HOME REMEDIES FOR DIFFERENT SKIN PROBLEMS

As the body's protective outer-shell, your skin puts up with a lot. Harmful elements such as chemicals, infections, cuts, scrapes, and sunlight keep the seemingly delicate organ under near-constant assault. The addition of sweaty gym-sessions and stress send your epidermis into overdrive, leaving it no choice but to react.

Best Home Remedies for Skin Rashes

You know you have a bad skin rash or a skin allergy when you are all red and itchy, with small bumps or other changes in the skin’s color, appearance or texture. This could be visible on any part of the body.

This is frequently caused by problems like psoriasis, allergies, eczema, insect bites, acne, sweating, among other factors. Irritation from shampoos, cosmetics, soaps or detergents can also lead to rashes.

1. Olive oil

   Olive oil helps in healing and promotes skin renewal given it is packed with vitamin E and antioxidants. It also soothes the skin and reduces itching.
   Rub extra-virgin olive oil or a combination of olive oil and honey on your rash a few times daily until it heals.
   Also add a pinch of turmeric powder to olive oil and apply it two or three times a day for a few days. Turmeric is rich in antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which soothes rashes and relieves itching.
   Apart from olive oil, castor oil and coconut oil also help heal rashes naturally. A combination of vitamin E oil and cod liver oil is also helpful

2. Baking soda

   Baking soda is useful in drying skin rashes as also in relieving itching and inflammation.
   Add one part baking soda to three parts water and apply on the affected area every day.
   Equally effective is a mixture of baking soda with some coconut oil for treating skin rashes.
   Do not leave baking soda on the skin for too long as it may cause further irritation.

3. Oatmeal

   When it comes to alleviating skin irritation and inflammation oatmeal serves as an effective option given its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is particularly helpful in treating rashes triggered by poison ivy, eczema, chicken pox, sunburn and allergies.
   Mix a cup of finely ground oatmeal in warm bath water and soak in it for at least 15 or 20 minutes.
   To treat rashes on the face, apply a mixture of equal amounts of oatmeal and plain yogurt mixed with a little honey.

4. Aloe Vera

   Thanks to its antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and emollient properties, aloe vera is excellent for treating a number of skin ailments including rashes as also soothing the skin.
   If fresh aloe vera gel, which is ideal for the purpose is not available, you can buy aloe vera gel or extract.

5. Cold Compress

   A cold compress can be beneficial in reducing rashes, especially those caused by heat, insect bites, poison ivy and shingles. It helps ease swelling, inflammation and itching and is particularly useful if a rash begins to develop into blisters.
   Rub ice cubes in a sealed plastic bag or an ice pack over the affected area for a few minutes. Alternatively, you can simply soak a clean washcloth in ice-cold water and place it on the rash for about 10 minutes.
   Note: Avoid placing ice cubes directly on the skin.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar

   Raw and organic apple cider vinegar is a common home remedy to treat skin rashes and ease itching. Its acetic acid content helps counter skin infections or skin allergy that could be causing or aggravating the problem.
   Place a cotton ball dipped in apple cider vinegar over the affected area
   If apple cider vinegar causes irritation, dilute it with water before applying on the skin. If this still irritates your skin, don’t persist with it.

7. Chamomile

   Chamomile is very helpful in treating rashes. It relieves itching, soothes the skin, reduces inflammation and helps healing thanks to its anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory properties as also antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral effects.
   Soak a cloth in chamomile tea and place it on the affected area as a compress – repeat two or three times a day.
   Chamomile is also applied on the affected area by diluting a couple of drops in two teaspoons of coconut oil or another carrier oil.

8. 

   In large part due to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-irritant, antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties, neem (also known as Indian lilac or margosa) is very useful in treating a number of skin ailments including eczema, rashes, acne, scabies, psoriasis and various infections. It also contains antioxidants that prevent ageing and revitalize skin cells.
   Boil some neem leaves, strain the solution and allow it to cool. Place a cotton ball soaked in the solution over the affected area for at least 10 minutes.
   Alternatively, you can use neem leaf extract, soap, cream or other neem products.

9. Calendula

   Calendula is very effective for soothing rashes, skin irritations, ulcers, eczema, dry skin, bruises and wounds thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties.
   Apply calendula oil on the affected area and leave it on for a few hours, repeat at least twice daily until you see improvement.
   Add some calendula oil to bath water and soak in it for 15 minutes.

