Skin Disorders – Eczema

Eczema refers to an inflammation of the skin which results in the formation of vesicles or pustules. It is the most common and most troublesome of all skin diseases. Eczema is essentially a constitutional disease, resulting from a toxic condition of the system. The disease covers a wide variety of forms, the majority of them being a chronic variety.

Eczema in its acute form is indicated by redness and swelling of the skin, the formation of minute vesicles and severe heat. If the vesicles rupture, a raw, moist surface is formed. From this, colorless discharge oozes, which forms skin crusts when it accumulates. The skin itches at all stages. In the wet stage, it may become infected by scratching in response to the irritation. Scratching not only spreads infection but also lengthens the stage of dryness and scaling.

Allergies play an important part in causing eczema. Some women get eczema on their hands due to an allergy to soap or detergents used to wash clothes or dishes. Some persons develop it around the fingers when they wear rings because of allergy to metals. Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, in a recent study of children with atrophic eczema, found that 75 percent were allergic to a number of foods. The most common triggers for sensitive persons are eggs, peanuts, chocolates, wheat, cow’s milk, chicken and potato. The real cause of eczema, however, is the failure of the human system to excrete the poisons from the various orifices of the body. Other causes include faulty metabolism, constipation, nutritional deficiencies and stress.

Natural Treatments for Dermatitis

As dermatitis may appear due to varied causes, treatment also varies accordingly. If, however, the trouble is constitutional arising from internal causes, the patient should commence the treatment by adopting an all-fruit diet for a least a week, as in the case of acne. After an exclusive fruit diet the, you may adopt a restricted diet for 10 days. In this regiment, breakfast may consist of orange or orange juice or grapefruit. Raw salad, consisting of vegetables in season, with raisins, figs, or dates may be taken for lunch. Dinner may consist of steamed vegetables such as spinach, cabbage, carrots, turnips, cauliflower along with a few nuts or fresh fruit. Milk puddings and desserts such as jellies, jam and pastries, all condiments, spices, white sugar and white flour and products made from them, tea, coffee, and other stimulating drinks should be avoided.

After the restricted diet, you should gradually embark upon a well-balanced diet, consisting of seeds, nuts and grains, vegetables and fruits. The emphasis should be on fresh fruits and raw vegetables. In case of a severe condition, you should undertake a fast having only fruit or vegetable juice for three to five days. This may be followed by a restricted diet for 10 to 15 days. Further fasts and a period of restricted diet at intervals may be adopted after the resumption of a normal diet.

The warm water enema should be used to cleanse the bowels during the first week of the treatment and thereafter as necessary. Epsom salt bath may be taken two or three times a week. The affected areas may also be bathed twice daily in hot water with Epsom salts. About 100g of Epsom salts should be added to a bowel of hot water for this purpose. A little olive oil should be applied after the Epsom salt bath.

You should avoid white sugar, refined carbohydrates, tea, coffee and other denatured foods, and should make liberal use of fruit and vegetable juices. The combined juice of the apple, carrot and celery is especially beneficial in the treatment of dermatitis. About 175ml each of these juices should be mixed to prepare 525ml of combined juice.

In case of trouble due to external causes, the most effective treatment consists of applying a mixture of baking soda (bicarbonate of sode0 and olive oil. The alkaline sodium neutralizes the poisonous acids formed in the sores and the oil keeps the skin in a softened condition.

You should undertake moderate physical exercise, preferably simple yoga asana after the fast is completed and the restricted diet started. Exercise is one of the most valuable means for purifying the blood and for preventing toxemia. You should also have adequate physical and mental rest and fresh air. You should avoid exposure to cold and adopt regular hours of eating and sleeping.

Skin Disorders – Dermatitis

Dermatitis refers to an inflammation of the skin, both external and internal. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat and pain or itching. Any part of the body may be affected by this disease. The exposed areas such as the eyelids, forearms, face and neck are more likely to be involved.

Substances which produce inflammation of the epidermis or dermatitis by mechanical or chemical disruption of the horny layer are called irritants. Degreasing agents like soaps, if used too frequently over a short time, will cause dryness, redness, fissuring and irritation of the skin in almost everyone.

The first symptom of dermatitis is erythematic or redness. This is usually followed by swelling of the skin due to edema (excessive fluid retention). Vesicles may appear thereafter. In case of their rupture, their bases exude serum. This condition is known as weeping dermatitis. Later, the serum dries up to form crusts. In some people the disease seems to come and go without making any great change in the skin itself.

Chemical substances usually give rise to dermatitis. They may reach the skin from outside or from inside through the bloodstream. About 100 different plants are known to be capable of causing dermatitis in susceptible persons. The onset is usually acute and begins an hour or tow after contact with mineral irritants. This includes most cases of industrial dermatitis which arise on the hands or forearms which actually come in contact with the irritants.

