Troubled by acne?

While it is easy to turn to cosmetic products to treat breakouts and scars, nothing beats a natural approach when it comes to dealing with acne. It is known that certain food items not just work effectively on acne, but also help you keep your skin glowing and healthy, especially in the scorching summer.

Read on to find out a few from the list:

Almonds: This dry fruit works wonders on the hair and skin, thanks to the excess magnesium and vitamins E and B in it. Even better, it contains excess fibre and is low in trans-fats. You can eat whole almonds as a snack or add sliced almonds to salads, cereal, yogurt, or baked goods.

Salmon: This fish is known to be a rich source of Omega 3 fatty acids, which help get rid of those ugly breakouts. Also, salmon has healthy fat and is rich in proteins, which in turn allows to build collagen in the skin, keeping it supple. It'll also protect your skin from the harsh sun.

Spinach: Rich in proteins, iron and vitamin A, this green leaf battles inflammation that produces acne. Also, with high collagen levels, this veggie makes skin look both tight and clear.

Cucumber: The skin of cucumber has silica, which is a beauty mineral. It arrests acne, treats breakouts and also keeps the skin looking young.

Ways to tackle adult acne

Strangely enough I never had a problem with acne as a teenager, but I didn't get away scot free. When I got into my twenties, I got a bout of what's called adult acne. Thankfully a face wash, of salicylic acid and mosturizering component, helped me a great deal in sailing through. I also recommend frequent check-ups with the dermatologist. After all, experts know the best.
For every regime, each time I use a face wash, I follow it up with an eye cream. Gruelling shooting schedules, heavy lights and dust are harsh on your skin, and the under eye area is the most sensitive. So I make sure I keep it moisturised and clean immediately once I get back home. I don't usually use cleansing creams, but instead a face wash that suits my skin type.

Mane point
I like washing my hair everyday. Travelling to so many places for shoots and promotions makes my hair very dirty. I use a mild shampoo and cleanser for that.

Naturally speaking
I don't really follow any home remedy for beauty, but I do follow a diet for a healthy glow. I drink a lot of jasmine and tulsi tea, as they contain powerful antioxidants, which are said to be great for the skin. I also avoid sugar whenever I can, and take less salt, to beat water retention.

Quick fix
Say you're about to meet somebody and have just ten minutes to get ready. Take a lot of moisturiser and apply it liberally over your face and neck. With a cube of ice, keep rubbing it all over until the ice melts. There will be an instant glow on your face, you won't even need any make-up!

Beauty tips
- Have a healthy diet laden with anti-oxidants, preferably tulsi tea
- Go for good cosmetic brands that suit your skin type. And remember just because it's the most expensive, doesn't mean it's the best for you
- Sign up for yoga for that glow

Must haves in your make-up kit
Compact powder, kajal, mascara and a lip balm

Home Remedies to Reduce Acne and Pimples

Tired of the regular zits that keep popping up every now and then? While if you suffer from an acute acne problem, it's best that you visit a dermatologist, you can bid adieu to a pimple here and there by following these simple home remedies — just make sure you don't suffer from any allergies. Acne usually starts with blackheads, which are formed when oil along with dead cells gets stuck in your pores and turn black.
The inflammation when it turns red arethe unsightly pimples that all of us dread. While a regular clean-upwill reduce your blackheads, here's what you can do to prevent them... 

- Take a few pieces of jaiphal (nutmeg), mix it with some unboiled milk and apply the paste on your acne. Wash it off after about two hours. 

- Make a mixture of cinnamon powder and honey and apply on your pimples before you go to bed in the night. Wash it with warm water when you wake up in the morning. Do this for a fortnight and watch your pimples disappear. 

- Not only are oranges good for overall health, you can use orange peels as a remedy for pimples too. Grind the peels, mix them with a few drops of water and apply it on your face. 

- Mix a tablespoon each of fresh lime juice and groundnut oil and apply it on your face to avoid blackheads. 

- Leave fresh mint juice on your face overnight to tame pimples. 

- Take methi (fenugreek) leaves and make a paste. Apply it every night for 15 minutes and wash it off. 

- Take turmeric powder and neem leaves. Apply the mixture on your pimples. Leave it on your face for about half an hour. 

- Take equal quantities of rose water and lime juice and apply the mixture on the affected area. Leave it on for 20 minutes. 

- Make a face-wash by adding fresh lime juice to a cup of unboiled milk and using it on your face.

- Take some tomato pulp and apply it on your face. Leave it for 45 minutes and wash it off. 

- Take a few drops of gulab jal (rose-water) and mix it with sandalwood. Apply the paste on your face and wash it off after 20 minutes. 