10. Coriander

    Coriander is an effective remedy for rashes and skin irritation mainly due to its anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
    Apply a paste of coriander leaves on the affected area – repeat once or twice daily for a few days.
    Simmer one teaspoon of coriander seeds in water, drink this tea once daily for a few days until the affected area heals.
    Coriander juice can also consumed directly.

HOME REMEDIES FOR DARK CIRCLES

Dark discoloration of the skin under the eye is mainly referred to as dark circles. It is also known as dark rings or shadows.

Some of the main causes behind the formation of dark circles are heredity, aging, dry skin, prolonged crying, working for long hours in front of a computer, mental or physical stress, lack of sleep and an unhealthy diet. Both men and women of different age groups can have dark circles.

Dark circles are not a serious skin problem, but they make people look tired, exhausted, unhealthy and older. You can easily get rid of unsightly shadows under your eyes using some easy home remedies.

1. Almond Oil

Almond oil is a great natural ingredient that is very beneficial for the delicate skin around your eyes. Regular usage of almond oil will help fade your under eye circles. In addition to almond oil, you can use vitamin E oil to eliminate dark circles under the eyes.

Get Rid of Dark Circles Using this Almond Oil Home Remedy

1. Before going to bed, apply a little almond oil over the dark circles and gently massage it into the skin.
2. Leave it on overnight.
3. The next morning, wash it off with cold water.
4. Follow this remedy daily until the dark circles disappear.

2. Cucumber

Cucumbers have skin-lightening and mild astringent properties that help fix those raccoon eyes naturally. Plus, they have a soothing and refreshing effect.

• Cut a fresh cucumber into thick slices and chill them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Put the slices onto the affected skin area for about 10 minutes. Wash the area with water. Repeat twice daily for about a week or more.
• Another option is to mix cucumber juice with lemon juice in equal amounts. Use a cotton ball to apply the mixture on the affected skin. Leave it on for 15 minutes and then wash it off with water. Follow this remedy daily for at least one week.

3. Raw Potato

There are natural bleaching agents present in potato that can help lighten dark circles and get rid of puffiness around the eyes.

Get Rid of Dark Circles Using this Potato Home Remedy

• Grate one or two raw potatoes to extract the juice. Soak a cotton ball in the juice and place it over your closed eyes. Make sure the juice covers the dark circles under your eyes as well as the eyelids. Allow the juice to sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse your eyelids well with cool water. Repeat once or twice daily for a few weeks.
• Instead of potato juice, you can also use thick potato slices to remove dark circles.

4. Rose Water

Rose water has incredible ingredient for skin care. It rejuvenates the skin and has a soothing effect on tired eyes. Due to its mild astringent properties, it also works as a good skin toner.

1. Soak cotton eye pads in pure rose water for a few minutes.
2. Put the soaked pads on your closed eyelids.
3. Leave them on for about 15 minutes.
4. Follow this remedy twice daily for a few weeks.

5. Tomato

Tomatoes have bleaching properties that can lighten skin to a great extent.

• Mix one teaspoon of tomato juice with one-half teaspoon of lemon juice. Gently apply this mixture on the dark circles and allow it to sit for 10 minutes. Rinse it off with water. Follow this remedy twice a day for a few weeks. Simply using tomato juice will also work.
• You can also drink a glass of tomato juice with some mint leaves, lemon juice and salt. For maximum results, be sure to drink this juice immediately after making it. Drink it once or twice a day for about a week.

6. Lemon Juice

The vitamin C present in lemon juice can also help remove dark circles under the eyes, thanks to its skin-lightening properties.

• Use a cotton ball to apply fresh lemon juice around your eyes. Leave it on for about 10 minutes and rinse it off. Do this once daily for a few weeks.
• Another option is to make a thick paste by mixing one tablespoon of lemon juice, two tablespoons of tomato puree, a pinch of gram flour (besan) and turmeric powder. Apply this thick paste gently around your eyes. Rinse it off with clean water after 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat two or three times every week.

Note: If the lemon juice causes a burning sensation then discontinue its use.

7. Coconut Oil

Massaging with coconut oil is another effective natural remedy to lighten dark circles. Due to its moisturizing quality, coconut oil also promotes smooth skin and prevents wrinkles and fine lines under eyes.