Certain drugs applied externally such as atropine, belladonna, carbolic acid, iodine, mercury, penicillin, sulphonamides, sulphurs, tars and turpentine sometimes cause dermatitis. Other substances causing this disease includes hair dyes, bleaches, skin tonics, nail polish, perfume, wool, silk, nylon, floor wax, and various detergents. Other causes of this disease are indiscretion in diet, deficiency of vitamin A and pantothenic acid, and nervous and emotional strains.

Daily Bedtime

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Vitamin C - What does it do for our skin?

Vitamin C helps slow down skin aging. It encourages production of callagen and elastin in the skin. If collagen is not produced, your skin will sag and appear dull. With more collagen and elastin, the skin looks healthy, young and radiance. Vitamin C is a very good anti oxidant and kills free radicals.

Free radicals damage our body and cause rapid aging. Vitamin C also helps in sun protection, reduce sunburn damage and wrinkles. Use skin care products that contain vitamin C will improve your overall skin quality and appearance.

Natural treatments for acne

To begin with, the patient should resort to an all-fruit diet for about a week. In this regimen, there should be three meals a day, consisting of fresh juicy fruits such as apples, pears, grapes, pineapple, and peaches. During this period, a warm water enema should take daily to cleanse the bowels and all other measures adopted to eradicate constipation.

After a week on the all-fruit diet, the patient can gradually adopt a well-balanced diet, with emphasis on raw foods, especially fresh fruits and vegetables, sprouted seeds, raw nuts and whole grain cereals. Further short periods on the all fruit diet for three days or so may be necessary at a monthly interval ti the condition of the skin improves.

The patient with acne should avoid meats, sugar, strong tea or coffee, condiments, pickles, fried foods, refined and processed foods as well as soft drinks, candies, ice cream and products made with sugar and white flour. Starchy, protein and fatty foods should restrict.

As regards local treatment, hot fomentation should be applied to open up the pores and squeeze out the waste matter. Then rinse with cold water. Sun and air baths by exposing the whole body to the sun and air are highly beneficial. The healing packs of grated cucumber, oatmeal cooked in milk, and cooked, creamed carrots, used externally, have been found to be effective.

The orange peel is valuable in the treatment of acne; the peel pounded well with water on a piece of stone should be applied to the affected areas. The lemon peel has also provided beneficial in removing pimples and acne. It should be applied regularly.

A teaspoon of coriander juice mixed with a pinch of turmeric powder is another effective home remedy for pimples and blackheads. The mixture should be applied to the face after thoroughly washing it every night before retiring.

Garlic has been used successfully in the treatment of acne. Pimples disappear without scars when rubbed with raw garlic several times a day. This even heals very persistent forms of acne suffered by some adults. The process is further helped by also taking the herb orally, to purify the bloodstream so as to secure a long term clearance of the skin eruptions.

The juice of raw potatoes has also proved very valuable in clearing skin blemishes. This cleansing results from the high content of potassium, sulphur, phosphorus, and chlorine in the potato. These elements are, however, of value only when potato is raw as in this state they are composed of live organic atoms.

A hot Epsom salt bath twice a week will be highly beneficial in all cases of acne. This bath is prepared by dissolving one and a half kilo of Epsom salt to 60 liters of water having a temperature of about 100F. the patient should remain in the bath from 25 to 35 minutes till he perspires freely. After the bath, he should cool off gradually.

Skin Disorders and Natural Treatments - Acne

There are certain skin disorders which cause a great deal of embarrassment at an age when people tend to be sensitive about their personal appearance. The more common of these are acne, dermatitis and eczema. We are going to talk about these disorders and natural treatments.

Acne - Acne is perhaps the most common chronic skin disorder. It is an inflammatory condition of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles usually found on the face, the neck, chest and shoulders. It is closely related to the disturbance in the hormones experienced at puberty. Nearly eight out of then young people between the ages of 12 and 24 suffer from some degree of acne.

Acne is characterized by the presence of comedowns or blackheads, pimple4s, small superficial sebaceous cysts and scars. There are over half a dozen forms of acne. All of them are concerned with sebaceous glands or the glands connected with hair follicles. The most common from the acne is blackheads. The areas chiefly affected are the foreheads, temples, cheeks and chin, the chest and back. In rare cases, almost the entire body may be covered with blackheads with extensive scarring.

All forms of acne have their origin in wrong feeding habits, such as irregular hours of eating, improper foods, excess of starches, sugar and fatty foods. Chronic constipation is another cause of acne. If the bowels do not move properly, the waste matter is not eliminated as quickly as it should be and the blood stream becomes surcharged with toxic matter. The extra efforts of the skin to eliminate excess waste result in acne and other forms of skin disorders. Yet another important cause of acne is a devitalized condition of the skin resulting from unhygienic living habits. Other causes of the disorder are excessive use of tea, coffee, animal fats, chocolate, alcohol or tobacco, strenuous studies, masturbation and sedentary habits which lead to indigestion and general debility.

