foods for beautiful nails, skin and hair

10 allies of beauty foods to feed the best nails, skin and hair. Because perhaps not everyone knows that "they" need a daily intake of vitamins and valuable micro nutrients to stay in shape and grow just as well. Eating means the body ensure the fuel it needs to keep active and efficient; eat carefully choosing foods means ensuring a nail, skin and hair all the best allies of their beauty and health. But if the power is not enough to get your fill of well-being, to our help hasten supplements.

1. Shellfish

Delicious allies of the most refined palates, but also precious balm for nails and hair. Lobster, shrimp & co, guarantee, thanks to their vitamin B12, iron and zinc, a strengthening and invigorating effect on nails and hair. The growth for both improves, nails do not break up and the hair is shinier and brighter.

2. The blue fish 

Low in calories, but rich in taste, oily fish is recommended in all diets. Not only because it is ideal to keep the line, but also because it provides the right amount of omega 3 and iron that can make skin more beautiful and strong hair. Go ahead, then, to salmon, tuna, mackerel and anchovies.

3. Legumes

The stars of the fall and winter recipes, heritage of country cooking unpretentious, legumes are a good quality mine. Both for the health, thanks to the ability to adjust the gastrointestinal system, both for the beauty of skin, hair and nails, thanks to the contribution of protein, iron and zinc.

4. Whole grains

That for reasons of health and prevention are preferable to refined ones, now, you know. But that whole grains are also good friends of the skin and hair, are able to give them new strength, shine and body, maybe not everyone knows it. The merit? Vitamin B, iron and zinc which spelled, barley, brown rice and oats are rich.

5. Eggs

The egg white is free, or nearly so, of calories, while the yolk creates more difficulties for cholesterol, but eat in moderation (no more than three or four per week) the eggs fight hair loss and strengthen hair and nails , thanks to vitamin B12, iron, zinc and biotin.

6. Lean meat

Lean meat, which is white, that is chicken or turkey, or red, guarantees, if consumed without exaggeration, that is two or three times a week, excellent benefits for nails, skin and hair. If the white meat is rich in high biological value proteins, which nourish the skin and strengthen nails and hair, the red one is an iron mine which improves tissue oxygenation.

7. The green leafy vegetables

Spinach, broccoli, arugula, chicory and Swiss chard are rich in vitamin A and C and are valuable sources of nutrition for the skin. The green leafy vegetables, in fact, deeply nourishes the dermis, encouraging the renewal and stimulating collagen production.

8. Dried fruit

Vitamin E and selenium are the tasty nuts from a food antioxidant useful to combat the effects of free radicals, preventing the aging of skin and other tissues. Excellent, especially walnuts and almonds.

9. The low-fat dairy

skimmed milk and low-fat cheese are valuable sources of protein and vitamin A, ideal to fight skin dryness and to give new strength and shine to hair and nails. Be careful, though, not to overdo it, because they lean does not mean calorie free.

10. The fruits and orange vegetables

That orange is the color par excellence of food skin allies know. A little 'because the carrots, thanks to beta-carotene, protect the skin from the aggression of the sun's rays. A little 'because vitamin A and C contained in oranges and clementines, but also in the pumpkin and grapefruit, favor the formation of collagen and tissue regeneration.

Nails and skin as new

Perhaps not everyone knows that the activity of the kidneys and bladder also depends on the skin's health status (including the skin of the scalp, upon which the new hair grows) and nails. The kidneys and bladder control the movement of fluids in our body: If these liquids circulate well, moisturize the best all tissues (including hair and nails) and "wash away" effectively metabolic waste through the urine. Even in this case, a slowdown in the activity of the kidneys and the bladder can occur outside with loss of skin firmness and a weakening of the nails. Let's help with rice and lemon ...

Nails: lemon favors their regrowth

In the case of fragile, thin nails, stained or who tend to fall apart, the essential oil of lemon is a great strengthener. They melt 3-4 drops in a teaspoon of wheat germ oil and this solution is massaged every night Fingernails and toenails, finger to finger, insisting on the nail root and then up towards the end. Also useful the evening hand bath with water and lemon: you squeeze an entire citrus in a warm tub of water and keep your hands to soak for 10-15 minutes.

