Home Remedies

Winter Care

[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]WINTER CARE


Winter is the time for outing and merriment. As a matter of fact it is also the time for maximum exposure to ultraviolet rays and dry cold winds. So it is also the time for maximum care to your skin. Here are a few tips to remain fresh and soft even in these dry months. Staying beautiful does not means to look good but to be good so here are also some tips of diet for the season.




To get rid of the tanning and fine lines:
To get rid of the tanning occurred in winter use juice of tomato twice everyday. Don't forget to have raw tomatoes to include Vitamin-C in your everyday diet. Tomato is also helpful in reducing fine lines of skin. Orange is also helpful for reducing fine lines.




To combat dryness:
If you are above thirty-five then try out this fruity face pack to treat dryness of skin. Mix ripe papaya, honey, Vitamin-E capsule, milk cream and a few drops of glycerin to form a paste. Spread the pack all over your face and neck and keep till it dries. For people of all ages to heal dryness of skin paste of petals of lotus and leaves of Kadam tree is very helpful.
Nowadays a variety of fruits like, Peach, Strawberry, Apricot, and Kiwi etc. not grown in India are available on big shops along with Indian fruits. Kiwi fruit is exceptionally good if used for moisturizing purpose. To get a soft skin in these dry season mix juice of half a lime and a spoon of glycerin in a cup of boiled milk. Rub the mixture all over body and keep for half an hour. Rinse with water. To make your skin petal soft and bright use always a mixture made of khubani and honey.




To treat oily skin
Whoever suffers from oiliness even in these dry months, try out this pack of grated potato, fuller earth and drops of lime. As the pack dries up rinse it off thoroughly with water. Dead cells will get removed to give you a fresh look.




Cracked heels:
Beauty care does not mean caring skin of your face only. Cracked heels are eternal problem of winter season. Not only for beauty cracked heels are often source of greater infection of skin. Clean your feet thoroughly with soap. Wipe to dry with a towel. Boil spinach. Preserve the water when the leaves get boiled. Soak feet in the water to get results like magic. Besides try to keep your feet clean. Use socks when going out. Clean your feet every night. Pamper your feet with equal quantity of Vaseline and glycerin. Wear cotton socks before going to bed.






Dry elbow, knee and cracked lips:
Sometimes dry elbow and knee becomes a source of embarrassment. Smash ripe banana and mix with sugar granules. Rub the mixture on affected regions till the granules melted. If practiced regularly the results are sure to come. Cracked lips coloured with lipstick is also not a site to be seen. Use a mixture of honey, limejuice, olive oil and glycerin to heal cracked lips. Instead strawberry, milk cream and honey can also be used for similar purpose.




To treat dandruff:
Dryness also affects skin of scalp in this season. Soak fenugreek seeds overnight. Mix the seeds with sour curd in the morning. Coat the scalp with the mixture. Only soaked fenugreek seeds paste is also helpful for treating dandruff.
Cucumber being rich in silicon sulphur, is useful in treating dandruff as well as in hair fall problem.

Remain fresh:
Don't stop bathing in winter. Use rose petals and basil leaves in lukewarm water for bathing. This is the wonder formula for a glowing skin. Remove dead cells and dirt with a homemade scrubber of milk cream and refined flour. If you have no time to spare at morning add a few drops of olive oil or coconut oil to the last mug of water and bath with it.
Take beauty internally. Have plenty of fruits and vegetables along with water. Include vitamins like C and A more in your diet to became the beauty of the season.
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From mother nature to grandma

From mother nature to grandma

When in pain, whom will you turn to for those soothing words? Only Grandma. When sickness strikes who will bring out those time-tested remedies?


The next time someone is sick, stop and think....

All that we know of and reach for, in case of a particular ailment is what the doctor prescribed. The benefits of the pills may be immediate but not the side effects. It could lead to stomach upsets, or nausea. Nature has always been a treasure chest of alternative medicines in the form of herbs and spices. Found in every kitchen, they are used in food preparations as flavouring agents and are equally effective as medicines. However, be careful to double-check the usage for a particular ailment. Using the wrong plant can prove to be detrimental to your health.