Exercise

Regular exercise plays a significant role in graceful ageing. Regular exercise can reverse or at least slow many signs of ageing, including loss of bone density, decrease immunity and reduse cardiovacular performance. Aim to exercise at least three times a week.

Dark circles

To minimize dark circles around the eyes, warp a grated raw potato in gauze and apply to the eyelids for 15 to 20 minuts. Wipe off any residue, and then apply an eye cream.

Reach for the honey:

It has similar sugar content to the skin and forms a protective barrier. For a moisturising boost, massaging 2 tbsp of honey into the skin, then dip your fingers into hot water and massage further. Rinse your face in tepid water and pat dry.

Protection of the skin against sunlight

Excessive exposure to sun can lead to many serious consequences, including sun-induced premature aging. This skin which is repeatedly exposed to sunlight becomes leathery, wrinkled and loose. It may also become dry and acquire yellowish brown hue with liver spots all over. The skin may become inflamed, which may contribute to the breakdown of other cells and tissues. Excessive exposure to sun can also lead to thickening of epidermis and enlargement of sebaceous glands in the face, ultimately resulting in acne and pimples. It is therefore essential to protect the skin from exposure to sun. this can be achieved by covering up and using a sunscreen with a high protection factor on the exposed parts. Even with these protective measures it will not be safe to stay in the sun for long periods.

Natural Methods for Skin Care

Several natural aids have been found useful in promoting healthy and beautiful skin. One of the more important of these aids is the use of lime juice. Lime may be squeezed in a glass of boiled whole milk and a teaspoon of glycerin may be added to it. It should be left for half an hour and then applied on the face, hands and feet before retiring at night. This application every night will help you to look young and beautiful. It will also help cure pimples.

The skin of the peach is useful in improving the complexion. A complexion like peaches is a common expression. The inside of peach peelings should be gently massaged on the face every night for a few minutes. The moisture should not be rubbed off afterwards. This will cleanse the skin thoroughly and free the pores. It also has an astringent action and tightens the muscle of the face slightly, thus preventing sagging tissues.

The juice of orange, also been found valuable for a glowing complexion. The fingers should be dipped in pure orange juice and the same applied liberally over the face, chin, neck, and forehead. Pimples and acne can be cured by anointing the eruptions at bed time with a paste made from the powdered sun dried pips of unripe oranges.

The juice of water melon has been found useful in the removal of blemishes on the skin. A lotion can be prepared by grating and squeezing the juice of a small piece of water melon. This lotion should be applied over the face and neck for fifteen minutes. Then wash with hot water and splash on cold water.

Tomato as an external application is a useful cosmetic. Its pulp should be applied liberally on the face and left on for an hour. Then wash off with warm water. Repeated daily, it will give you a good complexion and remove ugly looking pimples in a short time.

Grated cucumber, applied over the face, eyes and neck for 15 to 20 minutes has been found effective as a beauty aid and is the best tonic for the skin of the face. Its regular prevents pimples, blackheads, wrinkles, and dryness of the face.

The juice of amaranth, applied over the face with a pinch of turmeric powder, bleaches the skin, prevents it from drying and wrinkling, cure pimples and make you look fresh. If milk and lime juice is added to this juice and delicately massaged over the face and neck for half and hour and washed off with lukewarm water each night before going to bed, it acts as an effective skin tonic to increase and retain its beauty.

Application of fresh mint juice over the face every night cures pimples and prevents dryness of the skin. The juice can also be applied over eczema and contact dermatitis with beneficial results.

The seeds of radish contain a bleaching substance and an emulsion of the seeds with water, applied and an emulsion of the seeds with water, applied over the face, will remove blackheads and freckles. It can also be applied with beneficial results in treatment on ring-worm.

A paste of almonds (badam) with mild cream and fresh rosebud paste applied daily over the face is a very effective beauty aid. It softens and bleaches the skin and nourishes it with the choicest skin-food. It regular application prevents early appearances of wrinkles, blackheads, dryness of the skin, pimples and keeps the face fresh.

Another effective natural aid for the beauty of the skin is the application of curd on the face every morning and washing it off after a few minutes with cold water. This will keep the complexion smooth, healthy and fresh. A mixture of curd and lemon juice is ideal for softening hands.

A paste of lentil (masoor dal) and curs, when applied as a mask, cleanses the skin and gives it a glow. When dried, it should be removed with fingertips and washed off with water. Adding a few drops of the juice of margosa (neem) leaves to this paste is very effective in dealing with pimples.

The flour of the unroasted Bengal gram (besan) is a very effective cleansing agent and its regular use, as a cosmetic, bleaches the skin. In allergic skin diseases like eczema, contact dermatitis and scabies, washing with this flour will be useful. The flour can also be used beneficially in the treatment of pimples. The flour should be mixed curd to make a paste. This paste should be applied to the face. It should be washed off after sometime.