1. Simply massage some extra-virgin coconut oil on the under eye area.
2. Leave it on for a few hours, and then wash it off.
3. Repeat two to three times daily for a few months or until you are satisfied with the results.

8. Tea Bags

The caffeine and antioxidants present in tea can be highly beneficial for getting rid of dark circles as well as puffiness under eyes by shrinking the blood vessels and reducing fluid retention. The tannins, in particular, help decrease swelling and discoloration.

1. Chill two used green or black tea bags in the refrigerator for about half an hour.
2. Place one tea bag over each eye and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Remove the tea bags and wash your face.
4. Repeat once or twice daily for a few weeks.

Note: Be careful not to get the tea in your eyes.

9. Cold Compress

Cold compress can constrict the blood vessels under the eyes and help a lot in reducing eye puffiness and dark circles.

• Soak a washcloth in cold water or cold milk. Put it over your closed eyelids for several minutes.
• Alternatively, you can wrap a few ice cubes in a soft napkin and place it under your eyes for a few minutes. You can also use a bag of frozen peas, a chilled teabag or a cold spoon.

Follow these remedies a few times daily.

10. Turmeric

Turmeric has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help minimize dark circles. It will also make the skin around your eyes smoother and softer.

1. Mix two teaspoons each of turmeric powder with pineapple juice to make a thick paste.
2. Apply this paste to the affected area.
3. Leave it on for about 10 minutes before wiping it away with a soft, damp cloth.
4. Do this daily until you get positive results.

Additional Tips

• Get adequate sleep and rest.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes too much or too often as it causes the blood vessels to dilate, thus making the under eye circles appear darker.
• Remove your make-up before going to sleep or else it may irritate your eyes.
• Limit sun exposure.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to get rid of water retention that could be causing the problem.
• To avoid eye bags caused by pooling of fluids in your lower eyelids, elevate your head by adding two or more pillows under your head before going to sleep.
• Pay attention to your diet and eat foods rich in vitamins A, C and E.
• Stop smoking and restrict alcohol and caffeine consumption; smoking damages skin cells, and alcohol and caffeine contribute to dehydration which in turn weakens the delicate skin around the eyes.

10 natural home remedies to remove sun tan

Holidays are all fun and games until you look into the mirror and see your skin two or more shades darker. While a tan will fade out eventually, if you're in a hurry, give these home remedies a try. Here's a quick look at how you can get rid of sun tan in a jiffy! You no longer have to worry about spending too much time out in the sun, or at the beach.

10 Home remedies to remove sun tan

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Lemon juice and honey

Lemon juice has bleaching effect which helps in removing tan quickly.

1. Take fresh lemon juice, add some honey to it and apply on your skin.

2. Let it stay for 30 minutes and wash off.

3. You can also add some sugar to the lemon juice and scrub your skin gently to slough off dead cells from the surface.

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Yogurt and tomato

Tomato is rich in antioxidants that helps in brightening skin..Yogurt on the other hand contains lactic acid which softens the skin.

1. Take raw tomato and remove the skin.

2. Blend it with 1-2 tsp of fresh yogurt.

3. Use this paste on your tan, and wash off after 20 minutes.

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Cucumber extract

Cucumber is highly beneficial for tanned and sunburnt skin. Cucumber has a cooling effect and helps remove tan.

1. Shred a cucumber, and squeeze to get the juice out.

2. Using a cotton ball, apply the juice all over your skin.

3. Let it dry and wash. You may also add a little lemon juice for added benefits.

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Bengal gram flour and turmeric

Turmeric is an excellent skin brightening agent while Bengal gram flour (besan) lightens skin effectively.

1. Add 1 tsp of turmeric to a cup of Bengal gram flour, and mix some water or milk to make a thin paste.

2. Apply this mixture on your face and body, and let it dry, before gently scrubbing it away using lukewarm water.

Regular use will help fade the tan from your skin.

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Potato juice

Potato juice is often used to lighten dark circles around the eyes. Apart from being naturally soothing, the juice of potato is also known for being a potent bleaching agent.

1. Juice a raw potato and apply it directly onto your skin to get rid of the tan.

2. Alternatively, you can also use thin potato slices on your eyes and face.

3. Keep them on for 10-12 minutes and wash off once it dries.

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Honey and papaya

Papaya is rich in natural enzymes that have skin bleaching and exfoliating properties. Honey on the other hand is a natural moisturiser and a skin soothing agent. It is also rich in antioxidants that remove free radicals from the skin which cause ageing. 

