Get Rid of Pimple Redness Within an Hour!

As a teenager, these are one of the most annoying and reoccurring things in day to day life. Especially before an important event or just heading out and accidentally running into your crush with a big red spot on your face. Here are a few natural and easy ways to get rid of pimples and redness.

But first, a few important tips; 

1) You've heard this a million times and most likely have ignored this warning (I'm personally guilty as well). DON'T TOUCH YOUR FACE. It ALWAYS makes it worse. Just don't do it. Don't.

2) Apply ice to the affected area. It reduces swelling and redness. I like to use a kind of freezie ice cream to make it more fun. Just because. 

3) Wash your face two times daily with a face wash. It is best to use these treatments after you have washed your face. 

4 Awesome Things That Get Rid of Annoying Pimples; 

1) Stuff with caffeine - My favorite is coffee. But tea will work as well. Mix used ground up coffee beans and  honey. You may apply it to the affected area or all over your face. It reduces redness and swelling and contains with many other benefits for your skin as well. 

2) Oregano Oil - Apply a small amount directly to the affected area. Do NOT spread on face unless mixed with some other oil such as almond or olive. Oregano is proven to reduce swelling, redness, and is anti-bacterial.

3) Tea Tree Oil - It smells bad to most people, but it works quick. Apply it to the affected area and only the affected area. Tea tree oil is anti-bacterial and proven to work against acne, swelling, and redness. 

4) Eye drops - Eye drops reduce redness and swelling temporarily on the skin the same way it does for the eye, by constricting the blood vessels. Note, this is only TEMPORARY. But it should last for several hours and is a quick fix before heading out.

Revitalizing Body Scrub!

    Skin is one of the most important things to maintain to achieve outer beauty, and I adore talking about ways to increase the potential your skin has for being flawless. This recipe is a relaxing and rejuvenating way to take a shower or a bath and know that when you come out, your skin will feel refreshed and have a nice glow to it. This is a recipe that combines all the ingredients that your skin adores!

Ingredients;

1) One cup of brown sugar

2) 1/3 cup of Almond Oil 

3) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4) 3 tablespoons of cinnamon 

5) 1/4 cup of ground coffee

6) 10 drops of Rosehip oil (Optional) 

Instructions;

1) Mix cinnamon, ground coffee beans and brown sugar together in one bowl. 

2) Mix the vanilla extract, rosehip oil, and almond oil together in a separate bowl. 

3) Mix the two bowls together, and voila. You have your scrub. 

6 Ways This Benefits Your Skin; 

1) The caffeine in the coffee tightens and awakens your skin, it also helps get rid of stretch marks and scarring. 

2) The almond oil has multiple benefits in itself. It is anti-aging, it lightens and tightens skin, moisturizes, and makes your skin soft and smooth.

3) Vanilla extract smells delicious and is proven to help relieve cuts and burns (you really should not be using this scrub directly on a cut or burn, but it's a nice fact to know). The main reason is that it smells delicious.

4) Cinnamon is proven to help acne and plump skin because it brings blood to the surface of the skin. Warning* If you have an allergy to cinnamon or sensitive skin, it's best to not use cinnamon in this recipe. 

5) Brown sugar and coffee exfoliates skin and leaves a nice smooth touch. Exfoliation also helps create even toned skin and get rid of ingrown hairs. 

6) Rosehip oil has multiple benefits as well. It contains a punch load of vitamin C and is anti-aging. This is an optional ingredient, but highly recommended.

TIP* If you would like more information about some of these ingredients and their benefits, click on the links added to the ingredient list. 

TIP* It is not recommended to use this scrub everyday, because over-exfoliation will do more harm than good. You need to allow your skin to "heal." 

WARNING* I've mentioned this before, but in case you guys didn't read the entire post, DON'T use cinnamon if you have sensitive skin because it is an irritant.

WARNING* Do NOT use this on your face because the skin on your face is more sensitive than on your body. 

Natural Makeup Remover and Homemade Nightly Moisturizer!