Skin: rice oil slows aging

For the welfare of the skin in general (including the scalp), it is useful self-massage with rice bran oil: rich in oleic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid and vitamin E, is particularly suited to combat ' skin aging, nourishes and moisturizes the skin and stimulate the regrowth of tissues. Pouring a teaspoon of oil on the fingertips and massage thoroughly the body and the scalp: execute the massage 2-3 times a week, before each shampoo. The rice bran oil can be taken orally (a spoon on an empty stomach in the morning, before breakfast): it improves drainage activities and intestinal. Use it once a day for a month.

With these atoms your skin is reborn

January is a risky month for the skin, which can be proven by the winter, the strictest phase, but also by the aftermath of the Christmas revelry. The climate of this period may encourage greater skin irritation: the changes in temperature and sub-zero temperatures are the primary source of problems, in addition to the excessive power, high fat of parties and alcohol consumption. Smoking, sedentary lifestyle and stress finally give the final blow to the skin, with its complaint issues the malaise of the whole organism.

The most unpleasant situations
- An intense dehydration of the face, legs and neck;

- The presence of skin rashes, such as eczema and dermatitis;

- The acne flare-up and excess sebum on the face and back.
The natural solution is a mixture of essential oils tailored to respond to the various problems. The anti-aging effect is to re balance the hydro-lipid film of the skin, purify the tissue from accumulated toxins and stimulate the production of new cells.

Jojoba oilRich in waxes and nutrients, this natural remedy has a highly firming and rejuvenating power. It possesses an excellent ability to penetrate and is suitable for all skin types, especially for the atonic and tired.

Chamomile EssenceAlso called "blue camomile" for the essential oil color, it is among the most delicate and can therefore be used safely by all. We will use it as a base essence of the mixture due to its analgesic power, since immediately calms skin irritations, whether it's itching, pain or burning.

Carrot EssenceExtracted from the vegetable seeds, the essence of carrot is particularly suitable in dryness and skin hypersensitivity, thanks to the regenerating properties. It revitalizes the tissues, making the skin more elastic. rich in pro vitamin A, it improves hydration of the skin and prevents wrinkles.

Cypress EssenceOne of the problems is the accumulation of dermatitis on the skin of toxins that can not be eliminated from the body. The cypress, with its sweating, draining and purifying, stimulates this function by penetrating deep into the venous and lymphatic system. Aids in dealing with edema and retention.

Thyme EssenceBroad spectrum antimicrobial, exerts a highly effective purifying action. orientative of an essential oil containing a low amount of phenols (ask herbalist) which makes it more "sweet" and delicate. on acne perfect for healing injuries. 

Ways to Nourish Dry, Winter Skin

Although February ferries us slowly toward spring, just that often the month "pantry" some of the coldest days of the year; more in this period, the fatigue is felt, making it difficult to follow with some consistency behavior likely to maintain a healthy weight, motion inclusive and balanced diet. So, right now humoring bodily rhythms, giving us the slimming treatments but also heating and relaxing, such as bathrooms and showers, which combine the slimming active ingredients contained in oils, extracts and essences, the use of salt (precious ally to drain accumulations of liquids and toxins) and bicarbonate. This, added to the water of the tank or used for delicate exfoliation, it allows to purify and smooth the skin and improve oxygenation, thus promoting cell turnover and thus the skin toning. Moreover, the effect "effervescent" of bicarbonate in contact with the hot water reactivates microcirculation, accelerates the removal of stagnation and, not least, favors the penetration of the active ingredients in the fat burning tissues. Test 1-2 times a week, firming and anti fat treatments that we offer here, alternating baths to showers revitalizing morning: you'll find yourself at the end of "lighter month" and ready to face the best the next change of season.

Reactivates circulation

To eliminate water retention and toxins at the base of cellulite, helps you the bathroom that drains and strengthens vessels, contrasting the venous and lymphatic stasis. Do this mix 3 tablespoons of whole salt, 4 tablespoons of baking soda, 3 drops of rosemary essence, 3 birch and 3 lemon, and 25 drops of mother tincture of horse chestnut. Add the mixture in a water bath at about 37 ° C, together with a liter of magnesium-rich water, and soak for 15-20 minutes.

