From the monthly archives:

July 2009

Skin Imperfections : Lumps And Bumps

July 31, 2009

in Beauty Tips

Any kind of blemishes on the skin spoil the personality and charm of a woman. Every beauty-conscious woman wants to avoid such beauty dampeners. Symptoms. causes and cures of some of the common skin imperfections are as below :

Blackheads and Whiteheads: Make sure. a sterilized implement. Follow these remedies in case you suffer from frequent blackheads:

•  Wash the skin three times a day with medicated soap if the skin is greasy.

• Have a balanced diet. Do not take fried. foods. chocolates. pastries. spices and aerated drinks.

• Unclog skin pores thy steaming and applying face pack.

Pigmentation of Skin: Discoloration of the skin occurs due to precipitation of pigments or exposure to the sun. The condition is also called blemished skin. This is often mistaken for scarring. Initially. all the scars are red. pink or purple but the color fades in due course. All races have the same number of color cells in the skin. The color of the skin also depends upon the blood supply to the skin. Increased hormone level in the body during pregnancy period, too, stimulates the color cells of the face and brown patches appearing around the eyes, cheeks and on the upper lip. Contraceptive pills can cause similar brown patches on the face and body. Allergy to perfumes may also produce dark patches on the face and neck. It is important to wash off all perfumes before sunbathing. Drugs may cause changes in skin color which tend to be allover the body. Very dark patches may develop in later life in the groins and armpits. They can be a sign of illness and a doctor should be consulted.

Freckles: The brownish spots on the skin due to exposure to the sun are called freckles.

• Mix in a tablespoon of milk cream, a few drops of lime juice and apply on freckles at night.

• Mix yellow mustard in milk and apply to the face at night, then wash thoroughly next morning.

Hyper-sensitive Skin: Such skin is prone to redness, blotchy and broken veins due to change in temperature. Even ordinary make-up causes swelling, blotches, irritation and reacts violently. Very delicate skins are easily affected. They are allergic to cosmetics. The following remedies are suggested:

• Avoid extremes of temperature.

• Cut out very rich and spicy food from your diet.

• Use special cosmetics beneficial for hyper-sensitive skins.

• Do not take alcohol.

• Never bathe with too hot or too cold water.

• Avoid use of soap.

• Use moisturizers.

• Cover your skin when going out.

Cracked Skin: The skin, especially the lips, gets chapped and cracks due to cold with the onset of winter or defective functioning of the sebaceous glands. Chilblains is also an abnormal reaction to the cold, which develop with the onset of winter. Young girls are more often affected. Chilblains consist of a bluish-red discoloration, swelling and sometimes blistering of toes and fingers. Very rarely, the nose, ears. and cheeks may be involved . The infected person experiences severe itching or burning. The following may be used as remedies:

• Rub a little castor oil or olive oil on the skin.

• Apply hot milk cream on cracked skin.

• Use antibiotic cream. Massage the affected skin at night.

Open Pores: The face looks unattractive and the skin gives the appearance of enlarged pores. These are caused by over-active glands due to puberty, a poor diet and emotional disturbance. Try the following remedies:

• Use a face mask twice a week.

• Mix 2 tablespoons honey with ½ tablespoon lime juice and 1 tablespoon rose water. Apply on the face.

• Mix cucumber juice with Fuller’s earth and gram flour. Apply as a face mask. Let it dry for ten minutes, then wash.

Muddy Skin: The skin loses its radiance due to over-tiredness and lack of sleep.

• Drink a glass of hot skimmed milk before going to bed at night.

• Drink 4 to 6 glasses of cold water everyday.

• Take fresh fruits, green vegetables as much as you can.

• Have cold drinks and fruit juices without sugar.

Prickly Heat: Red pustules of the size of mustard grains appear on the body, especially on the chest, back and abdomen caused due to profuse sweating during hot or rainy days. For relief try the following remedies:

• Apply green henna ground in water on the affected skin.

• Apply a pack of Fuller’s earth; it has a cooling effect on the skin.

• Avoid wearing heavy garments.

• Expose affected area to fresh air.

• Take cold water bath twice in a day.

• There is intense itching on affected skin, and if the affected skin area is scratched, it gives temporary relief, though there are chances of the skin getting septic. Mix to it a pinch of alum (powdered) and apply to the affected skin, thrice a week, depending upon the condition of prickly heat.

• Another way to treat prickly heat is to dissolve a tablespoon of soda bicarbonate in half a cup of water, and mix to it one tablespoon of rose water.

Boils and Pustules: These are red, small, painful nodules which start oozing pus, leaving a tiny scar. These generally occur in the area covered with coarse hair subjected to repeated mild friction, Le on the neck, buttocks, knees and elbows. The following remedial measures should be adopted:

• Systemic antibiotics are required. But do consult a doctor.

• Keep your bowels clear. Avoid fatty or sour products.

• Apply paste of neem tree bark.

• Take melon (tarbooj) to keep body clean.

• Take a leaf of ‘peepal’ tree. Smear it with ghee and apply as lukewarm bandage. The boil will burst after some time

Sunburn: Dryness of the skin due to dehydration. This can cause scarring of the skin. It loses complexion and becomes dark, thick, leathery, wrinkled and patchy. Sunburn is caused by the adverse affect of the sun on the skin. To cure sunburn, following remedies are suggested:

• Drink maximum quantity of water. Take 8 to 10 glasses of water a day in summer, and 4 to 5 glasses a day during winter season.

• Apply Suntan lotion or cream.

• If the skin becomes dark, apply a face mask of a mixture of bleaching powder and hydrogen peroxide.

Burns and Scalds: Skin damaged by burning or severe inflammation always leaves scars. Surface injuries often heal with temporary discoloration if the burns are not very severe. In case of scars, plastic surgery, if done carefully along the expression lines, makes the scars invisible. Burns, either due to sun rays, sitting too near open fires or a very hot bottle in winter or fire while cooking, are classified as:

1. First Degree Burns: These mild superficial burns cause redness of the skin and later peeling. For this no treatment is necessary but calamine lotion is soothing. The burns usually heal without scarring, with temporary darkening or lightening of the skin.

2. Second Degree Burns: These are more severe causing blistering, swelling and redness of the skin. There is no permanent scar due to this burn. The blister may be burst with a sterilized needle and the burn should be kept clean and dry and covered with a dressing.

3. Third and Fourth Degree Burns: These types of burns cause very serious problems as the whole skin and its underlying fat, muscle and tendons are burnt, sometimes down to the bone. The burn is dark and charred and painless as the nerves are destroyed. The burn may cause infection and should be immediately treated. It results in severe scarring when the burn heals.

Birthmarks: Dark brown patches to fleshy bumps. Sometimes, these are fairly small moles which disfigure the skin. The scar is usually caused by scratching the pimples or due to small-pox. Remedial measures are the following:

• Minor scars are dealt with carbon snow, ray treatment and cortisone injections.

• Can be disguised temporarily by cosmetics.

• Skin-grafting by a competent surgeon.

• Peeling treatment i.e., a process which causes deep cleansing by removing a thin layer of skin.

• Strawberry marks can be removed by electric coagulation or X-ray treatment.

• Cosmetic surgery by a doctor.

Cold Sores: Also known as Virus-herpes simplex, occurs most commonly on the lips and other parts of the body. Sometimes, it affects the genitalia and infection is spread by sexual intercourse. This infection can be precipated by cold, fever, stressful conditions, emotional upheavals or any serious illness. The following remedies are recommended:

• Cold compress of ice relieves pain.

• In case of recurrent attacks of herpes, takee treatment strictly under the supervision of a doctor.

Discoloration of Skin: This is often mistaken for scarring. Color cells (melanocytes) produce a brown pigment called melanin. An extensive network of blood vessels runs underneath the epidermis in the skin, and reacts to heat and cold in many ways. Most of the reactions are to the body’s advantage, some are troublesome and a few are even dangerous. We assist the skin by altering our clothes. Hot weather, warm clothes or a fever causes the body temperature to rise resulting in reddening of the skin due to enlarging of the blood vessels, swelling of the skin and sweating. The body cools with sweat evaporating from the skin.

Red Nose: Eating too much, drinking and sudden change of temperature if the skin is delicate, cause trouble. For remedy:

• Avoid change of temperature all of sudden.

• Massage nose, up and down, with rose water mixed with glycerine.

Skin Afflictions: A skin disease is any departure from a normal state of health. It is an infection of the skin and is of many types:

1. An acute disease is manifested by symptoms of a more or less violent character and is of a short duration.

2. A chronic disease is of a long duration, usually mild but recurring.

3. An infectious disease is caused by pathogenic germs taken into the body as a result of contact with a contaminated object.

4. A contagious ‘disease is communicable by contact.

5. A congenital disease is one that is present in the infant at the time of birth.

6. A seasonal disease is influenced by the weather.

7. An occupational disease is afflicted by one’s occupation.

8. A parasitic disease is one that is caused by a vegetable or an animal parasite, such as pediculosis (lice infestation) or ringworm.

9. A pathogenic disease is produced by a disease-producing bacteria.

10. A systemic disease is the result of over-functioning of the internal glands and is caused by a faulty diet.

11. A venereal disease is a contagious disease commonly acquired by contact with an infected person during sexual ‘intercourse.

12. An epidemic disease is the manifestation of the disease that attacks simultaneously a large number of persons living in a particular area.

13. An allergy is a sensitivity which certain persons develop to normally harmless substances. Skin allergy is very common and generally caused by contact with foods, cosmetics, medicines and tints resulting in itching accompanied by redness, swelling, blisters, oozing and scaling. An inflammation is characterized by redness, pain, swelling and heat.

14. Sebaceous gland diseases are caused by a worm-like mass of hardened sebum. These include blackheads, whiteheads, steatoma (sebaceous cyst), asbestosis, seborrhoea, acne appearing on the body and face.

15. Sweat gland diseases are miliaria rubra (prickly heat), anidrosis, bromidrosis or osmidrosis, hyderidrosis etc. The causes and cures of some of the skin afflictions are as below:

Pimples and Acne: Pimples are a serious adolescence problem which mar many a lovely skin in the teens and twenties. Sometimes acne is not caused by germs or dirt. When the male attains puberty, the androgens cause the voice to break, a beard to grow, the skin to become greasy and spots to erupt. Apart from pimples and acne, women between the age group of teens and twenties usually suffer from greasy skin, excessive facial and body hair and thinning of scalp hair.

 Why do pimples appear in youth? The answer to this question is that as soon as one crosses childhood and enters the threshold of adolescence, different parts of the body start developing. The oil-glands underneath the skin become over-active and ooze grease which blocks the skin pores, causing pimples to sprout. The appearance of pimples signifies the approach of youth and they vanish by themselves with time. The following home remedies are suggested to avoid growth of pimples:

• Use Sulphur soap to keep the skin’s oil-glands clean.

• Remove make-up at night before going to bed. Cleansing of stale make-up is very important because stale make-up particles block the pores and prevent them from breathing freely.

• Steaming once a week keeps the skin pores open.

• A multani mitti pack (Fullers’ earth) is an effective way to control pimples.

• Do not peel off pimples; it may cause the pimple to become septic and leaves permanent scars. However, they can be subdued to a great extent by applying cucumber juice and rose water mixture.

• Cut down blood-heating foods such as sweets, fats and spicy food.

• Avoid heavy make-up.

• Avoid constipation. A sound sleep, morning walk, regular exercise and good bowel movement are helping agents.

• In case of an oily skin, it should be cleaned frequently so that the oily secretion called sebum coming out of the sebaceous-glands does not thicken and clog the pores.

Moles: Pink, brown and black, hairy or hairless swellings, also known as neoplasins, usually occur on the face, fingers and trunk. These are usually pigmented and are formed by a defect of the melanocytes which multiply and grow down into the dermis. The only remedy is to excise by electro-surgery or surgical diathermy under local anaesthesia by a doctor.

Warts: Plain, smooth, silky, skin-colored or brownish epidermal growths occur on the skin, usually on the face and outer surface of the hands, varying in size and shape. They are caused by a virus. The following methods could be used to cure warts:

• Elimination by chemical or physical means.

• Applying a peeling agent daily (4% sulphur calamine lotion or Retina A cream).

• Treating by electro-cautery which excises the wart with current.

• Application of salicylic acid. The warts are commonly of three types – Plane warts, Common warts and Planter warts. Plane warts are the simplest of all warts. They are usually small, smooth and skin-colored or brownish lesions which are slightly raised from the skin surface. The most commonly affected are children and young adults. They usually occur on the face and outer surface of the hands. Planter warts are slightly different and normally contain blood vessels and the surface of the wart, if carefully pared, bleeds because of this. Warts are simple afflictions, not a threat to life, but they can be quite troublesome and may cripple the smooth running of the day.

Genital Warts: Like anywhere else on the body, surface warts can also occur on the genitalia. The genital warts usually respond to local application of ointment (20% podophyllin in tincture benzoinco) but the treatment should be strictly according to consultation with a doctor. of cervical cancer.

Leucoderma The Whitening of Skin: Painless white spots or patches on the body which expand, if not treated. These are caused due to loss of pigmentation in the skin. This disease is called Leucoderma. The white patches on the skin are painless, but a Leucoderma patient is more embarrassed than a victim of any pain or discomfort, as in addition to being a medical and beauty problem, it also becomes a social stigma. Leucoderma is not a contagious disease. An imbalance of melanin in the body results in the appearance of white spots. Darker skins have more patches because such skins contain more melanin. Remember, white patches are not congenital nor hereditary and the children are not affected if the mother has these patches. To prevent the spread of  Leucoderma, the following remedies are advised:

• Protect the skin from exposure to heat.

• Have salt-free diet. However, rock salt may be permitted in minute quantity.

• Apply Sandalwood (chandan) pack on the patches.

• Soak seeds of ‘Babchi in ginger juice for 72 hours. Remove their husk, dry and powder, and apply on patches.

• Apply the juice of ‘bathua’ (Goose Foot) extracted from the leaves, three to four times a day.

Rhinoplasty: Deformed nose (a hump nose deformity) due to the skin of the upper part of the nose being free from the underlying bone and cartilage, gives a saddle nose look. The deformed nose can be corrected by an operation done by a surgeon. The steps of the operation include removal of the hump, re-contouring the nasal in fracture, elevation of the tip of the nose and trimming of the lower part to suit the rest of the nose. Itchy skin: A sudden eruption of red patches all over the skin.

 Flaking of the skin? The inflammation of the skin may be due to Dermatitis. It is the term used to signify inflammatory conditions of the skin, generally due to contact with some particular substance to which an individual may be sensitive like cosmetics, hair oil, hair dyes, bleaches, skin tonics, creams, lipsticks, nail polishes, perfumes etc. If the inflammation continues for a long time, it may be followed by thickening of the skin. In case of Dermatitis, no treatment is effective until the offending agent is removed. If the skin is inflamed, apply moist warm compresses of potassium permanganate solution. To make this solution, dissolve one five gramme tablet of potassium permanganate in half litre of warm water. Repeat it two or three times a day.

Neuro-dermatitis : is a chronic type of inflammation accompanied with itching, which spreads very quickly over large areas of the body when the skin is dry and too sensitive. People who are nervous, tense and restless are more troubled with neurodermatitis. The generally affected areas on the body are the bend of the elbows, behind the knees. Constant scratching leaves deep scratch marks and causes thickening and furrowing of the skin. Applying rose water with ointment on the affected skin is excellent for this purpose.

Seborrhoeic Dermatitis: is a chronic skin inflammation most frequently seen on the scalp. Usually, it starts from the skin behind the ear and immediately spreads on the whole scalp. From there, it may spread to the eyebrows, the fold of the nose, front of the chest and between the folds of the breasts. In this case, sometimes reddish scaling patches may appear under the breasts and in the body creases, especially around the groin. Consult your doctor before a treatment.

Scabies: It is a contagious disease caused by a mite Sorcoptes scabies. The usual mode of infection is by direct contact between bed-fellows, or children who hold hands while playing. The infected bed-clothes and under-garments could spread the disease. The most prominent symptoms of scabies is itching, which is most severe during night. The lesions are most pronounced on webs between the fingers, wrists, elbows, around the armpits, abdomen, buttocks and the inner sides of the thighs. Very often external genitalia in males and breasts in females are affected. Avoid scratching, it might result in the lesions getting secondarily infected with bacteria-producing pus, boils, abscesses, etc. To treat scabies, the following remedies are suggested after consulting a doctor:

• Local application of 25% benzyl benzoate emulsion (Ascabiol) or 10% gammabenzene hexachloride (Scabiezima, Scarb) as prescribed by the doctor. It is important that all the members of the family are simultaneously treated.

• There should be separate bath soap and towel of the patient.

• The clothes should be changed at the end of the treatment.

• The lotion should not be applied on the face.

Genital Scabies: Quite often lesions of scabies may be seen on the genitals. Apart from intense nocturnal itching, the lesions are observed as papules on the prepuce, glans and shaft of the penis (male organ). Very often, scratching by the patient leaves a small shallow ulcer and subsequent crusting.

Skin Allergies: kin disorders due to the use of cosmetics are generally called skin allergies. are innumerable substances in the environment which can cause mild or violent reactions in many people. These reactions may be due to intolerance of certain foods and substances, to those resulting from pollution. Allergic reactions may occur within a few minutes of the sufferer coming in contact with the allergen or they may be delayed for several hours or even several days. Common sites affected by allergic reaction are the nose and the eyes, .the skin, chest, intestines and ears. These include pollen, dust, cosmetics, animal hair, poisonous plants, serums, vaccines and drugs besides physical agents such as heat, cold, sunlight and a variety of foods.

  The symptoms of allergy are varied. These include recurring headache, migraine, dizziness, irritability, nervousness, depression, neuralgia, sneezing, conjunctivitis, diabetes, eczema, heartburn, hay fever, indigestion, constipation, diarrhoea, gastric ulcer, asthma, overweight, high blood pressure, chest pain, heart attack, a stuffy or runny nose, shortness of breath, swelling of the face and eyes etc. There are mainly three ways to tackle many of the allergic disturbances: The source of allergic reaction must be identified. The most important part is general health and resistance should be built up to tackle reaction.
 

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Aromatherapy Facial Routines

July 31, 2009

in Beauty Tips

An Aromatherapy facial consists of the following steps :
1. Cleansing.
2. Natural refreshing tonic.
3. Herbal compress.
4. Essential oil massage.
5. Application of compress or poultice.
6. Facial mask;.
7. Application of moisturizers.
8. Rest.

Facial Routine:

• Cleansing: The main task of a cleanser is to thoroughly remove from the skin all traces of make-up and other facial products, general dirt and grime. Certain essential oil components have the capacity not only to penetrate the epidermis and dermis but enter the blood-stream. Using the correct cleanser and cleansing routine is thus very important. Remember, even the cleanest-looking skins need cleansing to get rid of pollution in the atmosphere. Gently apply the cleanser over the face and throat area. Now remove the cleanser, then wipe over the face with water. Finally, remove the cleanser with the toner.

• Natural refreshing tonic and compress : Remove all traces of the cleansing products using a natural tonic, hydrolate or floral water. A herbal tea compress may be applied. Choose a base oil, based on skin type and condition of the skin. Essential oils revitalize the face, make one feel refreshed, relaxed, energies and relieve stress and tension.

• Extract blackheads: Once removed, apply a mix of Lavender and Camomile Roman. Mix both in equal quantity and apply on affected pores with a cotton bud. If using a poultice or compress. this is the stage at which it will be applied. Now apply a face pack suitable for the skin type.

• Use a pure natural moisturizer : Do not add essential oil to this. Essential oils. such as. Palmarosa. Rose. Jasmine. Geranium. Tangerine. Camomile Roman when massaged during pregnancy prepare the body for an easier delivery and relax the body.

Basic Essential Oil Facial Massage: This facial massage includes reflex points. holding movements. light effleurage and deeper tissue work and is carried out on both sides of the face. neck and shoulders. Follow these steps :

1. First warm your hands by rubbing them together using light friction and imagining warm energy flowing into them.

2. Pour a little of massage oil into the palm in one hand. rub both hands together.

3. Starting at the chin. work up the face. massage in sections towards the forehead . Gently place hands on the muscle. move towards the occipital bone in a continuous flowing movement using long strokes. Start with the right hand. followed by the left. Then wipe your hands.

4. Pour a little of massage oil into your hands and use light effleurage movements. working upwards over the face. Use small circular traveling movements with the middle finger. Repeat the movements on the armpits, on the upper side of the clavicle. both shoulders and finally return to the face and use effleurage movements.

5. Starting at the centre of the upper lip on the face, work towards the ear and the whole area under the lower lip with gentle pressure, small circular, stationary movements. This is known as a repeating press-and-release movement.

6. Take the cheek muscle between your thumhs and index fingers. and gently squeeze moving until underneath the cheekbone.

7. Rest for five seconds. resting both hands on the face. This movement aids energy-now. If incorporating reflex points into the massage, do it at this stage.

8. Smooth upwards along the sides of the face, starting at the chin and ending at the temples. Repeat three times; then smooth the forehead towards the ears. Now harmonies energy by holding the face in both hands for a few seconds. Sweep effleurage movements over the shoulders and neck. Repeat three times.

9. Apply the face mask. leave it on for about ten minutes. Remove the mask and apply a moisturizer.

10. Relax for a few minutes, then sit up and have a glass of water to drink.

Facial Reflex Points: Pressing reflex points as a part of facial increases energy flow and leads to revitalization. The movements are carried out at the end of a facial. Press each of the points in sequence for a few seconds. The movement is a gentle press and lift, then release.

Some Important Movements of Facial Reflex Points:

1. On the bridge of the nose, between the eyes, at the bottom of the forehead, using both the thumbs, one following the other. Repeat several times.

2. Above the eyebrows, at the centre of the face, press along the line of eyebrows. Repeat the movement several times, working outwards until the whole forehead has been covered. Start at the centre and smooth outwards towards the temples, place both hands using all the fingers.

3. Starting under the inner eyebrows, press in line working outwards until the outer corner of the eyes. Press adjacent to the outer corner of the eyes.

4. Start at either side of the nose, work outwards towards the ear under the cheekbone. Now move upwards until the whole of the upper cheek is covered.

5. Starting in the area between the nose and upper lip, press outwards in a continuous line. Repeat movement several times.

6. Start under the lower lip, press outwards in a continuous line using two fingers . Repeat several times.

7. Pinch gently along the jawline, working outwards.

8. Press along the entire hair-line, working towards the ears. Repeat several times.

 There are several extra reflex points on the face. Pressing these paints helps to improve the circulation and energy flow in the face and also tones the skin. Hold each point for five seconds. These points are situated on the face, hands and feet, and other parts of the body as mentioned below :

1. If the face looks tired or is sagging, rub at the centre of the lower cheekbone on both sides of the face.

2. In case of puffy eyes, rub on either side of the nose in line with the inner corners of the eyes.

3. If the face looks tired or is sagging, rub at the outer corners of the eyes on both sides.

4. In case of droopy cheeks and jowls, rub the hollows just below the ears on both sides of the face.

5. In case of eye bags and loose cheek muscles, rub the border line between eye socket and cheekbone on both sides of the face.

6. To tone up the muscles of the entire body and energies it, rub at the centre of the palms of both hands.

The Important Facial Massage Movements: Some of the beneficial facial manipulations are described below, Hands should not be removed from the face once the manipulations have been started, Massage movements are usually directed towards the origin of a muscle in order to avoid damage to muscular tissue,

• Linear movement: Is applied with fingers rotating with pressure and an upward stroke is given, usually on the forehead and temples,

• Circular movement: Usually applied over the forehead, starting at the eyebrow line towards the hairline,

• Crisscross movement : Starting at one side of the forehead and working back.

• Stroking movement: Sliding fingers over brows on the forehead, moving towards the temples with slight pressure,

• Brow and eye movement : Placing middle fingers at the inner corners of the eyes and index fingers over the brows, Then slide to the outer corners of the eyes, under the eyes and then back to the inner corners,

• Nose and upper cheek movement : Slide fingers down the nose applying rotary movement across the cheeks and temples, rotating gently.

• Mouth and nose movement: Applying circular movement from the corners of the mouth, up the sides of the nose and brows and down to the mouth.

• Lip and chin movement: Drawing fingers from the centre of the upper lip, around the mouth, towards the lower lip and chin.

• Optional movement : Drawing right hand fingers under the lower lip, centre of the upper lip around the mouth, while holding the head with the left hand.

• Lifting movement of cheeks: Proceeding from the mouth to the ear and nose, to the ears and the cheeks.

• Rotary movement: Massaging from the chin to the ear lobes, the mouth to the middle of the ears and nose to top of the ears and the cheeks.

• Light tapping movement : Working from the chin to earlobe, mouth to ear, nose to top of ear and then across forehead on one side of the face, followed by the other side.

• Stroking movement: Applying light upward strokes over the neck in the front side and downward strokes on sides and back, with pressure.

• Circular movement: Starting at back of ears, apply circular movement over the shoulders and across the chest.

Herbal Skin Care Products: Aloe vera: A popular botanical, .recognized for centuries as having medicinal and cosmetic properties. These benefits have been found to apply to skin care as well. Obtained from aloe extract, aloe vera is used in cosmetic preparations due to its moisturizing, soothing and calming properties. It is excellent for dry and sensitive skins as well as for the treatment of sunburns and other minor burns and skin irritations. Aloe vera is an emollient and film-forming gum resin with hydrating, softening, healing, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties having strong moisturizing ability. It penetrates the skin, supplies moisture directly to the tissue and absorbs UV light. Having a slightly relaxing effect on the skin, aloe vera is beneficial for sensitive, sunburned and sun-exposed skins. Aloe vera is constituted of about 95 percent water content and the remaining includes minerals, polysaccharides, amino acids and carbohydrates.

Skin Toner : Toner has the property to tone the skin. It reduces the pore size, hence prevents excess of sweating and sebum secretion. Usually toner is recommended for normal to dry skin. It is a soothing and softening agent and removes tanning.

Deep pore cleanser : Cleansing milk has the property to open pores, draws out all the dirt, dried sweat and sebum. After use, apply toner for resoling the skin pores:

Sun Screen Lotion : It has the property to reflect back light with wave length . between 230 nm. There is a pigment called melanin present in the skin. When sun rays fall on the skin, the production of melanin is stimulated. Sunscreen lotions form a layer .on the skin and hence prevent the rays from stimulating the production of melanin.

Astringent Lotion: Is used by oily skin. Even normal and dry skins can use it.

Moisturizer : Wheatgerm oil is a very rich oil, having high content of Vitamin E. Olive oil is also rich in Vitamin E. A healthy skin needs a high proportion of Vitamin E in the skin. Rose water has the natural property of toning and moisturizing.

Cold cream : Has good moisturizing property and hence prevents dryness. It is easily absrobed in the skin because usually the base is wax.

