FOOD AND SKIN RELATIONSHIP (Part One)

It is amazing how much we can spend(including me ) on skin products just to make our skin look good or better than it is when the simple and inexpensive solutions are around us. I have tried out cleansers and supposed toners(not for bleaching purpose ) just to get healthy looking skin,I am not saying they aren't good but I always fall for hyped and expensive stuff. I am one of those who think ''the higher the price,the better the product'' and although this is actually the case in certain products ,from my experience I have learnt that not every product can have the same effect on two different people.If it worked on my sister or friend it might not work on me. Hence for years I have come to know how my skin (especially my face) works, what it reacts to,what makes it look healthy and why I have certain skin problems at a particular time.

There are certain foods and fruits we can't ignore when it comes to maintaining healthy skin This does not abolish using recommended or prescribed creams for the face or body,neither does it take away one's personal routine of body grooming and maintenance. These recipes do not replace use of normal shower gels or soap and moisturizer.They are just guides to promoting skin care and knowledge of what foods/fruits can do for the skin ,these foods promote healthy skin and even slows down the visible signs of aging.

Avocados or Alligator pear: People tend to think that avocado is very fatty and should not be touched. This is very true, avocados do contain high amount of fat but majority of the fat in avocados is oleic acid, this is mono-saturated fatty acid and is one of the major ingredient(s) in olive oil  and we all know you can't go wrong with olive oil.They are fats with more benefits than dangers hence healthy to eat in moderate proportion. I realize that not a lot of people like this food as much. If you are one of those who wants a healthy glow (and for the sake of other numerous benefits of this green wonder) but detest the taste ,try putting it in salads, use as a spread for bread or use it to make a face mask, if you cannot be bothered to make your own, when buying a face mask,look for one made highly of avocado pears. They are filled wit h healthy fats, antioxidants and lots of moisture and can be used to aid or completely heal dry skin, oily acne prone skin and avocados contain omega 3 fatty acids which helps increase elasticity of the skin thus helping anti aging.

Here are two recipes for avocado face mask:

For dry skin: Mash the avocado into a smooth paste,stir in half or one spoonful honey,mix and apply on face using circular motion. Leave for ten minutes and rinse off using a clean wash cloth.Follow immediately with moisturizer.

For oily skin or an oil control face mask: 1 egg white and a quarter ripe avocado.mash ingredients and mix/whip with a fork, application can be messy but its worth it. try applying mixture from the chin upwards so it doesn't drip. Rinse off with  warm water first to loosen the egg white and then follow up with cool water.


Oatmeal: Cereal for breakfast Cereal for breakouts!. Oatmeal is a healthy source for fiber, vitamin A, protein and Iron and this is why most nutritionists recommend it for breakfast.It can be used as a facial mask and skin therapy too because of the benefits of its content. In the olden days, as far back as 2000 BC the Egyptians,Arabs,Greek and Romans used oath baths or milk to bathe in order to beautify their body, heal skin ailments, rejuvenate and smooth dry skin,it is thought to have antihistamine effect. One of the best things I like about oats is that it is suitable for all skin types. There are different types of oats,however the ones I recommend in any recipe here is groat oats which is grainy steel cut oats(example: quaker oats) or colloidal oats which is simply ground finely milled oats,comes in powdered form or to make your own, simply take it to a professional grinder or the market for grinding or use your own blender or food processor at home.You can also get already made colloidal oats,just search online.

The benefits of oats are listed below;

• It can be used to treat acne as it contains ingredients that absorbs excess oil and removes bacteria thus the reduction or prevention of acne

• The cereal is also good for combating dry skin and reducing flakiness due to its content of polysaccharides that melts into gelatin in water, to get the best out of it specifically for dry skin, mix ground oatmeal with mashed banana and warm milk with some drops of honey, such a yummy recipe right? apply it on the face for 10-15 minutes .Rinse off with cool water and try not to eat it too. Moisturize immediately

• It helps irritated and itchy skin.When the skin is irritable and itchy its pH level may be higher, colloidal oatmeal helps to balance back this pH level and bring it to normal hence reducing the need to itch.  It acts as an aid to reduce irritability from eczema,sunburn,insect bites,poison ivy,sunburns,bug bites and chicken pox (just to be clear I am not referring to open wounds or serious skin infection.Please consult your doctor in the case of such). Run a bath with lukewarm(not hot)water and pour about two cups or more of colloidal oat into the bath,for wider coverage try pouring it directly under the faucet,the oats will not settle quickly instead it will make the water milky and that is a good thing.Soak yourself in the bath for 10-15 minutes or pour the water in small quantities over your body(be careful with your eyes,please close them),get out of the bath and pat dry with a towel, do not scrub with the towel as this will irritate the skin more and make sure the towel is clean and soft. Try wrapping collodial (grounded) oats in a cheese cloth or clean cotton handkerchief,pour a bit of water into it,squeeze out some water,then place the cloth on affected area or pour some oat milk in a bath and bath with it.Repeat two times a day. Ground oats are great for pets too!Follow the same procedure and soak them in it.                                                                                                 Note: please wash your bath carefully as it can be slick/slippery from the oat and be careful when getting out of the bath too.

