DOING IT NATURAL

Category: Skin care

  • Beauty Benefits of Aloe Vera for Hair and Skin.

    Aloe vera plant is a very common plant and is largely cultivated in countries with drier climates. It is found in most skin and hair products. It is also use in some homes for beautification.


    Benefits to skin and hair

    • Moisturizing: Aloe vera gel can keep your skin moisturized all day long. Just apply some aloe vera gel all over your body.
    • Clears acne: Applying aloe vera gel on acne can help clear up the skin and also fades acne scars.
    • Relieves dandruff: White flaky scales and itchy scalp which are characteristics of dandruff can be greatly reduced with aloe vera gel. Rub some aloe vera gel on your scalp.

    wp-1496319634242.png

    •  Fades stretch marks: Stretch marks can be annoying and tough to deal with, you can reduce the marks with aloe vera gel.
    • Hair growth: Hair loss whether thinning edges, hair breakage can be minimized by using aloe vera gel. Aloe vera is very effective for hair growth.
    • Aging: Aloe vera contains vitamins that can slow down aging process, reduce wrinkles and freckles. Make a facial mask of aloe vera gel, honey and oatmeal and rinse off after 30 minutes.
    • Minimize Sunburn: If you are experiencing sunburn as a result of overexposure to sun rays, using aloe vera gel on the affected part can greatly reduce the sun burns.
    • Fades dark spots and lighten blemishes: You can also use aloe vera gel as a toner, it helps fade dark spots and lighten blemishes.
    • Soothe burns: The cooling effect of aloe vera can help soothe burns.

    • Gives soft and shiny hair: : Aloe vera can also be use to condition hair, add to your deep conditioner to get maximum conditioning and shine.
    • Aids wound healing.
    • Psoriasis

    Do you use aloe vera on your skin and hair? Do you know any other beauty benefits of aloe vera? Please drop your comments and share. Thanks so much for reading.

  • How to get rid of razor or shave bumps naturally.

    How to get rid of razor or shave bumps naturally.

    You want smooth, hairless skin after shaving, but you get bumps instead? You are not alone.

    Razor bumps, also known as pseudofolliculitis barbae, occur when shaved hair curls back into the skin and causes irritation. They can occur around the bikini line, armpits, face, legs, etc.

    Razor bumps may cause itching, irritation, pain, swelling, burning sensations, redness and sometimes bleeding. Although they may subside on their own with time, there are some remedies and skincare tips that may help relieve the symptoms

    Causes of Razor Bumps

    1. Shaving Against the Direction of Hair Growth

    Shaving against the direction of hair growth can increase the risk of razor bumps. When the hair is cut very close to the skin, it may curl back and grow into the skin, causing bumps.

    Try shaving in the direction of hair growth, especially if you have sensitive skin or frequently experience razor bumps.


    wp-1495147293767.jpeg

    • 2. Shaving Too Often

      Razor bumps can occur when you shave too often because repeated shaving may irritate the skin.

      Allow your hair and skin to recover a little before shaving again.

      3. Using a Blunt Razor

      While shaving, you should use a clean, sharp razor. Using a blunt razor may require you to shave over the same area repeatedly, leading to irritation and bump formation.

      Also, a used razor can harbour microorganisms, so make sure you clean and replace your razor regularly.

    • 4. Dry Hair

      Shaving dry hair can easily irritate your skin and increase friction.

      Applying water and a moisturising shaving cream or gel before shaving will help the razor glide more easily over the skin.

      5. Not Moisturising

      You need to moisturise your skin after shaving. Not doing so may leave your skin dry and irritated.

      Use a gentle moisturiser that is suitable for your skin type, preferably one without added fragrance if your skin is sensitive.

      6. Having Curly Hair

      Razor bumps are more common among people with coarse or tightly curled hair because the hair may curl back into the skin as it grows.

      However, razor bumps can affect anyone, regardless of their hair type or ethnicity

    Natural Remedies for Razor or Shave Bumps

    1. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

    Some people use apple cider vinegar as a home remedy for razor bumps.

    If you choose to try it, dilute it well with water and use caution, as vinegar is acidic and may irritate freshly shaved or sensitive skin.

    Test a small amount on a limited area first. Avoid applying it to broken or severely irritated skin, and stop using it if you experience burning or stinging

     

    • 2. Cold Compress

      Applying a cold compress to razor bumps can help soothe irritation and reduce discomfort.

      Use a clean, cool, damp cloth and apply it gently to the affected area.

      3. Coconut Oil

      Coconut oil may help moisturise dry skin and relieve some discomfort. However, it may not be suitable for everyone and can irritate or clog pores in some people.

      If you choose to use it, apply a small amount and stop if irritation occurs.

      4. Aloe Vera

      Aloe vera gel can provide a soothing and cooling effect on irritated skin.