Massage cream : Light weight, non-greasy and easily absorbable cream. It gives a very relaxing effect on the facial muscles and lot of glow is observed after the massage.
All Purpose cream: Can be used for all and any purpose, like massage, to prevent drying, for soft and glowing skin. It is a very light weight cream, easily absorbable and with pleasant fragrance.

Almond Nourishing cream : Contains Very high content of Vitamin E in it. It nourishes the skin. The beginning of any under-nourished skin. starts from under eye problems. Almond cream revives back the skin texture .and also brings a lot of glow on the skin.

Calamine Lotion : The lotion helps remove pimples. acne. scars and also has sun-screening agents in it. Being non-greasy and light. the lotion spreads on the face uniformly .and evenly giving a natural look to the skin.

Tulsi Pomade: For years Tulsi has been known for its anti-septic and anti-bacterial properties. It protects the skin from becoming dry. It heals dry. chapped and cracked skin. and nourishes the skin.

How to Recognize Your Skin: The selection of the correct face pack is made a after thorough study of the facial skin. Generally. facial skin is divided in three different zones. such as T-Zone. C-Zone and V-Zone.

• T-Zone comprises of the part of the forehead. nose and upper and lower lip areas – which is always oily.

• C-Zone includes the part of cheeks – which is usually dry and sensitive. There is redness in this sensitive part.

• V-Zone is usually the normal area on the neck and upper part of chest. The temperature of the skin is detected by touching the skin of V-Zone.

 By pinching the skin. its type can be found out and a treatment can be given. If there is redness when pinching the skin. it means the skin is sensitive. In normal skin, the redness appears while pinching and soon disappears: If there is no redness on pinching the skin. it indicates that the skin is dry and rough.

Lines and Wrinkles: With advancing age, wrinkles appear on the face. Wrinkles, prematurely, give an oldish look to a young person. But this tendency and the resultant ageing can be checked sufficiently if proper care is taken when you are still young. Just as a balanced diet and regular exercise are important in order to control overweight, likewise regular massage of the face is effective to control lines and wrinkles in advanced age. Timely care in youth pays rich dividend in the forties. Remember, it is, indeed, not a magic to bring a change overnight. With the passage of time, all the visible defects like wrinkles, flabbiness and dead cells of the skin vanish and a fresh and young look is restored. Massage is based on five major steps which include Effleurage, Petrissage, Tapotement, Friction and Vibration movement.

 Effleurage is a stroking movement using the palms of hands with a constant pressure which effects relaxation, increases blood circulation and warms the skin tissues. Petrissage movement involves deeper stimulation to the muscles and skin glands, basically meant for dry and dehydrated skin types. Tapotement means the percussion movement with alternate hands, basically meant for oily skin. The massage movements include cupping, pounding, pinching and hacking which increase blood circulation, strengthen and tone the muscle, stimulate sensory nerves, increase lymph circulation and redistribute fatty tissues. Friction is a circular movement produced by the pads of the fingers or thumbs. Pressure on the skin increases blood and lymph circulation. Vibration massage movement using pads of the fingers, thumb and hand in static or running form stimulates the nerves, relieves pain (if there is), loosens scar tissues and stretches adhesion.

Lymphatic Massage: Lymphatic massage helps in purifying the blood from the heart. This movement helps in fighting infections in the blood, improves blood circulation, removes waste products (oil, grease and bacteria) from the body through urine. It also relaxes lymphatic nodes in the body and relieves acne. The massage is given on all types of skin. The skin must be clean when giving lymphatic massage. Remove makeup and cleanse the skin. Lie down straight before massage. Lymphatic massage treatment should never be given to kids and youths below 16 years of age.

Facial Massage: The following precautions are a must before massaging the face :
1. Massage is effective if the skin is clean.

2. Do not press the skin around the eyes, which is delicate.

3. Massage for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes as cream takes that much time to get absorbed.

4. Wash hands with soap before massaging.

5. Remove all traces of make-up before massage, otherwise the pores of the skin will be blocked by the particles of make-up items.

6. If there are blackheads, they should be removed before massage.

7. If the skin is excessively oily, remove the oiliness with cleansing milk or PH acid or fresh lemon juice.

8. If the skin is over-dry, use a good moisturizer before massage.

9. If the skin is moist, use some astringent lotion before starting massage.

11. Use slimming cream for massage, if the facial skin is fleshy.

Method for Face Massage:

1. Slow Massage: Is done slowly by hitting and vibrating the skin lightly with soft fleshy tips of fingers. The process starts with a slow speed from the neck, gradually increase the speed as it moves upward. Stroking gives rest to the nerves and vibrations are useful for subduing pain caused by massaging. The vibrations are produced manually by the fingers or by an electric massager.

2. Pressure Massage : is applied with the fleshy tips of the fingers. This is effective for removing the pouches under the eyes.

3. Fast Massage : Applied with speed, by the front half of both the palms in circular motion, upwards, helps to remove wrinkles.

4. Stroking Movement: Chubby cheeks are stroked with the tips of the fingers on both sides of the cheeks from nose to temples. This massage movement is recommended if the nose is broad.

5. Massage by Pinching: The skin to be massaged is held between the thumb and fingers as in pincers. It cures wrinkles of the jaw and is effective for double chin.

6. Kneading Movement: Hands are folded in a fist form and the face is pressed as in kneading the flour. The massage movement is done from the chin to the cheeks, upwards. It removes wrinkles.

Facial Exercises: To keep your face healthy, soft and young, and to keep your personality intact, facial exercises are very useful. These exercises should be practiced daily by standing in front of a mirror in the privacy of your bedroom or bathroom.

• Exercise 1 : Open your mouth wide as if you are going to scream. Spread wide your eyes; stare ahead and then revert to the original position. Repeat ten times.

• Exercise 2 : Press your forehead near the hairline with fingers and rub it with a backward motion. This will help to remove lines on the forehead, if any. Do it ten times.

• Exercise 3 : Twist your lips inwards, puff your mouth with air inside it. Let there be a laugh on one half of your face, followed by one on the other half. Repeat ten times. The exercise will smooth your cheeks.

• Exercise 4 : Press your teeth and spread your lips, keeping your face straight.  Count ten and revert to the normal pose. Repeat the exercise ten times.
Twist lips, puff up cheeks with air in them, keep three fingers on each side of the face and press slowly without letting the air blowout. Remain in this pose for five minutes. This is a very effective exercise for the cheeks and the mouth.

Dark Circles Around the Eyes: The skin around the eyes is very fine and delicate. It tends to dry out very quickly. From the age of 25 years onwards, occasionally apply a little eye cream or special eye oil to counteract dryness around the eyes. Dark circles under the eyes happen because of salt content in tears. Other reasons include continuous flow of water from eyes, low diet and damaged capillaries. The following precaution/treatment should be taken :

1. Do not rub eyes, if there is irritation or burning, otherwise the delicate skin will shrink and wrinkles will appear on it. To avoid such wrinkles, use antiwrinkle cream or almond oil.

2. Boil and filter tea leaves. Soak a cotton swab in it and foment the area around the eyes till you get satisfactory results.

3. Avoid tension, worry and anxiety.

4. Massage oil or cream slowly with your fingers on areas around the eyes. Remove surplus cream or oil after 30 minutes, otherwise your eyes will become puffy.

5. Have plenty of sleep. Lack of sleep results in dark rings below the eyes and sometimes the skin become flabby. An eight-hours-rest in a day keeps the eyes healthy.

6. Blink your eyelids, which gives them the most natural massage. Shut your eyes as tight as you can, then open them as wide as you can. Repeat it 5-6 times. Make sure to keep your forehead and face muscles still.

Puffy Eyes: Puffy eyes may be the sign of something wrong with your general health. If there is nothing wrong, then check whether you are using to, rich a nourishing cream for your eyes and leaving it on all night. Always wipe off eye cream after 15 to 20 minutes. The early morning puffiness can be fairly reduced by alternate hot and cold water bath. To add sparkle to the eyes, try these treatments :

1. Lie on your back and keep slices of peeled cucumber on the eyes for five to ten minutes.

2. Put camomile flowers in boiling water. When the liquid cools, dab your eyes with this solution using a wet pad of absorbent cotton.

3. In case of an allergic reaction, in which eyes redden and water, and the skin around the eyes get a burning sensation, take care to use high quality products. The markets today are flooded with substandard or imitation products. Discontinue use of an eye make-up if you face any trouble like irritation, swelling, rashes etc.

Some Basic Rules for Aroma-facial: Aroma-facials provide immediate results. The aroma molecules enter the body through inhalation and absorption through the dermis. They also enter the blood stream. They penetrate the skin and tissues quickly. The aroma molecules are inhaled constantly during a facial because of the proximity of the nose.

• The Essential oils should always be diluted before application on the face, neck and decollete area.

• The application should be applied to the face for a maximum of 30 minutes at each session. The session should be spaced at 7 to 14 days’ interval for a series of six to ten treatments.

• If the skin is sensitive, carry out a patch test before performing the treatment. Use Essential oil between. 0 to 1%.

• Skin with acne needs to be treated very gently. The percentage of Essential oil used will depend on the type and severity of the acne being treated, varying between 2 to 3%.

• Those suffering from allergic reactions to foods or cosmetics should use 1/4  to 1 % Essential oil.

• Avoid using Essential oils in case of side-effects and allergic reaction resulting in a burnt, scabbing appearance.

• Do not use Essential oils or aroma-therapy products, if undergoing radiation or chemotherapy treatment.

• Pregnant and lactating women should avoid use of the following Essential oils:

 

Annis Fennel Parsley seed
Aniseed Ho-leaf Peppermint
Basil   Hops Pimento berry
Bay Hyssop Rosemary
Birch Juniper Sage
Blacj oeooer Lavendin Spike Lavender
Cedarwood Mace Spikenard
Cinnamon Majoam Tarragon
Cistus Marrh Thyme
Clary sage Niaouli Valerian
Clove Nutmeg Winter Green
Cumin Oregano Yarrow

 

• All non-commercial face masks should be used as fresh as possible for better results.

• Poultices are made by including solid substance between layers of wet, hot or cold muslin. Ingredients used include herbs, clays and crushed seeds, and Essential oils can be added to these.

• Eye pads are used for placing on the closed eyes while the mask is taking effect Eye pads can be soaked in an appropriate hydrolate. preferably Rose water. Eyebright. Camomile or Lavender.

• Herbal compresses help prepare the skin for Essential oil massage. They may be warm or cold ‘depending on the desired result The compress is a piece of muslin soaked in herbal preparation and then squeezed out before application to the face. Warm compresses allow blood to flow freely to the area. They help the pores to be gently opened. They can be very relaxing and calming. to help the absorption of Essential oils. Cold compresses are refreshing and somewhat restrict the flow of blood. They are usually used after a treatment and are left over the face for one minute. Now pat ¢e face dry with a clean tissue paper.

Herbal Plants Used on the Skin: The .following plants are recommended, for different types of skin :

1. Normal skin: Use Arnica. Lavender. Melissa. Neroli. Rose petals. Rosemary and Sage.

2. Oily Skin Prone to Acne: Use Calendula. Marigold. Jasmine. Lavender. Melissa. Peppennint. Rosemary. Sage. Thyme and Yarrow.

3. Dry Skin: Borage. Calendula. Camomile Roman. Elder flower. Jasmine. Lime flower. Marshmallow. Rose petals and Sage are useful herbs.
 

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Nine Stages Of A Facial

July 31, 2009 Beauty Tips

 Do you have a soft, smooth, clear, attractive and glowing skin on your face? If so, you are blessed with something and are very fortunate. You will have to exert to keep it as it is. Normally, worries and tensions, coupled with the climatic effect, tell upon the skin and many women look aged even in their prime. Facial routines keep up your youthful glow, but the best is to look after your skin.

 To have a natural beauty is a blessing for a woman but most women tend to lose it through their own negligence. The pores of the skin get clogged by these cosmetics. Facial keeps the face attractive. There are nine stages of facial as below :

Stage 1: Cleansing with cleansing cream, milk, lotion.
Stage 2: Cream massage for 15-20 minutes.
Stage 3: Vibratory massage for 5-7 minutes.
Stage 4: If required then steaming can be given for 4-5 minutes.
Stage 5: Blackhead removal.
Stage 6: Face pack for 20-25 minutes.
Stage 7: Ultrasonic.
Stage 8: Oxilation.
Stage 9: Sun Protection Cream. Facial treatments are divided into two categories :

1. Preservative. These are aimed at maintaining the health of facial skin by correct cleaning methods, increase circulation, relaxation of the nerves and to activate the skin glands and metabolism through massage.

2. Corrective. These correct facial skin conditions, such as dryness. oiliness, blackheads. ageing, lines and minor conditions of acne.

Why Facial ? It is beneficial for:
• Cleansing the skin.
• Increasing circulation.
• Activating glandular activity.
• Relaxation of nerves.
• Maintaining muscle tone.
• Strengthening weak muscle tissue.
• Correcting skin disorders.
• Helping prevent lines and wrinkles on the face.
• Giving a youthful feeling.

How Often? Facial is one of the most restful treatments that offers:
1. relaxation.

2. stimulation from massage.

3. soothing effects of creams and lotions.

4. the finished application of an attractive make-up .

Facial can be given as often as once a week, once in fortnight and once in a month according to the requirements of the face.

Preparation for the Facial: Feel relaxed while doing facial and perform all work as noiselessly as possible. Under any circumstances, do not dip your fingers into any preparation. All packs and creams should be removed from their containers with a spatula. The following precautions must be taken while doing facial:

• Help the client (in case of a beautician) to relax in a quiet and professional manner. Provide a quiet atmosphere and work quietly.

• Maintain neat and clean sanitary conditions.

• Analyse the skin before facial treatment. Remove make-up to determine, if the skin is dry or oily, if comedones or acne are present, broken capillaries are visible, the texture of the skin is soft or velvety or harsh and rough. This analyses will determine the choice of creams to be used in massage movements, the amount of pressure to apply while massaging. the type of make-up to be applied after facial treatment and the areas on the face that need extra attention.

• Follow a systemic procedure.

• If your hands are cold, warm them before starting facial treatment.

• Keep your nails smooth so as not to scratch the skin while doing facial.

• Remove neck and ear jewellery before starting facial. Ask your client to place the same in her purse.

• Help your client to remove her dress carefully and hang it up. Remove her shoes.

• Place a towel across the back of the facial chair or near the facial bed.

• Protect the customer’s hair by fastening a headband around her hair. Adjust the clean towel from the client’s shoulders draping across the chest and across the middle of back.

• Close all the containers tightly after use.

The following equipment, implements and materials will be needed to give a facial:
• Cleansing lotion or cleansing cream.
• Emollient cream.
• Astringent lotion.
• Antiseptic solution.
• Talcum powder.
• Witch-hazel.
• Cleaning tissues, absorbent cotton, cotton pads.
• Headband, Towels, Make-up Tray, Clean sheets or drape.
• Facial steamer and Infra-red lamp.
• Lanolin or hormone cream for dry skin.

You may Find Fault when Receiving a Facial if you:
• suffer from offensive body odour, tobacco smell or foul breath.
• have excessive or rough massage.
• scratch the skin ‘due to rough nails.
• use very hot towels or steam the face for a long time.
• use infra-red lamp for more than five minutes.
• not being careful of sanitary requirements.
• get facial creams or other substances to get into the eyes, mouth, nostrils or on the hair line.
• do. not relax, are talking too much or being tense while getting facial manipulations.
• are careless in removing cream or leave a greasy film behind the ears or under the chin or in other areas on the face.

How to Apply and Remove Cleansing/Emollient Cream ?

1. Remove a little cleansing cream from the jar with a spatula and blend it with the fingers to soften it.

2. Using both hands apply cream over the face. Start at the chin and with a sweeping movement slide to end of jaw, from base of nose to temple along the side of nose, between the brows and across the forehead to temples.

3. Take additional cream, blend it, smooth down the neck, chest and back.

4. Start at the centre of the forehead, move lightly around the eyes, then towards the temples and back to the centre of the forehead.

5. Slide down the nose to the upper lip, smooth to the temples and forehead, then move lightly down to the chin and finally slide up towards the jawline, temples and forehead.

6. Remove cream with cleansing tissues or a warm moist towel. Start at the forehead and follow the contours of the face.

7. Remove all the cream from the area before proceeding to the next and finish with the neck and back.

8. Emollient (tissue) cream selected according to the type of skin should be applied in the same manner as the cleansing cream to the face, neck, shoulders and chest. Use lanolin or . hormone cream for dry skin and cold cream for an oily skin.

Procedure for a Facial:

1. Remove make-up from the face, if any (including lipstick).

2. Apply cream over the face using both hands at the chin. Starting from chin, lift the chin, slide fingers to temples, rotate with upwards pressure, slide to left eyebrow, then stroke up to hairline gradually moving hands across forehead to right eyebrow.

3. Take additional cream and blend. In long even strokes, smooth down the neck, chest and back. These are optional manipulations.

4. Start at the centre of the forehead; go lightly around the eyes to temples and back to centre of forehead.

5. Slide down nose to upper lip; smooth to temples and forehead; lightly down to chin; then firmly up jawline to temples and forehead. .

6. Remove cleansing cream with cleansing tissues or a warm moist towel. Start at the forehead and follow the contours. Remove all cream from one place before proceeding to the next. Finish with neck and back.

7. Steam the face mildly with a warm moist towel or facial steamer. Now remove comedones, if necessary.

8. Sponge the face with an anti-septic.

9. Apply emollient (tissue) cream to face, neck, shoulders and chest.

10. Apply eye cream around the eyes and muscle oil around the neck, if required.

11. Massage the face; give manipulations using the hands and fingers together. The hands should be slightly cupped. The left hand should fall upon the skin at chest, while the skin is patted twice with the right hand. With this movement cover the area of the chest and neck until the chin is reached. Then use the middle and ring fingers with the same patting movement over the upper lip, eyes, nose and forehead. Be careful as these tissues are delicate and bruise easily. Follow the same with muscle strapping routine.

Chest, Back and Neck Manipulations (optional): Some beauty experts prefer to treat chest, back and neck areas first before starting the regular facial. The procedure to treat these areas is as follows:

1. Apply and remove cleansing. cream.

2. Apply massage cream.

3. Give manipulations. Use rotary movement across chest • and shoulders, then to spine.

4. Now slide fingers to base of neck. Rotate three times. Rotate shoulders three times. Slide fingers to spine, then to the base of neck. Apply circular movement up to back of ear, and then slide fingers to front of earlobe. Rotate three times.

5. To relax client, use thumbs and index fingers at the back of the neck to stimulate tissues. Rotate six times and repeat movements over shoulder and back to the spine.

6. Remove cream with tissues or warm, moist towels.

7. Dust the back lightly with talcum powder and smooth.

Facial for Dry Skin: A dry skin is caused by an insufficient flow of sebum from the sebaceous glands. For more effective results apply electric current (use negative galvanic current for 3 to 5 minutes). For better results, expose face and neck to infra-red lamp upto 5 minutes. Place infra-red lamp about 24 inches away from the face. For dry skin, avoid using lotions which contain a large percentage of alcohol. Apply a skin lotion suitable for dry skin. The manipulations can be given four to five times. Apply lubricating oil or eye cream over and under the eyes, and over the neck. The procedure for facial will be similar to the plain facial as above. .

Procedure for Facial for Dry Skin with Galvanic Current: The procedure is similar to facial as stated above with infra-red lamp. The negative current must be applied for 3 to 5 minutes to open the pores. Exposure to infra-red lamp should not be more than 5 minutes. Apply positive electric current for 3 to 5 minutes to close the pores. Procedure for Facial for Dry Skin with High-frequency Current: The procedure will be similar to the facial as indicated above. Give manipulations, using indirect High Frequency Current for not more than 7 minutes. Apply two to three cold towels to the face and the neck. Sponge the face and the neck with skin freshener, then apply a moisturizer or protective fluid.

Facial for Oily Skin: An oily skin is prone to blackheads (comedones), which are caused by a hard mass of sebum usually formed in the blocked ducts of sebaceous glands. Diet plays an important role in the formation of oily skin and blackheads. In case of an oily skin, prepare for a plain facial. Apply cleansing lotion and remove it with a warm, moist towel, moist cotton pads or facial sponges. Place the moistened eyepads on the eyes, then analyse the skin. Now steam the face with a facial steamer to open the pores and remove blackheads. To remove blackheads, cover your fingertips with tissue and gently press out blackheads lightly. Do not press hard so as to bruise the skin tissues. In case of a skin disease, avoid facial. Sponge the face with astringent and cover eyes with pads moistened with a mild astringent. Apply massage cream, give manipulations, remove the cream. Now moisten a cotton wool swab with astringent lotion and apply it to the face and neck with upward and outward movements to close the pores. Blot the excess moisture with tissues. A protective lotion may be applied, if needed.

Facial for Acne Skin: Facial for acne skin should be able to cleanse the skin, reduce oiliness and remove blackheads. A six -stage facial as detailed below is recommended:

Stage 1: Cleansing with rose water.
Stage 2: High-frequency current for 3 to 5 minutes.
Stage 3: Applying Acne Face Pack, followed by steaming the face.
Stage 4: Blackhead removal.
Stage 5: Cold compression.
Stage 6: Sun Screen Cream.

Home Facial for Acne Skin: Home facial for acne skin should be followed thus :
1. Cleanse the face with a medicated soap and warm water.

2. Apply high-frequency current over the affected skin for not over five minutes. Then remove the acne cream with tissues.

3. Apply a face pack suitable for acne skin and keep it on for ten minutes, remove the mask and blot the residue with a cold, wet towel.

4. Now wet cotton with an astringent lotion and apply with a blotting movement.

5. Moisten a piece of cotton with an antiseptic lotion and touch each and every pimple or acne.

6. Do not apply make-up on an acne-prone skin.

Quick Home Facial: A facial is the quickest way to revive and liven up jaded skin. For a quick home-facial, follow these steps:

1. Apply cream all over the face in dots and blend it thoroughly, massaging your face and neck in an upward direction.

2. Prepare a face-pack suited to your skin type and apply on the face.

3. When it is dry (15-20 minutes), wash your face and neck with cold water, keeping your eyes closed. Dry your skin and apply a skin tonic.

4. Then apply moisturizer followed by make-up.

Hot Oil Mask Facial: This type of facial is very beneficial for dry scaly skin and skin prone to wrinkles. Procedure for hot oil mask facial is as following:

1. Give a plain facial. Cover the eyes with eyepads moistened with mild astringent.

2. Moisten gauze facial with warm oil and place on the face, starting at the throat. Gauze is a thin, transparent fabric of loosely woven cotton commonly called cheesecloth. Gauze is used to hold certain mask ingredients that do not cling or hold together on the face. The gauze holds the mask on the face and allows the ingredients to seep through to benefit the skin.

3. Place the infra-red lamp about 24 inches from the client’s face. Have infra-red rays for 5 to 10 minutes.

4. Remove the gauze facial mask.

5. Apply massage or moisturizing cream.

6. Give facial manipulations and remove cream with a warm, moist towel, then apply an astringent lotion followed by application of moisturizer or protective lotion.

Vitamin C Facial: Very useful for sensitive and dehydrated skin. Follow these steps:

1 Stage: Cleansing with cream, milk or lotion according to skin.
2 Stage: Massage with friction and peeling.
3 Stage: Application of skin food according to type of skin.
4 Stage: Lymphatic and normal massage manipulations for 10-15 minutes.
5 Stage: Application of Peeling Facial mask with light friction.
6 Stage: Application of Vitamin C fluid on face.
7 Stage: Venus Massage followed by High Frequency Treatment.

Oxygen Bath Facial Treatment: Most suited for young and mature skins, especially post acne skin. Remember, the side effects of this facial on post acne turns into acne. After this treatment 2-3 acne appears on the face, which is good sign. Following steps are needed for this treatment:

1 Stage: Cleansing the skin with cream, milk or lotion.
2 Stage: Suction with softening milk.
3 Stage: Steaming the face for opening skin pores with alkaline scrub for 3 to 5 minutes.

4 Stage: Apply vitaminal cream on young oily skin. If it is not available, do not give massage with other cream. In case of dry young skin, Mint Gel should be applied with normal massage for 12 to 15 minutes. After massage routine, clean the face with vitaminal toner.

5 Stage : Apply oxygen rich for 10-15 minutes which heals damaged acne. High Frequency treatment for 4-5 minutes is recommended. Merge oxygen cream by tapping into the skin.

Thermoherb Pack Facial: The facial is useful for ageing. wrinkled. dry skin and the steps are as follows :

1 Stage: Cleansing with cream. milk or lotion.
2 Stage: Massage with cream for 15-30 minutes.
3 Stage: Application of Thermoherb pack.
4 Stage: Now remove blackheads followed by cold compression.
5 Stage: Apply Sun Protection Cream.

Alfa Hydroxy Acid Treatment Facial (A.H.A.): An AH.A facial consists of the following steps :

1. Cleansing with a cleansing lotion or cream.

2. Suction with the help of softening milk.

3. Alkaline scrub (optional) with steaming the face with friction massage.

4. Apply cream according to skin. preferably a skin food mixed to Gel for 15- 20 minutes.

5. Give lymphatic and normal massage for 5 to 10 minutes and remove blackheads.

6. Use high frequency current for less than five minutes to remove infection.

7. Apply protein mask suitable for acne or an oily skin. If the skin is sensitive. give whitening mask instead of AH.A mask. Allow to dry for 20-25 minutes.

Suction: For cleaning up the skin with the help of suction by an electrically operated gadget. which sucks out the infection to the upper layer of epidermis from the deeper layers. different cosmetic products i.e. cleansing milk or vitaminal milk or softening milk are used according to the type of skin as stated below :

1. If the skin is normal, cleansing milk or softening milk may be used.
2. If the skin is oily, use softening milk for suction.
3. If the skin is dehydrated (dull skin), cleansing milk is used for suction.
4. For acne skin (infected skin), use softening milk for suction.
5. In case of dry skin, use cleansing milk.
6. For post acne skin (dry in nature), cleansing milk is used for suction.
7. No suction is given to sensitive skin.

Brushing: An electronic gadget which helps in removing dirt, impurities, grease, and dead cells from the skin during facial treatment. Various attachments i.e. brushes of assorted size, pumice stone and sponge are included in the gadget. The assorted brushes clean the skin of the face including corners and curves of nose and other parts of the face. Pumice stone having corrosive action helps in the peeling of dead cells from the skin. Sponge is used on sensitive skin for spreading cream evenly besides helping in removing dust and bacteria. Brushing also removes uneven-tone correction and to smooth out the surface or texture of the skin.

Vapozone (Facial Steamer): The electrically operated gadget produces a moist, uniform heat to produce steam and cleanse the skin. It warms the skin and induces the flow of blood, oil and sweat. It cleans the skin pores and softens any scaliness on the surface of the skin.

