SHE STARTED APPLYING COCONUT OIL AROUND HER EYES. 5 MINUTES LATER… UNBELIEVABLE!

When we talk about health and beauty coconut oil is one of the most beneficial ingredients. In this article we will present few reasons for using coconut oil:

• Overnight Skin Care

Using coconut oil before bedtime will make your face pure, clean and refreshed for sure. It penetrates deeply into the skin, making it soft, flexible and nourished.

Is Coconut Oil Good for Dark Circles Under Eyes?

– It moisturizes the skin around eyes to prevent dryness and wrinkling.
– It penetrate quickly into the skin and rejuvenates.
– It contains vitamins and fatty acids that are essential to the growth of healthy skin cells.
– The vitamin E and anti-oxidants in it heal and repair damaged skin cells.
– It is anti-inflammatory, so it reduces redness and swelling.
– The lactic acid in it tightens pores to make skin smooth and firm.

What you need to do?

Apply a little amount of coconut oil on your dark circles and gently massage it into the skin for few minutes. Leave it on overnight and wash it off the next morning.

• Whipped Coconut Oil Cellulite Cream

Cellulite is a problem for many woman and coconut oil is the best solution to deal with it. The recipe is simple. Just mix coconut oil and honey. Apply the mixture on your skin before going to bed and after several weeks the cellulite will be gone.

• Cuticle Softener

Massage coconut oil in a dry, hang nail prone cuticles.

• Varicose Veins

Massage varicose veins really well with coconut oil. Studies says that this is an excellent method for this problem.

• Coconut Oil Hand Cream

Solve the problem with dry hands with coconut oil it will makes them softer and smoother.

• Chemical-Free Shaving Cream

Shaving cream for your underarms and your legs contain many chemicals and is very expensive. Coconut oil can replace shaving creams. It is cheap, natural and you skin after shaving will be hydrated.

• Eyelash Treatment for Super Lush Lashes

Apply coconut oil to your lashes before bedtime. This is especially useful if you wear eye makeup as it can cause hair loss and breakage over time.

Source: healthyfoodteam.com

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Wonderful Things That Aspirin Can Do For Your Hair

The innumerable benefits of aspirin include much more than just pain relief from aches and pains. Many people know that it is used long-term as a heart attack preventative, and studies indicate that it may even limit the risk of developing certain types of cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. But aspirin has countless other possible benefits, and several of them pertain to the hair. Learn about the wonderful things that aspirin can do for your hair.

Hair Color Restorative

Getting your hair wet in a chlorinated pool may have a detrimental effect on its color, especially for people with light-colored hair. Fortunately, you can typically restore your hair’s original color by dissolving a few aspirins in a warm glass of water. Apply the mixture generously to your hair and allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes.

Shinier Hair

The salicylic acid in aspirin helps to make hair shinier by opening the hair cuticles and removing any build-up that may ruin the hair’s natural luster.

Dandruff Control

Yes, it’s even possible to control dandruff with aspirin by adding it to your shampoo. It might seem odd, but this is a powerful tip for eliminating dandruff, which makes your hair appear faded and dried out. The salicylic acid in aspirin works to dissolve dead skin cells and shampoo buildup on the scalp, essentially acting as a clarifying agent. To avoid depleting the natural oils in your hair, use aspirins sparingly, preferably by mixing a couple of crushed pills to your shampoo about once a week.

Possible Hair Loss Remedy

Experts have theorized that animals with elevated amounts of prostaglandin D2 are totally bald. This hypothesis has led researchers to hunt for a hair loss remedy that works for any kind of hair loss by inhibiting the production of prostaglandin D2 in the body, and aspirin is one of the most well-known prostaglandin inhibitors. While aspirin’s effects on hair loss have not been formally proven, it has been observed that some people have had hair regrowth while using aspirin in their daily regimens.

Aspirin for the Skin

Aspirin also helps to clear skin by drying up pimples and reducing inflammation. By sloughing off dead skin cells on the top layer of the epidermis, the salicylic acid in aspirin minimizes the chance of pores becoming clogged, which is a common cause of acne outbreaks. It also reduces redness and swelling, which is helpful for people with rosacea. Psoriasis sufferers can also reap benefits from the salicylic acid in aspirin, as it can make the lesions smaller and alleviate the itch.