1. Take 4-5 cubes of ripe papaya; the riper the better. 
2. Add 1 teaspoon of honey to it and mash it up using the back of a spoon or a fork. 
3. Mix well until a smooth paste is formed. 
4. Apply this paste all over the tanned skin and let dry. 
5. Wash it off after 20-30 minutes with water.

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Masoor dal (red lentil), tomato and aloe vera pack

Masoor dal is an effective remedy in treating sun tan. Tomato juice brightens up the skin while aloe vera soothes and moisturises it. 

1. Soak 2 tbsp of masoor dal in water for a few hours until the dal gets soft. 
2. Drain the water and put in a blender. 
3. To the dal, add 1 teaspoon of aloe vera and gel and 2 teaspoon of fresh tomato juice. 
4. Blend into a paste. 
5. Apply on suntanned skin and let it stay for 20 minutes. 
6. Rinse it out with water using a massage action.

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Oatmeal and buttermilk

Oatmeal is known for its excellent exfoliating and skin cleansing properties. Buttermilk is rich in lactic acid which can soften the skin and improve skin tone. 

1. Soak 2 teaspoons of oats or oatmeal in some water for five minutes. 
2. Add 2-3 teaspoon of fresh, plain buttermilk to it and mix well. 
3. You may add honey to make the pack more moisturising. 
4. Mix these ingredients well to form a paste and apply on your face, neck and arms. 
5. Rub in a circular motion and let it stay for 20 minutes. 
6. Wash off to reveal fresh, cleaner looking skin.

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Milk cream and strawberries

Rich in AHA (alpha-hydroxy acids) and vitamin C, strawberries have natural skin brightening properties. The creamy goodness of milk cream lock in the moisture deep into the skin making it look supple and healthy. 

1. Take a few ripe strawberries and mash them well using a fork. 
2. Add 2 teaspoon of fresh cream to it and whisk well to form a lump-free paste. 
3. Use this on your face and tanned skin and let it stay for 15-20 minutes. 
4. Wash it with cold water.

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Pineapple pulp and honey

Pineapple contains an enzyme called Bromelain which fights free radicals in the skin and reduces inflammation. Also, it is a packed with vitamin A, C and antioxidants which undo sun damage making the skin even toned and bright. 

1. Drop 5-6 cubes of freshly chopped ripe pineapple in a blender and add 1 teaspoon of honey to it. 
2. Blend until smooth. 
3. Extract into a bowl and use this to apply on the tanned areas of your skin. 
4. Wash after 20 minutes.

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If you are looking to get rid of tan from specific body parts, there are targeted home remedies for those too. You'll find many of these ingredients in your kitchen, so get set and start raiding your kitchen cabinet to shoo away that tan.

Simple home remedies to remove tan from hands, arms, feet and face

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Removing tan from face

Sandalwood or Chandan is a miracle ingredient when it comes to skincare. It is pretty much a one-stop solution to all skin woes, including tanning. Being gentle and cooling, sandalwood will not only remove tan from the face but will also improve the texture and tone of your skin. 

1. Take 2 tbsp of pure sandalwood powder and make a thin paste using rose water. 
2. Apply this paste evenly all over the face and neck to cover the tanning. 
3. Let it dry and wash with cold water. You can try this as frequently as you want and watch your skin glow.

Using coconut milk is another easy way to lighten tan from the face. 

1. Soak a cotton ball in fresh coconut milk and dab it all over the face. 
2. Wait until it's dry and wash away with water. 
3. Doing this daily will not only make your tan vanish faster but will also nourish the skin, making it glow naturally.

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Removing tan from hands and arms

Both potatoes and lemon are known for their bleaching properties. Use the potent combination of these two natural ingredients to regain the natural colour of your hands and arms.

1. Mix together equal quantities of freshly squeezed juice of potato and lemon. 
2. Add 1 tsp of rose water and mix well. 
3. Using a cotton pad apply generously all over the tanned areas on your hands and arms. 
4. Let it stay for 20 mins and wash off. 

Do this on alternate days until the tan fades away.

Another effective way to banish tan from the hands is by applying a pack of yoghurt and Bengal gram flour or besan.

