Ayurveda Tips for Skin Care!

                                                                                1. If your skin is not smooth and clean on all parts of the body, take one teaspoon of olive oil and an equal amount of honey. Massage the oil on the face, hands and neck thoroughly. Wash the body with ordinary water after 10 to 15 minutes.

2. Take one teaspoon of honey and add curd (yoghurt) and one teaspoon of almond oil, apply this mixture on the face, neck and hands and leave it for approx 30 minutes. Wash after some time. This is beneficial for dry skin.


3. Lemon is a natural cleanser. Use of lemon regularly to wash your skin cleans the skin thoroughly as it cleanses the body in depth without disturbing the acidic balance of the skin. It is a natural astringent, so also tightens the skin. Further lemon is rich in Vitamin C so it helps to make skin shiny and beautiful. One must take lemon with meals to increase the resistance power in the body, which is also helpful to enhance the beauty.


4. One spoon of lemon juice combined with two spoons of rose water helps to make elbows soft and clean.


5. Applying orange juice on the face regularly results in a glowing skin. During summers applying orange pulp as face pack for approx 15 minutes is very soothing and beneficial to the facial skin.


6. Applying the mixture of two teaspoons of papaya pulp and honey on the face and washing it off after 15 minutes increases the glow on the face.
7. Apply the pack of few neem leaves with a pinch of turmeric powder and one teaspoon of rose water on the face. After few minutes remove the pack by washing it off with the help of gram flour.


8. Take the pulp of fruits (kept in the fridge), add one teaspoon of curd (yoghurt), and honey. Apply this pack on the face and neck. Wash after approx 20 minutes with lukewarm water. This makes the face smooth and soft.


9. For dry skin, apply sesame oil and multani mati on the face and body. Clean it after it is dried. This makes the skin soft and oily. This is also very effective in case of sunburns.


10. Applying curd (yoghurt) on the hands and legs removes dryness. Wash it off when it is dried.


11. Apply mixture of one teaspoon of honey with curd (yoghurt) and one teaspoon of almond oil on the face, neck and hands for half an hour. Wash the body after some time. This works nice on dry skin.


12. Take ripe banana pulp and apply it on the face. This tightens the skin and also helps to remove the dark circles under your eyes. Similarly applying papaya pulp also helps to bring glow on dull skin.


13. Radish juice and add butter/ cream pack on the face is very beneficial for dry skin.


14. Grind multani mati, a little bit of mehndi and dry avala. Apply the paste on the face and skin to increase the glow.


15. Grind alfalfa seeds and add curd (yoghurt). Apply it on sunburned skin. It helps.


16. Beetroot juice increases blood in the body. Apply its pulp on the face for some time and wash the face with lukewarm water. This gives glowing skin.


17. Curd (yoghurt) and gram flour pack is effective on sunburned skin and gives coolness.


18. Take bath with neem, rose and sandal water during summers to avoid skin infections.


19. Wash the face four to five times with cold water throughout the day. This maintains the moisture in the skin. Drink at least 10-15 glasses of water everyday


20. Add rose water in cucumber juice and wash the face. Drink mango panna to protect from sunstroke. Also take a lot of curd (yoghurt).


21. In order to get rid off pimples and acne, apply pack of curd (yoghurt) with radish juice.


22. Add rose water in cucumber juice and wash the face. Drink mango panna to protect from sunstroke. Also take a lot of curd (yoghurt).

Yoga to reduce weight

Obesity is one of the biggest health problems of the modern age. It is the main cause for many serious, incurable and fatal diseases. Blood pressure, heart problem, diabetes and other dangerous diseases are caused due to obesity. Our body weight gradually increases when focus is not given during childhood. Over time, this leads to obesity. It can be cured permanently with the intake of balanced food, proper life style and regular practice of yoga asanas. This will also cure the above-mentioned diseases, as well as many others. Regular practice of yoga asanas cure all types of disease. A few asanas very useful for overcoming obesity are given below:

Dwichakrikasana

Method:

1. Lie down straight on your back with your hands beside and below the hips. Stop the breath. Raise one leg, bending it at the knee, and then rotate it like you are riding a bicycle. Repeat this for 10 to 30 times as per your capacity. Similarly, repeat the exercise with your other leg. Rotate the legs without touching the ground. Make a circular shape with the legs.

