Sleep Is a Skincare Step

There is a reason the phrase “beauty sleep” stuck around. During deep sleep, your body ramps up cellular repair, produces growth hormone, and works to restore the skin barrier. When you cut that process short, the effects show up on the face in no time.

In a study published in Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, good sleepers demonstrated 30% greater skin barrier recovery compared to poor sleepers after controlled barrier disruption, and also recovered faster from ultraviolet-induced redness; the gap compounds over years, not just overnight.

The way it works is straightforward. When you sleep, cortisol levels drop and growth hormone peaks, and growth hormone is a key driver of collagen synthesis. When sleep is cut short, cortisol stays elevated longer, suppressing collagen production while accelerating its breakdown. The result is skin that looks and behaves older than it should.

What “Enough Sleep” Actually Means for Skin

7 – 9 hours is the range most adults need for the skin’s repair cycle to run its full course. Consistently sleeping five hours or fewer puts your body into a state of chronic low-grade stress, and your skin reflects that. Fine lines deepen, hydration drops, and the barrier becomes less effective at keeping irritants out.

Related » How Sleep Affects Skin

The Timing of Skincare Products Matters Here Too

Applying active ingredients like retinoids and peptides at night is not just a marketing convention. Your skin’s permeability increases during sleep, and cellular turnover accelerates, so products applied before bed have a better environment to work in. Treating sleep as part of the routine, rather than something separate from it, changes the logic of how the whole system operates.

What Happens at the Table Shows Up on the Face

Nutrition and skin health are closely linked. Your food is the source of several important nutrients your skin needs: the building blocks for collagen, the compounds that regulate inflammation, and the antioxidants that defend against oxidative damage.

Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that higher intakes of vitamin C and linoleic acid are associated with a lower prevalence of wrinkled appearance and skin dryness, while higher intakes of fats and carbohydrates are associated with a greater likelihood of skin aging features.

The Glycemic Connection

High-glycemic foods spike your blood sugar, triggering a process called glycation. Glucose molecules bind to collagen and elastin fibers, making them stiff and brittle. The visible outcome is reduced skin elasticity and the early appearance of fine lines. Swapping refined carbohydrates for lower-glycemic options is one of the more direct ways to improve your skin quality.

Antioxidants and Skin Defense

Your skin is constantly exposed to oxidative stress from UV radiation, pollution, and metabolic processes. Antioxidants from food, particularly vitamins C and E, carotenoids, and polyphenols, help neutralize free radicals before they cause structural damage. A diet rich in colorful vegetables and fruit delivers these compounds in forms your body can actually use, which is not the same as applying them topically.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Inflammation

Chronic low-grade inflammation is one of the primary drivers of accelerated skin aging. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish, flaxseed, and walnuts, help regulate your body’s inflammatory response. When your diet skews heavily toward omega-6 fats from processed foods, the balance tips toward a more inflammatory state and the first place it shows up on is your skin.

Stress Works Against Everything Else

Stress does not just affect your mood. It alters your skin at a cellular level through the hormones it releases, primarily cortisol and epinephrine, which disrupt collagen synthesis, impair the skin barrier, and trigger inflammatory conditions including acne, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis.

A 2024 study found that moderately stressed subjects had decreased antioxidant potential and impaired skin barrier integrity, along with a 32.9% increase in microrelief alteration compared to mildly stressed subjects. That is a measurable structural difference driven entirely by stress hormones, not sun exposure or product choice.

Practices like consistent exercise, time outside, and adequate rest reduce cortisol output. For people pursuing professional skincare treatments, managing chronic stress is part of getting the most from those treatments. A treatment like microneedling, which works by stimulating the skin’s own collagen-production response, delivers better and more lasting results when your body’s baseline inflammation and cortisol levels are not working against the healing process.

Sun Protection Is a Daily Habit

UV radiation is the single largest contributor to extrinsic skin aging. Photoaging, the term for UV-induced changes to skin structure, accounts for the majority of visible aging in adults. And the damage is cumulative, largely invisible until years after it occurs.

Daily broad-spectrum SPF application, even on overcast days and during winter months, is the most evidence-backed habit in preventive skincare. UVA rays penetrate glass and cloud cover and are responsible for collagen degradation and pigmentation changes. A commute, a few hours near a window, or a short walk adds up over time in ways that a weekend at the beach gets all the credit for.

Reapplication matters for anyone spending extended time outdoors. SPF degrades with sweat, humidity, and time, and a single morning application does not maintain the same protection level by afternoon.

Hydration From the Inside Out

Topical moisturizers work at the surface level, reinforcing the lipid barrier and reducing transepidermal water loss. But your skin’s hydration also depends on systemic water intake and the integrity of the barrier itself. A compromised barrier, whether from harsh products, environmental exposure, or chronic sleep deprivation, loses water faster than even a well-formulated moisturizer can replace.

Drinking enough water supports your skin’s turgor and elasticity, though the relationship is not as direct as it is sometimes presented. What matters more is avoiding the habits that actively dehydrate your skin: alcohol, excessive caffeine, and long hot showers that strip the natural lipid layer.

Where to Start

Sleep, food, stress, and sun protection all shape how the skin looks and behaves, working quietly in the background every hour of the day. Optimizing them determines how well a topical routine actually performs. Effective skincare treats the skin as a living system, and the bathroom shelf is only part of that system.

The post Sleep, Food, Stress, Sun: The Real Skincare Routine appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

Why Nutrition Matters for Healthy Hair

Hair is one of the fastest-growing tissues in the body, which means it requires a constant supply of nutrients to grow and remain healthy. When the body doesn’t get enough essential vitamins and minerals, it prioritizes organs that are vital for survival instead of supporting hair growth.

As a result, the hair growth cycle can slow down, more strands may enter the shedding phase, and new hair may grow back thinner than before. While genetics and hormones certainly influence hair health, nutrition plays an equally important role that many people underestimate.

The Nutrients That Actually Matter

Many supplements contain long ingredient lists, but research consistently points to a handful of nutrients that have the strongest connection to healthy hair growth.

Iron

Iron helps red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body, including to the hair follicles. Low iron stores (measured through ferritin levels) are commonly associated with increased hair shedding, particularly in women.

Good dietary sources include:

• Lean meat
• Lentils
• Spinach
• Pumpkin seeds

Pairing iron-rich foods with vitamin C can improve absorption.

Zinc

Zinc supports the normal hair growth cycle and helps maintain the oil glands around hair follicles. A deficiency may contribute to excessive shedding and slower regrowth.

Vitamin D

Hair follicles contain vitamin D receptors, and low vitamin D levels have been linked to several forms of hair loss, including telogen effluvium. Since deficiency is common, a blood test can help determine whether supplementation is needed.

Biotin (Vitamin B7)

Biotin supports the production of keratin, the protein that gives hair its strength and structure. Many people begin by researching biotin supplements for hair, but it’s important to remember that biotin is most helpful when a true deficiency exists. It should be viewed as part of an overall nutrition strategy rather than a standalone solution.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 contributes to healthy red blood cell production, helping deliver oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles. People following vegetarian or vegan diets are more likely to have lower B12 levels and may benefit from testing before considering supplementation.

Deficiencies Are Not Always Obvious

One of the biggest challenges is that nutritional deficiencies often develop gradually. Hair loss may be the first noticeable symptom, even before fatigue or other health concerns appear.

Instead of guessing, it’s often more useful to get a blood test that includes:

• Ferritin
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin B12
• Zinc

These tests provide a clearer picture of what the body actually needs.

Taking supplements without confirming a deficiency isn’t always beneficial. Excessive intake of certain nutrients can sometimes create new imbalances, making professional guidance worthwhile.

Lifestyle Also Affects Hair Nutrition

Even the best supplements cannot compensate for habits that interfere with nutrient absorption or overall health.

Factors that may reduce the body’s ability to support healthy hair include:

• Ongoing stress
• Poor sleep quality
• Diets high in processed foods
• Drinking tea or coffee immediately after iron-rich meals

Addressing these habits alongside improving nutrition often leads to better long-term results than relying on supplements alone.

Why a Root-Cause Approach Matters

Hair fall rarely has a single explanation. It is often influenced by a combination of nutrition, hormone balance, stress, lifestyle, scalp health, and overall wellbeing.

Instead of choosing supplements based solely on advertisements or online trends, many healthcare professionals recommend identifying the underlying cause first. Blood tests, medical history, and a broader assessment of health can help determine which nutrients, if any, actually need attention.

A treatment plan built around the root cause is generally more effective than simply adding multiple supplements without knowing whether they’re necessary.

Final Thoughts

Hair supplements can support healthier hair, but only when they’re taken for the right reasons and in the right amounts. Iron, zinc, vitamin D, biotin, and vitamin B12 all play important roles, yet not everyone needs every supplement.

Before purchasing another bottle of vitamins, consider understanding what your body is actually missing. A simple blood test, a balanced diet, and advice from a qualified healthcare professional can often do far more for long-term hair health than taking supplements based on guesswork.

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The Connection Between Grooming and Self-Perception

Personal grooming is deeply tied to how you see yourself. Simple actions like washing your face, maintaining a clean hairstyle, or taking time to care for your skin create a sense of self-respect. They reinforce the idea that you’re worth the effort, and that mindset can shape how you approach other areas of your life.

When people feel their best on the outside, they tend to carry themselves differently. They walk taller, make more eye contact, and project confidence. That outward expression of self-assurance often feeds back into how others respond, creating a positive cycle of self-esteem and social comfort. Grooming, then, becomes not just a daily task but a form of personal empowerment.

The Role of Hair in Emotional Wellness

Hair often plays a symbolic and emotional role in identity. Many people associate their hairstyle with self-expression or even stages of life, a new cut after a breakup, or a change in color to mark a fresh start. When hair loss occurs, it can understandably affect confidence and body image.

Modern solutions like FUE hair transplants offer individuals the chance to restore not just hair, but self-assurance. The procedure provides natural-looking results without visible scarring, helping people regain the appearance that reflects how they feel inside. By addressing this personal aspect of grooming, individuals can experience a powerful emotional lift that contributes to their overall well-being.

Grooming as a Mindful Practice

Beyond its aesthetic impact, grooming can also serve as a form of mindfulness. The repetitive, focused actions, brushing hair, trimming nails, cleansing skin, allow the mind to settle into a calm, present state. For many, this becomes a grounding ritual in an otherwise busy day.

This connection between grooming and mindfulness mirrors other wellbeing habits like meditation or yoga. Taking just a few minutes to care for your appearance can be a meditative act, one that fosters focus, patience, and appreciation for your body. Over time, these small rituals build a stronger connection between physical care and mental calm.

The Boost of Routine and Structure

Routine is a cornerstone of mental stability, and grooming naturally provides structure. Whether it’s a morning skincare ritual or a weekly haircut, these consistent acts create rhythm and reliability. That structure is particularly beneficial during stressful times, when maintaining small daily commitments can help people regain a sense of control.

Even when life feels chaotic, following through on a grooming routine sends a subtle but powerful message: you’re still showing up for yourself. This self-discipline can make it easier to stay on track with other healthy habits, from balanced eating to regular exercise.

The Social Side of Self-Care

While grooming begins as a personal practice, its effects ripple outward. People often feel more comfortable and approachable when they’re confident in their appearance. This can enhance social interactions, foster better relationships, and reduce anxiety in professional or personal settings.

Grooming also reflects respect for others; the effort you make to present yourself well can communicate thoughtfulness and attentiveness. In that sense, grooming isn’t just self-care; it’s social care too. It’s part of the invisible language of human connection, helping us navigate the world with confidence and kindness.

A Holistic View of Wellbeing

True wellbeing extends far beyond diet and fitness. It’s a combination of physical health, mental stability, emotional resilience, and self-expression. Personal grooming sits at the intersection of all these elements, reminding us that feeling good and looking good are often intertwined.

By viewing grooming as part of a broader self-care journey, rather than a superficial task, individuals can unlock a deeper, more lasting sense of wellbeing. Whether it’s through mindful routines, restorative treatments, or simply taking time to care for your body, grooming becomes a form of self-love that nourishes every part of who you are.

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One thing is certain: choosing products with natural ingredients is no longer just a fad or a fashion trend. Embracing natural products is about giving your body what it can recognize and process.

Skin Care That Feels Real

When you go natural, the first things you notice are often the texture, the scent, and the sensation of the products. These are not lab-concocted versions of care. They are closer to the raw materials themselves — real oils, real clays, real botanical extracts. Your skin feels nourished, not masked. There’s less noise and more genuine benefits.

Take exfoliation, for example. Choosing a natural face scrub can make a big difference. Many conventional scrubs use plastic microbeads or harsh synthetic ingredients that can irritate or damage the skin barrier. A natural scrub, made with ground seeds, oats or salt, does the job while being gentle on your skin — and kind to the oceans too, since there are no polluting microplastics left behind.

Be warned, once you have Nature as your beauty ally, you won’t ever go back to synthetic products loaded with chemicals that your skin hates.

Beauty Without the Baggage

Another reason to lean towards natural products is that they don’t contain those harmful ingredients that are notorious for their potential harm. In other words, these products avoid sulphates, parabens, synthetic fragrances, and other ingredients that can irritate or damage the skin, besides hurting the environment. Fewer irritants mean fewer chances for your skin to react badly. And if your goal is to support your skin’s natural balance, going natural is only natural.

And, natural doesn’t mean boring either. Brands are now creating high-performance, luxurious products using carefully sourced ingredients from Nature — proof that you don’t have to choose between efficiency and ethics.

A Small Choice That Ripples Outwards

Opting for nature care isn’t just a favor to yourself. It supports a broader movement towards more sustainable farming, fairer sourcing, and less environmental damage. It’s a signal to the beauty industry: consumers are paying attention, and they expect better.

Small decisions — one cream, one serum, one new routine at a time — build momentum. They encourage brands to be more responsible. They help shift the culture from “fast, irresponsible” to “mindful, sustainable”.

After all, when you think about it, taking care of yourself and taking care of the earth should never be two separate conversations.

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Why You Should Make the Switch to All-natural Deodorant

The fact is that most store-bought deodorants are likely to contain harmful ingredients. To stay fresh throughout the day without risking your health, it’s best to switch to a natural deodorant. Natural deodorants will have you smelling great thanks to natural ingredients like zinc oxide, magnesium, baking soda, arrowroot powder, and essential oils. Not yet convinced that store-bought deodorant might be unsafe and unhealthy? Below we list five common ingredients that could be potentially toxic, especially with long-term use.

Avoid These Toxic Ingredients in Your Deodorant

Triclosan

Triclosan is used in many products to minimize bacterial contamination. In fact, triclosan is so common that more than 3/4 of Americans have detectable levels in their urine. Aside from minimizing bacterial contamination, the ingredient also kills bacteria found on the skin’s surface. According to the FDA, studies have found that exposure to high dosages of triclosan has to led to a decrease in thyroid hormones in certain animals. Other studies have found that the ingredient can lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. While the FDA still allowed it to be used in deodorants, it’s been banned from use in antiseptic products because it was determined to not be generally safe and effective. We think that if it’s not safe enough to use for washing your hands, it’s not safe to apply on your skin for hours at a time!

Parabens

Parabens are one of the most commonly used ingredients in personal care products, including deodorant. Parabens are used as a preservative to keep your deodorant lasting for weeks at a time. However, research has found that this ingredient may interfere with hormone production and regulation, including estrogen. There’s concern that putting parabens in the armpit region can increase the risk of cancer cell growth in the surrounding area and breasts. The risk is even greater when different parabens are mixed. While more research is needed to solidify a causation link, it’s best to avoid deodorants that contain parabens.

Propylene Glycol

Propylene glycol is found in most deodorants. It allows the product to be slick, making it much easier to apply on the skin. In small quantities, propylene glycol is considered to be safe.But in large quantities, various studies have found that the ingredient has been linked to damage of the heart, liver, and central nervous system. What’s worse is that the ingredient is not only found in skincare products, but it’s also found in some of the foods we eat on a daily basis! Natural deodorants use safe ingredients like coconut oil to keep the product sleek and easy to apply to the skin.

TEA & DEA

Triethanolamine (TEA) and diethanolamine (DEA) are widely used in deodorant to adjust the product’s acidity. These chemicals are not only found in deodorant, but also other personal care products and even cleaning products. In Europe, DEA is banned as it’s said to be a known carcinogen; however, in the U.S., TEA and DEA are still allowed ingredients. The chemicals have been linked to a variety of health concerns including organ toxicity and an increased risk of liver and kidney tumors that could become cancerous. As a rule of thumb, avoid these ingredients when purchasing your next deodorant product. Otherwise you’re putting your health at risk.

Phthalates

Without the use of phthalates, deodorant wouldn’t stick to your skin -making it all but useless! While the ingredient makes traditional deodorant a worthwhile product, it’s proven to be quite unsafe. In fact, it’s been linked to androgen disruption, which involves how the body produces and uses testosterone.

While most believe that testosterone is strictly a male hormone, it’s also found in women as it helps with muscle maintenance and energy. Aside from hormone disruption, phthalates have also been linked to higher risk of asthma, impact to fetal development, and even a lower IQ. Smelling good isn’t worth harming your internal health! Make sure your next deodorant purchase doesn’t contain phthalates. The EU has banned the use of certain phthalates in cosmetic products.

Aluminum Compounds

Aluminum compounds such as aluminum chlorohydrate and aluminum zirconium are commonly used in antiperspirant deodorants to block sweat pores and reduce perspiration. There have been concerns about the potential link between aluminum and breast cancer or neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. However, current scientific evidence does not support a conclusive connection between aluminum exposure from cosmetics and these health issues.

Conclusion

Switching to a natural deodorant can be a huge change, but a good one! After making the switch, your body will start to release all of the harmful toxins, which can lead to a temporary increase in stink. For the first few weeks, don’t be afraid to re-apply to keep bad smells at bay! Also remember to perform patch tests whenever you try new products, and if you experience any adverse reactions, stop using it and seek a doctor’s advice.

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Steps to Help You Prepare for Your Microneedling Appointment

Avoid excessive skincare before your appointment

A daily skincare routine is an integral part of life for many people. However, in the run-up to your microneedling appointment, you should make some changes. Your skin should be calm when you come in, unencumbered by numerous products. Avoid exfoliating in the days before the appointment. Do not use topical retinoids or antibiotics for at least one week beforehand. Avoid tanning lotions, anti-inflammatories, alpha-hydroxy acids, and related products. These can increase your skin’s sensitivity and make the procedure more uncomfortable.

It is also wise to keep from shaving in the days before the appointment since shaving increases skin sensitivity.

Evaluate the Medications You Take

Your medications could significantly impact the comfort and effectiveness of your microneedling procedure. It is an important part of the preparation process that many people are entirely unaware of. Taking the popular anti-acne drug Accutane, for example, could make your skin more sensitive and more prone to bacterial infections.

This warning also extends to drugs that don’t specifically treat the skin. Blood-thinning medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and some nutritional supplements such as fish oil, omega-3, vitamin E, and others should be avoided for at least 72 hours before the appointment. Since some of these drugs can prevent your blood from clotting, you may have issues with skin healing during the recovery process.

Consider Healthy Diet and Lifestyle Habits

A healthy diet and lifestyle may seem like an obvious tip to some. But to many others, it may come as a surprise. Unhealthy foods and a poor lifestyle can promote inflammation and bruising and hamper the healing process after your microneedling appointment. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and processed foods 24-48 hours before microneedling will help the skin heal faster and optimize collagen production.

Drinking water and staying active before the appointment can also help, but avoid intense exercise.

Limit Sun Exposure and Wear Sunscreen

Avoid the sun for at least 24 hours before treatment, if possible. Prolonged sun exposure can irritate the skin during the microneedling procedure. If you can’t avoid the sun, apply high-SPF sunscreen to protect your skin. Do not get sunburned before your appointment – it will make the process far less enjoyable.

The Takeaway: Preparing for microneedling is important

Preparing for your microneedling appointment can ensure the best possible results and minimize the risk of complications. By avoiding sun exposure, certain skincare products, and taking stock of your medications, you can help to ensure a comfortable and effective microneedling treatment near you.

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5 hacks for reaching your fitness goals faster

1. Keep a journal

Keeping a fitness and food diary is one of the best things you can do to stay on track and reach your fitness goals faster. Some people prefer to leave out any structured tracking of their activity and intake and focus on what feels right for their body, but it can still help to monitor the exercise you’re doing and the foods you’re eating. Not only does this help you to track any trends and changes you see, but it can motivate you to stay on track. It’s a particularly useful tool if you’re working with a fitness coach or nutritional therapist who will be able to analyze and make recommendations based on your current schedule.

2. Take targeted supplements

Whether you’re trying to lose weight, gain muscle, or just feel better in yourself, there are many different supplements on the market. Aim to buy natural and organic supplements and always consult with your doctor before you start regularly taking any supplements.

There are some supplements that can help with building muscle, as mentioned in this post, but it’s important to ensure they are the right ones for you to take. Other supplements can help to target key deficiencies you may be experiencing, such as iron or magnesium. In turn, balancing these areas can help to promote better health.

3. Reduce your stress

The irony of working out when you’re stressed and tired is that it can be counterproductive and slow down the progress you’re making towards your fitness goals. Keeping stress levels low and reducing your anxiety levels is one of the best ways you can work towards better overall health while achieving your fitness goals as quickly as possible.

Reducing your stress should be considered as part of a longer-term strategy, with your fitness routine as a part of it. If you’re tired at the end of a long day, avoid going for a heavy workout at the gym. If you have a lot to pack into your schedule in the morning, don’t overload yourself with more stress by going for a run if it will only make you feel under more pressure.

4. Switch things up

Doing something different can surprise your body while also keeping your workouts and routine fresh and interesting for you. Trying out a new workout every few weeks or switching up your routine each month can prevent your body from becoming accustomed to one type of exercise. There are so many different exercises you can do, and throughout the week you could fit in some high-intensity interval training (HIIT), cardio, and weight training.

5. Combine different exercises

Reaching your fitness goals faster can be achieved faster if you combine a variety of exercises and workouts. Rather than only focusing on weight training or going to the gym just for the cardio machines, combine these different exercises for maximum effect.

Yoga, meditation, and stretching are also important types of exercise to include in your routine throughout the week. Try out a new fitness class at your gym or ask a friend to join you for some relaxing walks outdoors.

Conclusion

Reaching your fitness goals isn’t just as simple as going to the gym on a regular basis. It’s important to get a good balance, look after your overall health, and consider things such as supplements, which can add value to your routine and wellbeing.

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Well, not only does such a way exist, but it is easily available to all as it’s found in every kitchen.

Yes, your kitchen hides many beauty secrets that can improve your skin and hair in a jiffy. There are myriad things available easy-at-hand that can help you improve your looks. Let’s look at a few beauty treatments found commonly in any kitchen. These work wonder—believe me, I have tried them all and have had amazing results.

9 beauty treatments hidden in your kitchen

1. This concoction will tighten your skin pores

Open pores look ugly and cause pimples. Here is a great way to cure open pores. Add a spoon of lemon juice and a spoon of curd to a grated tomato. Mix well. Apply all over the face, neck and arms. Wash the paste off with warm water after half an hour. This is very good for open pores and is an effective bleach too.

2. Watermelon juice helps reduce blemishes and scars

Blemishes and scars mar a perfect complexion. To get rid of them, use watermelon juice. Apply some grated watermelon on the face. Wash the paste off with warm water after half an hour.

3. Try a slice of papaya for that glow

Papaya gives an instant glow to the face. Mash a slice of ripe papaya and apply on the face. Wash off with warm water, after 20-30 mins.

4. Use table sugar to rejuvenate your skin

To rejuvenate the skin instantly, use sugar. Sugar sloughs off the dead cells and leaves behind soft glowing skin. Take a spoonful of sugar granules. Add a few drops of water and massage it lightly on your face and hands. Wash off with water.

5. Want soft, shiny hair? Try vinegar

Add half a cup of vinegar to a mug full of water. Rinse your hair with this mixture after shampooing to get soft shiny hair.

6. Tea is an excellent hair conditioner

Another excellent hair conditioner is tea. Boil a spoon of tea leaves in a glass of water. Strain and cool. Use this as the last rinse and see your hair shine.

7. Cucumber makes your eyes sparkle

Cut two roundels of cucumber. Place it on the eyes and lie down for half an hour. See your eyes sparkle.

8. Make those dark circles vanish

For getting rid of dark circles under the eyes, take a spoon of honey. Add some lemon juice and milk cream. Mix well and apply under the eyes. Wash gently with warm water after half an hour.

9. Refresh your tired-looking skin with a ripe banana

Banana is another great pick-me-up for tired looking skin. Mash a ripe banana. You can utilise the overripe ones that no one eats. Mix a little milk cream and apply all over the face and neck. Let it dry before washing off.

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What is Orange Blossom Water

It is a byproduct of the distillation of orange essential oil, also known as Neroli oil. This oil is extracted from the pulp, bark, leaves, peel and seeds of the bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium). Let’s look at its various health and beauty benefits.

6 Benefits of Orange Blossom Water for Your Health and Beauty

1. Tones the skin

Orange blossom water is a good toner for the skin that works particularly well on oily skin. This is because it contains high amounts of vitamin C and is high in antioxidants. I also like it because it’s so gentle that it is even used in products designed for babies. It also works well on dry skin where it can help rejuvenate the skin back to how it was in your younger years. It does this with its high amount of calcium, and the production of free-radical fighting antioxidants. Free radicals, as you know, can damage cells, causing wrinkles and sagging cheeks.

2. Relaxes nerves, calms anxiety and aids sleep

Orange essential oil is widely used in aromatherapy due to its calming properties. If you don’t want to use the essential oil, you can substitute it with orange blossom water. Add it to your bath water to ease tension and headaches, reduce stress and lower tension. Orange blossoms have been used as a sleeping aid across many cultures.

Related » 10 techniques to help you relax before going to bed

3. Acts as a natural perfume

It has a seductive faint scent of orange blossom. You can use it to perfume your body, your hair, skin, clothes — even your bedroom! You can make the scent even stronger by adding a few drops of Neroli essential oil into the mix.

4. Helps maintain oral health

You can use it as a mouthwash to maintain good oral hygiene.

5. It is a natural antimicrobial

Orange blossom water has antimicrobial properties. You may use it to treat cuts, wounds, boils, pimples and so other skin irritations.

6. Orange blossom tea aids digestion

Throughout the Middle East and Levantine cultures, orange blossom water is touted for its digestive properties. In Lebanon, it is common to drink it after big meals, where it is called white coffee. Contrary to its name, it contains no coffee or caffeine — only warm water mixed with orange blossom water. It is also served in Turkish coffee cups, which is where it gets its name from.

How to make Orange Blossom Water Mouthwash at home

Mix half a cup of orange blossom water with a few drops of edible peppermint essential oil and two teaspoons of xylitol. Close the bottle and mix well and use when required.

Related » Aromatherapy: Fragrant healing

Safety Warning

Health experts consider orange bloom to be safe. Although there have been no instances of intoxication recorded, it’s best to avoid consuming it with any sedative as doing so might cause some reaction. Although nor observed, it is possible that who are susceptible to citrus fruits may experience allergic effects. Avoid consuming orange blossoms tea during pregnancy and breastfeeding as the effects have not been studied. In general, it’s always a good ideas to consult your doctor before starting to use a herb or supplement.

The Takeaway

The heavenly scented orange blossoms have been used for ages across many cultures throughout the world. Orange blossom water has a wide variety of uses for health and beauty: massages, skin care, treatment of wounds and cuts, digestion, and sleep aid, to name a few. It’s also considered relatively safe to use by almost everybody.

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10  super tips for thick, shiny and healthy hair

1. Healthy diet is a must

Make sure your diet is healthy, or it will reflect on your hair. Get your daily dose of proteins, vitamins and minerals. Fish, nuts and greens are excellent for healthy hair.

2. Shampoo every other day

Shampoo your hair every alternate day, not daily. Daily shampooing could dry the scalp and hair of its natural oils. However, don’t let your hair get too dirty before you shampoo it, as this could cause your hair to fall. Shampooing it every alternate day, or, at the most, every two days should do the trick. Also, take a clue from the climate you live in. Humid weather requires frequent washing. But if you are mostly staying indoors and don’t sweat too much, you can wash your hair less frequently.

3. Protect your hair from UV radiation

Does your work or lifestyle take you out in the sun a lot? Wear a cap, and use a conditioner which has sun-block. UV radiation can cause untold damage to your hair.

4. Weekly oiling promotes healthy hair

Oil your hair at least once a week. Leave it on for about half-an-hour to an hour, and cleanse with shampoo. Once-a-month do a deep-conditioning treatment by steaming your oiled hair.

5. Treat your hair to egg protein

Egg is excellent for hair. It nourishes the hair and adds shine. After applying oil, whip up an egg and apply it to your hair once a week. Leave it on for an hour and then rinse. Don’t forget to rinse with cold water, not warm. You don’t want scrambled eggs in your hair.

6 Trim your hair at least once in 4-6 months

There is no “cure” for split ends. Once a hair is split, the end has to be cut off to avoid further splitting of the strand. Trimming regularly keeps split ends in check.

7. Condition your hair after every wash

After shampooing your hair, towel dry. Take a few drops of a conditioner in the palm of your hand, rub hands together, and apply the conditioner to the ends of your hair. Never apply it to the scalp. Once you’ve applied the conditioner, run through your hair with a wide-toothed comb so it gets evenly distributed. Wash off after 3 – 4 minutes.

8. Fab tip for frizzy hair

One great trick to tame frizzy hair is to apply two or three drops of oil to your hair, just after washing it, when your hair is still soaking wet. This tames the hair without giving it an oily appearance. This is an easy substitute to leave in conditioners and hair serums.

9. Hot water is a strict no-no

Never shampoo your hair with hot water. Rinsing with hot water washes away essential oils and moisture, leaving the scalp dehydrated and the hair frizzy and static. Use cold water or warm water instead.

10. Sleep on a satin pillowcase

If you have long hair, use a satin pillowcase to sleep. This helps the hair glide when you move in your sleep. Regular cotton pillowcases may latch on to your hair, causing breakage. Also, it’s best to tie hair up when sleeping.

Do’s & Don’ts for healthy hair

Drying

• Hot air can be damaging to your hair, so when using a hair dryer use a cool setting.
• Don’t leave the blow-dryer in one spot for more than a few seconds, keep it moving and hold it at a good distance from your hair.
• To speed up the drying process, pat your hair dry with a towel and let the remaining moisture in your hair dry naturally.
• Gently use your fingers to untangle any knots while your hair is drying.

Hair products

• Hair styling products with alcohol dry out the hair; avoid their use.
• Avoid using hair styling products directly on your scalp; they tend to clog the pores on your scalp.

Swimming

• Before entering a pool, wet your hair so it soaks up the “top” water instead of chlorinated water.
• When swimming, wear a cap to protect your hair from chlorinated water. If you choose not to, make sure you shampoo and condition your hair right after you are through with your swimming session.

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