Turmeric Powder (Haldi):
Turmeric powder helps reduce the swelling of tonsils. Add one tablespoon of turmeric powder to a glass of water. Boil till the quantity is reduced to one-fourth and drink it. Turmeric powder also acts as a cosmetic. Prepare a mixture of turmeric powder, sandalwood (chandan) and saffron (kesar) and make a paste by dissolving it in milk or water. Apply it on the face and wash it off once it dries.

Dried Ginger (Soonth):
Make a paste by mixing dried ginger with water and apply it on the forehead. It works as a vapouriser and is a good remedy for cold and sinusitis. Fresh ginger can be used to alleviate spine and joint problems.

Garlic (Lasoon):
It works as an appetiser. In the case of cough, relief can be found by eating 2-3 cloves of garlic with honey. In case of an ear ache, heat coconut oil in a small bowl and add 2-3 cloves of garlic. Cool and add two drops in the ear. Garlic also lowers blood cholesterol and is an anti-cancer agent.

Cinnamon (Dalchin):
Eating cinnamon can serve as a good appetiser.

Mustard Seeds (Rai):
It is an effective remedy for headaches.

Ajwain (Ova):
Burn the seeds and inhale the smoke. It is an effective cure for cold and sinus.

Dates (Khajur):
Eaten with ghee, dates increase muscular weight and not just fat. Dates are an excellent remedy for weight gain.

 

Treatments

Treatments

Here are a few time tested remedies if you have an aching tooth or a persistent cough. Try them....ACHING TOOTH
Add half-a-teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water and rinse out your mouth with this solution every few hours as and when necessary.

Apply an ice bag to the side of the face where you feel the pain. If there is food debris in the tooth cavity, gently remove, and apply a wad of cotton containing clove oil to reduce the pain.

COUGH
Add a pinch of turmeric and pepper powder to a glass of warm milk. Have it at bedtime. Add some tulsi leaves and some pepper powder to a cup of water. Brew the mixture for about 10 minutes. Add some sugar or salt to it and have it as your morning or evening tea. If the cough still persists consult your doctor.

PRICKLY HEAT
Avoid scratching your skin. Abstain from alcoholic drinks and wear cool, light clothing. Have oatmeal baths twice daily, as described under the treatment for itching (above). Apply calamine lotion several times a day and drink plenty of water several times a day.

HANGNAILS
Soak the finger or toe in hot water, three or four times a day for at least ten to fifteen minutes. Apply some antibiotic ointment containing neomycin and bacitracin. If pus is present, it should be opened by a doctor.

FROSTBITE
Avoid rubbing the injured part. Cover with a warm, dry, woollen cloth and have a warm drink. Gradually warm the frozen part with lukewarm water to prevent further injury. If no warm shelter is available, cover the frozen area with a warm bare hand and add several layers of woollen clothing.

Avoid smoking, it increases the chances of frostbite.

SPIDER BITES
Put the patient to bed and apply a hot water bag or other gentle heat to the abdomen. Call the doctor at once.

NOSE BLEEDS
Keep the patient sitting upright in a comfortable position, with the head held back. Apply steady pressure to the side of the nose that is bleeding. Press on the nostril and hold it firmly for at least 12 or 15 minutes. The patient should breath through his mouth during this time. He must not blow his nose.

Have someone apply cold compress to the nape and face.If bleeding is heavy, call the doctor.

SPRAIN
Apply cold compress or ice to the injured joint. Continue this until the swelling subsides. One or two days later, hot packs may be applied.

BRUISES
Apply cold compress or ice immediately to the area. Continue this for 30 minutes, Treat every three or four hours as required.

DIARRHOEA
Certain foods, such as figs, bananas, and prunes, have a strong laxative effect on the bowel. One should eliminate these until the loose stools are brought under control. A teaspoon for paregoric taken every two hours until the loose stools cease will be beneficial.

