ALL ABOUT NATURAL SKIN CARE

Honey the acne buster

2009-02-09T08:34:00.000-08:00

No wonder Winnie the Pooh doesn't have acne !

Are you suffering from acne or dry skin? Honey can eliminate your troubles.

Honey is a good humectant. It is able to absorb moisture and retain it.

If you have a dry skin due to aging or external factors that has caused your skin to lose its ability to retain moisture, don’t worry - honey is what you need.

Honey is also an effective antimicrobial agent. It prevents the growth of certain bacteria on your skin partly because of its high sugar content that limits the amount of water available for the growth of bacteria.

Given honey’s acidity and low protein content, it cuts down the availability of nitrogen for bacteria growth.

Unlike normal acne creams sold in clinics and pharmacies, honey doesn’t strip off your skin’s natural moisture and give you dry skin.

Honey is also used as medical treatment because of its wonderful healing properties. Be prepared as you click on the link as the pictures on the website might be a little disturbing.

Off the Kitchen
Acne buster honey gel
1. Dissolve ¼ teaspoon of salt in ½ a cup of warm water
2. Dap a cotton ball into the water and apply onto acne or pimples
3. Hold on the cotton ball for 3-5 mins for the acne or pimples to soften
4. Use a cotton bud to dap honey and apply onto acne or pimples

Honey watery mask
1. Evenly mix 2 tablespoons of honey and 2 teaspoons of milk to create a smooth paste
2. Apply paste onto your face and neck
3. Leave on for 10 – 15mins
4. Rinse off with warm water

Hydrating watermelon

2009-01-12T08:05:00.000-08:00

Have you seen a square watermelon ?!

Besides quenching your thirst, the watermelon is a highly powerful antioxidant and hydrating fruit.

The watermelon is rich in Vitamins A and B. These vitamins let your skin emanate a radiant glow like what you see in youthful complexion.

The acids in the fruit act as exfoliating agents, dutifully removing dead skin cells from you face, revealing your younger skin beneath.

Containing 92 percent water by weight, watermelon’s high water content makes it an excellent skin moisturizer. It's hydrating property prevents your skin from drying and wrinkling, thus, making your skin elastic and firm !

Off the Kitchen
Watermelon hydrating toner
1. Mix 1 cup of watermelon chunks and 3 table spoons of water in a blender
2. Filter the residue
3. Pad the watermelon juice on face
4. Rinse after 10-15 minutes

Watermelon cleansing paste
1. Cut out a few pieces of watermelon
2. Mash the watermelon into a paste (careful not to turn it to watermelon juice!)
3. Apply the paste onto the face and massage for 2 mins
4. Wash off with cool water after leaving on for 5-10 mins

Tea tree oil: Acne Terminator

2008-12-23T05:53:00.001-08:00

An oil which is not oily? It's Tea Tree Oil!

We know how demoralizing it is to face people with our unsightly acne ...

Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca oil, contains Terpinen-4-ol which has powerful antimicrobial properties. Thus, the oil is antiseptic and antifungal and usually used when it is diluted.

Use Tea tree oil to eliminate acne appearing on your face. According to a study (Medical Journal of Australia, 1990), a solution with 5% of tea tree oil treated acne just as well as 5% of benzoyl peroxide (you practically find this in every acne cream).

Tea tree oil is gentler than benzoyl peroxide; you don't have to worry about scarring if you accidentally apply a tad too much on your stubborn acne.

Lavender is often used with tea tree oil as lavender is excellent as a preventative acne treatment that stops future breakouts.

Off the Kitchen
Tea Tree Oil Acne Terminator
1. Apply tea tree oil onto blemishes.
2. Apply lavender essential oil onto blemishes. (Optional )
3. Do it 2 times a day, once in the morning and once in the night after cleansing face

Pineapple: For removing dead skin cells

2008-12-20T21:06:00.000-08:00

Apple from Pine tree?

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) work wonders because it removes dead skin cells, which is mainly made up of a protein called keratin.

But did you know there is a type of plant enzymes called Proteolyitc enzymes that actually help to dissolve the layer of keratin ?

Pineapple is a main source of Proteolytic plant enzyme. The enzyme helps to fight free-radicals that damage the skin and helps to remove dead skin cells while detoxifying to give a clean, rejuvenated skin.

Pineapple is useful against acne as it has anti-inflammation properties. Having exfoliating and anti-acne properties, pineapple makes your skin spotless and young.

And it makes good cocktails too!

