Delicious Homemade White Sauce Recipe In English And Urdu

This basic recipe is so versatile, and can be dressed-up or dressed-down for any occasion.

Ingredients:-

25g/1oz butter
25g/1oz plain flour
600ml/1 pint milk
salt and white pepper

Method:-

*Melt the butter in a saucepan.
*Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
*Take the pan off the heat and gradually stir in the milk to get a smooth sauce. Return to the heat and, *stirring all the time, bring to the boil.

*Simmer gently for 8-10 minutes and season with salt and white pepper.

وائٹ ساس ریسیپی 

اجزہ :

مکھن -چھ کھانے کے چمچ 

دودھ -ایک کپ 

انڈو  کی سفیدی -چار عدد 

کالی مرچ -ضرورت کے مطابق 

آٹا -آٹھ کھانے کا چمچ 

کریم -چھ کھانے کا چمچ 

نمک -ایک کھانے کا چمچ 

چکن قیمہ - آٹھ کھانے کا چمچ

یخنی -بارہ کھانے کا چمچ

ترکیب :

دودھ مکھن کو آگ پر پگھلا لیں اور آٹے کے ساتھ آمیزہ بنایں 

جیسا کے آپ وائٹ ساس بنانے کیلیے کرتے ہیں پھر اس

میں آہستہ آہستہ یخنی اور دودھ ملا یں اور ہلاتے رہیں -

جب یہ یکجان ہوجاۓ تو چکن اور اچھی طرح پھٹی ہوئی انڈو کی سفیدی ،نمک ،اور 

کالی مرچیں اس میں ملا دیں اور ہلاتے جایں -آخر میں ڈبے اور بھاپ سے محفوظ کیا 

ہوا دودھ شامل کردیں -وائٹ ساس نرم تر ہو جائے تو مکمل تیار ہے -

نوٹ :

یہ ساس سبزیوں کے ساتھ استمال ہوتی ہے -یہ دیر تک ابالے ہوئے چکن اور 

سمندری غذاؤں  کے ساتھ بھی استمعال کی جاسکتی ہے -اسے تازہ حالت میں استمال 

کرنا بہتر ہے -زیادہ دن پڑی رہنے سے اسکا ذائقہ بدل جاتا ہے -ایسی صورت میں 

اسے استمعال نہ کریں -

Easy And Yummyy Homemade Mayo Garlic Sauce Recipe In Urdu

اجزہ :

میونیز-آدھا کپ 

ابلے ہوئے لہسن -پانچ سے دس جوے 

فرش کریم -آدھا کپ 

سفید مرچ -ایک کھانے کا چمچ 

یخنی -آدھا کپ 

لیموں کا رہس -دو کھانے کا چمچ 

چائنیز نمک -تہای چائ کا چمچ 

ترکیب :

تمام اجزہ بلینڈ کرلیں -

پھر بلینڈ کئیے ہوئے اجزہ پیالے میں ڈال کر سرو کریں 

مزیدار مایو گارلک ساس تیار ہے 

Why Green Tea Is Good For Your Health?

Of course, no one food will protect you from disease. Your health is wrapped up in your lifestyle and your genes, so even if you drink green tea all day long, you also need to take care of yourself in other ways, like not smoking, being active, and eating a healthy diet.

Green tea’s biggest benefit? "It's all about the catechin content," says Beth Reardon, RD, a Boston nutritionist. Catechins are antioxidants that fight and may even prevent cell damage. Green tea is not processed much before it's poured in your cup, so it's rich in catechins.

Green tea is one of the most valued and widely consumed drinks in the world. Besides being a delicious beverage, green tea has many powerful benefits due to its significant antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cavity properties.

The compounds present in this beverage provide relief from many common health issues and at the same time reduce the risk of many chronic diseases and serious health problems. Due to its immense health benefits, green tea can do wonders for your health. Just three to four cups of green tea today can do your health a big favor.

What About Weight Loss?
Sorry, but no drink or food melts the pounds off. While some evidence suggests that the active ingredient in green tea, EGCG, may help you drop a few pounds, other studies show no effect.

But green tea is a smart swap for sugary drinks.

