Revealed: Remedies for clogged pores

The pores in the skin can get clogged as a result of oil, dirt or dead skin cells. It is very important to keep the pores free of clogs to prevent acne and other skin problems. Our body pores helps us stay clean by throwing out all the waste elements including dead skin cells. However, certain build-up due to dirt and other impurities lead to clogged pores.

However, there are simple home remedies that can be done to get rid of clogged pores. Here are some of the remedies that can be of help in your fight against clogged pores.

Steaming 

Steaming is one of the simplest home remedies that can be used to open clogged pores and also the cheapest option. Fill a bowl with boiled water and put your face over the bowl to allow the steam to rise up over the skin and place a thick towel over your head. After steaming, pat it dry then use a toner to cleanse the skin. Do not forget to moisturise afterwards. 

Lemon 

The citric acid present in lemons help exfoliate the skin and clean out dirt and oil that clogs the pores. Apply fresh lemon juice on the clogged skin rub it gently for five to ten minutes. Rinse it off with warm water, pat dry and apply a mild moisturiser to it.  

Exfoliate 

Exfoliation is important because it lifts impurities from the skin. Combined with cleansing and moisturising, exfoliating is the ultimate way to improve your skin and fight against clogged pores. Exfoliating like steaming, is one of the best ways to get rid of clogged pores. 

Parsley 

Parsley is a natural astringent which pulls toxins out of the skin and assists in removing clogged pores. Put the parsley in a large bowl of boiling water and allow to soak and cool. Once you are done, dip a wash cloth in the bowl and apply to your face. Do this once weekly and your pores will be free of dirt. 

Egg mask

Egg mask have excellent skin-toning properties which makes the soft and supple. They have skin tightening properties that helps to keep your pores in check. Apply egg white on a clean face and allow to dry. Once dried, wash off the mask with warm water. 

Natural way to minimise pores

Pores are tiny openings in the skin which take on a larger appearance when they are clogged with impurities such as oil. Dead skin cells also make pores become larger. Large pores can also be caused by age, genetics or skin problems. People that have acnes or blackheads are often associated with the problem with the problem of large pores. There are home remedies that can be done to minimise pores.

Cucumbers 

Cucumber is rich in silica and helps to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. It provides beauty benefits as well as health benefits when eaten or applied directly to the skin when it is in its raw state. Cucumber cleanses and reduces pores but not only that, it also reduces swelling and brightens complexion.  

Baking soda 

Baking soda has some antiseptic properties that help prevent breakouts. Apply baking soda on your face and leave it to stay for sone minutes, then wash out with warm water followed by a splash of cold water. The cold water helps to close the pores after the cleansing action of the soda. 

Rose water

It is ideal when used as toner or pore minimiser. The rose water is a mild natural astringent and suitable for all skin types. Rose water is also used to refresh the skin, deep cleanse and refine skin tone giving you a brighter complexion.  

Witch hazel 

It has high tannin content and other astringents that cause skin cells to contract when they come in contact with it. The witch hazel has the ability to tighten pores, flush out dead skin cells and reduce breakouts leaving you with a clearer skin. 

Green tea 

Green tea has antioxidant properties which when used on the skin can do lots of things such as reducing wrinkles, making the skin firmer, better skin tone and also reduces pores. Green tea also has the ability to cure bad breath.

When you do all these you will definitely combat the problem of large pores. 

REVEALED: Secret to a beautiful skin

Beauty is only skin deep and a beautiful skin is one of the most attractive indicators of beauty. There are some important beauty rituals one has to undergo before achieving a beautiful and flawless skin. We also need to have enough sleep, eat healthy, drink lots of water, avoid smoking and alcohol (if you must drink let it be red wine but not too much).

Tips to flawless skin 

1. Keep skincare simple 

Most people overuse products in their skincare regimens and this is the biggest mistake in skincare. Sometimes people wonder what the problem could be because after making use of all the expensive products they come across, their skin still doesn't look good instead it gets worse. The problem is because they use lots of different ingredients which can easily react and cause irritations. Products needed for a simple skincare are a cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen. Choose the ones suitable for your skin or better still a dermatologist can help you out. 

