aisle shea butter includes vitamins A, K, E and F. it’s also packed with 7-12% unsaponifiables fat which has large healing fractions. Its non-comedogenic property helps to unclog blocked skin pores. Cinnamic acid esters exhibit sunscreen protection properties.

According to an abstract published on PubMed.gov, shea butter is rich in vitamin C, and biochemical properties indicate assorted antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Vitamin A and E shows antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Fatty Acids include: Specific acids in shea butter include palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and arachidic acids. These acids provide solidness and hardness to shea butter.

Phenolics include: Phenolics in shea butter exhibits antioxidant properties.

How to Use Shea Butter on Skin

Raw shea butter has strong smell which makes it tough to apply over skin. Pour some essential oils and base oil like jojoba oil and virgin olive oil or lavender oil. Recipes to make shea butter cream are listed above.

Read a Step-by- step guide to use shea butter on face and skin

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Eczema

Shea Butter to Treat Eczema and Psoriasis

ByMoin Nex

shea butter for eczema and psoriasis

Shea butter is praised all over the cosmetic industries for its humectant properties. This nut extracted African butter penetrates into your skin and hydrates your dry itchy patches. Because it’s packed with same moisturizing elements that your natural oil sebum has.

Now coming to eczema, it’s a chronic skin disease resulting in itchy dry patches at affected parts. Though mere cause of eczema is unknown maintaining moisture all over the body keeps itching at bay. Same goes with psoriasis.

Experts say that you can’t permanently treat eczema or psoriasis. Anyhow you can reduce inflammation using innate remedies, and applying moisturizer stands first. Shea butter for eczema and psoriasis works great because of its eminent moisturizing properties.

Shea Butter for Eczema (How it works?)

Shea butter is packed with fatty acids and vitamins, which are renowned remedies for stretch marks, psoriasis, sun burns, acne, scars, healing eczema and wrinkles. Irremovable fatty acid in shea butter makes it unmatched healing remedy. [Related post: Shea Butter for Wrinkles]

Vitamins in this African shea butter include A, E and F, which serve to enhances healing eczema. Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties aids in soothing eczema affected skin. Coming to fatty acids, shea butter consists of 5 fatty acids, namely stearic, almitic, oleic, arachidic and linoleic. Phenolics in this butter are source of antioxidant properties.

Raw shea butter remains solid at room temperature, but it melts when comes in contact with your body. This shea butter lotion then penetrates into the skin and locks the moisture; which develops a barrier over skin to restrain infection causing bacterial growth.

How to use Shea butter for Eczema Flare ups?

If you want to stay away from the strong odor of raw shea butter, then mix it with some base oil and essential oil then apply it over prewashed skin.

Shea Butter Recipe for Eczema

Things you’ll need

Raw Shea butter – 2 ounce
Any base oil (Wheat Germ oil) – 1 tbsp
Any essential oil (Sandalwood oil) – 15 drops
Lavender oil – 15 drops

Procedure

Mash it with fork or melt it using double pot.
Remove from steam and pour Wheat Germ oil and other ingredients mentioned above.
Mix it well and store in cool place.

Shea Butter for Psoriasis (How it works?)

Raw shea butter consists of non saponifiable property, and oils with this property have more healing fractions when compared to other oils. Though you can’t completely treat psoriasis with shea butter, you can relieve itchiness associated with this chronic skin.

With effective healing properties this African butter associates moisturizing fraction that hydrates your dry skin and locks moisture.

Related post: How to make whipped shea butter

If you seriously want to reap all innate benefits of shea butter then go and get raw or unrefined shea butter. Procedure of applying shea butter for psoriasis is exactly the same way mentioned above for eczema.

Did you ever use Shea Butter for Eczema or Psoriasis? Please share your real time views in comments.

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