Skin Care
10 Pro Makeup Tips For Women Over 50
Getting older is inevitable but looking good is your choice. We all know about the wrinkles and dryness that come with old age. But all these are just challenges that come with old age, and the good thing is that they are all manageable. If you are 50 and don’t believe you can rejuvenate your skin back to a youthful look, it’s time to take a new stand. There are plenty of skincare products already, but it’s not all about the product at times. It’s what you know, so before you mess up your makeup and blame it on a brand, find out what the pros know about getting that youthful face. 1. Keep Your Skin Moisturized You may have had the oiliest skin that was probably annoying, but you need that right now if you want to get the most out of your makeup. The best skin for makeup should be hydrated, and that’s why you need a moisturizer. A good moisturizer will compensate for the lost sebum in your skin, giving you oily and hydrated skin. It also helps make the skin plumper and conceal the wrinkles and fine lines. 2. Always Have a Primer To achieve the real radiance of your makeup, you have to prepare your skin for it. Moisturizing alone is not enough preparation for exceptional luminosity, and that’s where primers come into question. Primers prevent your layer of makeup from settling on the contours of wrinkles and fine lines and help you have a flawless appearance. They also restore the vibrancy of your skin’s complexion, giving you a brighter and hydrated look. 3. Always Apply Foundation Once you finish with the primer, you can move to apply the foundation. Ensure you look for a lightweight cream instead of powder. Creamy foundations look more natural, plus you won’t have to deal with the fallout. They can stay put all day long. 4. Know Where to Test Your Makeup You want to see the appearance of the makeup shade and its texture before deciding if it suits you. It’s easy to get tempted to try it on your face, but that’s not the greatest idea. It’s unhygienic, especially if you are using the cosmetic shop’s tester, plus it gets into your way when it comes to the full makeup application. Always avoid testing your makeup on the face. You can test foundation and lipstick on your thumb, while you can test others like eye shadow and concealer on the web between the thumb and the first finger. 5. Apply Makeup on the Eyes First There is always a risk of dust particles settling in the wrinkles and fine lines, especially if you use powder makeup. For instance, small eyeshadow particles may add to the dreaded dark appearance if they settle below the eyes or cheeks. To ensure you won’t have to redo your face, it’s good you start with the eyes and proceed to the face once the eyes are complete. 6. Apply Your Makeup Outward and Upward Did you know there is a recommended direction for applying makeup? Well, experts suggest you should apply makeup upwards and outwards. If you are past 50, your skin is probably sagging, and the last thing you want is to pull it further by spreading your makeup downward. Applying upwards helps to counter gravity, so you would rather start from the base of your neck and proceed upwards before spreading outwards along the chin, jawline, and ears. 7. Know the Right Accessories to Use and How to Use Them There is a wide range of makeup tools with different roles. From the sponges and brushes to liners, you should know when to use each of them. For instance, a makeup sponge should add moisture to the skin and not apply makeup. Many people use them for application, but they suck a lot of makeup, making your containers appear quite uneconomical. If you have been using the sponge for applying your powder or cream of choice, you can set it aside for retouching during the day but not before running it under warm water, then squeeze. Also, press it against your skin as opposed to wiping. 8. Use Concealers It’s not uncommon to have some dark spots under the eyes or other parts on your face as you age. They could come between your makeup works, and if you want that flawless look, they better not be on show. You can hide them with a bit of concealer, but make sure you apply it after the foundation. You should draw the concealer as an upside-down triangle to deflect the light away from such areas that attract attention. 9. Fill Your Lashes and Brows The skin around your eyes is one of the first to appear aging signs, so you may want to work on it and touch on the lashes and eyebrows. If you lose the density of the lashes, bring back the definition using an eyeliner. Avoid drawing dramatic lines to keep everything natural. Instead, have some light lining along the lower and upper lash. It will create quite a difference without drawing attention like the false lashes. The eyebrows may also seem thinner and lightened, so consider using definers to make them appear more defined and fuller. 10. Line Your Lips As we age, the lips tend to reduce in volume, so your lipstick could end up in places not meant to be. Therefore, it’s necessary to prepare them and ensure the lipstick remains in place. You can use a lip liner to line the lips and give them a fuller look. A little lip gloss can also help make them plumper, but you need to choose the right products. Final Word Your makeup routine means a lot when it comes to your appearance. You may have all the right products, but you might never achieve the look you want if you don’t apply properly. Luckily, our pro makeup tips will help you have that youthful face every time you step out of your dressing room.
