As part of my "fight" for a clear skin, I research home remedies for the treatment of acne and blackheads. I have tried some of these remedies that I found online, and have been happy with the results. But ,it's just a lot easier squeezing a solution out of a tube, isn't it. (Thank's Paula)
Might be worth trying though and it's fun...
1. Put toothpaste on your pimple before you go to bed, should help reduce swelling overnight. Make sure it is the paste not the gel. One of the most popular acne home remedies.
2. Wash your face twice a day in warm salty water. This should leave your face oil free without aggravating the acne.
3. Extract juice of one lemon and mix with equal quantity of rose water. Apply this mixture on the face and let it stay for about half an hour. Wash the face with fresh water. About 15 days application helps cure acne, pimples and reduces blemishes and scars.
4. Apply fresh mint juice over the face every night for the treatment of acne, pimples, insect stings, eczema, scabies, & other skin infections.
5. A couple of garlic cloves, crushed and dabbed on the face 1-2 times a day. One of the smellier acne home remedies!
6. Home face wash for acne: Mix together 1 or 2mls each of the following: witch hazel, tea-tree and sweet fennel essential oils, adding essential oil of geranium for women and essential oil of rosewood for men. Mix with 300mls of water. Shake before use, as the oils will float on top of the water during storage. Dab affected areas with cotton wool two or three times a day. The oils will clean and unclog giving antibiotic-like protection to the skin.
7. Apply fresh lemon juice on the affected area overnight. Wash off with warm water next morning.
8. Use 2-3 tsp. dried basil leaves to 1 cup boiling water. Cool, and apply with cotton ball. Leave it on for 10-20 minutes and rinse it off.
9. Grind orange peel with some water to a paste and apply on affected parts. One of the best acne home remedies.
10. Clean face with cotton wool dipped in rose water 2-3 times a day.
11. Mix 1 teaspoon lemon juice in 1 teaspoon finely ground cinnamon powder and apply on affected areas frequently.
12. Ice down the acne before bed, by morning it should be noticeably less swollen. Works best on larger pimples that have not yet formed a head.
13. Take vitamin B5 and zinc supplements daily to strengthen the skin's resistance to acne.
14. Mix mint juice with turmeric powder and apply on affected area. Leave for 15-30 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water.
15. Mix some vinegar and salt in a bowl. Pour a little bit in your hand and rub it on the pimples. Soak a face towel in it and dab it on the bumps. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes and rinse it off.
16. Blend cucumber and make a paste. Apply this as a mask on your face and leave it for 1/2 hour and then rinse. This refreshes your skin and prevents acne.
17. Mix corn flour with egg white and apply on your face. Let is dry completely for 1/2 hour. Dip your hands in warm water and massage your face and wash off. This when repeated regularly gives you a smooth skin.
18. Grind some nutmeg with milk and apply on affected area. Pimples disappear like magic without leaving a mark.
19. Make a mixture of lime juice and rose water. Apply on face and leave it for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water.
20. Make a paste by mixing 3 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder. Apply this paste on the pimples at bed time and wash it off the next morning with warm water. Repeat for two weeks, pimples will disappear forever.
21. Rub fresh garlic on and around pimples. Pimples will disappear without a mark with regular applications.
22. Mix 1 tsps groundnut oil with 1 tspn fresh lime juice to prevent formation of blackheads and pimples .
23. First wash face and then dab acne with cotton balls soaked in vinegar.
24. Apply juice of raw papaya (including the skin and seed) on swelling acne, pimples.
25. Apply ripe Tomatoes pulp on acne, pimples for up to 1 hour, then wash.
Very important: Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. At least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables should be included in your diet. All acne home remedies should include a healthy diet.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Facials are a "must"!
Pollution takes an extra toll on the skin and unfortunately products alone aren't enough, especially when you live in a city like Jakarta, which is probably quite high up the list of "most polluted cities in the world".At the very least, a good facial will clean up impurities, exfoliate, re-hydrate and soothes the skin, lighten skin discolorations and control acne breakouts and enhances the absorption of skin care and anti-aging products, for that more youthful looking skin that we are all after.
