I swear by this age-old technique to perk up dull, dry and tired skin—it leaves me with serious *glow*

Facial steaming has been used for centuries to cleanse and soothe skin. In fact, steam has been known for its health benefits as far back as Roman times, and it's still very much trusted today.

The straightforward technique simply involves putting your face over steaming hot water. The warm temperatures open pores to help release dirt, grime and excess oils, and the cloud of water works wonders to hydrate and soften your skin. On top of that, the heated mist can boost circulation, ease congestion and it feels very calming to boot.

People always rave about it, but as I spend my days reading about and testing the latest science-backed ingredients and clever beauty tools, it’s not something I had considered trying. After all, how could humble H2O really stand up against the line-up of hard-working formulations on my bathroom shelf?

 After looking into it, though, the DIY facial started to sound more appealing. The idea of rebooting stressed-out skin, while taking a few minutes out to pamper and unwind definitely sounded lovely, and as my house is constantly filled with germs from my daughter’s nursery, the relief from blocked noses and sinuses sounded like a massive perk too.

 

I decided to give the back-to-basics treatment a go to see if water really could work magic on a dull complexion. I opted for the StylPro 4-in-1 Facial Steamer—I’ve used it twice this week and I’m very happy to report that it really has perked up my tired-looking skin; steaming is now up there as one of my favourite ways to pamper at home.

Before using the machine, I double cleansed to make sure my face was free of makeup and SPF. The handy gadget is designed to be filled with water, and it heats quickly, creating a gentle and steady stream of steam that feels soothing on my cheeks.

Just three to five minutes was enough to make my skin feel properly refreshed and look wonderfully glowy. Steaming opens pores to release oil and deep-seated dirt, so post-treatment, I gently rinsed my face with cool water to remove any grime and then slathered on my usual serum. I found that my complexion was more receptive to my skincare and that products absorbed faster. For even more of a hydration hit and pampering vibe, you could apply a mask afterwards too.

 

I have been dealing with random breakouts after being guilty of wearing makeup while at the gym recently, and I felt like this soothing treatment left my face feeling squeaky clean and bright again.

I am totally sold on the age-old technique now, but I was intrigued to hear what the experts think. I spoke to holistic facialist and skincare expert at Weleda, Elizabeth King, about her thoughts on facial steaming. "The warmth of facial steaming immediately relaxes the walls of your pores so that deep cleansing can be achieved," she says.

Steaming is particularly useful before applying a cleansing mask. Relaxing the skin first with the steam, means that blockages and congestion are loosened and so the efficacy of the mask is increased.

Adding an oil or herbal infusion like chamomile tea to your steaming water creates additional calming and cleansing benefits for the skin too. "My favourite is a few drops of Weleda’s Aknedoron Purifying Lotion which is a blend of organic echinacea, thyme and calendula, and effectively calms any inflammation, as well as purifies and decongests the pores," adds King. "I love to take deep breaths at the same time, giving myself a steam inhalation for my lungs to."

Read on for the experts top tips for facial steaming below...

• Thoroughly cleanse your skin first, as you don’t want to steam in make-up and surface dirt
• If you're opting for the traditional steaming method, always use a flat-bottomed bowl for the hot water and place on a secure surface to avoid any accidents
• Only go as close to the steam as feels comfortable. If it’s hot, move back a little
• Try using a facial oil or balm to protect any sensitive areas of the face before steaming, and apply a natural lip balm to the lips for extra comfort
• Set a timer. For combination and oily skin just aim for a five minute steam once or twice a week. For sensitive and dry skin types, stick to a weekly three minute steam session at first
• Always finish with a cool rinse or hold a cool cloth over your face for several seconds. While the warmth stimulates the blood circulation, bringing nutrients to the skin, the cool activates the lymphatic system, which acts as your internal skin cleansing system. This removes waste brilliantly, leaving your face looking and feeling clean and clear

by Matilda Stanley, Freelance Writer

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement
https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs

10 Surprising Uses of Honey

The health benefits of honey are bountiful. From providing us with a fantastic source of energy to supporting a strong immune system to promoting better blood sugar control - its benefits are incredible. But while it may be an essential ingredient to add to your diet, there are a number of other surprising uses for honey too.

So, if you're looking for more ways to use honey, here are a few things you can do outside the kitchen!

1. Use it to beautify your hair. 

For beautiful hair, as well as the perfect remedy to control frizziness, just add 1 teaspoon of honey to a quart of warm water and dilute. After shampooing, soak your hair in the mixture (especially the ends), let it sit for a couple of minutes and rinse off. The result? A glossy finish!

 

2. Use it to give yourself a facial.

Honey is a natural ingredient that can be used to keep your skin moist. It also contains antimicrobial properties, allowing your skin to stay fresh and cleansed. Mix a dollop of honey with two tablespoons of warm water and massage it into the skin, rubbing it up and out. 

 

3. Use it to remove parasites. If after having come home from a vacation you've discovered that you have parasites, mix up a good blend of honey, water and vinegar - the perfect remedy to being parasite free.