HICCUPS
Try simple measures, such as deep breathing, or drinking a glassful of water rapidly. Holding one's breath or breathing into a paper bag will help build up carbon dioxide within the body and may relieve the hiccup. Pulling on the tongue, swallowing dry bread or crushed ice, or gently pressing the eyeballs may also be tried.

BLACK EYE
Apply cold water to the injured area at once, or wrap a small piece of ice in a thin cloth and apply this directly to the eye, keeping it there until the pain subsides and the swelling goes down. If the eyelids are swollen because of insect bites or infection, add one tablespoon of Epsom salts and an equal amount of ordinary salt to a pint of boiled water. Warm this solution before applying it to the eyelid. Dip a clean handkerchief in the solution and apply directly to the swollen lid, keeping it there for several minutes at a time. Repeat this treatment, four or five times a day.

STRESS HEADACHES
Take a short nap at daytime. A hot foot bath for about 20 minutes will often relieve the headache. An ice-cold cloth applied to the forehead will also bring relief. Go out for a walk. Gently massage your neck and back.

 

Potatoes for skincare

Potatoes for skincare

Potatoes can be an important alternative therapy for skin problems. The next time your skin needs help - try potato therapy.

Let us take a quick look at the various ways potatoes can help you.

1. They relieve dark or puffy circles under your eyes.
2. They also remove excess oil from your face.
3. A grated raw potato can be used as a mask. Keep it for 30 minutes. You can wash it off with water and a little vinegar.
4. Need a compress to bring down a swelling? Put some grated potato in gauze. Leave it on for 30-35 minutes while you put your feet up.
5. Here is a recipe for an effective skin cleanser. Try it - you'll be amazed at the difference it makes to your skin!

Ingredients needed:

1. Chopped cucumber (with peel) -1/4 cup
2. Chopped potato (with peel) -1/4 cup
3. Egg -1
4. Plain curd -1 cup

Methodology:

1. Put the potato and cucumber in a blender and whip for about twenty seconds.
2. Add curd and egg. Blend the two together.
3. Dampen your face. And apply the mixture using a clean wash cloth.
4. Rinse clean with warm water.

You can also use potatoes to:

1. Treat skin scars by washing regularly with water and cooled potato juice.
2. Treat sunburn by applying raw grated potato on affected areas.
3. Ease aching areas by massaging affected areas with in which potatoes have been boiled.
4. Three cheers for the versatile potato! It adds a glow to life!

 

Beautiful honey

Beautiful honey

Honey has always been an essential part of beauty regimens. Cleopatra used to bathe in milk and honey. Royalty in the olden days depended largely on honey to keep youthful and beautiful.

And why not? Honey is packed with nourishing and beautifying properties. It is probably the very best beauty product you can use on your skin.

Lets take a look at some sweet facts about honey.

* Honey can treat minor irritations and sunburn. It has anti-microbial properties.

* Honey has the ability to retain water. Therefore it is a good agent to use in moisturisers, creams, sunscreen lotions and other beauty products.

* If mixed with bath water when washing hair, it can bring a shine to your hair. One teaspoon of honey in one medium sized mug of water and poured on your hair after the last rinse, will work wonders in making your hair soft and silky.

* It works well with alpha hydroxy acids - it helps soothe the skin against an abrasive treatment.

* Mix equal parts of honey and milk. Apply the mixture all over your body. Wash off after twenty minutes. You can notice a new-found glow on yourself.

* Honey has antioxidant properties. It helps fight skin damage and ageing.

Honey also helps to fight damage caused by the sun's UV radiation.

 

A few more home remedies that have survived the onslaught of modern medicine

* Blisters – Are you aware that you will develop an infection if you pop your blisters? Instead, you should dab a cotton ball in witch hazel, (available in any pharmacy) on the affected area at least 3 or 4 times a day. This will help dry up the fluid in the blister and relieve the pain. This is because witch hazel contains alcohol which has a drying effect.