"All things being equal, if you sub 1-2 cups of green tea for one can of soda, over the next year you'd save over 50,000 calories," Ochner says. That's more than 15 pounds. Just don’t swamp it with honey or sugar!

Here are the top 10 health benefits of green tea.

1. Improves Brain Health
Our brains need healthy blood vessels to function properly. According to a Swiss study, people who drink green tea regularly have greater activity in the working-memory area of their brains.

It has also been found that green tea helps block the formation of plaques that are linked to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, the two most common neurodegenerative disorders.

Green tea even delays the deterioration caused by Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, due to the bioactive compounds present in green tea that can have various protective effects on neurons. To boost your memory and ward off disease, simply drink one or two cups of green tea daily.

2. Lowers Blood Sugar Levels
Green tea also helps keep blood sugar levels stable in people who suffer from diabetes. The compounds polyphenols and polysaccharides present in green tea can be useful for both types of diabetes.

Green tea can stimulate insulin production in the pancreas, regulate blood sugar levels and absorb glucose in those with Type 1 diabetes.

In Type 2 diabetes, green tea helps reduce the frequent blood sugar spikes that often lead to complications in the eyes, heart and kidneys. In fact, green tea is one of the best things that a diabetic person may include in his or her diet plan.

3. Reduces Cholesterol Levels
Green tea can also effectively reduce bad cholesterol in the blood and improve the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol.

Studies regarding the effect of green tea consumption on cholesterol levels suggest that it lowers the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the “bad” cholesterol.

At the same time, it helps raise the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which is considered “good.”

There are certain compounds in green tea that help block the absorption of cholesterol in the digestive tract, while simultaneously aiding in its excretion.

Also, green tea keeps the arteries clean by preventing the oxidization of LDL, which can cause plaque buildup and increase the risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

4. Promotes Oral Health
Green tea consumption is associated with improved dental health and a lower risk of cavities. The natural fluoride in green tea, polyphenols and catechins can effectively kill the bacteria that cause tooth decay, bad breath, cavities and various gum diseases.

According to a study published by the European Journal of Nutrition, consumption of one or more cups of green tea a day can significantly reduce the risk of tooth loss. However, the oral benefits of green tea are lost when sugar, honey, or other sweeteners are added to the tea.

5. Helps Maintain Body Weight
Several studies have proven that a cup of green tea daily can reduce body fat, especially in the abdominal area. It can also significantly decrease body fat percentage, body weight and waist circumference.

Also, the catechins in green tea help generate heat within the body, which in turn burns extra calories. The polyphenol in green tea works to intensify levels of fat oxidation and the rate at which your body turns food into calories.

Studies indicate that the combination of caffeine and other compounds in the tea appears to boost metabolism, burn calories and break down fat.

6. Prevents Hair Loss
Green tea is packed with antioxidants that help prevent hair loss and can also promote hair re-growth. The polyphenol catechins in green tea help block DHT, which is the key factor for hair loss.

Plus, green tea has a component called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) that promotes hair growth by stimulating hair cells.

Drink a few cup of green tea daily to prevent hair loss and possible help re-grow your hair. Also, cool freshly-brewed green tea, rinse your wet hair with it and then rinse your hair with water after 10 minutes. Do this a few times a week for at least a few months. It will also help reduce problems like dandruff and dry scalp.

7. Fights Against Aging
The antioxidants, especially those known as polyphenols, in green tea help protect the skin from harmful free radicals. In fact, polyphenols help fight against various signs of aging, promote longevity, and treat skin diseases.

Also, the high levels of oligomeric proanthocyanidins in green tea are thought to help slow down premature aging if taken internally. This is one reason green tea is being used in a host of beauty products.
Studies have demonstrated that green tea applied topically can also reduce sun damage. In addition, green tea helps fight against skin cancer.

8. Lowers Blood Pressure
Regular consumption of green tea is thought to reduce the risk of high blood pressure. It helps keep blood pressure down by repressing angiotensin, which leads to high blood pressure.

In fact, according to study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, people who consumed one-half to two and a half cups of green tea regularly for at least one year reduced the risk of developing high blood pressure by 46% as compared to those who did not drink any green tea.

