Saturday, 13 September 2014

6 Ways to Get Rid of Cellulite Naturally

6 Ways to Get Rid of Cellulite Naturally

The accumulation of fats in the upper layers of the skin is caused by the hormonal effects on connective tissues. Thighs, legs and buttocks are the most common areas for these fatty acids accumulation. Women need to be extra careful about their lifestyle habits and to keep the cellulite production under control as they are more prone to the problem of increasing cellulite in the body. The unsightly look of dimpled skin compels to make some effort to get rid of. The major causes of having cellulite are poor circulatory movements, lack of activity, unhealthy diet and some hormonal changes.

It’s always beneficial to change your lifestyle for good. Healthy diet and regular exercising will prove beneficial for this. Here are some of the tips that may bring remarkable improvement in your overall fitness by reducing cellulite naturally:

Balanced Diet:

Don’t ever try to skip your meals in order to decrease the calorie intake. Consuming healthy diet is too essential to maintain your weight and a firm physique. Include lots of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet with lean protein, legumes, grains and dairy products. Avoid high saturated food items, cholesterol, sugar, processed foods and additives. Cholesterol, hydrogenated oil and saturated fats are good in increasing the cellulite production. Vitamin C and bioflavonoids significantly help in reducing cellulite.

Exercise:

Exercise has its own benefits to keep a person fit, active and to boost immunity. Any appropriate exercise routine is essential for a hale and hearty existence. Combining cardiovascular workout with strength training will be good for reducing cellulite. Both aid in increasing circulation and toning of muscles to lessen the dimpled skin appearance. Cycling, jogging, skipping, lifts, squats and lunges may make a remarkable difference if perform on regular basis.

Water Intake:

Dehydration is a major factor to store fats in the body that makes it looks saggy. Drinking a lot of water is an utmost requirement to keep you hydrated. It’s necessary to flush out the toxins from the body and not let them making place under your skin. Water particularly helps in increasing skin condition and detoxifying the body.

Yoga:

A regular schedule of yoga based on correct poses and workout may make desired cellulite reduction in your body. The strengthening and stretching effects of yoga poses tone up the large thigh muscles. They work on abdominal area and buttocks as well. Regular yoga practice aids in building lean muscles to burn up cells easily and quickly.

Massage:

Massaging is one the best natural treatments of reducing cellulite. Regular massaging increases blood circulation in the affected area which aids in stimulating lymphatic drainage to remove cellulite. Essential oils should be used in massaging including olive oil, rosemary oil, juniper oil or coconut oil. The oils help in moisturizing and soften the skin and the massage aids in flushing out the toxins to firm up the area.

Dry Brushing:

Dry brushing the skin with a soft brush is also an effective home remedy to get rid of those bulky thighs and legs. It removes the dead cells from your skin and leaves it with clean pores and toned and tight skin. Dry brushing also helps in blood circulation.

10 Additional Natural Remedies in Your Kitchen

Home / Featured / 10 Additional Natural Remedies in Your Kitchen

10 Additional Natural Remedies in Your Kitchen

11. Prevent digestive upsets with pineapple

Got gas? One cup of fresh pineapple daily can cut painful bloating within 72 hours, say researchers at California’s Stanford University. That’s because pineapple is natually packed with proteolytic enzymes, digestive aids that help speed the breakdown of pain-causing proteins in the stomach and small intestine, say USDA researchers.

12. Relax painful muscles with peppermint

Suffering from tight, sore muscles? Stubborn knots can hang around for months if they aren’t properly treated, says naturopath Mark Stengler, N.D., author of the book, The Natural Physician’s Healing Therapies. His advice: Three times each week, soak in a warm tub scented with 10 drops of peppermint oil. The warm water will relax your muscles, while the peppermint oil will naturally soothe your nerves — a combo that can ease muscle cramping 25 percent more effectively than over-the-counter painkillers, and cut the frequency of future flare-ups in half, says Stengler.

