Face more important than body for women?

Changes in skin are visible signs of ageing. A new research shows that many women feel they have focussed more on the face than the entire body.

The research, conducted by Astral Original, has highlighted that many women feel they have focussed too little on their body and only used creams on their face, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

The study shows that a quarter of women believed that their body was ageing faster than it should have, as they had neglected caring for it.

The top three body areas claimed to be showing the worst signs of ageing were the hands, face and neck.

About one in 10 women overall said they were unhappy with their skin and one in three said they only sometimes feel their skin looks and feels good.

Women blame the poor appearance of their skin on dehydration as they drink too little water, insufficient use of moisturiser, smoking and an unhealthy diet.

Feeling of sadness lingers on longer

It's official. A sad feeling lasts longer than being ashamed, surprised, irritated or even bored.

Indo-Asian News Service | Posted: October 31, 2014 2:22 pm

It’s official. A sad feeling lasts longer than being ashamed, surprised, irritated or even bored.

According to a study, sadness often goes hand-in-hand with events of greater impact such as death or accidents.

“You need more time to mull over and cope with what happened to fully comprehend it,” said lead authors Philippe Verduyn and Saskia Lavrijsen from the University of Leuven in Belgium.

To explain why some emotions last for a longer time than others, the two asked 233 high school students to recollect recent emotional episodes and report their duration.

Out of a set of 27 emotions, sadness lasted the longest, whereas shame, surprise, fear, disgust, boredom, being touched, irritated or feeling relief were often over in a flash.

Interestingly enough, boredom also counts among the shorter emotions experienced.

“This means that even though time seems to pass slowly when one is bored, an episode of boredom typically does not last that long,” Verduyn noted.

The researchers discovered that emotions that last a shorter time are typically elicited by events that have relatively low importance attached to them.

On the other hand, long-lasting emotions tend to be caused by events that have strong implications for a person’s major concerns.

“The feeling, therefore, endures while a person rethinks the events and consequences over and over again,” Lavrijsen said.

Duration was found to be a dimension that can differentiate between otherwise very similar emotions.

For instance, guilt is an emotion that persists much longer than shame, while anxiety lingers longer than fear.

“Rumination is the central determinant of why some emotions last longer than others. Emotions associated with high levels of rumination will last longest,” the two authors concluded.

Five food fixes for hair

Dealing with dreary, feeble, or thinning strands? Then it’s time to focus on what you’re putting on your plate. There’s a strong correlation between your overall nourishment and the state of your strands.

“One of the first ways I can tell how healthy someone is — and if they’re eating nutritiously — is by looking at their hair,” says Whitney Bowe, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. Dull, thinning, or breakage-prone tresses can be dead giveaways that you aren’t getting all the nutrients your hair demands. As compiled by healwithfood.org andPrevention magazine, fill up on the following foods to maintain a better mouth-mane connection.

If your hair is dry

Eat pumpkin seeds. These seeds are packed with Vitamin A, K, B (biotin), sulfur, and omega-3 fatty acids. All these nutrients are essential for the health of your scalp and hair. The essential fatty acids present in the seeds plays a significant role in maintaining the oil production and moisture levels of your hair tapping the dryness out of it. Not only will these food super heroes get rid of the hay-like feel of your hair but will also aid in chucking out premature balding.

If your hair isn’t growing back

Eat chicken. You may not be able to stop normal, everyday hair loss (we lose an average of 50 to 100 strands per day), but you can help build the count back up by taking in lean protein from chicken. Lean protein is a building block for hair, minus the artery-clogging fat. Without enough protein, your body can’t replace the hair that you naturally shed everyday, so instead of grabbing fatty proteins like liver and rib eye steak, opt for chicken: a 4-ounce delicious serving packs 35 grams, more than 75% of a woman’s daily recommended intake.

If your hair is thinning

Eat garbanzo beans. Garbanzo beans also known as chickpeas, or cholay, are a wonderfully versatile food with a rich, palatable consistency. They are a staple in Pakistani cuisine and the main ingredient in hummus. They are a splendid addition to your food repertoire if you suffer from thinning, flimsy hair, as they are loaded with hair thickening nutrients such as B vitamins, and copper. They are also an excellent source of protein, particularly for vegetarians and vegans who avoid animal sources of protein.

