Coconut for Beautiful Skin

All of you know what a coconut looks like and what it actually is! Africans and Caribbean people have been benefitting from the use of coconuts since ages. Coconuts are a great way to detoxify the skin. The goodness of coconuts is indeed without comparison. Read on to know how coconuts can help to get you a good skin.

Products which are genuinely developed out of coconut have an excellent effect on skin. Coconut is known for its moisturizing properties. People with dry skin may resort to coconut derived products in order to gain instant relief from itchiness and dryness. Coconut is a chief flavor of a number of moisturizers and lotions.

Dermatologists also hold that coconut usage helps to suck excessive oil from the skin. As such, people with acne prone skin will benefit from the usage of coconut. The chief cause of acne is excessive oil deposition. Coconut usage helps to reduce such oil deposition thereby reducing the chances of acne breakouts.

Coconut Water- Coconut water may be added to your bucket full of water when you go for a bath. It may also be used in facial packs in place of normal water.

Coconut Oil- Coconut oil penetrates down into the skin with relative skin thereby leaving the skin dry and polished. Topical application of this oil lends a smoothness and radiant glow on facial skin. The oil also acts as a natural moisturizer.

Coconut Pulp- Coconut pulp can be used in facial masks. The pulp alone may be left on the facial skin to work. If good skin is desired, consistent usage of coconut facial masks is recommended.

Coconut Cream- African women swear by the advantages of coconut cream. The cream is nothing less than a magical concoction for people with dry and combination skin types.

Nutrients for Your Beautiful Skin!

Most people neglect the nutrition part and still expect to have a glowing and youthful skin. Yes, external factors play a very important part and we are not denying that. Following a good diet and a healthy lifestyle is however as important. Diet and lifestyle cannot be neglected. It is only an internally healthy skin which looks healthy on the outside. The following paragraphs will guide you on the importance of intake of proper nutrients in order to have a good skin.

Proteins are macro nutrients that help in the repair and growth of body tissues. Protein deficiency causes the skin to become dry, lifeless and worn out. If you think that your intake of proteins is inadequate, you may supplement it with protein tablets.

Next come carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are very essential for proper body functioning but most people do not realize the fact. Yes, one has to be extremely careful about the usage. For example, excessive sugar intake causes skin problems like acne etc. You may substitute normal sugar with brown sugar in such a case. Now you must be wondering as to how carbohydrates are good for the skin. It is because carbohydrates play an important part in blood purification that is freeing the blood from unnecessary toxins.

Contrary to what most people hold, fats are very essential to get a baby soft skin. Of course, excessive intake of fats is bad but your body does require fats in some quantity in order to get skin suppleness.

Vitamins are the most important of all nutrients when it comes to skincare. No wonder, cosmetic skin products containing multi vitamins have not only grown but tripled since the last two decades. Lack of adequate skin vitamins will make the skin look dull and dreary.

So, if you are not very serious about your eating and lifestyle, it is time you get so!

Turning Sensitive Skin to Beautiful Skin

Many people say they have sensitive skin because:

• Certain skin care products, or household products that contact their skin, cause stinging, burning, redness, and/or tightness.
• Although they have no visible effects after contact with a product, it always makes their skin feel uncomfortable.

Dermatologists, doctors specializing in skin, consider the diagnosis of sensitive skin when they:

• See skin reactions such as pustules, skin bumps, and/or skin erosion.
• Observe excessively dry skin, which doesn’t adequately protect nerve endings on the skin and may lead to skin reactions from cosmetics or skin care products.
• Notice a tendency to blushing and skin flushing, which may also be signs of sensitive skin.

If you have purchased manufactured skin care products or facial masques (masks), then you have probably used chemical products designed to mimic natural ingredients. These chemical products are sometimes harsh and can do as much harm to delicate skin as they do good. Sometimes it is more beneficial for your complexion to use a facial product using fresh, natural ingredients whenever possible.

All skin types benefit from exfoliation (removal of dead skin cells), and moisturizing ingredients. Some skin care products are designed to specifically exfoliate and moisturize and can be used by all skin types. others are best for those with sensitive skin.

Herbs, fruits, dry fruits and some vegetables are generally used to make natural facial products.  At times, certain cereals might also be used to prepare them. Since natural products are free of chemicals, you don’t have to worry about the side effects as well. Moreover, on using them, your face will radiate a natural glow that can, perhaps, not be seen when you use the shop-bought beauty products.

Specific guidelines are lacking, but most “skin-friendly” products contain:

• Only a few ingredients
• Little or no fragrance
• Methyl paraben or butyl paraben preservatives

If you have sensitive skin, avoid products containing:

• Antibacterial or botanical ingredient
• Skin-penetrating solvents such as ethanol and propylene glycol; opt for nonpenetrating ingredients such as polyethylene glycol

Sensitive skin tends to be thin and delicate with fine pores. It flushes easily, is prone to broken capillaries, is frequently allergic and can easily break out in a rash. There are many degrees of “sensitivity” in the skin, from very sensitive to slightly sensitive. Pay attention and  identify and determine the resistance of your own skin.

Many people have sensitive skin today due to the overload of chemicals found in most store-bought products. Sensitive skin can be temperamental and does not take well to harsh treatments. It reacts to many environmental factors in an aggressive way, it gets red, swollen or itches because of exposure to the sun, wind, too cold or too warm water, alkaline water and many others. It may react easily to many ingredients in cosmetics, and in extreme cases, to even substances around the house. Some of the reaction of sensitive skin can be confused with some skin conditions such as: rosacea, eczema or sun damage. So you should consult a skin professional if you think your skin is temperamental.

If you have sensitive skin, never fear, with proper care, you can help your skin to find the right balance and look great for many years. First, your skin needs to be clean. Use a very gentle product twice a day, followed by a light toner. Your toner should be alcohol-free. You need to use a rich, but water-based
moisturizer. Avoid greasy products, lanoline, mineral oil, and other ingredients that may block your pores and cause black heads or pimples.

Although your sensitive skin is delicate, you may still use hydrating masks and a very gentle exfoliant once a week. Avoid steam during facials, and in general, avoid drastic temperature changes. Hot baths, saunas and steams may cause broken capillaries in your skin.

If you get professional facials, always tell your esthetician before starting that you have sensitive skin. She may not be able to extract as much as needed, but it is better than irritating your skin. Facial massages are good for you, because it stimulates circulation and relaxes the muscles. Be sure to have facials in a reputable day spa or medical spa where hygiene is paramount. If you have extremely sensitive skin, you should visit a dermatologist.

It is important to drink water to keep your system clean and hydrated. You need to pay attention to your diet to help your skin find the right balance. Try to eat fresh foods rich in nutrients. Some supplement of Omega-3 may benefit your skin. You can also consume this oil in flax seeds or salmon; among others. Choose butter over margarine and a little of butter or olive oil is good for your skin.

The objective of using a mask is to protect, soothe and combat inflammation and irritation on the skin. Sensitive skin needs very refreshing and calming ingredients that will not shock or irritate it. At home you may use Aloe Vera with a couple of drops of blue chamomile essential oil. To calm your skin, use natural products that contain calming ingredients like chamomile, oatmeal, cornflower, milk and licorice.