Aspirin for Ingrown Hairs

Ingrown hairs can be painful hurdles on the road to having soft, hairless skin. Ingrown hairs are regular hairs that become trapped and grow into the skin rather than out of it, and they commonly occur due to excessive shaving. These hairs are not only unattractive but painful as well, since they usually result in skin inflammation. Masks and face creams made with aspirin can be used to facilitate both the removal and prevention of these pesky ingrown hairs. To prevent the occurrence of ingrown hairs, apply a facial mask that includes aspirin right after shaving or waxing.

Household Uses for Aspirin

On top of all these uses, aspirin is a versatile home remedy in many situations. It can be used to preserve live flowers, as a garden rooting agent, for removing difficult stains, and for lessening the inflammation and pain of insect bites, while also providing antifungal properties to reduce the risk of infection. It’s safe to say that aspirin is a true jack-of-all-trades that ought to have a place in every household.

Source: positivemed.com

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9 SIMPLE HONEY TIPS TO DETOX YOUR SKIN AND ACTIVATE HEALTHY HAIR GROWTH

Honey’s benefits go beyond sweetening up your favorite Greek yogurt or afternoon tea. Packed with a powerful punch of antiseptic, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties, it’s one of the best ways to give your beauty routine a boost. The key is to use raw honey that hasn’t been pasteurized, processed, or heated in any way as that preserves the best qualities. Read on for 9 different ways—concocted and tested just for you by the Healthbeauty team—that you can use a jar of honey on your face, body and yes, even in your hair.

On your face

Combat acne. Leave it to honey to attack the bacteria that causes breakouts, while also drawing moisture to the skin. Dab a small amount onto blemishes, leave for 15-20 minutes, then rinse.

Lighten up dark circles. A spoonful of honey may help fade dark circles and ease swelling under the eyes. Mix equal parts honey and almond oil, then apply as you would an eye cream before bed; rinse off in the morning.

Smooth out wrinkles. Got an avocado lying around in your kitchen? This all-natural concoction hydrates dull skin and may help fight wrinkles. Mix 1 tablespoon of raw honey with half a ripe avocado. Spread out evenly over face and rinse off with warm water after 15 to 20 minutes.

On your body

Reverse cuticle damage. Cracked cuticles are not only unsightly, but they’re also an invitation for fungus and bacteria to creep in. Coat your cuticles and nails with a mixture of raw honey and apple cider vinegar (1 teaspoon each) to cleanse and soften. Leave on for 10 minutes and rinse off.

Reduce razor burn. Soothe the irritation caused by shaving mishaps by smearing a dab of raw honey over razor bumps post-shave. Rinse off after 10 to 15 minutes.

Pamper your skin. Did you know Cleopatra allegedly bathed in milk and honey to achieve a flawless complexion? Try your own honey bath: Just dissolve 2 to 3 tablespoons of raw honey in 1 cup of hot water. Pour into a hot bath, sit back, and relax—you’ll emerge feeling like a queen.

In your hair

Add shine. Treat your hair to this volume and shine-boosting mask: Mix 1/2 cup raw honey and 1/4 cup olive or coconut oil. Apply to your hair from roots to tips, leave in for 20 minutes, then rinse. Use once weekly for hair that shines like silk.

Soften strands. Raw honey is a humectant, meaning it locks in moisture. Revive dry, lackluster hair by thoroughly mixing in 1 teaspoon of raw honey with your shampoo. Lather up as usual and rinse well. The goo will wash out (we promise!), leaving strands super-soft.

Soothe an itchy scalp. Thanks to its anti-fungal properties, honey helps nix the gunk that clogs hair follicles, leading to itchy flakes. Dilute 1 tablespoon of honey with a teaspoon of water and massage it in to your scalp for two minutes; rinse with warm water after two hours. Repeat every other day until your scalp is flake-free.

Source: thescienceofeating.com

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TOP 10 CASTOR OIL BEAUTY BENEFITS FOR SKIN AND HAIR

Castor oil is extracted from seeds of the castor oil plant. It is colorless to very pale yellow in color with an unpleasant odor.

This oil has traditionally been used topically for skin and hair benefits. Today, the cosmetic industry uses castor oil as a main ingredient in many beauty care products.

Most of the beauty benefits can be attributed to its high ricinoleic acid content. Ricinoleic acid, an unsaturated omega-9 fatty acid and a hydroxyl acid, has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

The oil is also high in vitamin E, minerals, proteins and other nutrients that are beneficial to skin and hair.

To reap the beauty benefits of castor oil, always opt for organic castor oil. It should be cold-pressed and pure, virgin castor oil.

Before using castor oil topically, always do a patch to rule out the possibility of any allergic reaction.

