i i B c . C o m

Hand And Feet Care

admin — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 13:38:57 +0000

Beautiful hands are an essential complement to a woman’s beauty. With proper care, almost any pair of hands can look beautiful. The state of one’s hands cannot be kept hidden from view, however much one may try to do so. As with most things, preventing trouble is considerably easier than curing it. The hands and fingers are one of the busiest parts of the body. They also constantly come in contact with water which contains such powerful chemical solutions as washing powder, bleach and washing up liquids. The hands are therefore one of the first parts of the body to show signs of neglect and aging. The guidelines for keeping them in proper shape are discussed herein.

Protection: The most important factor for proper care of hands is that they should be properly dried with a towel after every contact with water. The longer the water remains on the skin the more dehydrating it is. It is essential to protect them in such a way that they do not come into direct contact with a constant barrage of chemicals. A pair of rubber gloves should be worn for all household chores like washing and cleaning. One may feel uncomfortable, but will get used to it if a pair of fine rubber gloves is chosen. Cotton gloves can be worn for jobs where the hands do not come in contact with water. Cleansing Each night the hands should be washed with a mild soap and scrubbed thoroughly with a face brush. If the fingers are stained due to vegetables or nicotine, they should be rubbed with lime. This will help bleach the stain. They should then be rinsed well and dried thoroughly. The hands should be treated once or twice a week to a massage with a really rich cream. This should be preceded by soaking them in warm oil, preferably olive or almond, for five to 30 minutes. This is a good treatment for dry hands and nail.

Care For Finger Nail: Like the hair, nails are composed of keratin which is formed mainly from protein and calcium. Therefore a diet rich in these two nutrients is an essential part of healthy nails Nails that are in poor condition are indicative of poor general health. Like the hands, the fingers nails are constantly subjected to abuse. So any hand care programe should incorporate the nails. They will benefit from regular applications of a rich moisturizer such as a night cream. An orange stick tipped with cotton wool should be used to clean beneath the nails. An orange stick should be used to gently shape the cuticles, to avoid breaking of the skin. The best time to shape the cuticles is after the hands have been in water, as it softens the skin and makes the cuticles ready for shaping. Alternatively, the fingers can be soaked in a little vegetable oil, or in warm water and herbal ‘Shampoo for a few minutes.

Drinking cider vinegar each day is believed to help strengthen the nails, as well as being good for general health. A tablespoon of the vinegar should be taken in a glass of water three times a day before meals. A useful remedy for keeping the hands young and beautiful is to dip them upto the wrist, in a bowl of milk. Then blot and apply three tablespoons of lanolin mixed with one tablespoon of sesame oil on the hands and wrists. This should be done once a week. The following exercises may be done, repeating them six to ten times: 1. Clench your fists tightly for a second. 2. Put your hands out in front of you, palm down. Press the fingers tightly against each other and then thrust them apart as wide as possible. 3. Allow the hands to be limp and relaxed. If the hands are tired, soak them for a few minutes in warm water, to which about two or three tablespoons of salt have been added. This helps to soothe them. Another treatment which stimulates circulation is to soak the hands alternatively in hot and cold water. This also soothes the nerve endings.

Care For Feet: One should not forget about looking after the feet because they are hidden. They need regular care not only to make them look good but also to avoid such crippling conditions like corns and callouses, which can lead to painful feet. If-fitting shoes are the most likely cause of foot problems. Shoes should therefore be always chosen for comfort. They should support the arch of the foot well and should allow ample room for the toes. Shoes with high heels and pointed toes should never be worn as these prove harmful. Like the hands, the feet should be kept in good shape with a few simple exercises. A useful exercise for the feet is to arch the ankles, bend the toes and flex the whole foot first thing in the morning. Walking is one of the best exercises for the feet. In case of cold feet a massage with olive oil will help greatly. An ancient remedy for tired feet is to soak them alternately in hot and cold water, finishing with the cold water. Soaking the feet in warm water, to which Epsom salts or special foot salts have been added. can be very soothing, but the feet should be rubbed over afterwards with eau-de-cologne to counteract any softening effect Thereafter, a generous amount of moisturizing body lotion should be rubbed all over the feet.

To keep the feet smelling fresh, especially in hot weather, a deodorizing talcum powder should be applied each morning after washing. Socks, if used, should be washed daily. The knees also need to be looked after. The should be made wet and rubbed thoroughly with two tablespoons of powdered groundnut mixed with a tablespoon of salt. After a few minutes, they should be rinsed and a film of sesame oil mixed with a few drops of vinegar should be applied. Regular massage in this manner will keep them in good condition.

Hair Disorders And Their Natural Treatment

admin — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 13:27:46 +0000

The hair, like the skin, is a barometer to the state of general health. Sickness, deficiencies and mental tension have an adverse effect on the health of the hair and lead to hair disorders. The more important of these disorders are dandruff, loss of hair and premature graying. These disorders and the natural remedies for their treatment are discussed in this chapter.

1. Dandruff: Dandruff refers to the flaking of the scalp which falls like snow flakes and settles on one’s brows, shoulders and clothes. It is the greatest enemy of healthy hair. It assumes an unpleasant, irritating condition associated with bacteria in the case of excessive formation of scales on the scalp.

Natural Remedies: Numerous medicated shampoos are available in the market for the treatment of dandruff. Most of these, however, in the process of curing the disorder, cause irreparable damage to hair roots because of the synthetic ingredients contained in them. The scalp should also be thoroughly massaged every day, using one’s fingertips and working systematically over the head. The procedure for massaging the scalp has been explained in the previous chapter. Several home remedies have been found useful for treating dandruff. The softened seeds should be ground into a fine paste in the morning and applied all over the scalp. It should be left on for half an hour, and the hair should then be washed thoroughly with soap-nut solution or shikakai. The use of a teaspoon of fresh lime juice for the last rinse, while washing the hair, is equally beneficial. Washing the hair twice a week with green gram powder mixed in curd is another useful prescription. Cider vinegar added to the final rinse after shampooing also helps to disperse dandruff.

Dietary Consideration: Diet plays an important role in the treatment of dandruff To begin with the patient should resort to an all-fruit diet for about five days. Bananas and dried, stewed or tinned fruits should not be taken. During this period, a warm water enema should betaken daily to cleanse the bowels and all other measures adopted to eradicate constipation. Further short periods on the all-fruit diet for three days or so may be necessary at a monthly interval, till the skin’s condition improves. Strict attention to diet is essential for recovery. Meats, sugar, strong tea or coffee, condiments, pickles and refined and processed foods should be avoided, as also soft drinks, candies, ice-cream and all products made with sugar and white flour. This also helps clear dandruff.