I've had a couple of facials over the past couple of months from 3 different salons/spa's in the attempt to sort out my breakouts.
Jamu Traditional Spa - The spa is a great place to relax and prices are very reasonable. The ingredients used for all treatments are natural, and there is a fantastic aroma of honey and nuts and other "au naturale" ingredients in the air. The Jamu experience was good and very relaxing. Note: A lot of people have facials as a pamper session, but I prefer a facial where I can feel my skin being deep cleansed; enzyme, glycolic peels, extractions, high frequency etc. etc. Facials from Rp.190,000 (approx. $20).
Miracle Aesthetic Clinic - Not recommended if you are after a "Spa" atmosphere!
This is a very well appointed clinic where they do facial treatments, laser therapy, aesthetic surgery and more.
I've had two vitamin enzyme facial over the past couple of weeks, which they recommended to help clear my breakouts. The treatments are a bit pricey, from Rp.500,000 (approx. $50) onwards, and they also have other special treatments like collagen eye masks, oxygen infusion treatments from Rp.100,000 (approx. $10) onwards.
I've heard a lot about the "wonder facials" which apparently gives Madonna her youthful looks. An oxygen facial is an amazing treatment that literally breathes new life into your skin by using pure oxygen and a unique rejuvenation serum.
Whether an Oxygen facial and an Oxygen infusion therapy is the same thing, I'm not entirely sure. But, when Miracle Clinic explained that they offer Oxygen therapy that will provide visible results to all skin types, and can continue to improve the overall health, texture, hydration and elasticity of the skin; I of course had to try it. I can't say that I noticed immediate results, but hey, it's worth a shot and my skin did look and feel great, especially around the eyes.Not that I will be doing it every week but F.Y.I. A weekly session over a course of six weeks is recommended for long lasting results.
Puri Santi - What a fabulous spa. Puri Santi is slightly more expensive than Jamu but still affordable and well worth it. They also use natural products from Bali but include equipment such as an extraction sucking tool, high frequency etc. which really made for the perfect facial experience. Facials Rp.250,000 (approx. $25)
Summary: I will alternate my facials between Puri Santi and the occasional more expensive treatments at the Miracle Clinic every 4 to 6 weeks (as recommended by the experts).
So, with my new facial treatment regime and Paula's Choice products that seem to work, I really hope my breakouts will be a thing of the past, in the very near future!
A Blemish Solution, that works!
As per my previous posts, I am happy with the results of my Paula's Choice products that I've been using for the past couple of months and I've decided to stick with it.
Extra Strength Blemish Fighting Solution has a 5% concentration of benzoyl peroxide, considered to be the best over-the-counter ingredient for combating and killing acne-causing bacteria in the pores. It is a lightweight lotion texture contains no irritating inactive ingredients (such as alcohol and menthol) found in many acne-products.
I unfortunately still struggle with breakouts and I decided to try another Paula's Choice product, which had really good reviews online: 
Extra Strength Blemish Fighting Solution has a 5% concentration of benzoyl peroxide, considered to be the best over-the-counter ingredient for combating and killing acne-causing bacteria in the pores. It is a lightweight lotion texture contains no irritating inactive ingredients (such as alcohol and menthol) found in many acne-products.
I've been using the solution for about 6 days and "it works". I find it to be really effective on blemishes and I quickly saw great results.
Like with most acne creams and lotions, slight dryness and peeling occurs. I choose dry skin over pimples, any day though. I usually only use it ones a day, at night, and I apply a good night cream once the solution is dry, which solves that problem.
NOTE: You should always wear sunscreen anyway ;-) but if you do apply the solution during the day, remember to always wear sunscreen rated SPF 15 or greater.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Threading
What Is Threading Hair Removal?
Threading is a proven age-old form of facial hair removal practiced in India, China and Middle East. The procedure uses a 100% cotton thread which is twisted and pulled along the skin surface of unwanted hair, lifting hair directly from the follicle. As the facial hair is removed, only a slight pinch is felt.