* Body odour – Do you maintain good hygiene and yet suffer from body odour? The reason for this is clogged pores. When the skin is unable to eliminate body waste and it is contained within the body, odour can result. You got to spend more time on yourself. Before getting into the shower, bush your body with a body brush with long, gentle upward strokes. This will help in improving blood circulation and help in the detoxification process. Doing this regularly will definitely help in reducing body odour.

* Bruises – Homeopathy has an answer to this problem. The muscle soreness cream Arnica is known to minimise and heal bruises fast. The minute you notice a swelling or discolouration when you bump into something, just rub this homeopathic cream on the affected part. Arnica helps to decrease the inflammation and increases the blood circulation. This in turn, helps to flush out the stagnant blood that has turned the skin blue-black.

* Burns – These days the market is flooded with so many essential oils that are useful for treating various conditions. Lavender essential oil is known to have medicinal properties. Use on affected skin as soon as you sustain a burn like the type you might get by touching a really hot vessel. The oil helps in taking the sting out of the burn and also prevents scarring. The healing process is also hastened. Follow this method of application: Clean the affected area with soap and water. Combine one part of the lavender oil to 2 parts olive oil and apply on the wound liberally at least twice or thrice a day. Remember to leave the wound uncovered. You will find that not only does it heal faster but there is no scarring of the skin.

* Chapped lips – Did you know that the chapsticks available in the market contain petroleum and sometimes also alcohol? Both these ingredients tend to dry the sensitive skin of your lips. Instead of a chapstick, use a dot of castor oil on dry and parched lips. Carry it in your handbag and keep using it throughout the day.

* Congestion in the chest – Has your grandma told you of this simple remedy to loosen chest congestion? All you have to do is to saute 2 sliced onions with a tsp of curry powder in 2 tblsps of olive oil until the onions are soft. Onions contain plant compounds that help to break up the mucus. Just have it hot with rice and see your phlegm vanish! As for that ‘onion breath'….errrr…., we'll think of a remedy for that later!

* Constipation – Are you aware that figs can cure constipatrion? Because they contain fibre, your system gets properly flushed out. Figs are great if you need to add fibre to your diet, as just five figs can easily supply you with at least 20% of your requirement. You can simply chew on them and flush them down with water. This can be done for a minimum of four times a day.

* Corns – So you suffer from that painful problem of corns? Well, help is at hand. Grandma suggests that dabbing the corn with castor oil will help loosen it. Do it both in the morning before you wear your footwear, and again in the night at bedtime. Cover with band-aid both times. Improvement might take a little time but will definitely happen and without side effects (especially valid if you are a diabetic who cannot use the medicated stuff available in the pharmacy).

* Cuts – Just prick a natural vitamin E capsule and apply it on the wound. Vit E has anti oxidants that will heal the wound quickly. Apply at least three or four times a day for results. Do not forget to cover with band-aid.

* Dry eyes - Do you have a problem shedding tears? Blocked tear ducts huh? All you have to do is to stimulate your eyes and activate the tear ducts by applying moist heat to your eyelids. Lie down, dip a small towel in warm water and put it on your eyes for about fifteen minutes at least two or three times.

* Dry skin – Use almond oil on dry skin. It has the potential to soften the skin and also gives it a lovely sheen. Castor oil works wonders on very dry skin. Both these oils can be absorbed well and work much better than the commercially available moisturisers. Apply a thin coat twice a day for best results.

* Gas – Our ancestors have already perfected the fine art of looking after their guests after a heavy meal. Fennel, anise and dill seeds all serve to relax the stomach muscles and help to get rid of that bloated feeling. Just reach for a spoonful of any of these and freshen your breath too in the bargain!

* Headache – Go to the aromatherapy section in any of the big stores. Peppermint is an essential oil available in this counter. Massage a few drops of this oil into your temples when you see the headache coming on. It acts as well as an aspirin and has no side effects. Peppermint seems to have the power of preventing pain signals from being sen to the brain.

