natural remedy Archives

June 26, 2015 by Jhem Arzaga 57 Comments

Natural Ways to Get Rid and Lighten Dark Knees and Elbows

Image cc licensed by Peter Busse via Flickr

So you love wearing shorts and clothes that usually show off your knees.. And how about your elbows? They’re probably showing off, too. Don’t you feel a little self-conscious if you’re dark knees and elbows are always making a scene?

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that you should be self-conscious about your dark knees and dark elbows. But mostly— yes, most of the women are looking for remedies to get rid of them or lighten them to match their overall skin tone especially those who have darker skin like myself.

You don’t need to spend expensively just to lighten your dark knees and elbows, so cheer up! I’ll be sharing how you can do it yourself at home with just a little effort, of course.

But what really causes dark knees and dark elbows?

The culprits? First on the list is the build up of thick, dead skin on your knees and elbows.

Friction! Yes, it has a big contribution on the darkening of your knees and elbows. Think about the friction and the pressure you put on them, and those dead skins that’s playing hide-and-seek with you from the tiny folds of those areas. So try to avoid any habit that will provoke the appearance of your dark knees and elbows as much as possible.

What else? Uhmm, excessive sun exposure is another cause as can dry skin and if you’re not exfoliating and moisturizing well enough.

So now, let’s go on our natural home remedies to that annoying dark knees and elbows!

DIY scrubs/recipes to get rid of dark knees and elbows

Lemon or Calamansi

Lemon has a natural whitening agent (citric acid). It works as natural bleach, which can lighten dark knees and elbows, but not limited to lightening acne marks. You’ll only need half a lemon and apply it on the affected areas and leave it for 15-20 minutes before going to shower. Do it everyday and it’ll improve the appearance of the concerned areas.

Here in the Philippines, lemons are quite pricey so as an alternative, I used calamansi. I heard this tip from a Filipina actress Gladys Reyes who’s been pointing out that calamansi is her beauty secret for her good-looking and even skin all over.

Lemon + Honey

You may also want to try the combination of lemon and honey to get rid of your dark knees and elbows. Using calamansi will also do the trick. They act as a natural bleaching agent and the honey gives moisturization to the affected areas as it maintains a healthier skin.

You simply need to mix the juice of half a lemon and a teaspoon of honey, apply it into your elbows and knees. Massage it for a while in a circular motion and leave it as it is for 15-20 minutes before going to shower.

Olive oil

Olive oil alone can be used to combat uneven skin tone. It’s actually my most favorite solution for my knees and elbows. Why? Because I’m lazy, hihi.. It’s very convenient because after applying enough amount and you’re set to go. Whether you want to rinse it or leave it on your skin all day, it’s all up to you. It moisturizes well and easily absorbed. Bye-bye dead skins that causes darkening in those areas!

Turmeric + Olive oil + Sugar

Don’t underestimate turmeric, its usage is not only for cooking. The antioxidant in it saves the skin from premature aging and sugar will slough off the presence of dead skins. Olive oil provides moisturization.

A teaspoon of turmeric, a tablespoon of sugar, and a teaspoon of olive oil is all you need to mix, mix.. and mix before applying it on the affected areas. Massage it into your skin in a circular motion, then rinse it after a while.

If you feel like you don’t want adding turmeric, you can still do it with only sugar and olive oil. 🙂

Baking soda + Milk

It is commonly used as a cleaning and whitening agent at home, especially in the kitchen, but it also works well when used as a dark skin lightening remedy. Milk also has the ability to soften, moisturize, and whiten the skin.

Put a tablespoon of baking soda in a clean bowl and gradually pour the milk in it to make a paste-like mixture. Rub it on your knees and elbows to slough off dead skins in it and do it everyday or every other day. Moisturize afterwards. 🙂

If you don’t want to use milk, just use water.

Aloe vera gel

Aloe vera helps to regenerate tissues and moisturizes the skin to combat dryness that contributes to the darkening of knees and elbows.

You’ll need a fresh aloe vera leaves, squeeze the gel from it, then apply it on your knees and elbows. Wait around 20 minutes before going to shower or rinsing it.