I went with Marc to have his hair cut one day at a barber shop in Benmore Gardens, Sandton and I was quite intrigued and wondered what the Barber was doing with a roll off thread, holding one end in his mouth while moving up and down over a mans face. Naturally I had to ask, and the guy kindly showed me how he removed facial hair with this technique called "threading".
I never wondered about it again really, because I never heard anyone talk about it, or saw it done anywhere, until we moved to Asia. When we moved to India I suddenly saw threading being done everywhere and all my friends raved about this wonderful way to shape your eye brows. And I must admit, it is by far the best way to get rid of unwanted facial hair. I have never had such neat, perfectly shaped eye brows. I even started threading my upper lip and once I also had my chin done. It used to cost me about $1 to have my eye brows shaped.
So, if you've never had threading done, you should definitely try it. A warning though; some people might find it really painful. I had a friend that couldn't bare her upper lip being done but if you are used to tweezing or waxing, and you have a high pain threshold this is by far the best method of removing those unwanted facial hair.
The first time I went to the hairdresser in Jakarta I was upset that they didn't do threading. I went to three other salons in the Kemang area determined to find someone that does threading, but sadly they didn't even know what I meant when I asked if they did treading.
We drove past a Waxing Studio sign on Ampera Raya a couple of times but because the salon is off Ampera Raya and I could physically see it, I just didn't know what to expect and never actually took the time to check it out.
After another bad waxing experience since my post on waxing. I decided to check it out, still hoping to find a place I could go to for a good leg wax that won't cost me a fortune.
Having lived in Vietnam and India I got used to the typical Asian (under $10) spa experiences and I guess I have become rather spoiled. Naturally it pains me to have to pay $30-$40 for a facial which I used to pay about $10 for. I did pay high spa prices when we lived in SA and I of course really enjoy the occasional treat of going to a really nice candle lit, incense filled spa, wearing fluffy white robes and slippers while relaxing to background "inner peace" music. But, I am used to and are very happy going to more "local" salons.
STUDIO WAXING Poetré, on Ampera Raya, pleasantly surprised me. I walked into this small, no frills but neat and clean "local" salon. What I mean by local is that they clearly don't cater for expats, when you compare their IDR35,000 for a full leg wax to the IDR170,000 at the other "expat" salons around Kemang.
I was very happy with my wax and I was even happier to hear that they do threading.
Address: Jln ampera raya no.60 (depan pengadilan jakarta selatan)
Coming from Kemang - Drive down Kemang Timur (becomes Ampera), it is on the right hand side.
Look out for a sign board: STUDIO WAXING Poetré
Tel: 021-7813841 (only one of the girls speak some English)
Threading is a proven age-old form of facial hair removal practiced in India, China and Middle East. The procedure uses a 100% cotton thread which is twisted and pulled along the skin surface of unwanted hair, lifting hair directly from the follicle. As the facial hair is removed, only a slight pinch is felt.
I went with Marc to have his hair cut one day at a barber shop in Benmore Gardens, Sandton and I was quite intrigued and wondered what the Barber was doing with a roll off thread, holding one end in his mouth while moving up and down over a mans face. Naturally I had to ask, and the guy kindly showed me how he removed facial hair with this technique called "threading".
I never wondered about it again really, because I never heard anyone talk about it, or saw it done anywhere, until we moved to Asia. When we moved to India I suddenly saw threading being done everywhere and all my friends raved about this wonderful way to shape your eye brows. And I must admit, it is by far the best way to get rid of unwanted facial hair. I have never had such neat, perfectly shaped eye brows. I even started threading my upper lip and once I also had my chin done. It used to cost me about $1 to have my eye brows shaped.
So, if you've never had threading done, you should definitely try it. A warning though; some people might find it really painful. I had a friend that couldn't bare her upper lip being done but if you are used to tweezing or waxing, and you have a high pain threshold this is by far the best method of removing those unwanted facial hair.
The first time I went to the hairdresser in Jakarta I was upset that they didn't do threading. I went to three other salons in the Kemang area determined to find someone that does threading, but sadly they didn't even know what I meant when I asked if they did treading.