Almond oil. I've mentioned this before, and I will mention it again. I may have briefly skimmed through the benefits of almond oil and how it can be used as the best makeup remover ever, but I just thought I should dedicate a post for this because everybody should know about it . Almond oil is the most effective makeup remover I have ever used, especially for eye makeup. And on top of that, while you are removing your makeup, it is benefiting your skin by acting as a dark circle and scar reducer. Consider almond oil before you buy those chemical infested makeup removers!



To use almond oil as a makeup remover, follow these three simple steps;
1) Wash your face and keep it damp.
2) Place the almond oil generously on a cotton pad.
3) Remove your makeup.
Simple as that!

Now, after you remove your makeup and before you hop off to bed, you will want to put something on your skin to keep it hydrated and repair it from any damage it may have received throughout the day. This is where the wonderful ARO comes in. No, it is not a skin care product you can buy in the store. Instead, consider these three words; Almond, Rosehip, and Oregano. This is a moisturizer you can make in the comfort of your own home with all natural, simple ingredients that do wonders for your skin. In my opinion, this is much better than any expensive moisturizer you can get with a million alien ingredients in it.

Ingredients for ARO
1) Almond oil - 5 drops
2) Rosehip oil - 3 drops
3) Oregano oil - 1 drop
Optional - 1 drop vitamin E oil

Five Amazing Benefits of ARO for your skin!
1) Anti-aging and provides elasticity
2) Improves overall complexion
3) Prevents and decreases acne (anti-bacterial)
4) Gets rid of dark spots, dark circles, and scars over time
5) Gives your skin a huge punch of vitamin C

Tip* ALWAYS apply any moisturizer (especially almond oil based) to a DAMP face.

Stinging Nettle, An Edible Weed

Stinging nettles are an unknown herb that is very common among Europe and North America and are seen as a bothersome weed in your yard or at local parks. However, what people don't know is the amazing health benefits and the easy accessibility for which you can obtain this herb. It can be ingested as a tea or a cooked to look and taste much like spinach. This herb contributes to many health problems as well as can enhance your beauty in the sense of obtaining that healthy glow.

Firstly, before you jump to shoving stinging nettles down your throat, here are some VERY important warnings you should know before ingesting stinging nettles.
* You MUST cook or boil YOUNG stinging nettle before ingesting. The reason for this is because young stinging nettles have not fully developed their "stingers," so it is easier to get rid of that hurtful acid on the plant, which has the same molecular structure as ANT ACID. But if you cook or boil it, that will get rid of it completely and it'll be like it was never there.

Seven Amazing Health Benefits of Stinging Nettles;
1) Contains High Amounts of Protein, Iron, Magnesium, and Calcium - All of these components are essential for maintaining healthy bones, skin, hair, and nails. It also supports the nervous system!
2) Treats Allergy Symptoms - Anti-inflammatory compounds as well as flavonoids contained within this plant reduces the amount of histamine in the body, therefore reducing the symptoms of allergic reactions and providing you relief in a natural, non-medicinal way!
3) Digestive Aid - Stinging nettle contains a natural diuretic which helps the kidney retain less water and supports urination, which may help get rid of kidney stones. As well as supporting urination, the stinging nettle also cleans and supports the digestive tract.
4) Prevents Hair Loss - Stinging nettle, most commonly used in oil form for this purpose, is used to stimulate and support hair growth as well as prevent hair loss. The oil may be applied to the scalp right before bedtime and rinsed off in the morning with shampoo, repeating this every one or two days. Along with this treatment, ingestion of stinging nettle tea or the cooked herb also helped support hair growth. With this treatment, results should be seen within several months.
5) Lessens Symptoms of PMS - This herb detoxifies the liver as well as reduces bloating and breast tenderness. This contributes to the lessening of the annoying symptoms that may come along with your time of month.
6) Great for your skin! - Stinging nettle benefits your skin by removing the toxins in your blood and contributing to heightening your iron intake. Good blood equals good skin everybody!
7) Antibacterial and Antiviral - Along with supporting your immune system and your overall health, stinging nettle is also proven to have antibacterial and antiviral properties, which prevents you from getting sick or helps deal with infections and colds.