2. Don't miss exfoliation 

Use a mild exfoliator because harsh exfoliators may make the skin flaky. Do not over-exfoliate, exfoliation should be done 2-3 times in a week. I prefer using a sugar scrub to exfoliate because it works magic for me.

3. Use Retinoids or Retinols 

A retinoid should be the foundation of any anti-aging beauty regimen. They unplug pores, reduce fine lines, lighten freckles, removes acnes and improves skin texture. 

4. Wear sunscreen 

The sun's UV rays are a major cause of pigmentation. You can get laser treatments to help deal with pigmentation, be proactive with your skin care and wear an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15, daily to protect your skin against the sun. 

5. Stop changing products 

Give your products time to work because constant changing of products can be disastrous to the skin. Finish making use of a product first before you decide how well it works, just don't dump it halfway because you feel you cannot see any positive results. 

Note:- If your skin reacts to any product you use, please stop using it immediately. 

You can also swap your products only on seasonal occasion, for instance; if you use an oil-free moisturiser in the summer and swap it for one that is more emollient during the winter it can strip your skin of moisture. 

New: How to choose sunscreen

Some sunscreens can prevent sunburns and reduce the risk of skin cancer while others can cause skin irritation. Sunscreen should be an important part of your beauty routine especially when going out in the sun. It provides some sort of sunblock for the skin.

Things to know when choosing sunscreen 

 Read labels

Always read the product labels of products you buy not just sunscreen. Buy a no-sting product or  one specifically made for your face. An ideal sunscreen product should have a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15. Choose one that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Also, sunscreens with Zinc and Titanium dioxide are known to be long-lasting sunscreens, so always look out for them. Do not forget to check the expiry date of the sunscreen. 

Body type 

When choosing sunscreen you have to know the type of skin you have so that your skin will not react to the sunscreen you use. 

i) Dry skin:- 

If you have a dry skin go for a sunscreen with a moisturising base such as sunscreen cream. Do not use a water or gel based sunscreen. 

ii) Normal skin:- 

When your skin is inbetween dry skin and oily skin, a lotion based sunscreen will provide the right amount of hydration that your skin requires without causing reactions. 

iii) Oily skin:- 

Use a sunscreen that is water or gel based. These sunscreen formulations provides a cooling effect on the skin and also reduces breakouts. 

For sensitive skin:- 

Go for hypoallergic and fragrance free sunblocks, preferably with minerals like Titanium oxide and Zinc oxide. Physical sunscreens containing these elements sit on top of your skin and will not get absorbed which is ideal for sensitive skin. 

Skin benefits of honey

Honey is a natural sweetner and has also been used as a natural remedy to cure many ailments. Really honey can do more than just sweetening up your coffee or tea. It can also be used in beauty routine because it can do lots of things such as cleansing pores and treating damaged hair.

How to use honey in beauty treatment 

1. Damaged hair

Add one teaspoon of honey to your normal shampoo, you can mix with olive oil for a deep conditioning treatment. Allow to stay for 20 minutes before shampooing hair. This makes your locks soft and also moisturises your hair without stripping the hair of its natural oils. 

2. Hair lightener 

Honey has a natural bleaching effect which can be used as a hair lightener. Mix 1 tbsp. of honey with 6 tbsps. of distilled water and apply to your hair, then rinse off after one hour. Try doing this weekly for amazing results. 

3. Sunburns treatment 

Honey has properties which can restore hydration to the skin. You can mix aloevera and honey together before applying to your sunburns because they have anti-inflammatory properties which treat sunburns. 

4. Moisturiser 

Honey is very soothing and moisturising. It draws moisture to the skin and penetrates into the layers of the skin for long lasting hydration. Apply raw honey on a clean dry skin and allow to sit for 20-25 minutes before rinsing off with water. 