Vapozone for Cold Spray: An electrically operated gadget which sprays rose water over the face with controlled cool temperature. Cold spray gives cooling effect. cures itchiness and burning. controls redness caused during facial and closes the skin pores.

Custom-designed Face Masks: These face masks are usually prepared from fresh fruits. vegetables. milk. yogurt or egg. They are left on the face for 10 to 15 minutes. Following ingredients are used in custom-designed masks due to their benefits to the skin:

• Fresh fruit mask: Fresh strawberries can be crushed or sliced and applied to the face for a mildly astringent, stimulating mask. Crushed banana mask is useful for dry and sensitive skin leaving it soft and smooth.

• Vegetables: Are mildly astringent and have excellent soothing qualities. The vegetables include tomatoes and cucumbers. Carrot juice, rich in vitamin A is used for nourishing the skin. Basil leaves are a potent skin tonic. Coriander is a carminative and cooling agent. Garlic has antiseptic, drawing properties and helps curing several skin diseases. Lemon, rich in vitamin C has acidic properties and is used in bleaching and astringent lotions. Onion juice prevents blemishes when applied on the skin mixed with honey. Potatoes have cleansing and drawing properties. It clears the skin and removes puffiness of eyes.

• Egg: White of egg can be beaten until fluffy and applied to the face as a mask. Egg white has a tightening effect and clears the skin.

• Yogurt and buttermilk: Are used for masks on all types of skin. Yogurt (made from milk) contains enzymes and is used as a base for cleansing and face masks. Butter milk has mildly astringent cleansing action which leaves the skin feeling refreshed.

• Honey: Is used for its toning, tightening and hydrating effect on the skin.

• Vitamin capsules: Vitamin A is useful for dry skin and cures acne. Vitamin B promotes health of the skin and hair. Vitamin C heals acne and pimples. Vitamin D, too, has a healing effect on the skin. Vitamin E is said to have healing properties. Vitamin F counteracts dry, chapped skin.

• Flowers: Marigold and Rose are a rich source of beauty. Marigold cures varicose veins and various circulatory troubles. As a lotion, a marigold infusion (petals only) is very useful for over-oily skin and complexion. It helps cure eczema and ringworm. Rose petals are a rich source of Vitamin E. Rose water made from rose petals is widely used in skin tonics and creams.

• Oils: These play an important role as beauty care, and the range of oils is so vast that they cover the entire ‘top-to-toe’ beauty of body and hair treatments. Almond, coconut, sesame, castor, clove and cinnamon are the commonly used varieties of oil to enhance skin and hair beauty in India. Almond oil is used for face massage, to improve complexion, to prevent wrinkles around the eyes and to remove eye make-up. Coconut oil when mixed to camphor has been found to cure skin diseases and makes hair healthy. Sesame oil softens rough skin and is very good for growth of hair. Olive oil when massaged, nourishes the skin and makes hair healthy and glossy.

Face Packs for Toning of Tired Skin: A pack should always be applied after applying a scrubber, because a scrubber opens the pores and therefore it becomes very necessary to close down the pores with the help of face pack. If someone has a very wrinkled skin or very dry skin, then that person should remove the mask when it is partly dry. Face packs are of the following types:

• Gram Flour Pack (for normal skin) : Mix two tablespoons of gram flour and four tablespoons of milk and apply allover the face and neck. Leave for ten minutes, then wash off.

• Lemon Face Pack (for oily skin): Mix two tablespoons honey with one teaspoon lemon juice and one teaspoon rose water. Apply all over the face. Leave for five minutes, then wash off.

• Milk Powder Face Pack (for dry skin): Mix one tablespoon milk powder with one teaspoon gram flour and two tablespoons rose water. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes, then wash off.

• Almond Face Pack (for very dry skin) : Mix together the yolk of an egg, a teaspoon of almond oil and a teaspoon of milk cream. Apply on the face for 15 minutes, then wash off.

• Curd Face Pack (for tanned skin): Mix to a teaspoon of curd ten almonds (ground) and use the pack to remove tan and soften the skin.

• Fuller’s Earth Face Pack (for dull skin): Make a paste by mixing Fuller’s Earth (multani mitti), brewer’s yeast and rose water. Apply to the face for 15 minutes. This face pack nourishes the skin.

• Sandalwood Face Pack (for pimply skin): Rub a piece of sandalwood on a clean stone using a little rose water or cucumber juice. Apply the paste thus formed on the face. Curing pimples and acne, this mask gives a tingling fresh feeling.

• Cucumber Juice race Pack (for blemished skin): Form a paste, mixing any of these powders, such as gram flour, kaolin, Fuller’s Earth, dry milk powder. This face pack will tighten the skin pores.

• Tulsi Face Pack (anti-bacterial pack): Use it with toner or an astringent lotion for best results. This face pack is suitable for pimples, acne and scarred skin.

• Neem Face Pack (antiseptic pack): Crush neem leaves and use it with toner or astringent for best results. The pack is suitable for curing pimples, acne and scarred skin.

• Orange Face Pack (oil-control pack): Squeeze orange and mix to the astringent for good results on oily skin.

• Egg Face Pack (skin-tightening pack): Beat an egg and mix to it rose water or toner. The pack is suitable for dull, wrinkled skin.

• Anti-Sun-Tan Face Pack (for uniform complexion): Suitable for all types of skin. For best results use it with rose water and lemon juice.

• Glycerine Face Pack (skin toning pack): Rub sandalwood on a stone or powder of sandal purchased from a grocery shop. Mix to it rose water and glycerine to make a paste. The pack is most suitable for all types of skin.

• Rose Water Face Pack (cleansing pack): Grind cucumber (peeled) and mix to it rose water and apply on all types of skin on the face.

Skin and Scalp Care by Electric Therapy: Electricity is a form of energy, which when in motion, produces magnetic, chemical or heat effects. The beneficial effects of electricity have been recognized to be of great value in cosmetology and very useful for skin care. Before you use electricity for skin care you should know about the different currents that can be used and their various uses.

Galvanic Current: It is a constant and direct current having opposite poles i.e. Positive pole has acidic reaction, soothes nerves, decreases blood supply and hardens tissues. On the other hand, negative pole has alkaline reaction, stimulates nerves, increases blood supply and softens tissues. Positive pole may be used for the following conditions:

1. To make flabby skin and tissues firmer.
2. To close the skin pores after finishing a facial treatment.
3. To decrease redness, as in mild acne.
4. To prevent inflammation after come done treatment and electrolysis.
5. To force astringent lotions into the skin.
The negative pole may be used for the following:
1. To remove superfluous hair by electrolysis.
2. To force bleaching solution into the skin.

Faradic Current: It is an alternating and interrupted current capable of producing a mechanical reaction, without a chemical effect. Faradic current may be used during facial and scalp manipulations. Do not use Faradic current if it causes pain or discomfort, if you have high blood pressure and broken capillaries or postural condition of the skin. Sinusoidal Current: It is an alternating current having the following advantages: 1. It has greater stimulation and deeper penetrating effect. 2. It soothes the nerves and penetrates into the deeper muscle tissue. The Sinusoidal current should not be used for more than 15 minutes. Do not apply this current if the face is very flushed, you have broken capillaries on the skin, have any muscular condition or suffer from high blood pressure.

High Frequency Current: It is very useful for skin and scalp treatments. Electrodes of high frequency are made of glass or metal. As the current passed through glass electrodes, tiny violet sparks are emitted. The treatment should be started with a mild current and then gradually increased. The duration of the high frequency current depends upon the condition to be treated. For a general facial, about five minutes are adequate. A high frequency current stimulates the circulation of blood and increases glandular activity. It is used to treat falling hair and itchy scalp. It cures excessively oily or dry skin and scalp.

Skin Care by Light Therapy: Light waves travel at tremendous speed. The various kinds of light waves important role in beauty and skin care as explained below:

Ultra-violet rays: play an These produce. germicidal and chemical reactions. The invisible rays stimulate the activity of body cells, iron and vitamin D contents, and the number of red and white cells in the blood. Remember, the skin should be thoroughly cleaned before being subjected to ultra-violet rays. Keep the lamp 30 to 36 inches away from the skin to be treated because if the lamp placed within 12 inches of the skin, the rays are not only destructive to bacteria but also to the tissues. The average exposure to the skin may produce redness of the skin and cause blistering. Sunburn may result in various degrees, causing reddening of the skin and signs of first degree sunburn. Itching, burning or peeling are the signs of second degree sunburns. Ultra-violet rays are used to treat acne and to combat hair dandruff. They also promote the healing of the hair as well as their growth.

Infra-red rays: They produce a soothing effect and relax the skin without increasing the temperature of the body, dilate blood vessels in the skin and increase the production of perspiration and oil. The lamp is placed at a distance of 30 inches to apply infra-red rays in the beginning, then moved according to the requirement. Protect your eyes during exposure to infra-red rays. Do not allow the light rays to remain on body tissues for a long time. Move the hands, carrying the lamp back and forth to break constant exposure.

Visible Light: A dome-shaped reflector with lamp in various colors is used. The red light has strong heat rays leaving a stimulating effect over the skin. The light is recommended only for dry and scaly skin. To obtain the desired results, creams, oils and powder should not be present on the skin.

 

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Keeping Your Face Beautiful

July 30, 2009 Beauty Tips

Taking Care of Your Skin – Cleansing, Moisturizing and Toning: The sun, cold, rain, heat, wind and water are all natural phenomena which can have an adverse effect on the skin. The condition of the skin varies with the weather. During winter, it tends to become dry and needs proper care. In summer, the skin generally becomes oily. Hence, skin care should be adapted to the change in climate. The following summary should help:

Summer Care:
• Wash the face with soap atleast twice a day.
• Cleanse the skin thoroughly before going to bed at night.
• Apply astringent lotion on an excessive oily skin.
• Wash the face and bathe with cold water.
• Perform a home facial once a week.

Winter Care:
• Avoid using soap as far as possible.
• Clean the face before going to bed and remove the accumulated dirt and cosmetic contents on the skin.
• Wash the face once a day using tepid water.
• Perform a home facial once a fortnight.
• Apply a rich cream and moisturizer at night and also when going out in cold and dry weather.
• If the skin is excessively dry, apply a bituminized face cream at night.

Monsoon Care:
• A three-step skin care programme  cleansing, toning and moisturizing should be made part of your daily routine.
• Do not forget that an oily skin needs a moisturizer too. Lack of moisture enhances the tell-tale lines, giving an impression of older age.
• Moisturize the area around the eyes daily at night. Wipe off the excess cream after 30 minutes. This will ensure that your eyes are not puffy the next morning.
• Steam the face atleast once a week if the skin is blemished.

Skin Cleansing: Cleansing is the first step in caring for your skin. Perspiration, grease, dust, stale makeup, dirt and bacteria  all collect on the skin and must be removed completely, preferably at night before retiring to bed. As an artist prepares an canvas, a woman must prepare her skin for good make-up. The first step in make-up is cleansing. Soap and water remove most of the impurities but it does not remove make-up completely, hence cleansing is required. Cleansing should be done with cleansing cream, milk, lotion or just plain cold cream. The cleanser must be massaged into the skin with a light upward and outward movement, paying particular attention to the creases of the nose, under chin area, neck and ear lobes. Use cotton wool for cleaning the face. The heavier the make-up you have been wearing, the more time you will need to cleanse your skin. If the skin is too greasy or blemished, you may follow your cleansing by washing with soap and clean water. Cleansing cream is also useful for removing stale make-up which has a waxy base, which cannot. Cleansing creams are easy-to-make and the manufacturing process has been described in of this book.

Moisturizing: Almost all skins need a moisturizer even the oily types, but for a dry skin a moisturizer is vital. The drier your skin, the more lavish you should be with the use of moisturizer. Moisturizers are available either in the form of creams or lotions. Moisturizer is applied after cleansing and toning, always before applying make-up. A thin layer of moisturizer is helpful under a face pack for a very dry skin which gives moisture to the skin cells. During sleep, the skin is usually busy in replacing dead skin cells with fresh ones. That is why sleep is very important for beauty because there are no outside influences to bother the skin. Every night application of a nourishing cream relaxes tight muscles and accelerates circulation. If the skin is too dry, use a second application of moisturizer. Few easy-to-make recipes for moisturizers are given in of this book.

Nourishing the Skin: Nourishing preparations include all the skin foods whether they are oil-based or of the moisturizing type, whether they are light and immediately absorbed or heavy and sticky, needing to be massaged into the skin. Hormone creams and lotions, vitamin products, serum ampules; anti-wrinkle creams and lotions, biologically active preparations  all come in the nourishing group. Some easy-to-make nourishing recipes are given in of this book.

Toning the Skin: Skin toning is always followed after the cleansing routine with a medium strength skin tonic. Toning removes greasiness remaining from cleansing preparations, closed pores refine the skin and if you intend to apply make-up, if leaves a smooth clean texture which will hold the foundation and the powder for long. Basically, skin tonic freshens the skin. The cheapest toner is simply to splash the face with cold water. Stronger skin tonics or astringents dry the skin removing all traces of oil from the skin. These are suitable for greasy skins. Avoid using very strong astringents for any type of skin, as the harsh action of the alcohol toughens and coarsens the skin and prevents it from functioning normally. Apply tonic or astringent with a piece of cotton wool, but if the skin is looking sluggish, pat it on with a brisk slapping movement. Toning stimulates the blood supply to the skin. Moisten a piece of folded cotton wool with skin tonic and pat on the cheeks, the neck and chin. Avoid any area with broken veins. Herbal skin tonics are easy-to-make yourself as mentioned in this book.

Astringents: Astringent lotion is used to tone the skin and is necessary to remove the last traces of grease and closes pores. Never choose a harsh astringent lotion. Strong astringent lotions usually contain alcohol, surgical spirit (but this smells too much and is extremely harsh) and witch-hazel (which is good, but not as strong). Strong astringents over-dry the skin, leaving it feeling tight, paper-like and dehydrated. It is advisable to use a mild skin tonic as far as possible. Astringent is applied to the oily parts on the face such as the sides of the nose, chin and forehead. This helps to close the skin pores and discourage the greasy excretions from building up too rapidly underneath your make-up. A few home-made astringent preparations are given in of this book.

Few Basic Rules: An attractive personality and beauty are two different things. But unfortunately, if you have an unattractive personality, only looks will be able to help you. A beauty conscious woman should learn the art of bringing out her best features, and adopt a style of her own so as to remain the centre of attraction. It is therefore necessary to know the secrets of beauty aids, the art of using them to the maximum advantage and to dress as per your complexion and figure. Self-grooming is the secret of success of a woman stepping into the glamorous profession. It is also essential to have a thorough knowledge of various beauty-aids and cosmetics available in the market. A good foundation or lotion on the hands, neck and the face before make-up helps the skin to appear smooth. Powder gives a kind of glow to the cheeks, so does the cream. Eyes lend charm to the face. The beauty of the eyes can be increased by highlighting the eyes, eyebrows and eyelashes with deft make-up.

Hormones and Skin Beauty: There is a relationship between beauty and hormones. Hormones are produced in the human body by certain organs. Lack of hormones or excess of hormones ‘or their imbalance can prove disastrous. Hormones are of various types. but those which are associated with beauty are androgens. estrogens. thyroids. steroids. insulin and sex hormones.

• Androgens: are basically male hormones. Women produce their own androgens in the adrenal glands. If there is excessive secretion of androgens. there will be excessive secretion of sebum from the sebaceous glands which would cause acne or hair loss. The excessive secretion of androgens is usually caused by stress and mental tension.

• Oestrogens: are female hormones produced by the ovaries. Oestrogen pills generally lead to gain in weight. These type of hormones benefit the skin by retarding. wrinkles and making it clear and shiny. These hormones are essential for women after the age of 40 as there is usually a decline in the production of these hormones after this age. blood pressure. Remember, oestrogen therapy sometimes harm the skin causing  pigmentation or skin lesions. Consult a doctor before treatment.

• Thyroids: are secreted by thyroid glands. The shortage of thyroid hormones causes dry skin and wrinkles.

• Steroids: are produced by adrenal glands and its excessive production causes skin infections, pigmentation and acne.

• Insulin: the deficiency of these hormones harm the complexion and cause skin fungus and bacterial infection and itching.

• Sex hormones: are of two types – male sex hormones and female sex hormones. Male sex hormones encourage growth of hair on the skin and body, whereas female sex hormones encourage growth of hair on the scalp.

Superfluous Hair on the Body: Unwanted and unnecessary hair on the body can be one of the most embarrassing beauty problems. There can be many reasons for this unwanted growth of hair i.e. congenital causes, imbalance of hormones, pregnancy, irregular menstruation, mental tension, long illness, worries and shock. In medical terminology, it is called Hirsutism. In case the main reason for the growth of unwanted hair is imbalance of the hormones in the  body, it is imperative to get it treated medically and a thorough checking upto the genitals is conducted and hormonal treatment is given. Electrolysis is the only permanent method for removal of facial hair. The unwanted hair grow mostly on the chin, above the upper lip and on the forehead. Besides facial hair, a working women or a woman conscious of her. beauty has to be very careful to get rid of body hair especially on her arms, underarms, legs, thighs, breasts, stomach and on the face and other parts of the body.

If there are one. or two isolated unwanted hair on the face, then it should be pulled out with a tweezer. This type of pulling of hair by tweezer is known as ‘plucking’. If there are lot of hair, do not use a tweezer, because roots of the hair harden and repeated pulls may result in injury to the roots of the hair and subsequent growth of pimples and acne. Before using a tweezer, apply cold cream on the face so as to soften the roots of the hair. If the roots are hard, then soak a swab of cotton wool in hot water and keep it on the hair root for sometime, this will soften the roots. This will not make the roots of the hair hard. Threading should be done after two or three weeks depending upon the necessity. Never use a razor to remove the hair. It hardens the roots of the hair and also there is rapid regrowth of hair.

Underarm Hair: If underarm hair is left alone, it provides additional coverage and rapid growth and multiplication of the bacteria causing underarm odour. Therefore, it is necessary for the sake of basic hygiene to remove it regularly. Shaving is the quickest process for getting rid of underarm hair. After shaving, dust the underarms with talcum powder. Application of depilatory creams is another good method for removing under-arm hair. The disadvantage of very busy people is that it is necessary to wait for 8-10 minutes while the cream melts away the hair. However, a depilatory cream gives a slightly smoother finish than shaving. Waxing is sometimes used for the underarm area when long lasting smoothness is required. However, waxing is painful for this area and should done only by an expert.

Hair on Arms and Legs: Coarse, dark hair on arms and legs is most embarrassing for ladies, especially for those wearing sleeveless dresses, swim suits, bikinis and short dresses, and dresses which reveal bare arms and legs. The way you deal with hair on your arms and legs depends on its coarseness. Bleaching works well, if the growth of hair on arms and legs is short and fine. Use a weak solution of peroxide on a little cotton-wool every few weeks. Bleaching weakens the hair too. Shaving has one disadvantage for hair on arms and legs, as the regrowth is stubbly and rough and it returns too rapidly. If you have dark on the legs the regrowth may also look shadowy and grubby, and consequently very unpleasant. There is danger, too, of Gutting the delicate skin.

Depilatory creams give a smooth finish on the arms and legs, but must be used once or twice a week for lasting results. Apply the cream allover the hairy area, wait for 8-10 minutes, then remove the cream with a spatula and wash or shower in lukewarm water. Now rub in some moisturizing cream as the depilatory cream makes the skin dry. Depilatory creams are now available in aerosol form, and are more convenient to use. The aerosol method is suitable for a medium to dark growth of hair. Waxing is the right answer to the problem of dark, rough hair. Do not apply wax which is too hot. Rip it off in one quick tug. Don’t pull a little, then hesitate, then pull some more. It will hurt far more. Electrolysis is not recommended for arms and legs.

Thigh Hair: Pubic hair often grows down inside of the thighs, and when it is dark, it can be very embarrassing if you wear a swim-suit, a bikini or a loose night gown. The skin is tender in this area, so you must remove the hair with great care. Shaving is not recommended for the thighs. The soft skin may become blotchy and the regrowth will be stubbly and unattractive. Depilatory creams may be used with great care on the thighs. Choose the strength usually recommended for facial hair, since ordinary strength cream may cause soreness. Waxing works well but is painful, and may cause temporary redness. It may take three to four days for the redness to subside. It is not suggested if the skin is too delicate.

Breast and Stomach Hair: Many women have a few hair growing around their nipples and navels. Some even have a very hairy growth in a stripe between the navel and pubic area. It is unwise to try to remove hair on the breasts or the stomach yourself by plucking, shaving or depilatory creams. Electrolysis is the best method and is quite safe for these areas of the body. Choose a time for the treatment when you are not having a busy working schedule for sometime. Electrolysis gives tiny scabs which take time to heal properly. A smooth skin is achieved on these parts of the body with regular de fuzzing and constant beauty care.

Hair on the Lower Back: A small ‘tuft’ of hair growing on the lower back is very common in women. Electrolysis is the best way of getting rid of these hair, for the same reason as it is for the breast and stomach hair. However, if the hair is growing from a birthmark or a mole or a wart, check with your doctor before making an appointment for electrolysis.

Electrolysis: Electrolysis, as a means of permanently removing unwanted hair, was first introduced in 1857. In this process, the roots of the hair are weakened by subjecting them to electric current and a repeated treatment stops their growth. There are two methods of electrolysis: one is ‘Galvanic multiple needle method’ and the other is ‘Short wave method’. It takes little time to remove the hair by this method and only one needle is used. Electrolysis should be done by an experienced beauty therapist expert in conducting electrolysis treatment The area of the skin is made insensitive (or dead), and then the slanted needle is pierced till it reaches the root of the hair. Then roots of the hair are burnt by using electric currents. Electrolysis should not be used to remove the hair from eyelashes, inner side of the nose and ear and from the pimples. Do not go for electrolysis treatment if you are being treated for hormonal deficiency or suffering from diabetes.

Hot and Cold Wax: Hot wax is very popular. It has an excellent grip and is effective on areas where one tends to sweat a lot. Since it is paraffin-based, its grip does not lessen in any way if the skin is sweaty or gets moist. It is very effective on the upper lips. Cold waxing is water-based, so make sure the area to be waxed is dry. It is good for the arms and legs, and the underarms too can be treated by dusting a lot of talcum powder on the area before applying wax. In this method, the wax is spread over the area to be treated, and a strip of cloth stuck on the applied wax and pulled against the direction of the hair growth. This leaves the skin clean and soft.

Art of Threading: Eyebrows play an important role in heightening the beauty of the eyes. Never give shape to your eyebrows by using a razor, instead use a plucker or threading. Always pull hair upwards from the root. Threading, however, is more advisable to plucking because when plucked with tweezers, the roots become harder and hard hair sprout. After plucking or threading use Eau-de-cologne or anti-septic cream or lotion to prevent burning sensation.

Eyebrows and your Face:

• Oval face: requires small eyebrows approximately as long as the length of the eyes, with trim ends and a thick middle.

• Square face: the eyebrows should be small, crescent-shaped and sliding from both sides. They should be thick and bent at the middle.

• Triangular face : should have eyebrows thick and straight. One-third of the end of eyebrow should bend down.

• Pearl-shaped face : looks attractive with straight eyebrows. They should not be very long, but have pointed ends.

• On longish nose: do not draw eyebrows too high up the eyes, otherwise eyes will appear too small.

Preparations for Eyebrows: There are two types of threading self threading and mouth threading. Self threading can be done by holding a piece of thread 12-14 inches long in both hands and a finger, giving four to five turns in the centre. Then start threading, which will move like a pair of scissors. Mouth threading cannot be done on one self. It is known as professional threading usually done in beauty parlors. Following things/cosmetics are required for threading: 1.  Reel of Thread No. 40 2. Cream 3. Powder 4. Nourishing or soothing cream/Astringent lotion 5. Anti-septic lotion 6. Cotton and cleansing tissue

How 10 do Threading?
1. Wash hands thoroughly.

2. If the skin. is very dry, apply a bit of cream to make the area soft and prevent itching and pain while threading. If the skin is very oily, rub a little powder so that hair may not stick to the surface of the skin.

3. Now examine the direction of hair growth because threading has to be done in the opposite direction.

4. For making a loop for the threading, take a string of thread about 24 to 36 inches long. Now make a knot at one end holding between teeth, and hold other end tightly with four fingers and thumb in left hand with a firm and light grip. Now make a loop with the right hand giving 3 to 4 twists to the thread.

5. Now start threading with the looped thread firmly surrounding the hair to be removed. Give a swift move to the head towards the hilir when the hair will come in the grip of twists of thread and will be rooted out. The whole process is done keeping the head straight and holding the hands in the same position. Repeat the whole process till all hair to be removed are pulled out.

6. Always tweeze from below. To start with, remove hair from the ridge of the nose. Normally, the distance between the two eyebrows should be equal to the width of your eyes. Keep the eyebrows tidy, once you have started.

7. Normally the shape of the eyebrows should be a tapering one, thicker at the beginning and thinning down gradually. After removing all unwanted hair wipe off gently with a soft towel. and apply a soothing cream on it and in case of rashes, apply calamine lotion . 8. Threading needs lots. of practice. Before threading on upper lip or eyebrows, . practice on the hair at arms and legs.

9. Avoid use of scissors, but regular brushing will bring your eyebrows to the desired shape.

Procedure for Waxing: The following things are required for waxing :

1. Cold wax, cold cream or fresher, lacto-calamine (if rashes occur).

2. Cotton wool, cotton strips, two small towels, stove to melt wax.

3. A butter knife to spread wax, a pair of scissors to trim the hair.

4. Talcum powder, soap and a tray to keep all things.
The following general procedure is applied :

• Remove clothes from the area to be treated.

• Wash the skin with a mild soap and water. Rinse thoroughly and dry.

• Spread talcum powder over the skin surface.

• Melt wax over a heater or stove or boiler.

• Examine the direction of the hair growth because wax has to be applied along the direction of the hair growth, otherwise the hair will not be pulled out properly from the roots.

• Test the temperature and consistency of the heated wax by applying a little quantity over your arm.

• Spread warm wax evenly on the skin with a spatula and allow it to cool and harden.

• Now pull the cotton strip quickly with a swift jerk to the opposite direction of the hair growth. Repeat the process till the area of skin having superfluous hair is clean.

• Clean the skin with cotton wool and water as it becomes sticky and wipe with a towel.

• Apply an emollient cream or a anti-septic lotion on the skin treated.

• To keep skin free from superfluous hair. repeat the waxing process after six to eight weeks. The growth of unwanted hair will gradually decrease.

Home-made Wax: Take eight parts of sugar syrup. Add to it one part lemon juice. one part mustard oil and two parts water. Brew it on medium heat for about 45 minutes.
When the mixture turns brown in color, remove it from the heat and add a little glycerine to it. Let it get cold. Honey can be used to make hot wax. Add five spoonfuls of honey instead of sugar syrup.

