Castor oil — forgotten medicinal uses
Castor oil, like many of mother nature’s gifts, are usually dismissed as alternative. However, castor oil has been used for centuries by physicians for its powerful medicinal and curative properties.
Corticosteroid creams should not be used to lighten skin
Corticosteroid creams are almost unrivaled in their ability to quickly lighten skin. However, their results are short-term and when discontinued, skin usually reverts back to its original color.
Most importantly, prolonged use can lead to…
Dermal versus epidermal hyperpigmentation: How deep does the melanin go?
The skin is made up of layers, split by the epidermis at the top and the dermis that is deeper underneath. Excess melanin caused by hyperpigmentation, damage or injuries can be found within either layer.
How the skin darkens under sunlight: UVA versus UVB rays
When exposed to sunlight, the skin usually darkens from both UVA and UVB rays. How are they different?
Skin whitening ingredients and their efficacy
A list of skin whitening ingredients, showing their efficacy and safety.
Melanocytes determine skin color
Our natural skin color is determined from birth. Over time, however, many things can happen to alter the colour of our skin.
How to remove lipstick stains on clothes with WD-40
On clothes and fabric, lipstick stains can be hard to remove. But WD-40 makes it easier.
How to get rid of chili burn
If you’ve ever handled fresh chillies, you may have experienced a burning sensation on your fingers and hands. That painful burn comes from the capsaicin in chilies and peppers. Here are some tips on how…
Cure ear infections with garlic
I’ve used garlic to treat my own ear infections, each time with great success. If you don’t have access to a doctor, try the humble garlic for a cure and some relief.
Baking soda prevents body odour on hot days
Baking soda prevents body odour on hot days. You’ll still sweat, but there won’t be a smell.
Drink garlic tea for colds and flu
Garlic is nature’s broad-spectrum antibiotic, making it an effective remedy for colds and viral infections.
Gentle hair coloring with lemon juice
You can lighten your hair color naturally with fresh lemon juice and some heat. Dab fresh lemon on hair locks and add heat by sitting under the sun or using a hairdryer, and watch your…
Keloid treatments and home remedies
Treating keloids can be tricky as results tend to vary. Corticosteroid injections have worked well for some people, along with some traditional chinese medicine (TCM). Other possible remedies include painting with iodine tincture, garlic and…
Try jala neti (nasal irrigation) for sinus problems
“Jala neti” or nasal irrigation with saltwater works because of the salt, which is a natural anti-bacterial.
The flow of salt water through the nasal passage gently flushes dirt, airborne allergens (dust and pollen), pollutants…
Skin needling and dermarolling for scars and wrinkles
When done with care, skin needling or dermarolling can help tighten loose skin and reduce lines/wrinkles, soften scars, and in some cases, improve skin pigmentation.
Keep temperature-sensitive skincare products cool without a fridge
Some active ingredients in skin products require that it be kept cool. If you don’t have access to a fridge (e.g. if you’re travelling), a thermos or vacuum flask can do the job.
When cutting out tangled hair, make your snips vertical
Some hair tangles are so bad that the only solution is to cut it out. Reduce the amount you need to cut by snipping through the clump vertically. After a few snips, comb through the…
Eliminate mirror fog easily with soap
Swirl some soap and water over a foggy bathroom mirror, and it will stay fog-free for a week.
Fasting can lead to better health and skin
Fasting is a natural biological reaction that triggers healing. When injured, animals in the wild don’t eat until their wounds have healed. Without food to digest, our bodies can also better focus its energies on…
Got candida? Have some yogurt
Candida is a fungus that responds well to yoghurt because the good bacteria in yoghurt will help suppress it.
For fewer breakouts, clean make-up sponges and brushes regularly
When make-up sponges and brushes are clean, make-up will not only look better and be easier to apply, but you’ll also get fewer breakouts since bacteria won’t fester in them.
How to get longer-lasting nail color
Dab some toner over your fingernails before applying nail polish. This removes all traces of oil and helps the nail polish stay on longer. If you don’t have toner, lemon juice works too.
Castor oil prevents wrinkles
Castor oil softens skin naturally by penetrating the surface layers. By penetrating deeply into the skin, it can hydrate cells and prevent wrinkles.
Salicylic acid clears pores
Salicylic acid can penetrate pores and exfoliate dead skin cells. If you have oily skin, it works on blackheads and whiteheads too.
Revive dry eye pencils in an instant
If your eye pencils harden and dry over time, dab a little lotion around the tip, then take off the excess. Your eye pencil will work as if it’s brand new again. Moisturizer, cream or…
Copper peptides for scar reduction and wrinkle repair
Used in hospitals to treat the wounds of patients with vulnerable skin, copper peptides are now found in many wrinkle creams.
Epsom salt baths calms the mind and detoxifies the body
As epsom salt is easily absorbed through the skin and acts as a natural sedative, taking epsom salt baths can soothe frazzled nerves when we’re stressed.
Apply toothpaste to soothe bee stings
Toothpaste works because it’s alkaline — this counteracts bee sting venom, which is acidic.
Sandalwood — a traditional remedy for acne
Sandalwood has a wonderful scent. It’s also an antiseptic, which makes it a good treatment for pimples and acne.
I had blood under my toenail
After someone accidentally stomped on my toe, I saw blood under my toenail.
Cod liver oil can help acne
Cod liver oil contains vitamins A and D as well as Omega-3, which helps prevent acne.