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10 Benefits Of Fasting For Overall Wellness (And Yes, Also Your Skin)
Have you ever heard of weight loss due to intermittent fasting? Not only can fasting be an advantage for losing a couple of pounds but it has many great health benefits that go along with it. The perks of fasting can improve your focus and help to create a better lifestyle. Back in 2019 fasting diets were trending as everyone talked about the “eating windows” and “5:2 versus 16:8”. Although this was still considered a “diet” it wasn’t focused on calorie deficits or having to eat any special health food. This was more restricting your eating schedule to specific time windows. Many different types of fasting periods range from an 8-hour time slot to a 12-hour time slot. Starting with a longer range and slowly shortening your time is the most efficient. The Top Ten Benefits of Fasting and Advantages Weight Loss: One of the major and most popular potential outcomes of fasting is weight loss. The major question is, “Can fasting help you lose weight?” This is all considered depending on the type of diet you're following and the research that you decide to apply. Some researchers found that there was no real sign of weight loss with intermittent fasting but can be efficient with limited eating windows. Newer studies showed that having an earlier eating period can assist in weight loss between the hours of 7 am to 3 pm. In 2013 Harris-Pincus points to a 2013 study in Obesity stating that people that ate a large breakfast and small dinner lost two and half times as much weight in 12 weeks as the person that ate the same amount of calories but flipped. Meaning a small breakfast and a big dinner. Clear Skin: As we all know what you put in your body affects your skin. Most evidence is anecdotal based on the theory that the timing of the day can affect your skin's health. The American Academy of Dermatology confirms that certain foods cause acne from forming. For example, milk, white bread, and sugary snacks or beverages can increase your blood sugar. Fasting could, in theory, be a solution to common skin issues. Lower Cholesterol: Another reason fasting can lead to weight loss is the fact that you're only eating during the daytime when your body is naturally supposed to consume calories. Harris-Pincus explains how we eat in the day when we need the calories that are turned into energy and slow down at night. Metabolizing our food allows us to see an improvement in blood sugar, lipids including cholesterol, and triglycerides. Improve Insulin Sensitivity: Some studies by the author of the 2 Day Diabetes Diet stated that intermittent fasting has been found to reduce blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance. The weight loss that comes with fasting also improves insulin sensitivity. This is very beneficial to individuals at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Better Focus: Is it possible that your brain health can be improved by fasting? The answer to that is a YES! Notes created by researcher Palinski-Wade showed that some animals behaved to intermittent fasting to be protective of the brain. This was by improving its function and structure. Although there may be more research necessary there are many contributing factors that have successful results. Mindful Eating Habits: Everyone has had experience in mindless eating. Sitting in front of the TV enjoying a whole bag of chips or bowl of popcorn is considered binge eating. This disrupts your body’s hunger cues and causes that extra calorie intake. But when fasting this can stop that mindless eating because you are forced to create a time slot for when you are finished eating for the day. This clears that emotional eating and eliminates the absent-minded eating that you do in front of the TV. It allows your body to have that realization that you were not even hungry and to help to take in fewer calories overall. Delayed Aging: One of the big claims that have been made is can fasting for a couple of weeks add extra years to your lifespan? This has not been studied clearly in humans but a 2019 study in Cell Metabolism found that specifically an alternating day fasting did improve selected common markers in aging. In other research projects, it has been known that some male mice have lived longer by eating less frequent meals. Whereas the mice that had more meals had severe liver diseases and metabolic disorders. Improved Sleep Schedules: For many years researchers have studied the effect of food intake on sleep. This resulted in the conclusion that eating late at night may cause sleep disturbances or disruptions throughout the night. The evidence is small on the idea of fasting but studies have shown on few individuals tested that a week of fasting resulted in fewer sleep arousals. Better Immunity: In the past couple of years advocates have claimed that just a short term of fasting can “reset” your immune system by giving it a much-needed power boost. This theory was established at the University of Southern California on both mice and humans. It proved that fasting for 72 hours allows your body to regenerate damaged immune cells and create healthier primed cells that the body needs to fight off toxins. At this moment, this is not a complete study but we can guarantee that fasting won’t have any negative effects on your immune system. Reducing Inflammation: One of the close studies was between the health benefits of fasting and reducing inflammation. In 2019, researchers at Mount Sinai found that intermittent fasting periods lasting less than 24 hours reduced the number of pro-inflammatory monocytes in the blood. Multiple other studies showed that the effects of fasting and dieting on low-carb or high-intensity exercise may help to reduce your inflammatory response. Overall many different aspects come with the advantage of fasting. Your health and overall wellness can be improved from fasting. As more research is made fasting is growing every day while being the top trend to last.