 

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Conditions Affecting The Skin

July 30, 2009 Beauty Tips

• Abscess:  A pocket of local infection which is painful, swollen and contains a pus formation.

• Acne vulgaris: Infected sebaceous glands resulting in papules, pustules and comedones. Commonly infected areas include face, neck, back and chest. These are caused by dilation of minute capillaries in the skin. Papules and pustules accompany this disorder.

• Allergy : Sensitivity of the skin which causes skin to react adversely, that becomes red, hot and itchy.

• Asteatosis : under-activity of sebaceous glands causing excessively dry, scaly and itchy skin.

• Athlete’s foot : It is a form of ringworm resulting from a fungal infection affecting soles of the feet and in between toes. It causes itchy, soggy skin which flakes and peels. Also known as Tinea Pedis.

• Bed sores: Painful, cracked, weeping area of the skin caused by irritation on the body. Commonly found on buttocks, heels and elbows. Also known as Decubitus Ulcer.

• Blister: A swelling caused by an accumulation of clear fluid under the skin. Commonly caused by injury, heat, irritant substances and friction to the skin.

• Boil : a bacterial attack on the hair follicle and the surrounding skin. A pus formation develops which becomes an abscess.

• Bruise : Discoloration in or below the skin tissue resulting from an injury. Blood leaks from the damaged blood vessels into surrounding tissue.

• Callus : Thickening of the skin caused by abnormal pressure or friction. Commonly found on the feet.

• Cancer of skin : mostly associated with exposure to ultra-violet radiation from the
sun.

• Cellulitis : Spreading inflammation of skin, when the skin becomes hot to touch, tender and shiny.

• Cherry spots : Red or purple spots which appear on the chest and trunk. They are harmless but bleed easily in case of injury.

• Chillblains : Painful, red, blue or purple areas of the skin found on the toes and fingers as a result of poor circulation.

• Chloasma: Small patches of dark color which appear as a result of melanocyte action being stimulated. It is usually caused by hormonal imbalance and contraceptive pills.

• Cold sore (Herpes Simplex) : Caused by a virus, which can lie dormant in the sensory nerve cells. It may be activated by fever, menstruation and extreme cold or sunburn.

• Combination skin: Usually the face has a greasy centre panel and dry cheeks and neck.

• Comedone (also known as blackhead) : The opening of the pore becomes blocked with dried sebum, dead skin cells, sweat and dirt etc. More common in areas with more sebaceous glands especially the centre panel of the face.

• Corn : Thick layers of skin following repeated friction. Most commonly affected areas are the toes and soles of the feet.

• Couperose skin : High coloring due to blood capillary network close to the skin’s surface. Prone to damage resulting in broken capillaries.

• Cyst : Usually found in sebaceous glands as a small painless lump. These appear anywhere on the body and are easily infected. These appear on the scalp too.

• Dehydrated skin : Skin lacking in moisture caused by inadequate fluid intake.

• Dermatitis : An inflammation of the skin. The fluid accumulates in the skin causing swelling, itching and blisters. It eventually dries with scabs and crusts.

• Embedded hairs : Hair that do not emerge from the skin. The skin grows over the follicle trapping the hair below resulting in small lumps on the surface of the skin.

• Freckles (Ephelides) : Small, flat, irregular patches of melanin found on the face and body.

• Fissures: Cracks within the epidermis, which expose the dermis.

• Hirsutism : Abnormal pattern of hair growth involving a male pattern of hair growth in females.

• Hives (also known as Urticaria) : A swollen area of the skin surrounded by a red weal and generally known as nettle rash.

• Hyperidrosis: Causes excessive perspiration affecting areas such as the hands. feet and underarms.

• Hypertrichosis : Abnormal growth of hair in unusual areas of the body.

• Impetigo : Highly contagious skin infection starting with a red spot which becomes a blister and discharges liquid. A yellow crust develops which spreads on the commonly affected areas like face. hands and knees.

• Keloid : A harmless mass of excess tissue forming in the scar of an injury. It is more common in dark skin.

• Keratosis Actinic : Hard. dry. scaly. flat brown growths that develop in later life. Most commonly found on exposed skin i.e. face and back of the hands.

• Lentigines: A large. distinct freckle-like mark. slightly raised.

• Macule: Flat. colored area of the skin which may be lighter or darker than the surrounding skin.

• Mature skin : Looks like ageing skin because of harsh products. exposure to extreme temperature.

• Melanoma : A pigmented mole usually of two types – harmless juvenile melanoma and malignarit melanoma.

• Milia : Small. harmless pinhead cysts around eyes and cheeks on dry skin.

• ‘Mole: Darkened. raised skin of varying size. shape and color.

• Papule: A small raised area of unbroken skin often developing into a pustule. It is painful. solid to touch.

• Paronychia : Inflammation of the skin around the nails caused by infection.

• Pigmented naevi : Harmless. colored birthmark.

• Port wine stain : Flat patches of dark red staining in the skin. which results from an abnormality of the capillary blood vessels.

• Prickly Heat (Miliaria Rubra) : Rash caused by excessive heat. when the skin becomes red. itchy and is accompanied by inflamed or blocked sweat glands.

• Psoriasis: A scaly eruption of the skin. Red patches develop covered by scales which can be itchy.

• Pustule: A white-head spot or pimple slightly raised.

• Ringworm : A fungal infection harming the skin. It is also ‘ known as Tinea Corporis.

• Scabies : Highly contagious disease caused by a infestation of a mite which burrows into the skin. It affects between the fingers. inside the wrist and the sales of the feet. It causes itchiness.

• Scar: Replacement tissue formed over the site of injury on skin.

• Seborrhoea : Over-active sebaceous glands causing oily skin with enlarged. blocked pores. comedones and pustules.

• Sensitive skin : Fine, pale skin which needs extra care.

• Shingles (Herpes Zoster) : A blistered skin eruption over an area of skin by a nerve. It is a severely painful condition.

• Skin Tag : Tiny, loose growth of the skin develops on the neck, or groin. Sometimes, the disorder attacks armpits and trunk. It is colorless and painless, most commonly in elderly women.

• Spider Naevus: Small, painless, red spot with thin blood vessels, which usually appear on the face, legs and body during pregnancy.

• Strawberry Naevus : A bright red mark varying from a small pinhead to a swollen, irregular dome-shaped mark most commonly found on the head and the neck.

• Stretch marks: Thin lines of over-stretched skin, generally shiny and discolored due to loss of elasticity in the dermis.

• Sunburn : Inflammation of the skin after excessive exposure to the sun.

• Supeifluous hair: Unwanted hair growth on the skin as a result of heredity, hormonal changes or stimulation to the area.

• Urticaria : Characterized by a swollen area of the skin surrounded by a red weal. It is also called Hives.

• Vitiligo: White patches of the skin caused by destruction of melanocytes. It is caused due to hormonal imbalance.

• Warts: Small, solid growth on the skin caused by virus. It is highly contagious. When warts appear on the feet, they are known as Veruccas.

• Weal: A localized area of swelling.

• Whitlow: An infection of the soft pad at the tip of the finger or thumb. Tender to touch with pus formation.
 

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History Of Makeup

July 30, 2009 Beauty Tips

The Sixteenth Century: The fashion trend started since the era of Queen Elizabeth-I who reigned from 1558 to 1603. She had red hair, which became fashionable. She used heavy cosmetics. Women started plucking eyebrows in 1768. They started applying rouge and painting their lips in a round shape. During Queen Anne’s reign from 1702-14, the cosmetic industry witnessed a boom. The excesses of fashion and make-up came to an end with the French Revolution at the end of the seventeenth century .

The Nineteenth Century: Queen Victoria reigned from 1837-1901, when there was a complete reaction against the use of any paint on the face . Wigs and long hair were out of fashion. Powders, creams and lotions were used for make-up. Home-made cosmetics became popular.

The Twentieth Century: Make-up was used to enhance the beauty rather than to over-paint the face. By 1913, light skin, dark eyebrows and full lips were the fashion. The hairstyles for the women were still long. A hairstyle called the ‘pumped our’ was very fashionable. In the 1920s, a short hairstyle called ‘bob’ became the vogue. The make-up styles were also improved among women. Soft, smudged eye make-up was also started in 1925. Women painted lips in red color.

In 1930, the women started painting their lips in a more natural shape and making the mouth look wider. The foundations used were natural-colored. Fashion-oriented women were using powder and rouge or blusher, heavily applied under the cheekbones. Eye-shadow was blended from the eyelids upto the eyebrows in various colors including smoky blue, brown and yellow. The eyebrows were not too heavily plucked.

 The hairstyles became shorter, fuller and curlier. Then in 1953, a hair fashion called the ‘Italian cut’  a short, shaggy looking hairstyle copied from Italian filmstars was popular. The 1960’s witnessed a boom in the fashion world. In 1962, eye makeup dominated with heavy black eyelines and strong eyebrows. However, there was no change in lip color. False eye-lashes were introduced in 1965. More and more lipstick colors came in fashion with heavy eye make-up. Rouge or blusher shading was added under the cheekbones to add emphasis to the shape of the face. The 1990’s was a decade of change. When choosing cosmetics, many people went back to ancient times, and plant extracts replaced chemicals in manufacturing cosmetics. Herbal cosmetics became the vogue.

Types of Skin: Types of skin can be divided into seven categories. A thorough knowledge of each type is essential to work on and provide related treatment.

• Normal skin has a fine texture with a supple and smooth surface. It is usually moist  neither greasy nor dry. The pores of the skin are smooth. Oily skin is caused by over secretion of sebum by the oil glands. Such type of skin is prone to pimples, acne, whiteheads, spots and blemishes.

• Combination skin is very common. Usually, the forehead, nose and chin are greasy, whereas the dry panel consists of the cheeks and the area around the eyes and the mouth.

•Sensitive skin has a fine texture and is usually sensitive to change in the climate, heat or cold.

• Dehydrated skin usually falls under the category of dry skin due to lack of moisture. It can also be aggravated by exposure to sun rays and may cause premature ageing, fine lines and wrinkles.

• Sallow skin is a pale yellow color skin due to deficient diet and lack of vitamin B.

Histrology of the Skin: The skin is the largest organ in the human body and is composed of cells which keep dying but are being renewed all the time. With a little care, skin problems and diseases can be avoided, controlled and even cured. The skin of the scalp is essentially similar to the skin found elsewhere on the human body, except for the larger and deeper hair follicles present on the scalp for accomodating longer hair. The skin’s surface is not made up of just one layer. It has two defined layers-the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis, also called scarf skin or cuticle is a thin layer of the skin and forms a protective covering for the inner layer containing no blood vessel, but it has many small nerve endings. The epidermis is made up of the following layers:

• The stratum corneum or the horny layer is the outer layer, which contains scale-like cells being shed and replaced by underneath cells and contains the protein keratin and a covering of oil.

• The stratum lucidum or clear layer consists of small transparent cells capable passing light rays.

• The stratum granulosum or granular layers consists of cells which look like distinct granules.

• The stratum germinativium is a thick layer composed of several layers of different shaped cells. The deepest layer contains a dark skin pigment called melanin and is responsible for the growth of the epidermis. The melanin protects the cells from the destructive effects of the ultra-violet rays of the sun.

 The Dermis, the inner layer of the skin, is also known as derma, carium, true skin or cutis. The dermis is highly sensitive and is a vascular layer of connective tissues containing blood vessels, lymph vessels, nerves, sweat glands, oil glands, hair follicles and muscles. The dermis, 25 times thicker than the epidermis is highly sensitive. It consists of two layers the papillary or superficial layer and reticular or deeper layer. The skin contains many surface endings and nerve fibres classified as below:

• Motor nerve fibres which are distributed to the blood vessels and the arrector pili muscles of the hair follicles.

• Secretory nerve fibres which are distributed to the sweat and oil glands of the skin.

 The papillary or superficial layer lies directly beneath the epidermis, which contains looped capillaries, nerve fibre endings (called tactile corpuscles) for the sense of touch. This layer contains some of the melanin skin pigment. The reticular layer contains fat cells, blood vessels, lymph vessels, oil glands, sweat glands, hair follicles and arrector pili muscles. The layer supplies oxygen and nutrients to the skin. The subcutaneous tissue is a fatty layer below the dermis, also called Adipose or subcutes tissue, varying in thickness according to age, sex and health. Cleanliness keeps the skin free from blemishes. Sweat glands secrete sweat whereas sebaceous oil glands secrete sebum. Sebum is a semi-fluid oily susbstance flowing through the oil ducts; when the sebum becomes hardened, the ducts are blocked forming a blackhead.

Nerves of the Skin: The skin contains many nerve fibres which provide the body with the sense of touch, pain, heat, cold, pressure or deep touch. The pliability of the skin depends on the elasticity of the dermis and a healthy skin regains the former shape immediately. Ageing skin is caused as a result of skin’s loss of elasticity. The color of the skin whether fair, medium or dark depends on the blood supply the skin and primarily, on melanin. Melanin protects sensitive cells from sunburn and tanning by ultra-violet rays. 

Functions of the Skin: The main functions of the skin are as below :

• Protection : it protects the body from injury or bacterial invasion. The thin layers of sebum on epidermis render the skin safe from temperature variations, bacteria and minor injuries.

• Sensation : stimulates sensory nerve endings.

• Heat regulation : protects the body from the environment. A healthy body maintains a constant internal temperature of 98.6 degrees. The body is cooled by the evaporation of sweat.

• Excretion : it excretes perspiration through the skin.  Secretion: by the sebaceous glands which secrete sebum or oil that lubricate the skin.

• Absorption : occurs when the ingredients enter the body. through the skin, through hair follicles and sebaceous gland openings.

Lesions of the Skin: A lesion is a structural change in the tissue caused by injury or disease. There are three types of lesions : primary, secondary and tertiary. The symptoms of the skin are divided into two groups : subjective, those which can be felt like itching, burning and pain and objective are those that are visible such as pimples, pustules or inflammation.

Primary Lesions:

1. Macule. A discolored spot or a patch on the surface of the skin, neither raised nor sunken. 

2. Papule. A small elevated pimple on the skin containing no fluid but may develop pus.

3. Weal. An itchy, swollen spot that lasts only for a few hours. This is caused by mosquito or insect bites.

4. Tubercle. A soild lump larger than a papule, which projects above the surface of the skin or lies within or under the skin. The lump varies in size from a pea to a nut.

5.Vesicle. A blister with clear fluid in it. It lies just beneath the epidermis and is smaller in size.

6. Bulla. A blister containing watery fluid, and is smaller to a vesicle but larger in size.

7. Pustule. An elevation of the skin with an inflamed base containing pus. The appearance looks like a pimple.

Secondary Lesions: The secondary lesions are those skin diseases which develop in later stages of disease and are of serious nature.

1. Scale : an accumulation of the epidermal flakes. It may be dry or greasy.

2. Crust or Scab: an accumulation of sebum and pus, mixed with the epidermal material.

3. Excoriation: a skin abrasion produced by scratching or scraping. It may be due to loss of superficial skin after an injury.

4. Fissure : a crack in the skin penetrating into the dermis as in the case of chapped skin.

5. Ulcer: an open lesion on the skin or mucous membrane of the body accompanied by pus.

6. Scar: is likely to form after the healing of an injury or a skin condition that has penetrated the dermal layer.

7. Stain : an abnormal discoloration of the skin.

Terms Applied to Skin Diseases: The common terms applied to skin diseases are:
• An acute disease is with symptoms of a more or less violent character of a short duration.
• A chronic disease is of a long duration, usually mild but recurring.
• An infectious disease is caused by pathogenic germs taken into the body as a result of contact with a contaminated object.
• A contagious disease is communicable by contact:
• A congenital disease is that which is present in the infant at the time of birth.
• A seasonal disease is influenced by the weather, like rashes caused by prickly heat in summer.
• An occupational disease is afflicted by one’s occupation.
• A parasitic, disease is one that is caused by a vegetable or an animal parasite, such as pediculosis or ringworm.
• A pathogenic disease is produced by disease-producing bacteria. A systemic disease is the result of over functioning of the internal glands and is caused by a faulty diet.
• A venereal disease is a contagious disease commonly acquired by contact with an infected person during sexual intercourse.
• An epidemic disease is the manifestation of the disease that attacks simultaneously a large number of persons living in a particular area.
• An allergy is a sensitivity which is developed due to normally harmless substances. Allergies are caused by contact with certain types of food, cosmetics, medicines and tints. This my result in itching, redness. swelling, blisters, oozing and scaling.
• An inflammation is characterized by redness, pain. swelling and heat.
• Sebaceous Gland Diseases The common diseases are blackheads, whiteheads (milia. tealoma ( sebaceous cyst), asteatosis, seborrhoea and acne.

Sweat Gland Diseases: Such diseases are as follows:
1. Bromidrosis or Osmidrosis : refers to foul smelling perspiration usually noticeable in the armpits.
2. Hyderidrosis : is generally caused by excessive exposure to heat.
3 . Anidrosis : refers to lack of perspiration.
4. Miliaria rubra (Prickly heat) is usually caused by exposure to excessive heat, and is accompanied by burning and itching of the skin.

How to Protect your Skin from the Sun? Although, sunrays clear the skin of acne, heal mild infections, give a lovely tan, cleanse oily skin and revive the whole body, but on the other hand the heat of the sun rays can wither a dry skin, burn a delicate one, distend the veins and cause burns and sunstroke. Remember the following points:

• Do not expose yourself continuously to strong sunrays for more than 30 minutes.
• Do not allow sunrays to effect a part of your body, instead ensure that sunrays affect the whole body. Playing, walking or swimming in sunrays is an excellent way to revive your whole body.
• Oil your body generously, unless you have a naturally greasy skin.
• Wear a hat to protect your head and sun-glasses to protect your eyes before going out in summer.
• Do not use eau-de-cologne, perfume or deodorants while going out in the sun as they often cause brown marks and irritation to the skin.
• Do not wear heavy make-up when going out in summer. Lipstick changes the color and mascara runs.
• Watch carefully the most exposed parts of the body, lest sunburn occurs. Put plenty of oil on these parts and cover them at the first sign of reddening.

How to Protect your Skin from Water? Remember the following points :
• Beware of using hard water on the face. Sea water is helpful for the body.
• Rub a little almond oil on the skin after having a bath in the sea.

How to Protect your Skin from Cold? Cold roughens the skin especially the dry and sensitive types. It makes the skin dry, cracks the skin and hinders blood circulation. So remember to use a thick coating of cream. Even a greasy skin needs lubrication in winter. Use cocoa-butter on lips. Avoid going abruptly from the cold outside to a hot air-conditioned room as this may cause blood vessels under the skin to burst and result a blotchy complexion. Sudden exposure to intense cold can produce blotchiness, hasten the appearance of thread veins on the cheeks and give the skin a flaky appearance.

How to Protect your Skin from Heat? Heat has a drying, ageing effect on all but the most oily of skins. As natural oils begin to dry, the skin becomes leathery and may wrinkle. Extra vitamin D is produced in the skin when the body is exposed to radiation. The skin produces melanin, the brown pigment to protect itself against excessive production of vitamin D and also to prevent sunburn. The following precautions should be taken to save the skin from heat :
• Drink plenty of water or fluids. Eat salt more than the usual.
• Wear loose clothes and change undergarments daily.

Diet for a Healthy Skin: For a blemish-free, sparkling skin the following five points should be kept in mind :
• Eat wisely,  Take plenty of rest,
• Breathe properly,
• Keep your body supple and
• Observe cleanliness.

 The skin must be constantly renewed to remain healthy. This means that cell movement must be encouraged by good circulation. Vitamin C purifies and vitalizes the bloodstream. It is found in citrus fruits like orange, lemon and grapefruit. Green vegetables and potatoes also contain vitamin C. For a healthy skin, Vitamin B is essential, which can be procured from fresh vegetables, milk and whole wheat. Alcohol, coffee and tea interfere with the body’s ability to assimilate Vitamin B. Diet is a widely discussed subject – what to eat and what not to eat. It is advised that you must eat a little of everything.

What to Eat?
• Eat at regular intervals, which helps the intestines to function properly and as a result clears the complexion.
• Eat fresh food.
• Drink lots of water, atleast 5 to 6 glasses of water in a day. It eliminates the toxins from the blood.
• Avoid a heavy lunch. Enjoy a substantial meal in the evening.
• Have dinner atleast an hour before going to bed.
• Eat slowly for a good digestion.

What to Avoid?
• Avoid fried and greasy foods, sweets and alcohol. They can cause blemishes and blotchiness.
• Beware of raw meal, starchy foods and alcoholic drinks which are the natural enemies of your liver as well as the skin.

How Skin Changes With Age?

Age Appearance Physiology
Infant Perfect skin. Little subcutaneous fat. Skin  lies lossely over their muscles and bones. The skn of a full term infant has well developed epidermis. Sometimes, wrinkles start.
12-15 Acne often appear on the face, Fine lines appear. Size of pores increases. High sebaceous gland activity Cohesion between skin layers, rapid cell turnover and skin hydration drops.
25-45 Appearance of more fine lines and wrinkles. Sagging signs near the eyes. Loss of skin’s elasticity. Decrease in dermal repair and accumulation of damage corrective tissues icreases.
45-55 Rough texture of  the skin. Wrinkles appear and skin color changes to sallow, yellowish color. Sagging near the eyesand cheeks. Continuous dermal degradation, Skin tends to be dry. Thinning ofepidermis.
55 plus More and more wrinkles and lines. Sagging worsens. Dark circles under  the eyes. Pigmention of skin. Connective tissues damage. Low production of  collagen and sebum. Over productionof melanin.

 Skin Care for Different Age Groups: Sun, cold, rain, heat, wind and water are all natural phenomena which can have an adverse effect on the skin, hence skin care should be adopted to the changes in climate. If neglected, it is prone to several disorders. Blackheads, whiteheads, steatoma, pimples, anidrosis, vulgaris, bromidrosis, osmidrosis, prickly heat, sunburn, inflammations, dermatitis, eczema, ringworm, red veins, lesions, scabies, warts, moles, boils, freckles, blotchiness, psoriasis, melasma, candida, sycosis barbac, chronic paronychia, intertrigo, herpes, urticaria, skin tumours etc. are some of the chronic skin disorders and allergies which mar many lovely faces. There are a number’ of herbal preparations for cleansing, moisturizing, nourishing, toning and steaming the skin leaving no after-effect. A badly neglected 20-year-old skin may look more like the complexion of a woman in her late 30s and a woman of 30 plus who ‘has looked after her skin since her teens can well have a skin which fits below 20 age group.

 You should know your skin. Skin is the largest organ in the human body and the most visible one. Skin reflects the health of your body, mind and soul. It measures 1.62 sq. meters in an average adult male and 1.43 sq. meters in an average adult female. This thin covering of the human body has a complex structure having three layers – Epidermis, Dermis and Subcutaneous tissue and three types of glands – Sebaceous, Sweat and Apocrine.

Skin Care for under 16 Age .Group: The whole point of using cosmetics is to make oneself look more attractive. The skin in this age group is usually clear, smooth and youthful. The only preparation which might help is a moisturizing cream in cold weather and a sun barrier cream in the hot sun, and both act for protecting the skin. However, a skin cleansing cream will assist in clearing blackheads. A body lotion used once or twice a week is a pleasant beauty aid which encourages skin care.

Skin Care for 16 to 20 Age Group: The only thing essential is moisturizer, especially where the skin is dry and has blemishes. However, a light tinted cream or liquid foundation can be used to add color if the skin is pale. If make-up is used, then a cleanser is essential before going to bed.

Skin Care for 20 to 25 Age Group: A good routine followed in this age will pay handsome dividends later on in the 30s and 40s. Plenty of herbal cleansers and moisturizers and, in case of oily skin a light, easily absorbed skin tonic or astringent should be applied.

Skin Care for 25 to 30 Age Group: These are usually regarded the peak years for a woman’s looks and she knows what suits her best, what she needs to look attractive and she can add to them poise. assurance and self-confidence. It is important to use a moisturizing foundation which will give the skin protection and add an evenness of color and texture. At night, a skin food is necessary.

Skin Care for 30 to 40 Age Group: During these years the first fine lines appear. The drier the skin texture and the less it has been cared for and cossetted, the earlier these lines will appear. A richer skin tonic at night, added protection from cold or hot weather during the day time and heavier moisturizer under make-up should help considerably.

Skin Care for 40 to 55 Age Group: These are the years when lines and wrinkles settle more firmly unless the skin is nourished with rich herbal lubricating creams and moisturizing agents. Facials help to keep the skin in good condition using a rich face mask with moisturizer underneath followed by light skin tonic. Be lavish with moisturizing creams under the make-up.

Skin Care at 55 and Over: This is the time to cosset the skin. Treat it gently and avoid soap or water which is too hot or too cold. No hard massaging over the body unless it is done by an expert. Skin firming preparations will help to retain the contours of the face and the body. These can be used under make-up as well as at night. Use them under a moisturizer or skin tonic.

 Cleansing is the first step while caring for the skin. Perspiration, grease, dust, stale make-up, dirt and bacteria – all collect on the skin and must be removed at night before retiring to bed. As an artist prepares a canvas, a woman must prepare for her skin and good make-up. If the skin is too greasy or blemished, follow your cleansing by washing with soap and clean water.

 Almost all skins need a moisturizer – even the oily types, but for a dry skin, a moisturizer is vital. Moisturizer is available in the form of cream or lotion. Moisturizer is applied after cleansing and toning and always before applying make-up. A thin layer of moisturizer is helpful under a face pack for a very dry skin which gives moisture to the skin cells. Regular application of a nourishing cream at night relaxes tight muscles and accelerates circulation.

 Skin toning is always followed after the cleansing routine with a mild skin tonic. Toning removes greasiness remaining from cleansing preparations, closes skin pores, freshens the skin and leaves a smooth clean texture which will hold the foundation and powder for long. Toning stimulates the blood supply to the skin. Moisten a piece of folded cotton wool with your skin tonic and pat on the cheeks, the neck and chin. Avoid any areas with broken veins. Astringent lotion is used to tone the skin, remove last traces of grease, close pores, leave skin feeling tight and dehydrated. It is applied to oily parts on the face. 
 

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Get That Soft Skin Naturally

July 29, 2009 Anti Aging And Skin Care

 If I had to give you one word that is the root of all evils today, at least when it comes to health and beauty, it’s stress. Not diet, not drugs, not smoking, not alcohol, not pollution or global warming. Now that you’ve gotten a lesson on caring for your skin, it’s time to learn what else you can do to nurture the healthiest, most vibrant skin possible from the inside out. It’s really true that the best things in life are free. There’s so much you can do without spending an exorbitant amount of money. or time. In fact, a lot of what you can do right away costs close to nothing, which is why I’m dedicating most of this article to detailing those steps you can take, with proof on how they relate to your looks and sense of well-being. Not so! And your body and mind will love it.