13. Give your back some TLC with grapes

Got an achy back? Grapes could be the ticket to a speedy recovery. Recent studies at Ohio State University suggest eating a heaping cup of grapes daily can relax tight blood vessels, significantly improving blood flow to damaged back tissues (and often within three hours of enjoying the first bowl). That’s great news because your back’s vertebrae and shock-absorbing discs are completely dependent on nearby blood vessels to bring them healing nutrients and oxygen, so improving blood flow is essential for healing damaged back tissue, says Stengler.

14. Wash away pain injuries with water

Whether it’s your feet, your knees or your shoulders that are throbbing, experts at New York’s Manhattan College, say you could kick-start your recovery in one week just by drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily. Why? Experts say water dilutes, and then helps flush out, histamine, a pain-triggering compound produced by injured tissues. “Plus water is a key building block of the cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones, your joints’ lubricating fluid, and the soft discs in your spine,” adds Susan M. Kleiner, Ph.D., author of the book, The Good Mood Diet. “And when these tissues are well-hydrated, they can move and glide over each other without causing pain.” One caveat: Be sure to measure your drinking glasses to find out how large they really are before you start sipping, she says. Today’s juice glasses often hold more than 12 ounces, which means five servings could be enough to meet your daily goal.

15. Heal sinus problems with horseradish

Latest studies show sinusitis is the nation’s number one chronic health problem. And this condition doesn’t just spur congestion and facial pain, it also makes sufferers six times more likely to feel achy all-over. Horseradish to the rescue! According to German researchers, this eye-watering condiment naturally revs up blood flow to the sinus cavities, helping to open and drain clogged sinuses and heal sinus infections more quickly than decongestant sprays do. The study-recommended dose: One teaspoon twice daily (either on its own, or used as a sandwich or meat topping) until symptoms clear.

16. Beat bladder infections with blueberries

Eating 1 cup of blueberries daily, whether you opt for them fresh, frozen or in juice form, can cut your risk of a urinary tract infection (UTIs) by 60 percent, according to researchers at New Jersey’s Rutgers University. That’s because blueberries are loaded with tannins, plant compounds that wrap around problem-causing bacteria in the bladder, so they can’t get a toehold and create an infection, explains Amy Howell, Ph.D. a scientist at Rutgers University.

17. Heal mouth sores with honey

Dab painful canker and cold sores with unpasteurized honey four times daily until these skin woes disappear, and they’ll heal 43 percent faster than if you use a prescription cream, say researchers at the Dubai Specialized Medical Center in the United Arab Emirates. Raw honey’s natural enzymes zap inflammation, destroy invading viruses and speed the healing of damaged tissues, say the study authors.

18. Fight breast pain with flax

In one recent study, adding 3 tablespoons of ground flax to their daily diet eased breast soreness for one in three women within 12 weeks. Scientists credit flax’s phytoestrogens, natural plant compounds that prevent the estrogen spikes that can trigger breast pain. More good news: You don’t have to be a master baker to sneak this healthy seed into your diet. Just sprinkle ground flax on oatmeal, yogurt, applesauce or add it to smoothies and veggie dips.

19. Cure migraines with coffee

Prone to migraines? Try muscling-up your painkiller with a coffee chaser. Whatever over-the-counter pain med you prefer, researchers at the National Headache Foundation say washing it down with a strong 12- ounce cup of coffee will boost the effectiveness of your medication by 40 percent or more. Experts say caffeine stimulates the stomach lining to absorb painkillers more quickly and more effectively.

20. Tame leg cramps with tomato juice

At least one in five people regularly struggle with leg cramps. The culprit? Potassium deficiencies, which occur when this mineral is flushed out by diuretics, caffeinated beverages or heavy perspiration during exercise. But sip 10 ounces of potassium-rich tomato juice daily and you’ll not only speed your recovery, you’ll reduce your risk of painful cramp flare-ups in as little as 10 days, say UCLA researchers.