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Killer Leg Workouts Designed for Women
Toning your legs effectively takes hard work and patience, but can produce effective results to improve your confidence. Many women dislike their lower bodies and legs and wonder what exercises can tone and improve their appearance. In combination with a healthy diet and consistency, exercises for the legs can be effective in targeting specific areas of concern. Depending on your workout preferences, you’re sure to find at least one of these exercises you enjoy to help you start targeting your legs! Cardiovascular Activities As a general rule of thumb, any type of cardiovascular activity that burns fat can help you tone your legs. However, some cardio specifically targets your legs and glutes. Aim for at least 30 minutes to one hour of cardiovascular activity at least 3 to 6 times a week for optimal results. It is important to be consistent week after week to see the results you’re looking to achieve. Some examples of cardio to tone legs include: running, walking, hiking, cycling, yoga, and many more. Cardiovascular activity should be combined with other types of exercises for best results. Leg Exercises Alongside cardio, it is important to incorporate specific leg exercises into your workout routine. For beginners, each of these exercises can be modified accordingly to match your individual preferences and exercise abilities. Start by performing each exercise for one minute, with a 15-second rest break in between. After rest, begin another round, followed by another rest period. As your muscles adjust to these exercises, work your way up to more sets, working up to 3 to 5 sets for intermediate abilities and advanced exercises. Squats A classic yet effective exercise to begin with to help target your legs. For beginners, no weight is needed other than your body weight. Start by standing hip distance apart and keep your upper body as straight as possible. Bend at the knees, push your butt back, and begin a squat motion as if you’re about to sit on a chair. For beginners, this can be a very effective exercise to see results from. Over time, as these begin to seem too easy, start slowly incorporating weights at chest level. Forward and Backwards Lunges You’re likely to have seen someone performing lunges in the gym before. This common exercise is effective at targeting leg muscles, either with or without weights. A combination of both a forward and backward lunge engages many leg and glute muscles all at once. This exercise can be done by standing hip-distance apart and taking a big step forward while lowering yourself to a 90-degree angle. Pushing the hips forward, begin to rise back up and return to the starting position. This can be repeated in the backward position. Over time, you will gain balance and strength in your leg muscles to improve your stabilization. This exercise is also great at targeting core strength too! Bridges This simple exercise targets both your hamstrings (the muscles on the backside of your legs) and your glutes for a double whammy! Begin by lying on the floor with your back down. Placing your feet hip-distance apart, begin by lifting your knees up and your heels close to your butt on the floor. This can be done with or without added weight, depending on your ideal challenge. If you’d like to add weight, simply add a weight on top of your lower abdominal area when performing this exercise. Pushing your hips as high as you can, aim to hold this position for several seconds before returning to your original position. There are a variety of modifications and variations of this exercise, which can be done with one leg as well. Bridges are great for an all-around killer leg workout. Even better, these will also tone your core at the same time! To complement your newly toned legs from these exercises, give your legs some extra love with Hygieia’s organic hand and body lotion. This 100% natural and organic nutrient-rich moisturizer will help leave your legs feeling soft and beautiful. Comprised of a number of organic essential oils, this lotion is a great daily lotion to use to keep your legs looking smooth and soft!