Here’s a sneak peek at how the nine days play out:
One Day :     Go green. Get out in nature and take in your surroundings. 
Two  Day:     Eat clean. Avoid fast food, fried food, and anything processed,
Three Day:   Make a move. Establish an exercise routine.
Four Day :     Foster friendships. Connect with friends and family in person.
Five Day :      Pamper yourself. Learn how to meditate before bedtime.
Six Day :       Sleep in beauty. Sleep in or try napping.
Seven Day :  Reflect. Look back on your week.

 Even though I’ve created the upcoming program to last nine days, it may take time for your body to response to a shift in your lifestyle, however great or small. In fact, some of these habits can create new neuronal path-ways in your body. That’s right: The brain is not so hardwired as we previously thought. And neither is your skin. The moment you decide to adapt these ideas to your life is the moment you begin to make physical, neurochemical, and hormonal changes in your body for the better-ones that will support your goal of bringing out the best in your looks.

 The good news is that most of these habits involve doing less, not more, than you usually do. If you’re not sure how to get started with incorporating these practices into your life, don’t panic. But I want to get you thinking about establishing these habits in your life for the long haul-not just during a nine-day pocket of time.

• Practice deep breathing
• Get active
• Beat the foods that beat you
• Focus on the good things
• Stretch out your sleep
• Take a time out
• Cuddle or have sex

Practice deep breathing: A classic sign of the stress response is shallow, crazy-fast breathing. That’s why the opposite-deep, slow breathing-is such an effective way to calm yourself down. It can help you halt a stress reaction, or at least control it. Plus, it shifts the body’s balance of carbon dioxide to oxygen in favor of energizing oxygen. Remember, carbon dioxide is a waste product, whereas your cells and systems need a constant supply of fresh oxygen to stay alive and work efficiently. Oxygen is arguably the most vital nutrient for the body; we would die within minutes without it. The integrity of the brain, nerves, glands, and internal organs depends on oxygen, and any shortage in supply will have a profound impact on the entire body-inside and out.

 There are several breathing exercises, and on Day Two you will begin experimenting with a few. Slow, controlled breathing in particular is the foundation for many Eastern practices that aim to return the body to a more balanced state, and one that has removed all signs of stress. Yoga, qigong. and tai chi are just a few examples of such practices, and if you’ve ever participated in these, then you know what it feels like when you’re done. You feel relaxed, replenished, and unable to entertain the thought of an argument or other stressful situation. The world just seems right.

 When you’re focusing on your breathing, you’re not focusing on anything else (such as your lousy boss or late babysitter). That shift in your mind helps remove stressors, bringing you to a deeper level of consciousness, a place where you can put things into perspective. And let’s not forget that oxygen is required for the production of the all-important energy molecule called Your skin cells in particular require a lot of energy because they are so dynamic, engaging in all sorts of activity during the day to keep you healthy.

 I should mention the lymphatic system here, too, which gets a serious boost from deep breathing. It delivers nutrients and collects cellular waste while helping to destroy pathogens, including those that can downgrade your skin health. The deeper you breathe, the more you can achieve this effect. While the heart is the pump for the vascular system, the lymphatic system has no built-in pump, so it relies on your breathing and physical movement to get around the body. It has long been known that exercise stimulates this movement of lymphatic fluid, but the role of breathing wasn’t entirely recognized until scientists found a way to photograph lymph flow. This is how they observed that deep breathing causes the lymph to gush through the lymphatic vessels. It’s empowering to know that something as simple (and free) as breathing can be a powerful tool to build beauty and sustain health.

Breathe In Beauty, Breathe out Stress: Your sympathetic nervous system probably works a lot of overtime. It’s the pan of your wiring that is sensitive to stress and anxiety, controlling your fight-or-flight response and those of damaging spikes in the stress hormones, cortisol and adrenaline. As I will explain in greater detail, chronic stress burns through your body’s nutrients and destabilizes your brain and hormonal chemistry. Depression, muscle tension and pain, insulin sensitivity, gastrointestinal issues, and insomnia, among scores of other conditions, arc all related to a sympathetic nervous system sick and tired of working overtime. What counteracts this mechanism? The parasympathetic nervous system, which can trigger a bonafide relaxation response. And deep breathing is the quickest means of getting these two systems to communicate, flicking the switch from high alert to low in a matter of seconds as your heart race slows, muscles relax, and blood pressure lowers.

Get active: That’s why exercise is so cathartic: It releases all that revved-up energy inside you so you actually can stay calm. If you can hop on a stationary bike and pedal madly for twenty to thirty minutes, great. But running the vacuum with intensity. or playing fetch with Fido will accomplish the same thing, settling you down instead of leaving you pent up. Ac the same time, you’ll boost the activity of white blood cells, increase levels of beta~ endorphins. improve your mood, and get your circulation going-all good things for your skin. Beta endorphins have immense anti-inflammatory benefits that fight your stress hormone cortisol. You’ve heard the mantra many times before. But let me say that if there’s one magic bullet for enhancing the quality of your looks, and your life in general, it’s exercise. The science is well documented: Exercise fights the onset of age-related disease, lifts your spirits and sense of well-being. increases your lung capacity so you can take in more oxygen, boosts circulation to deliver nutrients to cells and skin, lowers inflammation, and, for many, is said to be the ultimate stress reducer.

Quickie Oil Cortisol: This chief stress hormone, alongside the other major stress hormone. adrenaline, gets a lot of playtime in our modern world. In addition to getting secreted during stressful situations to assist in the well known fight -or-flight response, cortisol also controls how your body processes carbs, fats, and proteins, and helps it to reduce inflammation, There’s a good and bad side to this important hormone, depending on how much and how frequently your body releases it

This Is Your Brain on Exercise: There’s no end to the number of studies that prove the mind-beauty connection in relation to exercise, As 1 was writing this, another fresh study emerged clearly showing that exercise causes your brain to turn up production of certain brain chemicals known to have antidepressant effects. The researchers also found that exercise excited a gene for a nerve growth factor called VGF VGFs are small proteins critical to the development and maintenance of nerve cells. Even more fascinating is the fact that the study brought to light thirty-three VGFs that show altered activity with exercise, the majority of which had never been identified before, It’s proof that we still have more to learn about our genes and the power that our habits can have on them.

 Muscles are high-maintenance tissues, meaning they burn up a lot of calories. The more lean muscle mass you maintain as you age, the better you age, and the more calories you will burn. One feature to aging people forget about, though, is the natural decline in muscle mass and strength that occurs. Starting in our thirties, we lose an average of one-quarter of a pound of muscle each year. In terms of muscle strength, we lose one percent of our muscle strength every year. 5 percent of our muscle strength. If you’ve ever been frustrated by not being able to lose weight as quickly as, say, your spouse, you can thank your lower muscle mass for that. When you do the math for this equation, you see how easy it is to fatten up automatically through the years without changing anything in your diet. If you burn 200 calories a day fewer at fifty than you did at thirty, those calories have to go somewhere if you’re still consuming them. You will automatically look better because you will be toned and shapely with less sagging-and-floppy arms, and less fat. Ideally, a well-rounded and comprehensive exercise program includes cardio work, strength training, and stretching.

 Cardio work, which gets your heart rate up for an extended period of time, will burn calories, lower body fat, and strengthen both your heart and lungs; strength training (use of weights or elastic bands, or even your own body weight as resistance in some cases) will keep your bones strong and prevent the loss of lean muscle mass that naturally occurs with age; and stretching will keep you flexible and less susceptible to joint pain. All three of these forms of exercise will keep your body moving and also help you to maintain good posture, which I have said will instantly make you look younger. The type of activity you do is not nearly as important as how often you do it, and how long you do it. Because exercise lowers stress for up to twenty-four hours, it’s important to avoid being a weekend warrior and make it a goal of keeping a semidaily routine. You can do ten minutes here, twenty minutes there. (Like calories, it all adds up!) Sprinkle pockets of workout times into your day-at lunch, after dinner, or in the fifteen minutes right after you get up and the house is still quiet.

Often, Not Occasionally: To reap the most benefits of exercise, stick to a regular routine. Exercise only tames stress for up to twenty-four hours. as many people jumps art their fitness goals too quickly and wind up hurt and burned out You must achieve a fine balance between pushing your body physically and staying attuned to its needs as you move forward.

Q: I haven’t been active in a while. so what kind of exercise program should I start with?

A: Not only is walking the perfect starting point for people who are not accustomed to any type of physical activity, but it’s one of the most accessible forms of exercise around. You can also add as much or as little intensity to your walks as you like. This is done through speed, inclines and declines, and how long you spend walking. Try to walk thirty to forty minutes every day, but if you hate walking, don’t do it! So if walking drives you crazy, bur you love to dance, swim, cycle, run- you name it-you’re in business.

Q: I’m an exercise fanatic, so I’m not surprised that all those years in gyms have left me with athlete’s foot. But mine is particularly annoying because it’s growing underneath my toenails. My nails look thick and yellowish, with pieces of skin and nail debris under them. What can I do?

A: These infections, called onychomycosis, are usually caused by a fungus bur can also be caused by yeast. Those of the fungal kind, which claim about 90 percent of toenail infections, can be transmitted by direct contact or by contact with objects such as clothing, shoes, nail clippers, nail files, shower and locker room floors, and carpets. While they are not brought on by stress, they can stress you out due to their beauty-busting presence. I understand how annoying it can be, and it’s certainly not something you want to live with forever, much less spread to other nails in you and your family. Unfortunately, topical treatments usually don’t do the job, but an antifungal prescription under your doctor’s supervision such as Sporanox, Lamisil, or Diflucan that kills the wily beasts from the inside out can help do the trick. All of the following benefits circle back to having a positive influence on your skin and the ability to maintain your youthful looks:
 

Increased stamina and energy Increased muscle strength, tone, and endurance
Increased flexibility Release of brain chemicals called endorphins, which act as natural pain relievers
Increased blood circulation and toning of the cardiovascular system Decreased food cravings
Increased oxygen supply to cells and tissues Decreased blood sugar levels, and risk for diabetes
More restful, sound sleep Weight distributions and maintanance
Stress reduction Increased self-esteem and sense of well being

A bit of trivia: The classic runner’s high-the state of euphoria associated with prolonged exercise-is no longer explained solely by the adrenaline and endorphin hypothesis. Scientists now believe that the physical and psychological well-being (plus reduced anxiety, time distortion, and enhanced sensory perception) experienced by many endurance athletes is due to the exercise induced activation of cannabinoids-lipids, in fact, in the body whose actions resemble those of the active ingredients of cannabis (marijuana). These canna-binoids can suppress pain at peripheral sites as well as centrally (crossing the blood-brain barrier); they inhibit swelling and inflammation; and dilate blood vessels and make breathing easier, The phenomenon of exercise addiction is largely due to these powerful chemicals naturally produced in the body.

Beat the foods that beat you: Eating a box of chocolates or a pint of Ben & Jerry’s when you’re stressed (or just sad, frustrated, angry, and moody-all of which the body can interpret as being stressed) has its reasoning. Stress makes most of us hungry. I’ll be going into more detail about the food-mood connection, plus food’s connection to your skin and overall appearance, but I want to introduce a few ideas here to get you thinking. In brief, when stress hits, cortisol tells our brains that we are hungry, so we then seek out a meal. Unfortunately, cortisol’s message to our brain also says we want to eat sugary, fatty foods-all the wrong foods for stopping the cycle. Rich, sugary foods don’t do much for us but contribute to insulin swings, poor blood-sugar balance, as well as extra pounds, potbellies, and worse moods. What’s more, the usual culprits-ice cream, cookies, Snickers bars-register in our brain’s reward center in ways that make us crave them even more. During the nine-day program you’re going to use the two strategies that follow to reduce the magnetic pull of these foods.

 First, eat lots more lean protein. This will give you more energy and fight hunger pangs, which can play games with your moods. Protein is key to mood stability, due to its effect on maintaining a healthy blood-sugar balance, which in turn keeps certain hormones like insulin in check. Carbohydrates, especially low-quality ones, aren’t nearly as sustaining as good-quality proteins, such as fish, eggs, low-fat dairy, poultry, and even walnuts. Proteins are required for growing hair and nails, and they are the building blocks for enzymes and hormones, including the ones that participate in keeping you glowing beautiful skin. Second, write down the top five guilty treats you tend to reach for when you’re stressed. Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. Chunky Monkey. chips. cookies. M&Ms, whatever. Then, don’t eliminate them entirely. However, when you do succumb, eat only half of what you normally would. Or less: Sometimes a bite or two will satisfy you. That’s it an easy step toward reducing your stress, steadying your weight, and shrinking your belly. Why are you doing this! This isn’t about deprivation, but about finding a healthy balance that will support, rather than take away from, your beauty.

Focus on the good things: If you feel buoyant and upbeat, you’re far less likely to start clenching your jaw. Here’s an easy way to raise your happiness quotient at home, as first recommended by Martin Seligman, PhD, the scientist who inspired psychologists to investigate happiness and positive emotions. Find a notebook or journal you particularly like-buy one with a beautiful cover or special paper if that encourages you to use it. Every night, write down three things that went well that day and why. For instance, a dinner you made that was delicious, a productive office meeting that solved a heap of problems, or a heart, to, heart with your sister that was open, honest, and caring. It may also help to keep a gratitude list; this is where you list the things for which you are truly grateful. They can be specific things like the time you spent that day with your mom, or general notes like being grateful for your children. You may find some overlap between these two lists, and that’s okay. The point is to focus on the positive- on the events, people, and experiences that you appreciate and that bring you joy.

 For example, let’s say you had a really bad day and an argument at work with a coworker resulted in a reprimand from your boss. What if you could see that it gave you an experience you needed to improve, to self-reflect, and to move forward? It may have been a hard lesson, but a lesson nonetheless. You can express gratitude for getting through that day, and look forward to the next one. When you’re stressed, it’s easy to get caught up in thinking about what you’re doing wrong. It’s also very easy for the mind to exaggerate and distort the magnitude and significance of bad things that happen, and the speed with which you need to remedy them. If you don’t know what I mean, then consider the last time a worry kept you up at night thinking about it like a hamster on a mill. If you were to take that worry and reassess it the next morning or afternoon, I bet it wouldn’t be as big a deal as you thought while staring at the clock until two in the morning. Anxieties can quickly turn relatively harmless negative occurrences into utter catastrophes.

 For this very reason, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is very useful in psychology. In fact, studies have shown CBT can be more effective than sleeping pills for insomniacs, underscoring just how powerful thoughts can be. As its name implies. The cognitive portion of CBT is about identifying. challenging. chances are you’re fueling your own fire with a distorted, stress-inducing behavior (and the release of that cortisol won’t help, either). In other words, your worries are minor, but are getting too much attention. If you could counter those negative thoughts with a positive one related to the problem, the worry would disappear. Transforming negative thoughts takes practice. It’s what CBT therapists are trained to teach. However, you can at least start by keeping a journal that records the good things that happen. It will shift the focus to what you’re doing right, and that can put a brake on the stressful. negative charter that often goes on in your head. You can do a version of this with kids, too. Every night at dinner, I ask my son and daughter to tell me the best thing about their day. It gets them to forget about anything negative that may have happened, reinforcing that the good deserves at least as much attention as the bad. Try keeping up your journal after the program; it can work indefinitely.

Stretch out your sleep: Sleep is free cosmetic medicine, pure and simple. When people ask me what’s the one thing that will make the biggest improvement in how a stressed-our person looks, I say sleep. As you may be able to attest from experience, It can make you overeat, over-caffeinate, and ditch workouts because you’re just too tired. How much sleep should you get! Although seven to eight hours a night is the average goal, don’t ever assume you’re average. If you don’t wake up refreshed or you fed sleepy during the day, you probably need more pillow time, even if you’re getting seven hours or more. I understand that sleep can be difficult to get, but make it a goal to do what you can to sleep the amount you need to feel alive the next day-all day. During the nine-day program your first step will be to make sleep a priority, and I’m going to help you do that starting on Day One.

THE SUPREMACY OF SLEEP: Today, sleep medicine is a highly regarded field of study that continues to provide insights into the power of sleep in the support of health and beauty, as well as longevity. Just about every system in the body, including your inner-beautification capabilities, is affected by the quality and amount of sleep you get each night. So much of our circadian rhythm-the cycles our bodies experience throughout the twenty-four hour day-revolves around our sleep habits. A healthy day/night cycle is tied into our normal hormonal secretion patterns, from those associated with our eating habits to those that relate to stress and cellular recovery. Cortisol, for example, should be highest in the morning and progressively decrease throughout the day, with the lowest levels occurring after eleven at night. With (hopefully) low evening cortisol levels, melatonin levels rise.

 This is the hormone that tells you it’s time to sleep; it helps regulate your twenty-four-hour circadian rhythm. Once released, it slows body function, lowers blood pressure, and, in turn, core body temperature so you’re prepared to sleep. Higher melatonin levels will allow for more deep sleep, which helps maintain healthy levels of growth hormone, thyroid hormone, and male and female sex hormones. All good things for keeping up appearances. Let’s not forget that proper circulation in your facial skin gives your face color. Rosy cheeks after being in the cold, after you exercise, or even after feeling deep embarrassment, are the direct result of facial blood circulation. And you don’t get that without adequate sleep. Growth hormone (GH) does more than just stimulate growth and cell reproduction; it also refreshes cells during the night when you’re sleeping, and is a powerful player in your ability to maintain an ideal weight.

 As soon as you hit deep sleep, about twenty to thirty minutes after you first close your eyes, and then a couple of more times throughout the night in your sleep cycle, your pituitary releases high levels of GH, the most it’s going to secrete in twenty-four hours. So, without that sleep, GH stays locked up in the pituitary, which negatively affects your proportions of fat to muscle. Over time, low GH levels are associated with high fat and low lean muscle-not to mention old eyes and that nagging. chronic, not-so, fresh look and feeling. Let GH loose by getting restful sleep . Are you a lark or an owl? Just ask your skin cells. In early 2008, researchers learned that you can look at your skin cell genes to find out (in case you didn’t already know). Your preference for rising early or late actually is encoded in your genes, including those found in skin cells.

 How After taking skin samples from volunteers, German scientists inserted into each cell a gene that lights up in ultraviolet light when the cell is metabolically most active. This is possible because most cell types have a genetic imprint of a person’s unique circadian physiology. Science is still trying to understand completely how our body clocks work, and even how many body clocks we have, but it’s amazing to think our skin cells can hold so much information. Later on, I’ll be explaining how skin acts like the brain’s twin in many ways.

The Cycles of Life: Everyone has a biological, internal, clock called a circadian rhythm (yes, even men can say they have a biological clock). It’s the patterns of repeated activity associated with the environmental cycles of day and night-rhythms that repeat roughly every twenty-four hours. Examples include the sleep-wake cycle, the ebb and flood of hormones, the rise and fall of body temperature, and other subtle rhythms that mesh with the twenty-four-hour solar day. When your rhythm IS not in sync with the twenty-four-hour solar day, you will feel (and probably look) it.

Q: I think sleep is a luxury; whats the big deal! If I’m okay on five hours, is that enough for me?

A: Everyone has a different sleep need. The eight-hour rule is general, and not necessarily for those who can feel and actually be fully refreshed on fewer hours; those who don’t physically need at least seven or eight hours are known as short sleepers, but they are not the majority of the population. You could be fooling yourself to think you can get by on just four hours a night, especially in the long term. Sleep is not a luxury. In addition to seeking better, more beautiful skin, if you have been struggling to lose weight, you might want to check your sleep habits. The two digestive hormones that hold the remote control to your feelings of hunger and appetite are ghrelin and leptin. As with many hormones, these two are paired but have opposing functions. One says Go and the other says Stop. Ghrelin (your go hormone) gets secreted by the stomach when it’s empty and increases your appetite. When your stomach is full, fat cells usher out the other hormone, leptin, so your brain gets the message that you are full and need to stop eating. And how do these hormones tie into sleep and your looks?

A bad night’s sleep, or just not enough sleep, creates an imbalance of both ghrelin and leptin. Studies now prove that when people are allowed just four hours of sleep a night for two nights, they experience a 20 percent drop in leptin and an increase in ghrelin. And what do they gravitate toward! Calorie-dense, high-carbohydrate foods like sweets, salty snacks, and starchy foods. Sleep loss essentially disconnects your brain from your stomach, leading to mindless eating. It deceives your body into believing it’s hungry when it’s not, and it also tricks you into craving foods that can sabotage a healthy diet.

 In addition to your sleep habits, your environment, dietary habits, exercise patterns, personal stress levels, and your genetics may also influence the production of leptin and ghrelin. One thing is certain: This just goes to show you how many biological factors contribute to your behavior, which in turn influences how you feel about what you do (or not do). Poor sleep catches up to most people. It also sets people up for entering a vicious cycle whereby they plunge into deeper sleep deprivation (and reel from its numerous negative effects), and avoid healthy behavior that can counter the bad mood, such as exercise and eating right. So, even if you say you’re okay on five hours, you should take a good look at your sleep habits if you are unhappy with your looks, and your weight. See what happens when you force yourself to get more sleep.

Take a time-out: For most of us, life is so hyper scheduled, speedy, and "on" that we never do absolutely nothing. It’s rare to set aside time to simply be- no agenda, no demands, no plan. (Just like a real vacation.) Find a comfortable, quiet spot to sit for ten to fifteen minutes every day, stop all your: hustling and bustling … and. simply, by yourself, be still. Slowing down in this way, if you do it every day, helps create a sense of spaciousness in your life, a break in the old routine that can open the door to new perceptions, new solutions to old problems, new possibilities. Like one long peaceful sigh . Alternatively, meditate. Instead, think of it as entering a deeply restful sleep while being fully awake, a super relaxed state. That’s what meditation is really like. Unfortunately, many people have the wrong idea about it (”I’m not seeking enlightenment; I have enough to worry about"). Once you’ve put a little private time for yourself on the agenda, meditation can become a valuable stress tool. It’s not tricky to learn or to do, and takes only fifteen to thirty minutes per day. On Day Seven, I’ll guide you through an exercise that will help you reach a meditative state.

 The practice casts the human brain back to its preneocortex state, allowing us to be freed of our analytical selves. In this blissful state, one is aware of senses, feelings, and state of mind, without the negativity.

 From a scientific standpoint, researchers are beginning to understand how meditation affects the aging process. In 2005, researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital published an imaging study showing that particular areas of the cerebral cortex were thicker in people who frequently meditated. These areas are involved with attention and sensory processing, including the prefrontal cortex, used for planning complicated cognitive behaviors. That is, brain waves in the right frontal cortex, which is a stress center, move to the calmer left frontal cortex. have not figured out the relationship between the thickening of the cortex and better cognitive abilities Gust because you have a thicker brain doesn’t mean you are more intelligent), but it’s clear the aging process naturally causes a thinning of the cortex.

 To find that older meditators maintain their cerebral thickness in certain areas of the cortex that would otherwise have thinned over time is pretty remarkable. It is often said that as we age. learning new skills and challenging our brains with activities like cross word puzzles helps keep our mental faculties intact and sharp. Given this new knowledge about the brain on meditation, we see how we can practice awareness- we can drop stress and focus on the here and the now without including those mental antics that pervade our everyday lives-and our brains will have a physical response that boosts our wellness. As with deep breathing. it’s empowering to know that you can become proficient in a skill that could do more for your well-being than any other skill you learned in school.

Cuddle or have sex: What’s love got to do with it! Of course you know that sex does a body good. If it didn’t, then it wouldn’t make us feel so fantastic and crave the next session. That’s right: For once something that feels good is actually good for us. Sex makes us happy, and great sex in a loving. intimate relationship makes us happier. Soft, healthy skin is quite sexy on its own. But there is lots more than that going on here. For starters, sex is one of the world’s best stress releasers, which means it doubles as a terrific skin treatment. The science behind the skin-sex connection is absolutely titillating, at least for science geeks. who will appreciate the stress-reducing hormonal magic that sex brings to the body. Yes, as with most everything else that we’ve been talking about. it all comes down to hormones- those chemical messengers that dictate how we feel.

 When you’re making love, all kinds of age-defying. Beta-endorphin, a natural opiate produced in the hypothalamus and in the brainstem, washes all through you. contributing to that delicious high you feel. Prolactin increases give you that relaxing, tension-zapping, post-coital feeling. Prolactin is a chemical messenger responsible for more than 300 functions, most of which are related in one way or another to fertility and lactation. Oxytocin levels also rise, promoting feelings of affection and triggering that nurturing instinct. Exactly how these hormones affect sexual desire, arousal, and pleasure is an active area of research, but what is known so far is that all three hormones are released during orgasm and the net effect is satisfaction and contentment. And it’s no surprise that your relaxed state of mind and body allows you to fall asleep rather quickly. Getting all sweaty has direct skin pluses, too, as it bathes your whole body in skin-softening oils, giving you that postcoitus afterglow.

 The message, in short: Sex makes you look good and feel good. But you know that from experience. Intimate touching releases soothing oxytocin. You burn eight to twelve calories every second you spend kissing; plus, since about thirty muscles are stimulated when you pucker up, circulation to your face gets pumped. That could explain the glow of love, and it can’t hurt.

Q: I developed pretty quickly during puberty and have been left with ugly, squiggly marks on my breasts. Now that I’ve had children, I have more stretch marks on my belly and around my hips.

A: In fact, about 70 percent of women get their first set in their teens from growth spurts; changes in breast size and fluctuations in weight can also cause new marks to form. Women in their thirties can have marks left over from their teens, and acquire more with pregnancy. If you have children later in life, your skin is less resilient and has more difficulty making collagen, so it doesn’t bounce back as easily. Don’t be embarrassed by your marks; you are not the only one who has them and I’m sure you are more aware of them and bothered by them than anybody else, your partner included. New marks are often red and can be itchy, and there arc great treatments to remove the redness, including lasers and prescription topical retinoids (e.g., Retin; A). Pregnant women, however, cannot use retinoids, and may try an oatmeal-based cream as an alternative.

Once stretch maries have faded to skin color or paler, time will help fade them, but there is currently no definitive treatment to remove the marks (and no great topical solution. either). A series of laser treatments can help, as can keeping the area supple and moisturized. Self-tanners help to mask them, and waterproof makeup will cover them up for a day at the beach.