Beet Beauty!

Since ancient times, beets (specifically their juices) were used for multiple homemade recipes to treat various diseases from blood to digestive disorders. Now, with modern science, these claims on the amazing health benefits of beets have become a fact. And with these amazing health benefits, along with their amazingly cheap price in the grocery store, beets can be used for their dying properties for external beauty uses!
Before I jump to conclusions and just give you the tips on how to smother beet juice on yourself, let's list some health benefits that keep your internal body delighted.

5 Benefits of Drinking Beet Juice;
1) They are anti-inflammatory
2) They lower blood pressure
3) Contain anti-carcinogenic properties
4) Contains phosphorus, iodine, iron, protein, potassium and vitamins A, C, B2, B1, and B6.
5) Contains anti-oxidant properties

TIP* If you plan on drinking pure beet juice, please drink in moderation. They are known for their detoxing properties and you may not want to drink too much of it. About half a cup a day should be the maximum.
OH, and by the way, they're sweet! =D

How to Apply Beet Juice for Beauty;
As I mentioned before, beets stain very well. I personally used this recipe and the redness stays on my lips literally all day long! This recipe is very simple to make and includes a lot of optionals.

How to extract the juice:
1) Get rubber gloves and an apron, or you'll stain your clothes in a blood-like color. Not a very good impression..
2) Cut the beet in half, and either put it in a juicer (easier option) or get a cheese shredder and start shredding the beet as you would mozzarella.
3) If you used the cheese shredder option, pick up the beet remains, put it over a bowl, and squeeze all the juice out of it. If you used the juicer, voila! You're done!

Now that you have the juice, what can you do with it?
Option one: You may just apply it to your lips, as is, and it'll stain wonderfully!
Option two:  Mix the beet juice with a bit of almond oil and lemon juice to help preserve the color and hydrate your lips! Then apply on lips for same effect as option one, but healthier and longer-lasting.
Option three: Add some beet juice to Vaseline to get a red lip gloss!

What else can you do with the juice other than use it for your lips?
Well, I'm glad you asked.
Option four: Drink it! Beet juice is very good for you and will maintain your healthy glow!
Option five:  Use it as a blush. You can dehydrate beet slices and then crush them in a coffee grinder to form a traditional powder blush! Or you can just apply the liquid to your skin, but VERY moderately and evenly. It takes some practice, but you'll get the hang of it =D

Say Bye Bye to Sunburns, Naturally!

It's that time of season again, and annoying sunburns are back. Most of us are guilty of going out and "tanning" to get that "nice healthy glow". Then you come back looking like a lobster. Everybody should be aware of all the damage your skin is going through when exposed TOO much UV rays. A little bit of sun does wonders for your health and your skin, but you must limit your exposure. Sunburns increase your chance of all sorts of skin related diseases (most popular one in the media is skin cancer), as well as age your skin. Remember to put on sunscreen before going outdoors.
And if you ignored my advice completely, here are some natural homemade remedies to replenish your sunburned skin and get it back to a normal colour, faster =D

Three Natural Homemade Treatments for Sunburns 
1) Aloe Vera - First of all, Aloe vera gel is a natural sunscreen and is known for its healing properties for burns. This will reduce swelling, redness and also accelerates the healing process along with removing the itchiness of the typical sunburn. This is definitely the miracle plant in a delicate case such as this.

2) Apple Cider Vinegar - Apple cider vinegar is a natural disinfectant and a marvelous tool for reduction of swelling and redness. It also makes your skin evenly toned and can be used as a daily face wash if diluted in water. For use of sunburns, add about 100mL of apple cider vinegar to your bath and soak in it for 15-20 minutes. It will smell for a while, but it evaporates quickly not leaving a trace of the vinegary smell.


