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Sweat

Why You Need Spirulina In Your Life

I’ll admit I’m always curious about the latest superfoods, and although some end up being all hype, spirulina has left me pleasantly surprised. This healthy algae works its wonders inside and out.

I prefer to add it to my food because that’s where I’ve seen the biggest benefits. It’s also easy to add it to your beauty routine now that some skin care products count it among their ingredients.

What is spirulina?

The name threw me at first. I wasn’t even sure how to say it, let alone use it. Spirulina is a blue–green algae and a bacteria known as cyanobacterium. It’s considered one of the most potent sources of nutrients.

It grows in both salt and fresh water; the key is to make sure you’re only using spirulina harvested from clean waters. Any contamination could result in harmful side effects.

Body-Loving Nutrients

I honestly thought spirulina might just be a multivitamin in disguise. It’s full of vitamins, such as A, B-1, B-2, B-3, B-6, B-9, C, D, and E. It also contains more calcium than milk, along with iron, potassium, zinc, and much more. Unlike some nutrient-rich foods, this one makes it easy to absorb most of what it contains for even more benefits.

It’s well known for being rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and gamma linolenic acid. I’m personally enjoying the extra boost from the nutrients—and all I have to use is a few grams a day.

Internal Benefits

Let me warn you now: Spirulina does have a pond water taste. It is algae, after all. That’s why I prefer to either mix it into something I’m cooking or take the pill form.

It doesn’t matter which way you take it, though. The benefits stay the same. A few things spirulina is known to help with include:

  • Allergy symptoms – reduces inflammation and clears nasal passageways
  • Fighting cancer – may help reduce tumor size (especially with oral cancers) and prevent recurrences
  • Heart disease – helps reduce triglyceride and LDL levels while raising good cholesterol (HDL)
  • Boosting immune system – high antioxidant content and anti-inflammatory properties help boost immunity and protect against many diseases
  • Arthritis symptoms – decreases inflammation in joints to reduce painful arthritis symptoms

Using Spirulina Externally

I’ve actually seen improvement in my skin and hair just from taking spirulina internally on a daily basis. Now that spirulina is becoming more mainstream, however, more beauty brands are counting it among their ingredients.

One of my favorites is a spirulina facial mask—a great way to improve your skin and indulge yourself with a mini spa treatment.

You can also add it to most beauty products that don’t already contain it. The result is healthier, younger, and more radiant skin—but spirulina isn’t just limited to your skin.

I haven’t tried it in shampoo yet, but spirulina can help fight hair loss. Plus, all the nutrients are great for giving you stronger, healthier hair.

How to Take Spirulina

I love that spirulina is extremely easy to take. It’s healthy to ingest up to 10 grams a day, but I usually stick to five or less. I’ve noticed improvements in my health and skin just from mixing a few grams in a few meals a day.

I have researched spirulina and one important thing I’ve found is that it’s best to take the algae along with an omega-3 supplement for better nutrient absorption. I already take a fish oil supplement daily, so that wasn’t a problem.

When mixing spirulina in with beauty treatments, a gram or less is all that’s needed. I can tell you that using it internally and externally has made my skin look tighter and less tired.

There’s really nothing to lose with spirulina. It’s inexpensive, lasts a while, and works like nature’s multivitamin. Try it and see how it changes your life!

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Wellbeing

How 3 Months Of Spa Treatments Helped Me Take Wellness Seriously

I used to believe spa treatments were just a luxury—an indulgent treat to relax. I went occasionally when someone gave me a gift certificate, but didn’t really pay too much attention to any residual effects after a spa day.
A coworker recently told me about the transformative effect regular spa treatments have had on her well-being. She convinced me to give it a try for myself and to consider it an investment in self-care.
Fast forward three months and I feel like a different person. The ever-present knots in my neck are nowhere to be found. I have more energy and mental focus. I don’t feel as anxious or stressed, and my skin is clearer and has a glow.