2. When tired lie down in shavasana and rest for some time and repeat the exercise in the opposite direction, again resting when tired.

3. Inhale, and then repeat the exercise by rotating both the legs simultaneously in a circular motion, as done when you ride a bicycle. After, repeat this in the opposite direction continuously like a bicycle. 5 to 10 times according to your capacity.

Benefits:

1. This is the best exercise to reduce weight. Regular practice of this asana for 5 to 10 minutes sheds out unnecessary weight, and obesity can be reduced in a very short time.

2. It gives proper shape to the stomach. It activates the intestines. It cures constipation, dysentery, acidity etc.

3. In case of backache do the exercise with single leg, it is helpful for backache as well.

Padvritasana

Method:

1. Lie down straight on your back. Raise the right leg and make a circle by rotating the leg clockwise. In this way make 5 to 20 circles without touching the leg to the ground.

2. After rotating in one direction, rotate the leg in the opposite direction (anti-clockwise). Rest in shavasana when you become tired. Alternate between legs.

3. After doing this exercise with single legs, do it with both the legs simultaneously. Rotate the legs in as big a circle as you can. Rotate the legs clockwise and then again anti-clockwise.

Benefits:

1. This asana is also for reducing extra weight.

2. It reduces the fat accumulated in the hips, thighs and waist and gives proper shape to the stomach.

Ardha Halasana

Method:

This asana is like uttanapadasana - the only difference is that in uttanapadasana the legs are raised up to 30 degrees whereas in ardha halasana the legs are raised up to 90 degrees.

1. Lie down on your back. Keep the palms of your hands towards the floor; your legs should be straight and both the feet should be together.

2. Inhale and slowly raise the legs straight up to 90 degrees and remain in this position for some time. Do not bend the knees when you raise the legs.

3. While bringing down the legs, rest the legs on the floor without jerk. Rest for a while and repeat it again at least six times.

4. Those who have backache, should raise one leg at a time.

Benefits:

1. This asana is especially useful to reduce weight.

2. It makes the intestines flexible and healthy, increases the fire of the stomach and cures constipation, gas and obesity.

3. It is also beneficial in shifting of the navel, heart disease, stomachache and respiratory problems.

4. Raising one leg at a time is especially beneficial for backache problems.

Picked up from : Yogic Remedy for Obesity

Key facts/ FAQs about Swine Flu

What is swine influenza?

It is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A strains of the influenza virus. It regularly causes high flu outbreaks in pigs but with low death rates. There are four main sub-types of the virus, but the most recent isolated influenza viruses from pigs have been H1N1 viruses. The influenza A virus subtype H1N1 can adapt and spread more efficiently than previously known H1N1 strains

How does Swine Flu spread?

Swine flu viruses do not typically infect humans though they do occur through close proximity or contact with infected pigs or contaminated areas. Most commonly, these cases occur in persons with direct exposure to pigs (e.g. children near pigs at a fair or workers in the swine industry). Cases of human-to-human spread have been documented.

What are the symptoms of Swine Flu?

The symptoms are similar to those of regular flu:

- Muscles ache
- Fever
- Lethargy/ extreme tiredness
- Runny/ stuffy nose
- Dry Cough
- Sore throat
- Lack of appetite.
- Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur

Is the H1N1 swine flu virus the same as human H1N1 viruses?

No. The H1N1 swine flu viruses are antigenically very different from human H1N1 viruses and, therefore, vaccines for human seasonal flu would not provide protection from H1N1 swine flu viruses.

Has this strain of flu been seen before?

No. Flu mutates constantly, so it is common for new strains to emerge. Pigs can also be infected with both human and avian influenza, and the current circulating swine flu strain appears to contain genetic elements from all three.

Can people catch swine flu by eating pork?

No. Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 70ºC and above kills the swine flu virus.

How long is someone with swine flu considered contagious?