10 Summer tips for acne

Summers are here and it is the most nightmarish time for skin issues specially acne. Ugly to look at and painful in general, the outbreak of acne can be extremely de-motivating and affect the confidence of an individual. 

But acne can be nipped in the bud and we are not suggesting picking it out as doing that will leave a scar. So start applying medicines on your pimples instead of bursting them.

1. Keep your face clean. Remove your make properly. You can use a salycylic face wash.

2. Rinse your face once you get home after spending the day outside.

3. Do not scrub. Over washing and scrubbing can cause skin irritation.

4. Don't touch your face too often. Or don't lean on any surface. Here the face can get infected with bacteria.

5. Try using brands or make-up which say on the label'non Comedogenic'

6. Avoid the Sun. It can increase the chance of a acne outbreak.

7. You can use anti acne masks once a week.

8. Acne occurs because of hormonal imbalance, so your dermatologist might ask you to get your hormones tested.

9. Dandruff is also one of the most common causes of acne on forehead or back. It's important to use an anti-dandruff shampoo suggested by your dermatologist.

10. Avoid wearing tight body hugging clothes if you have acne on the body.

Green tea and its health befits

Green tea and its health befits have been greatly extolled by the world. Here are a few. 

Green tea can be regarded as a storehouse of benefits for the skin. It contains a great deal ofantioxidants which are effective against free radicals. These free radicals, which are formed when the skin is exposed to the UV rays of the sun, are accountable for premature aging. 

Green tea has also been found extremely effective in safeguarding the skin against sunburn and tanning when applied locally. 

The antioxidants found in green tea are also responsible in combatingskin cancer by blocking the cancer causing harmful enzyme, junk. 

This wondrous natural component is also responsible for the cell renewal process. The aged keratinocytes cells are biologically energized by the polyphenol compounds in green team, which in turn, synthesize the DNA and prevent premature aging of the cells. 

On occasions of skin inflammation, green tea acts as a great soother. It has also been found out that green tea shows notable improvements among cases of psoriasis and rosacea, accompanied by inflammation. 

In cases of acnes and pimples, green tea comes in great aid as the antibacterial content in it, known as catechins, reduces over stimulation of the skin hormones. Further, the overall appearance of the skin is also improved along with complexion when green tea is used as a drink or as a mask. 

Experts suggest that applying green tea mask directly on the face is the most effective sun guard. Acne and pimples subside considerably with green tea treatment when a mask of the same is applied on to the face.

Eight Trendy Hairstyles for Teenagers

1. Layered hair

The layered haircut is a very popular hairstyle among teenagers. It is a playful and stylish style that suits more hair lengths and face shapes. In a layered haircut, the hair is trimmed to form various layers, giving the hair plenty of volume.

This hairstyle is a favorite among girls who like long hair, as this haircut creates an illusion of length. The layered haircut is best suited for teenagers with fine hair.

2. Very straight hair


Today’s teenagers also have a fascination with very, very straight hair. Not everyone is gifted with glamorously straight hair, but a trip to the salon can fix that. With the help of hair straightening machines, rebonding services, and the like, perfectly long, straight hair is definitely attainable.




3. Pixie hair

The pixie hairstyle is another favorite among today’s teenagers. Also known as a boy cut or a punk cut, the pixie cut is made up of long, slanting bangs in front. If you’re a teenager in search of an even more daring look, you may want to play with highlights in various colors. Orange and red are favorite colors for pixie cuts.


4. Emo hair

The emo haircut is another punk look and is yet another popular hairstyle among teenagers. Although the term “emo” generally refers to people who live a depressed, reluctant, and melancholic lifestyle, you don’t necessarily need to do so in order to sport this look. The emo haircut is known for long bangs and sharp spikes.



5. Scene hair

A scene haircut is very similar to a layered haircut—except that there are only layers in front, and very fine layers at that. In a scene hairstyle, the hair is parted to the side, creating a girly and stylish look.


6. Bob cut

More and more teenager girls are trying out the bob cut. This short haircut is often cut straight all around the head at one’s jaw level. With a bob, bangs or a fringe are at the front of one’s face. This haircut is a favorite because it is easy to maintain and does not require a lot of attention or care.



7. Inverted bob cut

The inverted bob is another trendy hairstyle among teenagers. This type of haircut is the opposite of the bob. With the inverted bob, hairs in front are kept long, while hairs at the sides and at the back are kept short. For a more stylized look, some teenagers dye their hair in a rich red or purple color.
Soft CurlsNothing is quite as feminine as soft curls on a girl or woman. Depending on hair length, one can opt for short, cropped curls or perhaps wear long curls that cascade down one’s back. Curls are romantic and sophisticated.

