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.   

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Six Home Remedies to Rid Yourself of Blackheads

Blackheads are a bane to our skin's existence. They litter the surface of our otherwise clear complexion, making it look dirty and greasy. These little dots are usually caused by hair follicles that get clogged with grime, dirt, dead skin cells, sebum and  germs - resulting in a kind of plug. They're black because any excess oil in the pores goes through a process of oxidation. This is most common on the cheeks and, as you've probably noticed, the nose. However, they can - and will - pop up anywhere.

 

 

But you don't have to live with them, or buy all kinds of chemicals and sticky bandages that don't always work. You can solve your blackhead problem right at home, and here are six easy way to do so. 

 

 

1) Facial Steaming

This is one of the best, safest and fastest ways to remove blackheads. This works by loosening them up, so they come out of your skin naturally. This is the recommended first step when getting rid of blackheads. All you need is a pot, four cups worth of water, a lemon rind to put in the pot and a large towel. 

  Boil the water and remove the pot from the stove before it starts steaming, to avoid getting a nasty burn. Place the pot on a flat surface and move your face carefully over the pot (without touching it, of course). Cover your head with the towel - so the steam stays around your face - and stay that way for about 3 to 5 minutes. After the allotted time has passed, wash your face with a mild cleanser and pat it until it's dry. You'll find that many of your blackheads have come out of your enlarged pores.

 

2) Egg White Mask

Egg whites help tighten our pores so blackheads don't appear to begin with. However, they also help treat your current black intruders. Mix some honey and lemon juice with the egg white. Lemons are natural astringents and honey is naturally antibacterial. The addition will create a deeper level of cleaning to the already powerful effect of the egg white. This combination will make your skin tighter, provide deeper cleaning of your pores and get rid of excess oil on your face. It will also slough off dead skin cells.

 

Mix 1 teaspoon of honey, 1 egg white and a 1/4 teaspoon of lemon juice. Remember not to exceed this amount of lemon juice as too much can cause skin irritation and redness.

 

Start with the steaming session I proposed in the previous suggestion. This will open up the pores, loosen some of the blackheads already and allow the ingredients in this mix to really get deep into the pores for cleaning. Then pat your skin dry, apply the mask to it in a circular motion and allow it to stay for 15 minutes. It may feel tight but that is normal.

 

After 15 minutes, rinse it off with warm water and then use cold water to close the pores up. Pat your skin dry again and apply a bit of moisturizer to return some of the moisture that you lost.

3) Baking Soda Facial Scrub

Baking soda is used for many things. It is also a natural exfoliator that can be used to get rid of impurities, deeply cleanse our pores and remove dead skin. 

 

Take 1 tablespoon of baking soda and mix it with 3 teaspoons of (clean) water and a 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice. You'll know the mix is ready when the texture becomes a little thicker than milk. Clean your hands thoroughly and use a circular motion to gently scrub your face. Make sure you get it deep into the pores. Then apply warm water to wash it away, pat your skin dry and apply moisturizer.

 

4) Organic Honey

As many know, honey is both an antiseptic and an antibacterial substance. As such, it can cleanse your skin from the dirt and oil that cause blackheads. The stickiness of the honey actually helps it cling to the gunk in your pores and draw it out.

 

All you'll need is 1 tablespoon of organic honey and about 2 minutes to wash it off. Use the circular motion we discussed to gently scrub your face, paying extra attention to areas with many blackheads. Then wash it all away with warm water and pat your face dry.

 

 

5) Green Tea Face Mask

Green tea has an incredibly high antioxidant content. They purify the skin, allowing the blackheads to come out. 

 

Mix together 3 teaspoons of green tea, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and 1/2 a teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply this mask to your skin, spreading it thickest on the areas where most of the blackheads are. Let the mask stay for about 15 minutes, then use warm water to rinse your face. Pat it dry and wash with cold water to close the pores before patting it dry again.

6) Strawberry Face Scrub

Strawberries are full of a substance called 'alpha hydroxy acid'. These acids are wonderful for removing blackheads because they control oil production, as well as rid your face of dead skin. This scrub not only eliminates your current blackheads but prevents new ones from forming.

 

Create a scrub mask with 1 teaspoon of honey, 3 ripe strawberries and 1/2 a teaspoon of lemon juice. For the next 3 minutes, gently scrub your facial skin in a circular motion, then rinse it away with warm water, pat, and then rinse again with cold water and pat to dry.