Off the Kitchen
Pineapple mask
1. Prepare 1 tablespoon of pineapple juice
2. Spread the juice onto face and massage gently
3. Allow juice to dry for 8-10 mins
4. Wash off with warm water

Papaya: Exfoliating or whitening?

2008-12-10T06:45:00.000-08:00

Skin Whitening Fruit?

Many people thought that papaya was good for whitening skin because after application of papaya extract, they experienced a softer and whiter skin.

However, papaya is NOT a ‘whitening fruit’ because it simply does not suppress melanin, which causes unfavorable dark spots, production.

Due to the presence of Papain, papaya is an excellent exfoliant. Papain dissolves dead skin cells thus aid in skin exfoliation.

When papaya extract is applied, your dead skins are readily removed and you get renewed skin!

Therefore, your skin appears softer, younger and vibrant, some say ‘whiter’ in complexion.

Papain is most ‘active’ in an unripe green papaya compared to a ripe one. Thus, it is better to use green papayas for skin care; whatever that is left can be part of your diet :)

Off the Kitchen
Papaya Exfoliating Mask
1. Prepare a cup of papaya juice (recommend to start with ripe papaya, if no signs of allergy proceed to use unripe green papaya)
2. Pat the juice onto face (recommend to mix in yoghurt for easier application)
3. Allow it to dry and leave on and for 5-10mins
4. Wash face with cool water

Note:

Application of papaya extract might cause sensitivity and skin irritation.

Try applying on hand or small area on the face to test for any allergy towards the fruit extract.

Balinese Papaya Mask
1. Mash papaya well.
2. Take an egg, beat it until it is frothy.
3. Combine that with the papaya. Add the pumpkin to the egg/papaya mixture and blend them together.
4. Apply mixture on your face. Cleansed your skin prior to ensure you get maximum benefits from the mask.
5. Leave the mask on for 10 minutes and rinse off mask.

Pore Minimizer Vinegar Toner
1. Mash 1/2 a papaya
2. Mix papaya with pure vinegar, such as white wine or cider vinegar.
3. Apply on face. Rinse after 10 minutes.

Vinegar gently cleanses and closes pores, restoring the skin's natural
pH balance.

The papaya exfoliates dead skin cells and lighten age spots and freckles.

Pomegranate: fruit for skin renewal

2008-12-04T06:38:00.000-08:00

Means "Apple Seeded" in Latin!

If you are always active under the sun, it is likely that you have experienced UV skin damage. UV Skin damage includes

the formation of free radicals, which causes dreaded aging symptoms like wrinkles
collagen breakdown , which makes your skin less firm

Fortunately, extracts from pomegranate seeds are good sources of antioxidant that can fight off free radicals to reduce your aging woes.

In addition, pomegranate seed oil and punicic acid encourage the production of collagen and elastin; both important for young and healthy skin. Now, go ahead and experience the sun !

Off the Kitchen
Anti-aging Red Mask
1. Blend 3 tsp of pomegranate seed, 1 tbsp of plain yoghurt and 1 tbsp of pomegranate juice
2. Apply to face and leave it on for 15 mins
3. Wash off with water

Black Sesame: antioxidant

2008-12-01T06:28:00.001-08:00

Sesame street!

Among edible oils from plants, sesame oil has the highest antioxidant content. Antioxidants reduce and even prevent the formation of destructive free radicals bring the effects of aging.

Some of the most effective antioxidants in the fight against free radicals are…

Vitamins E
Vitamin C
Beta-carotene
CoQ10

Because of Vitamin E ample, black sesame has an antioxidant property that will slow down your skin's aging process.

Combine with ginger to make your skin rosy, supple and shiny.

Off the Kitchen
Sesame ginger scrub
1. Cut and grind 1 inch of ginger root.
2. Mix the ginger with 1 table spoon of ginseng powder (optional) , sugar and 5 table spoons. of sesame oil.
3. Apply the scrub to your skin in circular motion and then rinse off.

Carrots: protection against UV rays and free radicals

2008-11-27T06:28:00.000-08:00

Wassup Doc!

You will not want to overlook carrots; they help us stay wrinkle-free.

Carrots prevent wrinkles because they have high amount of Vitamin A such that are good antioxidants and promote skin cell renewal, resulting in a clear and well-toned skin.

Carotenoids in carrots fight against free radicals and harmful sun rays. If you are an active person under the sun, carrots will reduce skin damage caused by UV rays.