If your natural colour is fading

Eat mushrooms. These small wonders are a top source of copper, which may help hair maintain its natural colour, says Rebecca Kazin, MD, assistant professor of dermatology at Johns Hopkins University. In fact, a 2012 study found that low copper intake could be linked to premature graying. There’s no standard intake amount for copper, but the Mayo Clinic recommends a minimum of 1.5 mg per day. Half a cup of cooked shiitake mushrooms provides nearly half that amount. Add them to your pasta or curry and reap the benefits.

If you’re experiencing hair loss

Eat kidney beans. Lobia, a Pakistani favourite is a gem of a food when it comes to serious hair loss. There’s a difference between slightly thinning strands and noticeable, I-can-see-my-scalp hair loss, and the latter can be caused by iron deficiency. Beans are an iron all-star. One cup of lobia packs nearly 8 mg of iron. Unlike red meat (another great source of iron), kidney beans are low in calories and virtually fat-free. Iron is an integral component of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen from the lungs to all body cells, including hair! Gobble up to promote the growth of new hair follicles.

Five foods to never eat again

There are foods in your kitchen and refrigerator that have a dark side. Read on to avoid the worst of what families in Pakistan frequently consume. As compiled from ABC News, ausfoodnews.com, healthimpactnews.com, nhs.uk, and rodalnews.com, these five foods are a complete no-no.

White bread

White bread, a naashta staple, looks and tastes delicious, but has refined grains, which are low in magnesium, zinc, vitamin E, fibre and essential fatty acids. White bread has a high glycemic index because it’s made from refined grains that are rapidly absorbed during digestion, causing sharp spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, diet, which includes a high quotient of white bread, increases your risk for weight gain, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Microwave popcorn

Microwave popcorn, a favourite movie snack, comprises butter flavour, which may be injurious to health. Diacetyl in microwave popcorn helps create its buttery aroma and has been linked to serious health issues for those who make the snack. Experts believe that when heated, the chemical produces a toxic and potentially lethal gas. David Michaels, assistant secretary of energy, who has been studying the issue for the last four years, said, “Workers who mix the chemical as a liquid or powders breathe in small amounts of this chemical and it just devastates their lungs.”

Margarine

 The unnatural fats used to make margarine, formed during the process of hydrogenation, which turns liquid vegetable oils into solid fat, is dangerous. Trans fats in margarine contribute to heart disease, cancer, bone problems, hormonal imbalance and skin disease. It can also lead to infertility, difficulties in pregnancy and problems with lactation, low birth weight, growth problems and learning disabilities in children. A United States government panel of scientists determined that man-made trans fats that margarine has in abundance are unsafe at any level.

Diet soda

Diet soda contains artificial sweeteners, such as sucralose, aspartame, acesulfame K, and neotame. “The safety data on these sweeteners is shrouded in controversy and conflicts of interest with the manufacturers of these chemical compounds,” warns Dr Eliaz, an integrative health expert. “Independent research strongly suggests that when metabolised in the body, these sweeteners can cause health-related issues and problems related to weight gain, neurological diseases, joint pain, digestive problems, headaches, depression, inflammatory bowel disease, chemical toxicity, and cancer, among others,” he added.

White chocolate

The right kind of chocolate serves not only as a delectable treat but also a brain-boosting super food. But white chocolate doesn’t comprise cacao beans that give chocolate its brown colour and benefits. “The data on the health benefits of cacao is pretty awesome,” said Dr Drew Ramsey, MD, assistant clinical professor of Psychiatry at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. “Much of this is due to a set of amazing phytonutrients that can increase blood flow to the brain, protect blood vessels, and boost mood and focus. White chocolate is missing all this goodness.”

Steal Fawad Khan’s Khoobsurat style

KARACHI: 

With women on both sides of the border swooning over actor Fawad Khan and his fashion choices in his latest film Khoobsurat, men in Pakistan may want to follow suit for the upcoming wedding season. Khan plays a prince named Vikram Singh Rathore in the frothy romantic-comedy and his dashing style has drawn almost as many comments as Sonam Kapoor’s sartorial choices in the film.

With his form-fitting suits, silk handkerchiefs, bandhgala waistcoats and sherwanis, Khan is the epitome of aristocratic chic. Staying true to the prince’s decorous character, his look for the film is distinctly formal. This is not a character you can see lounging around in a t-shirt and jeans. He has been styled by Indian designer Raghavendra Rathore, who cleverly makes Prince Vikram look prim, but not pretentious or old-fashioned.