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The Many Uses of Coconut Oil
Coconut oil continues to grow in popularity, as it has become one of the most versatile health foods available in so many aspects. There are several claims that boast about coconut oil’s many benefits for consumption, skin, and body, and overall wellness claims. Coconut oil is widely available and accessible in common stores and can be an all-around amazing thing to have on hand. Whether you’re looking for improved health benefits or amazing beauty benefits for skin and hair, keep reading to learn more about how coconut oil can benefit you! Improved Energy Levels- Coconut oil is composed of Medium Chain Triglycerides. You may have heard this referred to as MCTs. The MCTs in coconut oil can give you a great energy boost. Try mixing with chia seeds for an even better pick me up! Makeup Remover- Running low on makeup wipes or remover? Coconut oil is a natural, effective way to wipe your makeup away! A small dab of coconut oil can quickly break up makeup to allow it to easily come up. Use a warm cloth after using coconut oil, and you’ll be amazed how effectively it can act as a makeup remover. Unlike store-bought makeup removers, coconut oil is hydrating and natural, with no added chemicals that may burn or sting your eyes or face. Another makeup-related tip is to use coconut oil to clean makeup brushes! Makeup brushes, when not cleaned properly, can build up harmful bacteria over time. The last thing you want to do is to continue to use these brushes on your face, which can cause acne or oily skin. Coconut oil can be used to disinfect and clean your makeup brushes. Simply rub onto your makeup tools and allow them to sit for 1-2 hours before washing out completely. Lip Balm- Dry or chapped lips can easily be treated with a quick dab of coconut oil! Many commonly seen lip balms have chemicals or unhealthy ingredients which may not be the best for your lips. Coconut oil has unique healing properties which can target dry, chapped, or peeling lips—looking for a color pop to your lip balm? Using a quick recipe with beetroot powder for color, cocoa powder, turmeric, and cinnamon, you can even use coconut oil to create a colored, natural lip tint which is both beautiful on the lips and hydrating. Nail Care- Coconut oil can also be incorporated into your nail care routine! Due to its moisturizing properties, coconut oil can be used to help soften up cuticles. Even better, it can reduce the risk of developing fungal nail infections and encourage healthy nail growth. Foot and Ankle Care- Have dry or cracked heels? A great use of coconut oil can be for your skin. Simply apply it right to your dry feet or heels and allow it to help reduce dryness and encourage moisture. The smell of coconut oil is generally liked by many- which will also make your ankles and feet smell awesome! Whether you're using coconut oil to improve your hair, skin, body, or other beauty concerns, or adding a healthy dose of coconut oil to your foods to reap its many health benefits, you will be surprised just how useful coconut oil can be.
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Healthy Fats: These Fat-Filled Foods Are Great For Your Skin
After years of fat-free foods and a low-fat diet promoted in western culture, it is a common misconception that fats are unhealthy and should be avoided from a well-rounded, healthy diet. This common myth has resulted in many people avoiding high-quality, nutrient-dense foods that contain healthy fats. In this article, we’ll debunk this common fat myth and discuss how to incorporate types of healthy fats into your diet to show you the amazing benefits that these foods high in healthy fats can bring! Incorporating healthy fats into your diet can have powerful disease-fighting effects as well as improve your skin’s appearance and conditions for those looking for beautiful, smooth, and glowing skin. Fatty Fish: Fatty varieties of fish or seafood, such as salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, and more, are amazing sources of omega 3s. Omega-3 fatty acids are linked to long-term heart health and the prevention of other diseases, such as depression and dementia. Even better, omega three fatty acids can work wonders for skin health as well. Omega 3 fatty acids help to keep your skin thick, moisturized, and supple. They also help to reduce inflammation, which can cause unwanted skin conditions like redness, dryness, or acne conditions. Some recent studies have suggested that omega-3 fatty acids can also help target autoimmune skin conditions like lupus and psoriasis. Fatty-fish is also high in zinc content, which is a mineral that helps promote the healthy production of skin cells, combat overall inflammation, and improve your skin’s health. Avocados: This delicious and unique fruit is packed with high amounts of healthy fats, which can have many positive health benefits. Due to their high monounsaturated fat content, they can help raise your levels of good cholesterol while lowering levels of bad cholesterol. Many Americans lack enough Vitamin E in their diets; Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect your skin from damage and also helps support a healthy and strong immune system. Avocados are unique in that they’re a great source of Vitamin E. Some studies even have suggested that regular consumption of healthy fats, such as the ones found in avocados, can encourage supple, springy skin that appears youthful. Avocados also contain an excellent amount of protein compared to other fruits. Sunflower Seeds & Walnuts: Many types of nuts and seeds contain great levels of healthy fats. Some examples include sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, chia seeds, almonds, and walnuts. As mentioned in reference to avocados, sunflower seeds contain high levels of Vitamin E, which can help protect your skin. One ounce or 28 grams of sunflower seeds contain 49% of the recommended daily value of vitamin E! Many nuts are also high in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which can help support brain health. Walnuts are also a great option due to their zinc content at 8% of the recommended daily value for one ounce of walnuts. Zinc is an essential part of healthy skin, as it helps your skin function properly, encourages fast wound healing, and combats bacteria and inflammation, which can cause commonly seen skin conditions. Eggs: Many people fear eggs due to negative marketing over the years. However, daily egg consumption is now considered a part of a healthy diet! Eggs are packed with protein and healthy fats. Eggs contain amino acids that encourage the production of healthy new skin cells. This can help soften, firm, and hydrate the skin. Other health benefits from eggs are improved heart health and a reduced risk for metabolic syndrome. Dark Chocolate: You might be thinking- how is chocolate part of a healthy diet? Dark chocolate, without added sugars and processed ingredients, can have incredible health benefits. It is high in fat content, as fat makes up around 65% of the total calories in dark chocolate. Dark chocolate is generally known to be high in antioxidants, which, as mentioned, can have powerful health benefits. Some known effects of antioxidants can be improved blood pressure, regulated cholesterol levels, and decreased risk of heart disease. In addition, several studies have concluded that regular consumption of dark chocolate can promote good skin health. The antioxidants contained in dark chocolate can help protect your skin against UV radiation, improve overall appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, as well as encourage less rough or scaly skin. Whether it’s dark chocolate or avocados, starting to incorporate healthy portions of foods high in healthy fats can have numerous health benefits. For those looking for improved skin health, good fats can help improve your skin’s condition and appearance. Give it a try and see for yourself!
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Using Red Light Therapy to Improve Skin
If you are dealing with dull skin from being stuck inside working all day, red light therapy may be just what you need to bring some vitality back to your skin. Keep reading to learn more about red light therapy, its uses, and its benefits. What is Red Light Therapy? In the past few years, you may have heard about or noticed Red Light Therapy popping up all over the place. Red light therapy, scientifically known as photobiomodulation (PBM), is a non-invasive therapy that utilizes specific low-level wavelengths of light to produce various effects. There are various uses of red-light therapy due to its effects on our body’s cells. How does Red Light Therapy Work? Red light therapy works by using this low-level wavelength of light to target our cells, thereby increasing mitochondrial function and improving the body’s ability to produce cellular energy. When applied to skin cells, it can help act as food and nourishment for your skin and cells to encourage healthy skin. Red light therapy, specifically between the mid-600 nanometer range and 800 nanometer, is considered most effective for therapeutic skin benefits. To get started, it is recommended to begin with 10 to 15 minutes daily of red light therapy exposure. How can I benefit from Red Light Therapy? While red light therapy can be beneficial to everyone, those who lack time spent in natural light or spend lots of time indoors at work or home may benefit most. Even for those who are spending time outdoors, red light therapy can assist individuals who have certain skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. There are numerous skin benefits that can be achieved by starting a red light therapy routine. First, red light therapy has been shown to improve collagen production. Collagen is an essential component of great skin, as it makes up 70% of the protein in your skin and 30% in your body. With age, we naturally lose collagen, which causes a reduction in the elasticity of the skin. Using red light therapy can help stimulate collagen production and help your skin remain smooth and firm as you age. Have dark spots or areas of concern due to hyperpigmentation? Red light therapy can help encourage skin cell production and reduce inflammation. This can, in turn, help reduce dark spots, which may be caused by melasma, sun damage, or acne scars. In addition, red light therapy can help with other commonly seen skin concerns, such as scars, stretch marks, or wrinkles. In a study conducted on red light therapy, researchers found that about 74% percent of participants saw improvement in fine lines and wrinkles after using red light therapy over eight weeks. Incorporating a red light therapy routine into your skincare routine can be another way to target your skin concerns for individuals with specific skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis. Red light therapy can help target commonly seen symptoms associated with these skincare conditions, such as flakiness, redness, and other signs of inflammation. Red light therapy may also help encourage faster healing. Interested in starting a Red Light Therapy routine or looking for a new skincare regime? Hygieia Skin Care offers high-quality, anti-aging skincare products to help protect and enhance your skin as you age.