Here are the top 10 castor oil beauty benefits for skin and hair.

1. Nourishes Dry Skin

Castor oil works as a great moisturizer for dry skin. As it penetrates deep into the skin, it is effective at treating dry, flaky skin patches.

The high concentration of fatty acid also promotes healthy and glowing skin and helps with skin conditions like dermatitis, which can cause severely rough, dry skin.

Also, this oil promotes the production of elastin and collagen, which help delay the appearance of aging signs and keeps your skin looking youthful.

• Mix equal parts of castor oil and coconut oil and massage it into the dry skin area. Wait 20 to 30 minutes, then take a shower. Repeat daily.
• After removing your makeup and washing your face at night, apply a few drops of castor oil on your face and massage gently for a couple of minutes. The next morning, you will have a hydrated and refreshed look.

2. Reduces Wrinkles

This natural emollient can reduce the appearance of crow’s-feet, wrinkles and fine lines.

As this oil easily penetrates the skin layers, it will not clog the pores. In fact, it can reach deep into the skin to nourish it. It also helps reduce the appearance of blemishes and scars on skin.

Gentle massage your skin with a few drops of castor oil in circular motion daily at night before going to sleep. Continue doing this for at least 4 to 6 months to get the desired results.

3. Promotes Hair Growth

Apart from skin, castor oil is also good for your hair. It helps deep condition and thicken the hair strands to give you a beautiful and shiny head of thicker hair.

The ricinoleic acid in it helps balance the scalp’s pH level. This reduces the risk of dandruff, split ends and hair breakage.

• Massage warm castor oil into the roots, scalp and hair before going to bed. Wash it off in the morning. Do it twice a week.
• For those with oily hair, mix castor oil with coconut oil or sweet almond oil in equal proportions and use as described above.

4. Thickens Eyebrows and Eyelashes

If you want thicker eyebrows and eyelashes, your solution is castor oil. This follicle-stimulating and nourishing oil can help thicken the hair of your brows as well as lashes. It contains protein, vitamins and fatty acids that nourish the hair follicles and promote hair growth.

Plus, it helps fight micro-organisms that hamper hair growth.

• Dip a cotton swab in castor oil and rub it into your eyebrows each night before you go to bed. Repeat until your eyebrows reach the desired thickness.
• For thicker eyelashes, close your eyes and gently apply castor oil on your lashes. Do it daily at night before going to bed. Continue for at least a couple of weeks to get naturally longer and thicker eyelashes.

5. Prevents Stretch Marks

When used during pregnancy, castor oil prevents the formation of stretch marks. Basically, it works as a humectant, helping your skin retain moisture and maintain elasticity.

In addition, the fatty acids in it maximize the ability of the skin to regenerate tissues to improve the skin strength and texture.

• Combine 1 tablespoon of castor oil with 2 tablespoons of sweet almond oil. Apply the mixture daily on stretch mark prone areas, such as the stomach, thighs and breasts, to prevent the ugly marks from developing.
• To fade stretch marks, massage the affected area with pure castor oil for 10 minutes and then cover the area with plastic wrap. Apply heat using a heating pad for 15 to 20 minutes. Repeat once daily.

6. Softens Calluses

This thick oil is an excellent moisturizer that helps soften calluses by treating dry, rough skin. When applied to the affected area, it helps restore the moisture and adds softness.

Also, its anti-inflammatory property helps alleviate the pain and swelling that can make walking difficult.

It is also effective for treating corns as well as dry and cracked heels.

1. Soak your feet in warm water for 10 minutes.
2. Using a pumice stone, scrub the area to get rid of thick and hardened skin.
3. Rinse off your feet and pat them dry.
4. Next, soak a cotton ball in castor oil and place it over the callus or corn.
5. Secure the cotton ball with a small piece of tape and leave it for several hours.
6. Repeat daily until you are satisfied with the result.

7. Treats Brittle and Cracked Nails

This thick oil is also effective at treating brittle and cracked nails. The various vitamins and minerals in castor oil promote nail growth and make them strong. Plus, its antifungal properties reduce the risk of fungal infection.

You can choose from any of the following remedies:

• Put a drop of pure castor oil on each nail and massage it into your nails for 1 minute. Do this daily before going to bed.
• Another option is to mix castor oil with olive oil in equal proportions and use it as a night cream for your nails as well as hands.

8. Heals Chapped Lips

For dark and chapped lips, castor oil is highly beneficial. The moisturizing property of this thick, viscous liquid keeps the lips moisturized and properly nourished. It can help treat as well as prevent chapped lips.