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Herbs With Cosmetic Applications

July 29, 2009 Beauty Tips

  Abbreviations:  BN:  Botanical Name  F: Family  

Common Name
Description
Aloe Extract
(Gwarpatha)
F : Liliaceae
Aloe, commonly known as Kumar; or Kanya (means virgin girl), has been used in medicines and cosmetics since the time of Greeks and Egyptians, and believed to have been used by Cleopatra to keep the complexion clear and soft. Aloe vera is used in cosmetic preparations due to its softness, tenderness, moisturizing, soothing and calming properties. It is excellent for dry and sensitive skins as well as for the treatment of sunburns and other minor bums, insect bites and skin irritations.
Aloe vera is an emollient with hydrating, softening, moisturizing, healing, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. It penetrates the skin, supplying moisture directly to the tissue and absorbs UV light. It has effect on the skin, making it beneficial for sensitive, dry, sunburned and sun-exposed skins.
Arnica Extract
BN: Arnica Montana
A botanical herb credited with a wide variety of properties including antiseptic, astringent, anti-microbial, anti     inflammatory, anticoagulant, circulation-stimulating and healing. It is considered excellent for an acne condition. It is effective in gels and creams designed to treat damaged, reddened or tired skin. The extract is obtained from the flowers.
Avocado Oil
F : Laurace
This oil is obtained from the ripe avocado fruit and from the seed. Rich and nourishing with high vitamin content, the pulp is used in face masks and the oil in nourishing creams. Avocado oil is used as an emollient and a carrier oil in a cosmetic preparations. Its skin benefiting properties include bactericidal and soothing to sensitive skin, increases the collagen of connective tissue and keeps the skin moist and smooth. In cosmetic formulations, it is effectively used in cleansing creams, moisturizers, lipsticks, make-up bases, bath oils, sunscreen and suntan preparations.
Balm
BN: Melissa Officinalis
F : Labiatae
A fragrant woodland plant with dark green wrinkled leaves and small creamy flowers. It helps in the treatment of eczema, dry skin, acne and blemished (sensitive) skins. The balm attributes calming, soothing, healing, antispasmodic, tightening, anti-bacterial, and circulation stimulating properties.
Basil (Tufsi)
B N: Ocimum . Sanctum
Linn
F : Labiatae
An aromatic herb with white flowers and oval shaped, shiny leaves. Medicinally, basil is a potent tonic having both stimulant and nervine effect. Basil oil often used as a carrier oil, has stimulating, tonic, purifying, anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties. It has application in acne preparations.
Blackberry (Jamun)
Berries are delicious, extraordinarily rich in vitamin C, but leaves are mildly aperient and accredited with sound tonic virtues which can also be applied externally as a lotion to cure psoriasis and scaly conditions of the skin. Its astringent and tonic properties can be beneficially used for acne conditions.
Birch (Bhojpatra)
Betula alba Linn proparte
An astringent, antiseptic, softening, circulation stimulating herb. Birch has curative properties in case of skin diseases such as acne, eczema, sunburn and hair loss.
Borage
(Pathharchoor)
BN: Coleus amboinicus
F : Labiatae
Borage has beneficial effect on heart, kidneys, adrenal glands and the entire digestive system. It cures allergic reactions and ringworm when applied direct to the skin. Borage is an effective anti-irritantand has hydrating properties.
Bergamot (Zabir)
An aromatic herb, used to prepare perfumes, colognes and toilet waters and helps tanning. Bergamot oil is considered an antiseptic and bacterial growth inhabitor, considered good for oily and acne skin and for seborrhoeic conditions. Exposure to sun after applying bergamot oil may cause hyper pigmentation and a skin rash.
Carrot Oil
(Gajar Ka Tel)
BN : Daucus
F : Umbelliferae
Derived from the carrot root, carrot oil is used since the 16th century for skin diseases due to its believed cleansing, depurative and draining properties. The herb has been indicated for acne skin conditions, dennatitis, skin irritation, skin rashes and wrinkles.
Calendula (Genda)
BN : Marigold
F : Composite
The flowers and leaves are very beneficial for clearing the skin of eczema, spots and grease. It is an emollient said to have healing, soothing, antispetic, anti-itching and anti-inflammatory properties.
Comfrey
BN : Symphytum
F : Boraginaceae
A plant with healing, astringent, and emollient properties. It is used in case of itching, swelling, bruising, cuts, papules and pustules besides curing eczema and sunburns .
Celandine
The herb plant is found in hedgerows and wastes, with yellowish hairy leaves shaped like the oak leaves and yellow flowers. As a wart cure, the raw yellow juice should be applied direct to the skin.
Cleavers
The plant has tiny white flowers and small round fruits. The herb is an excellent remedy for the scalp and the skin. It clears dandruff, cures leprosy and skin cancer. Cleavers extract is said to be useful in treating eczema and spots and is recommended for normal to dry skins.
Clove (Laung)
F : Myriaceae
An aromatic spice used in skin tonics and stimulating face masks. It has powerful, antiseptic, cicatrizant properties with a strong germicidal effect.
Chamomile
Has daisy-like flowers and feathery grey green leaves, usually found in waste places. An infusion of leaves and flowers of this plant, fresh or dried, has a wide variety of cosmetic and medicinal uses. Anti-allergic, healing, cooling, analgesic and antiseptic agent, chamomile dissolves tumours, heals ulcers, expels worms, banishes tiredness, treats many female disorders. As a cosmetic, the herb can be used as a face-wash to clarify complexion, cure dermatitis and as a rinse to lighten fair hair.
Dandelion (Dulal)
Dudhal /Kanphool)
F : Asteraceae
The golden-yellow flower head of the plant has several medicinal values. It is widely used to cure pimples, acne and skin spots, refreshes the skin, corrects pH balance, increases the respiratory capacity of the skin tissues and is beneficial for dry skins. The plant root is used for cosmetic preparations rather than the flower, as juice of the root is the more powerful part of the plant.
Elder
BN : Sambucus Linn
F ; Caprifoliaceae
All parts of the tree are used. Its leaves, combined with honey, is a standard infusion that clears problem or inflamed skin. It soothes all bums and scalds and is beneficial for treating dry skin. A balm of elder flowers keeps crow’s feet at bay. The herb has astringent, antiseptic, emollient cooling properties. In the 19th century, elder flower water was commonly used to clear the complexion of freckles and sunburn, and keep the skin in good condition .
Emblica Gaetrn
(Amla) F: Euphorbiace.e
An astringent herb, rich source of vitamin C and useful for hair and skin treatment.
Fennel (Saunj)
BN : Foeniculum Mill
F : Umbelliferae
The herb has a cleansing effect on the skin. It is beneficial for the oily skin types. When steaming the face, use it in the water.
Garlic (Lehsun)
Recognized as an antiseptic and bactericide, garlic ointment applied externally reduces hard swelling and is useful for treating problem skins including acne and eczema.
Henna (Mehendi)
F : Lythraceae
An astringent and antiseptic herb with cooling properties used for hair conditioning, hair dye and for applying over hands and feet. Primarily, it is a colorant that provides a reddish brown shade.
Horse Radish
Extract
BN : Cochlearia
F : Cruciferae
Traditionally used against sunburns, superficial and other nonextensive bums, and to give the skin clarity and freshness. It has antiseptic and skin clearing properties. The extract is made primarily from the plant’s roots.
Horsetail extract
BN : Equisetum Linn
F : Equisetaceae
General botanical properties include stimulating, astringent, soothing, healing and softening. The herb regulates the skin, strengthens its connective tissue, prevents and counteracts wrinkles around the eyes and is beneficial in both anti-ageing and acne products.
Hyssop Oil
Properties include It is indicated for dermatitis, eczema and wounds.
Ivy Extract (Lablab)
F : Araliaceae
Ivy extract is said to have a slimming and anti-cellulite effect due to its ability to prevent water accumulation in the skin tissue. It has soothing, anti-bacterial, anti-parasitic, decongestant and analgesic properties. Ivy leaves are traditionally used to treat various skin eruptions and skin ulcers.
Jasmine Oil
(Chameli Ka Tel)
BN : Jasminwn Officinale
A highly aromatic oil made from the flowers and used as a perfume in many recipes. The oil is credited with moisturizing, soothing and healing properties. It is ideal for dry and sensitive skins and cures dermatitis.
Jatropha Curcas
(Ratanjot, Jangli
Arand, Safed Arand)
F : Euphorbiaceae
The herb is said to have cleaning, stimulating and haemostatic action. The oil obtained from seeds is very effective against scabies, eczema and dermatitis. The root bark is used as an external application for sores. The oil is applied to hair as growth stimulator. The tender twigs of plant are used for cleaning teeth and relieve toothache and strengthen gums.
Indian Sarsaparilla
(Hindisalsa, Sariwa)
BN : Hemidesmus indicus
F : Asclepiadaceae
The herb has deodorant, anti-itch action. The roots are claimed to cure leucoderma, itching, several other skin diseases and foul odour from the body. A gargle of the herb is good for toothache and decay.
Juniper Oil
(Hauber/Huber)
F : Coniferae
Has antiseptic, astringent, cleansing and toning properties. It is considered helpful in treating acne, excessive oily skin, dermatitis and eczema.
Lavender
BN : Lavendula vera
F : Labiatae
It has a pleasant fragrance and is used for scenting bath water. Lavender is also used as gargle or mouth wash. The oil is credited with many properties which include anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-bacterial, anti-spasmodic, balancing, energizing, soothing Lavendar oil works well on all  type- of skins and produces excellent results when used for oily skin as well as in the treatment of acne, bums, dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis.
Lettuce (Salad Patta)
BN: Lactuca F Asteraceae
Rich in minerals, iron and vitamins. It is cooling and excellent for sunburn, skin inflammation and redness.
Marigold (Genda flower)
It is a disinfectant herb used in effective treatment of ulcers and open sores. The plant cures varicose veins and other circulatory troubles. It has antiseptic, healing and soothing effect and heals sunburns and skin rashes.
Mint (Pudina)
It has cooling, tonic, stimulating, antiseptic and relaxing properties. This aromatic herb is widely used as a fragrance in beauty products, serves as a cleanser for acne and dermatitis treatment.
Myrrh (Bol/Beajabol)
F : Burseraceae
It is said to have disinfectant, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antiitching, cicatrizant, tonic, stimulant, sedative and astringent properties. The extract can be valuable in products designed for acne treatment and was used by ancient Egyptian women in facial masks and other cosmetic preparations.
Myrtle
(Vilayati Mehendi)
F : Mystaceae
It is astringent and antiseptic with botanical properties closely resembling those of eucalyptus.
Nettle (Biclwobooti)
BN : Geleopsis
F : Urticaceae
Its botanical properties include as anti inflammatory, astringent, bactericidal, healing, mildly deodorant, antioxidant and stimulating, rich in vitamin E. It is effective for treating eczema and sunburn.
Oat
The extract, obtained from the seeds of oats, has soothing properties on the skin. It enhances emulsion stability, increases viscosity, leaves a smooth after feel and provides a source of whole natural vegetable protein. It cures irritated skins resulting from sunburn, psoriasis, allergic dermatitis, relieves redness and itching. Oats in
the form of bran, flour, or meal provide a gentle base for face masks for delicate, sensitive skin.
Olive Oil
(Jaitun Ka. Tel)
A pale color carrier oil with excellent lubricity and low odour. Olive leaf extract possesses astringent, antiseptic, antioxidant and vasodilatant properties.
Orange Flower Oil
(Narangi Ka. Tel)
F : Rutaceae
It is credited with soothing and calming properties when used in skin care preparations.
Peppermint
F : I,abiate
Credited with refreshing, cooling, bactericidal and anti-irritant properties. The herb helps relieve skin irritation, itching and skin redness due to inflammation or acne.
Rose (Gulab)
BN : Rosa Linn
F : Rosaceae
Rose extract is credited with astringent, tonic and deodorant properties. Rose oil has been credited with antiseptic, disinfectant, slightly tonic, soothing and moisturizing properties. It may be beneficial to all skin types, particularly mature, dry or sensitive skins. Rosewater is credited with soothing, cooling, moisturizing, astringent and cleansing properties when applied to abrasions and other superficial skin lesions. A cellular stimulant and tissue regenerator, rosewater is beneficial to sensitive, wrinkled and aged skin.
Rosemary (Rusmari)
BN : Rosemarianus Linn F : Labiatae
A popular garden plant with spiky dark green leaves and distinctive scent. As a cosmetic ingredient, rosemary is a fine tonic for the scalp and skin. It adds lustre to the hair, is a common ingredient of many commercial shampoos, keeps the skin free from wrinkles and youth alive. Rosemary extract has astringent, toning, stimulating, deodorant, antiseptic, reactivating, anti-bacterial, softening and invigorating properties. It helps improve skin regeneration. Rosemary oil is credited with antiseptic properties and is considered beneficial for acne, dermatitis and eczema.
Sage (Safakuss)
BN : Salvia officinalis
F : Labiatae
An aromatic, sun-loving plant with grey green leaves and mauvish flowers. Sage oil is credited with depurative and healing properties and indicated for acne and oily skin. Sage extract is considered to have astringent, invigorating and healing properties. It is used as a remedy for every type of inflammation.
Sandalwood oil
(Chandan Ka Tel)
F : Santalaceae
It is usually credited with astringent, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, tonic, stimulant, cooling and soothing properties. It is a good antiseptic in case of acne and an astringent for oily skin.
Sesame Oil (Til)
F : Pedaliaceae
Commonly used as a carrier oil for cosmetic products and has emollient properties. Sesame oil is useful in suntan lotions and blocks 30 percent of the sun’s burning UV rays.
Shikakai (Kochi)
BN : Acacia Concinna
Used to remove dandruff and cure skin diseases. Extensively used as a detergent for washing hair.
Soapwart Extract
BN : Yucca Linn
F : Agavaceae
It is credited with cleansing properties and due to its saponin content it is also said to be soothing to the skin and to relieve itching. In traditional medicine, soapwart extract is used for treating acne. psoriasis and eczema. The extract is made from the roots of the plant, though the leaves and stem may also be used.
Soap Nut Tree
(Reetha)
BN : Spindus Linn
F : Sapindaceae
Used as detergent for washing hair because of its cleansing action. Fruits/Seeds are used to cure pimples and scabies.
Strawberry
BN : Fragaria F: Rosaceae
Strawbeny juice can be used to treat more serious skin ailments such as eczema, pruritis and sunburnt skins.
Tea Tree Oil
Has antiseptic, germicidal and expectorant properties. Pale, yellow to colorless oil is credited to heal skin disorders and infections, to fight against seborrhoea, psoriasis, acne, scaling and redness of skin, eczema, itching and dermatitis, The oil is ideal for aromatherapy given its low toxicity.
Thrmeric (Haldi)
BN : Curcuma Linn
F : Zingiberaceae
It is credited with healing, tonic, mildly stimulating, anti· inflammatory, skin softening and blood-purifying properties. The herb is useful for a variety of curative purposes including the treatment of eczema, acne, skin infections, ulcers, bums and rashes.
Vervain (Holywort)
BN : Verbena Linn
F : Verhenaceae
Green-grey leaves and small-hooded mauve flowers of the plant has properties to cure several health disorders, relieves mental strain, helps cure infectious diseases of skin.
Walnut (Akhrot)
F : Jaglandaceae
Traditionally used herb known for its soothing, fungistatic and astringent, anti-itching properties. It can be used in case of sunburns, acne and other skin diseases. The extract is obtained from the leaves and bark, and the oil is extracted from the ripe nut.
Witchhazel
BN : Hamamelis
F : Hamamelidaeae
Traditionally used in topical treatment of bums, sunburns and skin irritation because of its anti-inflammatory, anti-itching, softening, emollient and wound healing properties.
Yarrow (Gandana)
BN : Achillea Linn
F : Compositae
A plant having greyish, feathery, ethereal-looking leaves and clusters of small daisy-like flowers is considered good in the case of oily and acne skin, because of having astringent, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, healing and calming properties.

 

 

 

 

 

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Drugless Therapies to Avoid Harmful Effects

July 28, 2009 Beauty Tips

 Depression, mental tension, insomnia and indigestion are the biggest enemies affecting the beauty of a human body. Depression is the most prevalent of all emotional disorders. An unpleasant experience a person has to endure due to the growing complexities of modem life and the resulting crisis, mental stress and strain in day-to-day living usually leads to this disorder.

The most striking symptoms of depression are:
• Sadness, giddiness and tiredness.
• Constipation and loss of appetite.
• Loss of energy, sleep disturbance, nightmares and repeated waking from midnight onwards .
• Low body temperature and blood pressure.
• Hot flushes and sensations of shivering.
• Loss of interest, itching, nausea, agitation and irritability.
• Aches and pains in the body, blurred vision and urine retention.
• Rapid loss of weight, frequent headaches and dizziness.

Depression is caused by the following:
• Depleted functioning of the adrenal glands.
• Irregular diet habits and digestive problems.
• Excessive use of drugs and intake of fats.

The following measures are taken to treat depression:
• Regulate the diet (exclude tea, coffee, alcohol, chocolate, cola, all white flour products, sugar, food coloring and strong condiments).
• Scientific relaxation and meditation.
• Yogic exercises, which produce chemical and psychological changes that improve mental health and change the hormone level in the blood. The following Yoga exercises are recommended.

Pranayama and meditation: Prana means ‘Vital Force’ or ‘Cosmic Energy’ which signifies life or breath. Yama means control of the’ Prana’. This means control of concentration and regular breathing essential to life. The cycle consists of the absorption of air by inhalation of oxygen and its expulsion by exhaling of carbonic gas. The yogic breathing consists of three parts as below:
1. The Abdomen.
2. Thorax (middle part of the chest)
3. Clavicle (upper part of the chest or collar bone)

Always inhale and exhale through the nose. The nose is to breathe, the mouth is to eat and to speak. On the whole, Pranayama means life and vice versa. A newborn baby starts breathing just after birth when the lungs are filled with air. However, before birth the baby is in the womb of the mother and it does not breathe but respiration still exists and oxygen is supplied to each cell of the growing baby inside the womb. Meditation is a simple sitting posture. Sit with the left heel set against the perineum and the right heel on the left one. This posture supplies blood to the pelvic region and calms the nerves of the whole body.

Padmasana (lotus posture): Keep the right foot on the left thigh and the left foot on the right thigh. Keep the hands on the knees, the back (spinal column) and the neck should be straight. Padmasana is described as a meditative posture having therapeutic advantages of developing physical and mental stability. It calms the nerves, relieves stiffness of the knees and joints, supplies blood to the abdominal region and the entire body is kept in complete equilibrium.

Dhanurasana (bow pose): This asana is highly beneficial in the treatment of depression. To do this posture, lie on your stomach and keep your arms stretched on both the sides. Rest the chin on the ground and take the ankles in hands. Now raise the legs, head and upper part of the body while arching the back. Remain in this position as long as possible. This asana tones the abdominal organs, cures female disorders, stimulates endocrine glands and prevents fat formation around the stomach and hips.

Relaxation: There is a need to control our nervous system and mental emotional activities. Relaxation enables the muscles to work efficiently and eliminates fatigue by promoting blood circulation in the body. Practice of Shavasana (dead pose) creates a balance of the mind, the nervous system and the hormones. Thereby, it overcomes depression.

Shavasana (complete relaxation posture): In Sanskrit, Shava means ‘corpse’ in which one lies on the back like a dead body with a relaxed mind. In this posture, keep your arms at the sides, legs stretched out slightly apart, eyes closed, breathe rhythmically, slowly and deeply, keeping the brain completely empty. This posture calms the heart and the nervous system. It cures high blood pressure, depression, eliminates the toxins accumulating in the blood, recharges your energy and regenerates the body cells.

Sleep and insomnia: Sleep is Nature’s greatest blessing of life which repairs the wear and tear of the body and mind. Most of the women sleep 45-60 minutes more than men. The amount of sleep required varies at different ages as mentioned below:
• Newborn                        : 18-20 hours
• Growing children          : 10-12 hours
• Adults                              : 7-9 hours
• Aged persons                : 5-7 hours

For good sleep, one should not sleep on one’s back but on the side with both legs brought well up and the head and the shoulder slightly forward, in a well ventilated and hygienic room. Insomnia deprives the person of mental rest. Sleeping on a bed that is neither too hard nor too soft but comfortable enough gives relief from tension and rejuvenates the brain and the body. The common causes of sleeplessness are mental tension, anxiety, worries, overwork, over-excitement, dull brain, anger and bitterness, constipation, dyspepsia, over-eating, excessive intake of tea or coffee, smoking, going to bed hungry, etc. Sleeping pills bring out indigestion, rashes on the skin, infection, circulatory and respiratory problems and mental confusion.

How to relieve insomnia:
• Have a regular sleeping schedule. Early to bed at a fixed time, and early to rise is a good practice.
• Deficiency of key nutrients, especially vitamins and other chemicals, is the main cause of insomnia which should be improved.
• A balanced diet and the eating pattern.
• Controlled breathing helps in inducing sleep.
• Have a regular exercise during the day. Exercise stimulates, eliminates lactic acid from the body, relieves stress and muscular tension and produces hormonal changes. Walking, jogging, skipping, cycling and swimming are ideal exercises.
• Application of hot spinal packs, hot fomentation to the spine and hot foot bath before retiring at night overcome insomnia.
• Yoga helps cure insomnia and tones up the whole body system. Halasana and Sarvangasana are recommended postures.

Halasana (plough posture): Lie flat on the back. Bring the heels and toe together. Stretch out the legs, raise them upwards. inhaling, till they reach vertical. Now start exhaling and lower the legs towards the head area, till the feet touch the floor. Remain in this position for 8-10 seconds and return to the starting position slowly. Repeat this posture for three to four times. This exercise has a good effect on the circulation of blood in the upper region of the body and restores a youthful look on the face.

Sarvangasana: Lie down on your back on the floor. Bring your heels and toes together and keep them loose. Start lifting both the legs together towards the ceiling, inhaling. Bring both the palms under the hips and raise the body upwards, pushing with both the hands. Exhale and keep both the palms on the side of the back for support. After standing on the shoulder for the desired time return to the ground. Rest and repeat the exercise for three to four times. This asana supplies blood to the facial tissues, strengthens the digestive system, relieves abdominal troubles and energies the sex glands. The sun looks white, but it has seven colors: Violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange and red, out of which, violet, indigo and blue colors create a cool effect on the body, whereas yellow, orange and red colors create heat. The remaining green color is neutral. The effect of different colors on various skin diseases is as below:

Colors                                 Cure
Violet                         = Baldness,
Indigo                        = Facial paralysis, indigestion, nervousness.
Blue                           = Mental depression, insomnia, nervous problem.
Green                        = Good for the eyes and improves eyesight.
Yellow                        = Indigestion, leprosy, diabetes.
Orange                      = Gout, mental nervousness and kidney problem.
Red                            = Anaemia, paralysis, leucoderma (white spots).

 Have sun rays of the desired color for 90 minutes after the sunrise and 60 minutes before sunset. Keep the glass of the desired color in the sunlight in such a way that the rays fall on the affected area. If the sunlight IS not possible, take a 100 watt colored bulb or wrap colored gelatin paper around a white bulb. Colored medicated water can also be given to the patient at an interval of 15 minutes to two hours, depending upon the intensity of the disease. Have a glass bottle of the desired color or wrap gelatin paper of the desired color on the white glass bottle. Fill in 1/3 of the glass bottle of the desired color and keep in the sunlight for at least three hours between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Juice therapy:  It is also known as Juice Fasting and is very effective to restore health and treat skin disorders as described below:

Disorder Recommended Juice
Acne and Pimples Carrot, cucumber, grapes, pear, potato, plum, spinach and tomato.
Anaemia Apricot, strawberry, red grapes, beetroot, carrot, spinach and celery.
Skin Allergy Apricot, beetroot, carrot, grapes and spinach.
Constipation

Apple, beetroot, carrot, grapes, lemon, pear, spinach and watercress.
Diarrhoea Carrot, celery, lemon, papaya and pineapple.
Eczema Beetroot, carrot, cucumber, red grapes and spinach.
Gout Cucumber, cherry, pineapple, spinach and tomato.
Halitosis (bad breath) Apple, carrot, grapefruit, lemon, pineapple, spinach and tomato.
Insomnia Apple, carrot, celery, grapes, lemon and lettuce.
Neuritis(inflammation of nerves) Apple, beetroot, carrot, orange and pineapple.
Obesity Cherry, cabbage, carrot, grapefruit, lemon, orange and pineapple.
Poriasis Beetroot, carrot, cucumber and grapes.
Varicose veins Beetroot, carrot, grapes, orange, tomato and watercress.

 

The rejuvenating therapies: There are various special herbal oils and herbs that  trigger changes in mind and organs of the body to bring a balance and harmony to the overall system. These herbs are called adaptogens and they provide nutritional support, balance and modify systems of the body. Adaptogens are credited with properties that help the body adapt to stress, achieve body balance, increase protein biosynthesis, elevate body enzyme synthesis, promote general endocrine synthesis, improve mental power, increase physical ability, fight free radicals and improve the specific resistance to various stressors like heat, cold and wind. The following rejuvenating therapies help to increase beauty:

1. Shirodhara: A thin thread of warm oil is poured over the fore-head and scalp. Shirodhara calms the mind, pacifies vata, cleanses, calms and balances the nervous system, relieves stress and improves mental clarity. Shirodhara is usually repeated three to four times a week for optimal benefit. Shirodhara is a deep relaxation technique that helps in insomnia, depression, excessive mental or emotional stress and brings about a meditative bliss. The treatment is followed with a gentle head, neck and shoulder massage.

2. Shirobasti: Keeping oil on the head for about an hour in a leather cap is the technique of shirobasti. The patient sits on a comfortable chair wrapped in a blanket. Oil cooked with herbs is poured into the cap to cover the hair scalp. This treatment should be followed for 30 minutes to an hour depending upon the condition. Then gently massage the head, neck and shoulder. Shirobasti is an exotic and ancient process used to address several conditions, some of which include insomnia, chronic headaches, anxiety, hair loss, premature graying of hair, skin complexion and premature ageing.

3. Nasya: This is a procedure aimed at reducing the waste products from the head. throat and nose in the human body. Nasya is the introduction of medicated substances into the nose to stimulate secretion and remove impurities of the head and neck. Nasya treatment is used in headaches, sinusitis, migraines, vascular headaches, nervousness, stiff neck, running eyes, ear infections, healing loss, tinnitus, loss of smell and enhance beauty of the face. This treatment can be used several times a week in conjunction with other therapies like reflexology and head massage.

4. Ampule Therapy: It is a serum solution and fluids are penetrated into the deep stratums of the skin with the help of gadgets. They may be injected to a particular part of the skin with pure ampules under the guidance of an esthetician. This therapy provides instant results.

5. Rasayanas: Rosayana means to rejuvenate the body system and the tissues. It is a beneficial treatment for the face and scalp to encompass a head to toe beauty along with other treatments such as massage steam use of herbs, pastes and masks, foot reflexology, aromatherapy, color therapy, gems and crystals, cleansing and strengthening and rejuvenation. All these therapies and body treatments leave your skin looking and feeling fresh.