* Hiccups – One of our readers sends us this simple remedy which she swears by – Take a glassful of water and insert a straw into it. Now press the place where your jaw meets the neckbone under both the ears with the index fingers and slowly drink the water through the straw. Remember to keep giving pressure on both the points until you have drunk all the water. Hey! Hiccups gone?

* Toothache – Clove oil when applied to the affected tooth can help relieve the pain as it kills the bacteria that cause the toothache. Dab a cottonball with a few drops of this essential oil and apply it on your sore gums and tooth. The pain gets dulled and is more bearable. Will help you at least till you get to the dentist.

* Insect bites – Can be treated with a cut onion. Rubbing the affected area with a slice of onion will heal the bite. The onion can be stored in the fridge and used as often as possible until the bite has healed.

 

In house in kitchen..

In house in kitchen..

• If you have dandruff problem, you can try this. Soak one tablespoon of fenugreek seeds overnight. Grind them into a paste. Apply on hair for an hour and wash it off using gramflour paste.
  
• If you have very dry and flaky skin on your arms and legs, try this concoction. Mix six-teaspoons petroleum jelly, two-teaspoons glycerine and two-teaspoons lemon juice. Apply this moisturising lotion at least twice a week.
  
• For itchy scalp, try this recipe. Blend pineapple and papaya slices in a mixie. Stir in a quarter cup of vinegar. Leave this concoction for two minutes and rinse.
  
• Suffering from sunburns? Peel and grate a cucumber. Squeeze the juice. Mix half-a-teaspoon glycerine and half-a-teaspoon rose water. Apply this on sunburns, leave it for some time.
  
• A facemask of egg white and honey gently removes the tan from your face.
  
• Black circles? There’s a way out. Dip wads of cotton in chilled mixture of cucumber and potato juice. Keep this on your eyelids for 15 to 20 minutes and gently wash it off. Apply a little baby oil.
  
• For long eyelashes, apply a thin coat of castor oil every night. It strengthens lashes and cools your eyes.
  
• If you have cracked heels, melt paraffin wax; mix it with little mustard oil and apply on the affected area. Leave it on overnight. After 10 or 15 days, your heels will become smooth.
  
• Oats, which has high fibre content, is good for your skin too. Try this pack: Mix oats with honey, yogurt and ground almonds. Apply this to your face, leave it for five minutes and wash with lukewarm water.
  
• Cucumber is a natural cleanser. Mix cucumber juice with milk and use it instead of a cleanser.
  
• If you have normal to dry skin, try chocolate mask to make your skin smooth. But if you have oily skin, this is definitely not for you. Take 1/3-cup cocoa, three teaspoons of heavy cream, 1/3-cup ripe papaya, 1/4-cup honey and three teaspoons of oatmeal powder. Mix them together. Smooth on your face. After 10 minutes, wash your face with warm water.
  
• For oily skin, apply a mixture of grapes, lemon and egg white. Leave it for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water. While lemon acts as a natural cleanser, grapes will soften your skin and egg whites will tighten it. Don’t be alarmed if your skin tingles.
  
• Mash a ripe avocado and massage it into your scalp and hair. Rinse in warm water to make your hair soft and supple.
  
• For those persisting acne spots, just dab tea tree or lavender oil. They act as natural anti-irritants and will not clog your pores. What’s more, they will not dry your skin like acne medication.
  
• Tighten your pores before you apply make-up by rubbing an ice cube all over your face.
  
• Cut the lemon and rub the wedge all over your face. Leave it for about 20 minutes, then rinse off with cold water. This simple and inexpensive way tones your skin and leaves it feeling refreshed. Avoid doing this if you have dry skin.
  
• You can mix one-tablespoon cranberry sauce juice with two tablespoons Vaseline for a delicious home made lipbalm.
  
• To reduce puffiness of your eyes, grate a potato; tie in a cloth and place the cloth over your eyes for about 15 minutes.
  
• Mix honey, lemon and vegetable oil for a great home made moisturiser for your dry skin. Apply this concoction for 10 minutes.
  