9. Reduces the Risk of Cancer
Multiple studies show that the numerous antioxidants in green tea may lower the risk of various types of cancer like breast, prostate, colorectal, pancreatic, esophageal, bladder, lung, and stomach cancer.

In fact, the antioxidants in green tea are 100 times more effective than vitamin C and 24 times better than vitamin E. Drinking as many as four cups of green tea a day may be necessary to reap its anti-cancer benefits.

10. Keeps Bones Strong
The high fluoride content in green tea helps maintain bone strength. Regular consumption of green tea is associated with a lower risk of osteoporotic fractures.

Loss of bone density is prevented by the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties present in green tea.

It helps suppress the breakdown of bone while increasing the amount and activity of bone-building cells. Drink green tea every day to help preserve your bone density.

So, a cup of green tea is a good way to start your day and support many aspects of good health.

You Want To Reduce a Fever without Medication?

When a child has a fever, most people rush to the medicine cabinet for the acetaminophen. Before you force your kids to choke down all those chemicals, attempt some of these tried and true natural fever reducers. Remember to stay hydrated, warm, and clean while suffering from fever symptoms; the fever should pass within a day or two.

Causes of Fever in Adults:

*Drug fever
A fever that occurs after starting a new medication, without another source, may be a drug fever. The fever can occur at any time after starting the drug and should go away after the drug is stopped. Some drugs that have been associated with fever include beta-lactam antibiotics, procainamide (Procanbid), isoniazid, alpha-methyldopa, quinidine (Quinaglute Dura-Tabs), and diphenylhydantoin.

An immediate fever may be caused by an allergic response to the medication or a preservative in the medication.

*Blood clot fever
Occasionally a blood clot can develop in a person's leg and cause swelling and pain in the calf. Part of this clot may break off and travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolus). This may cause chest pain and trouble breathing. In either case, a person may develop a fever because of inflammation in the blood vessels. A person with any of these symptoms should go to the hospital.

*Tumor fever
Cancer can cause fever in a variety of ways. Sometimes the tumor makes pyrogens, chemicals which cause a fever on their own. Some tumors may become infected. Tumors in the brain may prevent the hypothalamus (the body's thermostat) from properly regulating the body temperature. Many of the medications that a cancer patient takes can cause a fever. Finally, immune systems in cancer patients may be weakened, which makes them prone to various infections.

*Environmental fever
Occasionally a very high body temperature can be reached when the body becomes overheated. This condition is called hyperthermia. This often occurs with strenuous exercise or when the body is exposed to hot or humid weather. Certain drugs that alter a person's behavior may prevent that person from taking shelter from the heat. People with hyperthermia may be confused, lethargic, or even comatose. They may have an extremely high temperature and may not be able to sweat. Hyperthermia is treated differently than other causes of fever; it is a medical emergency. The affected person must be cooled immediately.

*Special medical conditions
Many people have medical illnesses that prevent their immune system (defense system) from working normally. This may make it easier for a fever-causing infection to invade their body. Depending on the illness, it may be difficult to find the source of the fever. A fever in a person with limited ability to fight off infection can be very dangerous. The collagen vascular diseases and autoimmune diseases (for example, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, polyarteritis nodosa) may be associated with fever. Many diseases of the immune system produce fever, because of inflammation.

*Causes of a weakened immune system

-Cancer
-Cancer treatments
-Organ transplant immunosuppressive medication
-Steroid therapy for a long time
-HIV
-Age older than 65
-Absence of the spleen (after surgical removal of the spleen)
-Sarcoidosis (a condition characterized by an unusual form of inflammation, leading to the formation of so-called granulomas, that may occur anywhere in the body)
-Lupus
-Malnutrition
-Diabetes
-Heavy alcohol or drug use

Any person with one of these illnesses or conditions and a fever should see a doctor or go to a hospital's emergency department quickly. It is important for the proper treatment to be started right away. Quick action may save the person's life.