People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic; possibly for up to seven days following the onset of the illness. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

How can human infections with swine influenza be diagnosed?

To diagnose swine influenza A infection, a respiratory specimen would generally need to be collected within the first 4 to 5 days of illness (when an infected person is most likely to be shedding virus). However, some persons, especially children, may shed virus for 10 days or longer. Identification as a swine flu influenza A virus requires sending the specimen to CDC for laboratory testing.

What medications are available to treat swine flu infections in humans?

There are four different antiviral drugs that are licensed for use in the US for the treatment of influenza: amantadine, rimantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir. While most swine influenza viruses have been susceptible to all four drugs, the most recent swine influenza viruses isolated from humans are resistant to amantadine and rimantadine. At this time, CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses.

What can I do to protect myself from the swine flu?

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against the swine flu.

However, you can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza by:

- Covering your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue or handkerchief when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the waste basket after you use it.

- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also helpful

- Try to avoid close contact with sick people. - If you get sick with influenza, stay at home and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

- Consult your nearest healthcare facility if you think you have any of the symptoms.

Which countries have had cases of the swine flu?

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed human cases of swine flu in Mexico, the United States, Canada and Spain. Only Mexico has reported deaths from the new strain.

Useful Links:
World Health Organization: www.who.int
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov
Homeland Security Department: www.dhs.gov
WHO swine flu page: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html

Spring/ Summer 2009: Fashion Colors

According to Pantone’s Spring 2009 Fashion Color Report, “hopeful attitudes with lively colors, while sophisticated, grounded hues address the need for stability in times of economic uncertainty.” will characterize the spring 09. Spring 2009 sees designers incorporate vibrant pops into their collections, yet temper the vibrancy with deeper, translucent or neutral tones.

According to the Pantone Color Report Spring 2009 designers this season, take a steadfast, classic, spring navy-like tone and makes it sparkle. Paired with just about any color in the report, it offers many intriguing spring combinations. Taking purple in a lighter direction, Lavender presents a softer, more summery hue, extending the mystical aspects of purple available last fall. As yellow continues to make its mark on the world of fashion, tangy Super Lemon brings a fun, optimistic outlook to the palette. Its luminosity is determined to evoke a smile and attract the roving consumer’s eyes. Taking a cue from its lemony neighbor, friendly and approachable Salmon Rose also conveys an optimistic outlook. The subtlest of oranges, Salmon Rose is flattering to most complexions and is beautiful with a summer glow. Think sensual and seductive Fuchsia Red for clothing, as well as lipstick and nail polish selections, this spring. With its blue undertones, this cool red is a real show-stopper, adding a sense of elegance to the palette. Stabilizing neutrals provide practicality in a changing economic landscape. Not your average beige, Rose Dust breaks away from the typical neutrals associated with spring by adding dimension with subtle rose undertones. And with its bluish-green undertones, cool Slate Gray is a nuanced neutral that can be paired with any of the other nine colors in the report. Three greens, each with their own distinct personality, round out the color palette for spring ‘09, perpetuating the idea of freshness and renewal. Vibrant Green, the quintessential spring hue, brings a true verdancy to the palette in a time of revitalization. Dark Citron, a citrus-inspired green, is calmer and more serious than most, offering an element of sophistication to the mix. Reflective Lucite Green, a clean, clear subtle hue, adds a slight shimmer.

Pantone, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of X-Rite, Incorporated, is the world-renowned authority on color.

Top 2008 colors for spring 2008 are:

Super Lemon

Fuchsia Red

Lavender

Vibrant Green

Slate Gray

Palace Blue

Lucite Green

Salmon Rose

Rose Dust

Dark Citron

How to treat dark circles?

Tips to remove dark circles

1). Massage the dark circle area under your eyes with almond cream. Wipe the cream off with cotton after 5 minutes to get rid off dark eye circles.

2). Wet cotton with rose water and keep on eyes and remove after 10 minutes to treat dark circles.

3). Grate potato and squeeze it's juice. Apply on the dark circles.

4). Put ice cubes in tea decation. Put in refrigerator for 1 hour. Apply with cotton and wash after 1 hour.