1. Take 2-3 tbsp of besanand add 1-2 tbsp of plain, unflavoured yoghurt to it. 
2. Mix to form a smooth paste. Add 3-5 drops of rose water for fragrance. 
3. Smooth this mix on your tanned hands and arms like a wet mask and let it stay for 20 mins. 
4. Wash with cold water by gentle scrubbing movements. 
5. Repeat this 3-4 times a week for best results.

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Removing tan from feet

Feet exposed to the sun can easily get dark. The skin on tanned feet might look shriveled and aged. To regain the natural skin colour and to make your feet supple, use the benefits of sugar scrub, lemon and milk.

1. Prepare a lemon-sugar scrub for your feet by mixing equal quantities of lemon juice and sugar granules.You may store this scrub in a jar and refrigerate for further use.
2. Scoop out some of the scrub in your palms and gently rub all over your feet. 
3. Scrub away the dead skin layer and wash your feet.

Next, prepare a de-tanning mask using lemon juice and milk. 

1. In half a cup of milk, add one-fourth cup of lemon juice. 
2. Mix and apply this all over your tanned feet. 
3. Let it dry and wash your feet in a warm water bath. 
4. Wipe with a soft cotton cloth and cover with socks.

Repeat this 2-3 times a week to fade the tan. Also, keep your feet moisturised always to speed up the healing process and to keep them soft and supple.

Home Remedies for Wrinkles

Some people go to great lengths to avoid looking in the mirror when wrinkles start to multiply as they age. Wrinkles are caused by thin, sagging skin. They particularly appear on the face, neck, backs of hands, and tops of forearms.

Wrinkles occur as part of the natural aging process, when the collagen and elastin in the connective tissue of the skin become weak and break down due to changes in fibroblasts that produce collagen and elastin.

Premature or excess wrinkles can also be caused by factors like too much exposure to sunlight or harsh environments, smoking, use of certain drugs, excessive stress, sudden weight loss, loss of vitamin E, and genetic predisposition.

There are many easy home remedies that will help reduce wrinkles and prevent new ones from forming.

Here are the top 10 home remedies for wrinkles.

Contents

1. Olive Oil

Olive oil is a great massage oil for your skin. It is a good source of antioxidants, like vitamins A and E, which fight skin-damaging free radicals.

• Regularly massaging olive oil onto the affected skin area will moisturize, repair and even regenerate skin cells. As the oil penetrates deep into the skin, it provides long-lasting protection and keeps it moisturized.
• Another option is to mix a few drops of honey with a few drops of olive oil and glycerin. Massage the mixture into your skin twice daily. This will eliminate dead cells and help tighten sagged skin.

You can also massage your skin with coconut oil, emu oil, almond oil or vitamin E oil to prevent and reduce wrinkles.

2. Fenugreek

Fenugreek leaves, seeds and even oil work as an antidote for different skin problems, including wrinkles. The leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals that are easily absorbed by the body and help treat wrinkles and fine lines when this remedy is used regularly.

• Grind a handful of fresh fenugreek leaves to make a thick paste. Apply the paste on your face and leave it on overnight. In the morning, wash it off with lukewarm water.
• You can also wash your face with water boiled with fenugreek seeds or apply fenugreek oil on your wrinkles and fine lines.

3. Aloe Vera

The aloe vera plant contains malic acid that helps reduce wrinkles by improving the elasticity of your skin.

• Simply cut an aloe vera leaf from the plant and extract its gel. Apply the fresh gel onto your skin and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Wash it off with lukewarm water.
• Another option is to mix one teaspoon of aloe vera gel with the contents of a vitamin E capsule. Apply the mixture to areas where wrinkles are forming. Leave it on half an hour and then wash it off with lukewarm water.

4. Ginger

Ginger works as an excellent anti-wrinkle remedy due to its high antioxidant content. Moreover, it helps inhibit the breakdown of elastin, one of the main causes of wrinkles and fine lines.

• Mix a pinch of grated ginger with a tablespoon of honey. Eat this mixture every morning.
• You can also drink ginger tea twice daily.

5. Bananas

Bananas are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that combat the causes of wrinkles and fine lines. Using this remedy twice per week will rejuvenate your skin and treat wrinkles in a natural manner.