We drove past a Waxing Studio sign on Ampera Raya a couple of times but because the salon is off Ampera Raya and I could physically see it, I just didn't know what to expect and never actually took the time to check it out.
After another bad waxing experience since my post on waxing. I decided to check it out, still hoping to find a place I could go to for a good leg wax that won't cost me a fortune.
Having lived in Vietnam and India I got used to the typical Asian (under $10) spa experiences and I guess I have become rather spoiled. Naturally it pains me to have to pay $30-$40 for a facial which I used to pay about $10 for. I did pay high spa prices when we lived in SA and I of course really enjoy the occasional treat of going to a really nice candle lit, incense filled spa, wearing fluffy white robes and slippers while relaxing to background "inner peace" music. But, I am used to and are very happy going to more "local" salons.
STUDIO WAXING Poetré, on Ampera Raya, pleasantly surprised me. I walked into this small, no frills but neat and clean "local" salon. What I mean by local is that they clearly don't cater for expats, when you compare their IDR35,000 for a full leg wax to the IDR170,000 at the other "expat" salons around Kemang.
I was very happy with my wax and I was even happier to hear that they do threading.
Address: Jln ampera raya no.60 (depan pengadilan jakarta selatan)
Coming from Kemang - Drive down Kemang Timur (becomes Ampera), it is on the right hand side.
Look out for a sign board: STUDIO WAXING Poetré
Tel: 021-7813841 (only one of the girls speak some English)
Home made lip plump balm
As per my previous post on lip plumping home remedies, I have tried and tested the home made lip plump balm.
It was so quick and easy and I think, it really works. It is definitely a lot better than applying the 100% pure clove oil, that's for sure. I still wouldn't recommend kissing someone straight after you've applied it but at least it doesn't leave such a vile taste in your mouth and it definitely stings a bit less, but with the same, if not a better effect.
I actually had all the ingredients recommended for this home made lip balm, in my bathroom and kitchen cupboard's so it was really easy to concoct:
You will need:
Petroleum jelly (Vaseline)
Ground Cinnamon spice
Ground Cayenne Pepper spice
Peppermint essential oil
Clove bud essential oil
Find an empty container to mix the lip balm in. Preferable something small that you can put in your handbag; a lip balm or even eye make-up twist off tin/container would work well.
I didn't have one so I used an empty cellfood bottle (small plastic squeeze bottle with a removable dropper bit).
I just mixed the balm in an old hair mask tub, which I keep in the bathroom cupboard for future mixing and I put some of the balm into the squeeze bottle. It was a bit of a messy, jelly finger business to get the balm into the bottle but I managed to fill it and it actually works very well; squeezing the balm onto my lips.
But, it of course doesn't look very nice, so I won't be applying my home made lip balm in public ;-).
How to:
STEP 1: One or Two teaspoons of Vaseline (depending on the size of your container)
STEP 2: A couple of drops of peppermint essential oil
STEP 3: Add a couple of drops of clove bud essential oil
STEP 4: Sprinkle or add a pinch of Cinnamon and Cayenne pepper and mix
Voilà...You will feel a tingling sensation, and should notice a difference almost immediately. If you don't, you may want to add a couple of drops of the essential oils and spices.
My lips after applying the home made plumping lip balm.
I definitely think it plumps my lips and it also makes them a very nice rosy pink colour.
It was so quick and easy and I think, it really works. It is definitely a lot better than applying the 100% pure clove oil, that's for sure. I still wouldn't recommend kissing someone straight after you've applied it but at least it doesn't leave such a vile taste in your mouth and it definitely stings a bit less, but with the same, if not a better effect.
I actually had all the ingredients recommended for this home made lip balm, in my bathroom and kitchen cupboard's so it was really easy to concoct:
You will need:
Petroleum jelly (Vaseline)
Ground Cinnamon spice
Ground Cayenne Pepper spice
Peppermint essential oil
Clove bud essential oil
Find an empty container to mix the lip balm in. Preferable something small that you can put in your handbag; a lip balm or even eye make-up twist off tin/container would work well.
