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Parsley, Egg, & Honey Face Mask {Guest Post}

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Most people see parsley as a simple garnish, but its nutrients and health benefits go beyond just decorating your food. Parsley, when applied to the skin, helps reduce fine lines, small scars, blemishes, and pore size. How can this simple plant be so helpful? 

Parsley supplies your skin with essential Vitamins A, C, and E. Vitamin A works hard to fight past skin damage, in addition to speeding the cell renewal process which creates a healthy glow. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and is necessary to produce collage, which helps with skin elasticity. Vitamin E also acts as an antioxidant that protects and repairs your skin as well as can help protect against premature skin aging.

Parsley can be found in your local grocery store, but if you are interested in growing your own parsley, it is a useful plant that can grow well both indoors and outdoors when given the right amount of sunlight, rich soil, and care.

The other ingredients in this recipe are great when applied to your skin as well. Egg yolks can reduce the appearance of pores, acne, and make skin glow and reveal its softness. Honey acts as a skin softener and has natural antioxidants and anti-microbial properties that help protect your skin from past sun damage.

Together these ingredients will help your face feel softer, more radiant, and smooth. Here are the ingredients measurements you will need and step by step instructions to successfully make this all-natural parsley face mask. Enjoy!

Note:  If pregnant, avoid consuming large amounts of parsley.

Ingredients
  • 2 tbsp of finely chopped parsley
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp lemon (optional)
Note: Lemon is a natural astringent so use with caution if you have sensitive skin. You might want to check out this post which compares the pH levels of all citrus fruits.

Method

  • Finely chop the parsley with either a knife or use a food processor
  • Add one egg yolk to the mixture
  • Add 1 tbsp of honey and 1 tsp of lemon, if desired
  • Mix ingredients well
  • Using a basting brush, apply mask over entire face, avoiding the eyes
  • Let sit for 20 minutes
  • Wash away with warm water and pat face dry 
About the Author : Roxanne Nichols is a staff writer for LawnCare, an online resource for lawn care and gardening tips, resources, and tools. She is very involved with her garden at home and loves to share her in-depth knowledge and tips she’s learned along the way. 

pH level and Citrus Fruits {Skin Care}

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Citrus Fruits are one of the most loved fruits for DIY because they lend freshness and cleanse the skin really well. But, they are also very harsh on the skin because of their acidity so one should use them in moderation and also, they make the skin photosensitive. 
So, why should we really bother ourselves with these fruits? Well, because not all citrus fruits have the same level of acidity. Some are gentler on skin and can be used by sensitive skins as well. pH level is the measure of acidity of the fruit. Any chemical is either acidic or alkaline in nature and generally, fruits are acidic.

Some are alkaline as well. But, right now, we are talking about citrus fruits and they are acidic so let us look at the pH values of some widely available fruits to know which can be used safely on skin and which should be avoided. Though, lemon is the most loved citrus fruit. 
Most Acidic Fruits
Tangerine – 3.90, Grapefruit – 3.38, Lime – 2.40, Lemon – 2.30
Least Acidic Fruits
Mandarin – 11.50, Orange – 4.35, Kumquat – 3.95
Also, remember that as the fruit ages, its acidity decreases.(Source)
Now, the pH level of the skin around 5.4 so if you use orange instead of lemon, its more gentle on skin. Even I was surprised to know that mandarin is alkaline and not acidic. When I was writing this post, I was reminded that I prefer tomatoes to lemon so checked its pH value as well. 
pH value of fresh tomato ranges between 4.3 and 4.9 (source). In fact, potato is also considered to be great for skin. Its pH value lies between 5 and 6.5 which is relatively very less acidic and more gentle on skin. So, you can now customize your home remedies according to the pH levels of the ingredients 🙂

Shahnaz Husain Beauty Tips

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I was too lazy to write a new post today and found this ASK SHAHNAZ column in Metro Plus, The Hindu. So, I am sharing those tips here and the credit for this entire article goes to the newspaper. For those who are not aware, Shahnaz Husain is the propagator for beauty industry in India. 
Pimple Marks
  • Mix rice powder with curd and scrub with this paste once or twice a week. Do not use this if you have active acne or pimples, though!! This is only for marks.
  • This is a regular tip. Mix honey and lemon juice and apply on face everyday for 15 minutes. But, I would suggest the sensitive skin people to stay away from lemon and instead go for tomato or cucumber juice.
  • Apply face mask of multani mitti (Indian clay), rose water and lemon juice which is again a regular tip for half hour. 
Dandruff and Greasy Scalp
  • Use lemon water for last rinse. Mix juice of one lemon in half glass of water (around 200ml). And, let the hair air dry.
  • Massage two table spoons of vinegar on scalp half hour before shampooing. [My Tip: Rosemary Essential Oil is amazing for dandruff!]
  • Egg white helps control oily scalp so massage it twenty minutes before washing your hair. 
  • Include fresh fruits, raw salads, sprouts and yogurt in your daily diet. Drink lot of water daily. Having lemon water first thing in the morning also helps. 
Blister developed due to Mosquito bite
  • Never ever scratch the bump or blister. 
  • Dip a tea bag in cold water and apply it on the blister to calm it down and soothe the swelling.
  • Honey, aloevera gel or apple cider vinegar can also be applied as a spot treatment. [My Tip: Light hand massage of Aloevera gel really helps!!]
Excess Sweat and Body Odor 
  • Wear fresh clothes and bathe twice a day, if possible. [My tip: Make sure your clothes dry in good sun even if not direct sunlight!]
  • Add one tea spoon of alum and crushed mint leaves to your bath water. 
  • Tea Tree essential oil also helps with body odor and controlling sweat. Mix two drops with rose water or normal water and apply on the sweaty areas of the body using cotton ball.