The mix of warming spices that stimulate the metabolism
Salt and baking soda, combined with warming spices in the form of essential oils, form a mix  metabolism and activates fat burning processes; shea butter makes the skin supple and smooth. Do this compound in a bowl 2 tablespoons of sea salt, 4 tablespoons of baking soda, 4 drops of essential oil of ginger, orange 4, 3 of black pepper and 2 cinnamon. Add a shea softened tablespoon of butter and pour the mixture into the tub filled with water at 37 ° C. It remains immersed for 15-20 minutes, then towel-dried with a towel.

Shower-invigorating scrub

In the morning, take a shower-scrub that rids the skin of impurities and dead cells: increases oxygenation and cell regeneration and improve skin tone and elasticity. Do this: mix 2 tablespoons of calendula oil (stimulates circulation), 3 tablespoons of baking soda, 2 drops of essential oil of juniper, rosemary 2 and 3 of sage. Massaging with the mixture all over the body in circular motions. Rinsed and proceed with a short warm shower.

Reshapes calves and ankles with foot bath "effervescent"

If at the end of the day arrive with swollen ankles and calves and "heavy" in part because of boots and closed shoes when they are forced lower limbs during the cold season, do a foot bath that gives lightness to feet and legs: mix in a bowl d 'hot water (not too much) 2 tablespoons of baking soda and lemon juice. The effervescent effect you produce improves circulation and accelerates the reabsorption of stagnation.

Tanning and sunscreen, here's what you need to know

What is a tan?

Tanning is a natural reaction of the skin which is a defense against the aggression's of the sun. When we expose ourselves to the sun, the melanin in the basal layer back toward the layer closest to the skin's visible surface. In the course of this displacement, the melanin oxidizes and takes on a dark color, and produces the effect that we all know with the name of tanning.

The tan fencing sunlight and protects the skin, but that does not mean we can stay in the sun for unlimited times and especially without the proper protective factor because the effects can be very harmful.

Solar rays: UVA, UVB, UVC

The sun emits electromagnetic radiation at different wavelengths with different effects on the skin:

• UVA rays penetrate deep into the dermis. They are responsible for aging and phenomena   phototoxicity and photoallergy.

• UVB rays cause the most common biological photos reactions in the skin, erythema action and they are almost totally absorbed by the surface layer of the skin. They are critical for the synthesis of vitamin D.

• UVC rays do not have action on the skin because they are blocked by the ozone.

To benefit from the positive effects of the sun, it is therefore essential to prepare adequately for sun exposure by choosing the appropriate protective factor.

Sun protection factor: use the right cream!

The sun protection factor (SPF: Sun Protection Factor) is a numerical value (from 6 to 50+) that indicates the product's ability to screen the sun's rays. The numerical value of the SPF is the ratio between the time necessary to produce the onset of erythema on the skin protected by the sunscreen product (protected skin MED) and the time required to produce the same response without protection (MED unprotected skin) . SPF: MED (protected skin) / MED (unprotected skin) The SPF allows you to choose a suitable protection to your skin type and sun exposure conditions.

The categories of sunscreens on the market, depending on their degree of protection are:

    <6: it can not be considered a barrier cream
    6-10: Low
    15-20: media
    30-50: High
    50+: Very high

Once you find your skin type (skin type), applied regularly photoprotector suitable.

It 's very important to remember that the purpose of these products is not to increase the number of hours of exposure but to reduce the risks during exposure.

3 ingredients to rejuvenate the skin

The skin is more than a simple casing. The skin, in fact, it "breathes" and assimilates the substances present in the air. But not only on a symbolic level it is the way we relate with others. It is through the skin we have the ability to perceive the physical contact. That's why it's so important to treat it. To do that we can use all natural substances. Here are 3 foods that used in a different context than the table, help to rejuvenate the skin.

With citrus fruit from the skin tone and purity

If you look good some citrus fruits, such as' orange and lemon, you can immediately notice that possess a kind of "armor". It is this that protects and maintains the virtues of the fruit. Similarly, our skin encloses and protects our body. To purify it and give her tone can take some orange peels and dry them on a radiator. When they are ready, pulverize with a kitchen mixer adding a little 'of honey and lemon juice. Apply all mo 'mask for twenty minutes. You find yourself a smooth and velvety skin.