Fat-Burning Fruits

Fat-Burning Fruits

Anyone who tells you to not eat fruit for a diet plan is foolish. Stop listening to them, they do not have your best interest in mind. It is true that fruits are high in calories and natural sugar, but not everything is about the calorie count. It should be common sense that a banana which has 100 calories is much healthier than a low-fat bag of “cookies” that are pumped with chemicals and fake sweeteners.

Some people will still claim that that counting calories is more important than consuming smart calories. Although a large equation to weight loss is consuming a little less calories than you use, it is more complicated than that beyond the surface. A wise diet will not lead you to calorie counting that deprives your body of the nutrients it needs to burn fat and build muscle.

So remember, fruits are not your enemy. Some fruits even contain many nutritional substances that will actually burn fat, not make your body gain it. Here are list of some of the fruits that will help you conquer and burn the fat on your body.

1: Blueberries

Blueberries help you battle body fat while decreasing cardiovascular disease and risk of diabetes. In a study by University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center rats reduced their belly fat by 2 percent when consuming a small amount of blueberries every day.
The results are linked to high percentage of high antioxidants that rid your body of toxins that lead to weight gain and other health problems. Adding blueberries to yogurt of a bowl of cereal is an easy way to incorporate them into your diet.

2: Coconut

Coconuts contain medium chain triglycerides (MCFA) that raise the metabolic rate of the liver up to 30 percent.

They are also a sweet and filling snack that you can replace with other junk food cravings. You can try coconut oil, coconut milk, coconut flour, coconut water or unsweetened shredded coconut. Dried coconut is also a tasty snack and can be added to all kinds of recipes to add a little flavor.

Try adding coconut milk to a cup of coffee for a sweet and tasty treat.

3: Avocados

Avocado nutrients have fat that tell your body to stop spiking blood sugar. Spikes in blood sugar cause your body to store extra fat, and excess fat on our bodies is something that we all want to avoid.
Keep in mind these fruits are calorie and fat heavy, so just one combined with a meal is plenty for a day. Try adding a slice or two to a salad. You can also try making some spicy guacamole with jalapeno peppers. Incidentally jalapenos burn fat as well.

4: Tomatoes

These fruits are packed with a whole lot of vitamin c and phytonutrients that both are fat killer. Vitamin C is what enables our bodies to burn fat that is already stored with exercise. The phytonutrient caretenoid serves as an antioxidant for our body that helps with losing weight and cardiovascular health.

With literally hundreds of varieties of tomato available, there are plenty of different tastes to keep you coming back for more.

Try slicing up a fresh tomato then drizzling olive oil and vinegar on top for a savory and light snack.

5: Apples and Pears

Apple and pears help you lose weight in two different and very effective ways. Both fruits are packed with fiber that helps increase the metabolic rate and stay full in between meals. The second way they help is by adding pectin to a diet. Pectin actually restricts cells from taking in fat and it helps cells absorb water.
Try slicing an apple or pear up in the morning then caring it in a baggy for a quick snack when you are on the go.

6: Grapefruit

We discourage you for falling for the old grapefruit fad diets, but that doesn’t mean that this fruit isn’t a rock star food that burns fat. Grapefruits contain the antioxidant naringenin which evens out insulin levels.

This is a way of warding off the infamous hunger pains while allowing the body to burn fat more easily. You can just cut a grapefruit in half then enjoy it with a spoon for a quick snack that is fun to eat.

7: Bananas

Bananas are filled with healthy fibers that help curb appetite and make the body burn fat. The indigestible fibers in bananas, or a resistant starch, block carbs from being absorbed by the body. This makes the body burn fat as energy instead of the carbs.
The potassium in bananas helps build muscle that will in turn burn fat. A triple threat we love our yellow banana friends. You can try making a simple banana shake with yogurt, milk, bananas and ice for a healthy and cold treat.

8: Pomegranate

Pomegranate juice is filled with antioxidants that get rid of the unwanted toxins in our body. The type of antioxidants in pomegranates are polyphenols, and these antioxidants boost the body’s metabolism according to a study from the University of California. To top it off they stop arterial lipid build-up and lower the appetite.

