FS Fashionista: Beauty: Beauty & Makeup Blog By Farheen Salman

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Homemade Natural Face Cleansers For Different Skin Types

Tuesday, June 05, 2018

L'Oreal White Perfect Transparent Rosy Whitening - Review

Sunday, May 20, 2018

Sabudana / Sago Nutrition Facts, Health & Beauty Benefits

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

23 Surprising Benefits of Chamomile Tea

Saturday, January 20, 2018

7 Listerine Foot Soak Recipes for Baby Soft Feet

Tuesday, September 05, 2017

The 10 Step Korean Skin Care Routine

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Kojie San Skin Lightening Soap Review

Friday, October 14, 2016

11 Home Remedies for Dark Underarms

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

11 Beauty Hacks to Get Rid of Blackheads

Four out of every five women have a common issue of blackheads. Blackhead doesn't hurt the skin itself but it provokes other skin problems like acne and skin redness due to bacterial invasion. First thing you need to make clear about black head is, 'It's not a dirt'. When the sebum and wax produced by your skin is clogged in your pores, it gets oxidized by the air and turns black.

Most of the women have this common misconception and they try to get rid of this dirt by washing their face too frequently. This excessive washing stripes away the natural oil from skin making skin drier. This dryness activates our sebaceous glands which produces excessive oil to make our skin soft and smooth. This over production of oil triggers the formation of blackheads frequently on nose.

Over washing or over scrubbing is definitely not a good idea to get rid of them naturally. Whether you have oily or normal skin, just wash your face twice a day with a good facewash. For the rest of the day, you can just rinse your face with fresh water and pat dry.

Remedies to get rid of Blackheads

There are several ways for removing black heads depending on the skin type and conditions but one thing I want to make clear is that there is no permanent solution for this, because blackheads are clogged pores and there is no way of shrinking and closing these pores permanently. So, you have to follow these remedies in every couple of days or weeks, depending on the remedy you are pursuing.

You can use home remedies to reduce enlarged pores temporarily. For a clean skin it is must to wash your face thoroughly twice a day, especially before going to bed. Regular practice not only removes makeup, dirt, dust particles and excessive oil, but it also detoxify the skin from harmful substances accumulated in your skin layers.

Go through each remedy and choose the best possible solution for you. All these remedies are tested so there are little chances of any side-effects.

DIY Home Remedies for Blackheads

These home remedies consist of ingredients that are always available in your kitchen or grocery so you don't need to visit market especially to buy these ingredients. All the ingredients that I have shared are natural, cheap and inexpensive which means you are going to enjoy them anyways.

1- Bentonite Clay

Bentonite Clay Mask for Blackheads removal

Bentonite clay is well known for its detoxifying properties. It is widely used in cosmetics, face masks and medicines for detoxification purpose. It is rich in many essential minerals that our body needs. It absorbs all the impurities and toxic material which are clogged deep inside our skin causing acne and papules.

You can get bentonite clay easily from your nearest drug store. Applying it daily can improve the skin texture and maintain the hygiene of your skin.

Things you will need

1 tablespoon of Bentonite clay
Few drops of essential oil
Water

How To

Take the clay and add few drops of oil
Add water to make a thick paste
Clean your face with a facewash and tap dry
Apply this paste to your face and leave for 10-15 minutes or till it gets dry.
Wash your face with fresh water.
Follow up with a gentle moisturizer

For results you need to apply this mixture twice a week. Natural skincare remedies take time to yield results but the results are long lasting and free from side-effects.

2- ACV - Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar Treatment for Blackheads

ACV which stands for Apple cider vinegar is an ingredient which has strong anti-inflammatory properties. Our skin has its own pH level and when its disturbed, it becomes a healthy habitat for bacteria to survive. Apple cider vinegar helps our skin to restore that level so no germ could survive in the skin layers.

AVC is a strong defense against germs and bacteria that hides in the pores and skin layers, causing acne, papules and breakouts. Many people use it with luke warm water to detox body from unwanted toxic substances.

"I researched natural skincare and found that Apple cider vinegar is really effective. Using it as a toner can be harsh. but if you have breakouts it can be really healing." says Scarlett Johansson.

Like Scarlett johansson its a clear skin secret of many other famous celebrities. Due to its strong anti bacterial properties its widely used as a first aid treatment for reducing the redness and inflammation.