Rathore has focused on sharp tailoring for Khan with dark-fitted suits, tailored blazers and skinny ties. His desi outfits mainly comprise classic Jodhpuri bandhgalas, which feature no busy embroidery and embellishments. Rathore said in an interview, “The look for Fawad’s character is classic, with clean cuts in bandhgala, waistcoats and suits,” reported the Indian Express. “Even when the actor is in casuals, the character of a modern prince is required to come through. The clothes were made for all seasons with an emphasis on summer and a dash of colour.”

Commenting on how he devised the look for Khan’s character, Rathore said, “We created profiles of 100 princes and combined details from all the looks for his character Vikram Rathore in the film. He had some reservations initially, but once he believed I had the potential to put it together, he was more open and in the end, he really liked the look.”

He wanted to give Khan’s character a contemporary yet regal touch, so he focused on tailoring and understated chic, using accessories to bring the look together. “The classic RR collections were made available for the film, keeping in mind the core idea of modernism juxtaposed with the classic,” said Rathore, according to the Asian Age.

Key features of Khan’s look include a modern, skinny silhouette and the judicious use of accessories, such as silk handkerchiefs, smart loafers and beautiful watches. Style thieves should note the way Khan’s preppy look is softened using folded cuffs, loosened ties and soft layering. He wears waistcoats with both western and eastern ensembles, often with a trademark kerchief tucked into the front pocket.

 Khan’s eastern wear in the film is particularly Indian in style, with straight pyjamas rather than shalwars and shorter kurtas than are generally worn here. Check out collections by menswear maestros Amir Adnan and Deepak Perwani for well-fitted, understated sherwanis and waistcoats. You can opt for designer Arsalan Iqbal for straight pyjamas, and remember to roll up your cuffs for that essential contemporary feel. For western wear, Hassan Sheheryar Yasin, Republic and Moosajees offer diverse designs.

Khan’s style from Khoobsurat is fun and attractive, but it is something you should attempt once in a while for slightly more formal occasions. For those of you wanting to channel Khan’s khoobsurat style, here’s a checklist:

1.  Insist on impeccable tailoring, preferably in a plain, dark and good-quality fabric.

2.  Straight-fitted trousers or skinny trousers are necessary for that lean look.

3.  Stock up on silk handkerchiefs – let them provide the only spot of colour to your outfit.

4.  Splurge on some smart shoes, preferably loafers or brogues in pure leather.

5.  Invest in a quality-leather watch

6.  Wear waistcoats if they are suitable for the occasion

7.  Lounge in eastern wear but always with a sherwani waistcoat for that formal touch. Embrace the bandhgala.

8.  Roll up your cuffs – all the more reason for showing off your watch and essential for giving a modern edge to your look.

9.  Grow a short beard. It looked great on Ranveer Singh and great on Fawad Khan. Just make sure you maintain the uber-short length; any hint of bushiness will kill the look.

10. Hit the gym but opt for low-intensity fat-burning workouts with a small amount of weight training. Lean muscle is what you’re aiming for here rather than bulging muscles of yesteryear.

Oxford-grad Salima Feerasta is a social commentator and lover of style in any form or fashion. She tweets@karachista

Fawad Khan rated fifth best actor in India

Pakistani heartthrob Fawad Khan, who made his Bollywood debut with the filmKhoobsurat, has been ranked the fifth best actor in India, according to a list released byTimes Celebex.

According to their website, Times Celebex powered by Zoom, is the most definitive rating index of Bollywood stars and the power they yield over the public. Based on their popularity, performance and visibility, the ‘T Score’ is calculated by measuring various parameters ranging from box office performance to PR buzz to online following.

Salman Khan is the reigning king of the list at number one, followed by Hrithik Roshan, Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar and then Fawad Khan.

Before his leap to number 5, Fawad was ranked as number 26.

Pakistani actor Ali Zafar, who also ventured into Bollywood in 2010, with the film Tere Bin Laden, is ranked 38 on the list.

'Shuddhi', 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan', 'Fast & Furious 7' and Other Films that Deepika Padukone Rejected

"Happy New Year" star Deepika Padukone has become the queen of Bollywood after her latest film crossed the 100-crore mark. Earlier too, the actress has given several blockbusters which earned over ₹100 crore at the box office.

The diva has picked films quite smartly but she has also rejected a few that could have milestones in her career graph.

Padukone has turned down quite a few good film offers so far, which includes two movies with Salman Khan. Here are the films rejected by Deepika Padukone.

Sultan

Salman Khan-starrer "Sultan", directed by Ali Abbas under Yash Raj Film production, will hit the theatres on Eid in 2016. It is said that Padukone was offered role opposite Khan but the diva turned down the proposal. Whether rejecting "Dabangg" star's proposal was a wise decision for the actress, only time will tell. Currently Padukone is in the seven heaven due to her hits.