Investing in Monthly Facials

I’m like so many other women: I’ve used all the miracle anti-aging products, but my skin still didn’t look as youthful as I wanted, and congested skin always led to breakouts. Although I’ve had professional facials here and there, I’ve never gotten them done on a consistent basis.
So I decided that my first spa treatment would be a facial. Facials are always catered to your skin type, targeting all of your problem areas. The esthetician then recommends products that will help maintain the results at home between appointments.
Sure, facials—and the recommended skin care products—can add up, but it is worth the investment. Through this process, I have learned that you can’t get as deep a level of cleansing at home as an esthetician can give you at the spa—not to mention that they’re trained to know and understand what will work best for your skin.
With three months of facials under my belt, my skin has never looked better and I find that I use less makeup because there are no blemishes or dark circles to conceal.

Detox From Head to Toe

I didn’t just stop at monthly facials; I chose to try a variety of spa treatments, each with its own intended purpose. For example, the first month I opted for a seaweed wrap to detoxify and help combat the signs of aging. In month two, I had a lymphatic drainage massage to boost circulation and remove toxins from my body. Month three was a Dead Sea salt body treatment to both purify and exfoliate.
The difference after three months was incredible. Using different treatments to accomplish the same goal improved the look of my skin and left me feeling thoroughly invigorated.

Releasing Tension and Decreasing Stress

Now to my favorite spa treatment of all—massage. My facial included a face and neck massage. What I didn’t realize was the mask also reduces harmful toxins that increase tension and headaches. I ended up with twice the relaxation from a single treatment.
Other types of massage that I fell in love with were Ayurveda and shiatsu, in addition to the lymphatic drainage massage. I could literally feel the stress and tension in my body dissolve. I learned how to breathe for relaxation, turn off my mind, and meditate all while the massage itself worked its magic on my tension-filled muscles.
I can honestly say that I don’t think I’ve ever felt better equipped to handle stress in my life. By having regular massages I’m letting go of tension instead of letting it overtake me. It’s a life-changing experience that I couldn’t believe I’d missed out on for so long.

Improving Overall Health

I finally learned that spa treatments aren’t just a one-off. If you go regularly, the results will last and help erase the damage you’ve already done to your body and mind.
I already ate as healthy as I could with a busy schedule and hit the gym a few times per week. Yet I still felt like I lacked energy and felt stressed all of the time. My skin looked tired, and I just didn’t think something like a spa treatment could change everything.
My views on wellness have changed. Downing a kale smoothie in the morning or catching up on reports while running on a treadmill weren’t doing me any favors. I needed to start focusing more on me and my needs. I needed to be pampered by experts who knew how to improve my mental focus while dually improving my skin and overall physical health.
It’s only been a little over three months now, but it’s changed me. Wellness isn’t just about diet and exercise. It’s about taking care of yourself and getting rid of the toxins in your body and mind.
I won’t dare put off spa treatments again. I’m healthier than I’ve been in decades and I finally have the energy to do all the things I want to do.

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Wellbeing

What Is Your Acne Trying To Tell You About Your Health?

I always thought acne was just the result of stress and poor eating habits. Although those can be contributing causes, I’ve recently discovered there are quite a few other reasons for breakouts. Specific health problems may result in acne on different parts of your face.
I was amazed. I never knew my acne could mean I had other health problems. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that each area of the face coincides with a different health issue, so it’s important to listen to what your body is telling you.

Upper Forehead and Urinary Issues

I personally experienced this one, and I can honestly say that drinking more water helped clear up the acne on my upper forehead.
A concentration of acne in this area may mean the bladder and gastrointestinal tract aren’t functioning correctly. Add some more water and fiber to your diet to improve your health and acne.

Lower Forehead and Heart

Acne on your lower forehead could mean your heart isn’t as healthy as it should be. I’ve noticed that when I’m not feeling well and stop exercising for a few weeks I tend to break out more in this area.
Take it as a sign to exercise more, eat better, and live a healthier lifestyle.

Ears and Kidneys

More water is needed if you’re seeing acne around your ears. I had a minor kidney infection once and my ears tried to warn me. Since I’ve been drinking more water, ear acne is a rarity.

Eyes and Liver

The entire area around the eyes—including between them—could be a sign your liver isn’t healthy. Alcohol, fatty and sugary foods, and even too much dairy could be the cause. Opt for fruits, vegetables, and other healthy choices to feel better and reduce the acne.

Upper Cheeks and Lungs

Your upper cheeks tie in to your respiratory system. If you’re a smoker, live in a busy city, or rarely exercise, you might see numerous blemishes in this area. Fresh air and cardio are your two best friends.