Plus, it helps keep your lips soft and pink. In fact, it is found in a several commercial lip care products.

• Make a lip mask with 1 teaspoon each of castor oil and glycerin and a few drops of fresh lemon juice. Mix it well and apply it on your lips before going to bed. The next morning, wipe it off with a cotton ball dipped in lukewarm water. Repeat daily until your lips are healed.
• Alternatively, mix equal amounts of castor oil and almond oil. Massage it into your lips a few times a day until your lips are soft and smooth again.

9. Repairs Split Ends

For controlling split ends, deep conditioning is a must. It helps restore moisture and improve the overall health of your hair. Castor oil is a good choice for deep conditioning.

1. Apply a few drops of warm castor oil directly onto the ends of your hair.
2. Wait 30 minutes, then shampoo your hair as usual.
3. Repeat a couple of times a week.

10. Soothes Sunburn

The soothing and anti-inflammatory properties of castor oil are beneficial in treating sunburns. The ricinoleic acid in it will protect any sunburn-induced blisters.

Plus, the omega-3 fatty acids in it help keep the skin hydrated as well as stimulate growth of healthy tissue.

Along with sunburn, castor oil is even effective at treating hyperpigmentation and clears the skin of spots and marks.

• Mix the contents of 1 vitamin E capsule and 5 drops of castor oil in a bowl. Apply it on the affected skin before going to bed. The next morning, rinse it off with cool water. Use this remedy daily until you are satisfied with the result.
• Alternatively, mix castor oil with coconut oil in equal proportions. Apply it to the affected area, massaging gently so that it penetrates into the skin.

Repeat a few times daily for a couple of weeks.

Note: Make sure your face is free of any makeup before using these remedies. Take necessary measures to prevent castor oil from getting into your eyes.

Source: thescienceofeating.com

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One Simple Shampoo Which Will Make Your Hair Grow Like Crazy and Everyone Will Be Jealous Of Your Shine and Volume

The hair, especially in women, is one of the most prominent elements of beauty. Yet, as we constantly treat it with heat, including straightening, curling, dyeing, blow-drying, our hair’s quality is significantly reduced and it becomes damaged, dry and has split ends.

Fortunately, there is a natural hair shampoo that will restore its shine, volume and health in no time! The homemade recipe that we are offering today provides fantastic results in a very short period. Namely, after a month, your hair will be significantly improved.

This shampoo provides remarkable effects for your hair, due to its powerful and healthy ingredients. Namely, its compounds contain high medicinal properties, so their combination simply does miracles for the hair and scalp!

Nettle: Nettle is one of the most efficient remedies for the health of your scalp and hair. It stimulates the blood flow in the scalp and thus accelerates hair growth.

Castor Oil: This remarkable oil is high in vitamin E and ricinoleic acid. It promotes a healthy hair growth, and due to its potent antibacterial and antifungal properties, it prevents the formation of dandruff, as well as bacteria proliferation on the scalp.

Panthenol: The pantothenic acid, or vitamin B5, promotes a healthy scalp and stimulates the regeneration process of your hair.

This is how to prepare it:

Ingredients:

• 750ml plain nettle shampoo
• 2 ampoules vitamin B
• 30ml aqueous solution of AD drops
• 50ml castor oil
• 100ml aqueous solution of panthenol
• 30ml nettle drops

Method of preparation:

You need a 1l bottle. Mix the ingredients listed above and pour the mixture in it. In order to be sure that they are blended entirely, shake it well.

Use:

Shake the bottle well before use. Apply this mixture on the scalp and hair and massage gently. Then, leave it on to act for a few minutes, and then wash it off.

If you want, you can apply a dry mask afterwards, but it is not necessary, as the shampoo already has the needed ingredients, like nettle, AD drops and castor oil, that will address the issue of the dryness of your hair.

Moreover, you should also consume nettle tea, as it raises the blood count and regulates your hormonal levels, and both of these issues cause hair loss.

Source: healthyfoodhouse.com

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REMOVE AGE SPOTS, FRECKLES, WRINKLES, EXCESS FACE FAT AND LIGHTEN YOUR SKIN IN A WEEK

There is no need to use the laser if you want clean skin. The mixture we are going to write about is extraordinary that will help you get the desired results in just one week. To prepare this amazing mask, you will need oatmeal and lemon.

There are many causes of appearing spots on the skin, particularly on the face which gradually makes the skin tone darker. Sun exposure, hormonal changes, environmental factors and bad habits are other causes as well.