*Another medical condition that involves fever is unusual as the cause is unknown or unexplained (although the cause may be discovered at a later date). It is termed FUO (fever of unknown origin). FUOs are defined as a temperature greater than 101 F (38.3 C) on several occasions, with more than three weeks' duration of such febrile illness, and failure to reach a diagnosis despite intensive investigation, which some investigators consider to be one week of inpatient investigation. Eventually, FUOs are found to be caused by infections, cancers, collagen vascular diseases, and numerous miscellaneous diseases such as abscess in organs, obscure parasitic infections, and occult cancers. Unfortunately, some FUO cases defy diagnosis, despite expert evaluations and many tests.

*Another special medical condition involves hypothalamus regulation. Neurotransmitters and hormones (for example, thyroid hormones) work through feedback mechanisms to help the hypothalamus function. If this delicate feedback balance is interrupted, the hypothalamus may malfunction in many ways, one of which is to raise core body temperature to fever levels. Thyroid storm (also termed thyrotoxicosis) is a medical emergency in which fevers reach about 105.8 F .

Home Care:
A simple cold or other viral infection can sometimes cause a high fever (102 - 104°F, or 38.9 - 40°C). This does not usually mean you or your child has a serious problem. Some serious infections may not cause a fever, or may even cause a very low body temperature, especially in infants.


If the fever is mild and you have no other problems, you do not need treatment. Drink fluids and rest.

*Cooling down:-


1.Wet socks and apply them to ankles. 
Sounds weird but works wonders for a high fever in children. Take a pair of cotton socks that are long enough to cover the child's ankles. Thoroughly wet the socks in cold tap water. Wring out excess water. Put the socks on the child's feet and repeat process when the socks dry out. Some kids will hate this but usually after the socks are on they calm down and enjoy the relief it gives.

2.Take a warm or lukewarm bath. 
Start off by drawing a warm bath. Have the person suffering from the fever jump in and stay while the warm temperature slowly drops. Because the temperature drops in increments instead of suddenly, the person notices the heat change less. The (relatively) cool, damp water should cause the temperature to plateau, if not bring the temperature down a bit.

3.Drink plenty of water. 
A fever is your body's natural response to fighting organisms, but more heat means less hydration. Make sure to stay very hydrated, especially in the case of diarrhea or vomiting, which bring with them losses of water.

*The Mayo Clinic recommends that an adult male drink about 13 cups (3 liters) of water per day, and that an adult female drink about 9 cups (2.2 liters) of water per day.[1] The average child should probably shoot to consume a little bit less than that in normal circumstances, and perhaps just as much if the body is experiencing fever.

4.Cool the head and neck. 
For very high fevers take a large cotton scarf and soak well in water, wringing out the excess. Wrap the scarf around the child's head and neck. Repeat when the scarf dries out.

5.Eat a popsicle. 
Finally, a remedy that will go down well with the kids! The truth of the matter is that while liquids are great, sugar is king. And when a kid is suffering from a fever, they're perfectly justified. Popsicles can lower the core temperature, add a little bit of hydration, and give the person a pick-me-up after a long, enervating day.

*Eating wisely:-

1.Feed a cold, starve a fever. 
Ever heard the saying? Well, it could be true. Try not to eat a lot of food during a fever; stick with clear, healthy liquids. But why?

*Some infectious organisms use the body's supply of zinc and iron to survive. The human body can send zinc and iron into hiding for this very reason, making additional nutrients rich in zinc and iron a bad idea for a fever.
*If the person with a fever wants or needs food, something bland and full of liquid, like chicken soup, is likely to do the trick. See section below for other fever-relieving foods, which can be consumed in moderation.

*However, some research shows that eating more things will help fight off the organisms as the more food you eat, the more energy you have to fight them off. Do not always try this method, you should actually avoid it because it makes you feel worse.

*Herbal and home remedies (unverified):-

1.Make a sage and lemon balm tea. 
For kids who are willing to drink make a tea made from a few leaves each of sage and lemon balm. These herbs should help the child start to sweat, bringing the fever down

*Add a few leaves of sage to a mug and cover with boiling water.
*Cover the mug with a plate and let steep for about ten minutes.
*Add a little honey or sweetener, a tablespoon of lemon juice, and stir. Let the child sip this down.

2.Make a raisin tea. 
No, it's not the next culinary invention served to you at an exclusive, upscale bistro. It's just a great fever-reducer, and folksy to boot.