2. Loss of Hair: Loss of hair at a very early age has become a common disorder these days. It causes a great deal of concern to the affected persons, especially Indian women who regard thick long hair as a sign of beauty. Persons lacking vitamin B6 lose their hair and those deficient in folic acid become completely bald. Another important cause for the falling of hair is stress, such as worry, anxiety and sudden shock. Stress leads to severe tension in the skin of the scalp. General debility, caused by severe or long-standing illnesses like typhoid, syphilis, chronic cold, influenza and anemia, also gives rise to this hair disorder. An unclean condition of the scalp can also cause the loss of hair. Women require 60 grams, men 80 to 90 and adolescent boys and girls 80 to 100 grams of protein. Protein is supplied by milk, buttermilk, yoghurt, soya bean, eggs, cheese, meat and fish. Women are generally deficient in iodine and vitamin B l, either of which slow down circulation to the scalp to such an extent that hair may fall out and new hair grows in very slowly. Women who keep their diets adequate in iodine, the B vitamins and iron have better growth of hair. Lack of inositol causes loss of hair. A person having trouble with his or her hair should eat foods rich in inositol such as yeast, liver and molasses.

Natural Remedies: It will activate the sebaceous glands and energies the circulation of blood in the affected area, making the hair growth healthy. The oil from the Indian gooseberry, prepared by boiling dry pieces of amla in coconut oil, is considered a valuable hair tonic for enriching hair growth. The juice of alfalfa in combination with these juices is rich in elements which are particularly useful for the growth of hair. Mustard oil, boiled with henna leaves, is useful for the healthy growth of hair. Washing the hair with a paste of cooked black gram and fenugreek leaves lengthens the hair. A fine paste made from pigeon pea or red gram can also be applied regularly with beneficial results on bald patches. Another useful remedy for the patchy loss of hair is the Paste of liquorice made by grinding the pieces in milk with a pinch of saffron.

3. Premature Graying Of Hair: Faulty diet and worries are the two primary causes of premature graying of hair. It is mainly due to the lack of some of the B vitamins, of iron, copper and iodine in the daily diet that leads to his hair disorder at a young age. Worries produce an extraordinary tension in the skin of the scalp which interferes with the supply of vital nutrition necessary for the health of hair.
Other causes for premature graying of hair are the unclean condition of the scalp which weakens the roots of the hair as the pores are blocked by the collected dirt; washing the hair with hot water and drying it with electric dryers which emit a blast of hot air; use of hair dyes when the hair has just started graying; diseases like chronic cold, sinusitis, anemia, chronic constipation; and the use of factory-made hair oils, which are generally cleaned with acids which have a tendency to remain in the oil. Heredity is yet another predisposing factor which gives rise to this ailment.

Natural Remedies: Certain home remedies have been found useful in the prevention and treatment of premature graying of the hair. The foremost among these is the use of the Indian gooseberry which is a valuable hair tonic for enriching hair growth and hair pigmentation. This water should be used as the last rinse while washing the hair. Massaging the scalp with a teaspoon of amla juice, mixed with a teaspoon of almond oil or a few drops of lime juice, every night, has proved beneficial in the prevention and treatment of premature graying of hair. Premature graying. It also helps the growth of hair and keeps it soft. These leaves give vitality and strength to hair roots The leaves can be used in the form of a chutney or may be squeezed in buttermilk. Ribbed gourd boiled in coconut oil is another effective remedy for premature graying of hair. The oil should then be boiled till the mass is reduced to a blackened residue. This oil should be massaged into the scalp.

Hair Dye: A paste of henna leaves, boiled in coconut oil to get a darkish oil, can be used as a hair dye to blacken grey hair. Washing the hair with concentrated tea extract twice a week is also considered useful in coloring grey hair to brown or black. Walnut shells also make a harmless hair dye, which progressively adds color to the hair. Before the nuts are ripe, the green outer shells should be crushed in a mortar and covered with water. A pinch of salt should be added. This should be allowed to stay for three days. Then, three cups of boiling water should be added and simmered for five hours, making sure to replace the evaporated water. The dark liquid should be extracted by twisting the shells in a cloth. The separated liquid should be replaced in a pot again and reduced to a quarter of its volume. A little alum and glycerin should be added to soften the hair. At first, it will produce a somewhat yellowish effect, but it will finally give the hair a good deep black color.

Dietary Consideration: Diet is of utmost importance in the prevention and treatment of premature graying of hair, and persons suffering from this disorder should take a diet rich in all essential nutrients. To obtain satisfactory results, all three of these vitamins, belonging to the B group, should be supplied at one time, preferably in a form which gives all B vitamins, such as yeast and liver. The three anti-grey hair vitamins can also be produced in the intestinal tract by bacteria. Thus drinking a sufficient quantity of yoghurt daily and having a tablespoon of yeast before each meal will be an excellent remedy for the prevention and treatment of premature graying of hair. Devitalized foods like white flour, refined sugar, and all products made from them, soft drinks, pastries, jams and jellies should be avoided. These foods, besides causing premature grey hair, take away energy, bring about wrinkles, unattractive skin, and premature old age.

The Natural Way To Glossy Hair

admin — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 09:45:40 +0000

Lovely, shining hair is one of the greatest assets of a woman’s beauty. It is considered a vital element of sex appeal. The most important factor for healthy condition of the hair is to ensure that the body is supplied with all the essential nutrients. The advice contained in chapter 2 on Diet for Natural Beauty’ applies equally to hair.
There are, however, certain nutrients which are of particular importance to health of the hair. The vitamins of B group, especially pantothenic acid, influence hair growth, oil production and color. An adequate supply of these vitamins is thus essential. Vitamins A and C also play an important role in the production of healthy hair, and vitamin E encourages hair growth by carrying oxygen to the hair roots. To ensure an adequate intake of the essential fatty acids, it is advisable to include two teaspoons of sunflower or safflower oil in the daily diet. Since the hair is made from keratin, the diet should include adequate quantities of protein in the form of dairy products, pulses and nuts. Of the minerals, zinc, copper, iron and iodine are essential to healthy hair. Copper is adequately available in food. Good sources of iron are liver, kidneys, whole grains, and molasses. The only foods that contain appreciable quantities of iodine are sea foods.
The hair, like the skin, is affected not only by diet and health, but also by tension. In a person who is tense, the muscles at the base of the neck are constricted, and this impedes the flow of blood to the scalp, resulting in weak hair growth.