• Mash two ripe bananas into a thick paste. Apply the paste on the wrinkled areas. Leave it on for at least a half an hour and then wash it off with lukewarm water. Follow it with some skin moisturizer.
• Alternatively, you can use a mixture of one mashed banana and avocado, along with a little honey. Slather it on your skin, lave it on for 20 minutes and then wash it off.

6. Almonds

Almonds are an excellent source of fiber, vitamin E, iron, zinc, calcium, folic acid, and oleic acid, which combined can delay the aging process and treat wrinkles.

• Soak some almonds in raw milk overnight. In the morning, remove the skin and grind the almonds into a thick paste. Apply the paste onto your skin, and even under your eyes to get rid of dark circles. Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water. For best results, do this daily.
• You can also massage almond oil into your skin to delay the effects of aging.

7. Carrots

Carrots have a high content of vitamin A, which promotes the production of collagen and helps keep the skin smooth.

• Boil two or three large carrots in water until they become soft. Blend the carrots with some honey to get a paste. Apply it directly on the face. Leave it on for about a half an hour and then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
• Another option is to a combination of equal parts of carrot juice and honey each morning and evening. You can leave it for about 10 minutes before washing it off.
• Also, include raw carrots in your diet.

8. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is rich in citric acid that acts as a strong exfoliant and helps get rid of dead skin cells. It also works as a deep cleansing agent and astringent that will help fade blemishes as well as wrinkles, fine lines and other signs of aging, like dark circles.

• Gently rub a little bit of lemon juice into your facial skin. Leave it on for 5 or 10 minutes and then rinse your face with water. Do this two to three times a day.
• Alternatively, you can mix one teaspoon each of  yogurt, honey and vitamin E oil and lemon juice. Spread it on your face and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes before washing it off.
• Another option is to apply lemon juice mixed with amla powder (Indian gooseberry) onto your face to treat wrinkles and delay aging naturally.

9. Pineapple

Pineapples have enzymes that promote skin elasticity, moisturize the skin, and help eliminate dead skin cells as well. The fruit is also rich in antioxidants, fibers and vitamins that boost skin health

• Rub pineapple flesh on the affected skin area. Allow it to dry for 20 minutes, and then rinse with warm or cold water.
• Apply the juice from a green pineapple onto the skin daily for five minutes before washing off. This is also a very good remedy for treating dark circles around the eyes.

10. Water

Drinking water is one of the easiest and most effective home remedies for treating wrinkles. Water keeps the body hydrated and maintains the moisture level in the skin. When the body is dehydrated, your skin will generally look older.

Be sure to drink pure, filtered water, as unfiltered water may have traces of chemicals that can damage your skin over time.

Drink at least two liters of filtered water daily. Have a glass in the morning to kick start your day and then keep a bottle of water beside you throughout the day. Avoid alcohol and carbonated drinks, though.

Additional Tips

• Limit sun exposure, especially when the sun is strongest.
• Reduce and manage stress as chronic stress accelerates cellular skin aging.
• Stop smoking as it can damage collagen and cause early wrinkles.
• Include more vitamin C rich foods such as orange, blueberries, grapefruit, pineapple, broccoli, bell peppers, spinach, and kale in your diet. Vitamin C promotes collagen formation and fights free radicals. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids will also help keep your skin youthful and plump.
• Get proper sleep and prefer to sleep on your back to prevent sleep lines that eventually turn into wrinkles.
• Control facial expressions like squinting and frowning as they tend to overwork the facial muscles.

Aging is a natural phenomenon leading to the formation of wrinkles and fine lines on the skin, but these remedies will help you decelerate the process. You can look younger for many more years to come.

How to get rid of stretch marks with natural home remedies

Causes of stretch marks

1. Pregnancy

Most women develop stretch marks during pregnancy as the fibers in the skin become soft and stretches, making room for the developing baby. As the baby grows, stretch marks appear on the tummy, thighs and breasts due to the continual tugging and stretching.

2. Puberty

During puberty, youngsters experience a sudden growth spurt and might rapidly gain or lose weight. This sudden stretching and contracting of skin leads to stretch marks on hips, thighs and breasts. 

3. Weight gain

Stretch marks occur due to weight gain in a short period of time as the skin stretches suddenly. Similarly, they also appear if you are on a diet, due to the fluctuating weight. It is therefore advisable to lose weight gradually so that the skin is not strained. 