Try drinking a glass of pomegranate juice with a meal, or making a pomegranate milkshake. If the taste is a little too strong for you, you can try cutting it with water.

Kale and Apple Salad : Healthy Recipe

Apple-Quinoa-Kale-Salad-Dr-Josh-Axe-Recipes

Kale and Apple Salad : Healthy Recipe

Antioxidant-rich kale is even better for you when eaten raw. Thin strips are softened in a light lemon dressing, then tossed with the savory-sweet blend of apple, dates, almonds and cheese. A little pecorino goes a long way in giving this nutritious salad a satisfying depth of flavor.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
1 bunch kale, ribs removed, leaves very thinly sliced
1/4 cup dates
1 Honeycrisp apple
1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1 ounce pecorino, finely grated (1/4 cup)
Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Add the kale, toss to coat and let stand 10 minutes.

While the kale stands, cut the dates into thin slivers and the apple into thin matchsticks. Add the dates, apples, almonds and cheese to the kale. Season with salt and pepper and toss well.

10 Easy to Follow Skin Care Tips

10 Easy to Follow Skin Care Tips

It’s tempting to correlate the amount of effort and money we put into caring for our skin with its condition. But many experts favor simple, everyday skincare methods that don’t include high-ticket products or heavy duty treatments.

To help you get glowing, we’ve rounded up 10 simple, affordable and effective tips.

1. Come Clean

First things first: Before you even think about washing your face, clean your hands with a mild soap. If hands are dirty, then you’ll end up transferring more dirt and grime onto your skin.

2. Avoid Unnecessary Roughness

Because washcloths can be abrasive (especially if you have sensitive skin), opt for a muslin cloth instead. After applying cleanser, rinse the cloth in warm water and use slow, circular motions to wash away product.

3. Stay Slick

As skin and hair oils become more popular, they also become more expensive. But women in the Mediterranean have been using extra virgin olive oil as an all-over hydrator for centuries. Warm a few drops of oil in your hand before smoothing over your face for ultra-moisturized skin.

4. Quench Your Thirst

Although drinking water isn’t a replacement for your moisturizer, staying hydrated is necessary for maintaining healthy skin functions, such as regenerating cells and improving circulation. The result? A more radiant complexion.

5. Give Skin A Wake-Up Call

If you’re prone to dry skin, then washing your face once a day is enough—especially during cooler, dry months. Doing thorough cleansing before bed means that you can simply rinse it with warm water in the AM.

6. Keep Your Cool

Moderate exercise is great for the skin, delivering oxygen and nutrients to its cells. But chronic flushing—from exercise or heat—can lead to permanently dilated capillaries. So get into the habit of pressing a cold-water washcloth to your cheeks as part of your post-workout routine.

7. Have A Ball

Instead of trying to smear away dark lipstick with a tissue, opt for a cotton ball doused with an oil-based makeup remover. The messy tissue technique can leave an oily residue around the mouth that may lead to breakouts.

8. Call For Help

Another breakout culprit? Your not-so-clean cellphone, which often rests pressed against your skin. Go hands-free when you can, and to kill pore-clogging germs, keep antibacterial wipes on hand, suggests skincare guru Kate Somerville.

9. Feed Your Face

Los Angeles-based dermatologist Jessica Wu, M.D., recommends eating tomatoes to boost your natural defenses against UV rays. The savory fruit contains high levels of lycopene, an antioxidant that’s been shown to provide protection from the sun’s skin-aging rays.

10. Think Broad

Expensive sunscreens aren’t usually any more effective than cheap ones, say dermatologists. The important thing is that whatever you use should contain broad-spectrum UV protection—to guard your hide from both UVB rays that burn and UVA rays that age skin—no matter the season. Pesky UVA rays can pass through glass and clouds, and are equally intense thoughout the year.