Removes stains and dirt with potatoes

Even the most used tuber in the world can be extremely effective to keep skin young. Arm yourself with a grater and draws many thin strips from a potato. Put in a container, better yet a mortar, and crushes well together with a little 'milk. You have to get some sort of soft paste. Apply on face and leave on for half an hour. Repeat two to three times a week to even out the color of the face.


coconut milk, natural anti-aging

Use every day the coconut milk to cleanse your face prolongs youthful skin. If you do not find the supermarket to prepare it like this: ask in a blender two cups of boiling water and grated coconut. Action the appliance up to obtain a homogeneous solution. Filter through a strainer and use the milk obtained.

Sandalwood and shea butter for a more supple skin

When you hear of sandal you can not help but recall the warm Asian perfumes. But its wood, as well as being a natural aphrodisiac is also a valuable ally for the skin. It makes it soft, clean and pleasantly scented.

The evergreen giant

Sandalwood comes from a majestic plant more than twelve meters high, evergreen, native to the East Indies. Its use dates back more than 4,000 years ago, both for medicinal purposes that ritual.

It makes the skin soft and healthy

It is the remedy of choice for a beautiful but also healthy skin. It is using it for thousands of years, even against dermatitis, skin dryness, flaking and even against psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. It plays a strong emollient, useful during the cold winter months when the skin tends to be very dry and dull. Excellent to rehydrate the skin in summer or in windy weather.

Buying Guide: in the West is easy to find a sandalwood essential oil which has nothing to do with Santalum album. Therefore it is good to read the labels: the essential oil of "Western sandal" actually comes from a plant called Amyris balsamifera that belongs to a completely different family - Rutaceae - and has different effects and aroma.


A natural wrinkle

Sandalwood, when combined wisely at the right vehicle, can prevent the appearance of wrinkles and lessen the signs of aging. To do this, you can add a few drops of essential oil of sandalwood 30 grams of shea butter, then smear on the face. This precious natural fat allows the essential oil to be absorbed by the skin more easily and more deeply. To enhance the effect you can add a few drops of essential oils of cypress, orange and incense


A paste to cure acne

The sandalwood powder, used in the form of paste, becomes a valuable remedy to treat acne. Take a small amount of dust and miscella to a little of thyme and lemon hydrolat up to form a kind of easily spreadable paste. Apply it on your face, leave it on for half an hour, then rinse and apply a small amount of hydrolat chamomile.

3 masks DIY to awaken the skin in spring

beautiful and toned with the energy of spring

There is only a flower that contains within itself the regenerative power of spring: the Bellis perennis. The name suggests a youth that never goes out, as if our skin could somehow become immortal. The Bellis perennis flowers, aka Marguerites, should be captured and used as soon as possible. You can also use dried ones, but it goes without saying that the properties are reduced with the passage of days and dehydration. To prepare a mask, take 20 grams of flowers and frullali, gently, in the blender along with a tablespoon of cream and a pinch of cinnamon. The flowers tonificare your skin; the cream to nourish deep and cinnamon will complete the action by improving circulation and absorption of the other two ingredients.

Rose petals for a young and clean skin

May is the month of roses, but in warmer areas can already find the blooming gardens. Take a pair of red roses and pour into blender along with an egg yolk. This remedy carries within itself the energy of life that has yet to be born, with all its strength and power. That's why it is an ingredient suitable to awaken the skin in spring. Also this season, in fact, represents the birth of a new life. Apply the mask with your fingers and, as desired, you can add a few drops of lavender essential oil to enhance its effect. Roses play anti-inflammatory and anti-acne action.


Strawberries, yogurt and green tea, for a Anti-Aging Masks

For a young and toned skin, you can not miss the mask to strawberries. Fragrant and easy to prepare immediately gives a feeling of velvety skin. It is prepared with 20 grams of fresh strawberries, a handful of leaves of green tea and a spoonful of yogurt. Put everything in the blender, finely blend and apply on the face. Leave to act for 10 minutes, after rinsing with a nourishing cleansing milk. Also good for dry and cracked skin.