Bright and bold hues

Bright and bold hues are big this season. The trick is to choose the one best suited for your complexion. 

"Women should use one element at a time while choosing neon makeup. You can either highlight your eyes or your lips with a bright colour.
Don't go overboard because this will mess up your look." 

Neon is just not restricted to clothes, but is big on makeup as well. But the question, however, is which colour suits the Indian skin tone? The best thing about neon makeup is that no matter what your complexion is, there's always a right shade for you. The most important thing is to create the right balance. 

Fair skin 

Those who have a light complexion with pale pink or yellow undertones — bold greens, bright blues and deep neon purples are your safest bet. Purple tends to flatter your skin tone and makes your face look brighter. Also try a hot pink on your lips to add some drama.

For Medium or light-wheatish skin 

Women with a medium complexion should sport neon orange, yellow or tangerine. These colours will make your skin appear fresh. 

Dusky skin 

While it is extremely tricky to pull of a neon trend on a dusky complexion, the key to keeping your entire makeup classy is by selecting hues that don't make your face look stark. Brightpurple for your lips or a fuchsia eye shadow is the perfect way to pull off this trend. Remember that lighter brights contrast the best against dark complexion so pick one feature to highlight with a bold shade and use neutrals to play up the rest. 

How to use neon makeup right

 "Desi skin colours go best with warm or neutral colours. Along with the neon colour that you choose, a dash of gold on your cheeks can highlight the cheekbones of any complexion."

If you want to be adventurous, pair your neon with other saturated shades.

Cranberry for your face

Cranberries aren't just excellent as a juice but also as a face mask to bring that glow and shine on your face.Known to be excellent for its anti-ageing properties, a cranberry face pack is easy to make and also keeps your face shining and glowing. 

Benefits 

The acid in cranberries acts as an exfoliant and vitamins like A and C help boost collagen production. Cranberries also fight free radicalsthat may cause wrinkles and also keeps yourskin moisturised. For centuries, cranberries have been valued for the medicinal, antioxidant properties and anti-ageing benefits. It enhances cell power, defends your skin against environmental damage due tohigh concentrations of antioxidants such as vitamin C, B and B-5. Because of its amazing capabilities to protect the skin, cranberry is also among winter treatments to protect your skin against harsh winter conditions. 

It is beneficial for all skin types but those who have damaged and rough, dull skin can reap huge benefits as it is used as a potent antiseptic and to brighten your skin's appearance as well. 

How to make 

Rinse the cranberries and then pour them into a blender and puree until they form a paste-like mixture.
Cover this and place it in the refrigerator for approximately half an hour to 45 minutes.
Remove this and allow the mixture to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
Tie your hair and apply the mixture on your face and neck. Keep this mask for 15 minutes before you wash it off with warm water, either in the shower or with a soft cloth. 

Anti-ageing tips for oily skin

Oily skinned women have typically less lines and wrinkles visible as compared to women with normal and dry skin. Though there are a few benefits of having oily skin, here's how you can prevent your skin from ageing faster

1. Apply sunscreen regularly 

Whatever the skin type using sunscreen is a must. If protecting your skin from damage caused due to sun was never your priority, start now. Sunscreen will protect your skin from sun and you'll look younger. Most importantly, go for sunscreens for oily skin to avoid clogged pores. 

2. Don't wash your face too often 

Don't over cleanse your face even though your oily skin texture may tempt you into washing your face again and again. Yes you may want your skin to look fresh, clean and oil-free but washing your face several times in a day actually leads to increase in oil production. Also, over-cleansing may make your skin dry. You can wash your face twice a day and use blotting papers  during the day to keep oil away. 

3. Nourish your skin 

Antioxidants help prevent oxidizing and help your skin stay supple. So antioxidants is certainly something that you need to incorporate in your skin-care routine. Opt for oil-free moisturizing  contain antioxidants. Also follow a diet that includes berries, beans and veggies to feed your skin 

4. Get adequate sleep 

Sleep is extremely important not only for your skin but your overall health. This doesn't mean you sleep all day, just get adequate sleep of around 8 to 9 hours. Also, sleep on your back as sleeping on your face can wrinkle the ski

5. Consume Omega-3 fatty acids 

Omega-3 fatty acids revitalizes your skin and repairs it from inside. Eat foods 

n and age skin at a faster rate. 

rich on omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, halibut, eggs, soy milk and yogurt. They are not only delicious but also do a lot of benefit to your skin. 

