How To Remove An Ingrown Hair

As the name suggests, an ingrown hair is the one that curls back on itself and starts growing back into the follicle. Sometimes, the hair may even fail to grow out of the follicle and stay embedded in the skin. Usually, ingrown hair causes slight irritation, but at times, they can be quite painful and hideous. Moreover, if left untreated, ingrown hairs can become infected. This will aggravate the situation, leading to discomfort. Most of the people shave regularly, so they may have to deal with ingrown hairs quite frequently. So in case you wish to know how to remove an ingrown hair, read on.

How to Get Rid of Ingrown Hair 

First of all, identify the ingrown hair, as all the bumps on the skin are not caused by ingrown hairs. Ingrown hairs are even called ‘razor bumps’, as they mostly occur on the beard area or legs, where you shave. Ingrown hair cause skin irritation and look like a small pimple or cyst and may even contain pus.

For working on the ingrown hair, sterilize a pair of tweezers by washing it in alcohol. This will reduce the risk of infection, which may be caused by touching an open wound with a foreign object.

For sterilization, take rubbing alcohol in a cup and then place your tweezers in it. Leave it unattended for 2 minutes.

To treat the area, add a warm compress to the ingrown hair. Take a face cloth soaked in warm water, which should not be too hot, and place it on the ingrown hair. This will help in softening the skin and opening up the pore of the hair follicle.

If you can see the hair on the surface of the skin, it will be easy for you to pull it surface. In case the hair is not visible, apply hot compress on it till the time it becomes visible.

Once the hair surfaces gently pull the hair with the help of sterilized tweezers. However, don't pull the hair out completely as this will expose the bloodstream to the bacteria caught around the hair to get inside.

Gently pull out the hair, back to its extended position with the help of tweezers.

Wash the area around the ingrown hair with warm water and a moisturizing soap. This will further help to lessen the risk of infection.

Pat the area dry and apply an antiseptic to the area. This will help in killing any bacteria that may be surrounding the hair. Also, make sure you wipe away any pus that may have formed.

How To Naturally Brighten Your Teeth

Your smile is the first thing that attracts people towards you. However, what if the smile gives a peep of your yellow teeth? It is surely going to make people hesitate for an instant, if not stop them altogether. If your are also suffering from the problem of stained and yellow teeth, then the numerous TV advertisements of teeth whitening products will surely be tempting you to try them out. Now, just wait a minute! Before you even think of ordering them, be aware of the fact that there are a number of natural remedies for brightening your teeth, which, if not better, are at least as effective as the market ones, without the possible side effects. Want to know more? Go through the following line and get tips on how to naturally brighten your teeth.

Ways To Get Bright Teeth Naturally

Strawberries

Strawberries have been known to contain an enzyme that can help whiten the teeth. In order to use them for the purpose, all you have to do is mash a strawberry and making use of your fingers, rub the pulp onto your teeth (for a few minutes). Now, rinse your teeth well and floss, to make sure that strawberry seeds do not remain sticking inside.

Baking Soda

Since ages, people have been making use of baking soda, for adding that white glow to their teeth. What you have to do is take a teaspoon of baking soda in your palm and dip your toothbrush in it. Now, brush your teeth with it. If you want to remove stubborn stains from the teeth, add a little salt to the baking soda and use it to brush your teeth after ever meal.

Lemon Juice

It is well-known fact that lemon Juice contains a natural bleaching agent. This particular property of the juice can prove to be really effective in making your teeth white. Squeeze the juice of a lemon and add a teaspoon of salt to it, forming a paste. Brush your teeth with this paste and then rinse you mouth with cold water. You can use baking soda, instead of salt, to make it more effective.

Apple Cider Vinegar

If you are ready to bear some foul taste in your mouth, apple cider vinegar can surely help you treat the yellowing teeth. Add a few drops of apple cider vinegar to a teaspoon of baking soda, enough to form a thick paste. Now, use this paste to brush your teeth on a daily basis. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water, after brushing teeth with vinegar and baking soda.

Orange Peels & Bay Leaves

Though most of the people are unaware of the fact, orange peels and bay leaves can prove to be very effective, as a remedy for brightening teeth. Grind some bay leaves with orange peel and form a mixture. Dip your toothbrush in the mixture and brush your teeth with it. Rinse with water afterwards. You can also try rubbing the inner side of an orange peel over your teeth.

Some Tips 

Try to keep the intake of tea, coffee, soft drinks and cigarettes as low as you can. In fact, if possible, avoid them altogether.

Chew as much of crunchy foods, like apples, celery, carrots and broccoli, as possible. They are naturally abrasive and can help whiten teeth.

How To Make Herbal Massage Oil

Relaxed, rejuvenated and enchanted - that’s what a herbal massage therapy makes a person feel like!! A nice therapeutic massage not only relieves tension and stress after a long day at work, but also stimulates the blood flow and restores energy to the body, easing the person both externally and internally. While almost all of us, if given a chance, would head straight to a spa to attain such relaxation, you would be surprised to know that with little efforts, you can convert your 'home sweet home' into a 'spa salon' as well. 