CLEAR YOUR SKIN IN A WEEK WITH OATS AND LEMON MASK

Oatmeal is a powerful and natural cleaning agent. It absorbs dirt and debris accumulated in the pores and offers detailed cleaning.

Lemon is a popular ingredient for skin lightening, removing age spots, freckles and excess face fat. Also, lemon closes the pores. It includes vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that reduces the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles, and also stimulates collagen production.

The mixture of these two ingredients is an amazing combination that cleanses your skin naturally and immediately leaves visible results.

Needed ingredients:

• Freshly squeezed juice from one large lemon
• Ground oats

How to prepare the remedy?

Combine the lemon juice and ground oats to make a homogeneous mixture. You need to apply the mixture directly on your previously cleaned face.

Let the mixture sit on for minimum 20 minutes. Then, remove the mask with plenty of water.

Source: http://loveinspireamaze.com/

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She Rubs Baking Soda On Her Cheeks 3 Times a Week. The Results Are Stunning!

Both, men and women can suffer from dark circles under the eyes, and this common issue is quite annoying, so people constantly struggle to find a way to eliminate them.

Thus, they use concealers and foundation to cover the dark circles, as well as some other creams which promise to provide satisfactory results.

In most cases, they appear as a result of lack of sleep, but it can also be a result of the following factors:

• anemia,
• alcohol,
• eczema,
• crying,
• sun exposure,
• High amounts of sodium
• oversleeping,
• stress,
• smoking.

Furthermore, they may be caused by a nasal congestion and allergies, and may also indicate some more serious health problem, like hypothyroidism and liver.

Hence, instead of the expensive cosmetic products you can purchase to treat this issue, we offer you a completely natural way to get rid of dark circles!

What’s more, it is inexpensive and consists of two ingredients only: water and baking soda. Moreover, apart from the unpleasant dark circles around the eyes, baking soda will also treat acne, and nourish and soften your skin.

The following video will demonstrate how to treat your dark circles with some water and baking soda:

Source: healthyfoodhouse.com

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How To Finally Stop The Hair Loss? Grow Back Your Hair Naturally, Faster And Stronger

Hair loss is a really frightening issue and it represents one of the worst aesthetic issues, even in youngsters.

Hair loss can be caused by numerous different factors, but most commonly, it is a result of stress. This phenomenon is, in fact, a response of the body to stressful situations. Other reasons for hair loss include weight loss, menopause, hormonal imbalance and pregnancy.

Numerous people have tried various cosmetic products to treat hair loss, and prevent its aggravation, but only a few of them can provide some effects, and plus, they are rich in chemicals that may endanger the health.

On the other hand, there is a natural way to treat this issue efficiently, and it also boosts the hair growth at the same time. This natural remedy contains guava leaves, which are high in vitamin B which is extremely important for the hair.

Guava leaves are extremely effective in the treatment of hair loss, and they also strengthen the follicles and root of the hair.

This is how to prepare the remedy:

In a liter of water, add a handful of guava leaves, and leave them to boil for 20 minutes. Then, leave the remedy to cool. Massage your scalp with the remedy and do not rinse it for several hours, in order to allow it to act.

For optimal results, use the mixture to massage your scalp at bedtime. After the massage, you should put on a cap and leave it to act overnight. You should wash it off the next morning.

Repeat this procedure regularly until you obtain satisfactory results.

Source: healthyfoodhouse.com

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APPLY THIS MASK ON YOUR HAIR AND WAIT FOR 15 MINUTES – THE EFFECTS WILL LEAVE YOU BREATHLESS!

These 2 ingredients – cinnamon are honey are super healthy ingredients, loaded with healthy nutrients and they can provide many health benefits. They are well known by their medicinal properties and this is why they are used in the alternative medicine for centuries. But, you should also know that they are very useful and beneficial for the health of your hair as well. You will be amazed by the results. This 2-ingredient hair mask recipe is extremely useful and effective because it nourishes and moisturizes the scalp, it works great against split ends, hair loss, dandruff, etc.

Cinnamon – this super healthy spice will improve the blood circulation. And, as an active ingredient in this hair mask, it will improve the health of your hair, it will make your hair shiny, elastic, etc. You should also know that cinnamon has powerful antioxidant properties, which means that it will protect your hair from many different things, such as: low temperature, ultraviolet light, stress, etc. This homemade honey-cinnamon hair mask is extremely useful and beneficial, especially for people who have weak, thin, brittle and dull hair. And the best thing about this mask is that everyone can make is and use it. This homemade hair mask is very simple and easy to make. You just have to follow the simple instructions.