5. As bath soak 

Give your body a little pampering by putting few drops of honey in the tub especially when you had a stressful day. The presence of honey in the tub while soaking your body helps to soothe and relax your muscles and also moisturise the skin. You can also add essential oils for more pampering. 

6. Hair removal 

Mix 1 tbsp. of raw honey with 3 tbsps. of brown sugar and 1 tbsp. of lemon juice. Boil the mixture until it starts bubbling very well, then bring it down and allow to cool. With the aid of cotton ball apply this mixture on the part of your body with unwanted hairs. Put a cotton strip on the area the mixture was applied and rub it for few minutes then gently pull the cotton against the direction of hair growth. 

7. Acne treatment 

Apply raw honey to the affected areas using a cotton swab and allow to sit for 20-25 minutes before washing out. Honey has antifungal properties that destroy bacteria which can lead to breakouts and imbalances. 

8. Removal of dark circles 

Take a tbsp. of honey and apply to the dark circles then rinse off after 20 minutes. You can mix honey with olive oil before applying it to the affected areas. This makes the dark circles vanish but this treatment must be done daily for effective results. 

Easiest way to get your own coconut oil

Coconut oil is a type of oil which is gotten from cocouts. It is very good for cooking, offers a variety of health benefits and also very good for skin and haircare. On this particular topic, i will focus on how best you can make your own coconut oil at home. This actually saves a lot of money and you will also be 100% sure that there are no added preservatives in your coconut oil.

How to make your own coconut oil 

1. For starters, choose three or four mature coconuts. This is very necessary because if you use a young coconut, you will get very little oil. 

2. Shave off the outer shell of the coconut, do this with the help of a knife.

3. Use a hand grater to grate the coconuts. 

4. Extract the coconut milk from the grated coconut using a cheese cloth. Wrap the cheese cloth around the grated coconut and squeeze to exract th milk from the coconut. 

5. Pour the milk in a wide mouthed jar and keep the jar in an isolated place for 24 hours. 

6. After 24 hours, you will notice that the curd will be on top, the oil will be at the middle and water will be at the bottom. 

7. Scoop out the curd with a spoon until you get to the oil, then scoop out the oil and put in a clean container. On the alternative, freeze the coconut milk and after 24 hours when the curd and oil are hard, you can easily separate the curd and oil. 

Vóila! Your homemade coconut oil is ready for use! 

This is the method i use whenever i make my coconut oil because when i tried the heat method, everything burnt and i didnt get any oil. So this is my best reliable method of making coconut oil because it is easy and heat is not involved thereby giving you that pure virgin coconut oil you want! Try making yours and enjoy using it :) 

How to get bright eyes naturally

Our eyes is the mirror to our soul. Who wouldn't want want the mirror to their soul bright? Bright eyes enhances our looks making us radiant. Sometimes we are also the cause of having dull eyes by some practises of ours such as; going out in the sun without sunglasses to protect the eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. Using makeup to make your eyes look brighter and bigger is ok but there is nothing better than getting this look naturally.

Water splash 

Always splash cool water on your eyes whenever you are less busy. It washes away impurities and also moisturises the eyes especially after being exposed to heat for a long time. This also helps to keep your face fresh. 

Tea bags 

Place tea bags in water to make them wet, then bring out the tea bags from the water and place in the freezer to cool. Apply olive oil to the eyelids with the aid of a cotton ball. Take out the tea bags from the freezer after they must have cooled. Lie on your back and place the tea bags on your eyes, allow to stay for some minutes until it gets warm. Then wash your face and moisturise. 

Aloe vera gel 

Dip two sizeable cotton balls into aloe vera gel and put them in the refridgerator until they get cold. Place the cold cotton balls soaked in aloe vera gel over your eyelids. Leave for ten minutes before removing and splash water on your face. 

Cucumbers 

The high water content in cucumbers makes the use of cucumbers on the eyes very effective. Put two slices of cucumber into the freezer to chill. Bring out the slices of cucumber after sometime, lie on your back and place the slices on your eyelids. Leave them for 5-10 minutes. You can also use chilled spoons as an alternative for this method. 