Outer Chin and Hormones

Stress and hormones are the usual culprits when it comes to outer chin acne. When I don’t sleep well or I’m stressing out, I always break out here, and this is where I break out most often. My advice: Rest and try to relax. Look for an herbalist or naturopath who can recommend supplements to help moderate your hormones.

Center Chin and Stomach

Your stomach and small intestines may be having issues if you’re seeing acne in the center of your chin. More fiber and water often help. Excess stress can cause digestive problems that lead to chin acne.

Neck and Immune System

I’ve noticed I always break out on my neck and chest when I get sick. The acne’s just trying to tell me that my immune system is working overtime and isn’t as strong as it should be.
If you’re seeing acne here and you’re not currently sick, it could be a sign that you’re getting sick or aren’t living a healthy lifestyle. Make sure you’re exercising, eating well, and getting enough sleep to keep your immune system strong.

Acne Doesn’t Lie

I used to panic over every zit; I was certain I was falling apart. But remember that acne doesn’t always mean you have a health problem. It could be a hormone fluctuation from stress or your menstrual cycle. It may even be a medication you’re taking.
I only pay attention now if I have a concentrated outbreak in a specific area. Usually changing up my routine—such as eating better and getting more water instead of soda—helps dramatically.

Categories
Sweat

Put These Herbs To Work For The Skin Of Your Dreams

I hate spending my hard-earned money on beauty products that are about as useful as splashing water on my face. Over the past five years, I’ve incorporated more herbal solutions into my routine and now I wonder why I waited so long.

If you’re like me, you already have herbs and natural ingredients right in your kitchen. I can find everything I need for the skin of my dreams just by opening my fridge and cabinets.

Keep Lips Looking Young

I can’t believe how dry my lips get sometimes. I used to slather on lip balm all day, but now I use a little bit of pure honey right before bed.

I mix together sugar and honey to make a simple scrub. When I wash my face, I gently scrub my lips to remove dry skin and then I enjoy smooth, luscious lips all day.

Stop Acne Quickly

I thought I was done with acne when I hit age 20, but now I know the struggles of adult acne. Tomatoes, turmeric, and honey are my new acne-fighting heroes. Not only can they prevent acne, but these ingredients can also help heal old acne scars.

If you decide to try these, don’t use all three together. Here is how I use them.

Before I shower, I cut a small tomato in half and rub it over my problem areas. I just rinse and I’m done. This helps reduce oils that lead to all those nasty bumps all over my face.

At least three times a week, I treat inflammation, acne scars, and other signs of aging with a honey and turmeric mask. I mix two parts honey to one part turmeric and leave it on for 15 minutes.

You can add plain yogurt for extra moisture. Please note that you may need to use more honey to counter the turmeric so you don’t end up staining your skin orange.

Comfort and Smooth Skin

Aloe vera has always been my go-to for burns in the kitchen, but I never thought about using it on my face. It’s rich in both vitamins C and E, so it’s a powerful anti-aging ingredient.

I like to either apply the gel lightly over my face at night or under my makeup. Since I’ve begun applying it at least once daily, my skin is smoother and my dark spots have faded.

It’s also perfect for any dry, rough patches on your body. I like to put it on my knees and heels after I shower to avoid flaky skin.

Roll Back the Years

Tired of looking your age? I am too. My license might say one thing, but thanks to this power-packed mask, no one has to know my true age.

I’ll warn you that it doesn’t exactly smell great, but it’s well worth it. All you need is a single egg and few drops of lavender essential oil. Separate the yolk and whip it until it’s foamy. Add in a few drops of lavender and apply to your face for up to 20 minutes.

Lavender is a powerful anti-aging herb that reduces wrinkles, heals scars, fights acne, boosts new skin cell growth, and much more. It’s definitely an oil to keep handy.

Don’t throw out the egg white—you can use it on your hair for stronger, healthier locks.

Eliminate Dark Circles

You’ve probably heard of using a cucumber over your eyes to reduce dark circles, but I’ve found something that feels and smells even better. Rose water works just as well and leaves my skin with a soft, feminine scent.

I just dip a cotton pad in the rose water and hold it over my eyes for 10 minutes. Make sure the pad isn’t dripping so you don’t get any in your eyes. I top it all off by rubbing a drop of almond oil under my eyes before bed.