You’ll say bye-bye dark knees / elbows eventually but..

The key to effective results is patience. Using any of the mentioned methods above doesn’t mean you’re going to wake up with your desired result in the next morning. No, it’s not like that. These remedies require your consistent effort until you see your dark knees and elbows have finally lightened.

October 3, 2014 by Jhem Arzaga 2 Comments

10 Facial Cleanser That Won’t Make You Want To Use Soap Ever Again

Tired of using soaps that caused unwanted effects on your pretty face? Do you hate it whenever your skin becomes dry or feels tight after using a particular soap or facial cleanser that you regularly buy? That’s so frustrating! Want to try something new?

I know.. I know, facial cleanser is essential for your daily skin care regimen. I am not telling you to stop using it. I’m here to give you an alternative way and will naturally cleanse without using soap or any chemical-laden products.

10 Natural facial cleanser

Milk

Image under cc license, shared by rosipaw via Flickr

Milk as a facial cleanser? Absolutely, yes! It benefits both outside and inside of your body. It’s always a good idea to use whole milk because the fat and proteins will keep your skin moisturized and plump. Plus– the lactic acid in milk works in removing dead skin cells, too! Simply pour enough amount into the palm of your hands, you can always freely decide how much you want to use, so go ahead. Massage it gently into your face in a circular motion. Rinse with warm water. You’ll love the super soft feeling afterwards!

Honey

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Honey is an excellent facial cleanser for all skin types. Those who have sensitive and acne prone skin will surely benefit from using this because honey has a healing properties that helps in reducing redness and soothes irritated skin. A regular use of this can make your skin look younger while giving you an instant soft and supple skin. Apply honey all over your dry face, no pre-water wash. Let it on your skin for 15-30 minutes, then rinse with warm water. You’ get an instant soft and well moisturized skin!

Yogurt

Image: Bigstock

I said yogurt, I mean plain yogurt and not the flavored one. Once again, those who have sensitive and acne prone skin will benefit from using it as a facial cleanser. Why? Because it exfoliates the skin in a gentle manner while clearing up those annoying blemishes and skin discolorations. Yogurt also offers a natural way to reduce wrinkles! Prepare 2 teaspoons of yogurt, if you’re not allergic to lemon, you can add 2 drops into your yogurt and mix them. Apply it on your face and leave it for 20 to 30 minutes or until it dries. Rinse with warm water while giving your face a gentle massage in a circular motion.

Oats

Image: Bigstock

You love eating oatmeal? Well, your skin also do. Feed your skin with oats and you’ll get a soft and well moisturized skin in return. It exfoliates the skin gently thus perfect for those who have sensitive skin. You will only need 1 tablespoon of oatmeal and soak it in a small amount of warm water, then mix them well to make a paste. You can also add drops of lemon if you want. Massage the mixture onto your face and use warm water in rinsing your delicious facial cleanser. 🙂

Eggs

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The protein and sulfur in eggs make it a great facial cleanser for those who have acne prone skin. Egg yolks have natural cleansing properties while egg whites take charge in toning the skin. Whip one egg in a small bowl, then start applying it into your face and allow it to dry. Wash it off with warm water and give it a gentle massage in a circular motion.

Sugar

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Sugar cleanses and exfoliates the skin while giving it a lovely shine. Use a very fine sugar and mix it with a small amount of water, enough to make a paste mixture. If you have a dry skin, you may want to use olive oil instead of water. And for oily skin, you can use aloe vera instead. You can also add lemon if you want. Massage the mixture into your face– gently, okay.. Next is to rinse it off with a warm water.

Avocado

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Avocado is rich in vitamin E and is best in conditioning not only for hair but also for the skin! It nourishes, moisturizes and cleanses skin while making it soft. Simply mash a ripe avocado in a small bowl and combine it with lemon. Apply it on your face and let your skin absorb the moisture for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water, and you’ll notice a well moisturized skin afterwards!

