Herbal Beauty Solutions and Products

There are many alternative ways to overcome common beauty problems that are less harsh and/or less harmful to you and the environment. The solutions to your woes don't have to include spending an outrageous amount of money on the product you're desperately seeking. With a combination of herbs and supplements, you'll not only look better, but you'll feel better, too!

Problem # 1: Acne

I know, I know, it is a most hated ordeal, but we must deal with it sometime or another. The remedies usually called upon are gels and lotions that are juiced up with salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Now, these are known ingredients that shrink the size of the pimple and dry it out. Sadly, it also dries out your skin, gives you a bunch of flaky patches of skin, and totally throws off your skin's oil balance; at least it does for my skin. Weighing the good with the bad, I'd take the bad side's word on this one. Solution: Zinc. A great supplement to take for acne and the results have been dramatic for some. A devoted 50 mg three times a day should put your skin into shape. Take your zinc for a month or up until you see results. Other solutions: Apply lemon juice to affected area can dry it out and make it easier to scrub dead skin cells off. Things to avoid are large amounts of caffeine and polluted areas (such as bars and homes with excess tobacco exposure.)

Problem # 2: Acne Scars

Alas, acne has not ruined our lives quite enough. Brace yourself, one of the solutions might sound extreme but it really works. Rubbing raw garlic onto the affected areas does a miracle number on your scars and any existing acne. If you're not the adventurous type, eating a lot of garlic, either food wise or in pill form, can also help quite a bit.

Problem # 3: Chafing

Itchy, dry, and sore can pretty much some chafing up. Generally, it happens to those whom are older in age, people who are obese, or to athletes, but anyone and everybody can experience it. Solution: Sweat and friction are the main culprits, so all you can basically do is to dress properly, like wearing 100% cotton material, wearing loose fitting clothing, and use non-petroleum free lotion.

Problem # 4: Chapped Lips

Especially in the colder months, your lips may become severely chapped, cracked, sore, or all of the above. Solution: Use a glossy type lipstick that add extra moisture, apply cucumber to your lips when you go to bed, and drink lots of water. Also, have a humidifier in your room. It can help the moisture in your lips and your skin.

Problem # 5: Dark Armpits

I have fair skin, so I absolutely hate this one! My sympathy to other fair skinned people. Anyways, tight clothing, shaving, excess sweating, etc, etc, all cause dark armpits, which is basically everything every human being does. Darn. Solution: Kind of quirky, but rub a slice of lemon on your pits right before bed or after taking a shower. Instead of using a heavily perfumed deodorant, use alum powder.

Problem # 6: Freckles

Whether you're a redhead or you just simply have freckles, some might think of them as burden. If this is the case, you can ease the sight of these dark spots with some household items. Solution: Rub a lemon on the freckles, it acts like bleach, except much more gentle. Castor oil, applied right before bed, can also relieve some of the pigmentation.

Problem# 7: Graying Hair

Yes, it happens. It's a fact, its ok, don't mourn over it. Instead of bleaching the hell out of it or dumping tons of money onto your precious hair, treat it kindly and naturally. Solution: Massage your scalp with almond oil. It stimulates the pigmentation to revitalize itself. Curry leaves have also proven to strengthen hair's roots and color development.

Problem # 8: Wrinkles

I've seen the Olay commercials and the Garnier ads. As much as they seem to be heaven-sent, they cost a fortune! I am like the average person, with the measly paycheck which cannot afford to blow my money for vanity (sigh.) Solution: Castor oil is a great tool, especially on the thin-skinned under eyes. The core of a pineapple (the part you have left over if you shave it,) is a weird but stimulating cure for fine wrinkles. Give yourself a massage with one. Flax seed oil supplements are wonderful when dealing with wrinkles. It helps preserve the skin's elasticity.

Organic Cosmetic Products

Alright, if you're just not into the whole "natural, pill, fruit" thing, this section is for you. I've gathered a list of products I thought were very environmentally friendly and "your face" friendly. (Please excuse the juvenile joke.) These products are either fully or partially organic, all natural, or contain no harsh chemicals. Hope you find a good solution!

1. Herbal Blemish Stick ( www.burtsbees.com)

2. Beeswax and Royal Jelly Eye Cream ( www.burtsbees.com)

3. Almay Organic Fluoride Plus ( www.almay.com)

4. Almay pure blends eyeshadow ( www.almay.com)

5. Physicians Formula: Organic wear 100% Natural Origin Liquid Bronzer (www.physiciansformula.com)