Lip care and Pink Lips

Causes:

1. Smoking makes the lips dark

2. Drinking excess coffee and tea

3. Expose to sun

4. Not removing lipstick properly

5. Body heat

6. For some people darkness happens because of certain vitamin deficiencies and also due to some health disorders. This category of people should consult a doctor. Home remedies won't help.

Few Tips to get Pink Lips:

If you protect your lips from sun and follow any of these home remedies regularly, Pink kissable lips is guaranteed. 

1.Apply a thick layer of Vaseline or Petroleum jelly and leave the lips to soak in it for a minute. Take an old tooth brush and brush the lips gently for 30 seconds. Wipe off with a cotton and apply your favorite Lip balm. This will remove the dead cells. Do this 2 - 3 times a week. This gives an even tone to the lips if done before applying lipstick.

2. Apply a coat of Lip guard, Lip balm or vaseline before applying lipstick. This will also makes the lipstick to stay longer. 

3. Mix  Lemon juice with a few drops of milk and apply on the lips. Helps to reduce darkness.

4. Honey is a very good moisturizer. Apply on lips often to get a Pink Kissable Lips. 

5. Crush fresh rose petals and mix the juice in few drops of glycerine or vaseline and apply on lips every night. Pink Lips is guaranteed. 

6. Crush Coriander leaves and apply the juice daily to remove darkness.

7. Gooseberry juice mixed with a few drops of milk is also a good remedy for dark lips.

8. Mix lemon juice and a few drops of glycerine and apply daily. Lemon will reduce darkness, glycerine will make the lips soft. 

9. Before stepping out in the sun apply a good Lip Balm with an SPF 15. 

10. Finally, use good brand of lipstick and make sure that your lipstick is not out-dated. 

Firming Sagging Breast

Breast muscles can't be build-as there are none. But certain exercise can tone the muscles that support the breast.

Causes and Prevention:

The main reasons for sagging of breast is 1. posture  2. not wearing proper inner wear 3. gravity 4.Over weight  5. Lack of exercise

Firming Sagging Breast:

1. Maintain a perfect posture when you sit. Sit with your back straight and chin up. This can not only avoid sagging of breast but also reduces tummy.

2. Always wear a proper bra that fits the bust perfectly. While at home and while sleeping wear the Cotton seamless Bra which holds the bust softly.

3. If you are over weight, try to reduce. Breast will loose its firmness if its too heavy and because of gravity it will tend to loose its elasticity. 

4. Exercise targeting the supporting muscles regularly. These exercises won't increase the bust size but will tine the supporting muscles which will lift up the breast. 

Exercises to Firm and Tone the Breast:

Push-up

Push-ups not only gives a better Biceps, it also works on the supporting muscles of breast.

Start with 5 counts and 2 sets and gradually increase up to 15 counts and 3 sets. Do at least 3 days a week. If done daily, it will give a better result. 

Modified Push-up:

Push-ups can also be modified by bending the knees and crossing the ankles. Place the palms to the sides of the shoulders. Raise the body and balance the weight on the knees and palms. Lower the body and make sure its parallel to the ground. Do not lock the elbows when the body is raised. Raise the body and lower.

This might be easier than regular Push-ups. But very effective. Do 3 sets of 5 counts in the begging and gradually increase to 15 counts and 3 sets daily.

Standing Push-up

Stand few inches away from the wall. Place the palms on the wall at shoulder width. Bend the elbows and lower the body towards the wall and bring back to the original position. Do not lock to elbows. Place the legs firmly on the grounds.

Gradually increase up to 3 sets with 15 counts each.

Shoulder Rotate 1:

Stand straight and keep the hands on Hips. Rotate the shoulder backward without disturbing the position of the hand. This is a very good work out for breast. Do 3 sets of 20 counts each.

Shoulder Rotate 2:

Stand straight with feet few inches apart and hold dumbbells of 1.5 - 2 kg in each hand( not more than that). Hold the dumbbells firmly and rotate both the hands backward. Do not raise the chest, concentrate on the shoulder. A very effective exercise for sagging breast.

Gradually increase up to 15 counts and 3 sets daily.

Dumbbell Press:

Lie flat on a bench holding dumbbells weight 2 kg in each hand. With the elbows slightly bend take the arms straight out and extend the arms straight over in front of you until the weights  touch. 

Do 3 sets of 15 counts each. 