For those who want to restore the firmness of their skin, consider carrot seed oil. It contains Beta carotene and vitamin A which maintains the elasticity, firmness and radiance of your skin.

Off the Kitchen
Carrot juice mask
1. Prepare a cup of carrot juice
2. Dip pieces of cotton pad into carrot juice
3. Place the damp cotton pad onto the face where blemishes are found
4. Remove cotton pad and wash face with cold water after 5 mins

Glowing carrot mask
1. Mix 3/4 cup carrot juice with 1/4 cup pineapple juice
2. Dip cotton pads into the juice and leave on the face for 10-15 mins
3. Wash off with water

Blueberry: Say goodbye to wrinkles

2008-11-24T06:26:00.000-08:00

Keep blueberries away from your Burberry!

Blueberrres have high concentrations of vitamins and antioxidants. They are very useful when combating your wrinkles.

In case you are not aware, antioxidants eliminate free radicals that willfully destroy your skin's elasticity.

To stay youthful, we recommend that you consume high antioxidant foods because high concentrations of antioxidants and nutrients delay your aging process!

Use a blueberry mask, look young and flaunt your beauty with your burberry.

Off the Kitchen

Blueberry anti-aging mask
1. Mix 1/2 cup of fresh blueberries, 3 tbsp of honey, juice of half a lemon, 1/2 tbsp of cornstarch
2. Stir until a creamy paste is formed
3. Apply to face and leave on for 20-25 mins
4. Rinse off with warm water

Red tomatoes full of anti-oxidants

2008-11-21T23:17:00.000-08:00

Tomatoes, not tomatos!

Did you know that rich antioxidants give tomatoes radiant red color?

Antioxidants in skin care are critical to any anti-aging routine. Including antioxidants in your skin care regimen increases your skin's ability to protect and heal significantly.

Tomatoes also contain fiber, potassium and vitamin C which help to cleanse the face. Thus, they are helpful against oily skins, open pores and blackheads.

Off the Kitchen
Tomato facial oil buster

Rub a sliced piece of tomato on your skin for 15 minutes.
Spread the pulp of tomato on your face. Keep it for 30 minutes
Wash it off with warm water. If done regularly the results will be seen.

Tomato-skin dirt removal:

Wash your face of all dirt and grime. Apply the tomato skins, flesh side down for 30 to 40 minutes
Wash your face.

The Tomato juice:

Add pulp, ice cubes into a mixer.
Add sugar for sweeter taste.
Blend and drink.

Spinach: Good for Oily and Blemished prone skin

2008-11-20T06:35:00.000-08:00

Popeye the Sailor Man has oily skin !

If you have oily skin, you might want to be best friend with Popeye.

Spinach is an excellent astringent which minimizes pores; thus, it is perfect for people who want oil control for their oily complexion.

We introduce the spinach oil control facial mask. Sweet pea~
Off the Kitchen

Popeye’s favourite mask
1. Mix a cup of raw pureed spinach and one tablespoon of fresh cream
2. Spread the mixture onto skin
3. Leave on the mixture for 20-30mins
4. Wash off with water

Sour Lemon

2008-11-19T06:08:00.000-08:00

Did you know lemon means Citrus limon?

Lemon juice contains citric acid that flushes out pores and keeps your skin feeling fresh and bright. This is because fruit acids' have exfoliating properties.

Lemon facial peels are great for your skin as they loosen dead skin cells and improve the skin's texture, transforming dull appearing skin into soft, smooth and vibrant skin !

Applying lemon juice to facial blemishes is a popular way to treat acne. Mix it with honey, egg white and yoghurt to get a potent mask.

Honey is a natural anti-bacterial agent that causes bacteria to implode, egg white tightens the skin when it dries up and yoghurt has gentle acids that help restore the natural acid balance.

Off the Kitchen

Lemon Peel Mask

Mix 2 tablespoons honey with 3 teaspoons lemon juice
1 egg white
3 teaspoon plain or Greek-style yogurt

Banana: Cure for Dry Aging Skin

2008-11-18T06:40:00.000-08:00

Who says bananas are only for monkeys?!

Bananas are good anti-aging ingredients; they contain high amounts of magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, iodine, Vitamins A and E.

Bananas are also suitable for dry skin. Each contains approximately 75% water, which is a good hydrating fruit.

If you are experiencing a dry climate or work in an air-conditioned office for long hours, the following moisturizing and cooling banana mask is just right for you!