*Place 1 cup of raisins and 7 cups of water into a large saucepan. Bring to a boil.
*Once the water has reached a boil, reduce heat to a simmer. Wait until the liquid has reduced by approximately one-third.
*Turn off heat, remove saucepan from stove top, allow liquid to cool. Drink 1/2 cup several times throughout the day to stay hydrated and fight the fever.

3.Make a lettuce tea.
 Another great option for staying hydrated and trying to reduce a fever. Lettuce is rich in potassium, and has decent amounts of calcium, phosphorus, sodium and magnesium. More importantly, it only contains small amounts of zinc and iron.

*Bring a pint of water to boil.
*Take the boiling water and pour it over an entire head of lettuce in a heat-safe bowl or saucepan.
*Let the lettuce steep in the tea for 15 minutes before removing. Add a simple sweetener like honey or agave to the tea, if necessary, and drink.

4.Use an oil rub. 
For babies under two years of age, rub the entire body with pure olive oil before bed and wrap them up well in cotton clothing and a blanket. Give them a bath in the morning to remove the oil. This step works well with the wet socks.

5.Use collard leaves. [citation needed] Pull collard leaves from a whole collard.

*Wrap the entire foot (both feet) with collard leaves and secure the leaves in place.

*Repeat the process as the collard leaves wilt, until the fever is broken.

Tips:
*Make sure your child drinks plenty of liquids, water, natural juices and herbal teas. Note that soda pop is not necessarily the best liquid.
*Relax and support your child. When adults panic children feel this and it makes it that much harder for them to heal.
*Fever is not public enemy number one. It is a wonderful defense that our body uses to fight off disease.

*Wash face and hands in cold tap water it helps a lot to lower fever.

When to Seek Medical Care
When to call or see the doctor

A fever has many possible causes. Most commonly, a fever is part of a viral infection that will go away on its own. However, there are some reasons to be concerned or worried about a fever; do not hesitate to call or see a doctor for any high fevers.

Call the doctor if any of these conditions exists.
-If the temperature is 103 F (39.4 C) or greater
-If the fever lasts more than seven days
-If the fever symptoms get worse
Call the doctor or consider going to an emergency center immediately if any of the following symptoms occur with the fever.
-Confusion or excessive sleepiness
-Stiff neck
-Severe headache
-Sore throat, especially with difficulty swallowing or if the person is drooling
-Rash
-Chest pain
-Trouble breathing
-Repeated vomiting
-Abdominal pain
-Blood in stool
-Pain with urination
-Leg swelling
-Red, hot, or swollen area of skin

People with serious medical illnesses, such as cancer or HIV, may not show some or any of these warning signs. Mild symptoms with fever in this patient population should be discussed with the doctor to prevent them progressing into more serious infections or other conditions.
When to go to the hospital

Certain illnesses that occur with a fever can be life-threatening. Under these conditions, the person should go immediately to a hospital's emergency department.

Meningitis is life threatening and highly contagious if caused by certain bacteria. If a person has the combination of a fever, severe headache, and stiff neck, he or she should be taken to the emergency department immediately.

A person with difficulty breathing or chest pain and a fever should go immediately to the emergency department or call for emergency medical transport.

If a person has a fever and blood in the stool, urine, or mucus, he or she should seek emergency medical help.
A person who has a fever and is very agitated or confused with no obvious reason should be transported to the emergency department.

Any person whose immune system is weakened (for example, people with cancer or AIDS) should call their doctor or go to the emergency department immediately if a fever develops. (See special medical conditions.)

Hyperthermia is an emergency. Call for emergency medical transport if a person has a temperature greater than 104 F (40 C), is confused, or is not responding.