Skin Whitening

Though we all know that Skin Whitening creams, lotions don't give long-term results we never stop using them. Some whitening creams contain harmful strong bleaching agents which damages the skin. It is not possible to change a dark skin to white skin. Color of the skin depends on the presence of Melanin and also depends on Heredity and Gene. 

Still, intake of certain fruits and vegetables and following a certain skin whitening home remedies will give significant results.  

1. Fruits like papaya, orange, tomato, carrot will make the skin clear.

2. Have a glass of fresh Tomato juice without sugar during breakfast everyday. 

3. Carrot juice also helps(without sugar) . It is also good during dieting. 

3. Add plenty of oranges, lemon juice to daily intake as it cleanses the body. Skin will become clear and blemishes free.

Here are some home made tips to have a even, glowing, blemishes free and bright skin tone:

1. Mint leaves are good to reduce marks and scars. Apply a paste of freshly ground mint leaves on face and neck. Wash off after dry. Can add few drops of lemon juice to this paste. We can also ix tis in Multani Metti and apply for hands and feet to have a even tone. It is a good brightening agent for quicker results on regular usage.

2. Green Gram flour mixed in Lemon juice is ideal for Oily skin. As Lemon is a good bleaching agent it reduces tan and improves skin color.

3. Freshly ground turmeric mixed in whole milk gives glow and color to skin. Apply in face and wash off after dry. Can be used daily and for whole body too.

4. Mix few drops of lemon juice in Milk. After the milk curdles apply the mixture on skin. wash off with besan. This is a good whitening solution. This can be prepared in a bowl and can be applied to the whole body. But wash it off with besan or green gram flour. Use 3 times a week for better results.

5. Soak almonds over night. Paste it with milk the next morning and apply on face.

6. Mix freshly ground sandal wood and turmeric in pure rose water. apply on face and wash off when dry. Can be left over night if one feel comfortable with it. Try not to move the facial muscles as it tightens the skin. Regular application will reduce wrinkles, scars and gives a nice color to the face. ( If sandal wood sticks and fresh turmeric is used, ground it in pure rose water and use)

7. Mix tomato juice with lemon juice and apply. Ideal for oily skin.

These tips give better results if done on a regular basics and never stop it. Added to this basic skin care is very important. Apply sun screen while stepping out, Cleanse,tone and moisturize the skin regularly for better results. 

Detoxify

I have heard my Grand mother telling my mother to Fast on some Auspicious days. She says that it is a way to thank God for his blessings and Bla Bla.....

I never had interest in all those sort of things until i heard about this word 'Detox'.

I read an article about "Detoxifying the body" some time ago. Then I went to my grand ma to get some details, she seriously thought that  became a Theist. Ok, now lets come back to the topic. She said that its like giving rest to our body for a day and resting for a whole day ( like sending the car for a water wash and service once in a while). Fasting is undergone by eating eating fruits, veggies and plenty of water. She couldn't give me any more info. Later I learned these info when i was in college and i follow it once in a month and trust me it feels as if the body is cleansed from dirt, toxins etc... It kinda feels good.

Detoxifying the body

or

Cleansing the body from toxins

Choose a day when you are at home without any work or any sort of appointments ( preferably sunday). Start the day by drinking a glass of warm water with lemon juice and honey. It is advisable to take complete test and not to strain the body. Do some stretching exercise for 15 mts. Opt for fresh fruits, veggie salad for the whole day. No rice, roti or any sort of carb. I personally advise to go for fresh juices instead of fruits and veggies. You can prepare a variety of yummy juice with fruits and veggie ( browse the net, there are loads of recipes) but strictly only FRESH HOME MADE JUICE IS ALLOWED, no canned juice. Substitute honey for sugar. Feel free to mix and match. 

1. Fresh Juice

2. Tender coconut

3. Butter milk ( made at home with salt)

4. Lots of warm water

Taking only liquid diet flushes out the toxins from the body.

Just sit back and relax, watch your favorite shows in TV, listen to music, treat your skin with home made packs and enjoy the day. But NO CHEATING, for benefit of your body you need to give complete rest to it at least for a day once in a month. 

But,

no Fasting when,

1. one is pregnant

2. Have any health problems like Diabetics, heart problems and Whatever problem it is

3. When one has periods. ( the girls body need lots of nutrients during those days so no Fasting pls....)

Remember,

FASTING is not STARVING. 

Try and let me know how you feel.....

