Fancying a peaches and cream complexion of every model that endorses a fairness cream with envy is but customary to all those zillions of women out there who have made unsuccessful attempts to lighten their skin colour and achieve the perfect radiance on their face.

Cosmetics, treatments, therapies and much more, we have tried it all and undoubtedly, it’s just a negligible difference more often than not.

Much to your surprise, the secret of a beautiful skin, is residing right there in your kitchen for nature’s bounty has all the power to offer you a glowing and attractive skin. Need to know how?

Try these simple tips by using these products or consuming them in your diet and everyone around you will see the healthy difference.

• Rub some fresh lemon juice on your face, let it dry for 10 odd minutes and wash with cold water. The bleaching agents in lemon help lighten the skin tone at least by 2 shades if applied regularly.
• Mix 2 tbsps. of orange peel (grinded) in 4 tbsp. yoghurt. Apply on your face and neck and leave to dry for 15 minutes. Rinse with cold water to feel an instant glow that is more than captivating.

• Grind some tulsi(basil) leaves and drain out the juice, mix this with 1 tbsp. lemon juice and rub gently over your face and neck. Wash after 15 minutes. Applying this solution daily will improve the complexion in 10-15 days itself.
• Include items such as oysters, eggs and milk in your daily diet since these are high on Vitamin A which protects the skin against sun damage( darkening, rash marks)
• To achieve a holistic glow on your skin , consume a good deal of Vitamin C by eating fruits such as gooseberry, oranges, strawberries and vegetables like red and green peppers that help in firming the skin.

• Fruits such as papaya, apples and pears, if eaten with their skin, help in lightening the skin complexion, so gorge on these delectable delights.
• Food such as salmon, almonds, legumes and lean meat are full of Vitamin E that nurtures the skin and delays the ageing process.

With the serenading whiff of cold wind in the air and erratically chapping lips and peeling skin, winter season certainly calls for some preventive action when it comes to carrying cosmetics and skin care products in your handbag. Each of us have a different skin type and hence it is important to understand the requirements for the same in order to keep it hydrated and glowing all the time.

• Body Oil

Primarily for women with dry and moderate skin type. A quick application of this after the shower or after washing your hands or feet is a must to ensure a protective layer is built around the skin that prevents any harm from the rough wind.

•  Moisturising Facial Cleanser

Avoid using any soap or face wash with alkali and stick to cleansers that have moisturising lotion or body oil added to them. If cosmetic is not the way, opt for herbal cleansers and naturally made face masks with organic ingredients.

• Body lotion/ Moisturiser

This is a must have to ward off the cold and dry winter effect on your skin. Use a liquid based lotion instead of a cream as it spread evenly and hydrates the skin besides keeping it moisturised for a longer time.

• Hair Serum

Your hair is as much under the scrutiny as your skin, hence some essential care for hair in winters is a pre-requisite for maintaining healthy bouncy hair. Shampoo and warm water can make the scalp dry. To counter the effect of the harsh chemicals just oiling is not sufficient, indulge in a vitamin based serum that will bring back the lustre and keep them frizz free.

• Lip Balm

The lovely new shade your lip gloss may just end up looking like a blot if your lips are cracked and chapped. Give your lips an indulgent treatment by periodic application of an essential oil based lip balm to keep them soft and supple as you glow in the winter sun.

Aromatherapy has been known to several civilisations across the world since ages; however it is only until late that its benefits are being reaped on. Besides being widely acknowledged as a beauty enhancing treatment, it is also being used for healing purposes to relive stress and other similar ailments.

For those who believe that such an experience is bound to burn a hole in your pocket, cheer up, because with the easy availability of essential oils, one can make use of these at home and immerse in this soothing experience. Here are the few oils that can benefit your mind and body and rejuvenate your sense sans a visit to the spa.

• Sandalwood oil
Extracted from the expensive and fragrant sandalwood, this is a sweet, wood like smelling oil with properties to balance sebum production in your skin and hence reducing scars and acne. Since it regulates blood pressure, people with heart ailments can also be benefited from this. This multipurpose oil acts as an antiseptic for wounds and inhaling it can help prevent nausea and gastric
• Cedar wood oil
Derived from the cedar trees, this oil is yellowish brown in colour. It can be used to cure respiratory problems; it aids in stress relief by inducing sleep, soothes dry skin with its properties, helps ward away mosquitoes and also promotes dieting by inducing frequent urination.
• Rosemary Oil
A colourless and odourless oil, this is derived from the traditional rosemary plant that is well known for its healing properties. Besides calming the senses, it also relieves pain in body aches, improves the mental concentration, aids digestion and acts as a disinfectant. Many therapists also believe that it improves hair growth and prevents greying
• Ylang Ylang oil
Extracted from the Cananga Odarata tree, this well-known oil has a floral and sweet fragrance. It is used for skin improvement purposes since it improves sebum production. A common belief also states that this oil is an aphrodisiac and induces arousal. It improves hair quality by thickening and softening the hair when added to the shampoo and also induces sleep on inhaling.

