DIY Vitamin E Face Masks

So in my previous post I explained what vitamin E is and how you can get it into your diet
Now I bring you recipes for home-made masks that are high vitamin E!   

Facial Mask for Younger Skin

Ingredients :
• Brewer's Yeast .................................. 1 Tablespoon
• Yogurt .............................................. 1/2 Cup
• Honey ............................................. 1 Tablespoon

Steps :
- Add the yeast to yogurt and stir well, then put in the refrigerator overnight
- Add the honey and mix well
- Apply the mask heavily and leave for 30 minutes
- Rinse with luke-warm water and then finish with cold water
Skin, when in your 20’s, is very active and needs a lot of vitamins. This mask is ideal since it contains all the vitamins the skin needs including vitamin B complex.

Facial Mask for Smoother skin

Ingredients :
• Banana (ripe).................................. 1/2
• Avocado (over-ripe)................................. 1/2
• Cucumber (chopped) .............................. 1 Tablespoon
• Yogurt .................................................... 1 Tablespoon
• Olive Oil ................................................. 1 Tablespoon

Steps :
- Mix all the ingredients and process them in a blender
- Apply a thick layer and leave for 30 minutes
Wash with luke water then splash with cold water

Facial Mask for Sun Protection

 
Ingredients :
• Sesame Oil ..................................... 2 Tablespoons
• Aloe Vera Gel ................................. 2 Tablespoons
• Wheat Germ Oil .............................. 1 Teaspoon
• Cinnamon Oil .................................. 12 drops
• Lavender Oil ................................... 12 drops

Steps :
- Mix all the ingredients
- Apply the mask for as long as you want and then wash off
- Keep in mind that this is not a sun screen, it only offers you partial protection from sun rays
 

Mask for Under the Eyes

Ingredients :
• Almond Oil ..................................... 1 Table spoon
• Olive Oil ........................................ 1 Tablespoon
• Wheat Germ Oil ............................ 1 Tablespoon
• Nigella Oil ( Black Cumen).............. 30 drops
• Vitamin E Oil ................................. 1 Teaspoon
• Horse Chestnut (Buckeye)............ 2 Tablespoons

Steps :
- Mix all the oils and seeds in a mixer until you form a paste
Apply under your eyes and leave for 30 minutes

Moisturizing Facial Mask

Ingredients :
• Homemade vaseline ....................... 1 Tablespoon *
• Heavy cream .................................. 1 Tablespoon
• Cottage cheese ............................. 1 Teaspoon
• Honey ............................................ 1 Teaspoon
Oatmeal ......................................... 1 Teaspoon

Steps:
- Mix all the ingredients in blender
- Smooth onto face
- Let sit for 10 minutes
- Rinse with warm water

**To make homemade vaseline:
Microwave 1 tablespoon of grated beeswax and mix with 1/4 cup Almond oil for 2 minutes. Wait until it has cooled and it’s ready to use.

Heavy Cream Easy-To-Use Facial Mask

Ingredients :
• Heavy Cream ( Milk Cream )...................... 1 Tablespoon
• Honey ....................................................... 1 Tablespoon
• Baking Soda ............................................. 1 gram

Steps :
Mix the baking soda and cream until it looks like foam.
Add honey and mix
Apply to face and neck for 20 minutes

How to Get Vitamin E in Your Diet

This is a list of some food that is high in Vitamin E
- Asparagus
- Avocado
-  Eggs
- Milk
- Nuts (Almonds, Hazelnuts, Brazil nuts)
- Sunflower Seeds
- Spinach
- Unheated Vegetable Oils
- Wheat Germ
- Wholegrain Foods
- Blackberries
- Blueberries
- Cranberries
- Guavas
- Raspberries
- Fortified Breakfast Cereal
- Yams
- Sweet Potatoes
- Broccoli
- Olives
- Pumpkin
- Turnip Greens
- Bell Peppers

Vitamin E: What is it? How Can it Help?

Vitamin E, even though it sounds like a single nutrient, is actually a group of fat-soluble vitamins that work as strong antioxidants. This means they help protect your cells form the effects of free radicals. These free radicals are produced when your body breaks down food and are also found in the environment (tobacco smoke & radiation).  Scientists say that free radicals may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease. Although there is no evidence that proves Vitamin E can reduce coronary heart disease, it is known that it improves the formation of red blood cells and helps widen blood vessels to avoid clots.

Benefits:

- Helps reduce menstrual pains
- Increases sperm count in men
- Reduces anxiety and depression
- Boosts immune system
- Promotes good blood circulation
- Improves physical endurance
- Increases energy

Skin Benefits

- Anti-aging: When added to lotions, creams and other skin care products, it can help skin look younger by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

- Sun Protection: As mentioned before, when used in lotions it can protect the epidermis from early stages of UV light damage. Vitamin E can also increase the effectiveness of sunscreens. *Lotions must be applied 20 minutes before sun exposure for maximum benefits*

- Skin Diseases: Vitamin E can help treat conditions like psoriasis, erythema and vitiligo.