Dandruff

1. Cut a lemon and rub it on the scalp generously and wash off after 2 hours. Use it 2-3 times a week and regular application will definitely reduce dandruff. This also makes the hair lustrous. 

2. Henna if applied regularly will also reduce dandruff.

3.Make sure that the hair is oil free and wash it twice a week.

 

Hair Care

It is a myth that applying oil regularly will aid to the growth of hair. Nothing can boost hair growth other than healthy food habits. If one doesn't have nay hair problem it means that the person is healthy but there is always a loss of few hairs daily and it is natural. Excess hair fall, week and dry hair etc.... are because of insufficient nutrition to the body. Eat balanced diet, add fruits and veggies ( greens and leafy ones especially) to daily diet and it will surely improve the condition of hair. 

1. Taking oil bath at least once in a week will help to reduce heat in the body ( excess heating of body is the main cause of many hair and skin problems)

2. Heat pure coconut oil or Sesame oil or castor oil or olive oil, apply it on scalp and hair generously. Massage the scalp for 5 mts, leave it and rinse off after 1 hour with a mild shampoo.

3. Always use mild shampoo or home made shikakai and wash the hair in luck warm water as hot water damages the root.

4. Don't apply oil and go out as it will accumulate dust and there are chances of getting dandruff if not rinsed frequently.

5. Washing the hair 2 times a week is more than enough. If needed hair can be rinsed with plain water daily and blown dry in order to control frizziness. 

6.Using Anti-dandruff shampoos should be avoided as it contain harsh chemicals.

7. Let the hair dry naturally after washing as using hair driers often damages the hair.

8. While using hair straightener, irons make sure to apply a protective straightening gel.

9. Rinse the hair daily at night if you have the habit of applying gels, serums daily.

Green tea and Weight Loss

I read this useful article regarding weight loss and green tea: 

(collection of information from various articles)  

Consider the following - One pound of fat (2.2 kg) is equivalent to approximately 3500 calories. Whether using green tea for weight loss or any other method, in order to lose one pound of fat over the period of a week, a person must maintain a calorie deficit of 3500 below their normal "set point", that "set point" being the amount of calories consumed in one's diet where a person neither loses nor gains fat. This calorie deficit can come through the modification of diet, through exercise, or a through a combination of both. In the case of a pound per week weight loss, that works out to a needed calorie deficit of 500 calories per day.

Research by Japanese and other researchers(1) suggest that if the average person were to drink five cups of green tea a day, they would burn an extra 70 to 80 extra calories through an effect known as thermogenesis - the process of heat production in organisms. While much of the thermogenesis effect in green tea is derived from caffeine, studies also suggest(2) that thermogenesis in green tea occurs to some degree beyond its caffeine content from epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG.)

Regardless, 70-80 calories per day does not quite come close to the 500 calorie deficit needed per day to lose a pound a week, and for sure it's nowhere close to the calorie deficit needed to lose "inches per week" from one's waistline as some green tea web sites would have consumers believe. According to the research, if a person were to change nothing outside of adding five cups of green tea to their diet per day, then over the course of 43 days one could expect to lose 1 pound. Over the period of one year, one could expect a loss of about 8 pounds. Yes, there is some correlation between green tea and weight loss, unfortunately it's not on the level many would have you believe.

Clearly, drinking green tea alone is not going to be satisfactory for significant weight loss. Still, green tea can still be quite useful as a weight loss aid. The extra 80 calories per day can be just what a person needs to tip the scale from a calorie surplus to a calorie deficit, especially when following a balanced nutrition and exercise regime.

Dark Underarms

1. Always keep the place well moisture, this will surely help to reduce the darkness. 

2. Mix Lemon juice with turmeric, apply and was off after 20mts. Better if done before bath. Regular practice will give better results.

3. Avoid hair removing creams and shaving to remove unwanted hair from under arms. Go for a good hot wax from a expert. It will be painful for the first time but waxing will also removes the dead cells from skin. 

4. Apply lemon mixed with rose water in 1:1 ratio and leave over night.

5. Try avoiding deodorants as the chemicals in it may cause darkness, talcum powder can be used as an alternate. 

Facial Hair

I have heard my mom say regular application of turmeric while taking bath reduces the growth of hair gradually. Its true though. But it should be practiced from the age of 11-12, when hair actually starts growing for girls. 