The flour of the green gram (mung) is an excellent detergent and can be used as a substitute for soap. It removes the dirt and does not cause any skin irritation. Its application over the face bleaches the color and gives good complexion. Honey, olive oil, and mixture of turmeric and sandalwood (chandan) paste are all very effective in rejuvenating dry, parched skin.

Natural Skin Care

Diet plays an important role in maintaining the health of the skin. Those with skin problems must have a vital diet consisting of foods which in combination would supply all the nutrients needed to build health, namely, protein, carbohydrate, fats, essential fatty acids and all the essential vitamins and minerals. Such a diet should consist of liberal quantities of seeds, nuts and grains, vegetables and fruits, supplemented by special protective foods like milk, vegetable oil, curd, honey and yeast.

All the nutrients are essential for a healthy skin. Thus for instance, if your skin is unusually dry and rough, or if you have blackheads and whiteheads, you are probably lacking sufficient vitamin A. deficiencies in iron, iodine and the B vitamins may also contribute to this condition. Adequate amount of protein and vitamin C are also important. Both of these nutrients are needed before antibodies are produced to fight any infection and accelerate healing.

The vitamins of the B group are important in producing beautiful skin. Vitamin B1 aids skin health by helping to keep the circulation normal. A mild lack of vitamin B2 or riboflavin, continued over a long time, causes brown pigmentation, or liver spots to appear on the skin. These ugly spots usually disappear if generous amounts of vitamin B2 are given over a period of six months. A quickly produced severe riboflavin deficiency results in oily skin and hair and small deposits of fat under the skin of the cheeks and forehead and behind the ears. A still more severe deficiency causes the skin under the nose and at the corners of the eyes and mouth to crack and become sore.

A lack of vitamin B6 or pyridoxine leads to dermatitis or eczema. A lack of niacin also causes an eczema type of skin eruption with brown pigmentation, largely on the face, forearms, and legs. Lack of pantothenic acid, para-aminobenzonic acid, and biotin causes types of eczema which can be corrected, when these vitamins are generously added to the diet.

Since seven vitamins of the B group are directly related to the health of the skin, few foods can improve the skin as rapidly as those rich in these vitamins. Even the person whose skin seems smooth and healthy usually notices improvement in texture and glow, a week after adding two or more tablespoons of brewer’s yeast to the daily diet. Persons with eczema should, for an entire month, take a tablespoon of yeast stirred into citrus juice or water after each meal, between meals and before retiring. If the diet is adequate in all other respects, the eczema is usually cured in a month’s time.

In case of unhealthy and unattractive skin due to anemia, the condition can be corrected by dietetic treatment. Anemia results from lack of protein, iodine, calcium, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, cobalt, and copper as well as iron. In all anemias, particularly pernicious anemia, the vitamins of the B group should be generously supplied. Folic acid and vitamin B12 are especially important.

Natural Skin Care for a Glowing and Healthy Skin

Healthy skin is an essential part of health and natural beauty. The skin of a healthy person should have a pink glow. Good skin is a reflection of inner health. However, sometimes we tend to ignore skin care until signs of neglect being to show. As with health, prevention is easier than cure.

Causes of unhealthy skin – One of the main cause of unhealthy skin is faulty diet. A child is born healthy and with a perfect complexion soft, smooth and flawless. It retains these for most of its early life. But as the child grows older, she gradually loses these attributes due to wrong feeding habits and other factors. Devitalized foods like white flour, refined sugar and all products made from them, tea, coffee, and soft drinks take away energy, bring about wrinkles, unattractive skin and premature old age.

Another important cause of unhealthy skin is the lack of healthy blood which not only adds a glow to the skin but also keeps it well-nourished, moist, and free from dryness and roughness.

Inadequate cleansing, which is responsible for many skin problems, is yet another important cause of unattractive skin. Do not be deceived if your skin looks clean. You will be amazed at how much hidden dirt appears on the cotton wool when you use a good cleanser. Proper cleansing not only removes all the dust, dirt and make-up, which accumulate during the day, but also stops the oil-secreting sebaceous glands from getting clogged.

Learn about your skin

The skin, covering the human body, is a marvelous mechanism. It is the largest and one of the most intriguing organs of the body, accounting for 16 percent of the body weight. Proper skin care is vital at any age. When one is young, it helps to prevent common teenage problems like greasy skin and acne. As one grows older, it is important to counteract the increasing dryness of the skin. One can have a beautiful skin at any age if one knows hoe to care of your skin.

Skin care usually refers to the face because this area, more than any other, needs care and attention. The face is constantly exposed to the elements, even in severe winter when the rest of the body is well wrapped. That is why the face is one of the first parts to show signs of ageing.