3) Lavender Oil - Lavender oil is wonderful for calming skin and reducing redness. Add several drops of lavender oil to a cool bath and soak for about 20 minutes. Afterwards, moisturize your skin gently and stay hydrated.

Extra #4) Milk works as a nice relief for sunburns and soothes the skin. However, I would personally recommend Aloe Vera as a more effective, natural tool for sunburn relief. If you don't happen to have Aloe Vera on you, use milk instead.

Tips*
- Drink plenty of fluids and keep yourself hydrated.
- Apply moisturizer, such as almond oil, or Aloe Vera often so as to keep your skin moisturized. Your skin is begging for nutrition when it is sunburned, so take advantage of that.
- Use gentle shower gels and NO scrubs whatsoever.
- Take cool baths or showers.
- STAY OUT OF THE SUN! And after your sunburn has healed, learn your lesson and minimize your sun exposure to a healthy amount. Red and wrinkled skin is not attractive at all. Know your risks and stay safe =D

Foods for Easy Beauty Maintenance!

Typically, people tend to focus their attention on how to make themselves beautiful on the outside by slabbing on makeup, doing their hair, painting themselves, whatever it takes, you know? They don't take into consideration all the effects that it is having on the health of their hair and skin as well as the food they are ingesting in order to maintain this health. I believe the most beautiful people are the happiest and healthiest. And what better way to change your lifestyle for the better, and get healthy hair, skin, and nails in the process, than eating better and just adding a few good habits into your daily routine?

Here are 12 miracle foods that are beneficial to your health and beauty;
1) Green tea - This drink contains antioxidants, is believed to reduce your risk of cancer, keeps you hydrated, is known to support weight loss by boosting your metabolism, and helps you combat aging.
2) Quinoa - Contains a ton of protein and has all of the nine essential amino acids our bodies need, and contains iron, fibre, magnesium, manganese and riboflavin. All of these benefits of quinoa make it one of the top miracle foods, especially for vegetarians or vegans that need that extra protein and iron.
3) Chia seeds - This miracle food is thought to be the weight loss dream. It helps you feel full for hours due to the fact that it forms a gel coat when exposed to water. It also has antioxidants, omega fatty acids, proteins, stabilizes blood sugar, provides protein and a ton of other benefits. Definitely a must have.
4) Greek Yogurt - Greek yogurt contains protein, calcium, it contains less lactose (which is helpful for people who are lactose intolerant), and it is delicious! This is a excellent food to have in your daily diet.
5) Black Beans - This food provides support to your digestive system, regulates blood sugar, maintains cardiovascular health, and are high in protein, antioxidants, folate and fiber.
6) Flax Seeds - This is thought to be the ultimate wrinkle fighter, due to the fact that it contains omega-3 fatty acids and is a key against inflammation within the body. It also contains a high amount of fiber. This miracle food will help reduce your risk of cancer, heart disease, asthma, and diabetes.
7) Cantaloupe - Cantaloupe contains a payload of Vitamin A, postassium, and vitamin C and makes it a wonderful source for maintenance of beautiful skin.

8) Kale - Kale contains antioxidants, as well as a packload of Vitamin K, A, C, and B6, magnesium, and calcium. And all with a low amount of calories.
9) Tomatoes - This miracle food contains folate, vitamin C, A, K, is low in calories, fat free, and also contain thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, magnesium, phosphorus and copper, all are essential for good health and is contained in just this one food. On top of that, they are delicious! 
10) Blueberries - Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, lower the risk for a large range of cancers, been proven to preserve vision, lowers the risk of Alzheimer's, and aids in weight loss.
11) Almonds - Almonds contain manganese, vitamin E, magnesium, tryptophan, copper, vitamin B2 and phosphorus, lowers cholesterol, and reduces your risk of heart disease. Almonds help you maintain nice skin due to its abundance of vitamin E.
12) Spinach - This food contains antioxidants, is anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, contains vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, beta-carotene, manganese, zinc and selenium, effectively lowers blood pressure, is good for immunity and vision, and promotes healthy skin.