General ways of Removing Facial hair,

1. Waxing 

2. Bleaching

3. Laser or Electrolysis

Waxing is the best way to remove facial hair. It gradually reduces the growth of hair but make sure you get it done from an expert. Its quite painful though but the result will be great. Some get red spots or reddishness of skin which disappears in a day or two. Damp with ice cubes after waxing and later apply plenty of moisturizer. 

But I have heard that regular waxing leads to wrinkles. Its always better to consult a dermatologists before doing it.

( This is something I do regularly and quite satisfied ) 

Bleaching is a temporary solution for facial hair. All though I have never tried this but I read that if bleaching is done regularly it may lead to excess dryness and wrinkles.

Here are some simple tips to reduce facial hair,

1. Apply a sticky paste of egg white blended with sugar and corn flour. When it dries, gently peel it off. Repeat this three to four times a week. 

2. Mix milk with little fresh turmeric apply on skin, scrub it in circular motion leave for 20mts and wash off. This also makes the skin fair.

Wrinkles

Whenever something is applied for face to reduce Wrinkles its important not to move the facial muscles and these packs hold the skin tight. 

1. To reduce Wrinkles on the face, apply a mixture of sandalwood powder, rosewater and glycerin. Wash with cold water after some time.

2. Smash a banana and add a little honey. Apply on face and neck and wash off with cold water after 15mts. Use this 2 to 3 times a week for better results. 

3. Perform some facial exercise on regularly. This will give work for the muscles and reduce Wrinkles. If done from mid-twenties, wrinkles can be prevented up to a great extend. 

Basically make sure that the skin doesn't loose its oil and moisture content. Generally regular practice of taking oil bath reduces and prevents the appearance of wrinkles. This is quite old custom but very good for skin. Usually  pure Coconut oil or Till oil is used. Gently warm the oil and apply on your body massage upwards leave it for 30mts and wash off with besan. Regular practice helps to retain the essential oil in the skin, makes it soft and silky and makes the skin glow

Skin Tan

Don't forget your sunscreen when stepping out in the sun. But before selecting the right brand for your skin consult a dermatologist and know about our skin type. 

People with normal skin can go for a sunscreen lotion whereas people with oil and combination skin type can go for a water based sunscreen. 

Most of them leave their skin unattended when they are indoor but it is important to apply a light moisturizer to the exposed areas.

ok, now how to remove the tanning using simple but effective methods?

Reducing Skin Tan:

Here are some remedies to remove tan from face, hands and feet. I have tried myself these tips and found it very effective.

1.  Beat egg white add a little honey and apply it on  face as a thin layer (avoid around the eyes). Don't try to move your facial muscles ( i.e., don't talk or laugh) as it holds the skin tight. Wash after 20mts with cold water and then with besan ( if u need). This gently removes tan and also reduce wrinkles. 

2. Mix besan with curd and apply a thin layer on face, hands and feet. Wash it when it dries. Curd is very good to remove tan. You can even do this daily before bath to have a even tone of skin color. If you have oily or combination skin add juice from half lemon to the mixture. 

3.Mix milk with little turmeric, apply and leave for 20mts . Scrub it in circular motion gently and wash off. This also reduces the growth of facial hair. 

4. As we know lemon is a natural bleach. But apply it in right way to avoid allergies. Mix lemon, glycerine and rose water in 2:1:1 ratio and apply. Wash off when it dries. Its better to prepare the mixture fresh every time. 

5.Tomato pulp mixed with curd also removes tan quickly. 

6. Mix Tea water with Multhani Metti and apply it on hands and feet. Leave it to dry and wash off with cold water. ( heard this is very effective to remove excess tan usually from hands and feet. I haven't tried this but got this tip from my beautician friend)

Supple Skin

Repeat after me,

Cleanse, Tone, Moisturize................ Cleanse, Tone, Moisturize................ Cleanse, Tone, Moisturize................ Cleanse, Tone, Moisturize................ 

Cleanse, Tone, Moisturize................ Cleanse, Tone, Moisturize................ 

Secret of great supple skin depends on how we treat our skin. Regular cleansing and toning does wonders. Opt for a good brand of cleanser and toner and make sure that skin is makeup-free and dirt-free while going to sleep. 

Its very important to make sure that the skin is not dry, applying a water based moisture helps to have a supple skin. 

WATER, we all know water is very important for skin but how many of us drink enough water? 3 to 4 glasses of water taken in empty stomach everyday helps to get rid of toxins from body and helps for a great skin complexion.