Homemade Beauty Tips

What woman or man doesn't want softer, smoother skin, a clearer complexion, or shiny hair? During the changing seasons, weather and sun damage can take it's toll. But, you don't have to spend lots of money on treatments or beauty products to keep your skin and hair looking it's best. I have tried many natural and homemade beauty remedies over the years, and have found some to be very beneficial. Many of these natural products have been creeping into conventional products in recent years, when all along, you might have had them right in your cupboard!

Let's start with hair. Now who doesn't want a head of shiny, healthy hair? Good hair is a reflection of one's inner health, and can make anyone look more attractive. First, hair needs to be clean.

This is a trickier objective than you might think, because it is possible to OVERWASH your hair. Hair that has been stripped of it's natural oils due to overwashing, sun and chemical damage, etc., can be prone to breaking off. I would recommend for most people to wash their hair 3 to 4 times per week, approximately every other day. In the winter months, especially for people with very long hair, it might be possible to go another day without washing. This is because the longer hair is, the older and dryer it tends to become. Years of exposure to the harsh everyday elements can dry the hair, leading to breakage.

I have been a long-haired woman most of my life, and have found using a gentle shampoo three or four times per week to be most effective. Also, concentrate shampoo on the roots of hair, as that is where oil buildup occurs.

Brushing the hair helps distribute natural oils from the scalp to the rest of the hair. I recommend a natural bristle brush, usually made from boar hair. They can be found in most drug and grocery stores, but are worth the slight increase in cost from synthetic brushes. They tend to break the hair less often, which means fewer split ends! With fewer split ends, you may only have to go to the hairdresser or barber once every couple of months, which saves you money!

While we're on the subject of brushing, I have found that skin brushing is a great homemade beauty secret. Skin brushing has been practiced by many for thousands of years, but is not heard of often. Simply brush skin, outward down the limbs from the heart area, in smooth strokes. A natural bristle brush, such as the boar hair brush I mentioned earlier works well. Spend about ten minutes brushing the skin, and you will feel tingling and awake. I have heard it said that ten minutes of skin brushing is equal to twenty minutes of exercise! While I'm not sure if this is true, skin brushing does stimulate the circulation under the skin, and help with cellulite.

The face is the area of skin which most people notice first, and that which succumbs most quickly, unfortunately, to aging. Let nature work on your side. You might be surprised how many things you have in your kitchen which can beautify and protect your skin.

First things first. The best thing you can do for your skin and your physical body in general is to drink plenty of clean, pure water. You really can't get too much! I like to have a big glass first thing in the morning to replenish fluids lost overnight, and to get the puffiness out of my face. Water not only keeps us hydrated, but also helps flush out toxins and excess sodium in the body, which can lead to the dreaded puffy under-eye bags.

After my water, I like to give my face a good scrub with a gentle cleanser and a Buff-Puff. Exfoliation is awesome for the skin, and helps me to wake up many mornings! You can make a homemade facial/body scrub bu using equal parts olive oil and sugar. Keep it in a jar in your shower for a quick, invigorating scrub!

Other than exfoliation, I like to once a week use a clay mask. You can buy french milled bentonite clay from a health food store, such as Whole Foods, or online for cheap. My secret facial is to mix equal parts clay with apple cider vinegar. This mask really draws out impurities and tightens pores. It is rumored that Cleopatra herself used clay and vinegar as a facial thousands of years ago! There's a wonder company that makes a clay facial called "Aztec Healing Secret" that is a great one to look for.

Lastly, if you wake up in the morning, and your eyes are looking a little puffy, ice cubes are the thing to try. This homemade beauty tip was taught to me by a makeup artist for photography. Whenever your skin needs a quick pick-me-up, wrap a couple of ice cubes in a wash cloth and press gently on your facial skin. The coldness instantly tightens pores, leading to less eye puffiness, and brings up circulation, lending a rosy glow. It's great right before a date or a job interview!

There are so many more Homemade beauty treatments one could try. I recommend hitting the local library to research. Maybe you'll find your own personal favorites.