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Easy At-Home DIY Charcoal Peel-Off-Mask
Have you ever seen those peel-off charcoal mask videos? They take out all the blackheads and dirt from your skin. But don't run out and buy one when you can make one right from the comfort of your home! It's very simple and all you need is 4 ingredients that you can find right in your kitchen. Get ready to remove all your blackheads and clogged pores with this easy DIY charcoal face mask. Try to stay away from using glue as a peel-off mask. That's right the glue that kids use in art class. Although that might seem to work and people recommend it, don't put that on your face. These peel-off masks are sold in your local drugstore. You probably have seen some such as the Biore pore strips that peel off your blackheads. One of the main ingredients found in these masks is activated charcoal. This ingredient is also great for natural digestion and whitening teeth. Down below is the best recipe for a natural, easy-at-home DIY charcoal peel-off mask that’s guaranteed to work. Ingredients List: Activated Charcoal: This is the main factor in this mask. It absorbs toxins and build-up on the skin. This naturally helps to detoxify your skin and clear it of any clogged pores. Bentonite Clay: This tightens and tones the skin drawing out any dirt that is stuck deep within the surface of your skin. Check out what other advantages Bentonite clay can be used for. Unflavored Gelatin: To get that peel-off effect, adding gelatin to your mixture will help to nourish the skin. It acts as a binder to pull out impurities from the skin. Tea Tree Oils: The use of essential tea tree oil helps clarify the skin and keep it smooth. How To Make The DIY Charcoal Mask Open your activated charcoal capsule and add it to a small ceramic bowl. Remember to properly discard the empty capsule. Then add the bentonite clay and gelatin together. Next, add boiling water to the mixture and mix with a silicone spatula. (Using a metal spoon can weaken the health properties of the bentonite clay) Lastly, after the mixture starts to thicken add 1 drop of your tea tree oil and mix thoroughly. If masks begin to dry up just add some more boiling water to liquefy it again. Steps On How To Apply Your Mask Remove all makeup and use a cleanser to clean the face. Gently pat the face dry. Use a mask brush to apply your mask to the desired area. AVOID your eyebrows and eye area as this mask can pull out eyebrow hairs. If some accidentally get on there don’t worry grab a warm washcloth and remove the mask. Stay at least 2 inches away from your eyes. After applying a thick layer, allow the mask to dry for 15-30 minutes or more if needed. When you feel your skin getting tighter just know it means the mask is working at getting those impurities out. Find an edge and start by slowly peeling back the mask and watch as all the dirt is removed from your pores. If while you’re peeling off your mask it starts to hurt or is just too sensitive to pull off, stop. Using a warm washcloth or a warm shower will easily remove the mask. Only use the T-zone, nose, and chin if other areas are too sensitive. If your face looks a little pink don’t stress this is 100% normal. As a bonus, this mask also pulls off tiny facial hairs causing the skin to be slightly pink. But your face will be so soft after! Discard the old mask in the trash. It will not go down your sink drain and will cause clogs! Finish with your toner and moisturize to keep your skin hydrated and glowing! This mask works amazing and using it once every week should be just enough. Start seeing results immediately after removing the mask. Making your at-home mask is better than buying any in-store products that can have harmful chemicals and toxins that damage skin. After many attempts, this is found to be the best at-home charcoal peel-off mask!