Besides the above mentioned names, there are many more essential oils available in the markets with healing properties. The best way to use them on skin is through diluting ad direct application and one can inhale them through a vaporiser or by mixing them with warm water.

A majority of us face constant skin issues with the onset of winter. Harsh cold breeze, dry atmosphere and rains impact our skin adversely leading to chapping and peeling of skin layers, itching and rashes. It is important to look after the skin and take all essential measure to exfoliate, cleanse and most importantly moisturize it regularly

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• Drinking ample quantity of water is a must to keep skin hydrate all the time. Ensure that you consume at least 8 glasses of water in a day during winters.

• Steer clear of oily and fatty foods , winters are often accompanied with hot fried snacks and loads of sweets, however excessive consumption of these can mar your skin

• Use a herbal scrub with seas salts and mineral salts for body and a mild exfoliating scrub with essential oils for your face

• Include moisturising into your daily regime, not just the face but hands, feet, and the entire body needs to be moisturised to prevent dry patches and rashes.

• Use a sunscreen whenever stepping out, it’s a myth that sun is good for skin during winters. The evil UV rays can harm and break your skin’s outer layer leading to chapping of the skin.

• Indulge in an oil bath, at least once a week. Simply mix a few drops of jojoba oil or olive oil in lukewarm water and rest in it. This will not only smoothen the skin but will also relax your nerves.

• To protect your nails, soak them in oil mixed water for some time everyday 3-4 days. Wear gloves when stepping out to prevent drying of hands.

• Use a cream based conditioner for your hair and avoid blow drying as much as possible as it can dry up the hair further.

These simple measures can be accommodated into your daily routine with much ease and will ensure that your body glows like a pearl all through the winter season.

People who spend long hours in the sun are prone to sun spots or freckles. Those who are aged too will get these blotchy skin marks. Inorder to treat these follow effective sun spot remedies.

Experts say that the best way to avoid freckles is to stay away from sun. But with the change in weather conditions and other reasons sun is becoming harsh these days. Also it is not easy to avoid sun.

As you progress reading you will find out how you can curb these blotchy marks and have that freckle free skin to your credit.

• Take a table spoon of yogurt and honey in a bowl. Blend it well and apply it to the affected areas. Leave it for half an hour and rinse off in lukewarm water.

• Squeeze the juice from an onion and blend it well with two tea spoons of vinegar. Apply it to those freckles and leave it for 15 minutes. Rinse off in room temperature water.

• Apply papaya pulp to sun spots. Papaya pulp has the properties that can remove dead skin cells and promote the growth of new skin cells. Thus apply it and leave it for 15- 20 minutes, rinse off in lukewarm water.

• It is known that keeping body dehydrated can fight all sorts of skin problems. Thus strictly drink 8 glasses of water a day. This will help to remove toxins from your body and thus helps to have clear skin.

• Exfoliating and moisturizing can curb these sun spots. Exfoliating will help to remove dead cells inturn helps in collagen production. While the use of moisturizer, will keep your skin healthy and glowing.

• Most importantly protecting your skin from sun can only save from freckles. Thus apply sunscreen lotion every time you step out of house. Even inside house use this. Ensure to avoid long exposure to sun.

Have that freckle free skin to your ownership and enjoy healthy skin days.

There are so many misapprehensions and myths about skin care that is hovering out there. Some of them are century’s old and just humbug.

Myth 1: It is always great to stick to one brand of skin care - False

This myth was perhaps publicized by cosmetic firms who want to keep their clientele devoted to their products or brand. It is absolutely fine to combine different brands together. However, you need to look out for overlaps and the other drawback, that is if your skin breaks out, it may be tough to identify the culprit as you use more than one brand.

Myth 2: A slight rash here and there after a facial is absolutely normal – False

You get a rash or skin irritation only if the item doesn’t go well with your skin. Find out from your beautician what she is using. If she says that the rash or the skin reaction is normal, just replace her.

Myth 3: All skin types need moisturizers - True

Even for people with great complexion, a little moisturizer can go a long way in preventing future skin damages. Also, never get fooled into thinking that the more a moisturizer costs, the better the quality is. Remember, lower prices brands work equally well. You only have to know your skin type and use the product that suits your skin.

Myth 4: Binging on oily foods and chocolates gives me pimples -False

Binging on oily foods or chocolates may have a direct effect on your waistline. But pimples are also the result of hormonal imbalance, stress level or improper cleansing.

Myth 5: Everything about the sun is bad for your skin - True and False

The UVA and UVB of the sun rays damage your skin which leads to skin problems such as early wrinkles and skin cancer. However, being in the sun for few minutes is actually good for you as the sun provides Vitamin D which helps in strengthening bones and assists in calcium absorption. But never leave home without any protection. Make use of a sunscreen which contains a minimum of SPF 15 as long as you are out.

Myth 6: My skin is very dry. I use only water to wash it. I also feel that cleansers or soaps makes it worse and dries it more - False

Remember, no matter how many times you wash, the oil in the face will not come out with just water. You need to use a soap or cleanser that is right for your skin type. This helps the skin to retain the essential moisture and also removes the dead skin cells.