I would recommend you to use a dilute mixture of ACV in the beginning as its a big harsh and pure AVC can damage your skin. In start mix AVC and water in the ratio of 1:3 respectively, reduce the ratio as soon as your skin gets used to it.

Things you will need

1 Teaspoon water
1 Teaspoon AVC
Cotton balls

How To

Mix AVC and water. Dab a cotton ball in it and apply it to the affected areas. Leave it over night and wash it in the morning. Follow up with a nice moisturizer. If you have pimple or papules, you can use a Q-Tip to apply it on them and leave it for few hours.

3- Toothpaste for removing Blackheads

Last week I come to know about a very useful technique for removing blackheads. It sounds weird but its true, you can remove your blackheads with the help of your old toothbrush. Many woman use the toothbrush along with toothpaste to get the results but I have come u with something different and effective.

For this treatment, I am recommending an old brush because its bristles become soft and causes less harm to the skin layers. But before using it on your face, you must be sure enough its clean and hygienic.

Things you will need

An old toothbrush
White toothpaste (Not the gel one)
Baking soda
A bowl

How To

Take a dry clean bowl
Add 1 teaspoon baking soda
Add 1 teaspoon toothpaste to it
Add 2 teaspoon water to it and mix well
Take a small amount of mixture on the toothbrush and scrub your nose and T-zone well
Wash your face with clean water and at dry

Repeat this process several times a week before going to bed. Baking soda and toothpaste make a wonderful combination for unclogging the pores and removing the excessive oil from the skin layers.

4- Sugar Scrub

Sugar & Lemon Scrub for Treatment of Blackheads

Scrub contains tiny granules, when rubbed against skin, removes the outer layer of dead skin cells. These scrubs are also helping in removing the impurities and toxic material from the skin which can cause many skin issues. Scrubs are easily available at stores and cosmetics shops but I would recommend you to stick to natural ones, which are easily made at home within a few minutes.

You can find two types of sugar in the market i.e, one with larger granules or smaller ones. I would recommend you to use the one with smaller granules.

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon sugar
Half lemon juice
A bowl

How To

Juice out the lemon in the bowl and add the sugar to it.
Use your fingers to mix them well.
With the help of your finger tips, massage this mixture onto your face, especially T-zone where most of the blackheads are formed.
Take a few minutes to massage it gently.
Wash your face with fresh water and pet dry.
Apply your favorite moisturizer afterwards.

New, spotless and fairer skin will be revealed in just single application.

5- Egg White Mask

May be you are a egg lover or not but after knowing its benefits, your skin will definitely crave for it. Eggs are rich in protein and healthy fats, which are essential for healthy skin and also helps in maintaining the elasticity of our skin which is the main factor in ageing process.

Whether you eat it in your breakfast or add it in your mask, your will have a beautiful skin for sure !

Egg white contains protein which is the building block of cells and helps in skin regeneration but one thing which is not commonly known about egg white is, it dissolves the sebum plugged in the pores and helps us to get rid off blackheads easily. This egg white mask is also helpful in shrinking the pores and makes them less visible, which means you will have a clean, smooth and younger skin in just 15 minutes.

Ingredients

A bowl
One egg white
Facial band

How To

Wash your face thoroughly and pat dry. Take an egg white in a bowl and beat the egg white so you can get a smooth foamy texture. Apply this mixture on your overall face with your finger tips. Massage it well and reapply once its dry. Repeat this 3-4 times and keeping circulating it with your fingers. Wash your face with Luke warm water.

You will get instant results with this mask. Your will feel your skin is soft, fairer and healthier than before.

6- Charcoal Face Mask

Charcoal is the latest addition in cosmetics industry. You may also have heard about charcoal facial cleaners or charcoal scrubs as it has a wonderful power of detoxifying and cleaning skin. Its active ingredients go deep down the skin layers and kill the bacteria that causes breakouts,It absorbs all the impurities and excessive oil from the skin which are the main cause of blackheads and whiteheads. It also helps in maintaining the pH levels of your skin and helps in fighting the signs of ageing.

For availing these benefits your don't need to spend dollars. all you will need is a bottle of activated charcoal capsules and few natural ingredients which are easily found in your home.