Hair Care: The care for the hair depends on its type. There are, however, certain basic guidelines which apply to all types. It is a mistake to wash the hair too frequently. This is likely to do more harm than good. Shampoos may make hair clean, but at the same time they remove the natural oils and protective acid coating. A study at Cornell University found that shampooing created a loss of calcium, phosphorus, iron, and nitrogen from the hair. This came as a result of continued washing either with soap or commercial shampoos. It is therefore essential to use the type of shampoo that will do the least damage to the hair. The following tips regarding shampoo will be useful:
(i) Use shampoo only when absolutely necessary.
(ii) Avoid using hard water, or water containing chemicals including chlorine. Rain water is ideal.
(iii) Use a rinse after shampooing to undo the damage of the shampoo-vinegar cir lemon juice may be used.

Brushing: Brushing the hair regularly is essential both to free it of dust, dead cells and tangles and to stimulate the scalp. A rubber cushioned brush is the easiest to clean, and is more flexible for gentle styling. In case-of short hair, it is advisable to use a brush with short, densely spaced bristles. For long hair, a vent angle brush, which has lots of space between the bristles, is better for getting the tangles out. Radial brushes, which have a completely circular base, are the best choice for styling curls while blow drying. The choice of combs also depends on the type of hair. Wide-tooth combs are designed for very coarse or tightly curled hair. A fine toothed tail comb is used for lifting sections of hair, while blow drying, roller setting or for curling hair back into shape without upsetting the overall style. In case of an ordinary comb, a plastic one with rounded teeth is ideal.

The larger end should be initially used to ease it through the hair, and the fine end to get a smooth, even finish. The most effective way to brush the hair is to bend forward from the waist with the head down to wards the ground, and brush from the nape of the neck forwards towards the forehead. Short hair can be brushed right from the roots to the, ends in one stroke, but in case of long hair, two strokes should be used for the length of each hair, to avoid stretching it. A scalp massage should be resorted just before or after brushing the hair. Like brushing this will stimulate the circulation, dislodge dirt and dandruff, and encourage hair growth. For a massage, fingers should be spread fan wise and slipped through the hair. With the thumbs pressed behind the ears, press down on the scalp with the fingertips. Now rotate the fingers so that they move the scalp over the bony structure of the head. The scalp should be massaged daily if time permits, or at. least once a week.

Washing: The correct way to wash the hair is to use warm and not hot water, preferably from the shower. Once the hair is wet, a small quantity of shampoo should be applied, tipping it on the palm of the hand and rubbing the hands together. Shampoo should never be applied directly to the hair as this makes it difficult to get an even distribution. Work the shampoo gently but firmly all over the scalp using a circular motion. This method of massaging of the scalp encourages good circulation and ensures cleanliness of the hair. Continue to massage the shampoo in for several minutes, using the tips of the fingers rather than the nails. A second application of shampoo is needed only if your hair is really dirty. After shampooing, give the hair a really good rinse, and go on rinsing it till the last trace of soap is removed.

Conditioning: A hair conditioner should be applied after the hair has been thoroughly cleansed. These products are especially helpful for long hair, where the overlapping scales which cover the outer layer of hair often get roughed up as it grows. A conditioner helps to smooth these scales down, and to give gleaming hair which is easier to comb and manage. Hair that is colored, premed or exposed to the sun also benefits from a conditioner. Usually, dry hair should be conditioned once a week, normal hair once a fortnight, and greasy hair not more than once a month. All conditioners are basically a combination of oils or waxes, detergents and emulsifiers, with optional extra ingredients, often incorporating herbal extracts with gentle plant and vegetable oils and essences. After conditioning, rinse your hair again, adding cider vinegar or lemon juice.

Drying and Styling: It is important that the hair should be dried correctly in a natural way. It can be easily damaged when wet. Rubbing with the towel should be avoided. When the hair is wet, a comb should be used as brushing will stretch and tear it. The best way to dry the hair naturally is finger drying. If you want to use a hair dryer, always have it on the coolest setting, since heat dries out the hair. Most damage is done by over drying, so avoid holding the dryer over one area for too long, and stop drying your hair a few minutes before it feels completely dry. For the same reason, it is advisable not to use attachments like brushes or nozzles, as these concentrate the heat too much, or to hold the dryer any closer than six inches from the hair. Heated hair rollers or curling tongs also tend to damage the hair, so use these for special occasions only. Lemon juice combed through the hair after rinsing acts as a natural setting lotion.

In case of dry hair, a conditioner used after shampooing will put some life and lustre into the hair. An occasional oil treatment also helps improve dry hair. A warmed vegetable oil should be applied. It should be massaged in well, and the head should be wrapped in a towel which has been wrung out in hot water. This should be left on for at least a quarter of an hour before shampooing. Lemon juice in the final rinse will help to remove any last traces of oil. An egg yolk is a gentle cleanser which especially suits dry hair. One or two egg yolks should be mixed with a little warm water. The water should not be too hot. This mixture should be applied to the hair. Wrap a towel round the head and leave the mixture on for several minutes before rinsing thoroughly. There is no need to apply any other shampoo.

Home Remedies: Certain herbs and natural substances have been found useful in giving shine and lustre to the hair. One such method is to add a few tea leaves to a glass of water and to then heat it. The juice of a lime should be squeezed in the sieved mixture and the mixture should be applied to the hair before shampooing. The juice of celery leaves helps to grow long and lustrous hair. Two or three handfuls of celery leaves should be boiled in water. It should then be cooled and strained. The juice of lime should be added to it. This mixture should be used to rinse the hair after washing. Dry peels of lemons and oranges can also be used beneficially to give lustre and shine to the hair. These peels should be used with soap-nut or while shampooing the hair. This will maintain soft and silky hair and also remove dandruff from the scalp.
Rinsing the hair with the juice of a lemon or vinegar also gives lustre to the hair. Add lemon-juice or vinegar to half a bucket of water. After washing the hair, rinse it with this water. Castor oil, being unsaturated, can be used to rejuvenate the hair. It can be used externally by rubbing it into the scalp at bedtime, and the hair should be washed the next morning. Alternatively, the oil may be rubbed into the scalp and a large towel which has been dipped in hot water and wrung out, may be tied around the head for a while. This allows greater penetration of the oil deep into the surface of the scalp.

Coloring: Permanent dyes are harmful to the hair, as they penetrate the hair cortex layer with the aid of hydrogen peroxide, destroy the keratin structure and create porosity. These dyes gradually eat away and destroy the delicate structure of the hair. This is true of semi-permanent dyes also. Herbs, which are comparatively safe and healthy, have been used for many centuries as coloring agents. The best-known of these is henna. Indian women apply it not only to their hands and feet on auspicious occasions, but also use it for coloring hair. Being a natural coloring agent, its use is not restricted to the young but also to the old well past their middle-age.