10 Fat Foods: that is Good for Your Health

10 Fat Foods: that is Good for Your Health

Fat foods that is Good for your health:

Fish

Naturally fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, herring, lake trout, sardines, and albacore tuna are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. These are “good” fats that help keep your heart healthy. They may also help keep your brain sharp, especially as you get older. The American Heart Association suggests eating two servings of fatty fish a week. A serving is 3 ounces — about the size of a deck of cards. Try it baked, grilled, or poached.

Avocado

Eat it on your sandwich, or serve it up in guacamole. Tasty avocado is good for your heart and may help with osteoarthritis symptoms, thanks to healthy fats.

An extra benefit? When you eat avocado with other foods, it helps your body better absorb their nutrients. Half a medium avocado is one serving and about 115-160 calories.

Seeds

Little pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds pack a big punch. They have “good” fats that can lower cholesterol. In general, fats that come from plants are healthier than those from animal products. “Bad” fats are in foods like fatty cuts of meat, full-fat dairy products, and some packaged foods. Check food labels to see how much fat, and what type, you’re getting. Limit saturated fats and avoid trans fats.

Nuts

From hazelnuts to pecans, all nuts are good for your heart. Walnuts, especially, deliver heart-healthy fats. But don’t overdo it. Just because the fats are healthy doesn’t mean you can eat as much as you want. A serving is 1 ounce. That’s about 14 walnut halves, 24 almonds, 35 peanuts, 18 cashews, or 15 pecan halves.

Olive Oil

Whether you’re cooking or dressing your salad, try olive oil. It’s high in good fat. Remember, though: It’s always smart to watch how much fat — even good fat — you eat. So cook with less oil than a recipe calls for. Or use an olive oil spray. In baking, you can use applesauce for half the oil to cut back on some fat and shave calories.

Vegetables

Dark green veggies like spinach, kale, and Brussels sprouts offer some omega 3s. Because our bodies can’t make these good fats, you have to get them from food. Aim for 2-3 cups of vegetables every day. Include fish in your diet, too, since fish have a different kind of omega-3 fat that you need. Plants only offer a fraction of the omega-3s that fish do.

Eggs

Eggs are a great source of inexpensive protein, and a large egg has less than 5 grams of fat, most from healthy fats. Some eggs are also enriched with extra omega-3s. It will say so on the carton. To stay healthy, limit yourself to just one egg a day.

Ground Flaxseed

As part of a healthy diet, good-for-you fats can help make your skin look great — plumper and younger. Plus, they add fiber and can help ease inflammation. Get good fats by sprinkling a teaspoon of ground flaxseed on your salad or your cereal, or use it when you’re baking.

Beans

Whether they’re kidney, Great Northern, navy, or soybeans, adding beans to your diet can be good for you mentally and physically. Beans have omega 3s, which may help with mood.

Omega-3-Fortified Foods

There are also many foods that have added omega-3s to make them healthier. You can find enriched milk and eggs, bread, and breakfast bars, for example. Check product labels to make sure. Plus, you may get more health benefits by getting omega-3s through fortified products than from a supplement.

5 Fast Facts About Underarm Rashes

5 Fast Facts About Underarm Rashes

An armpit is a dark, moist place that’s a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and other microbes. Some of these bacteria produce odor as they grow, which is why many people use deodorant. But sometimes both the microbes and that deodorant can work against you. The result is a rash.

Rashes come in all shapes and sizes — some appear as raised patches of blotchy dry skin, others as itchy red bumps or pimples. Some rashes hurt, others itch like crazy, and others may cause no pain or itching at all [source: Mayo Clinic].

Be assured that an underarm rash isn’t usually the result of poor hygiene. In fact, a rash may occur as the result of a product you use to stay odor- and hair-free.

5. Razors are a Common Culprit

Your underarms are ticklish for a reason: The skin is very sensitive. It’s OK to shave, but be careful — shaving can cause irritation. Razors can nick or cut the skin, causing inflammation, and deodorant or bacteria can further irritate skin.

It’s fairly simple to avoid a rash or infection caused by underarm shaving. Use shaving cream to ensure a smooth shave, and make slow, short strokes so you won’t damage the skin. If you shave at night, wait until morning to apply deodorant to avoid further irritation.