4. Corticosteroids

Corticosteroid creams, lotions and pills used to treat certain skin diseases can also cause stretch marks as they bring down the collagen levels in your skin. This decreases the skin’s ability to stretch and makes you prone to developing stretch marks.

5. Genetics

If your parents have had stretch marks, then you are most likely to have them too.

6. Health conditions

Rare health conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome, Marfan’s syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos and other adrenal gland disorders cause stretch marks due to various reasons. In Cushing’s syndrome, the body tends to overproduce the hormone cortisol, which causes these marks. Meanwhile, Marfan syndrome is the result of a faulty gene that makes the body's skin and connective tissues weak, reducing their elasticity, thus increasing the chances of developing stretch marks.

7. Body Building

Body builders very commonly face this problem of stretch marks. Rapid growth in muscle mass and sometimes misuse of anabolic steroids to accelerate the growth of muscle lead to the appearance of stretch marks.

Home remedies to treat stretch marks

1. Argan oil

Vitamin E enriched Argan oil increases the elasticity of skin and rubbing it on the stretch marks might heal the broken tissues gradually making the marks fade.

2. Lemon juice

Lemon juice is known for its natural bleaching properties, so it helps reduce the visibility effectively. Use fresh lemon juice daily or simply rub a sliced lemon wedge on your marks to see results.

3. Egg white

High in proteins and amino acids, egg white is a super food for the skin. When applied on stretch marks, egg white will help lighten the marks while also tightening the skin.

4. Potato juice

Potatoes contain starch and other skin lighting enzymes which is why they are often used to lighten dark circles, spots and blemishes from the skin. It bleaches the skin and effectively reduces the visibility of stretch marks when applied regularly.

5. Olive oil

Rich in moisturising properties, olive oil is full of antioxidants and other nutrients that are exceptionally good for repairing skin damage. Application of cold pressed olive oil on stretch marks will help them fade over time.

6. Sugar

Mix sugar, olive oil, and lemon juice and mix to form a scrub. Apply it to the stretch marks and rub it in for 10 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water.

7. Castor oil

Apply castor oil directly on the stretch marks and massage it in a circular motion for 15-20 minutes. After massaging, cover the area with thin cotton cloth and apply some heat using a heating pad. For best results, do this as often as you can for a month.

8. Aloe vera gel

Remove the outer layer of the aloe vera leaf and take out the sticky gel from the inside of the leaf. Use this aloe vera gel on stretch marks and wash off with water after 2-3 hours.

9. Apricots

Grind 2-3 apricots after removing their seeds to form a smooth paste. Apply the paste directly on the stretch marks. Leave it for 20 minutes. Then, rinse it with lukewarm water.

10. Black tea

Black tea contains lots of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin B12, which helps to control skin pigmentation. To use black tea for stretch marks, boil a couple of tablespoons of black tea and add some salt to it. After cooling, apply the mixture to the marks and repeat the process till they disappear.

Dietary Remedies

1. Water

Drinking 8-10 glasses of water daily is very good for the skin. It helps to restore its elasticity, keeping it supple and soft. This helps to reduce the stretch marks. 

2. Vitamin C

Foods like berries, raw cabbage, citrus fruits, kiwi fruit, melons, peas, peppers, broccoli, pineapple, spinach, tomatoes and turnips provide the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin C. It is antioxidant that helps our bodies to fight the toxins or free radicals. With adequate Vitamin C intake, the skin scars heal faster.

3. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is also an antioxidant that fights free radicals while deeply nourishing the skin. Foods like almonds, raw seeds like pumpkin and sesame, Swiss chards, hazelnuts, pine nuts, spinach, avocado, broccoli, parsley, papaya and olives are rich sources of Vitamin E. Daily consumption of these foods will help to get rid of stretch marks.

4. Gelatin

Gelatin contains collagen which is also present in your skin and is responsible for providing elasticity to your skin. Bone broth (chicken, lamb or beef) is an excellent natural source of gelatine in your diet.

5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids also help increase elasticity in the skin. Foods like flax seed, chia seeds, salmon, sardines, cod liver, walnuts, soybean, beef, tofu, shrimps and cauliflower can go a long way in keeping the stretch marks at bay.

I HOPE THESE ALL REMEDIES WILL WORK FOR YOU... PLEASE SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE AND COMMENT WHICH REMEDY WORKED FOR YOU... :)

THANKS