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8 Easy at Home Honey Face Mask Recipes
Taking care of your skin can be difficult sometimes with multiple amounts of products sold in your local grocery stores. With so many different chemicals it can be hard to understand what is safe for you. There are many easy ways to make a natural at-home face mask with ingredients using just raw honey. Making these DIY face masks helps you understand that you’re not using any harmful toxins on your skin that can be found in drugstore products. These can help to clear your skin and give it a radiant glow with all-natural ingredients. Benefits of Honey Honey is a great natural antibacterial product full of antioxidants that help wrinkles and aging skin. It also helps to prevent and fight acne. It acts as a purifier as it gently unclogs pores and as a moisturizer as it draws natural oils to the surface leaving your skin glowing and smooth. Raw honey can be used naturally as a face wash. Start by taking 1 to 2 tablespoons of raw honey and gently rub it into your face. Let the honey sit for about a minute or two and then rinse it off with a warm washcloth. For zits, just apply on needed pimples. 8 DIY Honey Facemask Recipes Here are 8 easy at-home recipes that you can make by yourself. This is a great way to save money while knowing the ingredients in your products. Keep reading to find your perfect combination of honey face masks. Radiant Honey & Lemon Face Mask: To make this facemask begin with one tablespoon of raw honey or Manuka honey with 1-2 drops of Lemon essential oil. Apply to your face and relax for 15-20 minutes. Grab a warm washcloth and wash off the mask. Try to avoid direct sunlight for 24 hours after applying the mask as lemon oil is photosensitive to the sun. Clarifying Honey and Patchouli Facial Mask: Mix one tablespoon of raw or Manuka honey with 2-3 drops of Patchouli essential oil. Apply to your face and let sit for about 15-20 minutes. Use a warm washcloth and rinse off the mask. Hydrating Honey and Yogurt Face Mask: Combine a mixture of raw or Manuka honey with 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt. Apply to your face and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. After wiping it off with a warm washcloth. Exfoliating Honey and Oatmeal Face Mask: Combine 1 tablespoon of raw or Manuka honey with 1 tablespoon of uncooked oatmeal. Most people recommend grinding up your oats in a blender to have a more gentle exfoliation rather than using the whole oat. Gently rub it into your skin and sit for 15-20 minutes. Use a warm washcloth to clean off. Nourishing Honey and Oatmeal Face Mask: This is a nourishing face mask that uses cooked oatmeal. Mix 1 tablespoon of raw or Manuka honey with 2 tablespoons of cooked oatmeal. Remember to let it cool before applying to prevent any heat damage. Apply to your face and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Use a warm washcloth to clean off. Moisturizing Honey and Avocado Face Mask: Combine 1 tablespoon of raw or Manuka honey and ½ of a ripe avocado. Apply to the face and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Grab your warm washcloth and rinse it off. Balancing Honey and Lavender Face Mask: Mix 1 tablespoon of raw or Manuka honey with 2-3 drops of lavender essential oils. Apply to the face and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Gently rinse off with a warm washcloth. Honey Face Mask: This is a plain honey facial mask. Use 1-2 tablespoons of raw or Manuka honey and rub it on your face. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes and then use a warm washcloth to wipe off. There are many different combinations that you can create on your own to make your face mask. Try products with new ingredients in your kitchen to find what’s best for you. You can also try using many types of essential oils. The list varies from Aroma Life, Blue Tansy, Cypress, Elemi, Frankincense, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Myrrh, Patchouli, Rose, and Tea Tree. For best results apply a face mask 1 to 3 times a week. You will start seeing clear and hydrated skin right away. Try making these easy, fun face masks, and watch as the honey does its magic!