4. Temperature Plays A Role

Heat rash occurs when your sweat ducts are blocked and perspiration builds up beneath the skin, causing a bumpy and sometimes painful inflammation. It’s not always clear why sweat ducts become blocked, but certain factors can contribute to it, including bacteria, tight-fitting clothing, medications and certain fabrics

To prevent underarm rashes from developing, it’s important to understand what causes them in the first place. One way to avoid heat rash is to simply not go outside in hot, humid weather. If you have to be outside, try not to overexert yourself, and wear loose-fitting clothing made of porous fabric. Also, don’t use powders, creams or ointments on your skin — they can clog pores and interfere with perspiration

3. Friction Is Not Your Friend

Friction can also cause skin irritation in the underarms — this is an area of the body where skin continually rubs against fabric or other skin. Friction, combined with heat and moisture, breaks down the epidermis and can cause inflammation. While this may be uncomfortable enough on its own, it’s often complicated when bacteria or fungus colonize among the broken skin and infect it

One specific type of infection that may develop in this manner is candidiasis, or a yeast infection The preventive measures for friction rashes are the same as for heat rash — keep your underarms dry and wear light, loose-fitting clothing.

2. Beware Of Allergens

Contact dermatitis is a very common cause of skin irritation on the body, including the underarms. Contact dermatitis works just like it sounds — if something touches your skin that irritates it or causes a reaction, a rash can develop.

If you suspect that skin care products or household chemicals are causing your rash, the best way to avoid contact dermatitis is to identify the offending product and discontinue its use. If your symptoms don’t improve, or if you’re unable to identify what’s causing your rash, see your physician — he or she can test for a specific allergy [source: Mayo Clinic].

1. Relief Is Within Reach

Many rashes disappear on their own in a few weeks, but a few weeks can seem like an eternity if your rash is itchy or painful. However, there are ways to get immediate relief.

If your rash isn’t severe or infected, you probably just need to soothe irritation at the rash site. Calamine lotion is the most common topical treatment for rashes, but you can also apply a hydrocortisone cream or take an antihistamine. Pampering yourself by soaking in an oatmeal bath is a great way to soothe skin and relieve itching, and if your rash is painful, taking ibuprofen or aspirin should ease pain and inflammation.

8 Skin Care Tips to Look Fabulous in Your 30’s

8 Skin Care Tips to Look Fabulous in Your 30’s

Early 30s can bring about many unanticipated changes, in both men and women. Your features might harden, you might find yourself at the receiving end of comments like, “you don’t smile as much anymore” or you might feel very disheartened and often, shot down.

30s are supposed to be that time of your life when you’re in complete control over your relationships, you’re on track when it comes to work, have a sizable bank balance and are attune to a truly happy and enjoyable life. But then life plays a cruel joke and throws a real beauty bouncer. In simpler words, 30 is often the age when you start to see your skin, body and looks change. And in some cases this change is not for the better, unless you start being extra cautious.

Skin Troubles in your 30s:

Those first deep wrinkles begin to emerge, turning faint lines around the eyes into full blown crow’s feet (also known as laugh lines or character lines). In some unfortunate cases, acne decide to make a comeback after teen years or it may also appear for the very first time. This phenomenon is called ‘adult acne’ and is usually hormonal in women. Damage from earlier sunburns and beach holidays begin to appear as blotchy pigmentation and you suddenly seem to have dull and saggy skin. A plush ponytail of just the earlier decade thins down and your mirror throws back a picture with a few but prominent aging features which can be very discouraging.

Hormones are one of the biggest contributors to these problems, especially in women. The majority of hormonal changes start around the age of 30. When female reproductive hormones levels begin to taper off and lead to thinning hair and undesirable skin conditions. The level of human growth hormones begins to drop which leads to increased breaking of collagen production, giving way to dull and droopy skin. At 18, growth hormone levels are around 900 but by the time you’re 30, they drop to 200. Men don’t go through to skin problems but fall victim to male pattern baldness due to changes in testosterone and DHT.

