At-Home Remedies for Cosmetic Problems
Acne creams and lotions for dry skin can be very expensive, and they could have the opposite effect from your desired results, but these at-home remedies could be just what you need. Store-bought treatments can be harmful to the skin- especially acne medications. Keep in mind that before using any of these treatments, your skin should be clean and dry. Also, when making strokes on the face, downward strokes can speed the aging process, so all strokes should be made upwards and outwards.
A quick cure for any skin problems:
All you need is a quarter cup of any kind of milk and a green teabag. Boil the milk with the green teabag in it- the concoction will probably turn into a creamy yellowish color. Let it cool for a while and apply it to a clean, dry face with a washcloth or cotton ball when it’s lukewarm. Leave it on for about ten minutes or until it starts to dry, and then wash with soap and warm water. This is a cure for acne as well as dry skin. Milk makes an excellent cleanser for the skin. This treatment does wonders instantly, and using it once a week can show lifetime results.
Fast, easy spot treatment:
You won’t need to run to the store to buy an expensive gel for a quick acne remedy… You probably already have what you need in your bathroom. A tiny dab of toothpaste (not the gel kind) can work wonders on a pimple. Simply apply it with a q-tip and leave it overnight, and you’ll see a huge improvement when you wake up. Most toothpastes contain chemicals that speed up the time it takes for a zit to dry out. Also, if the spot you’re treating is red and stands out a lot, crush up half an asprin tablet and mix it with the toothpaste. Asprin contains benzoyl peroxide- an ingredient found in many acne medications that reduces redness.
An easy remedy for oily skin:
Oil can cause the pores to open up, giving skin a darkened look and possibly causing acne. Rub a slice of cold lime over the skin- this closes pores and can prevent other various problems. However, lime can dry out your face and should not be used on a very regular basis.
Removing a bad self-tan:
One of the most embarassing events that can happen to a person is being seen with bright orange eyebrows and an obviously failed attempt at a tan in a bottle, but it can be fixed. A combination of lemon juice and salt can be used to scrub away self-tanning products, but if that’s not available, a lemon wedge works just as well.
An old fashioned treatment:
At some point, we’ve probably all heard of the egg white method, and if you’ve ever tried it, you know that it works. Beat an egg white (for best results, use a hand-held mixer) until it’s white rather than clear. This could take twenty minutes, but the results are worth it. Apply to the face and let it sit until it’s dry and cracking. Then, wash it off with warm water and you’ll be amazed by the results.
A variation for aging skin:
Mix an egg white, half a teaspoon of honey and a little pinch of flour. It should become a smooth paste. Apply it to the skin and leave it for about fifteen minutes. Doing this twice a month can reduce the visible effects of sunlight, pollution, and age.
Fruit masks:
Besides just eating fruit, one of the best treatments for the skin is a mashed fruit mask. Bananas are best for this, and papayas and avocados work well, too. Mash the fruit until it resembles baby food, add a little milk, and apply it like a face mask. After half an hour, rinse it off with warm water. The vitamins in the fruits are very nourishing and healthy for the skin.
An easy, at-home pedicure:
While many choose to take excellent care of their fingernails, the feet are left neglected. There are many easy options for at-home pedicures, but this is one of the best. Remove nail polish, if necessary. Soak your feet for about twenty minutes in warm water with a bit of lavender oil. (If that’s not available, shampoo works as well.) Other good ingredients for a soak include a tablespoon of olive oil for moisture, sea salts or bath salts to exfoliate dead skin and calluses (or a half cup of Epsom salt), and a tablespoon of lemon juice for removing yellowish nail polish stains. If you have a pumice stone or loofah sponge, this is an excellent time to use it. Keep in mind that while you’re working on one foot, the other should be soaking. When you’re done, follow with cuticle care and nail polish, and you’ll feel like you just stepped out of the salon.
Get rid of nail polish stains on the fingernails:
This is one of the most useful remedies. After leaving nail polish on for an extended period of time, it tends to leave nails yellowish and unattractive, but this is easily taken care of. Soak your nails in a bowl of warm water, a few drops of lavender oil, and a teaspoon of lemon juice. The lavender prevents the cuticles from drying out, while the lemon juice removes stains.
Selecting proper vitamins for your cosmetic needs:
There are so many vitamins out there that it’s almost impossible to remember what each one is good for, but here’s a quick guide:
Vitamin A: Helps skin retain elasticity. Keep in mind, however, that women require less of this vitamin than men, and too much of it can cause illness. Butter, margarine, and fish oils are rich in Vitamin A.
Vitamin B2: Typically associated with the general health of skin. Found in milk, eggs, and green vegetables.
Vitamin C: Helps to heal cuts and wounds quickly, and a deficiency of it can cause broken capillaries and weak blood vessels on the skin’s surface. All fresh fruits and vegetables are great sources for Vitamin C.
Vitamin E: Useful for attractive skin and hair. Dark green vegetables, eggs, and nuts contain a healthy amount of Vitamin E.
Keep in mind, however, that the idea of breaking open vitamin capsules to rub into the skin is not a good solution. This can cause further skin problems and possibly irritation. If you choose to use vitamin supplements, they should only be taken orally.
The most important ingredient to good skin:
On average, our bodies are 70% water. It is recommended that we consume at least 64 oz. of fluids every day, and water has many benefits. Cosmetically, it hydrates our skin and hair and keeps us looking healthy. Dehydration can have one of the worst effects on skin, especially when it’s internal.
Most people don’t know how easy it is to keep our bodies and faces looking healthy, young, and radiant, but chances are, you can find the right items in your own kitchen. At-home remedies are a much cheaper solution for cosmetic care, and they often work better than store-bought treatments.