5). Massage with a good whitening cream very gently around the eyes, Start from the ends of your eyes and work outwards, it helps to avoid the dark circles.

6). Grate cucumber and apply its juice below your eyes every night just before going to bed.

7). Apply milk around your eyes ,it definitely cures, lessens the dark circles.

8). Mix the pulp of a small tomato, turmeric powder, lemon juice and gramflour (besan). Apply this mixture on your dark circles and wash off after it dries.

9). Apply slices of raw potato or cucumber over the eyelids for about 15 minutes.

Above all these simple tips must be followed to combat with dark eye circles

1. Drink everyday nearly 10 glasses of water.

2. Make sure that daily you get good rest and adequate sleep

3. Eat vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin A.

How to treat blackheads?

1). Apply a paste of gram flour and curd on the blackhead affected area. When the mixture hardens and dries up, gently scrap off with your finger tips and wash the face.

2). Wash your face. Take steam and scrub little with paste of oatmeal or almond powder in rosewater.Rub it with your fingertips especially over the affected area.Then leave it to dry for 20 minutes.Wash with cold water.

3). Take some oatmeal powder and boil it in little water. Cool it , mix some lemon juice in it. Apply on the face.

4). Take equal amount of lime juice, almond oil and glycerine. Apply on the face. It cures blackheads and also the discolouring spots on the face.

5). Apply undiluted lemon juice, three times a day, on the affected areas.

6). Heat little honey and apply on the blackheads.Wash off after 10-15 minutes.

7). Beat an egg white stiff and add 1 tablespoon of honey to it. Apply on the face with a cotton roll and leave for half an hour. Wash with warm water and pat it dry.

8). Take one and a half cups of hot water and add half a tablespoon of boric powder it, soak a face napkin in this hot solution and press on to the skin, repeat twice. Extract blackheads carefully with a blackhead remover and sterilized cottonwool. Apply astringent.

9). Mix 1/4 cup boiling water with one teaspoon of Epsom salt and three drops of iodine.Cool until it can be touched.Saturate a cotton ball with this mixture and dab on blackheads.This will loosen the blackheads so that they can be easily squeezed with a gauze pad.

10). Mix cornstarch with vinegar, apply on the area for 15-30 minutes; wash off with washcloth and warm water.

11). Apply a paste of fresh methi (fenugreek) leaves over the face every night for 10-15 minutes and washed with warm water.This prevents blackheads.

12). Mix 1 tablespoon of groundnut oil with 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice to prevent formation of blackheads.

13). Make paste of ground radish seeds with water and apply on face to remove blackheads.

14). Take the mixture of glycerine soap, fuller's eartth (multani mutti) and almond powder in the ratio 2:1:4.Add boiled water to make paste,apply on the blackheads.

15). Apply a paste of jaggery to blackheads . Let it dry for 20 minutes. Peel off, and the blackheads will come out too. 16). 2 tablespoons fullers earth, 2 tablespoons sandalwood powder, 2 drops of garlic juice, 1 egg white, rose water.Apply it on blackheads,it definitely shows results.


Never go for squeezing a blackhead directly or it will result in a scar on your face. Drink lot of water.

How to treat Pimples?

Simple tips to treat pimples - It generally takes one to four weeks time to get rid of pimples.


1). Apply a paste made of nutmeg, pepper and a little water. Apply on the pimples and allow to dry. Then wash off.

2).Mix 10 grams juice of white onions with 5 grams honey and 1 gram rock salt and apply on pimples.

3).Wash your face thrice a day and apply calamine lotion on the pimples.

4). Apply a paste made out of ground mint leaves on the pimples and leave overnight. This will ease the pimples and clear other blemishes also.Never pick pimples for if you do so they leave scars.

5). Take a little each of rice, poppy-seeds & almonds and grind to a fine powder and mix it with 2 tablespoons of curd and apply to your face. Allow to dry for 10 minutes and then wash off and see your skin glow and the pimple marks fade away slowly.

6). In gram flour add curds (yogurt) and make paste and apply on face, before it dries completely rub that. Do this for every two days.