Skin and honey: cleansing, energizing and healing

Honey is the result of an alchemy extraordinarily complex, and its secrets are not yet fully known. It is not only good for the palate, but also for the skin. Nourishing, soothing healing, it is rich in beneficial properties for the skin, especially in periods when the skin suffers from temperature fluctuation. A ll the virtues of honey depend on the flowers from which the pollen is extracted.

energizing

Thanks to the juice of flowers, honey is generally very rich in B vitamins, mineral salts, trace elements, enzymes, antioxidants. All these elements are easily absorbed by the skin and the hair fibers. Honey is also rich in fructose, particularly pleasing to fibroblasts, the cells that give elasticity to the skin. The honey enhances the assimilation by the dermis of other products, such as creams or essential oils. Try to prepare a compound with two drops of essential oil of cypress, an excellent tonic for the skin, and a linden honey spoon, by the great softening power. gently on the skin. Then rinse with warm water. You'll see the benefits immediately.


cleansing

Honey is the main element to clean and purify skin blemishes and impurities. All types of honey are depurative as they contain a natural enzyme capable of synthesizing hydrogen peroxide, a substance by the high antibacterial potential. To reduce a pimple or insect bite, apply a thin layer of organic chestnut honey. Leave for a night and the next morning, rinse with warm water.


Healing and anti-wrinkle

Yes, honey is also an effective wound healer. Since ancient times in fact honey was smeared on the skin to treat cuts, burns and abrasions. In fact honey accelerates the regeneration process of the skin and helps wounds to heal quickly.


Honey and sugar for Eastern hair removal

Honey is also widely used in the East to remove unwanted hair. And 'the main ingredient of the famous Berber wax. This depilatory mode has many advantages over traditional waxing is entirely natural, wax residue should be cleaned with warm water, it does not irritate the skin and is much less painful. To prepare the Berber wax poured into a pan two tablespoons of honey, a tablespoon of water, the juice of two lemons and 10 teaspoons of brown sugar coffee. Make a low heat and stir until mixture is smooth. Continue to cook until you get a product similar to caramel. Turn off heat and let cool. When the wax is lukewarm pick it up with his hands and manipulate to obtain a pellet. At this point you can spread the wax on a small area of ​​skin in the direction of hair growth. Then lift one corner at the bottom of the wax layer and with a snap pull it in the opposite direction of hair growth.

Marula oil: the elixir for skin and hair

 

It's called Marula and carries within itself all the power of the sun of Africa. Its oil, rich in nutritive virtues, is extracted from the fruits of the marula. This particular name is derived from the terms skleros, hard and karyon, nut due to the extreme hardness of its kernels. Not surprisingly it is part of the same family avocado, cashews and pistachios. All trees with similar characteristics. The fruit, however, is similar to the homegrown plums, with a flavor reminiscent of a mix of apple, pineapple and guava.

Always used to preserve the beauty

It is considered one of the beauty secrets of African women. The product that is obtained by crushing the seeds, in fact, is rich in protein, vegetable fats and antioxidants. Applied to the skin helps prevent moisture loss, to stimulate collagen production and reduce erythema and redness - even those caused by a high sun exposure. In Africa Marula oil is also used to effectively clean very delicate, like those of children.

A curiosity - the Marula plant also uses the bark, which is chewed by indigenous tribes in order to prevent malaria and facilitate digestion. In addition, the infusion obtained from its fruits, is used to ward off insects and reduce pain and side effects of scorpion stings and snake bites.

An anti-aging remedy

The Marula oil is suitable for skins of all ages, but also plays a discreet preventive effect against wrinkles. Its richness in tocopherol and essential fatty acids making it an extremely nutritious and rejuvenating product. To enhance the effect it is possible to mix it with the avocado butter. The mixture is excellent for use in the evening before bedtime, after massage. Together with shea butter, instead, it becomes a great quote of stretch marks, even for pregnant women.

shiny and soft hair

Much better than a balm: the Marula oil applied as a compress nourishes the hair in depth ensuring a silky and soft. The wrap is then removed after an hour with traditional shampoo.


Where to find the Marula Oil

The oil is located in the specialized health food stores, in stores where the products are fair trade or Online. On average, the price is around 20 € per 100 ml.