Functions of the skin – The skin performs many important functions. It forms a protective barrier against harmful bacteria and infections. Besides, it is a means of eliminating waste matter from the body in the form of excess water, toxins and carbon dioxide. The skin also, as a sense organ, helps in regulating the body temperature, in respiration, and in the metabolic processes of the body.

The skin has three layers. These are the inner most layer known as lower dermis, the middle layer called the dermis, and the outer layer known as the epidermis. It is from the innermost layer that the various glands, including the oil and sweat glands, penetrate to the surface to eliminate waste matter, this inner layer is based on the fatty tissue of the lower dermis. It also acts as a cushion for the rest of the skin. It contains the finely distributed muscles of the skin which regulate body temperature.

The most important function of the middle layer of the skin is respiration. The countless tiny blood vessels or capillaries end here in finely-drawn networks, from where they feed the outer skin layer. The tone of the skin is determined by the dermis.

The epidermis range in thickness from 1/20th of an inch on the palms and soles, to 1/200th of an inch on the face. It consists of several layers of cells. The outer layers of these cells are constantly shed as new layers replace them. This skin layer contains the nerve endings. The oil and sweat glands open in the epidermis.

Types of skin – the types of skin fall into four major categories: Normal skin, Oily skin, Dry skin and Combination skin.

An easy way to discover what type of skin you have is to wipe the face with a dry tissue upon awakening in the morning. If there is oil in the tissue, the skin is greasy type. If there is grease on the center panel only, then it is a combination skin. If there is no grease on the tissue at all, it is either a dry skin or normal skin. If the skin is left feeling stretched or too tight, shiny and parched, it is dry. If the skin feels smooth, supple and elastic, it is normal.

Normal skin – This type of skin is soft, smooth, finely-textured and unblemished. There may be occasional pimples just before menstruation due to increased hormonal activity, which makes the sebaceous glands overactive. Acne is, however, never a problem for people with normal skin. This type of skin is neither oily, nor dry. It is beautiful, but it needs care if it is to last. Neglect can lead to signs of ageing and wrinkling. It should be cleaned daily with soap and water, and toned with something mild, like rose water.

Oily skin – this type of skin is shiny, thick and dull colored. It is prone to blackheads, in this type of skin; the oil producing sebaceous glands are overactive and produce more oil than is needed. The oil oozes and gives the skin a greasy shine. The pores are enlarged and the skin has a coarse look.

Oily skin needs special cleansing with plenty of hot water and soap to prevent the pores from being clogged. The flow of sebum or oil increases during adolescence and starts decreasing with age. During pregnancy and menopause, hormonal imbalances can also upset the oil balance and increase the activity of sebaceous glands.

Dry skin – This type of skin is tightly drawn over bones and is often flaky. It lacks both sebum and moisture. It looks dull, especially on the cheeks and around the eyes. There may be tiny expression lines on these spots and at the corners of the mouth. In this type of skin, the oil glands do not supply enough lubrication to the skin which becomes dehydrated. Washing dry skin with soap and water not only removes grime but also natural oil protecting the skin.

Dry skin needs plenty of thorough but gentle cleansing, regular stimulation with massage and generous quantities of oil and moisture. It also needs extra careful protection. A moisturizer increases the water content of the outer layers of the skin and gives it a soft, moist look.

Combination skin – This type of skin has a greasy area, while the rest is dry or normal. The center panel-forehead, nose and chin may be greasy and the cheeks dry. This type of skin is very common, and it should be treated as if it were two different types of skin, the dry part to be gently cleansed and regularly lubricated and the oily part deeply cleansed and tones. However, both the dry and greasy areas need moisturizing.

Don't neglect your hands:

Even if you have a youthful complexion, ageing hands can give the game away. Use rubber gloves when washing up and always keep moisture levels topped up. Creams containing ether will have a cooling effect on the hands but offer minimal hydration.

More about foods for natural beauty

The three basic health and beauty building foods mentioned in previous posts should be supplemented with certain special foods such as milk, vegetable oils, and honey. Milk is an excellent food. It is considered ‘nature’s nearly perfect food’. They best way to have milk is in its sourced form, which is yoghurt and cottage cheese. Sourced milk is superior to sweet milk as it is in a pre-digested form and more easily assimilated. Yoghurt helps to maintain a healthy intestinal flora and prevents intestinal putrefaction and constipation. It is known for its health-building and beauty-enhancing properties.

High quantity unrefined vegetable oils should be added to the diet. They are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins C and F and lecithin. The average daily amount should not exceeded two table spoons. Honey too, is an ideal food. It helps increase calcium retention in the system, prevents nutritional anemia, besides being beneficial in kidney and liver disorders, colds, poor circulation, and complexion problems.