Everyone is going to see some kind of changes in their 30s due to hormonal imbalance, but those who indulge in tanning, drinking, smoking, don’t exercise regularly and eat poorly, the problems are going to be much worse.

How to look fabulous in your 30s:

To stay gorgeous through your 30s and after, follow these 8 simple steps:

1. Cleansing

Cleanse your skin each morning and make sure to remove all makeup and cleanse again before bedtime. This allows the skin to perform its essential protective and renewal functions well. Always use products suggested by your dermatologist as there are many products available in the market and picking the right can be confusing.

2. Exfoliate

Exfoliate at night rather than in the day. Overnight skin is in renewal mode and removing dead skin skin prior to bedtime enhances the skin’s function. Exfoliate gently, just to remove dead skin and if your skin is oily or you’ve got acne then exfoliating twice a week should be sufficient.

3. Protect

Protect your skin during the day by combining an antioxidant serum or vitamin C serum with sun screen as they enhance each other. Be sure to apply the sunscreen first.

4. Stay hydrated

Make sure that the skin is not dehydrated. Don’t spend more than 5 minutes in the shower and use lukewarm water. Use a moisturizing body wash as acts as a protective moisture barrier for the skin.

Here’s a golden nugget of advice for working professionals: Add 4-5 drops of essential body oils or if nothing then almond oil/vitamin e oil/sesame oil in 2 mugs of water and splash it on the body to form a moisturizing coat.

5. Sunscreen

Wear a sunscreen with broad spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection every single day of the year, including raining days and on overcast winter days. UVA rays are “slow agers” which remain constant throughout the year.

6. Moisturize

Rub in rich intense moisturizing body lotion or apricot oil daily after bathing on slightly damp body for a healthy, hydrated skin.

7. Drink water

Drink plenty of water to also stay hydrated internally. Add lemon or lime juice for an extra boost. Eat a healthy and high-fiber diet and workout for atleast 15-20 daily.

8. Stay stress free

Of course that’s easier said than done but indulging in a hobby of ones choice works wonders for the skin.

Natural Remedy For Stretch Marks

Natural Remedy For Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are visible lines on the skin surface, with an off-color hue. Stretch marks are mainly found in the abdominal wall, but can also occur over the thighs, upper arms, buttocks and breasts. Sometimes stretch marks can cover large areas of the body. While pregnancy is the main cause behind stretch marks, other reasons can be sudden gain or loss in weight, rapid growth, heredity factors, stress and changes in physical conditions.

The skin consists of three main layers: Epidermis (the outer layer), Dermis (the middle layer) and Subcutaneous or Hypodermic (the deepest layer). Stretch marks form in the dermis or middle layer of the skin when the connective tissue is “stretched” beyond the power of its flexibility due to rapid expansion or contraction of the skin. As skin is stretched, the collagen is weakened and its normal production cycle is interrupted and damaged. This ultimately results in fine scars under the top layer of the skin. Initially the marks look pink or red, but over time a thin, silvery line appears on the skin surface and a stretch mark is born. Stretch marks appear on the skin surface when someone grows quickly, or puts on weight quickly.

How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks Fast

1. Potato Juice

Potato juice contains vitamins and minerals that foster growth and restoration of skin cells.

Cut a medium-sized potato into thick slices.
Take one of the potato pieces and rub it gently on the stretch marks for a few minutes. Make sure the liquid from the potato covers the affected area.
Allow the potato juice to dry for some time and then wash it off with lukewarm water.

2. Sugar

Natural white sugar is one of the best natural remedies to get rid of stretch marks. You can use the sugar to exfoliate your skin.

Mix a tablespoon of raw sugar with some almond oil and a few drops of lemon juice. Mix it well and apply it on the stretch marks and other skin areas.
Gently rub the mixture on the skin for at least 10 minutes every day before taking a shower.
Do this for a month or so and watch your stretch marks become lighter.

3. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is effective in the treatment of many skin problems. It has various essential nutrients and active compounds that can be used in the treatment of minor burns, while its healing and soothing properties can be used to get rid of stretch marks. There are a couple of ways to apply it.

You can directly rub aloe vera gel on the affected skin area, leave it on for a few minutes and then rinse the skin with lukewarm water.
Another option is to make a mixture with one-fourth cup of aloe vera gel, oil from 10 vitamin E capsules and oil from five vitamin A capsules. Rub this mixture onto the skin until fully absorbed. Repeat this process daily.

4. Water

Keeping your body well hydrated helps protect the skin from many kinds of problems. Well-hydrated skin results in regular detoxification of skin pores and restores elasticity, which will help a lot in getting rid of stretch marks. Try to drink one to two glasses of water several times during a day. Experts say a minimum of 10 glasses of water per day is the best way to keep the body hydrated. It will also make your skin soft and help maintain its elasticity. It is advisable to avoid coffee, tea or soda as they can cause dehydration.

5. Lemon Juice

Another simple ways to lessen stretch marks is to use lemon juice. Lemon juice is naturally acidic which helps heal and reduce stretch marks, skin injuries, acne, and other scars.

Rub fresh lemon juice gently onto the stretch marks using circular motions. Allow the lemon juice to soak into your skin for at least 10 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.
Another option is to mix equal quantities of cucumber juice and lemon juice and apply the mixture on the stretch marks.

6. Olive Oil

Olive oil contains a lot of nutrients and antioxidants that help improve various skin problems including stretch marks.

Massage slightly warm pure olive oil into the affected skin area. This will improve the blood circulation and reduce the stretch marks to a great extent.
Leave it for half an hour so that the vitamins A, D and E present in the oil are absorbed by the skin.

You can also mix olive oil with vinegar and water and use it as a night cream. This will keep your skin stay moisturized and also exfoliate the skin.

7. Cocoa Butter

Cocoa butter is also very beneficial in treating stretch marks.

You must apply cocoa butter over the affected area at least two times a day. After one to two months, the marks will be less visible.
Another option is to make a mixture using half a cup of cocoa butter, one tablespoon of wheat germ oil, two teaspoons of grated beeswax and one teaspoon each of apricot kernel oil and vitamin E oil. Heat this mixture until the beeswax melts. You can store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator and apply it to your stretch marks two to three times a day. This mixture will make your skin more hydrated and smooth.

8. Castor Oil

Castor oil, which is used in the treatment of a number of skin problems such as wrinkles, age spots, moles, dark spots, fine lines and pimples, can also be used to quickly get rid of stretch marks.

Apply some castor oil to the stretch marks and gently massage the area in circular motions for at least 15 minutes.
Wrap the area with a thin, cotton cloth. Using a hot water bottle or a heating pad, apply some heat to the affected area for at least a half an hour.
Repeat this process daily for a minimum of one month to notice positive results.

9. Egg Whites

Eggs are a rich source of protein. For stretch marks, you want to use only the egg whites, which contain amino acids and proteins.

Whip the whites of two eggs gently with a fork. Clean the affected skin area with water and then apply a thick layer of egg whites with a makeup brush.
Allow the egg whites to dry completely and then rinse the area with cold water.
Finally apply some olive oil on the skin to keep it moisturized.
Repeat the process daily for at least two weeks and watch for positive results.

10. Alfalfa

Alfalfa leaves contain eight essential amino acids which are good for overall health of the skin. They are also rich in protein and vitamins E and K, which help in restoring and increasing body tone. The anti-fungal agent present in alfalfa leaves alkalizes and detoxifies the skin, which helps minimize scars including stretch marks.

Mix some alfalfa power with a few drops of chamomile oil to form a smooth paste.
Massage the paste into the affected area two to three times a day.
Repeat this daily for one week and you will notice great improvement.

These natural remedies can help stretch marks fade, but they will not completely remove them. You can always see your doctor if you are greatly concerned about the appearance of stretch marks on your skin.

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Saturday, 13 September 2014