Forget putting harsh chemicals on your face. I’ve gone herbal and I wouldn’t dream of going back. I finally have skin I love for only a fraction of the cost.

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Sweat

Keep Yourself Young And Radiant By Quitting These Bad Habits

I’m always looking for natural ways to slow down the signs of aging. I’ve used a wide variety of beauty products, but I didn’t realize how many bad habits I had that were aging me. After I changed a few things, I began to notice that I not only looked better, but I felt better too.

Sitting, Sitting, and More Sitting

My job has me sitting at a computer for hours, and then I relax by sitting in front of the TV. All that sitting was actually aging me. Not to mention it’s bad for my heart. I started taking regular breaks to walk my dog (which he also appreciated!) and moving around.

I also made a point of getting at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. I took walks, used dance videos, and spent a few days at the gym weekly. My advice: Stop sitting and start moving to get your blood flowing and keep your true age from showing.

Skipping Sunscreen

I learned years ago that sunscreen is a daily must-have, not just for when I’m at the beach. My fair complexion burns easily, so I make sure my morning facial lotion contains SPF 15 or higher.

Remember, the sun’s out during the winter months too, and ultraviolet rays age you rapidly, so don’t forget to wear sunscreen daily.

Eating Too Much Dessert

Guilty as charged. I have an insatiable sweet tooth and my face was starting to show it. It’s true. Sugar is your anti-aging enemy. As soon as I started limiting my sugar intake, I noticed my skin becoming more radiant. My pores began shrinking and my dark circles disappeared. I haven’t had more than 7 grams of sugar at one sitting for more than a year (okay, maybe a few cheat days—like cake on my birthday!)

Even with my creams, serums, and masks, I wasn’t seeing the results I wanted. Now with my sugar intake under control, I’m seeing the years roll back.

Limiting All Fat

I always thought the less fat you ate, the better, but I was wrong. Your body needs certain fats for skin to stay supple and smooth. The key is choosing healthy fats. Sadly, this didn’t mean that I got to add more french fries to my diet.

I switched some of my snacks to almonds and walnuts. I also started cooking with flaxseed and taking omega-3 supplements. My skin looks younger and more radiant. Plus I have more energy than I’ve ever had in the past.

Face First Into the Pillow

I used to be a stomach sleeper, which pressed my face deep into the pillow. Not only was I waking up with pillow wrinkles on my face, but I had frequent breakouts. I also struggled with keeping my skin tight and firm. I never suspected my pillow was to blame.

Sleeping with your face against the pillow increases wrinkles and prevents the skin on your face from resting like it should. I’ve trained myself to sleep mostly on my back now and my skin looks firmer and the fine lines have started fading away.

Covering Up Too Much

I’m just like everyone else. I want my makeup to cover my flaws and sometimes I put on a little too much. After I read that my makeup could be accelerating the aging process, I switched to natural products to reduce the chemicals I put on my skin.

I also limit how much makeup I put on. It’s one of the reasons I love BB and CC creams as they cover and moisturize in one layer.

Skipping Beauty Sleep

I thought I was doing fine on my 4–5 hours a night. Wrong. I spent more time covering up my dark circles, fine lines, and breakouts than getting anything extra done. Not only was my skin suffering, but my concentration and general health weren’t faring well either.

It took me nearly a month to get on a better sleep schedule, but once I started sleeping at least seven hours a night, I noticed major differences. My skin seemed more supple and my dark circles were just a bad memory. Plus, I was able to focus and get more accomplished in less time.

Daily Changes Matter

It’s not just about beauty products. I could use every product and still age if I don’t have the right daily habits. Try switching to better habits and you’ll see exactly what I mean.

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Sweat

Fade Your Scars At Home With These Essential Oils

I’ve been lucky enough to be stuck with several large acne scars on my face. They never seem to want to fade! I even had a scar from a fall when I was a kid. I’d tried a few over-the-counter scar removal treatments, but I was unimpressed. Some scars can only be removed with peels or lasers, but essential oils can also be very helpful.

My Six Must-Have Essential Oils

Quite a few essential oils are effective at helping with scars, but some are better than others. I’ve found six that are powerful and can be mixed to get the best results.

I’d recommend trying each of them on their own to see which are most effective for your own scars and skin type. For instance, lavender is better for sensitive skin. (Please note that anyone can be allergic to anything—natural or not—so do a patch test before using.)