6. Avoid sugar, smoke and alcohol 

Quitting smoking is the best thing you can give yourself as it not only damages your health but also your skin. And if you have a sweet tooth and indulge in too many sweets, cut down on them. Studies have shown that consuming lots of sugar over long periods can cause skin to age and dull due to a process in our body called glaciation  Limit your consumption of candies and eat healthy vegetables and fruits instead. Also, drinking alcohol dilates your blood vessels and increases blood flow near the skin's surface which makes your skin appear sallow. So limit your consumption of alcohol.

Foods that prevent Breast Cancer

Flaxseed

You can get flax either as whole seed, ground or flaxseed oil. The omega-3s, lignans and fibre found in flaxseed are found to form a protective shield against cancer cells responsible for causing breast cancer. Include flax to yogurt or a smoothie to create a richer and nutty flavour. You can add flaxseed oil to salad dressings too or integrate them into baked goods, such as cookies or muffins.

Brazil nuts

Uniquely rich in selenium, fibre, and phytochemicals, Brazil nuts can help fight inflammation, improve the immune system and prevent tumour growth. And you do not need many of them—a palmful can do the trick. Enjoy them as any other nut either with fruits or asparagus (contains the anti-cancer component, chlorophyll).

Garlic

Rich source of cancer-fighting compound called allium, garlic and its relatives (onion, leeks, scallions, and chives) are shown to slow tumour growth and prevent breast cancer risk among other forms of cancer such as colorectal and prostate cancers. Garlic and onions are found in a variety of foods including Italian, Spanish, Indian, Thai and Chinese dishes. Crush or swallow a piece of garlic every morning and that's all it takes to live a cancer-free life!

Pomegranate

This is highly recommended for preventing breast cancer. It contains polyphenol- an ellagic acid with anti-oxidant properties that prevent cancer growth. Include this delicious fruit in your diet and discover effective health benefits.

Dark-green leafy vegetables

From kale, collards to spinach and Swiss chard, dark-green leafy vegetables probably are considered a "one stop shop" for all the best nutrients your body needs to fend off cancerous cells, i.e. fibre, vitamin B, phytochemicals, chlorophyll and more. It's time to add some greens to your diet.

Salmon

A great source of omega-3s and vitamins B12 and D, salmon can provide your body with the nutrients it needs to regulate cell growth and prevent cancer. In fact, certain types of Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) are proven effective in cancer treatment. Steam it, bake it, grill it or saute it. This fish is a great option and pairs well with many foods like garlic, dark-green leafy vegetables, turmeric, peppers and broccoli.

Broccoli and broccoli sprouts

As a cruciferous (belonging to the plant family Cruciferae) vegetable along with cauliflower, brussels sprouts, cabbage and kale; broccoli is rich in sulforophane and indoles, which are shown to regulate cell growth in multiple ways and help fight a range of cancers, including breast, bladder, lymphoma, prostate and lung cancer.

Green tea

Consumption on a regular basis has been linked to lower incidence of breast cancer. The phyto-chemicals in green tea can well take the credit for its health benefits. One to two cups of green tea daily can help you keep cancer at bay.

Peppers

Pick a pepper, any pepper! Most have some phytochemical or nutrient that will help fight cancer. Chilli and jalapeno peppers have capsaicin (an active component of chilli peppers) that fight the growth rate of cancer cells. Green peppers are rich in chlorophyll which can bind cancer-causing carcinogens found in the gut. Red peppers have both capsaicin and antioxidant carotenoids. Put them in a vegetable stir-fry or eat them with hummus.

Turmeric

A spice commonly found in our country cancer-fighting compound called curcumin can inhibit many types of cancer cells, including breast, gastrointestinal, lung, and skin cancer. A pinch of turmeric fights toughest of cancer-causing cells.

Other breast-cancer-fighting-foods are

Walnuts

Abundant in omega-3-fatty acids, natural phytosterols and antioxidants, walnuts make for an ideal anti-breast cancer food.

The Trick to Using a Diffuser

When using a diffuser, you want to tilt your head upside down to allow the curls to hang away from the scalp, or lift them up from underneath like the image on the left shows. Dry the hair eighty to ninety percent, then let the remainder air dry for a long-lasting style. Also, don't keep the diffuserin one spot—circulate it around your whole head so your hair dries evenly.

The Ultimate Curly Hair Guide

Unruly locks? Not anymore. Learn the best ways to manage and style your curls with these tips from celebrity hairstylist Christo!