Ingredients

2 Capsules of activated charcoal
1 tablespoon of Bentonite clay
Rose water
Few drops of essential oil -You can choose any oil but I prefer to use tea tree oil due to its anti-fungal, antiseptic and healing properties.
A wooden bowl and spoon as charcoal has the tendency to pull out toxins from the metallic containers

How To

Twist open 2 capsules in the wooden bowl
Add bentonite clay and mix well
Add few drops of essential oil
Add rose water to make a thick mask
Apply to face and neck and wait for 15 minutes
Wash your face and pat dry

If you still feel your skin is dry and itchy than apply few drops of essential oil to your skin. You will notice instant glow and fairness in your skin.

Cautions

If you have sensitive or acne prone skin than try it on your wrist or jawline first. In case of severe skin problem consult your dermatologist first.

7- Blackhead Extractor

First word that comes up in my mind while thinking about using a blackhead extractor is 'Ouch!' because its painful as you need to press it hard against your skin. It is slow and takes time as compared to pore strips, but it is useful for your overall face, unlike pore strips which are meant for nose only. You can target all the leftover blackheads easily, after using pore strip, instead of applying the strip again. One thing that I like most about this method is, you can easily target the clogged pores without affect the whole area of your skin.

Its in common practice of most of the Pakistani beauticians. They use it for removing the blackheads near your T-zone and lip area. I don't have too much blackheads so I get it done in a couple of months but people who have lot of blackheads should keep it at home as it is easy to use and it is cheap as well.

How To

Take a clean blackhead extractor and a piece of cloth or tissue.
Cleanse your face with a deep facial cleanser containing salicylic acid or Benzoyl Peroxide
Once you are done with cleansing wipe your face with a wet facial sponge
Take the extractor and start pressing it against your skin in downward strokes
Clean the pin after every stroke

After taking out all the blackheads your pores are open and can get clogged again with the oil its about to produce. So wash your face with cool water so all the pores can shrink and apply a nice deep moisturizer.

Caution

Don't try this on acne or papules as it can leave marks on your skin. In case of sensitive skin, you can consult dermatologist first or you can try my DIY homemade masks for blackhead removal.

8- Pore Strips

Pore strip is the ultimate solution when you need instant results. These strips are used to extract out the blackheads in just one stroke. It locks out the clogged materials and gives deep cleaning. These strips are meant for only nose so don't even try to use it on other parts of your face. Use skin products containing salicylic acid before using these strips as it will help in removing blackheads easily. But before using these strips you must be sure enough that your skin is not sensitive or you don't have any pimple or acne near your T-zone.

How to

Clean your face with a gentle face cleanser
Don't pat dry as these strips needs wet skin to stick on
Remove the slit and gently place the strip on your nose
Smooth down the strips with dry hands to make sure its properly placed on your skin
Wait for 8-10 minutes so the strip can dry properly
Start removing the strip from the edges towards the center

Once you are done with these strips, its time for a nice moisturizer. Your pores are open now and it will start producing oil as the strip has removed oil along with the blackheads. So slather your face with a gentle moisturizer according to your skin type or you can use toner as well. Its okay if you get temporary redness and sensitivity but in case you get severe irritation that consult your dermatologist instantly.

Cautions

Don't use it more than once a month
Avoid using it in case of any irritation, acne, blemishes or redness
If you feel unbearable pain than don't try to peel it further. Just pat it with wet fingers so it becomes soft and can easily be removed.

9- Use Mechanized Facial Brush

Facial brushes are used to clean facial skin deeply with the help of soft bristles. It improves blood circulation and removes harmful toxins from the body. It also helps in removing dead skin, cleaning clogged pores and removes blackheads effectively. You may also find handy brushes which are equally effective but make sure you purchase the brush having soft fine bristles.

Before starting the cleaning process, make sure your brush is clean and in hygienic condition. Always start brushing your face with a mild brush as your facial skin is very sensitive and can get irritated. Start brushing your face from forehead and then gently move towards cheeks and T-zone.
Use a gentle deep cleanser along with this brush for instant results.

10- Facial Steaming

If brushing causes irritation, or you are not comfortable with brushing for any reason than you can try steaming. It is a very old and most popular way of cleaning pores deeply. In fact, it is still in practice.
Many salons are providing this service and women have their own steaming machines at home which are very useful. If you don't have any machine than don't worry ! You have another option for it.