I didn't have one so I used an empty cellfood bottle (small plastic squeeze bottle with a removable dropper bit).
I just mixed the balm in an old hair mask tub, which I keep in the bathroom cupboard for future mixing and I put some of the balm into the squeeze bottle. It was a bit of a messy, jelly finger business to get the balm into the bottle but I managed to fill it and it actually works very well; squeezing the balm onto my lips.
But, it of course doesn't look very nice, so I won't be applying my home made lip balm in public ;-).
How to:
STEP 1: One or Two teaspoons of Vaseline (depending on the size of your container)
STEP 2: A couple of drops of peppermint essential oil
STEP 3: Add a couple of drops of clove bud essential oil
STEP 4: Sprinkle or add a pinch of Cinnamon and Cayenne pepper and mix
Voilà...You will feel a tingling sensation, and should notice a difference almost immediately. If you don't, you may want to add a couple of drops of the essential oils and spices.
My lips after applying the home made plumping lip balm.
I definitely think it plumps my lips and it also makes them a very nice rosy pink colour.
Paula's Choice - Skin Care
I picked up a Paula's Choice brochure and sample cleanser and moisturiser at one of the woman's club bazaars in May. I have never heard of Paula's Choice before and to be honest, the name Paula's Choice reminded me of the pick 'n pay "choice/no name" brand.
I tried the samples and I really liked the products. I did research on Paula's Choice and found the products to be very reasonably priced and the reviews looked good so I decided to try it. I bought a cleanser, toner and exfoliant, which cost approx. $60.
Paula's Choice Indonesia: (Call for delivery)
PT. Mitra Kurnia LarasatiJl. Raya Wolter Monginsidi No. 12B - Lt. 2Jakarta Selatan 12160Ph. (021) 720 8543 / (021) 722 0986Fax. (021) 722 3982
The skin balancing cleanser for normal to Oily/Combination skin is a 100% fragrance and colorant-free, mild foaming, water soluble cleanser that leaves my skin refreshed and removes all makeup, incl. eye make-up.
Skin Balancing Toner for Normal to Oily/Combination Skin is 100% fragrance and colorant free. It soothes my skin and leaves it feeling revitalized, smooth and soft. It also has anti-inflammatory ingredients which is great for controlling breakouts; reducing redness.
Exfoliating 2% beta hydroxy acid lotion for all skin types is 100% fragrance and colorant free. It exfoliates the skin's surface and inside the pore lining with a 2% concentration of salicylic acid (BHA) and a pH range of 3.2-3.6.
It has definitely helped smooth out my skin's texture and seem to have minimized my blemishes and blackheads.
I have always been very impatient, and usually change to a different product if I don't see results within a couple of weeks. The problem is that it actually takes a couple of months before you will start noticing a difference in your skin.
After nearly two months of using Paula's Choice I am very satisfied with the products and will definitely keep using it and hopefully I will notice an even bigger improvement in my skin, the longer I use it.
About Paula's Choice
Paula Begoun is the creator and innovative force behind Paula's Choice skin care and cosmetics. Paula Begoun is the author and publisher of several best-selling books on the beauty industry, including several editions of Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, Blue Eyeshadow Should Be Illegal, The Beauty Bible, and Don't Go Shopping for Hair-Care Products Without Me. She has sold more than 2.5 million copies of her books and is also a syndicated columnist, with her “Dear Paula” column appearing in papers throughout North America. Her work as a nationally-recognized consumer expert for the cosmetics industry has led to repeat appearances on CNN, as well as programs such as Oprah, The Today Show, 20/20, Dateline NBC, The View, and Primetime.
I tried the samples and I really liked the products. I did research on Paula's Choice and found the products to be very reasonably priced and the reviews looked good so I decided to try it. I bought a cleanser, toner and exfoliant, which cost approx. $60.