Henna is completely organic and comes in a powder form with a smell faintly resembling that of hay. Henna, if used carefully and sensibly, can do more than just color the hair. Like semi-permanent color, it coats the hair shaft, but normally does not penetrate it. Because of this coating action, henna gives the hair a little bulk and body and thus it is also useful as a conditioner. It has a drying effect on the scalp and hence it controls an oily condition of the hair. It gives extra shine to the hair when used the first time, provided an egg and lemon juice is added to it. But repeated application will cause a build up that coats the hair and gives an appearance of dullness. For this reason, the application of henna should be restricted to about four times a year.

Protection Against The Sun: The hair is constantly exposed to the environment as very few of us cover our hair. It can be damaged by over-exposure to the sun. Sun-damaged hair is weak and unhealthy. It is therefore essential to protect the hair from the sun by covering it with a scarf or hat or by using an umbrella.

Know Your Hair

admin — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 09:20:04 +0000

The hair is one of the most important factors which contribute to beauty and personal appearance. For its proper care, it is essential to have a basic knowledge of its structure. The hair is made up of keratin, a protein based substance. This substance also forms finger and toe nails. Each hair consists of three layers. The central core, known as medulla, is made up of spongy tissues which may contain some color pigment. The middle layer, known as the cortex, consists of long thin cells which give the hair its elasticity and color. The outer layer, known as cuticle, consists of hundreds of tiny, overlapping scales. An up growth at the base of the follicle, called the papilla, actually produces hair, while a special group of cells turns amino acids into keratin.

The average growth rate is about 1.2 cm per month, growing fastest on women between the ages 15 and 30 years. The sebaceous gland which secretes the oil that gives healthy hair its natural shine is located half way along the hair follicle. The follicles, which contain the hair roots, are fed by blood carrying nutrients. Good circulation is thus of utmost importance to healthy hair. It is the supply of nutrients which determines the health of the hair as it emerges from the scalp and continues to grow. Once hair leaves the follicle, it is in fact technically dead, but it grows because of continued tissue formation within the follicle. A disturbance in the production of sebum by these glands can result in over dry or greasy hair. Thus, if the glands become blocked or are under active, the hair will be greasy. The natural color of hair and its shape straight or curly are determined by hereditary factors. In case of curly hair, the actual shape of the hair follicle forces the emerging hair to develop waves.

The number of individual hairs ranges between 90,000 to 140,000, depending on the natural hair color. Blondes have the most hair since their hair is thinner than that of brunettes. Redheads have the least number of hairs, although theirs will often look more abundant since it is generally the thickest. The number of hair roots or the texture of the hair, cannot be changed except the natural changes which occur with age. The life-span of a hair varies from several months to several years, depending on the scalp and hair conditions. The average life of a hair is five years. After that, the follicle from which the hair is growing begins to shrink and the hair remains static until it drops out or is brushed out and is replaced a few months later by a new hair. Although a large number of hairs may come out in a single day, it will not become thinner. The trouble starts when a new hair does not from in the follicle due to inadequate blood supply, or glandular or hormonal imbalance. Greasy hair looks good for a day or two after. shampooing but then quickly becomes lank.

The Natural Way To Sparkling Teeth

admin — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 09:13:48 +0000

The mouth is one of the masterpieces of nature. With it, we express our thoughts and feelings and show affection. the process of digestion begins in the mouth and it thus sustains life. The mouth is a delicate combination of skin, bone, muscles and teeth. One can look one’s best with a good smile, which is enhanced by good teeth. Good teeth are thus an important part of one’s health and appearance. Like the skeletal development, the appearance of the teeth and mouth is largely determined during the years of growth, depending on the amount of calcium, phosphorous and vitamin D in the diet.

Plaque: Proper cleaning is the most important step to wards healthy and sparkling teeth. Ideally, teeth should be cleaned after every meal, but one thorough cleansing each day will be far better than any number of hurried brushings. A quick brushing is a waste of time. The accumulation of plaque can lead to gum inflammation and bleeding, which are early warning signs of gum disease.

Proper Cleaning: There are many theories on how best to clean the teeth. It does help to keep the mouth fresh. The fluoride, which is now being added to an increasing number of pastes, also helps to strength ten the outer enamel and thus render it less susceptible to decay. Bad breath is not only unpleasant and embarrassing for the sufferer, but also for those with whom he or she comes into contact. With the efficient functioning of one’s digestive juices, one is unlikely to suffer from bad breath. The breath can be freshened naturally be chewing fresh parsley or watercress, or by using rose water as a mouthwash. Commercial antiseptic mouthwashes should not be used as these are often too strong and can remove the protective fatty acids on the teeth and gum surfaces, leaving the enamel defenseless.

Proper Diet: Diet plays a vital role in dental health. In fact, with the proper diet, the teeth and jaw-bones can be made harder and healthier as the years go by. Probably the greatest curse and cause of tooth decay is the consumption of candy, soft drinks, pastries, refined carbohydrates and sugars, in all forms. Bacteria in the mouth break sugar down into acids, which combine with the calcium in the enamel, causing decay or erosion. It is therefore important to restrict one’s sugar intake, and to ensure that the diet includes plenty of raw vegetables and whole meal bread.
Whole foods are ideal. They are good for the teeth as the fibreless refined foods allow particles to accumulate on the teeth in a sticky mass, where they can do great harm. Whole foods, however, benefit the teeth only if they are free from sugar. Surgeon-Captain Cleave, the author of Saccharine Disease says, "It is perfectly true that refined carbohydrates are a prime cause of dental decay, but it does not necessarily follow that unrefined carbohydrates cannot be a cause. If they take a form of stale, coase, whole meal bread and hard fruits and vegetables, no periodontal disease will follow their consumption". For this reason, it is better to eat sweets at the end of the meal rather than between meals.

Vitamins and Minerals: Every nutrient which builds health appears to play some role in the prevention of tooth decay. Much tooth decay can be prevented if all persons, whether children or adults, obtained at least 1,000 units of vitamin D daily. Calcium is essential to maintain dental health. Adequate calcium can be obtained if sufficient milk is given daily to children and yoghurt is generously used by adults. A lack of calcium makes teeth susceptible to decay. The gums recede and the teeth often become loose and crooked, with ugly spaces showing between them.