Before we move on to the recipe, do note that consuming banana is healthy for the body and skin. Do include it as part of your daily fruit intake.

Off the Kitchen

Banana miracle mask
1. Mash 1 medium banana with a fork/spoon
2. Add 2 tablespoons of honey and mix well
3. Then add ¼ cup of original natural yoghurt and mix well
4. Apply mask over face and leave the mask on for 15-25 mins
5. Rinse off the mask with water and follow by dapping some rose water onto the face

All-in-1: The Avocado

2008-11-16T07:06:00.000-08:00

Avocado: Choose to eat it or apply it

Avocados are rich in vitamins which are essential for healthy skin such as

Vitamin B which maintains healthy skin tone
Vitamin E as an antioxidant which fights off harmful free radicals and prevents aging
Vitamin K that maintain skin elasticity

At the same time, avocados have very high amount of potassium, approximately 60% more than bananas. Potassium has hydrating effect, that is why avocadoes are also rich moisturizers useful for curing dry skin.

We encourage you to have avocados as one of the fruits you consume regularly for its high nutritious contents. Try the mask below too for a soft and smooth skin!

Off the Kitchen
Creamy avocado mask
1. Mash one avocado till a creamy mixture is formed
2. Apply the cream your face
3. Leave the cream on for 10-15 minutes and then rinse off with water

Ginger sets you on fire

2008-09-13T02:51:00.000-07:00

Want to be as hot as Ginger Spice?

Ginger contains antioxidant properties that even outperform commonly used chemical antioxidants. Ginger's proven antioxidant properties make it a positive anti-aging ingredient to your skin !

Ginger has been known to stimulate blood circulation. As you might have known, blood is the body's main internal transport system and proper circulation is vital for and radiant skin.

If you want your circulation to race like F1 cars, you can try eating 1 chunk of it :)

Some have used ginger on their lips to make it fuller. Just be careful not to use too much ginger at one go as it can cause mild irritation in delicate skin..

Off the Kitchen
Ginger bath
1. Mix 2 cups of sea salt, 1 cup of dry milk together in a mixing bowl, 1/4 cup of finely grated ginger and the few drops of essential oils of your choice.
2. Fill the bathtub with warm water, pour in the ginger pieces. Stir to be sure the essential oils are evenly mixed with the warm water.
3. Soak and relax.

Kill your strawberry with strawberries

2008-09-10T07:47:00.000-07:00

Have a nose with blackheads so annoying that it has become a strawberry? A strawberry may help, literally ;)

Heard of AHAs?

Well, strawberries contain alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), which help to lift off dead skin cells, unplug pores and remove blackheads. Your skin becomes youthful as a result.

They are also rich in antioxidants like ellagic acid and Vitamin C.

Antioxidants are so important because they essentially terminate cell damaging reactions in the body, slowing down the aging process in your skin.

Ready to roll? Look out for recipes under "Off the Kitchen"

Off the Kitchen
Strawberry scrub
1. Mash 8-9 strawberries into a pulp.
2. Add 3 tablespoons of honey and mix.
3. Apply directly to the skin, rinse off after a few minutes.

Strawberry mask
1. Mix 8-10 strawberries
2. Add 2 tablespoons of apricot or olive oil
3. Add 1 teaspoon of coarse salt ( Kosher Salt, or Sea Salt) and apply.

An apple a day keeps the dermatologist away

2008-09-09T07:06:00.000-07:00

Want to get rid of excessive oil or improve your acne problem? Here comes the apple!

Acne sufferers are often advised to use astringents if they have oily skin to close up their facial pores and reduce the amount of oil on the face.

If you have acne problems, apples are right for you.

Why? Because apples contain astringent that helps to control oil. Astringent is a chemical that tends to shrink or constrict pores.

Moreover, fruit acids from apples can attack the top layer of skin, removing dead skin cells and excess oil.

By removing this dirt and oil from your pores, it becomes easier for your skin to breathe, promoting much healthier skin.

Removing dirt and oil also helps to eliminate acne, and prevent future acne break outs.

"Off the Kitchen" will introduce apple solutions, which you can create easily in your kitchen. Apple cider vinegar also helps to ensure an optimal pH balance for your skin and lime juice, like apple juice, is also a good astringent.

Off the Kitchen
Apple and lime mask
1. Mix 1/2 cup of apple juice and 1/2 cup of lime juice
2. Apply for 15 minutes and then rinsed with cold-water.