7). Take fresh cinnamon powder and put it in tightly sealed bottle and take little powder mix with water and apply this only on pimples. Wait for some time and wash your face. Do this for at least 10 days.

8). Take ripe papaya and mash then apply on pimples.

9). Take out the fat from the curd and apply this curd to pimple and face and take shower after 15 minutes.

10). Warm honey and mix gram flour and apply this paste to face. Wash with warm water after it dries.

11). Grind mint leaves and apply on pimples and wash after 5 minutes.

12). Tulsi is a great medicine. Grind tulsi leaves and apply on pimples.

13). Take tender neem leaves and rub with fresh turmeric this will make a best medicine for pimples. Apply this paste on pimples. Do this for at least 10 days.

14).Avoid taking oily food, sweets, fries, and potatoes. Take fresh fruits and other fresh vegetables with your diet. Don’t take more non-vegetarian. Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day.

15). Always drink plenty - 8 glasses minimum and more is better. Water helps the body flush it self better and more efficiently.

16). Apply white vinegar to the face, neck, and back. Let is sit for 5 minutes then rinse off with warm water.

17). Use lemon as an exfoliate treatment to remove dead skin cells that clog the pours. Apply the lemon to the infected areas. Let dry for 10 minutes then rinse off with cool water. You might feel a bit of a burning sensation when you apply it. If you can’t take it then dilute the lemon a little bit.

18). Eat a well balanced diet that is high in fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid unhealthy foods such as greasy or fast foods whenever possible.

19). Take a good quality multi vitamin daily. As well add zinc supplements to your daily intake. Zinc has shown remarkable results in clearing acne.

20). Use Grape seed extract or Echinacea to help boost your immune system to better fight acne causing bacteria.

21). Use Dandelion or Burdock to detoxify your liver and kidneys.

22). A paste made from one teaspoon each of sandalwood powder and turmeric mixed with milk, is very good.

23). A paste of nutmeg and water is also beneficial.

24). Half a cup of Aloe Vera pulp can be taken internally (Do not take internally if pregnant) or applied externally to the skin.

Dosage: Twice a day. Before going to bed, wash the face thoroughly and then apply a paste of 1 Tsp. coriander juice mixed with a pinch of turmeric powder. For pimples, apply a paste made from one teaspoon of cumin seeds. Remove after one hour. A paste of fresh fenugreek leaves, applied and washed off with warm water before going to bed prevents pimples.

25). Brazil nuts and pumpkin seeds are fantastic for acne because they contain selenium (Brazils) and zinc (pumpkin seeds).

26). Exercise — especially Yoga, Pilates and T'ai Chi. By exercising you increase blood flow to the skin and aid healing. But you also improve the health of your internal organs enabling them to get rid of waste more effectively. • Relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises and meditation.

27). Reduce your intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates. Eating refined carbohydrates (white bread, pasta, rice, flour etc) and sugar leads to a surge in insulin and an insulin-like growth factor called IGF-1. This in turn leads to an excess of male hormones, which encourage the skin to excrete large amounts of sebum. This grease-like substance encourages the growth of bacteria responsible for acne.

28). Reduce your intake of caffeine. Caffeine increases the levels of stress hormones in the body and can aggravate acne. Avoid coffee, tea, chocolate and other stimulant containing drinks.

29). Reduce your intake of dairy and red meat. Did you know that dairy products and meat are hard to digest, and form acid in the body? Remember, your internal health is reflected by your skin. If you eat too much animal protein, your body won't get rid of waste products effectively, and they will be released via the skin as acne. Dairy and red meat also contain high levels of hormones which can result in more acne. Many people can’t consume dairy products do in part to being allergic to it.

30). Sunshine and fresh air. You may not believe this, but the best form of natural healing, other than water, is good sole sunshine. Yes sunshine stimulates the creation of vitamin D in the body — an essential vitamin for healthy skin. A little bit of fresh air and sunshine every day will also reduce stress and increase oxygen to the skin. Even when it's overcast, the sun's rays reach us, so take a 10 minute walk outside every day.