Shuddhi

Karan Johar's project "Shuddhi" stars Kareena Kapoor Khan and Salman Khan. Initially the role opposite Khan was offered to Padukone but she turned it down for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Bajirao Mastani". This is the second time the actress missed the chance to share screen with Salman.

It is said that earlier Padukone had also rejected Khan's offer of performing the item number in his film "Kick."

Jab tak Hai Jaan

The "HNY" actress lost the only chance of working with legendary Yash Chopra when she turned down the "Jab Tak Hai Jaan" offer, opposite Shah Rukh Khan. The role was then offered to Katrina Kaif.

Fast & Furious 7

Not many can boast of being offered (let alone rejecting) the superhit "Fast & Furious" series. But our leggy-lass Ms. Padukone had to reject Vin Diesel-starrer "Fast & Furious 7" due to date issues. At that time, the actress was very busy with the shoots of "HNY" and "Ram-Leela".

Dhoom 3

Aamir Khan's "Dhoom 3", in which Katrina Kaif had a short screen time, was first offered to Padukone. Well then, rejecting this offer was probably a smart decision. 

Roy

There was a buzz that Padukone had said no to work in Ranbir Kapoor's upcoming film "Roy". The role is now in Jacqueline Fernandez's kitty.

Happy kids make happy adults

Washington: New research has found that being a ''happy'' teenager is linked to increased well-being in adulthood.

Much is known about the associations between a troubled childhood and mental health problems, but little research has examined the affect of a positive childhood.

For the first time, researchers from the University of Cambridge and the MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing have analysed the link between a positive adolescence and well-being in midlife.

Using information from 2776 individuals who participated in the 1946 British birth cohort study, the scientists tested associations between having a positive childhood and well-being in adulthood.

A ''positive'' childhood was based on teacher evaluations of students' levels of happiness, friendship and energy at the ages of 13 and 15. A student was given a positive point for each of the following four items - whether the child was ''very popular with other children'', ''unusually happy and contented'', ''makes friends extremely easily'' and ''extremely energetic, never tired''.

Teachers also rated conduct problems (restlessness, daydreaming, disobedience, lying, etc) and emotional problems (anxiety, fearfulness, diffidence, avoidance of attention, etc).

The researchers then linked these ratings to the individuals' mental health, work experience, relationships and social activities several decades later. They found that teenagers rated positively by their teachers were significantly more likely than those who received no positive ratings to have higher levels of well-being later in life, including a higher work satisfaction, more frequent contact with family and friends, and more regular engagement in social and leisure activities.

Happy children were also much less likely than others to develop mental disorders throughout their lives – 60 percent less likely than young teens that had no positive ratings.

The study has been published in the January print edition of The Journal of Positive Psychology.

Healthy Eating as You Age

There’s no denying it: our bodies change as we age. We start to lose hair on our heads, muscles diminish, and either we get fatter or we lose so much weight from lack of appetite that we become so skinny. When we become senior citizens, our nutritional needs change and differ from that of teenagers, and even middle-aged adults.

Age related changes can affect how your body processes food, which in turn influences your dietary needs and affects your appetite. For adults over age 50, the benefits of healthy eating include increased mental alertness, resistance to illness and disease, higher energy levels, faster recuperation times, and better management of chronic health problems. As we age, eating well can also be the key to a positive outlook and staying emotionally balanced. But healthy eating doesn’t have to be about dieting and sacrifice. Whatever, your age, eating well should be about fresh colorful food, enjoying some creativity in the kitchen, and most importantly having company.

What Happens to Our Bodies as We Age?

Metabolism Slows Down

Our metabolisms slow down naturally as we age, but it slows down faster when we don’t exercise. When your metabolism slows down, your body doesn’t burn calories as much as it should, which means you need to eat less to stay at a healthy weight. For that matter, yourfoods need to be nutrient-rich as much as possible. Most women who are moderately active require 1,800 calories per day, whereas moderately active men need 2,300 calories a day. If you are sedentary, meaning you have little to no activity level then you need much lower amount of calories.

Digestive System Changes

As you get older, your body produces less of fluids that it needs to process food in your digestive system. These changes can make it harder for your body to absorb important nutrients such as folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12.

Muscle Starts Diminishing

As you age, you start losing muscles, and every 10 years you lose approximately 8 percent of muscle mass. This is mostly due to decreased protein intake.

