Beauty and Personal Grooming

The day dawns beautifully for those who have had a night of good sleep. But the same day drags on for those who have spent a disturbing, sleepless night. Sleep is a biological necessity even as eating and drinking are. Sufficient sleep renders a person normally sociable, lively and high-spirited. It’s a nature’s way of rejuvenating the person for the next day. Realize all this, and make sleep a physiological habit. The consequences of long time sleep deprivation can be very grave. Lack of sleep takes its toll on the skin and hair. It causes acne-breakouts and makes one look aged and haggard beyond years. Experts opine that during sleep as our metabolic rate falls, blood goes to those areas which need the most repairing. This also steps up the production of collagen and keratin, which aid the regeneration of skin cells and help resist premature ageing. So for a younger looking and a problem free skin you need to have a good quality of sleep every night.

Another affliction which can affect some people in winter is chilblains. According to Wikipedia , chilblains are painful, red, itchy swellings on the skin which are caused when the skin is exposed to extreme cold, dampness and humidity. They usually affect toes, fingers, face, nose, and earlobes. Chilblains shouldn’t be confused with frost-bite states the article at Mayoclinic . It mentions that in some cases this even results in blisters and open sores. It goes on to add that chilblains usually clear up within seven to 14 days and suggests that affected persons should avoid or limit their exposure to cold and extremities of temperature change. Treatments suggested: * Keep your hands and feet warm. Wear gloves and socks when venturing outdoors. * Another suggestion is to warm-up with exercise before going out, so that there is proper blood circulation to the affected parts such as feet. * Soak your feet (if they are affected) in warm, not very hot water for a few minutes. Wi...

Winter air wreaks havoc on the tresses, it dries them considerably. If your hair type is naturally dry , then the drying effects are much more profound. If you find your hair becoming extra dry during winter then cut down on frequent washing . Restrict it to once a week and avoid harsh shampoos . Oily hair types can rejoice a bit as they get some respite from that usual greasy, lank look, as the drying effects of the cold winter air makes their mane look less oily. But nonetheless, it is imperative that everyone should exercise some restraint and care and not allow the vagaries of the harsh winter air to take their toll on the mane. Treating hair with an oil massage once or twice a week is something which one should never forget.Then dip a towel in hot water, squeeze out the water and wrap towel around your head. Keep it on for 5 minutes. Repeat the hot towel wrap three or four times. This helps the hair and scalp absorb the oil better. (Read Oil massage for the hair .) Pure or ...

Normally all types of skins are prone to dryness during winters. Patches of red, scaling skin look ugly on the cheeks and lips. So, one should start tending to it as soon as winter sets in. Read Skin care in winter . A rich nourishing and emollient night cream on the face, arms and other vulnerable parts of the body will help to prevent and heal dry skin in winter. Here are some recipes to make such nourishing creams at home. Rich lanolin nourishing cream Ingredients: Lanolin – 1 cup (10 tbsp) Witch hazel – 2 tbsp Almond oil – 2 tbsp Method: You have to melt lanolin using the double boiling method. Blend witch-hazel and almond oil and beat it so that they mix well. Combine this with lanolin. Store this in an airtight container. Olive oil nourishing cream Ingredients: Olive oil – 3 tbsp Coconut oil – 2 tbsp Beeswax – ½ tbsp Borax – ½ tsp Water – 3 tbsp Method: Heat the oils slightly. Boil water until it is quite warm but not too hot. Add borax to it and...

Yes, you knew all along that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, too little of it or skipping it can prove to be detrimental to your health in the long run. Read Breakfast and your health . But did you know that eating your breakfast everyday can keep tooth decay at bay.

Cracked heels and rough scaly skin on the feet are usually the result of years of negligence towards feet care. This condition is still more aggravated by exposure to chilly winter air. Cracked soles or feet are painful and many a times they bleed. Such feet feel like sandpaper against towels and bed sheets, indicating an immediate need for treatment. At weddings, functions and parties, one tends to notice that beautifully attired women in expensive sarees , displaying sizeable gold ornaments, and wearing costly footwear, have cracked feet that look dry, dirty and extremely ugly. Yes, there are many creams and lotions available in the market promising us soft, smooth feet in just two or three days. But for those who have used it, they know that the results are not as magical as it is hyped nor are the results everlasting. Prevention is surely better than cure. So if you take care of your feet religiously so that it becomes a part of your daily routine, you will have beautiful, proble...

Pamper your oily skin with an at home facial once in a week. Exfoliate your skin with these facial scrubs . Cleanse, tone and moisturize and treat yourself with some of these do-it-yourself face packs. # Lemon (lime) juice and egg white face pack Ingredients: ½ cup cooked oatmeal 1 egg white 1 tbsp lemon juice ½ cup mashed apple Method: Blend all these into a smooth paste. Apply to face and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse with cold water. # Cabbage mask Ingredients: 1 cup shredded cabbage 1 tsp of brewer’s yeast 1 tsp honey Method: Make a fine paste of shredded cabbage in a blender, add brewer’s yeast and honey and mix well. Apply it on your face and neck and at the same time dip 2 cotton wads in rose water and place it over your eyes. Wash off after 15 minutes. This pack especially helps skin which is prone to blackheads . For extremely oily skins, a multani mitti (fuller’s earth) or this sandalwood face pack work wonders. Here are some more ...