31). Blend a cucumber, apply externally, leave on for 20 minutes, then wash off.

32). Rub watermelon rind on the acne.

33). Apply Aloe Vera.

34). Eat watermelon or drink watermelon juice.

35). Drink tea made from carrots including the tops and beet tops.

36). Drink lukewarm water with 2 teaspoons of honey every morning on an empty stomach. This effectively lubricates the intestines. If one does not evacuate the intestines regularly, the toxins either end up in the liver or come out in the skin.

37). Homeopathic treatment - Essential Oils or Herbs:

~Belladonna— for people who experience flushes of heat to the face or who have inflamed pustular acne that improves with cold applications

~Calendula— for skin conditions involving pustules or blisters

~Hepar sulphur— for painful, pus-filled acne

~ Kali bromatum— for deep acne, especially on the forehead, in persons who are chilled and nervous ~ Silicea— for pustules or pit-forming acne

~ Chaste Tree Berry taken each morning can help prevent premenstual breakouts.

~ Lavender or Tea Tree Essential Oil can be applied directly to the blemish up to 3x daily.

How to get rid of Dandruff?

How To Get Rid Of Dandruff - Quick Tips

1). Cure for dandruff - Pour vinegar into the hair, massaged into the scalp, and left to dry for a few minutes.Then the hair is washed.The process is repeated daily until the dandruff disappears, usually within a few days.

2). Mix 8 tbsp. peanut oil with the juice of half a lemon. Rub the mixture into your hair, leave on for 10 minutes and then wash as usual.

3). Add 3 drops of tea tree oil, a natural antiseptic, to a small amount of shampoo and then wash your hair.

4). Rinse your hair with a solution of 1/4 c. vinegar and 1 qt. water.

5). Use an infusion of the herbs chaparral or thyme as a hair rinse.

6). Add flaxseed oil, primrose oil or fish oil to your diet.

7). Use kelp as a seasoning.

8). Take selenium, vitamin B complex, vitamin E and zinc supplements. Do not exceed 100mg of zinc a day.

9). Take vitamin C and a bioflavonoid complex.

10). Add lecithin granules or capsules to your diet.

11). Avoid or decrease your intake of fried foods, dairy products, sugar, chocolate and nuts.

12). Tea tree oil works! Try tea tree oil (3 drops mixed with shampoo and left on for 5 minutes) and it works in the first washing!

13). Try washing your hair with 1/4 cup buttermilk like any shampoo and leave it on for about 5-10 minutes. Do this for 1-2 weeks. Then wash out hair using a small amount of shampoo. Your hair may smell a bit funny, but this really works

14). To prevent dandruff, use cold water and a mild shampoo. It will prevent your scalp from drying out.

15). Mix baking soda with water and mix it in her hair. It makes hair softer and takes away the dandruff.

16). Use a shampoo called Nizoral 1%. It takes away the the flakes along with the itchy greasy scalp. It takes about 2 weeks to kick in.

17). Look for tar shampoo called "DHS Tar Shampoo." It works great!

18). Rub a few drops of mineral oil with a cotton ball on your scalp. Leave it in for 5 minutes then wash it out.

19). Mix 1/2 cup of peroxide with 1/3 cup of orange juice and pour it on your hair. The dandruff flakes will disappear. Your hair doesn't smell that bad, either!

Skincare Glossary - alphabet 'A'

There is lot of confusion about the ingredients in our skincare products.Even various claims made by these products are very confusing at times..

Below are frequently used skincare terms on our beauty products.

1). Aloe vera - It is a succulent plant, the juice of which is used in skincare ingredients because of its soothing, moisturizing and protecting qualities.

2). Antioxidants - These work by mopping up and absorbing free radicals on our skin.These are highly reactive molecules which can damage our skin and can also cause premature aging.Good antioxidants are ACE vitamins, that is vitamins A, C and E.

3). Allergy- screened - This implies that the individual ingredients used in the product had undergone tests to make sure that they are safe to use and that risk of causing allergy is minimum.

4). Allantoin - A botanical extract said to heal and soothe. Used in creams and topical preparations for the skin.

