Swathy and Sky

Is Glycerin drying for our skin?

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Well, the title may seem really odd. But, yes, there have been lately many contradictions to the fact that glycerin draws moisture from our body and not from the air. Here, you would find one of the articles which states such a claim.
Glycerin is a natural by-product of the soap making process and is separated for soap to be used in the lotions and creams. 100% natural glycerin is highly concentrated and is not considered good for our skin as it can cause blisters by drying our skin. But, the glycerin which you get in the markets is not the original concentrated glycerin but the diluted glycerin which is good for daily usage.
And, when you use glycerin, you mix glycerin with other ingredients and then use it on face (or for any skin care). Interestingly, a mixture of glycerin and rose water used to be a favorite moisturizer in the olden days when there were no body lotions available. And, your grand moms will swear by the remedy. So, basically, it does not dry out our skin. Instead, it acts as a humectant just like honey and provides a protective covering instead of just coating our skin like Vaseline does. So, if you are buying a product which says it has glycerin in the top of its ingredient list, do not worry, because it is not the original glycerin but rather a diluted form of it. And, it would not cause any skin irritation or have any drying effect.

Whiten your teeth and improve your personality

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Teeth are one of the most important parts of a face and they reflect the eating habits of a person. They can make or destroy your personality altogether. It is no good wearing heavy make ups when your basics are not right. And, the health of your teeth comes in the basics. No person can live without smiling or laughing. But, to smile confidently, talk impressively, you need to make some efforts or the result is not worth the glamor displayed. No one really likes yellowed and stained teeth. That is why, so many teeth whitening treatments are in the market and they do sell. But, before you start shelling out your pockets on them, try some home remedies first.

The first one is, definitely, Baking Soda. It is good for removing stains made by coffee, tea or other alcoholic beverages. Wet your toothbrush a little and dip it in a pot full of baking soda (keep it by your wash basin) and brush with it. Do not brush for more than 1-2 minutes. And, leave it on for 5 minutes. Do not rinse. Finish your other works while you wait. Now, apply your regular toothpaste on the unwashed toothbrush (which had been dipped in Baking Soda) and brush your teeth no more than 2 minutes. Rinse your mouth well. Follow this routine 2 times a week. Do not use Baking Soda on your teeth too often because it is mildly abrasive and is not good for the enamel on your teeth if used frequently.

An effective teeth whitening toothpaste: Mixing 3 teaspoons of baking soda mixed with a teaspoon of table salt makes a very effective whitening paste for your teeth. Store the mixture in a jar and brush your teeth and gums twice a week rinsing thoroughly afterwards.

Many people say that you should mix Baking Soda with Hydrogen Peroxide solution and use this toothpaste to clean your teeth. The mixture is definitely very effective and Hydrogen Peroxide is an ingredient in many teeth whiteners, but, it dries your mouth. And, it is not even good for your teeth if used frequently. So, use baking soda alone and you will find some difference in the first usage itself. Well, do not expect your teeth to become sparkling white any time with this treatment. But, it does clean your teeth and gums nicely and keeps them in good shape. And, do not mix baking soda with water to make a paste as it sort of runs down more on your face and hands instead of sticking to your teeth.
And, if you do not like the taste of Baking Soda (kind of salty and bitter) or using it as a paste, then you can mix baking soda in water and make a mouth wash. Use it after every meal. It also helps in removing bad breath.
Second method which is not very advisable, but, can be tried for some special occasions is Strawberries. Yes, rub strawberries on your teeth and see the difference. The citric acid in the fruits cleanses your teeth and makes them white.
Same effect can be achieved by all citric acid rich foods. Lemon juice can be used as mouth wash sometimes as it removes bad breath. And, simultaneously, helps in cleansing your teeth. But, the acid is highly corrosive on the enamel and makes your teeth very sensitive so make sure you do not use it more than once a month.

Do not use the commercial DIY Bleaching Kits. Read this to know why?

Baking Soda – an environment friendly beauty product

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Today, I would be discussing with you various uses of Baking Soda. Baking Soda is a natural sodium bicarbonate which is used in raising the doughs. It is generally used in cakes and pastries and even, pakodas in Indian cuisine. But, apart from these, Baking Soda is good for various other things. I would start with talking about how it can be used as a beauty product and then, move on to its other household uses.
Baking Soda in Beauty:
  • It is one of the most gentle scrubs available in the market and does not even cost you that high. And, it leaves your skin super soft. Mix 3 parts of Baking Soda with 1 part of water and scrub your body with it. Do not bother to apply soap or any cleanser as Baking Soda cleanses all the dirt right from the pores. You can use it 3-4 times a week.
  • You can mix it in various scrubs or cleansers to make your skin squeaky clean.
  • Mix it water and apply on your face. Leave till it dries or for 30 minutes (which ever is earlier). And, wash off. You face will be soft. Do not use any soap or cleanser after that.
  • Remove product build ups on your hair with Baking Soda. Mix Baking Soda with shampoo and wash your hair with the mixture. Your hair will squeak when you run your finger through a strand.
  • It cleans the scalp also thoroughly and can be used regularly to prevent any bacterial or fungal infections on the scalp.
  • Use baking soda to thicken your hair instantly
  • As a teeth whitener
  • Make a homemade deodorant using Baking Soda
Household Uses: Baking Soda is a natural disinfectant which can be used to clean almost everything in the house and it is enviornment friendly just like soapnuts.
  • It is a very good cleaner for toilets, floors, windows, tiles and tables. It cleans everything thoroughly without damaging it. Mix baking soda in water and spray onto the thing you want to clean and wipe off.
  • Put a table spoon of baking soda in the washing machine along with the detergent to clean your clothes. Baking Soda does not harm the fabric of your cloth. Instead, it brings out the colors very nicely.
  • Mix the baking soda with the utensils detergent and clean the utensils. The baking soda cleans all kinds of deposits and makes your utensils squeaky clean.
I have listed all the things I have tried with Baking Soda and I request you to share with everyone if you know any other uses too.