The vitamins of the B group play an important role in preventing tooth decay. People who do not take adequate niacin have unclean mouths, heavily coated tongues, often foul breath and rapidly decaying teeth. Vitamin C helps to prevent decay by forming a strong foundation in the dentine, which contains the minerals. In short, all vitamins and minerals help to keep the teeth beautiful. A person susceptible to tooth decay should adopt a well-balanced diet containing all the essential nutrients.
Even though a person’s teeth may be free from decay, unhealthy gums can lead to an unattractive appearance. Abnormalities of the gum tissue result from deficiencies and combinations of deficiencies. When vitamin C is under supplied, the gums bleed easily, recede, become infected, and pyorrhea may quickly set in. A person suffering from these abnormalities should include 300 -Dr more milligrams of vitamin C daily in the diet. A glass of fresh citrus juice in the morning is of great value in keeping the gums pink and healthy. Lack of vitamin A can also lead to infections of the gums, causing them to look pale and unattractive. In such cases, more iron should be added to the diet.

Exercising Teeth and Gums: The teeth and gums, like other parts of the body, require exercise for maintains them in healthy condition. Wheat is especially valuable in the prevention and treatment of pyorrhea. It takes time to chew wheat chapattis, which are generally taken with other foods. This compels one to chew hard, not only providing the much-needed exercise for the teeth and gums but also helps the digestion process. Chewing the leaves of the guava tree also helps prevent bleeding from the gums. A decoration of root bark can also be used as a mouthwash for swollen gums.

Preventing Decay Through Fruits: Tooth-decay can be prevented by regular consumption of apples, as they possess a mouth cleansing property. Dr.T.T. Applies are thus regarded as natural preservers of teeth and should be taken regularly. Grapes are very useful in preventing tooth-decay, too. Raw spinach juice is another valuable food remedy for the prevention and treatment of pyorrhea, because of its beneficial effects on the teeth and gums. This effect is greatly enhanced if the juice is taken in combination with carrot juice. A permanent aid for pyorrhea has been found in the use of natural raw foods and in drinking an ample quantity of carrot and spinach juice.

Eye Problems And Their Natural Remedies

admin — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 07:32:07 +0000

Beautiful, sparkling eyes are the best asset one can have. They are an essential part of looking beautiful. They are also the most important medium of communication. By looking straight into one’s eyes, a lot can be said about one’s character, feelings and reactions. The first essential for vibrant, sparkling eyes is that they should be clear and healthy. If the eyes ever get infected, or have any vision defects, an eye specialist should be consulted immediately for proper treatment. There are, however, some problems which are not so serious, but constitute unattractive highlights. These problems and their natural remedies are discussed here.

1. Dark Circles: The skin around the eyes is very sensitive. It is thin in texture and wrinkles easily. The dark circles below the eyes can be caused by ill-health, such as anemia or excessive menstruation during periods. In these cases, a doctor should be consulted. But sometimes they can be caused by simple factors like lack of sleep or a crash diet. Very often, the dark circles are a part of one’s complexion. If dark circles are due to any of the causes other than heredity. The following remedies will prove useful.
(i) Lie down on a board, raised at one end: Your head should be on the raised side. Now place cold cucumber slices over the closed eyelids. Relax for 10 to 15 minutes. Tea bags stored in the freezer can be used for the same purpose.
(ii) Eye Wash: If dark circles are accompanied by tired, red eyes, an eye wash should be used. This eye wash can be prepared by adding a tablespoon of Epsom salt to a cup of hot water. It should be followed by a few eye drops. Rose water also makes an ideal eye wash. It gives freshness to dull eyes.
(iii) Gentle Massage: A gentle massage can also help relieve tired and aching eyes. Using the tips of the middle fingers, exert gentle pressure starting from the bridge of the nose and tapping across the eyelids and back under the eyes half a dozen times. Then press quite hard on either side of the bridge of the nose close to the inner eye.

This is another common problem. If the puffiness Occurs early in the morning, it may be due to water retention in the tissue. This happens as we lie prone at night. For quick relief, a large glass of hot water should be drunk on arising in the morning. This will stimulate the kidneys which tend to draw the fluid away from tissue. It can be made a daily routine if it works.
Another effective remedy for puffiness under the eyes or lids is potato. A raw potato should be grated and a teaspoon each, should be put in two square pieces of gauze to make an eye pad. The eye should be covered with these pads and left for 20 minutes. It should be followed with splashes of cold water. Another remedy for puffiness under the eyes is a fresh fig cut into halves and placed directly under the eyes. This should be applied lying down for 15 minutes. In summer, a grated fresh cucumber can replace the fig. Applying hot and then ice-cold tea bags alternatively to the eyes for 10 minutes also helps.

2. Lines and Wrinkles: These are inevitable, to some extent, with age. Some women, however, get tiny laughter lines quite early in life. These lines are caused by excessive dryness of the skin and loss of tone by tiny muscles around the eyes. A good moisturizer lavishly applied after cleansing and toning will take care of parched skin. A light-weight oil like safflower oil or corn oil is an ideal lubricant for eyes and areas around the eyes.

The Natural Way To Lovely Bright Eyes

admin — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 12:54:28 +0000

The eyes are a mirror of general health and the most expressive features of the face. Beautiful, bright eyes are a part of radiant health and the best asset one can have. They give a wonderful effect to one’s personality. On the other hand, eyes are an indication of ill-health and a depressed state of mind. During illness, the eyes are the first to tell their story of pain.

Causes of Dull Eyes: The main causes of dull eyes are mental strain, faulty diet, and improper blood supply. Mental strain, resulting from overwork, worry, fear and anxiety puts a corresponding physical strain on the eyes and their muscles and nerves. Physical strain on the eyes may also be caused by reading in dim light or in glaring light, or reading in moving trains, buses or cars, watching too much television and films, and excessive reading. Dust, smoke and prolonged exposure to darkness are all harmful to the eyes and should be avoided. Dull eyes are symptoms of a general toxemic condition of the body mainly due to excessive intake of starch, sugar and protein. The muscles and blood vessels surrounding the eyes share in the clogging process taking place due to improper metabolism caused by an imbalanced and too concentrated diet. For healthy and lively eyes, it is necessary that they are properly supplied with blood and nerve force. Any interference with the blood vessels or with the nerves of the eyes could result in lack-lustre eyes.

Natural Care: The first important factor in restoring normal health and sparkle to the eyes is to loosen the strained and contracted muscles surrounding the eyes. The eye muscle and neck exercises mentioned below will help achieve this purpose. All these exercises should be performed while sitting in a comfortable position. Eye Exercises
(i) Keep the head still and relaxed; gently move the eyes up and down six times. Repeat the same movement two or three times after a rest of two or three seconds in between.
(ii) Move the eyes six times from side to side, as far as possible, without any force or effort. Repeat two or three times.
(iii) Hold up the index finger of the right hand about eight inches in front of the eyes, then look from the finger to any other large object ten or more feet away the door or window will do. Look from one to the other ten times. Do this exercise fairly rapidly.
(iv) Move the eyes gently and slowly round in a circle, then move them low in the reverse direction. Do this our times in all. Rest for two or three seconds and repeat the movements two or three times, using mini: num effort.