Appetite Changes

As you get older, you are more susceptible to diseases and organ damages and would most likely have to take medications for health conditions. Some of these medications can cause side effects such as a lack of appetite or upset stomach, which can lead to poor nutritional intake.

Emotional Changes

Seniors who feel depressed or lonely often lose interest in eating. However, the other extreme is that emotional issues may cause some people to eat more and gain unwanted weight.

Plan for the Seniors

A healthy diet with important nutrients can help protect against potential health problems that are common with senior citizens, like constipation, heart problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Nutritious foods can also help you maintain a healthy weight and improve your energy level.

So here is what you should do:

1. Make half of your plate fruits and vegetables. Good fruits and vegetables include beans, strawberries, beets, apples, cranberries, sweet potato, avocados, broccoli, spinach and cherries.
2. Make at least half of your carbohydrates as whole grains. Whole grains are fiber and nutrient rich that will help your digestion and protect your heart. Choose brown rice, whole wheat bread, and whole grain cereals.
3. Avoid too much sodium (salt) in foods and choose foods that have lower numbers of sodium content because too much salt can increase your blood pressure.
4. Avoid red meat such as mutton and beef because they lead to high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
5. Choose healthy fats found in seeds, nuts, avocados, fatty fish and make better choices of oil to use in cooking, such as olive oil or canola oil
6. Drink lots of water to stay hydrated and avoid caffeinated drinks. You can even eat foods that are high in water content such as cucumbers, watermelon, grapes, oranges and strawberries.
7. Pack in your protein. Protein is necessary to avoid sarcopenia as we age, which is when your muscles start losing its form. Consume beans, eggs, chicken and fish, and nuts. Quinoa are tiny seeds that pack a lot of protein.
8. Make sure you are not deficient in calcium and vitamin D. These are needed to protect your bones, so eat up as much calcium-rich foods like low fat dairy products, eggs, tuna and salmon. You can always take calcium and vitamin D supplements if you are severely deficient in these vitamins.
9. B12 is another vitamin that you must have enough of. Vitamin B12 is good for avoiding memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease, boosting mood, energy, concentration and the immune system, and it is beneficial to slow the aging process. It’s also good for the heart and has a whole host of other uses. Take supplements if you need to, but it can be found in fish and dairy products.

Make sure you also stay active. Even if its gardening or going for a short walk in the park, make sure you are burning calories so that you can improve your appetite. To avoid the muscle loss, try doing very light weight lifting. You can get dumbbells that are as light as 2.5 kg and carry them as you walk. Keep your joints healthy by staying active. 

12 Superfoods You Should Have in Your Kitchen

There is an enormous variety of foods out there. However, the foods mentioned below are what you should consciously include in your kitchen. They are superfoods, which are foods that are so nutrient-rich that they have great nutritional and overall well-being benefits.

Greek Yoghurt

This is a thicker, creamier version of regular yoghurt and it is full of protein and probiotics. Probiotics are microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed. Greek yoghurt is very satisfying by filling the belly. It improves digestion as well as the immune system. It can be a great healthy substitute for cream cheese and mayonnaise.

Chia

Chia seeds are highly nutritious. They contain good amounts of magnesium, iron, calcium and potassium. One ounce of chia seeds contain 15 times more magnesium, three times more iron than spinach, six times more calcium than milk, and two times more potassium than bananas. They also have the most essential fatty acids as well as high amounts of antioxidants.

Quinoa

These are tiny, grain-like seeds with a flavor that’s sure to make you want to eat some almonds, as it contains a mild nutty flavor. Quinoa is one of the only seeds that provides all nine essential amino acids our bodies can’t produce on their own. With a high protein content, this is sure to be an excellent dinner substitute to red meat.

Almonds

If you have an inkling to eat some almonds after you eat quinoa, by all means go for it. Almonds are a superfood that are the most nutritionally dense nuts. They offer the highest concentration of nutrients per calorie per ounce. A one ounce serving of almonds provides 191 calories, with 3.4 grams of fiber, and a good amount of potassium, calcium, vitamin E, magnesium, and iron.

Pistachios

Another form of nuts, these have high amounts of protein and fiber. For those who have cholesterol issues, you should much on at least a small serving of an ounce of pistachios. They are naturally cholesterol-free. In addition, they contain as much potassium as one banana.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is high in fiber, antioxidants, and a bunch of other nutrients. Enjoy it in the mornings for a balanced meal so that it can lower your cholesterol levels, aid in digestion and improve your metabolism.