 

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                    PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/    

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TIPS FOR BED-TIME COUGH

Herbal tea: A mugful of non-caffeinated tea mixed with a teaspoon of honey before going to bed can help you to a considerable extent. This is because any warm liquid has the power to break down the formation of mucus in the throat region and with a bit of honey, the herbal tea becomes even more powerful.

Sleep in an inclining position: Gravity is your greatest enemy while combating night-time cough. When you lie down flat on your back at night, all the mucus and dust particles, which you have swallowed all through the day, would accumulate in the throat area and aggravate it making more cough. But you can easily defy gravitational force by piling up some pillows and prop yourself on them while sleeping. You may also keep a wooden block of 4 inches height under your head, which would keep the acids in the stomach so that they don’t come up to irritate your throat.

Steam cautiously: When your airways are dry, it can make you cough harder. Therefore, you may find relief if you take a warm shower or a bath before going to bed. But you have to be sure that you don’t have asthma as steam can prove harmful for you.

Humidity: Humidifiers are known to soothe the problem of persistent coughing when the surrounding air is dry. But too much of moisture during the night can also make you cough. This is because dust mites, mold and other allergens thrive well in the damp air and they could conspire to make your cough even worse. So, pick up a cheap hygrometer from a hardware store and see that the humidity level stays within 40 to 50 percent.

Keep handy at night: Keep all the things from cough drops to water to cough syrup or anything that soothes coughing at your bedside so that you can help yourself in case you wake up in the middle of the night and start coughing.

I boil a 2 glasses of milk with 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder and 2 big pearls of garlic finely chopped, which is simmered for 15-20 minutes, till garlic is well cooked, keep stirring from time to time. Drink this as hot as possible with little sugar/ honey, before bed time. I find this also helps to reduce both cough and phlegm. I drink this almost daily.

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

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Home Remedies To Fight Sinus

Drink plenty of fluids but avoid caffeine. Depending on the season, one may need about 2 litres of water per day.

Taking steaming hot shower/ bath is an effective way to moisten sinus and help it to clear. Eucalyptus oil being a natural decongestant will be more beneficial.

Eating spicy foods will help clear nasal passage.

Humidifier in dry months, with humidity levels at 30-50 % helps to keep the sinus moist. Caution, humidifier should be mold free, or else can cause allergies.

Warm compress helps to ease the nasal passage moist. By putting some uncooked rice/ oats in a clean socks and microwaving it with some lavender oil till the temperature you can tolerate helps. Or you can inhale steam with some eucalyptus oil, which will also help greatly.

Saline solution is very effective in fighting blocked nasal passage. It thins the mucus, thus helping it to come out easily. This can be done using a neti pot.

Keep your house free from allergies- flowers, molds, strong smells , dust etc.

Bromelain is a protein found in pineapple stems and can be bought as a supplement from health food and natural remedy stores. But consult your physician before using them, so it doesn't interfere with your other medications.

Avoid antibiotics till you have exhausted using natural remedies and found it ineffective. As overuse of antibiotics, can lead to bacteria resistance.


If the natural and over-the-counter remedies fail to improve your condition, you should consult a Doctor.  Doctors can make a referral for a scan which may uncover anatomical blockages that require surgery, or they can send you to be allergy tested. Your Doctor can also refer you to an ENT  Specialist if your problems require a more involved or integrated form of treatment than natural remedies can provide.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.






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HTTP:GSEASYRECIPES.BLOGSPOT.COM      

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The Oil-Removing Face Mask

This mask works double-duty— Epsom salt extracts dirt and oil from pores, while papaya and yoghurt calm cleaned skin.

• Flesh of 4 papaya
• 2 tbsp plain yoghurt
• 1/2 cup Epsom salts
• 1 peppermint tea bag

In a bowl, mash papaya with a fork; blend in yoghurt and set aside.

Dissolve Epsom salts in a large pot of water, then drop in tea bag. Bring to a boil; remove from heat. Sit with face over pot for 3 minutes, head covered with a towel (like a tent) to seal in steam. Spread papaya mask over face. Leave on 10 minutes; rinse.

ps- this is only for information, always consult you physician before having any particular food/ medication/exercise/other remedies.

ps- those interested in recipes are free to view my blog-

http://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/

for info about knee replacement, you can view my blog-

http://Knee replacement-stick club.blogspot.com/

for crochet designs

http://My Crochet Creations.blogspot.com