How To

Take a pot and add water to it.
Bring it to boil and remove it from the stove.
Place it on a counter or table of comfortable height
Cover your face with a towel and take steam on your face .
Maintain a safe distance, as your skin is not used to it.
Clean your face with a soft towel and pat dry after a couple of minutes.
Apply moisturizer soon after finishing your steaming process as your skin will be dry and it can trigger your sebaceous glands.

Cautions

Maintain a safe distance from the hot water container
Take rest after every 2 minutes so your skin can relax
Avoid in case of serious skin issues.

11- Use over the counter products

over the counter remedies for blackheads

Over the counter products are those which are readily available at the drug stores and you don't need any prescription for them. But it doesn't mean that all these products are suitable for you. You must be smart enough to understand your skin type and choose the product smartly.

1. Benzoyl Peroxide (Suitable for normal skin type)

Benzoyl peroxide actively kills the bacteria living in your skin, breaks the clogged material in the pores and helps the skin to strip it away quickly. This formula is very effective for removing blackheads and can it also controls the acne and breakouts.

Benzoyl peroxide is very active ingredient and can irritate sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin, avoid using products containing this ingredient. For sensitive you can try products containing salicylic acid.

Use face wash and moisturizer containing benzoyl peroxide twice a day to get rid off blackheads permanently.

2. Salicylic Acid

If you have acne or sensitive skin then try to use products containing salicylic acid. It is perfect for those who have sensitive skin It clears acne and blemishes by gently exfoliating it.

It also softens the skin layers and helps in restoring the skin elasticity, which is why it is found in most of the anti-ageing products.

If you want to get rid off blackheads and prevent them from reoccurring then moisturize your skin regularly. Choose moisturizer that contains one of these active ingredients, longer it stays on your skin the faster it will work.

3. Glycolic Acid Peel

As the name implies, its a over the counter product which removes the outer layers of skin in a controlled manner. Glycolic acid id a product, which is extracted from the sugarcane. It easily separates the old and damaged layers of skin from the new and younger ones. People who try this are mostly amazed by the results because it leaves only few lines and wrinkles, removing years from skin.

There are other peels as well but glycolic peel is the safest one and yields satisfactory results. It is usually helpful treatment for those who are suffering from acne, pimples, wrinkles and uneven skin tone, but, as it removes the outer layer of skin cells, it is also helpful in getting rid off blackheads.

Many glycolic acid peels are available at the drug stores which have a proper 'How To' instructions written on it, but most effective procedures are done under the supervision of skin specialists.

Side-Effects

There are no harmful side effects but you may face temporary redness and itching, which usually goes off in a couple of hours. If you are following this treatment, it is recommended to wear sunblock before going out in sun.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is used as a disinfectant worldwide. It is composed of hydrogen and oxygen which makes it the safest product for killing germs and bacteria which causes various skin infections.
Hydrogen peroxide oxidizes the organic product it comes in contact with, converting into water and oxygen. Only 3% concentration is recommended as safe for daily use purpose and is easily available at all drug stores.

If you have a bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide it means you have a sanitizer, detoxifying bath product, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial agent. Most of the cosmetic products especially hair dyes, bleaching creams and exfoliating scrubs also have this compound in it which makes it more effective.

For removing blackheads, hydrogen peroxide is the easiest and simplest solution as you don't need much time and effort. It is a very cheap ingredient so I guess it is cost effective as well.
(You can also use as a skin lightening and teeth whitening product).

How To

Wash your face gently and pat dry.
Take a teaspoon of 3% Hydrogen peroxide and mix it with equal amount of water
Dip a cotton ball in the mixture and clean your face with it
Clean your T-zone properly as its the part of your face which has most of the clogged pores.
Wash your face thoroughly as soon as you are done
Follow up with any essential oil of your choice

Cautions

Hydrogen peroxide works by oxidizing the clogged material so you can feel a slight burning sensation which is normal, but in other case, you should avoid using it further.
Avoid contact with eyes or lips
Make sure you don't use it on your eyebrows or hair as it has bleaching properties.
Don't use it more than once a month

Thursday, March 17, 2016

The Unconventional Benefits of Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds)

Monday, January 25, 2016

13 Homemade Remedies to Get Rid of Dark & White Sunspots

Sunday, April 19, 2015

7 Home Remedies of Jaifal - The Nutmeg

Nutmeg or Jaifal(Jaiphal) is one of the oldest known spices, it's origin belongs to India. It has a unique strong flavor and aroma that differentiates it from any other spices, due to which it’s been used in many sweet dishes and Mughlai foods. It is an important ingredient of whole spices (GaramMasla). Apart from its use in foods, it tops the list of beneficial herbal medicines in sub-continent as well. In India, few people smoke it due to its taste and health benefits. It helps in treating asthma, cough, cold and many stomach issues.