My six must-haves are:

  • Carrot seed essential oil
  • Lavender essential oil
  • Rosemary essential oil
  • Frankincense essential oil
  • Helichrysum essential oil
  • Calendula oil

Carrot seed oil works wonders to help heal scars, and I’ve also noticed firmer skin and a more even skin tone after using it. It’s also great if you have psoriasis or eczema.

Lavender oil treats scars and wrinkles. It’s one of my favorites because it’s not quite as potent as the other oils and doesn’t have to be diluted as much. I recommend it if you have sensitive skin or want a good starter oil.

Rosemary oil is perfect for using as a cleanser or mixing in with your cleanser. I mix it with a carrier oil and add to my nightly face wash. It boosts skin rejuvenation so scars fade faster.

Frankincense oil is another favorite because it helps even out my red skin patches while fading scars. I’ve also had less oily skin since using it.

Helichrysum oil is probably the most effective oil on the list, but it’s far more expensive than the others. I’ve used it on some of my deeper, more stubborn scars, but I tend to save it until I really need it.

Calendula oil does help fade scars, but I’ve found it’s most effective at preventing them to begin with. Using it when you first get a cut, scrape, or other potentially scarring injury helps reduce the amount of scarring. In most cases, I haven’t noticed any scarring at all unless it’s a deep cut.

Using Carrier Oils

The last thing you want is an adverse reaction to any of these oils. I made the mistake of putting carrot seed oil directly on a scar and had itchy, red skin for a few days.

These oils are potent and need to be diluted in a carrier oil before applying them. My preferred carrier oils are:

  • Almond oil
  • Olive oil
  • Apricot kernel oil
  • Rosehip seed oil

Any of these work well with the above essential oils. I usually use almond oil or apricot kernel oil because they’re easy to find.

Mixing and Using

Mixing the carrier and essential oils are easy. I mix one ounce of a carrier oil with five drops of essential oil. If you’re using lavender, use up to 10 drops because it’s a weaker oil. You can mix in multiple essential oils, but I never use more than two at a time. I’ve noticed my skin gets oily when using more than two.

Once the oils are combined, apply the mixture directly to your scars. I apply it twice a day until the scar fades away. Some scars may be gone in a month, whereas others could take much longer.

I keep a special mixture of calendula and almond oil specifically for cuts, which I apply once a day to the cut to prevent scarring.

Remember: the older the scar, the longer it’ll take to fade away. I had to keep reminding myself to be patient, but the wait was well worth the results. Seeing large scars reduced within six months made all my patience worth it.

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Sweat

Things I've Learned Since Beginning To Use Essential Oils

I’ve become a major fan of essential oils over the past five years. Now that they’re more popular, they’re easier to find, which makes me happy. What I love most is how versatile the oils are. From aromatherapy to treating acne, I’ve found there’s an essential oil for nearly everything.

The good thing is that it’s easy to learn how to use them. I admit to being intimidated at first, but once I knew the basics, oils became my initial solution instead of traditional methods for any ailments.

A Little Background

Essential oils are extracted from plants and are often used for holistic healing. The oils are quite potent; it only takes a little to make an impact. That alone makes them a winner in my mind.

For thousands of years, people have used various oils for different reasons, including:

  • Skin problems (acne, eczema, rashes, etc.)
  • Relaxing the mind and body
  • Soothing aching muscles
  • Easing pain
  • Reducing the signs of aging
  • Easing cold and flu symptoms
  • Providing balance to hormones

I could list many more, but you get the idea. If you’re like me, you’ve probably heard of essential oils being used mostly for aromatherapy in a spa or as a topical skin treatment. I’ve personally used them for many of the issues on the above list.

Using Essential Oils

There are four main ways to use essential oils: aromatherapy, ingestion, topically, and adding to personal care products. It’s important to be careful when ingesting or applying oils to your body. For instance, I have highly sensitive skin and if I don’t dilute the tea tree oil, my skin dries out and itches. Be sure to do your research to determine if an essential oil is safe for ingestion—many are not!

I always dilute my oils by using a carrier oil (coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil, or almond oil), regular beauty product (lotions, body wash), or water. Don’t be afraid to experiment to see what works best for you.

The amount of oil I use depends on what I’m using it with. I add around 10 drops to a bath to ease aching joints, but I only add five drops in my body lotion.