Neck Exercises: Rotate the neck (a) in cirlces and semi-circles, (b) move the shoulders anti-clockwise briskly, drawing them up as far as possible several times, (c) allow the head to drop forward and backward as far as possible, (d) turn the head to the right and left as far as possible several times. These exercises help to loosen contracted neck muscles which may restrict blood supply to the head.

Splashing: Splash plain, cold water several times on the closed eyes. This cools the eyes and increases blood supply.

Palming: Sit in a comfortable position in an armchair or on a settee and relax with your eyes closed. Cover the eyes with the palms, right palm over the right eye and the left palm over the left eye. Do not press on the eyes. Then. with your eyes completely covered in this manner, allow your elbows to drop on to your knees, keeping the knees fairly close together. While eyes are closed thus, try to imagine blackness, which grows darker and darker. Palming lessens strain and relaxes the eyes and it surrounding tissues.

Massage: Massaging the eyes with warm vegetable oil (olive or safflower) helps in getting a smoother look. As the skin around the eyes is very delicate, use gentle movements. without tugging. Start by running the third fintertip from your nose, under the eyebrow and in a circle around and under the eye and back to the nose. Repeat the movement using circular rotating actions, keeping them light and gentle.

Diet: Diet is of utmost importance for the health and beauty of the eyes. Natural, uncooked foods are the best diet These include fresh fruits such as oranges, apples, grapes, peaches, papaya and pomegranate; green vegetables like lettuce, cabbage, spinach, turnip tops; root vegetables like potatoes, turnips, carrots, onions and beetroot’s; nuts, dried fruits and dairy products. Genuine whole meal bread is the best . and most suitable. Jams, cakes, pastries, white sugar, white bread, tea and coffee, together with meat and fish, soon play havoc with the digestion and the body. Constipating or wind forming foods, alchohol and other intoxicating substances are also harmful and should be avoided.
Each of the essential nutrients needed by the body plays some part in the health and beauty of thee yes. The effect of vitamin A upon the eyes is, however, most pronounced. For normal and healthy eyes, liberal amount of vitamin A must be continuously supplied by the food. The valuable sources of this vitamin are cod liver oil, whole milk, curd, butter, egg yolk, pumpkin, carrots, green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, mango papaya orange and melon.

If vitamin A is in short supply, the eyes may become sensitive to bright lights and a person may suffer from visual fatigue and a consequent feeling of tiredness. If a deficiency of this vitamin becomes severe, visual fatigue and sensitivity to light grow progressively more pronounced.
To keep the eyes normal, beautiful and bright, an adult should have at least 10,000 units of vitamin A daily. Persons using their eyes for long hours or working either in extremely bright or in dim light require more of this vitamin that those who use their eyes for short hours. This vitamin is also essential to the health of certain tissues, known as mucous membranes, which line such body cavities as the tear ducts and tear glands. Healthy mucous membrane, or the normal flow of tears, determines the highlights, the sparkle, the charming play of shadows in the eyes.
Another vitamin necessary for visual health is riboflavin, or vitamin 82. Valuable natural sources of this vitamin are green leafy vegetable, milk, cheese, egg, citrus fruits, banana, tomato, brewer’s yeast, almonds and sunflower seeds. A healthy diet of milk, butter, fruits, green vegetables and proteins should be taken for the proper care of the eyes. Raw carrots, contain vitamins which help maintain the eyes in a healthy and bright condition. They should therefore be taken liberally.

Tears are believed to be beneficial to the yes as they wash the eyes clean of dust and other particles. Medically, it is known that the enzyme lysozyme present in the lacrymal secretion is antibacterial and destroys pathogenic germs that enter the eyes. There are certain ways recommended to increase lachrymation like squeezing the rind of the orange or lime, crushing an onion close to the eyes and instilling a few drops of oil. Those who habituate their system to these practices from a young age will benefit greatly. To start on these practices suddenly may not be easy.
Amongst the various natural substances, the use of castor oil is highly beneficial for the eyes. A few drops of this oil should be put daily in each eye. This causes increased laceration of the eyes for a while but leaves the eyes clean and cool. Regular massage of the scalp with castor oil decreases eye strain. The herb nutmeg exercises beneficial effect on the eyes. It is rich in fats and volatile oils. A paste of this herb made with milk may be applied all around the eyes and over the eyelids. It will have a cooling effect. A teaspoon of this preparation should be soaked overnight in a cup of water. It should be poured through a clean muslin cloth and thee yes should be washed with it. The eyes should also be dabbed with the cloth for a minute. If a burning sensation is felt in the eyes, the water should be cooled in the refrigerator before use.

Cold tea can be used to brighten tired eyes. A cotton wool pad soaked in cold tea can be used as eye pads for this purpose. Bathing the eyes in warm water, to which a little salt has been added, can brighten them. It also helps to relieve puffiness. A cotton wool pad dipped in a salt water solution, containing one tablespoon of salt in half a litre of water, can also be used as an eye pack for the same purpose.
Another important factor for the beauty of the eye is sleep. Without adequate sleep, the eyes can look puffy, bloodshot and even become encircled by dark shadows. At least seven hours of sleep is the average daily pattern. Whenever one misses out on sleep, it should be made good as soon as possible. As and when time permits, one should take a few minutes off to close the eyes and relax. The eyes should also be proctected from long exposure to strong sunlight. The glare created by sunlight can harm the eyes. It will be advisable to wear sunglasses outdoors. It should, however, be insured that the quality of the glasses used is good.

Skin Disorders And Their Natural Treatment

admin — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 11:27:16 +0000

There are certain skin disorders which cause a great deal of embarrassment at an age when people tend to be sensitive about their personal appearance. The more common of these disorders are acne, dermatitis and eczema. These disorders and the natural way to treat them are discussed in this chapter.

1. Acne: Acne is perhaps the most common chronic skin disorder. Nearly eight out often young people between the ages of 12 and 24 suffer from some degree of acne. There are over half a dozen Fromm’s of acne. The most common from of acne is blackheads. Chronic constipation is another cause of acne. If the bowels do not move properly, the waste matter is not eliminated as quickly as it should be and the blood stream becomes surcharged with toxic matter. The extra efforts of the skin to eliminate excess waste, result in acne and other forms of skin disorders. Yet another improtant cause of acne is a devitalized condition of the skin resulting from unhygienic living habits. Other causes of the disorder are excessive use of tea, coffee, animal fats, chocolate, alcohol or tobacco, strenuous studies, masturbation and sedentary habits which lead to indigestion and general debility.