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Using Essential Oils to Help Alleviate Anxiety
Essential Oils have been around for a long time. In recent years, they have become some-what of a trend. Some people and companies have propagated unsubstantiated claims about miraculous cures provided by essential oils. While there is no evidence backed research showing that essential oils can cure illness, many people do find that aromatherapy with essential oils can help alleviate stress and anxiety, and some studies seem to suggest this. This does make sense and is not as far fetched as some of the other claims. It should not be surprising that naturally derived essential oils could help with symptoms of some things, like stress and anxiety. Having stress and anxiety under control can be extremely beneficial for your health as a whole, as too much stress can take a toll on your body and even your physical health. So if you would like to try essential oils, don’t let some of the ridiculous claims on the internet deter you. Note that it’s best to make sure that you are using pure essential oils, that have not been diluted with additives. Without further ado, lets address some of the most recommended essential oils for anxiety. Lavender A common and popular essential oil, lavender is considered to have a calming and relaxing effect. It’s regarded as one of the best essential oils for anxiety. Considered a nervous system restorative, it may help with inner peace, sleep, restlessness, irritability, panic attacks, nervous tension and nervous stomach. “There have been a number of clinical trials involving the inhalation of lavender essential oil that indicate a reduction in stress and anxiety,” states The Handbook of Essential Oils: Science, Technology, and Applications, Second Edition. You can add lavender oil to a diffuser, bath water or a spray bottle filled with water, or you can use lavender topically on your wrists, temples and back of neck. Chamomile Producing a peaceful, calming scent, chamomile is thought to benefit inner harmony and decrease irritability, overthinking, anxiety and worry. An explorative study conducted at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine on the antidepressant activity in chamomile suggests that chamomile may have antidepressant properties, in addition to its previously observed anxiolytic activity. Chamomile may help reduce anxiety symptoms. It’s generally safe, except for a small risk of allergy, especially in someone who is allergic to ragweed. Frankincense Frankincense can be great for treating depression and anxiety because it is thought to provide a calming and tranquil energy as well as spiritual grounding. With aromatherapy, it can be used to deepen meditation and quiet the mind, which can help with some ailments like chronic stress. Mixed with bergamot and lavender oils, frankincense was found to have a positive effect on pain and depression in hospice patients with terminal cancer in a Keimyung University study in Korea. Bergamot Commonly found in Earl Grey tea, bergamot oil is calming and often used to treat depression by providing energy. It can also help with insomnia, induce relaxation, and reduce agitation. It’s been proven to reduce corticosterone response to stress in rats, and another study hypothesizes that applying blended essential oil that includes bergamot helps in treating depression or anxiety. It is generally safe, but it is photosensitizing, meaning it can increase the risk of sunburn and rash, so it’s best to avoid use within 12 hours of sun exposure. Ylang Ylang With calming and uplifting effects, ylang ylang induces cheerfulness, courage, optimism and soothes fearfulness. It may calm heart agitation and nervous palpitations. It is also a moderately strong sedative, which can help with insomnia. A 2006 study conducted by Geochang Provincial College in Korea suggested that ylang ylang oil reduced “psychological stress responses and serum cortisol levels, as well as the blood pressure of clients with essential hypertension.” It can be sensitizing or irritating to the skin. Avoid using in conditions of low blood pressure. You can start by diffusing it in your home. Ylang ylang blends well with jasmine oil and lavender oil. Rose Rose essential oil can be very settling to the emotions, and is perhaps the second most popular after lavender for relieving anxiety and depression, helping with panic attacks, grieving and shock. Vetiver Considered a nervous system tonic, it decreases jitteriness and hypersensitivity and is also useful in panic attacks. Often used in trauma helping with self-awareness, calmness and stabilization, vetiver oil has a tranquil, grounding and reassuring energy. Some essential oils can be used by aromatherapy, ingestion or topically. You can do aromatherapy by using it in a bath, as direct inhalations, hot water vapor, vaporizer or humidifier, fan, vent, perfume, cologne, or — one of my favorites — through aromatherapy diffusers. Molecules enter the nasal cavities and stimulate a firing of mental response in the limbic system of the brain, and these stimulants regulate stress or calming responses, such as breathing patterns, heart rate, production of hormones and blood pressure. Some essential oils can be ingested by the mouth; however, it is critical to make sure that the oils you use are safe and pure. A lot of oils on the market may be diluted or blended with synthetics that are unsafe for ingesting. The Food and Drug Administration has approved some essential oils generically for internal use. You can ingest them by adding a drop of oil in a glass of water or in a teaspoon with honey, or you can just put a drop or two underneath the tongue. You can use some essential oils topically. They are very potent, so it is important to dilute and blend with a carrier oil. An essential oils blend can be applied directly to an affected area, on the bottoms of the feet, rims of the ears, in baths or through massage, or with compresses. You should never ingest any essential oils or apply undiluted to the skin without proper training or medical supervision. It is very important to understand how essential oils are best used. Always consult a specialist and test the area, proceeding with caution. Different individuals may react differently to essential oils, especially children and pregnant women. Many of our Organic Skin Creams contain essential oils, check them out!
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