6. Sidha Massage: Sidha Massage promotes relaxation, calming of vata, kapha and pitta. It balances and increases the circulation of the body’s largest organ: the skin. It also aids and facilitates the removal of waste products from the body. Sidha Massage increases lymph flow. strengthens the immune system and relieves muscle tension. This massage technique makes joints, ligaments and tendons mobile, thereby adding to the flexibility of the body organs besides helping to calm, relax, tone and balance the nervous system. It can be used to treat sleeplessness, regulates digestive and eliminative system, increases the production of collagen and elastin fibres, aids in the removal and prevention of wrinkles, and increases the suppleness of the skin.

7. Abyanga: This treatment is recommended for muscle soreness, joint pain and stiffness, nervousness, tension, stress, restlessness, lack of energy, immune dysfunction, fatigue, tiredness, paralysis/ paresis of traumatic organ injury, poor digestion, poor elimination,. sleeplessness and circulation of blood.

8. Lymphatic Drainage Therapy: This therapy needs gentle pressure on the lymphatic system to move the waste materials out of the body more quickly. This helps in controlling infections like acne, pimples and all the problems of the secreted skin type, resulting in clear skin internally as well as externally. The waste materials are drained cut through wine.

9. Seriatim Therapy: This therapy is based on the conversation between client and technician through touch and senses. By this therapy, the emotions and mental activities of the patient are controlled and he feels relaxed. His mental tensions also get relieved.

10. Sandalwood Treatment: It is best suited for water retention, is diuretic and diaphoretic, leads to detoxification, stress-reduction, etc. Cellulite triggers skin to sweat and release toxin. , and acts as a disinfectant. It promotes spiritual cleansing as well as cleansing the physical body. Sandalwood unlocks the trapped fluids and toxins that are stored in the tissues and is a disinfectant and astringent.

11. Marine Therapy: This therapy helps in uplifting the water level of the skin in the body. In this therapy, various nodes and modes are uplifted by pumping techniques and raising the water level which helps in delaying ageing and fine lines. It also controls dehydration and improves the lichen skin type.

12. Panch Karma: Panch Karma means ‘5 actions’. It is an ancient scientific system for detoxification and rejuvenates the whole system bringing youthfulness, strengthens the body and calms the mind. Traditionally, it is a preventive therapy aiming to clean the body and to eliminate the waste materials from the body.

13. Shiatsu Therapy: This therapy is also known as Acupressure. It is used to treat disorders by pressing various pressure points on the skin of the body. There are nearly 600 Shiatsu Points on the human body. Pressure on these points produces energy that flows in the body. To give treatment, the patient should lie on the floor with face down. Keep both the hands moving rhythmically along the meridians from one point to the other, pressing on each point for three to seven seconds. This therapy improves the circulation of blood and induces relaxation. The following steps are carried out to practise Shiatsu:

• Pressing down either side of the spine.
• Pressing down the buttocks and back of the legs with light pressure over the knees.
• Pressing on the points on the at ms, hands and front of the legs.
• Pressing gently on all points on the abdomen in circles clockwise.
• Pressing on the sole of the foot, in line with the big toe joint. This energizes and stimulates the whole body.
• Pressing on the front, one inch either side of the navel, reduces fat accumulated in the belly area. This stimulates and energizes the abdominal area.
• Pressing on the front, about three inches below the navel, helps weight reduction, cures cellulite and improves circulation.
• Pressing on the front, four inches above the navel, energizes the whole body.
• Pressing on the back, about one inch above the waistline at two points, two inches away from the vertebrae.
• Pressing on the back, at the waistline level on two points on either side of the vertebrae. Pressing on the back, working up on either side of the vertebrae to the shoulder blades.

14. Aromatherapy : It is a technique to cure psychiatric disorders with essential oils, which have a therapeutic effect on the body as they are:
• Analgesic
• Antibiotic
• Anti-fungal
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antioxidant
• Antiseptic
• Anti-spasmodic
• Antiviral
• Calment
• Carminative
• Depurative
• Digestive
• Diuretic
• Expectorant
• Hepatic
• Laxative
• Hypertensive and hypertensive
• Sedative
• Stimulant
• Toning and several other therapeutic effects.

Essential oils: Restore the balance of your emotions and mind, which:
Soothe the nervous system and settle a worried mind.
Calm anxiety and apprehension.
Uplift depression. Improve concentration and memory.
Pacify anger and frustration.

The effect of essential oils on skin: Essential oils penetrate deep into the layers of the skin. Due to their nourishing, cleansing and detoxifying qualities, these oils tighten the skin, increase the blood circulation, calm the nervous system and support the skin’s functions. Essential oils should always be diluted into a steam bath, compress bath oil, body or skin lotions or massage oils. Choose appropriate essential oils for different types of skin.

• Normal skin: Chamomile, jasmine, geranium, neroli, rose, ylang ylang.
• Oily skin: Bergamot, cedarwood, cypress, lemon, geranium, sandalwood.
• Dry skin: Clary sage, lavender, jasmine, neroli, orange, vetiver.
• Rough or broken skin: Lavender, rose, chamomile, sandalwood.
• Troubled skin: Cedarwood, eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary.
• Broken veins: Chamomile, lavender, neroli, rose, rosewood.

Therapeutic advantages of Aromatherapy are as follows:
• Improves blood circulation in the muscles, thereby reducing inflammation and pain.
• Promotes correct posture and helps to improve mobility.
• Improves the functioning of every internal organ of the body.
• Releases neck and shoulder tension and backache.
• Improves digestion, assimilation, elimination and cures constipation.
• Helps sprains, fractures, breaks and dislocations to heal promptly.
• Stimulates the immune system.
• Reduces high blood pressure.
• Helps cure headaches and migraines.
• Flushes the lymphatic system by mechanical elimination of harmful substances including toxins, bacteria and waste materials.
• Increases the efficiency and functioning of the kidneys.
• Encourages deep breathing.

15. Treatment with essential oils:
• Atlas Cedar: A woody aroma oil used in cosmetics and perfumes; relaxes tense muscles, calms emotions, helps breathing, eases pain and helps to stop hair loss (when blended with bergamot, cypress, ylang ylang, rosemary, juniper, vetiver, neroli, clary sage and frankincense).

• Sweet Basil: A slightly liquorices aroma which stimulates mental concentration, strengthens nervous system, revitalizes the skin and has antiseptic properties (when blended with bergamot, clary sage and geranium).

• Bay: A powerful sweet, spicy herb which helps to stimulate hair growth, for relieving muscle spasms and strains, to improve the blood circulation and nervous exhaustion (when blended with citrus oils, rosemary, geranium, lavender and ylang ylang)

• Bergamot: A strong sweet spicy scent balances the nervous system, relieves anxiety and stress, has anti-viral properties and cures cold sores, eczema, psoriasis and postnatal stress (when blended with lavender, neroli, jasmine, coriander, juniper, chamomile, lemon, geranium and cypress).

• Black Pepper: Warm peppery aroma having energizing properties which helps increase the blood circulation, relieves muscle aches and stiffness (when blended with rosemary, lavender, frankincense, sandalwood and marjoram).

• Chamomile: A sweet and fruity aroma which relieves muscular pain, nervous tension, eases anxiety, relieves aches and pains, cures sunburn and skin rashes (when blended with bergamot, cypress, jasmine, juniper, neroli, frankincense, clary sage, vetiver, rosemary and ylang ylang.

• Clary sage: A spicy, hay-like aroma which helps to relieve stress and tension, eases pain, lifts melancholy, promotes restful sleep and is a powerful muscle relaxant (when blended with juniper, bergamot, lavender, frankincense, coriander, cardamom, geranium, sandalwood, cedarwood, pine and jasmine).

• Coriander: A spicy, sweet and fragrant aroma which helps in relieving muscular aches and pains, increasing circulation and curing nervous exhaustion (when blended with clary sage, ginger, bergamot, cypress, pine, jasmine, frankincense, neroli, sandalwood and citronella).

• Fennel: An earthy-peppery aroma capable of curing euro-muscular spasms, rheumatism and arthritis. bronchitis, whooping cough, used to relieve stress, nervous tension, constipation and celluulitis (when blended with geranium, lavender, rose and sandalwood.

• Frankincense: A spicy, balsamic aroma which helps to calm, enhances meditation, elevates mind and spirit, helps breathing, cures skin trouble and scars and relieves mouth ulcers, boils, respiratory infections and impetigo (when blended with sandalwood, pine, yetiver, geranium, lavender, neroli, orange, bergamot and basil).

• Geranium: A leafy rose scent which helps to reduce stress and tension, ease pain, balance emotions and hormones; relieves fatigue and nervous exhaustion, lessens fluid retention and leaves the tonic effect on liver and kidneys (when blended with lavender, patchouli, clove, rose, neroli, sandalwood, jasmine, juniper and bergamot)

• Ginger: A war m spicy-woody odour which reduces muscular aches and pains, increases circulation, relieves bronchitis and nervous exhaustion and stimulates appetite (when blended with sandalwood, vetiver, patchouli, cedarwood, frankincense, coriander, rose, neroli and orange).

• Grapefruit: A fresh sweet citrus scent. It relieves muscle fatigue, used as an astringent for oily skin, refreshes and energizes the body and stimulates detoxification (when blended with lemon, palmarosa, bergamot, neroli, rosemary, cardamom, geranium, lavender and cypress).

• Jasmine: A rich sweet scent which helps to relieve anxiety and nervous exhaustion, maintains healthy skin, relieves painful periods and labor pains (when blended with rose, sandalwood, clary sage and citrus oils).

• Juniper: A fresh pine-needle aroma which energizes and relieves exhaustion, eases inflammation and spasms, improves mental clarity and memory, purifies and tones the body, cures cellulitis, cystitis, urinary tract infections and gout (when blended with vetiver, sandalwood, cedarwood, cypress, clary sage, pine, lavender, rosemary and geranium).

• Lavender: A sweet scent which relieves stress, tension and headache, promotes restful sleep, heals the skin, lowers high blood pressure and cures sunburn (when blended with cedarwood, clove, clary sage, pine, geranium, vetiver and patchouli).

• Lemon: A fresh lemon scent which balances the nervous system and purifies the body when blended with lavender, neroli, juniper, fennel, geranium, eucalyptus, chamomile, frankincense, sandalwood, rose and ylang ylang).

 16. Herbs that Heal the Skin:

Herbs Properties Skin care
Aloe Extract (Gwarpatha) For softness,  tenderness, moisturizing, soothing calming. For dry and sensitive skin, sunburn and skin irritation.
Aloe Vera An emollient with hydrating, softening, healing, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. Sunburn and sun-exposed skin.
Arnica Extract Antiseptic, astringent, anti-microbial, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory. Acne, reddened or tired skin.
Avocado oil Bactericida, soothig. Used in bath oils, suntan preparations.
Balm  Calming, soothing, healing, anti-spasmodic, tightening and anti-bacterial in nature. Eczema, dry skin, acne and blemishes. 
 Basil (Tulsi) Stimulating, tonic, anti-bacterial, purifying and anti-microbial in nature.   Acne preparations. 
 Blackberry (Jamun) Astingent and tonic, rich in vitamin C.   Scaly conditions, acne and psoriasis.  
 Birch (Bhojpatra) Astingent, antiseptic, softening and stimulating in nature.   Acne, eczema, sunburn and hair loss.  
 Borage (Pattharchoor) Anti-irritant and hydrating in nature.  Cures allergic reaction and ringworms.  
Bergamot (Zabir)  Antiseptic, bacterial.   Oily skin, acne and seborrhoeic conditions.  
 Carrot Oil Cleansing, depurative and draining. Acne, dermatitis, skin rashes and wrinkles.  
 Calendula (Genda) Healing, soothing, antiseptic, anti-itching, anti-inflammatory.   Eczema and spots.  
 Comfrey Healing, astringent,, emollient.   Itching, swelling, bruising, eczema, sunburn and cuts.  
 Cleavers (Liptani ghas) Toning.   Dandruff, leprosy, eczema and skin cancers.  
 Clove (Laung)  Anti-allergic, healing, cooling, analgesic and antiseptic in nature. Dermatitis, tumours, ulcers and used as a face wash. 
 Chamomile (Babuna ka paudha) Tonic, refreshing   Pimples, acne, spots, inflamed skin, dry skin and corrects pH balance.  
 Elder Astringent, antiseptic, cooling and emollient.   Sunburn, freckles inflamed skin, dry skin and crow’s feet,  
 Emblica (Amla) Astringent, rich in Vitamin C.   Hair and skin. 
 Garlic (Lehsun) Antiseptic, bactericide.   Acne, eczema and swelling.  
 Henna (Mehendi) Astringent, antiseptic, cooling in  nature.   Acne, and eczema. 
 Horsetail Extract (Equisetum ka paudha) Stimulating, astringent, soothing, healing and softening.   Acne, anti- ageing and wrinkles. 
 Hyssop Oil (Zufah yabis) Healing, tonic, stimulating.   Cures dermatitis, eczema and wounds.  
 Jasmine Oil (Chameli ka tel) Moisturizing, soothing, healing.   Dermatitis, dry and sensitive skin.  
Juniper Oil (Habusha)   Antiseptic, astringent, cleansing, toning.   Acne, eczema and dermatitis. 
 Lavender Anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-balancing, antibacterial, energising, soothing healing and tonic, stimulating, etc.  Oily skin, acne, dermatitis, burn and psoriasis.  
 Lettuce (Salad Patta) Cooling effect.    Skin inflammation, sunburn and redness.
 Marigold (Genda) Antiseptic, healing and soothing in nature.   Sunburn, rashes, ulcers, varicose veins and oily skin.  
 Mint (Pudina) Cooling, tonic, stimulating, antiseptic and relaxing, in nature.   Acne and dermatitis. 
 Myrrh (Beejabol) Disinfectant, antiseptic, tonic, sedative, stimulant, astringent. Acne, and used as a face mask. 
 Myrtle (Vilayati Mehendi). Astingent, antiseptic in nature.   To cure acne and oily skin.  
 Nettle (Bichhoobuti) Anti-inflammatory, astringent, bacterial, healing, deodorant, antioxidant and stimulating in nature.   Eczema, sunburn. 
 Olive Oil (Jaitun ka tel) Astringent, antiseptic, antioxidant, vasodilatant, etc.   Anti-ageing.  
 Rose (Gulab) Astringent, tonic, deodorant, antiseptic, disinfectant, cleansing, moisturizing, etc. Dry and sensitive skin, lesions, wrinkles and aged skin.  
 Rosemary (Rusmari) Astringent, toning, deodorant, antiseptic, re-activating, anti-bacterial, softening, and invigorating.   Tonic for skin and scalp, acne, dermatitis, skin regeneration and eczema.  
 Sage (Safakuss) Depurative, healing, astringent, and invigorating.   Acne and oil skin.  
 Sandalwood Astringent, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, tonic, cooling, and soothing in nature.   Acne and oil skin.  
 Sesame Oil (Til ka tel)  Emollient  To cure suntan and used as a lotion.  
 Shikakai (Kochi) Cleaning  Dandruff and skin.  
 Soap Nut (Reetha) Cleaning   Pimples and scabies.  
 Strawberry Astingent, cooling.   Eczema, pruritis and sunburn.  
 Tea Tree Oil Antiseptic, germicidal, expectorant. Seborrhoea, acne, psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, itching and redness of skin.  
 Turmeric (Haldi) Healing, tonic, stimulating, anti-inflammatory, softening and purifying.  Acne, eczema, burns, rashes, infection and ulcers.  
 Vervain Curing, antiseptic.   Skin infections.  
 Walnut (Akhrot) Soothing, astringent, anti-itching, fungistatic.   Sunburn, acne and skin diseases.  
 Witch-hazel (Hamamelis) Anti-inflammatory, anti-itching, softening and healing emollient.   Burns, sunburns and skin irritation.  
 Yarrow (Gandana) Astringent, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, healing, calming. Oily and acne skin.  

 

17. Magical mudras for beauty:

Mudra No.1: Gyan Mudra Touch the tip of the thumb with the tip of the index finger, keeping the remaining fingers straight. You can practise this mudra in meditation or in Padmasana. This mudra cures mental disorders, depression and sleeplessness-which is a healthy sign of hidden beauty. Practice it as long as possible.

Mudra No.2 : Prithvi Mudra Press the tip of your ring finger with the tip of your thumb to overcome the physical weakness of the body. This mudra helps the weak persons to gain weight and increase the lustre of the skin and make it glowing.

Mudra No.3: Varun Mudra In this case, the tip of the thumb is pressed by the tip of the little finger. It helps to produce moisture in the body, the dry skin restores moisture and drains off impurities of the blood improving the skin texture, complexion and relieves pain due to cramps.

Mudra No.4: Vayu Mudra Press the side of the index finger with the tip of the thumb as shown in the illustration, practicing for 30- 45 minutes daily. This mudra helps to strengthen muscles of the body and brain, and cures rheumatism, gout, arthritis, trembling of nerves (Parkinson’s disease), palsy of face and stiff neck or cervical spondylosis.

Mudra No.5: Surya Mudra Bend the ring finger and press it with the tip of the thumb, preferably sitting in Padmasana. This mudra helps in reducing the body fat and mental tension. Practice this mudra for 10 to 15 minutes daily in the morning and in the evening.

Mudra No.6: Jalodamashak Mudra Bend you little finger to touch the base of your thumb and press it with the tip of your thumb keeping the rest of the three fingers straight. This mudra helps curing an over oily skin.

18. Enema Therapy: It is also known as Rectal Irrigation and is very beneficial for cleaning the bowel-a base of real beauty. Lukewarm water, with or without lime, (aproximately 1.5 litre) is used for cleaning the bowel. A hot water enema is beneficial in relieving irritation due to inflammation of the rectum and painful haemorrhoids or piles. Enema can help severe constipation and benefits women suffering from leucorrhoea (white discharge from the vagina), besides causing the skin to glow. Enema can be taken when lying on the floor or in standing position. To take enema, lie down on a hard bed, the foot of the bed should be few inches higher than the bed. The buttocks should be higher than the rest of body. Facilitate the introduction of liquid through the rectum from the vessel containing hot water suspended at a height of 36 inches from the body. Let the water go into the rectum, retain it for two to three minutes before going to the toilet. Do not stain at the stools after an enema. Remember, a clean bowel plays a wonderful role in skin beauty.

Yogic exercises for skin beauty and healthy hair: Are some of the Yoga postures recommended for skin beauty and healthy hair (upper part of the body).

Shirshasana (head stand posture): This asana, also known as the ‘king of asanas’, is performed in a sitting position. Kneel in front, resting your forearms and interlock your fingers on the head. Slowly raise your knees and the hips off the ground in steps till the straightened legs are perpendicular to the floor. Remain in this position for some time, then return to the initial position. If you are unable to do this posture in the beginning, practice the posture taking support of the wall. Lift your shoulders through your legs backward or forward slowly. The therapeutic advantages of this asana include:

• Increased blood supply and blood circulation in the head and the upper part of body, which enhances your facial beauty and growth of hair.
• This asana removes fatigue, builds up energy, promotes growth and improves concentration and willpower.
• Has a beneficial effect on the endocrine and digestive systems.

Salamba shirshasana: The therapeutic advantages of this yogic exercise are similar to those of Shirshasana. The body is held strillght, up-side down on the head. It promotes blood circulation and removes congestion of blood. To practice this asana, take the position of Shirshasana and bring both the legs horizontally parallel to the ground. This posture is extremely beneficial for disorders of the genito-urinary and reproductive organs.

Ushtrasana (camel posture): This asana helps remove stiffness in the neck and shoulders, cures visionary and voice defects, throat troubles, tonsils, chronic headaches and problems of the respiratory system. This asana activates the facial tissues and strengthens the muscles of the abdomen, thighs, chest and regenerates the kidneys. To practice this asana, fold the legs at your knees keeping them about six inches apart. Rest your hands on your hips and stand on your knees. Let the ankles and the toes of both the legs fall flat on the floor. Curve back and catch hold of the soles of your feet. After 10-15 counts, return to the starting position. Repeat this exercise for three to four times.

Vipafitakafani asana (inverted posture): In Sanskrit, Viparita means ‘Inverted’ and karani means ‘Action’. Lie on the back and inhale. Raise your legs and hips with the arms and exhale. The legs should form an angle of 60-70° with the ground. Now lower the legs gently to the ground. Relax for some time and repeat this two to three times. If you are suffering from blood pressure problems consult a doctor before performing this posture. The therapeutic advantages of this yogic posture include:

• Reviving the whole body.
• Preventing the formation of facial wrinkles.
• Increasing the flow of blood to the neck, throat and head.
• Regenerating the thyroid and pituitary glands, and the nervous system.

Slimming techniques:
A healthy body is beautiful. A fat surplus of 8- 15 percent over the normal weight must be considered as overweight. Beyond that, it is obesity. Over 30 percent, it is extreme obesity. Poor functioning of the digestive system, nervous factors, heredity factors, sedentary lifestyle and constipation are some of the prominent causes of overweight. There are three categories of overweight :

1. Fatty Overweight: Fat and muscle uniformly spread and more usual in male, often
more noticeable over the upper part of body such as the head, neck, arms and trunk.

2. Watery Overweight: It does not affect the muscles and is most usual over the lower
part of the body, common among the women.

3. Cellulitis: It is a form of infiltration rather than overweight.

The warning signals of overweight:
The belt gets tight.
There is strain on jacket buttons.
The face starts growing round.
The skin gets puffy.
The skin loses its firmness and tautness.
The shoulders get plump and hollows over the collar-bones.
The fat overhangs the hips and the waist disappears.
The buttocks enlarge.
The girdle squeezes the flesh and swells out above and below it.
The neck thickens and lose its normal contour.
Double chin follows under the nape of the neck.
Breasts sag down to the stomach.
The stomach droops over the pubis.
The pubis swells modestly over the genital organs.

It is observed that girls between the age of 14 and 18 tend to put on excess weight, largely because their bodies are undergoing natural changes around this time. To maintain a perfect figure, the amount of energy you consume must be equal to the amount of energy you bum. There is difference between obesity and overweight. Overweight is not obesity, but every obese person is overweight.

Recommended dietary allowance: The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) suggests the major nutrients usually required by Indian men, women, working women, lactating mothers and women during pregnancy. An adult woman should consume aproximately 1900 to 2200 Kcal/day and an adult man should take about 2200 to 2500 Kcall day as daily energy requirements. However, during pregnancy and breast feeding, the energy requirements are higher and a woman needs between 2200 to 2500 Kcal/ day. These requirements should be supplemented by a balanced combination of carbohydrates, proteins, vegetables and fat moderation. The keyword here is quality and not quantity. It’s not how much you eat, but what you eat. The following tips are suggested for a healthy nutritious diet. However, all food groups provide energy, which is expressed in technical tems as kilocalories (Kcal).

• Proteins (65 gms/day): This is required for good overall growth and development. Pulses, dairy products and soyabean are excellent sources of vegetarian protein. (Note gm = grams; mg = milligrams)

• Calcium (1000 mg/ day): This is required for the development of bones and teeth. Dairy products, soyabean products, green leafy vegetables and sesame seeds are loaded with calcium.

• Iron (40 mg/day): This is an essential component of haemoglobin that supplies oxygen to each cell of the human body (for the production of red blood cells). Foods with high iron sources are dried beans, cereals and pulses, dried fruits and green leafy vegetables.

• Folic Acid (400 mg/day): It is an essential vitamin, required especially by women going to conceive and also during the early stages of pregnancy for the growth and development of the foetus throughout the pregnancy and breast feeding period. Its deficiency leads to anaemia. Potatoes, vegetables, cereals and pulses, soyabean, nuts and sesame seeds are rich sources of folic acid.

• Fat (30 gms/day): This is also essential to enhance energy.

Vitamin C (40 mg/day): This is necessary to fight against infections and diseases. It provides a structure to the bones, cartilage, muscles and blood vessels. Citrus fruits, amla and vegetables are rich sources of vitamin C.

Vitamin A: (Beta-Carotene-2400 mg/day) It is required for clear vision and healthy skin. Excess of vitamin A leads to toxicity and can be harmful. Vitamin A level in the body can be maintained by consuming oranges, carrots, vegetables (green and leafy ones), fruits (mango, papaya and tomato) and whole milk.

Vitamin D: This is synthesized through sunlight which aids in the absorption of calcium in the body.

Iodine: This has to be maintained in the body by adequate diet containing iodine. Natural sources of iodine are cereals, nuts, and oil seeds. These are rich in iodine mineral.

Yoga and slimming:

Organ Recommended Yoga Postures
For slimming back Halasana, Paschimottanasana, Shalabhasana, Virbhadrasana.
Fatness on hips Konasana, Halasana, Janusirasana, Vajroli Mudra, Mayurasana, Natrajasana.
Fat around stomach trunk Supta Vajrasana, Natrajasana, Mayurasana.
To slim the abdomen

Yog Mudra, Paschimottanasana, Shalabhasana, Mayurasana.
Slimming of legs, kness and thighs Meditation, Supta Vajrasana, Virbhadrasana, Ardha Chandrasana and Trikonasana.
To trim arms, hands wrists Mayurasana, Janusirasana.
To trim spinal column Ardha Chandrasana, Halasana, Bhujangasana, Natrajasana.
Slimming the whole body Mayurasana, Dhanurasana, Natrajasana.

 

Given below are a few Yoga exercises suitable for slimming the whole body:

Sun exercise (surya namaskarasana):
This asana involves various bending forward and backward postures.
It comprises the following benefits:

• The asana slims and trims the whole body.
• It stretches all the abdominal organs and improves digestion.
• It activates all the glands of the endocrinal system (the pancreas, adrenal, thyroid, pituitary and some other glands begin to secrete their respective hormones).
• This asana invigorates the facial tissues, the central nervous system and all the organs of the upper part of the body.
• It also tones the liver and massages the kidneys and adrenal glands.
• It develops the chest and exercises the spine between the shoulder blades and makes them more active, efficient and healthy.

Practice of the Sun Exercise:
1. Stand erect with legs together, arms on sides. This is Tadasana. Place the palms together in front of the chest in Namaskar mudra. Keep the eyes closed, relax the whole body and breathe normally.
2. Raise both the arms upwards, inhale slowly. Stretch and bend downward to touch the floor with both the hands.
3. Finish exhaling. Put both hands on the floor. Raise your head and stretch the left leg backward.
4. Stretch the right leg too and raise the body.
5. Lower the chest and touch the floor with your chin.
6. Raise your head, trunk, hips, thighs and knees from the floor.
7. Bring your right foot forward and stretch back the left leg.
8. Raise the body with your hands backwards.
9. Bend backwards with raised hands and feet joined.
10. Return to the original position, standing with folded hands.
Precautions: Avoid the practice of Surya Namaskarasana in case of:
Severe high blood pressure.
A heart disease.
Epilepsy, hernia, slip disc and spondylosis.
Menstrual periods.
Advanced stage of pregnancy.