• Of course, the legendary honey and milk concoction, which was supposedly Cleopatra’s beauty secret, will make your skin glow.
  
• For a glowing skin, heat four tablespoons of almond oil, two tablespoons of lanolin, two tablespoons of petroleum jelly and two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Mix all these ingredients with an eggbeater. Massage into your skin.
  
• Prepare a mask by mixing a slice of pumpkin with egg yolk and milk. Let this mask set on your face for 30 minutes for a glowing skin.
  
• Massage your body with a mixture of coconut oil and some of your favourite scented oils like lavender or rosemary. Your skin, besides smelling heavenly, will acquire a silky and supple quality.
  
• Mix half-a-cup honey to your bath water for soft and smooth skin.
  
• Add a small pinch of salt in the water and wash for bright and sparkling eyes.
  
• For a soothing body pack, prepare a paste of mint leaves and almonds. Mix it with warm water and apply all over your body. Leave it till it dries and rinse with warm water.
  
• Buttermilk dabbed on skin for 15 minutes will soak up oil from your skin without drying it.
  
• Carrot juice applied daily helps blemishes fade.
  
• For dark underarms and neck apply lemon juice mixed with cucumber juice and a pinch of turmeric daily. Leave this on for 20 minutes.
  
• A mix of crushed mint leaves and oats will reduce pimples. Leave this for 20 minutes and wash it with warm water.
  
• If you have facial hair, try this. Apply a sticky paste of egg white blended with sugar and corn flour. When it dries, gently peel it off. Repeat this three to four times a week.
  
• Thin apple slices rubbed onto oily skin will help in controlling the oily shine.
  
• For rough palms, use a mixture of 100 ml glycerine and limejuice.
  
• For supple skin, apply a ripe mashed banana on your face for 20 minutes daily.
  
• Cauliflower juice applied on warts regularly will make them fall.
  
• To lighten the tan, try this natural bleach. Mix orange peels (sun dried and powdered) with milk. Apply this paste for 25 minutes and rinse off.
  
• Exfoliate your skin the natural way. Mix grounded moong dal with a pinch of salt and turmeric powder. Make a paste by adding lime juice. Scrub your face with this paste to remove dead skin cells, cleanse the pores and rejuvenate dull and tired skin.
  

 

Wrinkle Prevention

[font=arial,helvetica] WRINKLE PREVENTION [/font]
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[font=arial,helvetica][size=-1]If you thought it was impossible to look 25-30 when you are in your fifties, think again. With care, a smooth, wrinkle-free complexion can be yours for years to come. [/size][/font]

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[size=-1] Fruits

Face masks refresh and rejuvenate the skin. They provide intensive nourishment to the skin – nourishment that your skin is thrusting for, so make sure you use face masks regularly on your skin. Almost every seasonal fruit can be applied on the skin. Some fruits like peaches and avocadoes are rich in moisturizers and can be applied to dry skin, while other fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, strawberries, apples, are good for oily skin. Bananas too nourish and soften the skin. So the next time you sit down with a fruit, take out a small piece, mash it and apply it to your face. When you start looking a decade younger than your real age, you will be glad you persevered. For some serious skin firming and nourishment, mash a banana, add honey, and apply this on your skin, and all over your body. [/size][/font]

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Egg

Egg white tones the skin, while egg yolk nourishes it and prevents wrinkles. If your daughter has an oily complexion, she can put egg white on her skin, while you use the egg yolk on yours. Once you cross the age of 35, start applying egg yolk regularly to your skin. Whole egg mayonnaise too is excellent for the skin, since it is rich in skin nutrients like egg, vinegar and oil. [/size][/font]

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Essential oils

Essential oils too are excellent for the skin, and they have therapeutic benefits as well. When you are using two oils on your skin, you should make sure you mix them together a while before applying them, to give them time to energise each other. Jasmine, Lavender, Myrrh, Patchouli, Sandalwood and Ylang-Ylang all have effective anti-wrinkle properties and work very well when mixed with a moisturizer. [/size][/font]