Green Tea

Green tea has been around for a looong time. It’s been used as a natural remedy from cancer to heart disease. Green tea contains high amounts of antioxidants, which help fight free radicals from damaging your body and help prevent aging.

Broccoli

This dark, leafy green vegetable is packed with vitamins, minerals, compounds that help fight diseases, fiber which is essential for any diet, and calcium and magnesium to fortify your bones. Broccoli also contains high levels of vitamin C and folate, both of which can reduce the risk of heart disease, certain cancer and stroke.

Spinach

Spinach is great for vision and bone health. It provides many great antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and vitamins. One cup of spinach provides up to 12 percent of the recommended daily value of calcium and vitamin K to help prevent bone loss. In addition, the flavonoids present in spinach help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.

Beans

Beans are high in protein and low in cholesterol. They come in varieties of shapes, colors and sizes and provide health benefits to any dish. They also contain good amounts of fiber, folate, and magnesium. They are great for your heart, controlling sugar, controlling obesity and scientific research has shown it may even help prevent some cancers!

Watermelon

Watermelon is low in sugar but has an extremely high water content for those great summer days. Equally high are vitamins A and C, which help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. In addition, watermelon has beta-carotene for good eye health, and potassium and lycopene for bone health.

Eggs

Eggs are no doubt, a really good source of protein. They are also packed with nutrients and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for normal body functions and heart health. 

4 Homemade Face Cleansers For Healthy Skin

Face cleansing is an integral part of one’s daily skincare regime. While there are multitudinous variants of face cleansing agents available in the market, what better way to take care of your skin than with natural products? No matter how herbal or organic off-the-shelf products claim to be, you never know exactly what ingredients might be included in the mixture. Even the slightest trace of an ingredient could make the product unsuitable for your skin. The face is a sensitive and delicate region, and only the best and purest cleansers should be used to keep your skin healthy, fresh and supple. The following natural cleansers are guaranteed to be free of any artificial compounds because they can be made by you with the ingredients you have at home! Let’s take a look:

1.     Coconut Oil

If your skin looks extra shiny at the end of the day, coconut oil can solve your problem. Its natural compounds enable the removal of extra moisture exuded from the pores.

Instructions: All you need for this cleanser is coconut oil. Take a small portion of coconut oil on your palm. Massage it onto your face for 30 seconds at least. Then take a warm towel and press it against your face. This will open your pores and allow the oil to work on making your skin smooth and soft. Wash your face after 15-20 seconds to remove the oil.

2.     Honey-lemon Mix

Honey and lemon are two natural compounds that are chock full of healthy benefits. Honey is an excellent antioxidant and its antibacterial properties facilitate the prevention of acne, the enhancement of one’s complexion, and the natural aging of skin. Lemon, with its citrus power, is instrumental in the removal of bacteria and dead-skin. Combine the two together and you have a powerful and efficient face cleanser.

Instructions: Simply mix 2 teaspoons of honey with one teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Apply the mixture to your face and neck. Make sure that the layer on your skin is thin and smooth. Keep it on until it is dry, and then wash it off with warm water.

3.     Plain Yoghurt

Yoghurt is an excellent product for detoxifying the skin and rejuvenating it. Yoghurt hydrates the skin, closes skin pores, reduces the visibility of fine lines, and removes dead skin cells.

Instructions: Simply apply plain yoghurt onto your skin, exactly in the same way that you would apply any other skin mask. Use your finger tips to gently massage the yoghurt onto your skin. Leave it on for at least 4-5 minutes. Then wash off the yoghurt with warm water. Use a towel to gently pat your face dry.

4.     Olive Oil

Olive oil is routinely recommended for health and wellness, but did you know that it also has benefits for your skin? Olive oil has the necessary compounds to kill bacteria, lighten dark spots, hydrate the skin, reduce dryness, and soothe sunburnt skin.

Instructions: Formulate a mixture using ½ cup of olive oil, ¼ cup of vinegar, and ¼ cup of water. Apply this natural cleanser to your face before sleeping at night.

The Takeaway

Never compromise on the products that you use on your face. Natural products are the best way to go because their beneficial compounds are present in an unadulterated and pure form. If any of these ingredients are liable to cause a reaction on your skin do not experiment with them. If you are unsure of how your skin will react to them, do a patch test on a small portion of your skin. If there is no reaction, you can safely continue to use the ingredients.

Feel free to share your comments, insights and suggestions in the comments below. Team HTV would love to hear from you!