Mayurasana (peacock posture): Kneel on the ground, knees apart and palms flat on the floor. Now bring the elbows under the abdomen just below the navel. Lean forward to touch the ground with forehead and stretch out the legs with feet raised. Raise head and keep the body horizontally parallel to the ground. Stay balanced on the arms as long as possible. Lie down on the stomach, relax for some time breathing normally. Repeat the asana two to three times.

Benefits:
• It is an asana to slim the whole body and it increases the supply of blood to the digestive organs. If it is carried out in an incorrect manner, it can lead to chronic constipation and result in faulty digestive system.
• It tones up the abdominal muscles and brings the body into equilibrium. It strengthens the muscles of the hands, wrists and forearms.
• It stimulates the muscles around the anus and the lower part of the trunk. Regenerates the sexual glands and is a useful asana for those teenagers suffering from Precaution. Precautions: Always perform this posture with the lungs empty.

Vajroli mudra (boat posture): This is a balancing pose which strengthens and slims the thighs and the abdominal muscles. r This asana rids the digestive organs of toxins and helps to develop sexual willpower in men and women between the age of 25-40.

Matsyasana (fish posture): Sit in Padmasana. Lean the trunk backwards with the help of elbows. Lift the chest upwards resting the crown of your head on the floor. Hold the posture for one to two minutes, then return to the starting position. Relax lying on the back and repeat this exercise three to four times. This is a posture beneficial for the entire body. It strengthens the spinal column, provokes an abundant flow of blood to all the organs of the body, fortifies the back muscles, keeps the abdominal organs healthy, refreshes the body and mind, removes aches and stiffness, stretches the neck muscles and renders it supple.

Natarajasana: ‘Nataraj’ posture is dedicated to Lord Shiva. As a cosmic dancer, Shiva is called the God of dance. This posture generates vigor, vitality, potency and beauty, flexibility to the limbs, shoulders and hip joints, strengthens the major bones of the body, enhances digestive power, leaves a good effect upon the spine and has a slimming effect on most of the organs of the body. To practice Natarajasana, stand up on the left leg. Fold back the right leg at the knee and grab the toes of the right leg with the palm of the right hand. Now tighten and raise the left hand slowly in front pushing the right foot backwards. Now bend the body above the waist slightly forward and try to see the finger of your raised hand. Stay in this position for about eight seconds breathing normally. Return to the initial position and repeat the posture on the other side. Make four to six rounds daily.

 In modern times, it again has come into prominence as a valuable therapeutic agent. Earth has remarkable effects upon the human body, especially during night. For wounds and skin diseases, application of clay or moistened earth is a natural bandage. The healing power of earth is very strong as compared to the leaves and herbs. The precious gift from the womb of the earth not only refreshes, invigorates and revitalises the skin but also helps in curing chronic inflammation caused by internal disease, bruises, sprains, boils and sunburn. The cold moisture in the mud packs relaxes the skin pores, draws blood into the surface, relieves congestion and pain, besides promoting heat radiation. A mud pack is prepared with clay obtained from about six feet below the surface of the earth ensuring that it does not contain impurities such as dust particles or pebbles. It is then allowed to cool for a while before applying on the body.

Application of Mud Bandage: It is a beneficial treatment if applied:
• On the head: Cures headache, hypertension, mental tension and sleeplessness.

• On the spinal cord: It has beneficial effect on the psychic centre, strengthens the nerve system of the brain, cures mental tension, anaemia, pregnancy disorders, male . impotency (mud bandage applied on male organ), frigidity among women (mud bandage applied on lower abdomen) and obesity.

• On eyes: This has beneficial effect on weak eyesight, dark circles around the eyes, watery eyes, glaucoma and puffy eyes.

• On ears: It cures pus discharge, inflammation and pain if the mud pack is applied around the ears. If the condition is severe, mix netml water or potassium permanganate or epsom salt in the mud.

• On the breats: Rub your breasts with dry towel to stimulate the blood circulation in muscles. Apply mud bandage (not over 15 minutes). It helps to cure lung disorders and development of (over-developed or under-developed) breasts.

• On abdomen and waistline: It cures kidney disorders, dysentery, uterus disorders, menstruation problems and fatness around the waist.

• On female sex organs: It helps in the treatment of gynecological disorders and scanty and painful menstruation discharge,’ profuse bleeding, irregular periods, leucorrhoea (white discharge laced with pus), spotting blood in urine, itching at the vaginal skin and vaginal odour.

The mud bath: The mud bath is found to tone up the skin by increasing the blood circulation and energizing the skin tissues. Frequent mud bath improves the complexion, clears spots and patches on the skin and treats skin diseases like psoriasis. However, the duration of a mud bath should be about 30-45 minutes.

Sleeping on the earth: Make a sand bed 6 feet long, 3 feet wide and 6 inches thick in a pollution-free and calm atmosphere. Sleeping on the mud or sand bed for 3-4 hours equalizes 8 hours of sleep on the bed. Make sure to remove your clothes before lying on the sand bed. The treatment is useful for curing mental tension, body pain, skin diseases, epilepsy, tiredness, hypertension, heart disease, anaemia and depression.

Mud-sand bath: Undress and rub mud/sand (in the ratio of 60:40) on your abdomen, breasts, legs, arms and other pe.rts of the body. Do a light exercise before taking bath and rub your body with dry towel to produce heat. Do not eat anything for about four hours prior to taking this kind of bath. Massage at night with coconut, arandi or mahua oil or desi ghee. This technique cures body itch, high blood pressure, body odour, skin disorders (e.g. leucoderma, pityriasis, urticaria and eczema).

Massage with aromatic oils: Essential oils are highly volatile, evaporating readily on exposure to air and when inhaled may enter the body. When diluted and applied externally, essential molecules enter the skin. Both the treatments enable you to inhale and absorb the oils. All essential oils appear to be antiseptic and bactericidal to some diseases and are helpful in the treatment of viral infection. Massage with essential oils is very useful for the skin, vigor and vitality. Use a light vegetable oil scented with a few drops of essential oil for massage. Do not pour the oil directly on to the body. Pour about a teaspoon of oil into the palm, then rub your hands together to warm them slightly and massage. Essential oils, blended with massage oil, add a new dimension to massage and impart a feeling of luxury to the massage. The perfume in the oil can help to relax or refresh. Essential oils have many properties, e.g., some are anti-bacterial, others are antiseptic or anti-inflammatory.

 Aromatherapy is the practice of using aromatic oils therapeutically to treat many skin problems, e.g., acne, scars and ageing besides disorders, e.g., stress, insomnia, mental depression and nervous tension. Essential oils are extremely concentrated and must be diluted in a carrier oil while using them, otherwise they can cause allergies. The most common carrier oils are almond, soya, grape-seed, avocado, peach and wheat-genn oils. To dilute an essential oil, one to three drops are mixed with five teaspoons of carrier oil. Bergamot oil has antiseptic, astringent properties and is used for acne, greasy skin and hair treatments. Chamomile possesses calming, soothing effect and is used for sensitive skins. Clary sage has astringent, stimulating properties and used as a fixative. Eucalyptus, with antiseptic stimulating properties, is capable of treat aches and pains. Neroli has sedative, aphrodisiac analgesic, calming properties and is suitable for dry skin. Rose possesses antiseptic, sedative, depressant properties and is very useful for all types of skins. Sandalwood has antiseptic, sedative, calming, aphrodisiac properties and treats dry, dehydrated and acne skins. Tea tree oil with antiseptic, germicidal, fungicidal, soothing, healing properties treats infections, pimples, boils and burns. Ylang Ylang has anti-depressant, sedative, antiseptic, aphrodisiac properties and cures skin problems. It is especially good for oily skins.

 Basic essential oil facial massage movements include massaging and pressing various reflex points, carrying out various light effleurage and deeper tissue movements on both sides of the face, neck and shoulders. Warm your hands by rubbing them together with light friction and imagine warm energy flowing into them. Pour a little massage oil into the palm of a hand and rub both the hands together. Start at the chin and work up the face, massage in sections towards the forehead. Gently place hands on the muscle and move towards the occipital bone in a continuous flowing movement. Start with the right hand, followed by the left hand. Pour a little of the massage oil into your hands and use light effleurage movements upwards over the face with small circular traveling movements with the middle finger. Start at the centre of the upper lip on the face, work towards the ear and the whole area under the lower lip with gentle pressure, small circular, stationary movements. Take cheek muscle between your thumbs and index fingers, and gently squeeze moving underneath the cheekbone. Rest for five seconds, with both hands on the face. The movement aids the flow of energy.

Aroma massage: There are three ways in which essential oil molecules enter the body and leave an effect on it-by inhalation, by trans-dermal absorption and by ingestion. In general sense, aromatherapy increases the blood supply to the tissues, which helps the proliferation of cells and regeneration, increasing oxygenation and lymphatic flow. The body massage treatroents using essential oils can be for slimming, toning, energizing, relaxing and healing. There are several reflex points on the body. Finger pressure is applied by placing the middle finger over the index finger, and using the lower finger to massage the reflex points with small, stationary, circular movements. Stationary indicates that the fingertip does not move over the skin but stays at one reflex point, moving in small circles. The pressure should not be applied for more than three seconds at each point. The important pressure points (reflex points) on the body are:

• The sale of the foot which energizes and stimulates the whole body.

• Pressing on the back, at about one inch above or two inches on the waistline level and on either side of the vertebrae energizes and stimulates the entire body. Pressing on the front, about three inches below and one inch either side of the navel helps weight reduction, cellulite and improves circulation and reproduction system. This stimulates and energizes the body, especially the abdominal area.

• If the face looks tired or is sagging, apply pressure at the centre of the cheekbone on both sides of the face.

• Massaging on either side of the nose and on inner comers of the eyes helps to reduce puffy eyes.

• Apply pressure on the face at the outer comers of the eyes, in case the face looks tired or is sagging.

• Massage on both sides on the face, in the hollows just below the ears, helps droopy cheeks and jowls.

• Massage on both sides of the face between eye sockets and cheekbones helps reducing eye bags.

Symptoms that appear in a female with advancing age: The brain starts maturing rapidly by the age of three. The sex hormones start producing in the female body by the age of seven. The growth accelerates up to the age of puberty and starts to slow down until long bones stop growing by the age of twenty. A female becomes hyper fertile in the early twenties, followed by a decline in her fertility till she reaches the age of thirty. The height of a female starts to diminish gradually between the age of thirty to forty. The hair pigment cells in the scalp start reducing their activities between the age of forty to fifty. Lot of care is needed between the age of fifty to sixty, when the body may begin to put on weight during the period of menopause. From the age between sixty to seventy, the red blood cells start reducing in the body and the quality of the skin begins to deteriorate. In the age group of seventy to eighty, the spine starts to curve as the spinal disc shrinks and bones in a female body become thinner and weaker. Between the age of eighty to ninety, the body loses seventy percent of the muscle mass as compared to her youth.

 

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Various Massage Techniques To Fight Ageing

July 27, 2009 Beauty Tips

Thai massage:
 Traditional Thai Massage with its complete movements and stretch of every body muscle, is a unique combination of acupressure, breathing techniques, gentle stretches and healthy postures. This massage technique stimulates the flow of energy and balance is restored to the body- physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. This therapy ensures the following benefits:

• Releases strength and increases energy.
• Increases flexibility and range of motion.
• Provides deep relaxation pressure on feet and legs which is very soothing.
• Releases point of tension in the body which blocks the natural flow of energy.
• Helps homeostasis balance and harmony.
• Strengthens the internal organs.
• Promotes inner peace and a quiet mind.
• Suitable for postnatal mothers.
• Improves neurological functions.
• Treats muscular and general relaxation.
• Helps stress reduction.
• Relieves body pain and recovery from injury lymph.

Panchkarma massage: Panchkarma Massage also known as a touch of health, relieves stress on muscles and internal organs. This therapeutic massage movement detoxifies the blockages inside the body and also beautifies the body giving a glow to the skin. It balances the body, mind and soul. Light and heavy movements and vigorous and gentle rhythmic and soothing movements are given on different body organs to achieve the maximum results. Panchkarma Massage techniques are adopted according to the results the practitioner wants to achieve. They comprise vigorous to slow, simple to complex and hard to soft or gentle movements.

Chinese massage movement: This massage movement is a medical practice and acupressure plays a major role in this, which energises and balances the body and mind. It is also beneficial in relieving pain, discomfort and many physiological imbalances. Japanese massage system: It is also called Shiatsu and is based on Oriental medical methods. According to this therapy, the human body has numerous points of energy, which can be described as energy points. By pressing these energy points, the energy level in our body increases. If we give proper and regular pressure on these points, we can regain Our lost energy, which not only improves our mental health and body metabolism but can also treat physical disharmony, simultaneously.

Head massage: It is very important to provide mental relaxation and it stimulates the energy points located on our scalp. It provides a strong and in-depth effect. Head massage stimulates the blood circulation, supplies nutrition to each hair root, relieves mental stress, relaxes hair follicles, nourishes the scalp, stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce natural oils, adds natural sheen and health to the hair, cures shoulder tension, removes dandruff flakes, relieves mental tension if done on the sections and nape of the neck, and helps in the healthy growth of hair if done near the temples and sides of the scalp. It stimulates the roots of the hair and keeps the facial muscles strong. For a hair massage, cotton and oil (olive, coconut, mustard, almond, etc.) are required. The following steps ensure a good scalp massage:  Remove jewellery and brush the hair.

 Section the hair about half inch. Dip the cotton into the oil and rub it allover the  length of each section of the scalp.

 Do scalp massage with five finger tip pressure. Do not exert heavy pressure. The fingers remain fixed to one part of the skin and the pressure moves the scalp. The various manipulations for scalp massage include Effleurage, Petrissage, Friction, Vibration and Hacking or Tapotement.

Effleurage: A massage manipulation used on the hairline by one or both hands or with pads of the thumb is known as effleurage. Apply pressure on various blood vessels. This movement leaves a relaxing, soothing, gentle, stroking and a circular effect. A massage is carried out with the pads of finger tips or palms of hands. This movement is useful for body massage too as it has a flowing and rhythmic effect with a constant pressure following through the venous flow of blood back to the heart. This movement aids relaxation, desquamation, blood circulation and strengthening of skin tissues.

Petrissage: It is a very important scalp manipulation, which involves light or heavy kneading, rolling, squeezing and pinching movements in circular motion to increase the blood circulation in the scalp. This massage movement is beneficial for the skin because it involves lifting the soft tissue away from the underlying structures. Use the palm of the hands, pads of fingers and thumbs while kneading, wringing and skin rolling. It gives the following benefits:

• Softens and relaxes hard, contracted muscles.
• Eliminates fatigue.
• Stimulates sensory nerves.
• Helps to tone and strengthen the muscles of the skin.

Vibration: A rapid manipulation done with finger tips and palms. It stimulates the nerves, relieves mental tension and increases blood circulation, cures all disorders of the scalp, makes the hair and the scalp soft and supple, cures baldness and gives shine and nutrition to the hair, etc. Vibration is a fine trembling movement for massaging the skin using pads of fingers and thumb and palms of the hand. The movement can be static or in the running form, always applied along a nerve path. It leaves the following effects on the skin:

• Stimulates the nerves.
• Loosens scar tissues and stretches adhesion.
• Relieves pain.

Hacking or tapotement: This movement consists of stroking the skin with the sides of the hands and partly with the flat finger tips. Avoid this massage movement when the person is suffering from high blood pressure and heart diseases. When applied on the skin, the movement involves striking the skin surface with alternate hands. The wrist has to be loose and mobile to produce a light springy movement, such as cupping, pounding, pinching and hacking. It has the following effects on the skin:

• Increases the blood circulation thus producing erythema.
• Strengthens and tones the muscles of the skin.
• Stimulates the sensory nerves.
• Increases lymph circulation.
• Redistributes fatty tissues.

Friction movement: Small circular movements produced by the pads of the fingers and thumbs are applied only on the skin to exert pressure. It gives the following benefits: Breaks down nodules and fibrous adhesion.

Precautions while massaging the face
1. A massage is effective only if the skin is clean.
2. Wash hands with soap before massaging.
3. Remove all traces of make-up before massaging, otherwise the pores of the skin will be blocked by particles of stale make-up items.
4. If there are blackheads, remove them before massage.
5. If the skin is over dry, use moisturizer before the massage.
6. If the skin is too oily, remove the oiliness with cleansing milk, pH acid or fresh lemon juice.
7. Never massage over an area where redness, swelling or pus is present.
8. Do not break contact with the skin until the massage is finished.
9. Keep your fingernails short enough to avoid scratching on the skin.
10. Always massage towards the origin of the muscles.
11. Do not press the delicate skin around the eyes.
12. Massage for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes, as the cream takes that much time to get absorbed. Wipe off the extra cream with a cotton swab soaked in water.
13. Start the massage from the neck upwards and end at the forehead or temples because all the veins and tissues get a proper blood circulation by this process.
14. If the skin is damp, use astringent lotion before massage.
15. The best time for massage is before going to bed at night.
16. Use slimming cream for massage if the facial skin is fleshy.

Some do’s and don’ts in massage:
1. Keep the hands supple before massage. To do this, start with the hand exercises by holding and squeezing the rubber ball followed by relaxing the fingers repeatedly, of one hand and then the other.
2. Rotate and stretch each finger and the thumb in each direction one by one, pulling it gently by the other hand. Also press and hold the fingers against each other. The palms, however, should not touch.
3. A rhythmic massage sends waves of relaxation – throughout the body.
4. If you feel pain or are uncomfortable during the massage, inform the masseur.
5. Shape your hands to the contours of the body.
6. Vary pressure from very light to very strong when massaging. The pressure of the massage should be lighter over bony areas and finer over the muscles. Do not apply heavy pressure when massaging.
7. Concentrate on the massage, avoid talking when massaging.
8. To give a good massage, be totally relaxed.
9. Do not worry if your initial movements seem clumsy. Practice makes one perfect.
10. Do not massage if suffering from:
(i) An infection or a contagious disease of the skin.
(ii) High temperature.
(iii) A skin infection, bruises or acute inflammation.
(iv) An inflammatory condition such as thrombosis or phlebitis.

How to use the massage oil: Do not pour the oil directly on the body. Pour about a teaspoon of oil into the palm of one hand. Rub the hands gently then stroke oil on the body. During massage, one hand should remain in contact with the body. Pour a little oil on the back of one hand, stroke slowly with this hand, continue stroking and place your free hand lightly on the top of the massaging hand. Stroke the oil on to the body from the back of your hand.

Techniques of body massage: The prominent body massage movements are as follows: Stroking:

• The rhythmic slow movements applied by the palms and finger tips of both hands are soothing whereas the brisk movements are stimulating, improve circulation, relax tense muscles and soothe the jangled nerves. This movement includes Fan Stroking-used on almost all areas of the body, Circle Stroking for massaging in wide curves (circles), Cat Stroking-a smooth, continuous, soothing movement and Thumb Stroking-performed with just the thumbs.

• Kneading: A specialized movement for the fleshy areas of the body, thighs and shoulders. It relaxes the tense muscles, improves circulation, brings fresh blood on the surface and eliminates the waste products. Use plenty of oil for this massage movement. Basic kneading, wringing and light kneading are deeper movements of this form

• Pressure: This movement releases tension in the muscles. It is especially beneficial for massaging the spine and around the shoulder region, using little oil.

• Knuckling: Small, circling strokes of this massage movement leave a ripping effect especially on the shoulders, chest, palms and sales.

• Percussion: Brisk, bouncy movement, usually applied on fleshy and muscular areas of the body to stimulate the nerves. Do not apply this movement on bony areas. broken veins and bruises.

• Cradling: A warm comforting massage movement with both hands.

• Criss-cross movement: A massage movement gliding across both the hands with fingers facing away.

Benefits of body massage: A body massage relaxes the muscles, lowers the stress levels, relieves pains, induces a blissful state, cures backaches and body pains, and softens the tense and knotted muscles. Slow and rhythmic muscle movements (massage) calm the nerves of the entire body whereas fast and brisk movements invigorate them.

Massage of body organs
Back massage: The spine is built of small bones called vertebrae. The spinal cord runs down through the spine in the back. Massage Movements Used: Stroking movements, Fan Stroking and Kneading movements are applied from the base of neck and shoulders till our hands reach the waist.

The neck and shoulder massage: This region of the body has to support the weight of the head (5-7 kgs) and hence, such muscles remain tensed. Massage Movements Used: Stroking, Kneading and Circular Pressure movements are applied to provide comfort and ease mental tension.

The buttocks massage: Tension also exists in the lower back and buttocks. Buttock muscles can be rid of tension through this massage. Massage Movements Used: Circle Stroking, Fan Stroking and Pressure Movements.

The spine massage: The spinal cord is a bunch of nerve fibres running down through the spine and are attached to the pelvis, mounted on the vertebrae. Massage Movements Used: Massage with the index and the middle finger simultaneously with both hands stroking downwards. Do no press hard on the vertebrae.

Foot massage: A foot massage not only relaxes thousands of nerve endings that exist in the sole but also refreshes and stimulates the whole body. The feet contain almost 25% of all the bones in the body. Each foot has 28 separate bones and muscles to support the body weight. Massage Movements Used: Stroking, Thumb Stroking, Toe Massage, Pressure, Knuckling, Rotary Pressure, Hacking and Passive movements are applied in a foot massage.

Leg massage: Legs carry the weight of the entire body. These must be sturdy with strong bones. Massaging legs helps to reduce puffiness, swelling and aches. Massage Movements Used: Stroking the legs, Kneading the calf, Stroking the calf, Criss-crossing the calf/thigh, Stroking thighs, Rotary Pressure Stroking, Passive movements and Massaging the back of legs are beneficial for the leg massage.

Arm massage: Tension and tiredness in the arms leads to headache, neck pain and arching shoulders. Massage Movements Used: Apply Stroking and Fan Stroking movements, which alleviate many body disorders and are helpful in arm massage.

Abdomen Massage: Abdominal massage calms the nerves, stimulates the digestive system, cures a bad menstruation, helps in shedding flab and improves the skin texture. Massage Movements Used: Stroking, Circle Stroking, Rotary Pressure movements, Kneading and Feather Stroking are important movements applied to shed off the extra weight, help drawing out tension, relaxing and also give a stimulating effect.

Lines and wrinkles under the eyes: To dissolve the lines and wrinkles under the eyes, the following massage movements should be tried:

• Stroke gently with the middle finger in circles around your eyes.
• Work from the bridge of your nose out over your eyebrows, pressing the temples.
• Pinch along your eyebrows from the centre to the temples.
• Press the bone under the eyebrows at the bridge of the nose with your thumb and the index finger.

Massage for expectant mothers: Careful, smooth and gentle massage movements benefit a woman during pregnancy (Do not forget to consult a doctor). Massage movements help to alleviate many complications such as tension, backache, insomnia and fatty deposits on the body. A pregnant woman should avoid deep pressures and percussion movements. A careful massage during the three trimesters of pregnancy and even before conception helps to increase the fertility of a woman.

 Use all stroking techniques for the abdomen, back, shoulder and leg (and feet) massage. Remember, the massage strokes should be gentle and light. Use cushions under the shoulder, lower back and knees to reduce curves and discomfort. The massage done by a trained masseur makes childbirth easier. Lower back and shoulders are the areas which relieve tension while massaging. For the back massage, a pregnant woman should lie on her side or on a chair sitting or facing towards the back of the chair. The following massage movements are recommended for a pregnant woman:

1. Gentle stroking on the abdomen with one hand following the other clockwise, stroking softly on the side of the waist upwards till both the hands reach the navel.

2. Cup your hands over the navel for a few seconds until you feel the heat, then lift your hands slowly.

3. Leg massage is especially beneficial as it soothes, relaxes and relieves the swelling and pain and cures the varicose veins and cramps in the legs, which are some of the common problems faced by expectant mothers.

 Sleep with the legs slightly raised above the level of the head. This posture relieves the swelling in the legs by draining the manual lymphatic system and purifies the body curing various skin diseases such as acne, eczema and dermatitis. Expectant women should undertake the abdominal massage after a strict advice of a doctor. Back massage cures backaches, morning sickness, etc., which are some of the common complaints during pregnancy. But avoid deep pressure to the lower back. Apply deep pressure in the centre of the sole towards the heel of the feet which helps in easy delivery and reduces the labor pain.

Massage after childbirth: A deep massage on the abdomen for about 40 days after delivery energizes the mother, cures her body aches and brings the uterus back to its right position. To give an abdominal massage to a woman after childbirth, the following massage movements should be applied: Stroke the abdomen in all directions. Then gently knead across the abdomen in large clockwise circles. Start at the pubic bone applying a gentle pressure. Stroke slowly on the lower abdomen starting from the pubic bone to the navel. Cup your hands over the navel holding for a few seconds until you feel the heat accumulating under the hands. Then lift the hands slowly.

Treating cramps by massage: Women are often prone to cramps during and after an exercise or a massage. A cramped muscle lacks proper blood supply. Massage, however, improves the circulation of blood. To soothe cramps in the leg, lie on your back and raise the affected leg. Stroke the back of your thighs, followed by kneading and finally stroke the affected area. In case of cramps in the calf, sit with the affected leg straight. Bend your foot up and stretch the calf muscles. Start kneading the muscles and you will feel relaxed. Finally, stroke the whole leg.

Massage treatment for weight loss: To overcome weight gain and reduce the extra flesh from the areas of the body such as the abdomen, thighs, buttocks and the waist, use the massage movements such as kneading, pummeling and stroking. Vigorous massage helps you to slim down. There are several techniques to fight the extra weight and obesity, as mentioned below:

1. Squeeze either side of the wrist above the wrist bones.
2. Press on the hollow inside the ankles just behind the bony prominence.
3. Press in the middle of the groove between the nose and the upper lip.

 Massage alone cannot reduce weight or break down the fat. Weight-watchers should have control over their diet and undertake light exercises with massage. Remember, massage tones the skin, smoothes the body and produces energy by stimulating the blood circulation. Weight-watchers should concentrate on self-massage of the following fleshiest areas:

• Abdomen: Lie on your back and knead your abdomen thoroughly.
• Hips: Roll on the side, kneel and pummel your hips. Repeat on the other side.
• Thighs: Sit up and knead your thighs from the knee up to the hips.
• Buttocks: Pummel your thighs up to the buttocks.

Massage before and after exercising: Exercising tense muscles can badly damage them. Tense muscles do more work than what is required of them. They consume more oxygen and produce more wastes. Do a whole body massage with stimulating movements to increase the blood supply before exercising. During exercise, waste products such as urea, acetic acid and carbolic acid are released into the muscles and the accumulation of such wastes cause stiffness and pain in the body. The lymphatic system, however, drains these wastes in a very slow process. A massage can speed up the elimination. A massage, firmly towards the heart with gentle stroking towards the lymph nodes can rejuvenate the heart. However, avoid massage on an injury. Just massage gently around it, kneading very gently. Do not massage around an open wound at all.
 

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