Cacao is one of the most popular and oldest foods in the world. Dating as far back as 1,400 BCE, people have been eating and using cacao in their everyday lives ever since, sometimes without even realizing it. While your first thought about raw cacao may be to eat it, you can also use it on your body to lock in moisture, treat small wounds and more. [Read more…]
9 Places You Forgot to Wash But Should
We often take our showers for granted, assuming that the water passing over our bodies will clean all the nooks and crannies. Well, that may not necessarily be true. Some body parts require a little more daily attention, and when left unnoticed not only creates a stink, but also helps bacteria thrive. Here’s nine places you forgot to wash but should.
How to Banish Forehead Wrinkles Naturally
You may want to turn that frown upside down. Along with several other things such as dramatic expressions, sleeping on your side, aging, smoking, or excessive UV exposure, frowning can cause forehead wrinkles. These face wrinkles are often virtually invisible to anyone else but could make you feel self-conscious. Plus, they could be a sign of skin damage and act as a wakeup call that will inspire you to start looking after your skin. Rather than hiding your forehead under bangs or a hat, try these simple, natural tricks to tighten your skin and reduce fine lines.
Growing Marigolds for Health and Beauty
You probably recognize marigolds as the cheery garden staple that can brighten up any yard. The benefits of this plant don’t stop in the garden, however. The species of marigold known scientifically as Calendula officinalis and more commonly referred to as calendula or pot marigold has been used for its anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties for thousands of years. It is not only a popular ancient remedy either, according to a 2013 report, over 200 modern medical and commercial formulations contain calendula marigold extract. Here are just a few benefits of this amazing plant and ways to use it in the home.
4 Natural Face Masks You Can Make at Home
Many of us think about going green when it comes to our homes, our cars, and other areas of our lives, but when it comes to our beauty routine, all of that goes out the window. On the top of our minds is how we can look our very best, but when it comes to beauty, it comes from the inside out, so applying chemical-filled products that can leach into our bloodstream and negatively affect our health is rather counterproductive.
Even if you’re thinking, “Well, I only use a few beauty products each day,” the problem is, what we put on our skin tends to build up in the body over time. Unlike food, things like cosmetics are not filtered through our digestive system which means there’s no way for potential toxins to be eliminated.
Many face masks and other beauty products contain parabens, a group of compounds that serve as preservatives. Those have been identified in biopsy samples from breast tumors. That means your traditional face masks and other products may contain ingredients that have been linked to breast cancer – who would knowingly want to up their risk? Experts have also found over a dozen chemicals in cosmetics that have been connected to potential health problems such as hormone disruption in teen girls and even cancer, according to the environmental working group.
Fortunately, there are ways to make your own face masks at home, with a variety of options for just about all skin types.
Acne-Battling Mask For Oily Skin
If you suffer from acne and/or frequent breakouts, you can make this very effective mask that can be used once or twice a week to eliminate acne as well as help diminish any acne scars. This is a simple DIY recipe that uses raw honey and apple cider vinegar, which offers numerous benefits to the skin.
Honey is practically famous for its ability to get rid of acne and soothe the skin, serving as a natural antibiotic to fight off bacteria that causes acne. It also provides an osmotic effect, which means it absorbs water in the wound and releases hydrogen peroxide. The acidity of the honey also works to prevent the growth of bacteria and offers powerful anti-inflammatory compounds which decrease redness that’s often associated with acne. With its natural sticky texture, it helps to pull out things like grime and dirt that are known to clog pores.
Apple cider vinegar provides antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral provides that helps keep bacteria at bay, and prevents zits from forming, keeping that acne under control, while the lactic and malic acids in ACV work to exfoliate, lessen red spots and balance the pH of the skin.
This easy recipe calls for both honey and apple cider vinegar, along with sugar that acts as an exfoliant, breaking up scar tissue and unclogging pores. The green tea ingredient is well-known to fight acne by inhibiting the production of sebum by 50%, according to scientific studies. Research showed that it was even more effective than benzoyl peroxide!
Here’s what you need to make it:
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp green tea, cooled
- 5 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp raw, organic honey
Blend all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly. For a thicker consistency, add a bit more sugar. Spread the mask across your face using a cotton pad, or your fingers. Gently massage it in for a few minutes which helps to boost circulation and remove dead skin cells. Allow it to remain for about 10 minutes before rinsing well with cool water.
Mask For Hydrated, Glowing Skin
For the ultimate mask that will help hydrate and promote elasticity, resulting in a “glowing” complexion, use this homemade option. It’s suitable for all skin types, with the honey helping to tighten your pores and hydrate your skin. It actually locks in moisture, while battling against microbes that can cause skin problems, in addition to providing some protection from sun damage, which will help prevent signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. The extra-virgin olive oil can penetrate deep into the skin, providing rich moisture while also promoting elasticity and helping to eliminate blemishes for softer, smoother skin. Baking soda serves as a natural exfoliant. It helps to remove excess dirt, oil and dead cells from your pores in addition to boosting blood circulation to make your skin glow naturally.
To make it, you’ll need:
- 1/2 tsp raw, organic honey
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix well to create a fine paste. Wash your face thoroughly and then gently pat it dry, leaving it just a little damp. Gently apply the paste to your face and neck using a circular motion. Allow the mask to set for about 15 minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water. Pat your skin dry and repeat once each week.