Honey 

Honey has disinfecting properties which helps to make the eyes glow. Put few drops of honey into the eyes and leave for 15-20 minutes and wash out carefully. Do this twice a week. 

Milk 

Dip a cotton ball into cold fresh milk that has been refridgerated. Lie down on your back and place them on your eyes for 15-20 minutes. Wash face and moisturise as usual. This is a very recommendable eye cleanser. 

Strawberry

photos: pixabay


Bring a strawberry out from the refridgerator, remove the top and cut the strawberry into slices. Place the slices under your eyes and allow to stay for 10 minutes. Then wash and moiturise your face as usual. 

How to remove stains from clothes

Have you ever had a stubborn stain ruin your favourite cloth? If no then you are so lucky. It can be so annoying when we get these stains which refuse to be removed even when we wash those clothes vigorously to get the stain out. You have to know that when we wash our clothes so hard in an effort to  get the stains out, it might cause the cloth to tear in the process and make the matter worse. Now i have some tips which can be of great help to you when removing stains.

To remove stain from white 

To remove stain from a white cloth you have to apply a liquid soap directly to the stain and rub gently with a soft white piece of cloth. Never use a coloured cloth to rub on the stain as this may worsen the situation. Soak the cloth in cold water for 15-20 minutes before washing.  

i. Avoid heat 

Before washing the stained cloth always soak the cloth with cold water to ensure the stain doesn't totally dry on the cloth. Avoid placing the material near heat source until after washing the cloth. 

ii. Avoid bleach 

Avoid using bleach when removing stains from clothes because they are very harsh on clothes and are often ineffective when it comes to removing stains. Stubborn stains can be removed using liquid glycerin. Rub the glycerin on the stain, soak in cold water and wash. 

To remove oil stains 

To get oil stains out of clothes especially white, add baking soda or corn starch directly on the stain and wash the cloth again then spread the cloth outside so that the direct rays of the sun can get to the stained area. This actually works wonders. 

To remove wine stains 

To remove wine stains, apply vinegar on the stain and leave it for some minutes, then rinse it out before washing. If the stain doesn't go out immediately, repeat the process. 

To remove ink and grease stains 

To remove ink stains apply vinegar to the stain and also rub baking soda on the stain. Allow it to dry before washing. To remove grease marks rub white chalk on the spot and then run the cloth through the washing machine again.

How to make carrot oil

Carrot oil is really good for the skin and hair, it also has many health benefits. Carrot oil has antioxidant properties which makes the oil very suitable for curing skin problems such as stretch marks. Carrot oil when applied to hair can be very good for the hair and makes it healthy.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED:- 

1. Carrots (as much as you want) 

2. Grater 

3. Glass jar 

4. Coconut oil, olive oil or any other natural oil 

5. Cheese cloth

images: pixabay

Directions:- 

i. Wash the carrots and peel the skin. 

ii. Grate the carrots with the hand grater. 

iii. Place the grated carrots in a clean glass mason jar and cover with the oil of your choice. 

iv. Cover the jar and keep in a warm place preferably a window sill so that the heat from the sun can reach it. 

v. Stir it every three days for two weeks. 

vi. Finally, strain the oil using a clean cheese cloth and get your amazing carrot oil. 

C'est fini!

DIY Exfoliants

Why should we exfoliate? 

We all need to exfoliate not just our face but our whole body because when new skin cells form, the dead skin cells stay on top of the new ones which makes the skin appear flaky and dry. This might also lead to skin problema such as acne, this is why exfoliating is necessary because it removes these dead cells entirely making the new skin cells appear to the outer layer of the skin. This makes the skin bright, radiant and beautiful. The good news is that you can do these exfoliants yourself. 