It’s important to read the labels of any essential oil and follow dilution directions. I look for blending and dilution recipes before using the oils myself. I prefer to use a little less than recommended at first to ensure the oil meshes with my body chemistry.

Relieving Stress

My first foray into using oils was aromatherapy for stress relief. What I didn’t realize at the time was that the scent wasn’t just relieving stress. Since using aromatherapy regularly, I’ve noticed I feel more energetic and get sick less often.

I prefer to dilute my chosen oil in a diffuser. All it takes is 2-3 drops to ease my mind, relax my body, and make me forget about a long day. You can always add more if you need to.

My favorite oils for aromatherapy are lavender for stress relief, peppermint for boosting focus, and wild orange for improving mood. When my sinuses act up, eucalyptus is my go-to solution to help me breathe better.

Improving Health With Essential Oils

Although essential oils are great as the backdrop to a spa treatment, they’ve improved my overall health in more ways than I thought possible.

Some of the best oils for better health include:

  • Ginger: eases joint pain and nausea, improves digestion
  • Lemon: cleanses the body, improves urinary health
  • Oregano: shortens recovery time from a cold
  • Tea tree oil: improves immunity, helps heal skin issues
  • Frankincense: decreases inflammation, boosts immunity, supports brain health
  • Clove: provides powerful antioxidants
  • Eucalyptus: aids in respiratory health
  • Cypress: improves circulation, aids in healing broken bones
  • Myrrh: improves hormonal balance, reduces infections

This is just a short list, but I’ve used all of these and noticed major differences in my health. I’ve always had a hormonal imbalance and myrrh has helped even me out when nothing else has worked.

What started out simple—using lavender essential oil for stress relief—has turned into a passion for treating health and beauty concerns naturally with a mixture of oils, and I haven’t looked back since. Try one and see where it takes you. You’ll probably be as pleasantly surprised as I was.

Categories
Lifestyle

Messy Foods That Have Actually Improved My Hair Health

I’m certain I’ve been through the spectrum of hair health issues. At times I’ve dealt with oily hair, dry scalp, limp hair, itchy scalp, thinning, and excess breakage. I tried dozens of treatments at my local drugstore and have even tried a few treatments at the salon, but nothing worked. The solution was as simple as looking in my kitchen. Now some of my messiest foods are improving my hair’s health.

The Kitchen Serves Up the Solution

I’m always up for trying a DIY solution for beauty and health. When I read about some DIY hair recipes to improve my hair and scalp’s health, I had to try them.

I already had most of the ingredients in my kitchen, such as avocados, eggs, honey, and molasses. I did have to make a special trip for the seaweed recipe, though.

Restore Moisture With Honey

Honey isn’t the easiest to apply, but it took my dry, damaged hair and made it soft and luxurious. I also recommend it if you’re out in the sun a lot.

You should shampoo your hair before applying this DIY moisturizing hair treatment. Leave your hair damp. Then mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil with a half cup of honey and massage into your hair. The olive oil moisturizes your hair and helps the honey to spread evenly. Wait 20 minutes and shampoo out.

To help strengthen and moisturize, sometimes I add 2 tablespoons of pureed avocado, which rejuvenates my hair even more.

Eliminate Frizz With Avocado

You’ll notice I use avocado in many hair recipes. That’s because it’s full of nutrients that naturally improve hair and scalp health. It’s not just for great guacamole!

I love using this avocado recipe in the winter when my hair gets extra dry and frizzy. Apply half a well-mashed avocado to clean, damp hair. Leave on for 15-20 minutes and rinse. If you don’t mind a messier version, add in 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and 2 teaspoons of olive oil for extra moisture.

Eggs Treat All Types

Eggs are kind of a universal treatment for better hair health: Egg yolks moisturize, and egg whites treat oily hair. I usually have to use the egg whites in the summer when my hair gets oily fast. Once a month is all it takes for eggs to make a major difference. A single egg is ideal for normal hair. 

Honey and Yogurt Mask Fights Flakes

Even when my hair is oily, I tend to have flakes. It’s a battle I’ve often fought and lost. Now, my hero, the honey and yogurt mask, has saved me (or at least my scalp).

Plain yogurt strengthens my hair and erases dandruff. I love how my hair looks afterward, and a non-itchy scalp is a huge plus.