Super Moisturizing Mask
Avocados contain healthy fats that are ideal for moisturizing the skin, as the oils are very similar to the natural oils in your own skin. Incredibly nourishing, these oils also help to protect the skin from daily stress and environmental factors. They can deeply penetrate into the skin, softening and hydrating flaky, dry patches too.
This DIY face mask is incredibly simple. All you have to do is mash the flesh of a fully ripe avocado and use the mashed avocado as the mask, gently spreading it across your skin, making sure to get to the extra dry areas. Leave it on for about 15 minutes and then rinse with cool or lukewarm water before gently patting dry. If your skin is very dry, you can also add a tablespoon of honey to the avocado for extra soft, smooth skin.
Mask for Hyperpigmentation and Dark Spots
Some women suffer from hyperpigmentation, a common but harmless condition in which patches of skin become darker in color than the normal surrounding skin. The darkening occurs when there is an excess of melanin, which is the brown pigment that produces normal skin color, forming deposits in the skin.
It’s easy to make your own mask for this too. Simply squeeze a few drops of lemon juice or a dab of apple cider vinegar onto the affected areas of your skin. Leave it on your skin for about 15 minutes before rinsing. Both lemon juice and ACV works wonders for reducing these dark spots and also clears up patchy skin as they serve as a natural astringent which exfoliates the skin and removes dead cells from the surface, for clearer, spot-free skin. Just be careful to use it in small amounts as too much could dry or damage your skin.
-Susan Patterson
7 Foods That You Should Put on Your Face
I talk quite a bit about foods that are great for your body, foods that will help you look and feel your best. However, there are also quite a few foods that are not only amazing to eat but also put on your skin. These foods can actually take the place of commercial skin care products, many of which contain dangerous ingredients that can actually harm your skin.
Your skin is your largest organ
Perhaps you don’t think of your skin as your body’s largest organ but it is. Whatever you put on your skin is absorbed through your pores and into your body. Think about things that you may put on your skin on a daily basis such as makeup, cream, sunscreen etc… If you knew what even some of these things are doing to your body, you would never let them touch your skin again.
Foods your skin loves
Using food as part of a natural beauty routine will bring out the best your skin has and keep it looking young and supple. Here are my top 9 favorite foods to feed your skin.
Honey
Although honey is sticky and may seem like something you don’t want to put on your face, it is actually one of the best natural moisturizers. Honey is a humectant, which is a substance that allows your skin to absorb and lock in moisture. The best honey to put on your skin is Manuka, because it is highly antibacterial in nature. NOt only will it help your skin retain moisture, it will also help keep breakouts away. To use honey as a face mask, simply apply on clean face and let it sit until it starts to drip. Rinse it off with cool water. Pat your face dry and follow up with a light layer of coconut oil.
Oats
Oats are wonderfully soothing for skin that is inflamed and are especially helpful for conditions such as eczema. The nourishing properties in oats come from its combination of flavonoids, phenols and a particular type of polyphenol called avenanthramides. All of these substances act as natural anti-inflammatory agents. Make an oat mask by grinding some whole oats and adding enough honey to make a paste. Clean your face and apply the oats, letting them sit for about twenty minutes. Rinse off with cool water and follow up with a light layer of coconut oil.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Besides being one of my favorite go-to remedies, apple cider vinegar is also amazing on your face. I discovered this by accident when I was searching for a non-toxic way to cleanse my face daily without drying it out. Apple cider vinegar contains alpha-hydroxy acids, which help remove dirt and grime that builds up on the skin over the course of a day. It also helps wash away dead skin cells. I also like using it as a natural toner because it reduces the size of pores when applied topically. I simply dilute a little apple cider vinegar in warm water and dip a cotton ball into the solution for a fresh feeling and clean skin.
Grapeseed Oil
Although it may seem contrary to put an oil on your face, grapeseed oil, in particular, is very lightweight and makes an ideal natural moisturizer. This oil is rich in fatty acids and loaded with the antioxidant oligomeric procyanidin, which is 50 times more potent than vitamins A and E for fighting free radicals. To use, apply a light layer before your makeup and also a light layer before bedtime.
Carrots
Carrots are an excellent tool for fighting free radicals and reducing the signs of premature aging. You will need to steam and mash carrots before you can reap the benefits. After steaming, mix with a little coconut oil and honey to make an all nature age-fighting mask that will hydrate your skin and leave it glowing. After applying the mask, let it sit on your face for about twenty minutes and rinse it off with cool water.
Chia seeds
I love to eat chia seeds in just about anything. They are high in calcium, protein, healthy fat and antioxidants. They make an amazing skin care ingredient because of the nutrient-rich profile. They work deeply to moisturize skin and extinguish irritations. I mix chia seeds with coconut milk to make a fabulously luxurious face mask. Let the mask sit on your face for about fifteen minutes and rinse off with cool water.
Parsley
I have saved the strangest food for the last – parsley. Who would have ever thought of putting an herb like parsley on your face? Parsley is loaded with vitamins and nutrients which help to balance out skin discoloration, help fade any dark spots or acne scars. To benefit from parsley, chop the herb and mix with grapeseed oil and coconut sugar to make a face scrub. Scrub your face with the mixture and rinse with cool water. Follow up with a light layer of coconut oil.
There you have it! Seven foods that are amazing for your skin and face. No more expensive or toxic moisturizers or cleaners needed!
-Susan Patterson