All you need to do is dim the lights, put on a soothing music, regulate the temperature to warm and have herbal massage oil ready. If you are wondering how to make herbal massage oil, we are here to help you. In the following lines, we have provided detailed information on making such oils.

Herbal Massage Oil Recipes

Exotic Massage Oil

Ingredients

• 2 oz Almond Oil
• 16 drops Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
• 12 drops Geranium Essential Oil
• 10 drops Sandalwood Essential Oil
• 8 drops Patchouli Essential Oil
• 6 drops Clary Sage Essential Oil

Method

• Take a small bowl and mix all the essential oils.
• Now, pour the mixed essential oils into a bottle containing almond oil.
• Shake gently, until the mixture is thoroughly mixed.

Lavender Massage Oil

Ingredients

• 2 ounces Carrier Oil (Sweet Almond, Olive, or other)
• 5 -10 drops Lavender Oil

Method

• Add drops of lavender oil to a bottle containing carrier oil.
• Shake well, so that the oils get properly mixed.
• Use it as simple, relaxing massage oil.

Massage Oil for Baby

Ingredients

• 4 ounces Oil (Olive, Almond, Apricot, or Sunflower)
• 5 drops Lavender Essential Oil
• 5 drops Orange Essential Oil

Method

• Put all the ingredients in a bottle.
• Shake the bottle, so as to blend all the oils.
• The massage oil for your little angel is ready to be used!!

Pina Colada Massage Oil

Ingredients

• 1/4 Cup Castor Oil
• 1/4 Cup Sweet Almond Oil
• 1/2 Cup Mineral Oil
• 1/4 teaspoon Coconut Fragrance Oil
• 1/4 teaspoon Pineapple Fragrance Oil

Method

• The first step would be to combine all the ingredients in a bottle.
• Shake the bottle well, in order to mix all the oils.
• The pina colada massage oil is ready to be used!!

PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) Relief Massage Oil Blend

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup Oil (Sweet Almond, Olive, Sunflower, Grape Seed Oil, etc)
• 8 drops Geranium Essential Oil
• 4 drops Clary Sage Essential Oil
• 3 drops YlangYlang Essential Oil

Method

• The only thing you need to do is combine all the oils, according to the quantity listed, and mix them well.
• The oil is excellent to use before and during menstruation, as it helps to ease cramping. 

Sandalwood Massage Oil

Ingredients

• 8-10 tsp Grapeseed Oil
• 6 drops Sandalwood Oil
• 2 drops Lavender Oil
• 2 drops Rosewood Oil
• 2 drops Rose Oil

Method

• Combine all the ingredients in a bottle and shake well.
• Pour the mixed oil in a bottle and seal it well.
• Make sure you warm the oil a little, before every use.

Stretch Mark Massage Oil Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 oz Cocoa Butter, melted
• 1/2 oz Flaxseed Oil
• 1/4 oz Rose Hip Seed Oil
• 1/4 oz Wheat Germ Oil
• 10 drops Lavender Oil
• 8 drops Neroli Oil
• 4 drops Vetiver Oil

Method

• The first step would be to melt cocoa butter, flaxseed oil rose hip seed oil and wheat germ oil.
• Once melted, transfer the oils into a bottle.
• As soon as the mixture cools down and starts solidifying, add the essential oils. Make sure that the mixture cools at a soothing temperature.
• Regularly massage your skin with the oil.

How To Give A Full Body Massage

Scented votives, fresh flowers, snow-white towels, aromatherapy oils, blissful ambience, and an inviting masseur/masseuse, coupled with a stressed-out body all these things imply just one thing, an awaiting massage session! Massages present the best way to relax and pamper your body. While combating the pressures of the workplace and house, almost all of us knowingly or unknowingly take too much of stress. While you may think that your mind is the one that is most taxed, believe it or not, your body suffers no less and sometimes, even more than the mind.

A good massage, after a long and tiring week, would be a pleasant treat. Add to this, the pleasure arising from the fact that your spouse or a loved one is the one who is calming and soothing the parched areas of your body. Blissful, isn’t it!! If your spouse has lately undergone a lot of stress and seems tensed and strained all the time, the best bet would be to allow him/her the indulgence of a home spa.  Are you now wondering how to give a full body massage? If yes, then read the following lines, in which we have provided useful tips & technique for giving a full body massage.

Full Body Massage Technique

Step 1

Before giving a massage, it is extremely important to set the mood for it. Firstly, choose a dimly-lit room that is neither too dark nor too bright. The temperature of the room should also be just right. Play nice, soothing music in the background and have aroma candles and fresh flowers all over the room.

Step 2

To start the process, get some fluffy towels, on which the person receiving the massage can lie down. In the meantime, heat some calming aromatherapy oil. The warmth of the oil would provide soothing effect to the person and also help your hands slide smoothly on his/ her body. Choose oil that has a sweet soothing fragrance. 

Step 3

Make the person lie on the flat steady surface, front-side down. Ask him/her whether he/she is comfortable or not. It is very important to be in a comfortable position during the massage; lest the subject complains of having an ache after the therapy.