2. Treatment: To begin with, the patient should resort to an all-fruit diet for about a week. In this regimen, there should be three meals a day, consisting of fresh juicy fruits such as apples, pears, grapes, pineapple, and peaches. During this period, a warm water enema should taken daily to cleanse the bowels and all other measures adopted to eradicate constipation. After a week on the all-fruit diet, the patient can gradually adopt a well-balanced diet, with emphasis on raw foods, especially fresh fruits and vegetables, sprouted seeds, raw nuts and whole grain cereals. Further short periods on the all-fruit diet for three days or so may be necessary at a monthly interval till the condition of the skin improves.
The patient with acne should avoid meats, sugar, strong tea or coffee, condiments, pickles, fried foods, refined and processed foods as well as soft drinks, candies, ice cream and products made with sugar and white flour. Starchy, protein and fatty foods should restricted. As regards local treatment, hot fomentation should be applied to open up the pores and squeeze out the waste matter. Then rinse with cold water. Sun and air baths by exposing the whole body to the sun and air are highly beneficial. The healing packs of grated cucumber, oatmeal cooked in milk, and cooked, creamed carrots, used externally, have been found to be effective. The orange peel is valuable in the treatment of acne The lemon peel has also proved beneficial in removing pimples and acne. It should be applied regularly.

The mixture should be applied 10 the face after thoroughly washing it every night before retiring. This even heals very persistent forms of acne suffered by some adults. The process is further helped by also taking the herb orally, to purify the bloodstream so as to secure a long-term clearance of the skin eruptions. This cleansing results from the high content of potassium, sulphur, phosphorus and chlorine in the potato. This bath is prepared by dissolving one and a half kilo of Epsom salt to 60 litres of water having a temperature of about 100° F. 2. The exposed areas such as the eyelids, forearms, face and neck are more likely to be involved. The first symptom of dermatitis is erythema or redness. Vesicles may appear thereafter. In case of their rupture, their bases exude serum. This condition is known as weeping dermatitis. Later, the serum dries up to form crusts. In some people the disease seems to come and go without making any great change in the skin itself. They may reach the skin from outside or from inside through the bloodstream. Other causes of this disease are indiscretion in diet, deficiency of vitamin A and pantothenic acid, and nervous and emotional strains. If, however, the trouble is constitutional arising from internal causes, the patient should commence the treatment by adopting an all-fruit diet for at least a week, as in the case of acne.

After an exclusive fruit diet the patient may adopt a restricted diet for 10 days. In this regimen, breakfast may consist of orange or orange juice or grapefruit. Raw salad, consisting of vegetables in season, with raisins, figs, or dates may be taken for lunch. Milk puddings and desserts such as jellies, jam and pastries, all condiments, spices, white sugar and white flour and products made from them, tea, coffee, and other stimulating drinks should be avoided. In case of a severe condition, the patient should undertake a fast having only fruit or vegetable juices for three to five days. This may be followed by a restricted diet for 10 to 15 days. Further fasts and a period of restricted diet at intervals may be adopted after the resumption of a normal diet. The wall water enema should be used daily to cleanse the bowels during the first week of the treatment and thereafter as necessary. Epsom salt baths may be taken two or three times a week. About 100 grams of Epsom salts should be added to a bowl of hot water for this purpose.
A little olive oil should be applied after the Epsom salt bath. The patient should avoid white sugar, refined carbohydrates, tea, coffee, and other denatured foods, and should make liberal use of fruit and vegetable juices. The combined juice of the apple, carrot, and celery is especially beneficial in the treatment of dermatitis of combined juice. The alkaline sodium neutralizes the poisonous acids formed in the sores and the oil keeps the skin in a softened condition. The patient should undertake moderate physical exercise, preferably simple yoga asana after the fast is completed and the restricted diet started. He should avoid exposure to cold and adopt regular hours of eating and sleeping.

3. Eczema: Eczema refers to an inflammation of the skin which results In the formation of vesicles or pustules. The skin itches at all stages. Healing of the condition is effected by scratching in response to the irritation. The most common triggers for sensitive persons are eggs, peanuts, chocolates, wheat, cow’s milk, chicken and potato.
Treatment The best way to deal with eczema is to cleanse the bloodstream and the body. This fasting will help to eliminate toxic waste from the body and lead to substantial improvement. After the juice fast, the patient may adopt an exclusive milk diet with beneficial results. In this regimen, he should take a quarter litre of milk every hour on the first day, every three quarters of an hour on the second day and every half and hour on the third day and on wards. The total quantity of milk consumed each day may be six litres. This exclusive milk diet may be continued for four to six weeks or longer, if necessary.

Many cases of eczema have ben cured or greatly improved by using the milk diet, following the juice fast. Fruits, salt-free raw or steamed vegetables with whole meal bread or chappatis may be taken after the exclusive milk diet. Cocunut oil may be used instead of ghee. The patient may thereafter gradually embark upon a well-balanced diet consisting of three basic food groups namely seeds, nuts and grains, vegetables and fruits. Seeds and beans such as alfalfa, mung and soya beans can be sprouted. The patient should avoid tea, coffee, alcoholic beverages and all condiments and highly flavored dishes, as well as sugar, white flour products, denatured cereals like polished rice and pearled barley and tinned or bottled foods. The patient should eat only pure and wholesome foods. The skin, with the exception of the parts be affected with eczema, should be vigor-ously rubbed with the palms of the hands before taking a bath. The cloth should be moistened with cold water (55° 60° F) every 15 to 30 minutes for two hours at a time. Steam baths may be taken two or three times a week with great advantage.

They are especially valuable while on the exclusive milk diet. Neutral immersion baths lasting for 45 minutes to an hour, will also be helpful. Of these, the use of musk melon is regarded as the most effective. The pulp and skin of the fruit should be simmered in a cup of water for an hour. This should then be strained and applied as a lotion liberally to all effected areas, several times daily. The fresh juice of the leaves should be applied over the affected area. Certain liquids have also been found useful as washing lotions for cleansing the affected parts. These include water in which margosa leaves have been boiled, rice starch water obtained by decanting cooked rice and turmeric water prepared by boiling water to which turmeric powder has been added.

The Natural Way To Healthy Glowing Skin

admin — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 11:05:20 +0000

The skin of a healthy person should have a pink glow. How- ever, sometimes we tend to ignore skin care until signs of neglect begin to show. As with health, prevention is easier than cure.
Causes of Unhealthy skin: One of the main causes of unhealthy skin is faulty diet. But as the child grows older, he gradually loses these attributes due to wrong feeding habits and other factors. Devitalized foods like white flour, refined sugar and all products made from them, tea, coffee, and soft drinks take away energy, bring about wrinkles, unattractive skin and premature old age. Inadequate cleansing, which is responsible for many skin problems, is yet another important cause of unattractive skin.
Natural Care: Diet plays an important role in maintaining the health of the skin. Such a diet should consist of liberal quantities of seeds, nuts and grains, vegetables and fruits, supplemented by special protective foods like milk, vegetable oils, curd, honey and yeast. All the nutrients are essential for a healthy skin. A mild lack of vitamin B2 or riboflavin, continued over a long time, causes brown pigmentation, or liver spots to appear on the skin. A still more severe deficiency causes the skin under the nose and at the comers of the eyes and mouth to crack and become sore.
A lack of vitamin B6 or pyridoxine leads to dermatitis or eczema. Since seven vitamins of the B group are directly related to the health of the skin, few foods can improve the skin so rapidly as those rich in these vitamins. Even the person whose skin seems smooth and healthy usually notices improvement in texture and glow, a week after adding two or more tablespoons of brewer’s yeast to the daily diet. In case of unhealthy and unattractive skin due to anemia, the condition can be corrected by dietetic treatment. Anemia results from lack of protein, iodine, calcium, niacin, vitamin 86, vitamin B12, folic acid, cobalt, and copper as well as iron. In all anemia, particularly pernicious anemia, the vitamins of the B group should be generously supplied.
Natural Aids: Several natural aids have been found useful in promoting healthy and beautiful skin. Lime may be squeezed in a glass of boiled whole milk and a teaspoon of glycerine may be added to it. This application every night will help one to look young and beautiful. It will also help cure pimples. The use of orange juice has also been found valuable for a glowing complexion. If milk and lime juice is added to this juice and delicately massaged over the face and neck for half an hour and washed off with lukewarm water each night before going to bed, it acts as an effective skin tonic to increase and retain its beauty.
The seeds of radish contain a bleaching substance and an emulsion of the seeds with water, applied over the face, will remove blackheads and freckles. It can also be applied with beneficial results in the treatment of ring-worm. A paste of almonds with mild cream and fresh rosebud paste applied daily over the face is a very effective beauty aid. Its regular application prevents early appearance of wrinkles, blackheads, dryness of the skin, pimples and keeps the face fresh. A paste of lentil and curd, when applied as a mask, cleanses the skin and gives it a glow. When dried, it should be removed with fingertips and washed if with water. Adding a few drops of the juice of margosa leaves to this paste is very effective in dealing with pimples. The flour of the unroasted Bengal gram is a very effective cleansing agent and its regular use, as a cosmetic, bleaches the skin. The flour of the green gram is an excellent detergent and can be used as a substitute for soap.
Protection Against Sunlight: Excessive exposure to sun can lead to many serious consequences, including sun-induced premature ageing. The skin which is repeatedly exposed to sunlight becomes leathery, wrinkled and loose. It may also become dry and acquire yellowish brown hue with liver spots all over. The skin may become inflamed, which may contribute to the breakdown of other cells and tissues. Excessive exposure to sun can also lead to thickening of epidermis and enlargement of sebaceous glands in the face, ultimately resulting in acne and pimples. It is therefore essential to protect the skin from exposure to sun. This can be achieved by covering up and using a sunscreen with a high protection factor on the exposed parts. Even with these protective measures it will not be safe to stay in the sun for long periods.

skin A Marvellous Mechanism

admin — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:53:30 +0000

The skin, covering the human body, is a marvelous mechanism. It is the largest and one of the most intriguing organs of the body, accounting for 16 per cent of body weight. Its proper care is vital at any age. When one is young, it helps to prevent common teenage problems like greasy skin and acne. A one grows older, it is important to counteract the increasing dryness of the skin. One can have a beautiful skin at any age if one mows how to care for it. Skin care usually refers to the face because this area, more than any other, needs care and attention. That is why the face is one of the first parts to show signs of ageing.
Functions: The skin performs many important functions. It forms a protective barrier against harmful bacteria and infections. Besides, it is a means of eliminating waste matter from the body in the form of excess water, toxins and carbondioxide. The skin also, as a sense organ, helps in regulating the body temperature, in respiration, and in the metabolic processes of the body. The skin has three layers. These are the inner most layer known as the lower dermis, the middle layer called the dermis, and the outer layer known as the epidermis. It is from the innermost layer that the various glands, including the oil and sweat glands, penetrate to the surface to eliminate waste matter. This inner layer is based on the fatty tissue of the lower dermis.
It also acts as a cushion for the rest of the skin. The most important function of the middle layer of the skin is respiration. The tone of the skin is determined by the dermis. The epidermis ranges in thickness from 1/20th of an inch on the palms and soles, to 1/200th of an inch on the face. It consists of several layers of cells. The outer layers of these cells are constantly shed as new layers replace them. This skin layer contains the nerve end lings. The oil and sweat glands open in the epidermis.
Types of Skin: The types of skin fall into four major categories: Normal, oily, dry, and combination. An easy way to discover what type of skin one has, is to wipe the face with a dry tissue upon awakening in the morning. If there is grease on the centre panel only, then it is a combination skin. A brief description of these four types of skin is given below:
Normal Skin: This type of skin is soft, smooth, finely-textured and unblemished. There may be occassional pimples just before menstruation due to increased hormonal activity, which makes the sebaceous glands overactive. Acne is, however, never a problem for people with normal skin. This type of skin is neither oily, nor dry. It is beautiful, but it needs care if it is to last. Neglect can lead to signs of ageing and wrinkling. It should be cleaned daily with soap and water, and toned with something mild, like rose water.
Oily Skin: This type of skin is shiny, thick and dull colored, It is prone to blackheads. The oil oozes and gives the skin a greasy shine.
Dry Skin: This type of skin is tightly drawn over bones and is often flaky. It lacks both serum and moisture. It looks dull, especially on the cheeks and around the eyes. In this type of skin, the oil glands do not supply enough lubrication to the skin which becomes dehydrated. The centre panel-forehead, nose and chin may be greasy and the cheeks dry. This type of skin is very common, and it should be treated as if it were two different types of skin, the dry part to be gently cleansed and regularly lubricated and the oily part deeply cleansed and toned.