When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call a doctor right away if your child:

-Is 3 months or younger and has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
-Is 3 to 12 months old and has a fever of 102.2°F (39°C) or higher
-Is 2 years or younger and has a fever that lasts longer than 24 to 48 hours
-Is older and has a fever for longer than 48 to 72 hours
-Has a fever of 105°F (40.5°C) or higher, unless it comes down readily with treatment and the person is comfortable
-Has other symptoms that suggest an illness may need to be treated, such as a sore throat, earache, or cough
-Has had fevers come and go for up to a week or more, even if these fevers are not very high
-Has a serious medical illness, such as a heart problem, sickle cell anemia, diabetes, or cystic fibrosis
-Recently had an immunization
-Has a new rash or bruises 
-Has pain with urination
-Has trouble with the immune system (because of chronic steroid therapy, a bone marrow or organ transplant, spleen removal, HIV, or cancer treatment)
-Has recently traveled to another country
-Call 911 if you or your child has a fever and:

-Is crying and cannot be calmed (children)
-Cannot be awakened easily or at all
-Seems confused
-Cannot walk
-Has difficulty breathing, even after the nose is cleared
-Has blue lips, tongue, or nails
-Has a very bad headache
-Has a stiff neck
-Refuses to move an arm or leg (children)
-Has a seizure

Call your doctor right away if you are an adult and you:

-Have a fever of 105°F (40.5°C) or higher, unless it comes down readily with treatment and you are comfortable
-Have a fever that stays at or keeps rising above 103°F
-Have a fever for longer than 48 to 72 hours
-Have had fevers come and go for up to a week or more, even if they are not very high
-Have a serious medical illness, such as a heart problem, sickle cell anemia, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, COPD, or -other chronic lung problems
-Have a new rash or bruises 
-Have pain with urination
-Have trouble with your immune system (from chronic steroid therapy, a bone marrow or organ transplant, spleen removal, HIV, or cancer treatment)

-Have recently traveled to another country

Do You Want Face Mask for Glowing Skin ?

Do you wish you could have soft and glowing skin without spending a fortune on beauty products? Here’s a simple recipe for a homemade face mask that uses items you probably already have in your kitchen cupboard. The ingredients  extra-virgin olive oil, honey and baking soda  are really good for your complexion.

Both olive oil and honey have moisturizing properties that keep your skin soft and smooth. Olive oil penetrates deep into the skin, helping repair your skin, promoting elasticity and reducing blemishes.

Honey fights off bacteria, tightens your skin pores and protects your skin from sun damage and premature wrinkling. It also hydrates your skin and locks in moisture.

The baking soda works as a gentle exfoliating agent, reduces redness caused by breakouts and boosts circulation. It also helps treat acne and pimples by removing excess oil and dead skin cells.

Homemade face mask for glowing skin

Another advantage of this beauty mask is that it is suitable for all skin types. The ingredients are neither too drying nor too greasy.

How to Make a Homemade Face Mask for Glowing Skin
Things you will need:

*Extra-virgin olive oil
*Honey
*Baking soda
*A teaspoon
*A bowl

Steps:-
Step 1
Put a teaspoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a bowl.

Step 2
Next, add one-half teaspoon of honey.

Step 3
Add one teaspoon of baking soda as well.

Step 4
Mix the ingredients well to form a thin paste. If you want a thicker paste, add more baking soda.
Your homemade face mask is ready now. How easy is that?

How to Use:
First, wash your face and pat your skin dry, leaving it slightly damp (water will help minimize the greasy feeling when you apply the mask).

Now, spread your homemade face mask on your face and neck in a circular motion like a scrub. Leave on for about 10 minutes and then rinse it off with lukewarm water. If your skin feels oily after the treatment, apply a toner and moisturizer.
Use this face mask about once a week to maintain a soft, glowing, and beautiful complexion.

Favorite make-at-home face masks crafted from common household ingredients.

Another Mask For All Skin Types:-

*Brighten: 
Cut a slice of ripe papaya and remove the seeds and pulp (save the pulp for a snack later it’s great for digestion). Rub the inside of the papaya peel on your cleansed face, focusing on lines around the mouth and eyes, crow’s feet, thinning temples, neck and hands. Let it dry for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse with tepid water. This mask can be done twice a week. “The enzymes in papaya exfoliate, repair sun damage, diminish age spots and smooth skin. Your skin will look brighter, with a more polished finish.

*Exfoliate: 
Combine 1 tsp honey and 1 tsp olive oil. Separately, prepare a packet of plain oatmeal, using less water than called for so it forms a thick paste. Next, add the honey and olive oil mixture to the cooked oatmeal. Apply as a scrub, gently rubbing it in small circles over your skin, avoiding the eye area. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry. This mask can be done twice weekly. “The oatmeal in this scrub exfoliates, while the honey and olive oil moisturize.