A diet of the three basic food groups, supplemented with the special foods mentioned above, will ensure a complete and adequate supply of all the vital nutrients needed for health, vitality and beauty. It is not necessary to include animal protein like egg, fish or meat in this basic diet, as animal protein, especially meat, always has a detrimental effect on the healing processes.

Sugar in any form is not good for health and beauty of the body. A high sugar intake is linked with diabetes and heart disease. One should, therefore cut down on sugar in all forms and use jaggery and other natural sweeteners like honey and molasses all of which provide valuable nutrients.

Apart from the quality of food which requires careful selection, the quantity of food we eat also has an important bearing on our appearance. Over-feeding puts pressure on the liver and renders the whole system inactive. It also adversely affects the circulation of blood. When the circulation is poor, the skin suffers from many disorders. Therefore, one should also limit the quantity of food one eats. At the same time, insufficient food intake can lead to many deficiencies, which may affect out health and beauty.

Proper cooking – careful preparation and cooking of foods is also essential for health and natural beauty. Foods should be cooked in such a manner as to avoid unnecessary destruction of nutrients. It is healthier to roast or grill foods than to fry them and to cook at low temperature for the shortest possible time. They should also be served immediately after cooking.

Diet for natural beauty - Fruits

Fruits – Like vegetables, fruits are an excellent source of minerals, vitamins and enzymes. They are easily digested and exercise a cleansing effect on the blood and digestive tract. They contain high alkalizing properties, a high percentage of proteins and fats. Their organic acid and high sugar content have immediate refreshing effects. Apart from seasonal fresh fruits, dry fruits, such as raisins, prunes and figs, are also beneficial.

Fruits are at their best when eaten in the raw and ripe states. In cooking, they loose portions of the nutrient salts and carbohydrates. They are most beneficial when taken as a separate meal by themselves, preferably for breakfast in the morning. If it becomes necessary to take fruits with regular food, they should form a larger proportion of the meals. Fruits, however, make a better combination with milk than with meals. It is also advisable to take fruits in the form of juice.

Diet for natural beauty - Vegetables

Vegetables – They are an extremely rich source of minerals, enzymes and vitamins. Faulty cooking and prolonged careless storage however, destroy these valuable nutrients. Most of the vegetables are therefore, best consumes in their natural row state in the form of salads.

There are different kinds of vegetables. They may be edible roots, stems, leaves, fruits and seeds. Each group contributes to the diet in its own way. Fleshy roots have high energy value and are good sources of vitamin B. Seeds are relatively high in carbohydrate and proteins and yellow ones are rich in vitamin A. Leaves, stems and fruits are excellent sources of minerals, vitamins, water and roughage.

To prevent loss of nutrients in vegetables, it is advisable to steam or boil vegetables in their juices on a slow fire and the water or cooking liquid should not be drained off. No vegetable should be peeled unless it is so old that the peel is tough and unpalatable. In most roots vegetables, the largest amount of minerals is directly under the skin and these are lost if vegetables are peeled. Soaking of vegetables should also be avoided if taste and nutritive are to be preserved.

Seeds, Nuts and Grains

Seeds, Nuts and Grains – These are the most important and the most potent of all foods and contain all the essential nutrients needed for human growth. They contain the germ, the reproductive power which is of vital important for the lives of human beings and their health. Millet, wheat, oats, barley, brown rice, beans and peas are all highly valuable in building health and beauty. All seeds, nuts, grains and legumes can be sprouted, and should be taken in that form as much as possible as they constitute live foods. There is an amazing increase in nutrients in sprouted foods when compared to their dried embryo. So potent are the sprouts that if one lives only on a mixture of these foods, one would have everything one needs for health and long lasting beauty. Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, almonds, peanuts, and Soya beans contain complete proteins of high biological value.

Seeds, nuts and grains are excellent natural sources of essential unsaturated fatty acids necessary for health and true beauty. They are also good sources of lecithin and most of the B vitamins as well as vitamin C, which is perhaps the most important vitamin for the preservation of health and preservation of premature aging. They are also rich sources of minerals and auxins, the natural substances that play an important role in the rejuvenation of cells and prevention of premature aging.

Diet for natural beauty - Basic Food Groups

Basic food groups - The nutrient mentioned above, translated in terms of food, represents a well balanced and correct diet which contains liberal quantities of;

1. Seeds, nuts, and whole grains
2. Vegetables
3. Fruits

These foods have been aptly called basic food groups and a diet containing these is the optimum for the maintenance of good health and true beauty. The diet is describes in brief in upcoming posts.

Diet for natural beauty - Calcium and Phosphorus

Calcium and Phosphorus – These tow minerals work together for healthy teeth, hair, nails, and bones. A deficiency of calcium in the diet can lead to tooth decay and recession of gums. The main dietary sources of calcium are milk products, whole wheat, leafy vegetables, orange and lemon. Phosphorus is found in abundance in cereals, pulses, nuts, fruit juice, milk and legumes.

