Want to Have a Younger, Smoother Hands?

For mothers like me, hands are the most abused body part.

I don't need to elaborate more because it takes a pinch of common sense :)

As a stay at home mom, I do most if not everything in the house. Cleaning, cooking and washing. I'm proud to say that I prefer washing our clothes than let other people wash them. Well, except for situations like if I really don't have time to do the laundry especially when hubby is here because we often go out.

My hands look like its from an old lady already. haha! I do the laundry almost everyday because I need to wash my kid's uniform. Its rough and my skin is peeling off  that if I apply lotion the skin flakes are already all over my body. Geezz...

If you are like me, then we would want to try this steps for a smoother and younger hands.

• Set aside a small basin with warm water and a sponge or washcloth. Next, wash your hands as usual. Instead of bar soap, use a liquid cleanser especially made for the hands. Towel dry.
• This is essential for calloused and very dry skin. Soak hands in the warm water for five minutes. Shake off excess water and gently remove rough skin with the sponge or washcloth. Remember to scrub lightly.
• Give your hands a more serious scrub with an exfoliating product. Choose one that has tea tree oil, mint, or any soothing agent to relieve tired, overworked hands. Again, be gentle. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
• Warm a bottle of oil in a basin of lukewarm water. Then pour enough warm oil into another basin to dip your hands in. Soak for five minutes or so then remove. Rub the remaining oil on your hands. This prevents chipping, splitting, peeling, and cracking of the hands and nails.
• Apply lotion, cream, or balm generously for about 10 minutes or until absorbed. Strengthen split and chipped nails with a nail cream. femalenetwork.com

Lip Care

How do you take care of your lips?

Here are some ways to do that...

• Drink plenty of water, thoroughly hydrate your skin, including lips.
• Avoid harsh weather. If this is impossible, make sure you always protect your lips by applying a lip balm.
• Try using the lip balms regularly. If you wait until you have chapped lips, the recovery will take longer.
• Try not to lick your lips or remove the skin with your fingers. It irritates the skin, and slows down any efforts we invest in lip care.
• Make sure you take vitamin supplements. Often, cracks in the corner of the mouth indicate a deficiency of Vitamin B2.

Start off with a lip scrub recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of honey
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• Olive oil

Mix honey and baking ingredients until the mass resembles a paste.
Apply the mix on your lips and leave it on for a couple of minutes.
Gently rub the lips.
Wash of with lukewarm water

Let the lips dry out and then apply olive oil. It will help the lips hydrate.

Causes and Remedies for Dark Circles

Looking  at the mirror I see not only zits but dark circles as well. I was saddened because it only proves that I'm getting older each day.

What causes dark circles anyway?

Age

Ageing is the main factor for the development of dark circles. As you age, the skin becomes dry and the dark circles become very prominent.

Stress

Stress is also considered to be another common cause of dark circles. Dark circles are developed due to stress which includes excessive workload, family problems, money problems and many more. Stress has become quite common also among the youth which in turn cause dark blemishes under their eyes.

Lack of proper sleep

People who do not get their share of 8 hours of sleep on a daily basis will develop dark under eye circles.

Dehydration

Sometimes, there may be an excessive loss of water from the body, which could make your skin dry and weak.

Nutrient Deficiency

Dark circles can also be formed due to lack of healthy diet. It is very important to consume a meal that is rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals that are extremely essential for the body’s development. These nutrients should be consumed on a daily basis to avoid any kind of health related problems.

So you see, age has something to do with it. Uhmm... I guess I'm going through all of the above. haha!

And what are the remedies for dark circles?

1) Application of a thin sliced cucumber on top of each eye for 15 to 20 minutes, twice a day, relieves stress and cools down the eyes. 
2) A mixture of almond oil and honey should be applied on the affected area every night before bedtime. You will see a remarkable improvement in two to three weeks. 
3) Consume at least two to three liters of water on a daily basis. Water is a very essential remedy in this case and it flushes out the toxins present in the body.
4) Tea bags are known to be very effective in curing dark circles. A cold tea bag should be put on top of each eye for 10 to 15 minutes everyday. 
5) Make a paste of fresh mint leaves and add a few drops of lime juice in it. Apply the mixture on the eyes and the dark circles for 10 to 15 minutes everyday and see the difference in two to three weeks. 
6) Rose water is considered to be a natural coolant for the body and has been an old home remedy for generations. Apply two to three drops of rose water on a cotton ball and gently massage on the affected area of the eye for five to six minutes. You will see the result in two to three weeks. This method is considered to be one of the most effective cures for dark circles.