Apple cider vinegar cleanser
1. Mix 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with small amount of distilled water.
2. Apply for 15 minutes.
This can effectively cleanse your skin making it look and feel more healthy and youthful.

Miracle Cucumber

2008-09-06T09:02:00.000-07:00

Do you remember movies that show women bundling up their hair and applying all sorts of skincare products on their faces? - especially slices of cucumbers when the postman came knocking on their doors?

What's so powerful of cucumbers?

Firstly, cucumber is 95% water ^>>source. Therefore, it is important to include them in your hydrating regime.

When you place slices of cucumber on your eyes, its hydrating effect helps to reduce puffiness of tired eyes with its cooling powers.

Some say wrinkles are reduced as cucumber hydrates the dry skin. Try it and see for yourself :)

The following, "Off the Shelves", will save you a lot of time. I'll be introducing some products which are suitable for natural skincare.

Off the Shelves
Coola Face SPF 30 Cucumber

a SPF moisturizing product
protects skin from the sun's harmful rays
keeps skin hydrated
includes antioxidant ingredients like Vitamins A, C, D, and E, Zinc and Cucumber essence
Paraben-free

Ole Henriksen Balancing Cucumber Face Tonic

a skin brightening toner
helps calm, renew and soften dry, sensitive skin
includes Cucumber essence, extracts of Chamomile and Ginseng
Paraben-free

Do note that you should always observe your skin's reaction towards any ingredients applied. If irriations or rashes occur, stop using the ingredients.

Have fun hydrating your skin!

Understanding "natural skin care"

2008-08-09T08:12:00.000-07:00

"Natural skin care" literally means applying natural elements onto your skin to care, rejuvenate and enhance the condition of your skin.

Notice that I didn't mention natural products in the above definition - I used the word elements. This is because a product is an outcome of processes. Almost every cream or serum you have used is not considered 100% natural as they have been processed in some way.Products that are labeled with 100% pure ingredients are known as 100% naturally derived products. You should not relate these to 100% natural skin care. These products are derived from natural ingredients. Note the word DERIVED.

Confused? Here is an example: Imagine you have dry skin.

Senario 1: and you cut some cucumber slices to place on your face as a hydrating mask.
Senario 2: and you buy a cucumber hydrating mask from a natural skin care brand that produces masks from natural ingredients like cucumber.

To conduct TRULY 100% natural skin care, you place/apply the natural element onto your face DIRECTLY - NO steps to process the cucumber or create a mask and package it etc.

If you want a natural mask, use cotton pad soaked with cucumber juice and rest it on the face. That's TRULY 100% natural skin care. However, this is not an entirely good method to care for our skin as the base elements are often difficult to be absorbed by our skin. Some people have skin which can absorb elements fast, while some have stubborn skin which can hardly take in anything applied to it. You have to find out what is BEST for you.If you have hyper-sensitive skin, applying natural cucumber juice on your skin may cause rashes or irritations. In contrast, there will be someone who is non-allergic to most ingredients found in skin care products.

By now, you have gained 2 ESSENTIAL pieces of information about natural skin care:
#1. Natural skin care refers to the care of your skin by applying natural elements to it. Natural skin care products refer to the care of your skin by applying 100% naturally derived products.

#2. Different people have different skin types or conditions. Either 100% natural elements or 100% naturally derived products works for you.

If its the former, i congratulate you as it is the cheapest way to care for your skin. If its the latter, fear not as I'll share with you some of the 100% naturally derived products which i have come across in future.

Hope you find this useful.

WELCOME

2008-08-07T22:48:00.000-07:00

Welcome to ALL ABOUT NATURAL SKIN CARE blog. This page dedicates content which relates to natural skincare.

As you might have known, the skin is one of the organs (same goes for your heart, liver etc) of the body. Doctors believe that one's well-being is achieved through maintenance of good health as opposed to cure of full-blown sickness.

If you have not heard of natural skincare, it is the care of the skin using naturally derived ingredients together with naturally occurring carrier agents, preservatives, surfactants, humectants and emulsifiers. These includes herbs, essential oils and flowers, natural soap, oils, pure water etc. This site shall focus on using these ingredients as your beauty aid.

Keep in mind that some products in shops use the term natural but has no natural medical effect. The word natural has considerable market value in promoting skin care cosmetic products to consumers and could be used used inappropriately in this context.

Moreover, there is no list of ingredients that can be guaranteed not to cause allergic reactions to people. If you are prone to allergies, remember to pay attention to the ingredients used.