Sugar and lemon 

Sugar and lemon softens and removes dead skin cells. To prepare this exfoliant, place 1/2 cup of coconut oil in a bowl (you can use olive oil or any other oil for your choice). Add 2 tablespoons of sugar to the bowl and stir the mixture together. Add one tablespoon of lemon juice to the mixture as this helps make the scrub more effective. Apply the mixture to a washed face, then use a wet towel to remove the scrub and splash cold water on your face. You can store this mixture in a container with a tight lid as this can stay for some weeks. 

Yogurt 

Place yogurt in a bowl and mix with olive oil or a lighter oil such as coconut oil. Apply to your face, leave it on for 15-20 minutes then wash face with cold water and pat your face using a clean dry towel. This helps to stimulate blood flow. 

Baking soda 

Baking soda is one of the major ingredients in many exfoliation products. You can just apply it to your face without mixing any other substance to it or you can mix it with olive oil and apply to the face. Rub it in the face in a circular motion, rinse it off then wash face with your normal facial soap. 

Oatmeal 

Mix finely ground oatmeal with honey and buttermilk together until the mixture is creamy. Rub on your face in a circular motion and allow to stay for some minutes before washing off. This exfoliant is really gentle and really moisturises the skin. 

Toothpaste and salt 

images: Pixabay


Put one tbsp of toothpaste (not gel) in a bowl, add one teaspoon of salt to the bowl. Mix them together and apply to the skin in a circular motion. Leave for 10-15 minutes then rinse off with warm water and do the rinsing using cold water as this closes the pores. This treatment is not only good for dead  skin but also pimples as well. 

Blueberry and honey 

Mix 1/2 cup of fresh blueberries, 2 tbsps honey and 1 tbsp of sugar together. Put them in a food processor and blend until smooth and creamy. Apply to a washed face and leave for ten minutes before rinsing off. 

Beauty secrets of baby oil which doesn't involve babies

Baby oil is made with mineral oil and fragrance. So many people believe baby oil is just for babies and adults shouldn't be involved...this is so false. Actually there was a celebrity who said her beauty secret was baby oil which she couldn't do without. She also confessed that every lady should have it to keep her looking ever young.

I have been using baby oil for the past three months and i have noticed a huge impressive improvement on my skin. Its now so smooth and soft and you won't believe that i have actually stopped suffering from the breakouts i always had before i started using baby oil!

Ways to use baby oil

1. Remove makeup 

Baby oil can be used to remove eye makeup by putting some of the oil on a cotton pad. Rub it over your makeup and use another cotton pad to remove excess oil. 

Reduce stretch marks 

Rub baby oil on your belly when pregnant to help prevent stretch marks which is always the problem expectant mothers always face. 

Cold weather

Rub baby oil after showering to keep yourself warm. But how? 

When you apply baby oil before dressing up, the oil helps close the pores and provide insulation for the body. 

Bath oil 

Put some drops of baby oil into your bath. The results? A soft, supple and radiant looking skin, you will atually want to be doing this all the time.

Massage oil 

Baby oil can be used as a massage oil. Pour small amount of oil into your hands and use to massage any part of your body or better still, get someone to do it for you. 

Cleaning shoes and bags 

It is used to clean leather bags and shoes. All you need to do is to put little amount of baby oil into a soft cloth and use to rub on the shoes and bags. 

Untangling tangled necklace 

images: Pixabay


When tangled necklace seems impossible to undo, do not throw your necklace away rather apply baby oil to it. This lubricates the necklace making it easier to untangle. 

How to enhance beauty naturally

Wanna upgrade your looks naturally without going under the surgeon's scissors? This blog will guide your steps and here we go.....

Rest 

Get enough sleep at least 7-8 hours a day. You may be surprised to know that afternoon nap eases the brain and relieves it of its workload. While asleep, our cells take time to renew themselves so always have your "beauty sleep" so that you will always look bright and beautiful. 

Exfoliate 

Our skin always produces new cells and when the new cells appear the dead ones stay on top and make the skin look flaky and dull. These dead cells need to be removed and this is the reason we need to exfoliate 2-3 times in a week. While we talk about exfoliation, i must also let you know that over-exfoliation is not good. As the saying goes "too much of everything is not good" same goes when exfoliating and be sure to moisturise after exfoliating. 