5). Astringent - Toner helpful in controlling surface oils and in lowering the pH after cleansing.

6). Almond Oil - Vegetable oil derived from almonds with softening properties. Used in cosmetics.

7). Althea - Botanical root believed to have emollient and soothing capabilities for skin.

8). Acrylic - It has moisture barrier as well as waterproofing, water repelling properties, so provides water resistent properties to cosmetics, it is often referred to as Octylpropenamide Copolymer.

9). Acetic Acid - Sometimes used as a caustic or astringent.

10). Avocado Oil - The oil from this green fruit is an excellent skin emollient with high levels of vitamins A and C.Avocado Oil is highly therapeutic and is rich in vitamins A, B1, B2 Panthothenic acid, Vitamin D, E, protein, Lecithin and Fatty Acids. It's a very good, penetrating nutrient for dry skin and eczema. Avocado Oil is said to have healing and regenerating qualities.

11). Acido-Alpha-Hydroxyl-Ceramides - Lipid to strengthen the skin's capacity to retain its moisture level, thereby supporting and sustaining the skin's smoothness, firmness and softness for youthful appearance.

12). Alpinia - A traditional Malaysian rainforest herb with medicinal and cosmetic value documented for thousands of years. Alpinia grows in the jungle of Malaysia, medicinally used to heal a variety of ailments from bronchitis to cholera, joint and ligament pains and skin diseases as well. An excellent and powerful astringent for cosmetics.

13). Acetone - It is the simplest ketone often used in toners.It can cause irritation and drying if concentration is high.

14). Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol - a non drying alcohol that softens skin.However in some cases it causes blackheads and whiteheads.

15). Algae Extract - has antioxidant properties and it restores skin moisture.

16). Alpha-hydroxy-acid (AHA) - this organic acid taken from fruit acids is used widely in anti-aging skin care products.It encourages moisture restoration, exfoliation and other ingredients to penetrate through the skin more effectively.One should always use products containing AHA's in combination with sunscreen as it makes your skin more susceptible to sun damage.

17). Ascorbic acid - It is medical name for vitamin C. L-ascorbic acid is often used in skin lightener products because it stimulates collagen Production.

18). Alum - an astringent used in after shave products to treat razor cuts caused due to shaving.

19). Ami gel - A polysaccharide containing glucose as the sole monomer. Used as a gelling and thickening agent., thoroughly bio-degradable

Banana - Great moisturiser !

Banana Mask

1. Mash a banana.
2. Add enough sugar.
3. Add few drops of mint or rose water.
4. Mix to form a thick paste.
5. Massage onto your skin and leave it to get dry.
6. Rince with warm water.

Banana is a great moisturiser and contains quantities of magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, iodine, and vitamins A, B (folic acid), E, and F.

Sugar acts as an exfoliant.

This mask leaves the skin soft and can be applied on any part of the body.

Skin glow mixture !

To make the skin soft and bring the radiance :

1. Mix honey, glycerine and lemon juice in equal quantities.

2. Apply this mixture on the face and neck...especially on the skin where there are dark patches.

3. Massage well for 5 minutes.

4. Leave it on the face for 15 minutes.

5. Wash it off gentally.

6. Apply any face pack that suits your skin.

To lighten skin areas which had got darkened :

1. Mix equal quantities of lemon juice and milk.

2. Leave on till it dries.

3. Wash the face.

Fall 2008: Fashion colors

According to Pantone’s Fall 2008 Fashion Color Report, " Fall is traditionally a time for subdued, quiet colors, but this season we are seeing a shift toward cool hues with bright,exciting undertones". "Conventional tones such as warm autumn hues, chocolate browns and steel grays are also among the fall color choices. Blue and purple tones have become staples, as illustrated by Blue Iris, one of the top 10
colors chosen by designers this season, and Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2008".

Top 2008 colors for fall 2008 are:

Blue Iris

Royal Lilac

Shady Glade

Caribbean Sea

Aurora Red
Shitake

Withered Rose

Twilight Blue
Burnt Orange

Ochre