      Choose a simple aloe vera gel without added fragrance or alcohol, and test it on a small area first. Aloe vera should not be relied upon to prevent infection

      5. Salicylic Acid

      Salicylic acid is an ingredient found in some skincare products and may help exfoliate the skin and clear blocked pores.

      Please note: Aspirin is not the same as topical salicylic acid. Avoid applying crushed aspirin mixtures to your skin, as they can cause irritation or allergic reactions.

      If you want to try salicylic acid, use a properly formulated skincare product and follow its instructions.

      6. Baking Soda

      Baking soda is sometimes used as a home remedy to exfoliate the skin and relieve itching. However, it can irritate the skin and disturb its natural protective barrier.

      For this reason, I would recommend avoiding baking soda on freshly shaved or sensitive skin.

    • 7. Shea Butter

      Shea butter is good for moisturising dry skin and may help reduce dryness after shaving.

      However, it is not a proven treatment for razor bumps. Use a small amount and choose a gentle product suitable for your skin.

      8. Cucumber

      Place cool cucumber slices on the shaved area to provide a soothing and refreshing sensation.

      Make sure the cucumber and your hands are clean, and avoid applying it to broken skin.

      9. Honey

      Honey may provide some soothing effects for certain skin types, but ordinary household honey is not a proven treatment for razor bumps.

      If your skin is irritated, a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser may be a safer option.

      Do you get razor bumps? What do you use to relieve your razor bumps? Do you have any other tips?

      Please drop your comments in the comment box.

      Thanks for reading! ❤️

      .

  • Ginger: Benefits to health, skin and hair.

    Ginger is an amazing spice and natural medicine. It belongs to the family Zingiberaceae and scientific name is Zingiber officinale. It is a source of carbohydrates, dietary fiber, protein, sugars, sodium, vitamin B, calcium, iron, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, zinc, folate, riboflavin and niacin. It also contains phenolic compounds such as gingerol and  shogaol which are its active constituents.

    Health benefits of ginger

    • Antimicrobial: Gingerols and shogaols are active ingredients in ginger that fight viruses, bacteria and fungi. This makes it effective in treatment of periodontal and respiratory infections and also candida albicans.
    • Calms menstrual cramps: Ginger tea helps relieve menstrual cramps and is an alternative to pain relief medications e.g nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs which can cause adverse effects such as gastrointestinal bleeding.

    • Antiinflammatory: Gingerol found in ginger has antiinflammatory actions, this makes ginger a common remedy for joint pain such as osteoarthritis.
    • Cures cold and flu: Ginger when mixed with honey and lemon relieves symptoms of cold and flu
    • Antiemetic: When feeling nauseous or vomiting, munch on ginger or drink the tea to stop nausea, vomiting or morning sickness.

    • Relieves cough: It helps clear the throat and get rid of phlegm causing cough.
    • Dyspepsia: Also known as indigestion and characterized by feeling full, belching, flatulence, heartburn, upper or mid abdominal pain, bloating can be relieved with ginger.
    • Anti-cancer: 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol in ginger also fight cancerous cells.
    • Anti diabetic: Research findings has shown that ginger helps regulate blood sugar level.
    • Promotes blood circulation: Minerals such as zinc, magnesium and chromium in ginger promote blood circulation and prevent blood clots.
    • Antioxidants: Antioxidants in ginger have the ability to fight free radicals thereby reducing risk of diseases.

    Benefits of ginger for hair and skin

    • Anti-aging: Antioxidants present in ginger fight wrinkles.
    • Soothes burns and blisters: Applying a paste of ginger on affected part can relieve burns and blisters pain.
    • Hair growth: Because of its ability to increase blood circulation, ginger when applied to the scalp promotes circulation resulting in hair growth
    • Skin toning: Ginger when used as a facial mask or scrub can remove dark spots, acne and blemishes thereby giving your skin an even tone.
    • Radiant skin: Make a paste of ginger and honey, spread all over your face  and wash off after 30 minutes to reveal a glowing skin. The paste can be a little bit peppery though.

    • Anti dandruff: Because of its antimicrobial effect, ginger can get rid of dandruff
    • Shiny hair: Add ginger to your deep conditioning mix for shiny hair
    • Sunscreen: It can also protect the skin from ultraviolet rays.

    How you can enjoy ginger

    1. Add it as a spice to your cooking to give a distinctive taste and aroma.
    2. Drink ginger juice or add ginger to your fruit juice recipe.
    3. Enjoy ginger tea with lemon and honey.

      Caution

      • Do not use ginger if you are on anticoagulant (blood thinning) medications such as warfarin.
      • Consult your physician if you are on medications before using ginger to prevent interaction. E.g. antidiabetic and antihypertensives
      • Lastly, use in small doses.

      Sources