 

4. Use it to clean cuts and scrapes. 

One of the reasons that pure honey has no expiration date is due to its antimicrobial properties, making it an excellent natural antiseptic. Just slather a bit on scrapes, minor cuts or basic burns, lightly covering the wound. 

 

5. Use it to relieve anxiety. 

In India, honey has long been used to quell nervousness. So, to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, try blending it with a calming herbal tea before bed. For added benefits, try chamomile, fennel or lavender. Meanwhile, to start your morning off on a calm note, add honey to oatmeal - oats are another fantastic, natural remedy to reduce stress. 

 

6. Use it to soothe cracked lips. 

Making your own lip balm is easy. All it requires is some almond oil, beeswax and honey. Combine the ingredients together and apply a tad on your chapped lips.

7. Use it to soften dry elbows.  

If you suffer from dry, itchy elbows, smear some honey over the affected area to soften the skin. Be sure to wash and scrub them before. Leave the honey on for half an hour, then wash off.

8. Use it to promote better sleep. 

 If you don't have much trouble falling asleep, but tend to wake up in the middle of the night, it could be completely natural, or it could be due to stress hormones causing your adrenaline and cortisol levels to vary. A bit of salted honey, however, ought to do the trick. Combining both sweet and salty ought to help reset these hormones and get you back to sleep. You only need a small amount, so just a teaspoon should suffice. 

 

 9. Use it to soothe a hangover. 

If after a good night out you wake up with a throbbing headache, instead of popping an aspirin, spread some honey on your toast, or just add a teaspoon to your tea. This remedy works because honey is full of fructose, which speeds up the metabolism of alcohol. 

 

10. Use it to help root plants. 

Honey can promote growth in plants and will also help prevent disease from affecting root cuttings. Simply mix one part raw honey with three parts boiling water. Let it cool, then dip the plant cutting into the mixture before planting it.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

15 Surpising Uses for Cucumbers

Cucumbers are a delicious and nutritious addition to any salad or sandwich, and can even make for a tasty healthy snack on their own. We should all try and include them in our weekly diet so that we benefit from the wide range of vitamins and minerals they provide. But the brilliance of cucumber does not end there, and we bet you didn't realize just how versatile they could be. This common vegetable really is far more useful than you could ever imagine, and can be used for a wide range of tasks to help you maintain body, home, garden, and even clothes. Here's everything you need to know to employ cucumbers outside of a salad:

1. They Can Give You a No-Caffeine Energy Boost  

Many of us drink coffee, soda, or other caffeine-rich drinks because they provide us with an energy boost when we are starting to lag. Of course, caffeine is not particularly healthy for you, but there is an alternative - the cucumber! Because they are a great source of vitamin B and good carbohydrates, cucumbers can give you a boost when you feel fatigued.

2. They Can Reduce Cellulite and Wrinkles 

If you are feeling self-conscious about your cellulite, cucumber can be a great help. Take a couple of thickish slices and rub them along the area you want to treat for a few minutes. This works because cucumber contains a photochemical that tightens collagen and firms up the outer layer of your skin which, in turn, reduces the appearance of visible cellulite. It can also be effective on wrinkles. So, use them as part of your regular moisturizing routine.

3. They Can Make Your Stainless Steel Shine Again  

We all buy artificial cleaners for our metal work, and most of them contain countless numbers of chemicals and other nasties you don't really want to be breathing in. If you are looking for a 'green' way to shine your stainless steel taps and pots, rub a thick slice of cucumber over the area you want to clean. It will remove any signs of tarnish and leave the surface shiny and new. And as an added bonus, it won't harm your hands while you are using it. 

 

4. They Can Eliminate Bad Breath

If you've just finished a lovely plate of fish, but don't want to breathe the odor on everyone in your presence, take a slice of cucumber and use your tongue to pin it against the roof of your mouth. Hold it there for around a minute and the photochemicals it contains will attack the bacteria and eliminate your problem. 

 

5. They Can Rejuvenate and Replenish You 

If you want a quick and easy facial you can make at home, then slice up a generous amount of cucumber and boil in a pot of water. Remove the pot from the heat when it has boiled, place a towel over your head and lean over it, allowing the steam to hit your face. The natural chemicals inside the cucumber will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, while your skin will look great. 

 

 6. They Can Polish Your Shoes 

We don't tend to carry shoe polish with us everywhere we go, but if you are caught short with scruffy shoes and need to be somewhere important, the last slice of cucumber from your salad can do the trick for you. Rub the slice over the shoes to leave them glistening, and, as an added bonus, the cucumber provides them with water repellent properties as well. 

 

7. They Fight Fog in the Bathroom 

If you like a nice, steamy bath once in a while but don't have time to de-fog all the windows and mirrors afterwards, rub a cucumber across the affected areas before you start running the taps. It will not only stop them from fogging up, but will release some relaxing aromas to help you relax while you soak. 

 

8. They Fix a Squeaky Hinge 

If you have a squeaky hinge or stubborn zipper, you probably didn't realize that you can fix it with a couple of slices of cucumber. Rub them on the defective area and you have a cheap, easy stand in for WD-40.