• Soak some groat oats in water overnight,rinse and drain oats to remove oat slime or dust that settled in the water,pour into a blender and put some water,be careful with the amount of water because more water will make the mixture come out thinner and we want thicker.Blend blend blend :) . Pour blended mixture into a fine sieve and drain till all that fine milk seeps out.Be very patient while milking especially if the sieve is not big and also wait for all the milk to drain out ,use spoon and press down the pulp.Pour milk into bottle or jar,place in the fridge and use daily with a cotton ball or pad as a cleanser and toner after having your bath or after face wash,pour it in your bath.It will help in smoothing the skin and lighten it also.Yep you read right, lighten.

• The healthy fats in oats are lubricating and acts as a protective layer on the skin hence shielding it from UV rays.

• It is a great exfoliator, try treating yourself with a nice mask during the weekend and feel the benefits of this food (recipe underneath)

Oatmeal mask: 
for Oily/Combination Skin 

Ingredients:
 ¼ cup cooked oatmeal
2-3 tablespoons plain yogurt
1-tablespoon honey
Directions:
Mix the yogurt, oatmeal and honey. Apply to face and leave on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse with cool water.

To exfoliate: mash a quarter of ripe avocado and one tablespoonful of ground oats, stir to make a smooth paste. After a quick splash of warm water on the skin, generously massage the mixture unto your clean face/skin for about two minutes so the oatmeal and exfoliate the skin well,let it set for 15minutes,wash it off with a soft towel and voila!. Apply very little moisturizer immediately,massaging it all over the skin.

As a scrub: mix a table spoon of oatmeal that has cooled down and the same proportion of baking soda with the same part (or more)warm water,mix let it for five minutes till it becomes soft.Gently massage the face avoiding the eye area,leave it in for tow to three minutes or more, wash off with warm water and rinse with cool water. If you do not have baking soda just try simple oatmeal with milk or oatmeal and water and repeat the process. This can be used for any skin, try it twice a week.

For dry skin: 
Blend 1 ripe avocado, 2 tablespoonful of honey,raw organic one(you know that raw honey in aquadana bottle that mama brings from the village with the bees still inside sef!ehen that wan,but remove the bees o!)with  1/4 uncooked groat oat. Apply medium layer to the face and let it stay for 10-15minutes then before washing off gently massage the mask on the face to slough off dead skin cells. The honey and avocado is a great moisturizer and the oatmeal will help with any itch,dryness,redness and balance the pH level.

For anti ageing and anti wrinkle:The key ingredient in oat that reduces ageing process is Beta glucan.Make your own anti aging mask with half cup buttermilk,2tablespoon cool oatmeal,one table spoon extra virgin olive oil and almond oil; heat up the buttermilk and oatmeal in a pot/pan till the mixture is soft,put in the oils making sure its stirred into a paste, let it cool down and spread it all over the face and neck,avoiding the eye area, rest with it for 30minutes with a slice of cucumber on each eye and wash off with warm water then rinse with cold water.Pat face dry and follow skin care routine as usual e.g moisturizer/toner.Repeat once or twice a week.

Bananas: They are very healthy and provide exceptional health benefits all round.From the skin to the fruit itself,bananas can do your whole system a whole lot of good,it is great for keeping your health in check,reducing the risk of cancer,great blood pressure control,curb morning sickness, helps the bowels, hair health ,skin health etcetera. What I love about bananas is that they are available for most of the year, they never go out of season. Banana has plenty water weight hence its a great moisturizer for the skin. This fruit/food is great for dry skin,acne, wrinkles and anti-aging.Here are some good ways to put bananas to good use for your skin.

To moisturize dry and dull /aging skin, mash one ripe banana and apply on the face,leave it for 25 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water, if your skin is really dry ,add some honey or yogurt and vitamin E oil in the mashed bananas, pat dry and follow with moisturizer immediately.  Wake up with puffy eyes that no amount of concealer will cover? try mashing half of a ripe banana and apply generously underneath your eyes,where the puffiness is and let it sit there for about 20 minutes, to reduce wrinkles put some drops of rose water to the mash and apply under the eye area.Relax and keep them close or go about your duties,the potassium will help draw out excess water that might cause puffiness. Rinse off with cool water and proceed with  applying your make up or that concealer if needed.

Honey: Oh honey honey honey! I cannot begin to explain how amazing this product is.There are so many benefits if this sweet sticky liquid ,from treating wounds and burns to curbing  nausea/morning sickness to acting as a great moisturiser and lets not forget it is natural sugar(if i am permitted to even use that word) or sweetner. You just cannot go wrong with good organic raw honey, please steer clear of processed honey as much as you can because you are using half of its natural goodness or worse if you are avoiding sugar you are basically still having sugar. I remember when I was little, you know how our parents will hear gist outside or read on it and use us kids as their experiments? from taking raw aloe vera juice to one bitter drink that till today I just do not even want to know the name! every morning my mum/dad will just come and shove one tablespoon of honey in your mouth! like! you did not even ask me if I want hian!!, if they miss one child because he/she was sleeping trust us siblings to report! Anyway back to the main topic, now I look back and I am so grateful for it, I remember once as a kid I took cold water first thing in the morning and I felt like I was going to faint! my tummy hurt like crazy and my mum gave me honey,after five minutes I was better. sorry for diverting again. Honey is great stuff and cannot go wrong with anyone, you can add it to anything instead of sugar and mix it with lemon juice as a cure for mild cold, it is a memory booster, it is great for the voice/vocal cords and helps bad breath due to its antibacterial and anti fungal properties.I cannot emphasize on how much honey can help bad breath! it has helped when I do not have gum to reach for after having garlicy or oniony(if that's a word) food. I have a lot to write about honey but I will stick to the benefits of honey for the skin, you can search for its internal and health benefits online or in books.

Benefits: Honey is a great moisturizer because of its natural humectant therefore guaranteeing long lasting hydration. To make a moisturizing mask spread a teaspoon of honey over clean dry skin,leave for 20 minutes and wash off with warm water .This is suitable for all skin types even oily or combination skin.

Stir one table spoon of raw honey with jojoba or coconut oil till it is of a spreadable consistency, apply to face avoiding the eye area and massage in circular motion.Leave for a few minutes with continuous massaging and rinse with warm water. The enzyme in the pure honey will keep the pores on your face clear and clean,the anti bacterial properties in all ingredients will also prevent bacteria build up. You can do this once a week.

To help acne treatment, dab raw honey to affected area, let is sit for fifteen minutes,rinse off with warm water.

calm sunburned skin by mixing one part raw honey and two parts pure and raw aloe vera gel and apply to sunburned skin, they both contain powerful anti inflammation and the moisture from the honey restores hydration to burnt skin. To get rid of sun tan,mix equal parts honey,milk powder,almond oil and lemon juice,apply to affected areas and leave for 20minutes. Rinse off well.

Get rid of those annoying pimples that just pop up from nowhere by mixing  equal part cinnamon and honey, dab it on the pimple(s) and leave overnight.rinse with warm water in the morning and pat dry,do not scrub face with towel.

Relieve injuries and reduce visibility of burn scars by applying raw honey regularly on it. For a deep scar fade, mix one teaspoon raw honey and one teaspoon olive oil/coconut oil, apply on affected area and massage in circular motion for three minutes,place a hot wash cloth over it and let it stay there till it cools own,repeat this daily. The anti inflammatory and anti bacterial properties of the honey will help healing and tissue regeneration,the hydrating properties of all the ingredients will also help awaken the skin cells and the regular massage will aid circulation and cell repair.

Mix two tablespoons of honey with one table spoon baking powder,splash skin with water then gently rub the mixture on wet skin with circular motion.Rinse properly.
For silky smooth moisturized skin,mix two tablespoons of honey in warm water and pour in bath.soak in it for as long as you want to.
Mix one tablespoon of honey with almost a handful of shampoo,lather your hair and rinse.
Mix one teaspoonful of honey,apple cider vinegar and coconut oil, rub on cuticle and leave for five minutes.The honey draws and retain moisture in the skin, the coconut oil will condition and protect it and the acid from the vinegar softens the tough skin and balances pH level. rinse off.
Mix one teaspoon of honey with1/8cinnamon and half cup warm water, gargle with it twice a day(morning and evening preferably) to  curb bad breath or swallow a teaspoonful of honey in the morning or at night.
tip: to find good honey try dipping a matchstick into it or pour some on it and try lighting it, if goes ablaze, its not raw and pure but if it doesn't then its good raw original honey.Go thank the bees!...........or maybe not.





Water: No matter how great one's skin looks, the benefits of natural spring water cannot be over emphasized. To promote healthy skin,drink as much water as possible,it is very beneficial for the skin and rids the body of impurities. To keep your skin hydrated without drinking water as often as you would like to due to certain reasons ,try spraying it, this is known as mist(ing). It is very amazing and one of  the best natural way to moisturize the skin.Moisture keeps the skin very soft and supple, that is why it is recommended to apply moisturizer/cream on wet skin because it locks in some water to keep the skin hydrated especially in cold weather condition. Get a spray bottle(check here ,here and here) and put clean cool water in it, spray it on the skin/face wherever you are as often as possible. Make sure  the water is replaced with a new one everyday or as often as possible. Rose water or rose water mist is also very good, it is very hydrating,nourishing and leaves the skin especially dry skin feeling refreshed. Place a bottle of rose water in the fridge(not freezer) and use it as often as you want especially in humid condition or leave it in the fridge for half an hour, place on a cotton pad and gently place underneath the eyes to reduce puffiness.Rose water can also be used as a natural aftershave on the face and legs because of its soothing effect and nice after scent. To keep your make up a bit dewy, spray a bit of rose water sparingly after make up to set your face. Also try the evian natural mineral water spray, they are very portable,can be use as a setting spray and stylish (check here).

1timothy 4:4-5;For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer. 

Picture credit: Fotolia