Pineapple

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If you’re someone who wants to have regular exfoliation with your skin, this one might be good for you. The bromelain in pineapple works as anti-inflammatory, which is a plus for those who have acne prone skin. Dead skin cells are also targeted with this pineapple facial cleanser. Rub a small slice of pineapple into your dry skin, or if you want to use the juice, you can do so, and apply it on your face and avoid the eye area. Let it stay on your skin for 5 minutes then rinse with warm water. This will make your skin looking fresh and fair.

Cucumber

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Cucumber is well known for its soothing and cooling effect. Aside from that, it sends the puffines away! Those who have sensitive and acne prone skin will enjoy it because it can reduce the redness and inflammation. Cut 2 thin cucumber slices and set it aside. Pulse the remaining cucumber in a blender, then apply it on your face. When you’re done, cover your eyes with 2 slices of cucumber, and leave it for 10-15 minutes and relax.. When time is up, rinse it with warm water.

Oil

Image under cc license, shared by Teresa Trimm via Flickr

And this is one of my favorite facial cleanser! If you have oily skin, this will also help you with the oily issues. Why? Because oil removes oil. For oil cleansing, you can use any or blend them together if you want– virgin coconut oil, olive oil, castor oil, or almond oil. I usually use castor oil, sometimes coconut oil. You’ll simply apply the oil to your face and massage it in a circular motion. Let it on your skin for a few minutes then rinse off with warm water. This will make your skin feeling soft and more radiant. And if you are bothered with your post acne marks, castor oil will help to fade them away!

Still hesitant and worries about removing heavy makeup? You can always use oil before starting to wash your face with any of the mentioned cleanser, see– still natural and no chemical!

So, what’s your bet?

Which of these natural facial cleansers would you like to try? Or, have you tried one before? It will be great if you share it in the comments below..

September 5, 2014 by Jhem Arzaga Leave a Comment

Banana Hair Mask For Your Hungry Hair

Have you ever heard about banana hair mask? Who says banana is just for eating? How about feed your hungry hair with some banana and get a natural restoration from hair fall, damages and breakage? Come on, let’s turn the nutritious banana into a hair food!

Image: ©ara245/DollarPhotoClub

I could not believe it when I first heard about this banana hair mask. It made me raise an eyebrow thinking it was banana for my hair, omg! Please excuse my ignorance, but that was just the first time I heard about that. All has changed when I realized what it can do for my hair! Honestly, I don’t eat banana since I was young. I don’t know why but at this age, I’m learning to cheat myself by adding banana with other fruits and put them together in a blender for my juice. I do that because I know banana has so many properties that our body needs. But as someone who is a fan of homemade remedies, I gave this banana hair mask a try and feed my hair with banana.. And I’m convinced by the result afterwards. Now, calm down, and think about this banana hair mask to give your hair a treat..

Okay, let’s talk about what this banana hair mask can do for your hair! Banana contains different types of vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, C, E and natural oils that can rescue your hair from split ends! It helps in improving hair growth and elasticity and at the same time it helps in preventing hair fall. When used as hair mask, the moisturizing property of banana penetrates deeply into scalp thus hydrating your hair. And right after trying this banana hair mask, you’ll notice your hair gets more bouncier, shinier and healthier looking. Are you going to say NO to that?

I’ve listed the ingredients that I used for the banana hair mask I made recently. It won’t cost you that much since all ingredients can be found in the pantry. This mask is boosted with effective ingredients which will surely make it worth your efforts. Don’t worry about the procedure in making this hair mask, it’s very easy, okay?

Banana hair mask recipe

What you will need:

2 ripe bananas (you may add more if you have long hair)
3 tablespoons coconut milk
1 tablespoon virgin coconut oil
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons honey
1-2 tablespoons plain yogurt (optional)
warm water (to dampen your hair)
shower cap

Procedures:

Wash the ripe bananas and cut into two or three parts to make it easier to blend later. Put it in a bowl.
Partially crush the bananas and now you may add the rest of the ingredients like vco, extra virgin olive oil, coconut milk, honey, and plain yogurt. Mix them together.
Transfer your mixtures in a blender so you’ll be sure that all ingredients are mixed thoroughly.
Assuming you’re done blending your banana hair mask, detangle your hair with a wide tooth comb and dampen it with warm water afterwards.
Start applying banana hair mask on your hair. Begin from the roots to the tips of your hair. Give your hair a gentle massage while applying your hair mask all over your hair.
When you’re done, simply cover it with a shower cap and let it stay for around 30 minutes.
Rinsing time! Wash your hair thoroughly with a mild shampoo and make sure there’s no banana residues left in your hair. This is optional but you may also use your favorite conditioner after shampooing to make the most of banana hair mask’s effects.
Dry your hair and you’re done!

You may use it for at least once or twice a week.

The results

You’ll have that instant good looking hair! Yes, instant! Why go for an expensive salon treatments when you can get the same results at home? Plus, you’ll be pretty sure that your hair is not harmed with chemical ingredients because this banana hair mask is all natural. Your good looking shiny and bouncy hair will make your pretty face more attractive since hair has a big part in looking at your best.

There are many available homemade hair remedies that you can try. You may also consider trying mayonnaise hair treatment from my previous post.

I hope you give this banana hair mask a try and tell us how it works on your hair.

That’s all for now. Til next time again.. 🙂

August 4, 2014 by Jhem Arzaga Leave a Comment

How To Get Rid Of Pimples By Using Baking Soda Face Mask

Treating acne doesn’t have to be expensive just to get the best of treating satisfaction. Baking soda has been offering absolutely cheap and one of the easiest procedures when it comes to acne home remedies.

How to get rid of pimples or how to remove pimples are the commonly asked questions of people suffering from annoying pimples, breakouts and acne just like me before when I am struggling in dealing and covering up acne. Baking soda face mask is one of the homemade remedies for acne that I have been using to get rid of pimples due to breakouts after I switched from chemically based cosmetics to natural and home remedies for acne. It has an effective role on how to get rid of pimples and is helping to achieve a clear skin. Effective and won’t hurt your skin and your pocket!

Bigstock.com

Baking soda face mask

The baking soda face mask is not only focusing on how to get rid of pimples or acne but your skin is also benefiting from removal of blackheads and preventing it. This mask is also congregating dry skin while it is drying itself and washes away dry skin as this mask was rinsed. This baking soda acne mask is balancing the pH level of the skin, it is known for neutralizing all kind of acids. At the same time, it is exfoliating the skin and removing excess oils and dirt that’s causing more breakouts. There are different methods of making baking soda face mask as home remedies for acne. Let’s make a simple, easy, yet effective baking soda face mask!

What you will need:

2tbsps. baking soda
1-2 tbsps. filtered water small bowl spoon

How to get rid of pimples

Step 1. Wash your face with your favorite facial wash and then dry it.

Step 2. In a bowl, combine baking soda and water to make a paste. Please just gradually add water to make sure that the mixture won’t be too watery and too thick. Just make a creamy paste mixture.

Step 3. Using your fingertips, apply the baking soda face mask to your face in a circular motion. Give your face a massage avoiding your eye areas while applying your homemade acne mask.

Step 4. Let the baking soda face mask stay for 15 minutes until it become totally dry.

Step 5. Rinse your face with lukewarm water, and then pat it dry with a clean face towel.

Step 6. Put your favorite moisturizer on your face. Baking soda has a drying effect that may dry your skin.

Voila! You’re done!

Reminders

Please note that while the baking soda face mask is in your face, you may feel a tingling effect in your face. Don’t worry, that’s okay. 🙂
And before doing a mask, always make sure that you are using Baking Soda and not Baking Powder! 🙂
Only use baking soda face mask twice a week.
Some skin types is not suitable for using this baking soda face mask as their home remedies for pimples. If irritation occurs, stop using it again.

I hope you find this post on how to get rid of pimples with baking soda mask useful. Don’t forget to share it with your friends. 🙂 You’ll get updates of my new posts on my Facebook Page ( Jhem Says ) and on Twitter @jhemkitty. I’ll be glad it if you leave a comment below and share your experience on how baking soda face mask works for you!