With the mercury dropping and winds howling, many people notice skin becoming rough, dry or irritated. Hair typically gets dried out, frizzy or suffers from static when cold weather hits. Fortunately, women can recapture a glowing complexion, soft skin and healthy hair at home, without paying sky-high prices for spa services. Skincare-News.com's latest article, "5 DIY Treatments to Boost Winter Skin and Hair," highlights a variety of easy and effective at-home treatments to renew cold-weather skin and hair.
http://www.skincare-news.com/a-6744-5_DIY_Treatments_to_Boost_Winter_Skin_and_Hair.aspx
#1: Facial mask
· For dry or damaged skin, find a recipe online for a mask with blueberries as the main ingredient. Blueberries are rich in antioxidant vitamins C and E, which can combat free radical damage from environmental stressors, pollution and UV exposure. Try to find organic blueberries, because they’re fresher and pack the most antioxidant power.
#2: Hair mask
· To treat dry or weak hair, concoct a hair mask out of 5 tablespoons plain yogurt and 1 egg white. Whip up the egg white until it has a frothy texture, and add the plain yogurt. Put the mixture on hair for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, rinse well using warm water.
If locks are especially dried-out and damaged, apply mayonnaise and olive oil. Wrap hair in a towel or plastic wrap. Leave the mixture on for 20 minutes and rinse thoroughly.
#3: Hand treatment
· Olive oil is an ultra-hydrating ingredient for thirsty hands. Mix oil with vodka, lemon juice, water, sea salt and dried flower petals. Apply the mixture to hands, and leave it on for a minute or two. Then rinse.
#4: Body oil
· Dry winter air and cold temps can really suck the moisture out of skin. Hot baths and showers make the drying effect even worse. A super-moisturizing body oil replenishes lost moisture. First, exfoliate body gently by rubbing it with a body brush. This removes dead skin cells so the oil can penetrate better. Combine sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, hazelnut oil, and/or apricot kernel oil for ultimate moisture. Mix with an essential oil of choice, such as ylang ylang, patchouli, rose, orange or geranium. Add the oils in a bottle, put the cap on and shake it gently to mix. Then, apply the oil to skin while it’s still slightly damp from a shower or bath.
#5: Lip treatment
· Dried, chapped and cracked lips often go hand-in-hand with cold winter weather. Thankfully, women can make a rich balm that’ll hydrate, soothe and soften their kissers. Look for a recipe with unbleached grated beeswax, a carrier oil such as sunflower oil, castor oil or jojoba oil, 6 to 7 drops essential oil for scent, and a teaspoon of honey to add flavor. Use a double boiler to melt beeswax and carrier oil, take it off the burner and add in essential oil and honey, stirring thoroughly. Let the mixture cool for at least 20 minutes before applying or pouring it into a container.
Safe storage
Keep in mind that treatments made from scratch contain no preservatives to prolong shelf life. Therefore, these treatments will go bad and expire quickly. Here are some tips to help products last longer and stay safe:
· Make small batches for only a couple of uses.
· Store the mixtures in clean, airtight containers to prevent bacterial contamination.
· Keep them in a cool, dark place, as light and heat can hasten product breakdown.
· Apply the products using cotton balls or swabs — not fingers.
Skincare-News.com covers all skincare and beauty topics from head to toe. Check out these latest articles:
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http://www.skincare-news.com/a-6310-The_Lowdown_on_Lotions_Creams_and_Serums_.aspx
Store shelves are lined from floor to ceiling with moisturizer options. But what’s the difference between lotion, cream and serum? While all three may contain humectants and emollients to moisturize and hydrate the skin, one of the biggest distinctions among them is consistency. Depending on the season and skin type, people can choose a lightweight lotion, a rich cream or a penetrating serum. Learn more about these products and how to use them effectively.
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http://www.skincare-news.com/a-6276-Aloe_Vera_A_Soothing_Home_Remedy_.aspx
Aloe vera is one of the most universally used skincare ingredients, and with good reason. The soothing homegrown remedy can provide relief for everything from burns and rashes to dandruff and dry skin. It’s been a popular homeopathic remedy for thousands of years and can be taken in pill or liquid form. For a quick fix, a leaf from the bottom of the plant can be sliced in half vertically and the sap applied directly to the skin irritation. Aloe vera is also commonly found in 100 percent concentrations in gels and lotions, or incorporated into other skincare products, such as cleanser, toner, moisturizer, body wash, shampoo and conditioner. Discover more facts, benefits and uses for this multipurpose medicinal plant.
Strategies for Soothing Pruritus (or Itchy Skin)
http://www.skincare-news.com/a-6020-Strategies_for_Soothing_Pruritus_or_Itchy_Skin_.aspx
Most people suffer from itchy skin at some point. But for many individuals, dry, itchy skin — known as pruritus — is a daily way of life. Loosely defined as itchy skin, pruritus is a skin condition with varying symptoms, including red, bumpy, blistered or scaly skin. Whether the cause is a medical condition or environmental factors, pruritus is best eliminated by first determining the source, then treating the underlying cause. Find out more about options for treatment in this article from Skincare-News.