Today I am sharing a few important benefits of Nutmeg(Jaiphal) that can help everyone in daily life.

01- Treatment Of Cholera:

Cholera is a stomach infection caused by bacteria. It causes severe stomach ache, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can lead to an alarming situation but if you have nutmeg at home then it can be controlled immediately. Take 1/2 teaspoon of it with water. If the condition prevails then contact your physician.

02- Treatment Of Body Pain:

Body pain can be treated with Nutmeg without taking medicines. This treatment is being used since ages but still holds its value. If you suffer from hand or foot pain than take 120ml of olive oil and heat it in an open pan. Now add two teaspoon of nutmeg and stir for few minutes. Leave the mixture to cool down after 10 minutes. Use this oil as an ointment to relieve pain. This can also be used to massage the legs of growing children who often complain leg pain.

03- Treatment Of Arthritis:

Arthritis is a joints problem that is commonly found in people aged above 50. It causes severe pain and stiffness in the joints. Recent studies show that the number of people suffering arthritis is increasing rapidly. The main reason behind this ambiguity is the use of processed food. Nutmeg (Javitri & Jaifal) is commonly used to treat pain and swelling that is why it is helpful in treating arthritis pain. Take 100ml of mustard oil and mix one teaspoon of nutmeg in it. Heat the mixture so that nutmeg mixes in oil properly. Let it settle for a few minutes and apply the warm oil to the joints. This will relieve the pain without any side-effects.

04- Treatment Of Tooth Ache:

I guess there is no one on the planet who hates Chocolates, bubble gums, marshmallows or fast food. With the increasing trend of eating junk/processed foods or chocolates, tooth decay issues are becoming standard. Even children having deciduous teeth faces this issue. To prevent this from happening or relieve tooth pain Nutmeg can be used without a second thought. Pour few drops of nutmeg oil on a cotton ball and place it on the affected teeth. This will work instantly. Clove can be placed as well to relieve pain.

05- Treatment Of Depression/Insomnia:

Anti-depressants and sleeping pills are very relaxing for a short time, but long-term use can cause many issues. Nutmeg is very effective for treating depression and anxiety. Add half teaspoon of nutmeg powder to a glass of Luke warm water and drink it once a day. Repeat the process for at least 10 days to get noticeable results. This will regularize your sleep as well.

06- Treatment Of Cough and Cold:

If you have heard of the whole spice drink, then you will not be surprised to know about Nutmeg tea (Javitri & Jaiphal Tea). Nutmeg is used to treat cough, cold, and pneumonia.Boil one teaspoon of nutmeg powder in a cup of water and drink the warm tea. Your body will start perspiration soon after drinking it. It is the oldest remedy for treating Cold and Influenza. You can also combine powdered Sabja Seeds with Nutmeg to brew another tea that can cure diseases like Malaria, Fever and Asthma.

07- Black Heads And Skin Fairness:

Nutmeg has potent ingredients that nourishes the skin deeply and makes it appear pinkish and shinier. It helps in removing blackheads and dead skin leaving it soft and smooth. Make a paste of nutmeg powder(Javitri & Jaiphal), with few drops of milk and apply it evenly. Massage the paste in a circular motion and leave it for 10 minutes. It will remove all the blackheads and help in healing the wounds and acne scars on the skin.

You can also try powdered Sabudana, Nutmeg and Honey face mask, just blend a few cloves of Nutmeg with powdered Sago pearls and add a few drops of honey to make a thick face mask. You can use this mask twice in a week. Use this face mask for 15 to 20 minutes and wash it off with lukewarm water. This mask is also great for skin fairness and acne issues.

Nutmeg Mask also helps in maintaining peaceful sleep especially during summers.

I hope you like all these DIY Home Remedies of Jaifal (Nutmeg), stay tuned to my blog for more awesome beauty tips. I will be reviewing some MAC cosmetics in the coming days as I just have received an amazing gift from my gorgeous friend :), see you ladies soon with some beauty product reviews.