Diet for natural beauty - Protein and Fats

Protein – Adequate protein is necessary for healthy hair, skin, teeth and nails and for firm skin tissues. Main natural sources are dairy products, nuts, pulses, wheat germ, and brewer’s yeast.

Fats – Fats are necessary to counteract dry skin and hair for assimilation of fat soluble vitamins. Main natural sources are butter, vegetable oil and nuts.

Cold Water

Relieve stress by lying down and resting your fet on a pillow close your eyes an take 10 deep breaths. This will change your circulations patterns, bringing an instant glow to your face.Splash your face with cold water first thing in the morning to firm and tone muscles temporarily.

Sleep

Make sure you get enough sleep or you coul suffer from from insufficient sleep sysdromes (ISS) Lack of sleep can cause puffy, sallow and lackluster kin plus dark circls around the eyes. Catching up on missed sleep can make the skin and eyes look even puffer because of fluid retention. Get at least eight hours of sleep.

Water

Keep your water content topped up. Water is more important to your well being tan any other liquid. Each day the body loses approximately 2 1/2 litters of water this causes ageing as much as the passing time.

Water should be taken in large quantities, from six to eight glasses, throughout the day, except during meals. It gives the skin the necessary moisture and a dewy look. It clears the system of all toxins and keeps the blood free from impurities. Water also protects the skin against pimples. In case of insufficient intake of water, the body will draw on all its water reservoirs, including those of the skin, resulting in dehydration of the skin.

Diet for natural beauty - Vitamin D and E

Vitamin D – this vitamin is essential for healthy teeth, bones and nails as well as for the assimilation of calcium and phosphorus. A deficiency can to dental decay. Valuable natural sources of vitamin D are rays of the sun, milk, butter, and sprouted seeds.


Vitamin E – This vitamin is one of the latest discoveries in the field of beauty care. It is needed to prevent wrinkles, dry skin, brown age spots and dandruff. It helps to improve circulation and healing of scars. Whole wheat bread, whole grains, wheat germ, milk and raw or spouted seeds and nuts are the main natural sources of this vitamin.

Diet for natural beauty - Vitamin C

Vitamin C – This vitamin is essential for the health of the hair, eyes and teeth, resistance to infection, healing of wounds, and firm skin tissues. It reduces pigmentation and prevents bleeding of the gums. A deficiency may cause dry skin and thread veins. This vitamin is found in green vegetables, fresh fruits, especially citrus fruits, like lemon, orange and grapefruit, the Indian gooseberry (amla) and sprouted Bengal and green grams.

Diet for natural beauty - Vitamin B Complex

Vitamin B Complex – All the vitamins of B group are directly related to the health of the skin and hair. They are vital for youthful looks and for delaying graying of hair. These vitamins also counteract stress, which has adverse effects on one’s appearance. A deficiency of B complex vitamins can lead to greasy hair, dandruff, dru skin, redness and irritation, wrinkles and poor hair growth or grey hair. Valuable natural sources of these vitamins are wheat and other whole grain cereals, pulses, nuts, green leafy vegetables, molasses, meat and brewer’s yeast.

Diet for natural beauty - Vitamin A

Vitamin A – This vitamin is essential for healthy hair and eyes and for prevention and clearing of infections of the skin. It also counteracts dry skin, dandruff and wrinkle formation. Vitamin A is needed for healthy blood circulation which gives a glow to the skin. Lack of this vitamin is sometimes responsible for pimples or acne, visual fatigue and dull and dry hair. The main natural source of this vitamin are cod liver oil, dairy products, carrots, green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, papaya, and melon.

Diet for natural beauty - Introduction

just as diet and health are closely related, so also are diet and beauty. What we eat has a profound effect on our outward appearance as well as on our physical wellbeing. An ideal diet for improved looks is one which supplies adequate quantities of all the nutrients essential to health and beauty. The nutrients which are of particular importance for beauty and their main source are mentioned in this section.

Introduction to natural beauty

Natural beauty is a rare quality. It is a reflection of inward health and cannot be substituted by any amount of beauty aids. If you are not in perfect good health, both physically and mentally, your skin and hair will look dull and lifeless. Similarly, if you are not scrupulously clean no cream or lotion, however exclusive and expensive, will help improve your appearance. A healthy body and a happy state of mind are thus the basic elements of true beauty.

The chief attributes of natural beauty are clear skin, bright eyes, glossy hair and sparkling teeth as well as attractive features. While it is not possible to change one’s features, a lot can be done for attaining other basic requirements of natural beauty.

One may spend huge amount of money in an attempt to improve one’s appearance with expensive cosmetics and beauty parlor treatments. But this will at best hide any imperfections and blemishes; but it can never give those basic attributes of natural beauty.