Rules to Follow

1. Keep hair in good health with regular trims and weekly deep-therapy treatments.
2. The best way to style your curls is to divide your hair into at least five sections. Then, apply styling products through curls, section by section, with your fingers. Use a quarter-size amount of your lotion, gel, or mousse according to your curl type.
3. Let your hair air-dry or use a diffuser after applying styling products.
4. Use a finishing pomade or serum to hold the style and boost shine

Juicing Recipes for Weight Loss

Green Carrot Juice

This recipe helps you shut down hunger thanks to healthy doses of carrots and apple. Loaded with vitamins C, A and K, the juice also improves energy while proving that juicing recipes for weight loss don’t have to taste bad.

Ingredients

4 carrots

1 handful of parsley

2 celery stalks

½ lemon

1 apple

1 handful of spinach

For best results, use the carrot to push the parsley and spinach through the hopper.

Cucumber Protein Juice

Low in calories, this juice combines the cool flavor of cucumber with the warm taste of vanilla.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons of vanilla protein powder

1 whole cucumber

3 celery stalks

1 apple

Whisk in the protein powder and juice the whole cucumber, including the skin.

Cantaloupe Cinnamon Juice

Full of flavor and deliciously refreshing, this juice is loaded with nutrients but has only 100 calories per serving.

Ingredients

Dash of cinnamon

1 cantaloupe

2 tablespoons of Sucanat

5 ice cubes

Turnip and Fennel Juice

Loaded with manganese and vitamins A and C, this tasty juice helps you lose weight while detoxifying your liver.

Ingredients

¼ fennel bulb

½ turnip

1 apple

3 carrots

Cut away the outer skin of the turnip before juicing if it is waxed.

Parsley Energy Explosion

Infusing any juice with parsley causes an explosion of energy, and this juice is loaded with micronutrients that will help you shed pounds.

Ingredients

1 celery stalk

1 large bunch of fresh parsley

1 apple

2 carrots

Get the best yield by using the carrots to push the parsley through a centrifugal juicer.

Swiss Chard Kale Juice

Drinking this concoction is like taking a multivitamin. It is full of nutrients needed to jumpstart your metabolism and boost weight loss.

Ingredients

2 apples

2 cups of Swiss chard

2 celery stalks

2 carrots

1 cup of kale

Juice the greens first, using the celery and carrots to push them through the hopper.

Health Festival Juice

Abundant in flavors, this juice makes it easy to get the recommended amount of vegetables and fruits each day.

Ingredients

6 broccoli florets

1 small beetroot

2 arugula leaves

1 red tomato

4 white cauliflower florets

4 carrots

4 brussel sprouts

2 pears

3 thick slices of pineapple

2 red apples

Before juicing, discard the carrot and beetroot greens.

Body Beautiful Juice

Sweet and full of healthy nutrients, this juice will keep you full and help you slim down.

Ingredients

Shredded coconut for sweetness

2 small zucchini

½ medium cucumber

¼ small red cabbage

1 peeled orange

2 red apples

1 cup of blueberries

4 white cauliflower florets

4 kale leaves

Peel the orange to remove the skin, but leave the nutrient-rich white pith.

The Benefits of Long Term Juicing for Weight Loss

When you’re trying to lose weight, you’ll hear time and time again that adding fresh fruits and vegetables can help make your weight loss process easier. By substituting high-calorie foods with low-calorie fruits and vegetables, you can lose weight. When juicing for weight loss over extended periods, you’ll still need to pair your low-calorie fruits and vegetables with other healthy foods, but when you do, you can devise a strategy for fast, healthy weight loss.

Lower Calorie Meals

Vegetables and fruits have less calories than your higher calorie options like desserts, whole-grain celeries and even granola bars. For example, a kiwi has just 42 calories, while shredded whole-grain cereal contains 185 calories in 24 pieces. By just removing 600 calories of high-calorie food items and replacing them with 100 calories of juiced items, you get the vitamins, nutrients and minerals you need while keeping a large enough deficit to lose weight.

More Fruits and Vegetables

While juicing for weight loss doesn’t automatically help shed the pounds, the CDC has already shown a distinct correlation between increasing your fruit/vegetable intake and weight loss. Since both contain a small amount of calories, you’ll feel fuller and lose weight faster. And, juicing helps you take in a large amount of fruits and vegetables in a delicious drink form.

Fresh and Convenient

Most diets require you to sit and eat raw fruits and vegetables. These can be difficult for most people to eat, which leads to the use of condiments or other items to mask the taste. When juicing for weight loss you can create a blend of healthy fruits and vegetables that taste great, are fresh and convenient. You can drink your regimen on the go while still consuming a good dose of vitamins and minerals in one sitting.

The benefits of juicing are endless. Whether you’re looking to shed holiday weight or you want to lose a significant portion of weight, increasing your fruit and vegetable intake and decreasing the high-calorie foods will certainly help.