Paula's Choice Indonesia: (Call for delivery)
PT. Mitra Kurnia LarasatiJl. Raya Wolter Monginsidi No. 12B - Lt. 2Jakarta Selatan 12160Ph. (021) 720 8543 / (021) 722 0986Fax. (021) 722 3982
The skin balancing cleanser for normal to Oily/Combination skin is a 100% fragrance and colorant-free, mild foaming, water soluble cleanser that leaves my skin refreshed and removes all makeup, incl. eye make-up.
Skin Balancing Toner for Normal to Oily/Combination Skin is 100% fragrance and colorant free. It soothes my skin and leaves it feeling revitalized, smooth and soft. It also has anti-inflammatory ingredients which is great for controlling breakouts; reducing redness.
Exfoliating 2% beta hydroxy acid lotion for all skin types is 100% fragrance and colorant free. It exfoliates the skin's surface and inside the pore lining with a 2% concentration of salicylic acid (BHA) and a pH range of 3.2-3.6.
It has definitely helped smooth out my skin's texture and seem to have minimized my blemishes and blackheads.
I have always been very impatient, and usually change to a different product if I don't see results within a couple of weeks. The problem is that it actually takes a couple of months before you will start noticing a difference in your skin.
After nearly two months of using Paula's Choice I am very satisfied with the products and will definitely keep using it and hopefully I will notice an even bigger improvement in my skin, the longer I use it.
About Paula's Choice
Paula Begoun is the creator and innovative force behind Paula's Choice skin care and cosmetics. Paula Begoun is the author and publisher of several best-selling books on the beauty industry, including several editions of Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, Blue Eyeshadow Should Be Illegal, The Beauty Bible, and Don't Go Shopping for Hair-Care Products Without Me. She has sold more than 2.5 million copies of her books and is also a syndicated columnist, with her “Dear Paula” column appearing in papers throughout North America. Her work as a nationally-recognized consumer expert for the cosmetics industry has led to repeat appearances on CNN, as well as programs such as Oprah, The Today Show, 20/20, Dateline NBC, The View, and Primetime.
L'Occotane - Immortelle Very Precious Cream
I started my search for skin care products in May, and tried many different samples and did a lot of research; looking at reviews trying to decide on a product.
I wanted something that will help with my occasional breakouts but I also figured being 30 something, calls for a really good anti-aging cream. And though it is believed that products work better when you use the same range of products I decided to mix them anyway. I decided on the L'Occotane Immortelle products but when I saw the prices of the products I decided to only get the very precious cream and very precious eye serum, which set me back approx. $160 and to go for a less expensive Paula's Choice cleanser, toner and exfoliator for approx. $60
And the verdict is; I love the L'Occotane very precious cream and eye serum. Definitely money well spent.
The very precious eye serum seems to make the skin around my eyes more even-toned, smooth and firmer.
I wanted something that will help with my occasional breakouts but I also figured being 30 something, calls for a really good anti-aging cream. And though it is believed that products work better when you use the same range of products I decided to mix them anyway. I decided on the L'Occotane Immortelle products but when I saw the prices of the products I decided to only get the very precious cream and very precious eye serum, which set me back approx. $160 and to go for a less expensive Paula's Choice cleanser, toner and exfoliator for approx. $60
And the verdict is; I love the L'Occotane very precious cream and eye serum. Definitely money well spent.
The very precious eye serum seems to make the skin around my eyes more even-toned, smooth and firmer.
The very precious cream appears to eliminate my crow's feet and fine lines and leaves my skin soft and supple. This anti aging formula uses organic Immortelle oil which help stimulate cell metabolism, improve wrinkle reduction and skin firmness. It feels like the cream really nourishes and repairs and it gives my skin a healthy appearance.
It's a fact of life; we get older and our wrinkles prove it. We have to accept it but it doesn't mean we have to like it. Not that there is a rule as to how many laugh lines, crow's feet a 32 year old should have but I noticed mine after 30. I believe prevention is better than cure. I probably started using eye cream when I was 25 and whether or not it actually works, I don't know but I will always use an eye cream and very importantly apply sunblock, every day to try and fight those signs of aging. Aiming to grow old, gracefully.
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