Women have always aspired for attractive and youthful looks and searched for ways and means for their attainment. In ancient times, famous beauties attributed the longevity of their youthful skin tone to the use of herbal formulas. Then came the synthetic age with high pressure advertising, and the wonderful beautifying properties of natural substances were forgotten.

Women thought that chemical laboratories could solve all their beauty problems, that too in the shortest times.

Now the trend is the other way around. Recent years have seen a tremendous upsurge in the popularity of beauty products based on natural ingredients. This has lead to a revival of home made cosmetics. Natural foods, fruits, vegetable, seeds, nuts, pulses and other natural substances are been increasingly used in the preparation of natural cosmetics. They not only enhanced the beauty of the skin and hair but also process curative properties.

Many are for this trend towards natural cosmetics. Every modern woman, like her ancient counterpart, wants lovely skin and glossy hair. But in her search for beauty, she has learnt that many commercial products that promise a glowing complexion and a healthy head of hair contain hormones, antibiotics, or other irritants that do more harm than good. Cosmetic reactions many appear as dryness, skin cracking, swelling, itchiness or as a rash.

Another reason for the glowing interest in home preparations of natural beauty aids is the money-saving angle. Compared to the huge amounts women have been spending each year for commercial beauty products, natural substances cost very little. Women are also discovering that natural ingredients are often more effective.

The studies conducted by research scholars in the field of natural substances in recent years, have enabled us to use ingredients like almond, lemon, peach, turmeric, honey, rose, sandalwood and henna in preparations for the skin and hair. The products which form part of Indian heritage, like reetha, amla, brahmi, shikakai, and others are also being used in the formulation of corrective cosmetics to treat many problems affecting the beauty of the skin and hair. Some of the natural substances even have preservative properties. This has helped to bottle natural cosmetics for longer periods, thereby eliminating the use of chemical preservatives.

The field of natural cosmetics is very vast. Knowledge about the properties and values of each of these will help us to incorporate them in the form of specific cosmetic preparations. The natural foods and herbs commonly used as beauty aids have been discussed at appropriate topics in this blog. In this blog we are also discussed about “Natural foods and herbs” as beauty aids. The most important factor about natural ingredients is that they do not have adverse after reactions like those of chemical substances. As for the beneficial properties, they cannot be duplicated even in the most advanced laboratories.

Be kind to your skin

Keep smiling the muscle movement helps to tighten the supporting connective tissue around the mouth, as well as sending feelgood signals to the brain, so keep stress levels low.If you have sensitive skin, be kind to it. Skin irritation caused by soap or cosmetics may lead to premature ageing, but it coul be years before visible signs become apparent. Go for gentle skin care formulations and avoid harsh, alcohol-based preparations, which can strip the skin of essential moisture.

Don't apply Day or Night cream around your eye area.

The day and night creams contain ingredients suit suitable for thicker skin, such as cheeks or the jaw line, and may irritate the thinner-skinned eye are, area, one of the most sensitive areas of the body, Eye Cream is specially formmulated for the eye area.

Cleansing method

Clean skin is the beginning of naturally healthy skin and it is essential for a beauty complexion. Cleansing the face before retiring is very important, especilly if makeup is present on the skin, as studies have indicated sleeping through the night with a dirty face may prematurely age the skin. Never go to bed without a proper cleansing.

To apply the Hydrating Cleanse... you should wet your skin and apply a sufficient amount of cleanser to cover the entire face and neck area. Gently circulate the cleanser on the skin then rinse out. If you wear make-up or work in a environment of dirt and pollution, use of facial scrub after cleansing and follow with toner.

Which cream is more important(Day and Night)

Both creams are equally important and they work different time. You are recommended to use day and night creams to reinforce skin firmness 24 hours.

* Day cream : it offers all day moisturization that restores and revitalizes skin while protects againts the damaging effects of the sun and environmental aggressors.

* Night cream : It enbances the effect of day cream. It retains youthful elasticity and resilience longer. While you are sleeping. it works overnight help slow your skin's moisture evaporation process so you wake up with a bright complexion.

Need to use sunscreen

Need to use suncreen daily even on a cloudy day or when you are in the shade. Remember - the higher the SPF, the greater the protecion. Most people use suncreen improperly by not apllying enough. They apply only 25% to 50% of the recommended amout.

Sunscreen should be applied liberally enough to all sun-exposed areas that it forms a film when initially applied. Put sunscreen on 15-30 minuts before going out doors. This gives the sunscreen enough time to be absorbed in to your skin and offer u ultimate protection. Reapply as needed after towel drying, swimming or sweating.

Tips for more shine.

* Use heat-activated shampoo

* Deep condition at least weekly

* Don't use too many styling products that can dull the hair by coating it.

Thick Coarse Hair:

The best shine enhancers for this type of hair are old-fashioned pomades. They work not only to deliver shine, but to moisturize this type of hair.