Step 4

Focus on the main areas of the body that carry a lot of tension and require greatest relief. The head, neck, shoulders and back are the most prominent regions, wherein the massage should be focused. Pour oil on your hands and start by massaging the bilateral sides of the head, in a circular motion. Apply slight pressure all around the head and behind the ears.

Step 5  

Stroke up the temples and run down your hands, at the base of the neck. Move out slowly to the shoulders, rubbing and kneading them as you proceed. With the help of your thumb, rub the joints of the neck and shoulders, in an upward motion. Slide your hands down to the person’s shoulders, gripping both of them and massaging with a bread-kneading motion.

Step 6

As you move to the different parts of the body, use liberal amounts of oil, so that your hands slide down the body, easily and effectively. In a circular and outward motion, go back up to the shoulders, by way of the sides of his/her body, kneading lightly up to the armpits. Run down your hands to the lower back and then up again.

Step 7

Most masseurs focus on the upper back region, completely forgetting that the lower back area is also a victim of continuous stress and pressures. Using the heels of your hands and thumbs, apply pressure to this area. Work your way down the buttocks, kneading in a circular motion. However, do not forget to massage the sides of their body, from the back of the hips to the top of the legs.

Step 8

Now, it’s time to move down and massage the legs. Start by massaging the top of one of the legs and then the other. In soothing circles, massage the thighs, gliding lightly over the back of the knees and then to their calves, working your way up and down. As for the feet, rub it energetically in an up and down motion, i.e. from heels to toes. Take enough of oil to keep the hands lubricated.

Step 9

Once the back portion is done, ask your subject to turn over. Start from the legs, gently massaging the shins and knees and move up to the thigh. Using soft strokes, but larger circles, play around the legs, running your hands up and down. Do not apply much pressure onto the abdomen.

Step 10

Massage the pubic bone, stroking upward, towards the bottom of the ribcage. Run your hands over the hips and then over the rib cage. As for the chest area, start from the middle of the chest, at the breastbone and work your way from the middle to the outside of the pectoral muscles.

Step 11

The last step would be to massage the neck, kneading each side gently. Start by rubbing it lightly with your thumb, along the jawbone, to just below the ear and back. With this, the whole body massage would come to an end.

Tips

• Remember, a full body massage should be done slowly and steadily.
• Touch the person as you would want to be touched, if you were getting a massage.
• In case your subject falls asleep in the middle of the massage, do not think otherwise. It is a compliment for you.
• Remember, a massage should be enjoyable not only for the receiver, but also for the giver.
• Lastly, take your time and trust your hands. You would surely do a fantastic job.

Home Remedies For Acne Scars

A common skin problem faced by young and middle aged people today is acne. Even if you get rid of acne, you will be left with ugly spots and marks on your skin, when the pimples get dry and fall off. The scars will not fade away, if they are left untreated. Finding a natural cure for acne scars is essential, especially when your skin is highly sensitive to the medical treatments available in the market. Read the home remedies given below and find yourself free of the unwanted 'after effects' of acne!  

Natural Cure For Acne Scars 

Mix two teaspoons of sandalwood powder with rose water, to form a thick paste. Apply the paste on the acne scars and leave it overnight. Rinse your face with cold water the next day. This is a wonderful way to get rid of the ugly marks on your face.

Another effective way to treat acne scars is to apply paste of sandalwood powder, mixed with little amount of powdered black gram. Apply the paste on clean face and leave it overnight. Wash your face with cold water, the following morning. If you find your skin becoming dry after the treatment, add some milk, while making the paste.

Blot your face with the juice of fresh cucumber. Wait for about fifteen minutes, before washing it off, using normal water. This will tighten the pores that have opened, due to the acne scars. Regular use of the juice will help fade away the scars as well.

Tomato is an effective natural cure for acne scars. Its antioxidant property helps nourish damaged and scarred skin. Slice a medium-sized tomato into equal halves. Apply the sliced tomato on the skin, where you have the marks. Wait for fifteen minutes and then rinse your face with water. This home remedy is especially suitable for oily skin.

Water is a natural treatment for various kinds of skin problem. It is an effective cure for acne scars too. Drink plenty of water daily, so that the dead skin cells get removed from your skin.

The citric acid in lemon juice effectively removes scars on the skin. To remove the dead cells and increase the elasticity of your skin, blot a cotton ball dipped in few drops of concentrated lemon juice. Leave it on for ten minutes, before rinsing your face with water.

Rosehip seed oil is found to be a wonderful natural cure for acne scars. Apart from being an anti-aging agent, it regenerates the skin and reverses the discoloration process as well. Gently massage the oil on the acne scars, twice daily.

Dip a cotton ball or a clean cloth in aloe vera juice. Apply the damp cotton/cloth on your acne scars. Leave it for about ten minutes and then wash your face with normal water.

The regenerative characteristic of lavender oil makes it an effective home remedy for acne scars. Massage the oil on the scars before going to bed. The next day, wash your face with water.

Mix one teaspoon of fuller's earth (Multani Mitti) powder with a clove of crushed garlic, ½ teaspoon honey and a little amount of carrot juice. Blend the ingredients together, to form a thick paste. Apply the paste on the acne scars and leave on for 20 minutes, before rinsing off with water.