Homemade Honey & Cinnamon Hair Mask – RECIPE:

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 cup olive oil

Directions:

Here’s what you need to do – first, you need to add ½ cup olive oil in a small pan and put it on heat. Then, when the oil is hot enough, you need to remove it from heat. Pour the olive oil in a bowl, and then you need to add 1 tsp. of cinnamon and 1 tsp. of honey. Mix it well with a spoon. Then, you need to apply this mixture on the scalp, using a brush applicator. First, you need to divide your hair with a comb, so it would be easy for you to apply this homemade honey-cinnamon mask. You need to start from the back to the front.

Then, you need to leave it on for 15 minutes. After that you need to shampoo your hair with a mild shampoo and apply a hair conditioner as usual. You need to use this mask every day, for 1 week. Your hair will thank you for it. This hair mask will speed up the hair growth, improve the health of your hair and prevent hair loss. You will be amazed by the results. We really hope you find this article helpful and don’t forget to share it with your friends and family. Thank You.

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Watch Your Teeth Get White In Just 2 Minutes With This Home Remedy

Everyone would like to see and have a beautiful smile, with white and neat teeth that shine with a healthy glow!

However, in order to obtain this, you need to take a proper care of your oral health. Moreover, you can enhance the beauty of your smile by whitening the teeth. Today, we will reveal a natural method that will whiten them in a couple of minutes!

You won’t need to spend all that money on expensive whitening treatments anymore, as you can naturally get the smile you desired.

This extremely effective, natural treatment contains two ingredients only- lemon and baking soda. Learn how to prepare their mixture and clean your teeth in order to make them white and shiny like those of the celebrities!

Preparation:

• In a bowl, place a tablespoon of baking soda. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice. Add a tablespoon of the lemon juice to the bowl and mix it with baking soda.
• Now, soak a cloth or napkin in the mixture and apply it on your teeth. Leave it to act for 2 minutes.
• Then, rinse the teeth. That’s all!

Your teeth will be incredibly white! However, note that you should avoid repeating this method too often, as this paste may damage your tooth enamel.

Yet, it has no other negative effects, so you can freely use it in order to get the smile of your dreams!

Source: healthyfoodhouse.com

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Tips For Healthy Skin

- Use cleansers at night to remove make up and dirt before using a face wash.

- Use sunscreen everyday even if you are indoors - the sun's UVA rays come through windows too and contribute to aging, pigmenting and tanning. Ideally, sunscreen should be applied every three hours.

- Sunscreen should have an SPF of 30 or more. SPF is the degree of protection against UVB rays, hence sunscreen must have UVA protection as well. The usual UVA protection ingredients are Avobenzone, Titanium dioxide, Zinc oxide, Mexoryl and Tinosorb.

- Make up products like foundations, mineral powders and compacts do not have adequate sun protection.

- Indian skin tends to tan and pigment easily and patchily. There is a very thin line between tanning and pigmentation. If your tan hasn't gone in 4-6 weeks, see a dermatologist.

- It is advisable to use mild skin lightening creams as prevention. Look for botanical ingredients like Arbutin, Bearberry, Licorice, Mulberry, Ginseng, Gingko, Emblica, Turmeric - curcuma, Grapeseed and vitamins like C and A, and Niacinamide.

- Aging can be intrinsic, i.e. genetic, and can be delayed by exercise and, to a lesser extent, through diet. Extrinsic factors include increased UV intensity, increased pollution as well as stress. All these factors tend to dry the skin and make it more prone to pigmentation and aging. Hence it is important to start caring for your skin in your teens.

- Extrinsic factors produce Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), which are naughty oxygen molecules that damage the cells and make them age faster. Anti-oxidants neutralise these ROS.

- At night, use a moisturiser with an age-protecting agent.

- For younger skin, look for ingredients with antioxidants like vitamins C, E or a whole range of botanicals like green tea, grapeseed or pomegranate extract, curcumin, etc. You might also like to look out for the following: Genistein, ECGC, Resveratrol, Idebenone and Coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10.

- Kitchen ingredients like fruits do not work.

- For older skin, look for the following ingredients: peptides, vitamin A and derivatives like retinol and other retinoids, Alpha, beta and polyhydroxy acids.

- Exfoliation should be done with extreme caution and only with modern bead exfoliators. Avoid granular scrubs as these tend to damage the skin microscopically, which can lead to slow, insidious and patchy darkening.

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