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Massage

Every day and night, while you apply your moisturizer, massage your face for at least ten minutes. Massage it from the neck upwards, because you don’t want a clear, wrinkle-free face to rest on a wrinkled neck as you age, do you? Regular facials too help keep your skin looking young till a later age, but if you cannot afford to spend so much time or money at the parlour, even giving yourself a regular massage at home will help. The correct massage strokes would be upwards and backwards toward your hairline. Don’t pull your skin too hard. In fact, one of the great ways to massage your face would be to slap it quickly and hard, once again, in an upward and backward direction. This stimulates blood flow and increases circulation, which in turn ensures that a rich supply of nutrients are carried to the skin through the blood. Splashing your face with ice-cold water has a similar effect.

Some people have the tendency to develop puffiness in the face. Regular massage and skin slapping reduces puffiness and leaves skin tight and smooth.

If you feel the beginnings of a double chin, when applying your daily moisturizer slap your double chin area with rapid strokes. Your double chin will vanish.

When you apply under-eye cream, tap the under-eye area rapidly with your fingertips, to pimp up circulation and reduce under-eye puffiness. [/size][/font]

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Delay The Onset Of Wrinkles

[font=arial,helvetica]DELAY THE ONSET OF WRINKLES[/font][font=arial,helvetica][/font]
<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="95%"> <tbody><tr valign="top"> <td> [font=arial,helvetica]Stop the hands of time! 10 great tips that will take years off your face.

1. Apply moisturiser regularly. Dry skin tends to lose elasticity earlier than oily skin, so applying moisturiser helps combat wrinkles, as it keeps the skin supple. It helps to keep in mind that air-conditioners and room heaters tend to dry out the air, and consequently, your skin. Apply a heavier moisturiser if you are going to be sleeping in an air-conditioned room. If possible, place a humidifier in the bedroom.

2. Avoid resting your face on your arm. This stretches your skin.

3. While removing eye make-up, be very gentle. The eyes are the first areas of the face to develop wrinkles. Under no circumstances should you stretch or pull the delicate under-eye skin.

4. The ageing effects of the sun are as severe as time itself. Make sure you stay out of the sun between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., when the sun is at its strongest. If you must step out in the sun, wear a cap or carry an umbrella. Apply sunscreen lotion even if you are indoors, during the day.

5. Wear sunglasses if you step out in the sun. Not only do they look great, but they also prevent you from involuntarily crinkling your eyes due to the glare of the sun. This action causes premature wrinkling, and should be avoided.

6. Inverted yoga postures like Chakrasana, Sirshasana, Sarvangasana, Adhomukha Svanasana, increase circulation to the face. Oxygen is pumped into the face, which helps rejuvenate skin. Inverted poses are of tremendous benefit, and also help delay the onset of grey hair. Your skin will look healthier and firmer.

7. Apply nourishing face masks regularly to your skin. You could purchase them, or use ingredients from your kitchen shelf. Egg yolk is extremely beneficial, so if possible, apply it at least once a week. Leave on for ten minutes and wash off. Honey, olive oil, malai (at least a day old), unboiled milk, are all excellent for skin as well. Apply a nourishing mask twice a week. Years down the line, when your contemporaries faces are lined with wrinkles, you will be glad you did.

8. Don’t smoke. By smoking, you are increasing the levels of toxins in your body. In addition, the constant puckering of lips around the cigarette, to draw smoke, causes lines around the mouth. Similarly, consume less alcohol. Alcohol, if had in excess, causes puffiness the next morning. This puffiness causes the skin to stretch, and consequently quickens the onset of wrinkles.

9. Anti-ageing creams do help, though they are not the miracle workers they claim to be.

10. Chickpeas (channas) and soya beans have been found to contain ingredients that combat wrinkles. This doesn’t mean that you start eating channa bhatura for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and expect to look 25 when you are 50! Chickpeas are best eaten in sprouted form, or you could mash the chickpeas or soya beans and add it to your atta while making chapatti. [/font]</td></tr></tbody></table>