- Scars: Vitamin E does not have the same effect on all types of scars, but it has been shown that it helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks and some even say it can reduce the appearance of acne scars. It is also combined with vitamin A and D to treat diaper rashes.


Disadvantages

- Vitamin E may interact negatively with different medications. So if you are currently taking some sort of medication, consult your doctor before taking vitamin E supplements.

- When taken as a supplement be careful not to over-do it. Since vitamin E decreases blood clogging this can cause excess bleeding, especially if the person is already taking blood thinners.

                                              Recommended intakes of Vitamin E

Infants:

0-6 months                     4mg a day
7-12 months                   5mg a day

Children:

1-3 years                         6mg a day
4-8 years                         7mg a day
9-13 years                       11mg a day

Adolescents/Adults:

14 +                                 14mg a day
Lactating Females 18+    19mg a day


References:

1. Disadvantages of Vitamin E: http://www.livestrong.com/article/546591-disadvantages-of-vitamin-e/
2. Things that are high in Vitamin E: http://www.livestrong.com/article/541192-things-that-are-high-in-vitamin-e/
3. Top 10 Fruits with Vitamin E: http://www.livestrong.com/article/537299-top-10-fruits-with-vitamin-e/
4. How does Vitamin E Help With Skin Care Marks?:http://www.livestrong.com/article/537219-how-does-vitamin-e-help-with-skin-care-for-marks/
5. Vitamin E Food Chart: http://healthyeatingclub.com/info/books-phds/books/foodfacts/html/data/data3d.html
6. Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet Vitamin E: http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamine/
7. Micronutrient Information Center: http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/vitamins/vitaminE/
8. Para qué sirve la vitamina E?: http://www.plantasparacurar.com/para-que-sirve-la-vitamina-e/
9. MAYO Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vitamin-e/NS_patient-vitamine
10.Web MD: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-954-VITAMIN%20E.aspx?activeIngredientId=954&activeIngredientName=VITAMIN%20E
11. Whfoods.org: http://whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=111
12. Medical News Today: What id Vitamin E? What does it Do?: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/219486.php
13. University of Maryland Medical Center: http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/vitamin-e-000341.htm
14. Medline Plus: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002406.htm
15. Healthy Skin Care: Benefits of Vitamin E: http://www.healthy-skincare.com/benefits-of-vitamin-e.html
16. Harvard School of Public Health: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/vitamin-e/index.html
17. News-Medical.net: http://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Vitamin-E.aspx

Oatmeal Face Mask

This is a fantastic moisturizing mask that is very simple and leaves your face glowing

 

Ingredients:

1 tbsp oatmeal (preferably organic)
1 tbsp plain yogurt
Honey

Mix the oatmeal and yogurt in a bowl then slowly start adding the honey.

It should look sort of like this:

***Extra steps**

Dry skin?: Add more honey
Oily Skin?: Add a few drops of lemon

Finally, apply the mask to the face. Leave it on for about 10 minutes and then remove with some warm water and a washcloth.
See? Simple mask you can make at any time, hope you have fun trying this recipe out! ~


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Interesting Product #2: Nail Mat

Nail Mat For Relaxation?

Ok so I know that usually when people think of a relaxing evening they don’t think about  lying on a nail mat. But you would be surprised about how fantastic it actually is!

    Nail mats have been used in Eastern spiritual and physical healing for hundreds of years but most recently this concept was given a new look, being turned into a more convenient portable mat. The traditional nails have been replaced with small lotus flower shaped disks with tiny plastic spikes that are attached to a padded yoga mat.

Now, the way this works is similar to acupuncture. The pressure you get from the spikes encourages your body to release endorphins (which suppresses pain and removes acid from the body, this helps with joint pain) and oxytocin (also known as the love hormone ;D) which makes you very relaxed.

The average nail mat has approximately 6,000 spikes but you can get mats that have 7,000 - 8,000 spikes. The higher the number of spikes the more comfortable it is but it also becomes less effective.

Benefits:

Relieves neck, back, muscle and joint pain
Helps with Insomnia
Relieves Headaches
Helps with Digestive problems
Helps with Cellulite
Reduces Inflammation
Eases Depression

    There are various positions you can try while using this mat. Each position is useful in relieving a different symptom. You can lie face down, on your back, you can sit on the mat, and even stand on it. Try out different positions and see which one works the best for you.

Reccomended Use:

  Start by lying on it for 5 minutes and then work your way up to 20. The first time it may feel uncomfortable but DO NOT give up, as you continue to use it this feeling will go away.
*For best results do not wear thick clothes while using the mat, it works best when your skin is touching the spikes.*

Price:

    Prices can go from 20 to 60 dollars per mat. But don’t worry! If you search hard enough you can find more affordable mats out there. I got my mat for $7 at Marshalls (Super Deal!).



References:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1267079/Beautiful-torture-The-ancient-bed-nails--sold-Harvey-Nicks-health-aid.html
http://iwellville.com/remedies/2011/4/5/acupressure-mat-latest-shortcut-to-relaxation.html
http://www.metro.us/boston/life/article/635275--study-nail-mats-do-tackle-muscle-pain
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703712504576242782763737972.html
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/the-shakti-mat-at-the-sharp-end-1835279.html
http://www.squidoo.com/nailmat
http://www.barefoottyler.com/2010/09/padma-nailmat-review.html

Interesting Product #1: Oolong Tea

    Oolong tea has been used for many many years in China and Japan and even England for its various health benefits. This tea comes from the same plant as Green tea Camelia Sinensis but it is different because of the way it’s processed after harvesting. The name Oolong comes from Chinese meaning “Black Dragon” because of its long, dark and curly demeanor.

    There are different types of Oolong tea, but the most popular ones are produced in the Wuyi Mountains of Northern Fujan  and in the central mountains of Taiwan. The flavor varies depending on how it was produced. You may find that some oolong teas have a sweet fruity taste while others  taste like an earthy black tea.

Benefits:

Helps burn fat
Reduces Stress
Reduces Bad Cholesterol
Aids in the relief of allergies
Helps fight cavities
Helps fight against signs of Aging (Dark spots, wrinkles, etc.)
Beneficial for Diabetes Patients
Reduces High Blood Pressure

    The Caffeine content in oolong tea really depends on the type of leaves used and the preparation method. But Oolong Tea does have less caffeine than coffee or even black tea. Nonetheless you should not exceed your intake. Remember, too much of a good thing is bad. Start with one cup every day and see how you feel.  It is a delicious tea with many benefits so you should give it a try. * For best results steep for 3 to 4 minutes*

Types of Oolong you May Find:

        Name                                                                                      English
Da Hong Pao                                                   Big Red Robe (Most Famous in China)
Shui Jin Gui                                                     Golden Turtle
Tieluohan                                                         Iron Arhat
Bai Ji Guan                                                      White Cockscomb (Fun Fact: Named after a
                                                                      rooster who  gave up its life while protecting a
                                                                                                Child)                                                          
Rou Gui                                                           Cinnamon
Shui Hsien                                                       Water Sprite
Huang Mei Gui                                                Yellow Rose
Qi Lan                                                              Rare Orchid
Jin Suo Chi                                                      Golden Key
Ban Tian Yao                                                   Half Day Perish
Fo Shou                                                           Buddha Hands
Tie Guan Yin                                                    Iron Goddess of Mercy (Well known world-wide)
Huang Jin Gui
Pouchong
Jin Fo                                                               Golden Buddha
Huang Guayin                                                  Yellow Goddess of Mercy




Refrences:

http://www.oolongteainfo.com/best-oolong-tea/
http://www.teadiscussion.com/types/oolong-tea.php
http://www.oolongteainfo.com/
http://www.oolongtea.org/e/
http://www.adagio.com/oolong/
http://whatisoolongtea.com/
http://www.teamuse.com/article_060601.html


Here is the video review I made, it is more of a general explanation of what is written in this article:

Question: Hair Growth

Ok so this is a question I was sent by a follower on Tumblr named deverruca. She asked:
What kind of shampoo/conditioner is best? (I'm using garnier fructis length and strength) I want to have lonnnng curly hair. 

Well when it comes to hair growth the best thing is to keep your hair as healthy as possible. I am also trying to grow my hair very long and there are some things I have learned on how to speed up the process.

+ Do not shampoo your hair every day as it can lead to a dry scalp which will prolong the growth process. Having said that, when you DO shampoo, watch out for chemicals that can strip your hair from its natural oils. Yes, it will be clean, but it will feel dry and get very frizzy. Some of these chemicals are: Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Sulfur, and alcohols like Benzyl and Ethanol
There are alcohols that will not damage your hair like Stearyl and Cetearyl these are ok to use as they are non drying.*
I have recently been using Carol’s Daughter Rosemary Mint Clarifying Shampoo and it has worked wonderfully!
+ Co-Wash your hair on the days you want to wash but don’t want to use shampoo. Its also great to use a deep conditioner at least once a month. (I use my deep conditioner once a week) The best ones are always those that you have to leave in your hair for 30 minutes or more.
**Conditioners are the best thing you can buy for your hair but you don’t necessarily need to buy the most expensive one. What I like to do is buy my favorite conditioner ( sometimes the cheapest if money is tight) and and put in a teaspoon of olive, argon or coconut oil.

+ Do not use hot water to rinse out your hair, this can cause frizz, breakage and dry scalp. It is better to use cold water, but if you aren’t very fond of the idea of pouring cold water on your hair then warm water is fine, just make sure its not too hot.

+ Scalp Massages with oils like argan, olive, coconut, or a mixture of your favorite oils are great. The massage will open up the blood vessels which will increase blood flow and help circulation. The kneading pressure applied by massage warms the skin and opens up blood vessels to increase flow and boost circulation. And your hair will soak up all the necessary nutrients from the oil. This strengthens your hair roots which helps you shed less hair.

+ Some people like to drink supplements like Biotin to help hair growth, so that’s another option.

I hope this answer can help anyone out there who is trying to achieve beautiful, long, curly, hair.
If you want to see pictures of men and women with beautiful curly hair, you can follow me on Tumblr: http://ricitosdecanela.tumblr.com/