I use 2 handfuls of plain yogurt and mix in 2 tablespoons of honey. A banana or half an avocado would be a great addition too. Work the mixture over your hair and scalp, leave on for 20 minutes, and rinse.

Strengthen and Moisturize With Molasses

I honestly wasn’t sure how well molasses would work in my hair, but it’s become my go-to deep conditioner. Some people even use it as a pre-wash treatment.

I prefer to use blackstrap molasses, but any darker molasses does well. If you have light colored hair, use honey-colored molasses to avoid darkening your hair.

Mix one part molasses with one part olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil. The exact amount depends on your hair length. You can also add this to your favorite conditioner for an extra boost of moisture. Leave on for up to 20 minutes and rinse thoroughly.

Seaweed Heals Hair

Seaweed is a powerful little ingredient, though a bit messy. I’ve used several seaweed recipes and they’ve helped with dryness, dullness, and damage.

For the easiest DIY hair mask, add warm water and seaweed to a bowl. Let the seaweed soak for an hour. Strain out the water and apply the seaweed to your hair. I leave mine on for 30 minutes and then rinse.

I highly recommend trying different forms of seaweed and algae, as each has its own beneficial properties. Green, red, and blue algae boost hair growth, for instance.

I alternate masks depending on my hair needs. Since starting, I’ve noticed that my hair is healthier than it’s ever been. Try the best mask for you once every other week and you’ll start to see improvement.

Categories
Sweat

The Sweeter Side Of Sugaring

I’m always eager to try out natural solutions for my beauty routine, such as hair removal. I’ll admit to going fuzzy during the winter just to avoid ripping wax strips off my legs and armpits, or the time chore of shaving.
My friend swore by sugaring and told me I had to try it. I had already gone into leg hibernation mode, so I figured I didn’t have anything to lose if it went wrong. All it took was once and I was in love.

What Makes Sugaring Different

I thought sugaring worked the same way as waxing, so I couldn’t figure out why my friend said it hurt less. The big difference is that the sugar mixture adheres only to the hair and not your skin.
It’s the difference between gently plucking a hair and ripping ultra-strong duct tape off your legs. I’ll take the former, thank you very much.
Of course, having a simple waxing mixture you can make at home makes a major difference. Sugar, hot water, and lemon are cheaper than a trip to the salon or an at-home kit.
It also doesn’t hurt that this method has been used since the days of Cleopatra. I’d say it’s a technique that’s stood the test of time.

Preparing for Sugaring

As I said, I’d already started growing my winter coat, so my hair was plenty long. Usually, hair needs to be at least a quarter of an inch long (about a week to a week and a half of growth) for best results.
I start with a warm bath to help with skin hydration and loosen any debris in my pores, making it easier for the hairs to pull out. If you are dehydrated, the hair is more likely to break. I use an exfoliating scrub on all the areas where I plan to remove hair. Just remember to go easy on sensitive areas and don’t apply any lotion afterward.
The next step is to make your sugaring mixture. I actually make this first and let it cool while I’m bathing.
I mix the following in a heavy sauce pan:
– 2 cups white sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
I start with a medium to medium-high heat. Mix it often or it’ll burn to the bottom of the pan. As soon as the mixture comes to a boil, turn the heat down to low or low-medium (I prefer low myself) and let simmer for at least 25 minutes.
The mixture should turn dark amber when it’s ready. Remove it from the heat and let it cool for 10-15 minutes. Place it in an air-tight container immediately to store it.

Using Sugaring Gel

The gel technique is most similar to waxing, and you’ll need cloth epilating strips, baby powder or cornstarch, and wooden applicators.
I microwave my sugaring mixture around 50 seconds to get a pliable consistency that’s easy to apply. I apply an extremely light layer of cornstarch to the area I’m removing hair from to make the sugar mixture stick better.
Using a wooden applicator, apply enough of the mixture to cover the area in the same direction as the hair’s growth. Place your epilating strip over the mixture. Hold your skin as taut as possible and remove the strip opposite the direction of your hair’s growth.