 

 9. They Fight Headaches

If the rigors of daily life have left your head pounding, or you drank too much red wine while dining out, cucumber can rescue you from a nasty headache. Because they are high in vitamin B, sugar, and electrolytes, cucumbers replenish nutrients that your body needs to fight off a hangover, or defeat the headache that has been throbbing all day. All you need to do is eat half a cucumber before bed, and then go to sleep as normal.

 

10. They Can Fight Off Urges to Snack 

If you are in between meals and feeling peckish, it can be tempting to turn to the cookie jar or ice-cream tub to satisfy urges. Most of us feel bad immediately after, and regret spoiling our dinner, so why not learn from our ancestors and use cucumber to fight off compulsions to snack? For centuries, it has been used by trappers, explorers, and traders as a quick fix to fend off hunger, and just a few sticks of cucumber should do the trick.

11. They Can Soothe Sunburn You might see cucumber in some aftersun products on the pharmacy shelves, and for good reason. Cucumbers are a great cooling agent and some doctors even use them to treat patients with sore, burned skin. You just need to rub a thick slice over the affected area and you should feel quick relief. 

 

12. They Can Drive Away Garden Pests

Cucumber can be used in your garden to drive away those pesky critters that chomp their way through your precious plants and flowers. Simply place a few slices in an aluminum container (most empty canned products should be fine to use) and place the containers around your flower beds. The cucumber and aluminum react together and make a handy repellent. 

 

13. They Can Relieve Constipation 

The high fiber and water content in cucumbers make them useful if you are suffering from constipation. So next time you are blocked up, try eating half a cucumber and seeing if it causes anything to move. If you are someone who suffers from ongoing constipation, try adding more cucumber to your daily diet. 

 

14. They Are Excellent Erasers  

If you have pen marks on a surface or wall, then take an unpeeled chunk of cucumber and rub it across the affected area. It works well on crayons too, so if your children or grandchildren have left you with an unwanted piece of artwork on the wall, the cucumber should successfully remove it. 

 

15. They Can Help You Look Great! 

 Ok, so this one is more widely known. People have been putting cucumber over their eyes to reduce puffiness and dark circles for many years. To prepare the cucumber properly for this task, take a cold one fresh from the refrigerator and cut two thick slices. Find a room in your house where you can relax and set the cucumber slices over your closed eyes for around ten to fifteen minutes. You will look and feel great afterwards!


This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

 

10 Surprising Uses of Honey

The health benefits of honey are bountiful. From providing us with a fantastic source of energy to supporting a strong immune system to promoting better blood sugar control - its benefits are incredible. But while it may be an essential ingredient to add to your diet, there are a number of other surprising uses for honey too.

So, if you're looking for more ways to use honey, here are a few                              things you can do outside the kitchen!                                     1. Use it to beautify your hair.                                                For beautiful hair, as well as the perfect remedy to control frizziness,  just add 1 teaspoon of honey to a quart of warm water and dilute.  After shampooing, soak your hair in the mixture (especially the ends) , let it sit for a couple of minutes and rinse off. The result? A glossy  finish! 2. Use it to give yourself a facial. Honey is a natural ingredient that can be used to keep your skin  moist. It also contains antimicrobial properties, allowing your skin  to stay fresh and cleansed. Mix a dollop of honey with two  tablespoons of warm water and massage it into the skin, rubbing  it up and out. 3. Use it to remove parasites.

The health benefits of honey are bountiful. From providing us with a fantastic source of energy to supporting a strong immune system to promoting better blood sugar control - its benefits are incredible. But while it may be an essential ingredient to add to your diet, there are a number of other surprising uses for honey too.

So, if you're looking for more ways to use honey, here are a few things you can do outside the kitchen! 1. Use it to beautify your hair. For beautiful hair, as well as the perfect remedy to control frizziness,  just add 1 teaspoon of honey to a quart of warm water and dilute.  After shampooing, soak your hair in the mixture (especially the ends) , let it sit for a couple of minutes and rinse off. The result? A glossy  finish! 2. Use it to give yourself a facial. Honey is a natural ingredient that can be used to keep your skin  moist. It also contains antimicrobial properties, allowing your skin  to stay fresh and cleansed. Mix a dollop of honey with two  tablespoons of warm water and massage it into the skin, rubbing  it up and out. 3. Use it to remove parasites. If after having come home from a vacation you've discovered that  you have parasites, mix up a good blend of honey, water and  vinegar - the perfect remedy to being parasite free. 4. Use it to clean cuts and scrapes. One of the reasons that pure honey has no expiration date is due to  its antimicrobial properties, making it an excellent natural  antiseptic. Just slather a bit on scrapes, minor cuts or basic burns, lightly covering the wound. 5. Use it to relieve anxiety. In India, honey has long been used to quell nervousness. So, to  alleviate symptoms of anxiety, try blending it with a calming herbal  tea before bed. For added benefits, try chamomile, fennel or  lavender. Meanwhile, to start your morning off on a calm note, add honey to oatmeal - oats are another fantastic, natural remedy to  reduce stress.   Honey is also one of the ingredient in my cough syrup. Honey can be used to substitute sugar in many recipes.   this is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.      https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations   https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes     https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement