"DIY Easy Sugar Scrub"

Ingredients


50 percent white cane sugar (note that organic sucanat, while the best choice for food, doesn’t work as well for this recipe)
50 percent vegetable glycerin to moisten the sugar (I used avocado oil since I was out of vegetable glycerin and it proved to be a successful substitute)
Small amounts of aloe vera gel, vitamin C crystals, or anything healing that dissolves in water
1 or 2 drops of essential oil if desired (Larry recommends combining orange and lavender)
Enough ground hibiscus powder for pink color (if desired)






Combine the ingredients in a bowl. Scoop some of the scrub onto your hand and massage gently onto your skin for a minute (the scrub will actually tighten onto your skin like a masque). Leave on for 3 to 4 minutes before rinsing.

"Super Simple DIY Super Oil Moisturizer"

Hi, Here's A Super Easy DIY Super Oil Moisturizer Recipe Just For You. Why? 

Because You May Be Struggling Like Me When It Comes To Moisture In The Hair(headache)..

 I Have Such Dry Hair At Times That I Couldn't Seem To Find The Right Thing To Put In My Hair, When I Buy Certain Moisturizers They Are Too Heavy, Others Are Too Light, Others Leave That Icky Film In Your Hair, Others Smell Too Medicated, And Others Are Just Too Damn Expensive!!!  So I  Decided To Make My Own..  It Works Well For Me So I Decided To Share It With You.... I Will Have Samples For Any Of You Who Desire Any (Of course samples are limited) So Just Leave A Comment Or For Privacy Contact Me Via Email  And I'll Get Some To You, If You Want To Make Your Own Use The Super Easy Instructions And Ingredients Below...

• You'll Need A Plastic Bottle (About 8oz-10oz)(Give Or take) I Use A Plastic Squirt Bottle 
  

• Glass/Plastic Droppers(I Use Plastic Disposable Ones),  

• Measuring Spoons And Cup

• And Of Course You'll Need The Below Ingredients

Now Simply Combine All The Ingredients Below Into Your Plastic Bottle Shake Very Well And Viola'

 That's It!!! 

(This Should Last Several Weeks) 

Note: You Can Use How Ever Much Of Each You Want . 
It Will Be Really Oily, Use While Hair is Wet Or Dry.. Believe It Or Not You Can Even Add This To Your Bath Water For A Super "Moisturiffic" Bath.

• 1/3 Cup Of  Of Pure Olive Oil
• 1/4 Argan Oil 
• 1 Tbsp Of Vitamin E
• 1 Tsp Of  Vegetable Glycerin
• 2 Tbsp Of Jojoba Oil
• 2 Drops Of Neem Oil(Go Easy On The Neem It's Very Strong But Is A Good Preservative)
• 2 Tbsp Of Sweet Avocado Oil 
• 2 Tbsp Of Grapefruit Seed Oil
• 1 Tsp Almond Oil

Essential Oils Are Optional

• 3 Drops Of Rosemary(Optional)I Used This
• 3 Drops Tea Tree Oil(Optional)I Used This
• 3 Drops Lavender Oil(Optional)
• 3 Drops Peppermint Oil(Optional)I Used This
• 4 Drops Frankincense(Optional)
• 4 Drops Myrrh(Optional) I Used This
• 3 Drops Sweet Orange Oil

**Remember This Is A DIY Tutorial , You Can Use Your Own Favorite Essential Oils To Get That Perfect Scent.*Add Or Subtract Whatever You Want) For Your Moisturizer You Can Also Use This On Your Body,Men Can Use It Too...

 

(-: Now All You Have To Do Is Shake The Oil Very Well, And Apply, That's It, If You Have A Lot Of People Using The Same Oil Double The Recipe.. That Way You'll Have Enough For Everybody :-) 

Thanks For Visiting Beauty-N-Body

~B.Roze

"Super Fruits For Beauty N Body"

You're probably aware of a number of super foods to include in your diet for the incredible health benefits they contain. But, do you know about any super fruits? Yes, almost all fruits are packed with nutrition and are an important part of a healthy and balanced diet. But by some nutrition scientist's standards, there is a list of about 20 fruits that can qualify to be deemed "super". These super fruits are chock-full of vitamins and minerals, antioxidants and many other nutrients that work to help you maintain overall health. Choose to eat some of these super fruits, and you could see an improvement in the way you look and feel. Many of these super fruits can aid in preventing infection and disease, as well as help you live longer. Including five to nine portions of fruit each day is an awesome way to ensure your body is getting necessary nutrients to help it function properly. And if these fruits are the ones you eat in those servings, you will certainly feel super.

Acai Berries

These berries have gained popularity recently, and for good reason. Acai berries are known as an amazing super fruit because they have one of the highest levels of antioxidants of any fruit out there. The fresh fruit itself may he somewhat hard to find as it is naturally grown in Brazil, but different forms of the superfruit (like powders) can still allow you to benefit from its nutrition when added to your diet.

Apples

That's right, the old adage "an apple a day" is more than true. Apples aren't just a favorite fruit because of their great flavor, but also because they pack some secret super-abilities. It is known that apples are an amazing source of fiber, which is vital to maintaining proper bodily functions, but apple skin is also full of the antioxidant quercetin, which has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine powers. This super fruit can help protect you from certain bacteria, as well as heart disease.

Avocado

Although sometimes misconceived as a vegetable, the pit of this amazing food makes it a super fruit! Avocado's are one of the richest sources of healthy, monounsaturated fat and fatty acids that the body needs in order to stay healthy. The vitamins and nutrients found in avocados help to lower bad (LDL) cholesterol in the body, and raise amounts of good cholesterol. These healthy fats are also known to promote the absorption of important vitamins and other carotenoids essential for a healthy heart.

Banana's

This yellow super fruit is a favorite among all walks of life. Bananas are amazing for improved overall health because of their incredibly high levels of potassium and resistant starches. Potassium works in the body to lower blood pressure to keep your heart functioning properly, and resistant starches are a healthy carbohydrate that fill you up and boost your metabolism at the same time!

Blackberries

All different kinds of berries can be considered the healthiest fruit choices, but blackberries are a super fruit for a number of reasons. Ranking in the tops ten fruits for antioxidant power, they are loaded with polyphenols that help prevent a number of problems including cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and certain types of cancer. Blackberries also contain very high levels of fiber with just one cup delivering one third of your daily fiber intake.

Blueberries

This is a fruit discussed a lot for its high level of antioxidants as well. Blueberries contain immense amounts of healthy flavonoids, which are directly linked to proper brain function and better memory. This super fruit is also rich in the nutrient manganese, which plays a major role in proper digestion and keeping your metabolism functioning correctly. Including blueberries in your diet can aid in overall energy and weight management.

Cherries

Another super fruit that's rich color is due to it's high levels of antioxidants. The major antioxidant found in cherries is called anthocyanin, and it works to reduce inflammation in the body, as well as lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Cherries are considered super because the vitamins and nutrients found in them help keep blood vessels healthy and functioning, while aiding in overall heart health.

Citrus Fruit

All fruits in the citrus family from limes to lemons to oranges contain a number of important vitamins and nutrients that make them incredible super fruits. High levels of Vitamin C and fiber help promote chemicals in the body that ward off bacteria and help fight disease and infections. Vitamin C found in citrus fruits is incredibly beneficial to the body and helps regulate oil glands, counteract the effects of sun damage and even help prevent age spots.

Cranberries

The nutritional value found in cranberries consists of high levels of selenium and vitamin K, making it a great super fruit to include in your diet. Cranberries contain many antibiotic properties, and are especially beneficial to women in helping prevent urinary tract infections and possibly some diseases like ovarian cancer. These berries also have incredible anti-viral properties that work to keep cholesterol low, and may even hep prevent kidney stones.

Currants

Probably the least known super fruit on this list is currant, but it should not be overlooked. Currant's are a super fruit because they are intensely rich in phytonutrients, antioxidants essential fatty acids and many other vitamins and minerals. This super fruit has high levels of fiber, calcium, iron, selenium and vitamins C, B2, E and K. Also containing the antioxidant anthocyanin, currants help prevent arthritis, reduce inflammation, heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer's disease and diabetes. Including this super fruit in your diet can benefit your body in countless ways.

Grapes

These are my all time favorite fruits and a super one none the less! Grapes contain a high level of a powerful antioxidant called resveratrol which helps keep your heart healthy. Research has also found that a compound found in grape seeds helps slow down the effects of Alzheimer's disease, as well as the growth of cancer cells in the head and neck.

Grapefruit

Grapefruits can be attributed to maintaining a healthy body because of a number of important nutrients they possess. This super fruit is linked to lowering levels of bad cholesterol in the body, as well helping the heart and cardiovascular system functioning properly. Ruby grapefruits with a redder tint have higher levels of antioxidants to help keep you healthy.

Kiwi

This is a great super fruit to aid in proper digestion and digestive functions. Vitamins and minerals found in the kiwi fruit, and especially in its somewhat furry skin, contain high levels of fiber as well as a pro-biotic complex carbohydrate that works in a number of ways within the body.

Papaya

This exotic fruit can be considered a super fruit because it is full of vitamin C that helps ward off infection and keeps your immune system healthy. Just one cup of papaya contains more than the suggested daily intake of Vitamin C, and is also a great source of Vitamins A and E. These vitamins are powerful antioxidants that help protect the body against heart disease and certain types of cancer.

Pomegranate

Pomegranates are certainly deserving of their super fruit title. Their rich and vibrant color can be attributed to the fact that they are loaded with powerful antioxidants that aid in heart health as well as visual and brain function. This super fruit originally comes from the Middle East and India, and has high levels of Vitamin K and selenium. It is one of the few fruits that aids in possible prevention of diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.

Strawberries

Beautiful and sweet in taste, strawberries are a favorite among this list of super fruits. Strawberries are packed with healthy Vitamin C, and are also an amazing source of folic acid that can help protect your heart from disease. Just a cup full of strawberries will give you immense health benefits.

Tomatoes

Another food that is on the list because of its seeds is the tomato. This excellent super fruit can provide your body with a much sought-after antioxidant that is rarely found in other whole foods. The antioxidant lycopene is found in high levels in tomatoes, and so is Vitamin C, fiber and potassium.

Raspberries

Nutrition found in this berry includes high levels of fiber, Vitamins B2 and K, calcium, iron and selenium. Raspberries are great super fruits because they contain a unique antioxidant named ellagic acid, that is not found in many other foods. The properties of this antioxidant can be linked to health benefits like reducing heart disease and diabetes, proper visual and brain function, and preventing certain types of cancer.

Pumpkin

This seasonal fruit is a squash that is loaded with beta-carotene and large amounts of potassium. The vitamins and nutrients found in pumpkin flesh and pumpkin seeds can help prevent high blood pressure and keep your heart functioning healthily.

Watermelon

Very low in calories and high in water content, watermelon is a super fruit because it is full of the antioxidant lycopene. Vitamins A and C are packed into this delicious fruit, and it is known to keep you properly hydrated as well work to keep the cells within your body very healthy.


Thanks Sqiddo
~Beauty N Body

"Applying Eyeliner"

View How to Apply Eyeliner on Howcast

"Acne And Women Of Color" (How To Treat It)

Acne is a condition that affects most people of all ages and ethnic groups at some point in their life.

It's hard enough having to deal with the pain of lumps, bumps and spots as it is, but being Black, African American or otherwise a woman of color tends to throw in the extra problem of dealing with the dark marks acne leaves behind as well.

My goal in this article is to discuss the basics of black skin and acne, the effects of acne scars on black skin and the best acne treatment for black skin as well as possible solutions for scars and skin discoloration.

The Basics of Black Skin and Acne

What Is Acne?

Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that affects the skin of the body that has the highest concentration of oil glands (typically the face, chest and back). It's not curable and if you have it you'll always be prone to acne. There are ways to keep it under control so you can enjoy healthy looking, spot free skin.

What Kinds of Acne Are There?

There are five major types of acne pimples that affect black skin (listed in order from least to most severe).

1. Whiteheads -These are very small pimples caused by oil and skins build up in pores that lead to blockage and inflammation. Because the buildup is covered by skin the contents aren't exposed to the air and they stay white, thus giving the acne its name.
2. Blackheads - These pimples are similar to whiteheads except the pores stay open. This causes the build up to turn dark because of exposure to the air. Sometimes blackheads get so large and deep they need to be extracted by a professional skin care specialist.
3. Papules - These are bumps in the skin that are inflamed but don't have any puss in them. These are usually deeper in the skin and are sometimes red and painful. You shouldn't try to squeeze them out because nothing will come out of these types of pimples and it usually makes them worse.
4. Pustules - Small pus filled bumps caused by oil and dead skin cells blocking the follicles of the skin. These are the types of bumps you'll most likely feel compelled to squeeze but should avoid doing so because it typically causes scaring in black skin.
5. Nodules/Cysts -These are big pus filled pockets of skin that are deep, very painful and angry looking. If you have nodular or cystic acne it's best to have it treated by a professional.

No matter what type of acne you have one thing that has been universally been proven by science is that dirt and certain types of food do not cause acne. According to these same groups acne is a direct function of hormones in the body. These hormones affect things like oil production, skin cell turn over as well as inflammation and skin bacterial levels. This causes the PH of the skin to change, sending oil production into overdrive, which leads to pores getting blocked and acne forming.

Does Acne Only Affect Certain Skin Types?

Contrary to popular belief not only people with oily skin develop acne. In fact you can have any type of skin ranging from very dry to very oily and still develop acne pimples. Certain types of skin are prone to having certain types of acne but are not exclusively affected. Having oily skin myself I find this to be true because I struggle with blackheads more than any other kind of acne.

Do I Still To Have A Skin Care Regimen While Treating My Acne?

Even though dirt doesn't cause acne it's still very important to keep your face clean and to have a regular regimen in place for cleansing, toning and moisturizing your skin. Bacteria can enter the acne pimples and cause more problems so keep your skin clean but don't over cleanse. Stripping the skin of moisture can actually aggravate acne and make it worse.

Does It Matter What I Use To Treat My Acne?

Selecting the right acne treatment for black skin is very important. Because of its delicate nature and predisposition to scaring it makes a big difference in the selection process.

Certain acne products cause darker skin tones to become hyper sensitive leading to more problems than just the acne itself. There are also concerns with overshooting the mark when trying to get rid of acne scars and marks. This can possibly end up 'bleaching' parts of the skin.

If you have anything above mild acne (whiteheads, blackheads and the occasional papule or pustule) it's important for you to seek out the advice of a skin care professional (preferably a dermatologist) who specializes in black and African American skin types. This is especially important if you have nodular or cystic acne if you're to avoid permanent scarring and pockmarks associated with that type.

Acne Scars on Black Skin

Why Shouldn't I Pick At My Acne?

Picking at your acne is one of the worst things you can do. If you have black and African American skin types it usually leads to hyper pigmentation at the site of skin trauma. These spots take months and sometimes even years to fade and hide the true beauty of your face.

It's hard not so try and squeeze acne pimples especially when they look 'ripe' but stopping yourself means less scaring you have to worry about later on. It's best to treat the acne and help them to dry down, scab and heal on its own. If you have blackhead or pimples that need extraction the best thing to do is visit an experienced aesthetician or skin care specialist who can remove the debris from your pores without causing damage to your skin.

Acne Treatment for Black Skin

There are acne treatments for black skin that you can do yourself at home and others that can and should only be administered by a dermatologist or other skin care professional. Finding the right one for you can be a big challenge but the best place to start is by identifying your skin type, the kind of acne you have, how bad it is and also you preference for natural and more chemical based treatments.

What Is The Best Acne Treatment for Black Skin?

The best acne treatment is going to be different for everyone depending on your own unique skin type and issues. That said, there are certain treatments that seem to work universally well in controlling acne.

Black Skin and Acne How To
If you want to do some forms of treatments at home (like blackhead extraction), or you want to supplement the treatment you're getting professionally here are some tutorials and tips for self-treatments at home.

• How To Remove Blackheads

Acne Products for Black Skin
There are many of acne products that claim to work miracles but because everyone's skin is different and reacts differently to each one you may have to try a few before you can figure out what works well for you. There are a handful of treatments that are FDA approved and well known for being effective and are a good place to start trying.

• Acne Product Reviews

Natural Acne Treatment For Black Skin
If you're desperate to get rid of your acne but have concerns about taking medication and using prescription strength treatments you have are holistic options you can use.

• Tea Tree Oil For Skin

Professional Acne Treatment For Black Skin
Looking for fast and dramatic changes in your acne condition? Look into the following list of acne treatment for black skin if you don't mind somewhat invasive methods.
They are more costly because you can only get them done by a medical professional but if your skin responds well are some of the most effective ways to treat acne. Be aware that you must consult with a medical professional before and after you get these treatments. Also, because of the extra melanin in black skin it's prone to darkening as a side effect from certain treatments.



Article Contributed To Black Women Beauty Central

"Cool Quotes"

"Five Foods For A Healthy Digestve System"

If you're experiencing bloating, belching, abdominal discomfort, or any other symptoms of an overburdened digestive tract, you may benefit from including one or more of the following foods in your diet - all of them are rich in nutrients that are particularly important to the health of your digestive system.

1. Red beets and beet greens
If you have a problem with constipation, red beets and their green tops may provide significant relief. Both are rich in fiber that can help keep waste materials moving through your small and large intestines at a healthy pace.
Red beets contain large amounts of potassium and magnesium, while beet greens are an excellent source of beta-carotene, iron, and calcium. All of these nutrients are essential to maintaining the health of your digestive tract lining and the smooth muscle fibers that create the waves of contractions that produce bowel movements.
Steaming is the healthiest cooking method for red beets and beet greens. Cut the greens off right where their roots meet the red beet heads. Give the greens a good wash with cold water and set them aside. Peel the skin off the red beets, slice them into 1/4 slices, and then cook them in a steamer for about 8-10 minutes or until they start to become slightly tender. At this point, place the beet greens right on top of the red beet slices, put the lid back on the steamer, and allow it to run for another 5-7 minutes or until the beet greens have softened up to a texture that you enjoy.
Try the beet greens and red beet slices with a bowl of rice or quinoa, along with some avocado slices. Don't add any sea salt to this dish before you try it, as beet greens are naturally salty.
Beet greens shouldn't be eaten more than a couple of times a week, as they contain an acidic substance that can weaken the enamel coating on your teeth if eaten too often.
If you don't enjoy beet greens, you should still consider buying red beets that have their green tops, as loose red beets are typically not as fresh as those that still have their green tops.


2. Yukon gold potatoes and sweet potatoes
If prepared and eaten with their skins, Yukon gold potatoes and sweet potatoes are an excellent source of dietary fiber. They're also rich in complex carbohydrates, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and manganese.
I have consistently found Yukon gold potatoes and sweet potatoes to be effective in the treatment of peptic ulcers, duodenal ulcers, and some stages of inflammatory bowel disease.
A simple soup made by blending together steamed Yukon gold potatoes or sweet potatoes along with freshly pressed celery juice or vegetable broth has worked wonders for many of my patients who have suffered from various ulcerations in their GI tracts. I have yet to come across a published study supporting this natural remedy, but I've seen enough people benefit from it to recommend it as a first-line approach for inflammatory lesions in the digestive tract.


3. Avocados
One medium size avocado contains a whopping 15 grams of fiber, making it one of the most fiber-rich fruits that we know of.
Avocados are well digested by the masses, including toddlers and young children, and contain plenty of healthy raw fat, most of it monounsaturated. Few other fruits or vegetables contain as much healthy raw fat.
Healthy, raw fats are important to the health of your digestive tract for several reasons, the most important of which are to stimulate healthy functioning of your pancreas, gall bladder, and liver, and to provide an environment in which beta-carotene can be converted efficiently into vitamin A, which is the one vitamin that is absolutely essential to having a healthy mucosal lining throughout your GI tract.


4. Oats
Whole oats contain plenty of soluble fiber. They're also rich in selenium, thiamin, phosphorus, and manganese. Whole oats also contain small amounts of copper, folate, vitamin E, and zinc.
Of the many varieties of oats on the market, the best choice is steel-cut oats, which are whole oat groats that have been cut into small pieces. No heat is used in making steel-cut oats, which leads to better nutrient preservation than other processing techniques that produce rolled oats or quick oats.
If you have to choose between rolled oats and quick oats, choose the rolled variety. Rolled oats are made with a steaming process that doesn't destroy many nutrients, while quick oats are made with dehydrating and pre-cooking processes, which typically leave oats nutrient-depleted.
Note: Oats, barley, wheat, and rye should be avoided if you don't react well to gluten.


5. Cod liver oil
Cod liver oil provides plenty of natural vitamin A, which we've already mentioned is essential to the lining of your digestive tract. It also provides natural vitamin D, which we know is a powerful immune system modulator, with research indicating that vitamin D may be critically important in preventing the development of autoimmune conditions, including those of the GI tract.
If you want to build and maintain a healthy digestive tract for the long term, you really have to take a holistic approach and address several areas of your life: your food choices, eating habits, exercise habits, resting habits, and your emotional health status.
But within the realm of your food choices, including red beets and their green tops, Yukon gold and sweet potatoes, avocados, oats, and cod liver oil in your diet are simple and concrete steps that you can take right away to improve the health of your digestive system.