Using Sugaring Paste

The paste mixture is great for shorter hair (as short as 1/16 of an inch long). All you’ll need is some cornstarch for this method. Apply a light layer just like you do with the gel method.
Microwave the mixture about 10 seconds just to make it easier to apply. Scoop out half a handful and roll into gently into a ball, using your hands to warm it. Apply it to the hair you want to remove in the opposite direction of the hair growth. Press hard to make sure it sticks to the hair.
Hold your skin taut and use your fingers to quickly rip the paste off the hair in the same direction as the hair growth.
This method left me with fewer bumps and ingrown hairs, but it’s harder to master.

Finishing Up

I rinse my skin with warm water and soap made for sensitive skin. Don’t exfoliate for at least two days to avoid irritating your skin.
I always apply an aloe-based lotion to soothe my skin. The results typically last one to two weeks longer than waxing.
I’m more of a DIY woman, but you can get sugaring kits or have it done at many salons. If you’re like me and you hate the pain of waxing or the annoyance of shaving, try sugaring. It’s easy and chemical free.

Categories
Lifestyle

For Healthy Hair Look No Further Than Your Own Kitchen

I always thought there had to be a better way than shelling out $50 a bottle for specialty shampoos that still left my hair frizzy and dull looking. I’d already tried my hand at crafting DIY hair masks, so I decided to dip my toes into making my own shampoo.

I’ll warn you: My hair did require an adjustment period. After all, my locks were used to the slew of ingredients in normal shampoos.

The internet is filled with DIY recipes for haircare. One thing to keep in mind while doing your research is that your scalp is fickle. How the ingredients affect your scalp essentially determines the health of your hair.

Finding ingredients to keep your scalp pH balanced is important. You want to avoid drying out your scalp and/or damaging your internal hair structure. Natural ingredients are great, but not all natural ingredients are appropriate for your hair.

Coconut Milk + Aloe Vera

This is a great recipe that allows you to create batches of shampoo that you can freeze into cubes and defrost as you need them. I prefer this recipe because freezing the shampoo means it won’t go bad before I’ve had the chance to use the entire batch.

You’ll need:

– A mixing bowl 

– Whisk 

– 2 ice cube trays 

– 1 can of coconut milk 

– 1 3/4 cups pure aloe vera gel

Simply mix the coconut milk and aloe vera in a bowl with a wire whisk. Next, evenly distribute the mixture among two ice cube trays. Place the trays in the freezer and allow the mixture to freeze completely (about 3 hours).

When you are ready to use a cube, put one in a small container with a lid and place it in the refrigerator to defrost. In between showers, keep it refrigerated. It’ll keep for about a week.

Olive Oil for Dry Hair

This is my go-to DIY shampoo in the colder months. Once the thermostat gets turned on, dryness and static electricity are soon to follow. Olive oil is a great moisturizer for both skin and hair.

I mix the following in a plastic bottle:

– 1/4 cup olive oil 

– 1 cup castile soap or any gentle, natural liquid soap 

– 1/2 cup water

Apply as much as you need for your hair type and rinse with cool water.

If you want a light scent, add a few drops of any essential oil. If your hair is oilier, use less olive oil or mix with more water.

I’ve also used honey, canola oil, and beer in place of the olive oil. Yes, beer actually works great for washing your hair, but it is a little more expensive than other options.

If you want to follow up with a conditioner, I like mixing either avocado or plain yogurt with a teaspoon of honey or coconut oil. I usually only apply this to the lower half of my hair so my scalp doesn’t get oily.

Fighting Oil Between Shampoos

Thanks to this homemade dry shampoo, I can go as long as a week between washings. Before switching to my olive oil shampoo, I had to wash every other day or my hair was slick against my scalp.

A couple days after washing my hair, I work a little baby powder through my roots. It keeps my blowout from falling flat and reduces extra oil, especially during the summer.

I like baby powder because of the light scent. You can also use coconut milk powder. For a light scent, add a drop of lavender oil or any other essential oil to the powder on your hands.

The Final Results

At first, I was washing just as often. After about a week and a half, I was able to go three days before the oil started creeping in. Another week and my hair stayed clean for around five days.

Once I added the dry shampoo, I had no problem lasting a week at a time. With less washing and drying, my hair looks fuller, shinier, and healthier. My friends keep asking what I’ve done differently. I’ve even convinced some of them to skip the expensive shampoos too.

My final piece of advice is to be patient. Sometimes it takes as long as three weeks before your hair adjusts. Keep it up and try different amounts of the ingredients until you find the perfect mixture for you.