Cigarettes and alcohol

Smoking of cigarettes and drinking of alcohol do our body system more harm than good. One cigar puff introduces hundreds of toxic substances into the body and too much alcohol makes the skin dry out which leads to premature aging and wrinkles. Though it may be seem so difficult but you need to quit smoking and reduce your alcohol intake in order to look younger and stay healthy.

Take deep breaths 

Stress makes us to age prematurely ans when we look old our beauty fades. In order to win the war against stress we need to be in some practices such as YOGA. Yoga involves deep controlled breathing practises which is an exercise that helps us to combat stress. Take deep breaths regularly.

Eat right

#1 rule: Drink lots of water at least eight glasses of water a day.

#2 rule: Do not skip breakfasts

#3 rule: Eat lots of fruits and veggies. 

#4 rule: Avoid fatty foods

As the saying goes "an apple a day keeps the doctor away." We are what we eat, if we are healthy inside that will make us beautiful outside. By drinking lots of water, we flush out toxic substances from the body through sweat and urine. 

Exercise 

Regular workouts keeps the body fit and healthy. You can get registered in a gym, get a personal trainer oe be your own personal trainer. Start exercising today and be part of this  BEAUTY ENHANCEMENT JOURNEY!

Keep smiling 

Always be confident of yourself and smile always. Smiling brings out the beauty in us and makes us look bright. Always remember that everyone is naturally beautiful and always tell yourself you are beautiful. 

Be updated!!!

Beauty secrets of avocado pear

Hello everyone!
 I was really amazed when i came across an article that revealed more beauty secrets of avocado for hair and skin. I decided not to be stingy with my newly accquired knowledge and decided to share it on my blog :)

Avocado is a fruit whose oil is similar to that of olive oil. The oil when used to cook helps fight heart diseases and cancer. This great fruit can also do many more.

Hand scrub 

Mix some mashed avocado with some finely ground sugar, rub into your hands and leave for some minutes, then rinse it off with water. This helps to exfoliate the dead skin cells from the hands, leaving them very soft and smooth. 

Hydrates skin tone

It gives instant radiance to the skin and also hydrates dry skin. It also lightens the skin giving you a brighter skin tone and supple skin. 

As sunscreen 

This serves as a soothing ointment for sunburns. The oil in avocado pear protects the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays of the sun. Replace your regular sunscreen lotions with this fruit. Because of its high antioxidant content, the oil also protects the skin from ezcema and environmental damage. 

Facial treatment 

Mash half a ripe avocado and aloevera gel, mix together until they form a smooth paste. Apply to the face and leave for 10-15 minutes, then wash off very well. This rejuvenates the skin leaving it fresh and soft. 

Bad breath 

photos credit: pixabay

Drink avocado juice as this cleanses the mouth and intestine and also helps get rid of the microorganisms that cause bad breath. The avocado contains antioxidants which play an important role in eliminating microbes. 

Nourishes skin

It penetrates the skin deeply and removes dead skin cells from the skin. It cleanses the skin and helps to restore the skin nutrients. It also accelerates new cell growth and promotes circulation in the body. 

Anti-aging properties 

The antioxidants in avocado help to detoxify the body and also reduces wrinkles. It fights the aging process from within and can be applied to the skin or eaten to get this effect. Either way it works magic and helps you retain that youthful look and age gracefully. 

Eye mask

Mash avocado and mix with aloevera gel and honey. Stir well and apply underneath the eyes. Allow to stay for ten mins then wipe it off and splash cold water on your face. This hydrates the eyes and reduces eye bags. 

For hair 

This can be applied to hair as a conditioner and leaves hair super soft and shiny. It also controls hair frizziness and split ends. The avocado helps to keep the scalp moisturized by penetrating deep into the epidermis layer. It also increases circulation of blood in the scalp. 

Are there other ways you use avocado in your beauty routine? Please do share them in the comment section below. 

Stay updated!!!