Myth 7: Too much of coffee will make my skin break out – False

The real fact is that nothing you eat or drink can lead to acne. You can have your caffeine but take it in moderate amount, such as one or two cups a day. The more the caffeine, the nerves can start acting up. This results in adverse reaction on your skin.

Dry skin poses threat to both men and women. People who have dry skin are prone to rashes, break – outs, fine – lines etc. but right remedies can help you get rid of dry skin.

This skin type or condition can be either a natural skin type or it could be developed under certain weather conditions too. Here are a few remedies to combat dry skin, thus help you stay away from dry skin problems.

• When you take bath add almond oil or olive oil to your wash. Oil is the best remedy to beat dry skin

• Exfoliate your skin atleast 2 times in a week. This will evade dead cells and helps to keep the moisture for long

• Use body washes that have moisturizer in it. Avoid soaps because soaps will aggravate the dryness

• Don’t over expose your skin to sun. Protect those overly exposed body areas with moisturizer and sun screen lotion

• Pat dry when you are out of your shower, don’t commit the mistake of rub dry

• Drink atleast 8 glasses of water, this will help you stay dehydrated. Hence helps to fight dry skin

• After shower apply some sesame oil to your whole body

• Intake of fish oil can alleviate the dryness and help you gain moisture

• Add fruits to your daily diet

Try these tips and feel the difference.

A whiff in the air with an aroma that’s breath-taking, a frothy cup of brew and some savouries to excite the soul, monsoons have certainly much more on the offing besides the downpour. Monsoons are a great time to indulge in outdoor activities (provided one loves to get drenched and have a gala time under the wild sky). However many of us negate the fact that our body and hair need extra maintenance during the damp weather to be able to rub shoulders with its pace.

Incessant rainfall not only dampens your skin leading to skin allergies and infections but impacts the texture of hair adversely. Hence it becomes essential to take proper care of your skin and hair and look your charming best by following some easy steps
• Wear loose fitting clothes and opt for light materials such as cotton
• Ditch those stilettoes in favour of some itsy bitsy slippers that are comfortable and will save you a fall too
• Do not forget to wash and condition your hair regularly to keep dandruff at bay.
• Opt for minimal make up, refrain using a powder based compact, opt for non-smudgy kohl and mascara to prevent looking like a million dollar ghost.
• Most importantly keep your skin clean all the times by using an anti-bacterial face wash and a vitamin e based moisturiser.

Face sets the beauty of a girl. Having a clean and clear skin is any girls’ longed dream. Pigmentation and acne pimple marks upset girls. They experiment different face creams and skin care products to fight these. But these cosmetic based skin care products can worsen the skin’s health.

I would put down some of the best ways to fight pigmentation and acne pimple marks naturally.

1.Grind thymol seeds and mix that powder with curd. Apply that paste on your face and go to bed. Rinse off the face in lukewarm water the next morning.

2.Mix two tbs of lemon juice and glycerin. Apply it on your face and leave for 10 minutes. Rinse off the face in lukewarm water.

3.Grind the dried orange peels and mix that powder with water. Apply that paste on your face and leave for 10 – 15 minutes. Rinse off it in room temperature water.

4.Take a half piece of guava and banana. Grind and mix them both. Apply the paste on your face and leave for 10 minutes. Rinse off in lukewarm water.

5.Mix radish juice in curd. Apply it on face and leave for 15 minutes. Rinse off it in lukewarm water.

Try these solutions and get rid of pigmentation and acne pimple marks. Apart from these solutions, having a balanced and healthy diet can help you get that flawless skin.

Skin care takes the major part of our time, but if it is not done wisely the result can be worse. Do you worry for those tiny, raised white heads on your chin and nose area? Both men and women are equally worried about keeping their skin healthy and glowing. White heads are a major concern to those who want a flawless skin.

Excess accumulation of oil in the pores of the skin results in white heads. Experts say that than opting for some facial creams or scrub, it is advised to try home – made or natural remedies.

Try these below mentioned remedies and experience the change.

• Diet plays a major role in having healthy and glowing skin. So, make sure that you drink plenty of water and eat lots of fresh fruits and fresh fruit juices.
• Blend fenugreek leaves and water. Apply that paste on your face every night and leave for 10 minutes. Rinse off in lukewarm water.
• Mix a pinch of salt and two tea spoons of lime juice in four table spoon of not boiled milk. Use this as a cleanser on your face. This mixture will help to open the pores and clean the dirt and oil.
• Make sure that you use a facial steamer twice in a week. This will let the clogged dirt and oil off the pores.
• Mix a table spoon of groundnut oil with two table spoons of lime juice, apply it on face and leave for 5 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water.
• Make a paste of powdered pomegranate skin and lime juice. Apply it on your face and leave for 15 minutes. Rinse off in room temperature water.

Face is the one factor that plays a great role in leaving a good impression on others. So follow a skin care regime that is natural.