 *Cleanse:
“Believe it or not, I love to cleanse with oil,” says Argenti. For this facial, she combines 1 Tbsp plain Greek yogurt with 2 tsp olive oil and 1/2 tsp lemon oil (not to be confused with lemon juice; lemon oil is an essential oil that can be found at health food stores). The mixture should be a little bit runny but not easily poured out. Massage it over skin, then immediately wipe it off with a washcloth soaked in tepid water. This can be done daily. “You want to use good-quality oil and you’ll be surprised at how clean your skin will feel. “You don’t need a harsher product, even for skin with acne. Just be careful around the eye area.

For Oil- and Blemish-Prone Skin:

*Lift & Tighten: 
Combine 2 Tbsp plain yogurt with 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (the juice of one lemon) and apply to your cleansed face and neck. Let it dry for 20 to 30 minutes. You’ll feel the mask tighten on your face and neck, which creates a lifting and firming effect. Leave it on longer (up to one hour) for even more face-lifting effects. Once done, rinse with tepid water followed by a cool rinse. This mask can be done two to three times a week or whenever you need a face lift. “This instant face-lifting mask helps fade age-spots, acne scars and even helps keep blemishes and acne in check. It also gets rid of uneven-looking skin tone.

*Tone: 
This toning eye treatment helps to “de-puff, relax, refresh and energize your skin,” says Argenti. “It’s much more cooling than the traditional cucumber slices.” After cleansing your skin, brew a cup of chamomile or green tea and allow it to cool. Then soak two clean, round makeup sponges in the tea and squeeze out any excess liquid. Place one on each of your eyes for 15 minutes. Do this daily. “You need to use an alcohol-free toner on your skin to cleanse and tighten pores. Alcohol is very detrimental, and tea works just as well.

For Dry Skin:

*Soothe: 
Combine 2 Tbsp honey with 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Apply to your clean face and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse with tepid water followed by a cool rinse. This can be done three times a week. “This mask heals, moisturizes and balances the pH of the skin. “Honey is a humectant and natural antibiotic that heals and moisturizes. Apple cider vinegar helps balance the pH of skin and soothes damaged skin.”

*Moisturize: 
Macan-Graves recommends oatmeal and fennel to help moisturize dry skin. Grind 1 Tbsp oatmeal in a blender and set aside. Add 1 Tbsp fennel seeds to 1/2 cup boiling water to make a tea. Allow the seeds to steep for 10 minutes; strain the seeds and discard. Let it cool down to room temperature and then combine 1 Tbsp of the fennel tea with 1 Tbsp ground oatmeal and 1 Tbsp honey. Apply the mixture to your clean face and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse with tepid water followed by a cool rinse. This mask can be done twice weekly.

*Brighten:
Combine 2 Tbsp sour cream with 2 Tbsp honey and 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Apply to your cleansed face and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse with tepid water followed by a cool (not cold) rinse. This mask can be done twice a week. “This mask heals, exfoliates, brightens and moisturizes skin. It refines pores, fades acne marks and prevents blemishes from coming up,

The Top 10 Cleansing Secrets For Dry Skin

If you're struggling with scaly, flaky skin whether it's all over your body or concentrated in one area you'll want to take notes on these 10 tips for cleansing dry skin. Proper skin cleansing requires understanding how skin works, and there are lots of skin care myths circulating about the largest organ in your body. We've got some good news for you.

Taking care of dry skin is fairly simple. Really, it's all about timing, which is essential to proper skin care. Cleansing dry skin calls for being gentle and patient, as well as staying attuned to external factors like the climate. In this article, we'll focus on skin cleansing tips to comfort and nourish dry skin.

1.Exfoliate Gently:
One of the most common skin care myths is that dry skin is too fragile to exfoliate. But on the contrary, you can and should exfoliate dry skin -- just be gentle. Removing dead skin cells can bring out your skin's luster and stimulate circulation, promoting your entire body's health.

If you've got dry skin, put away the stiff brushes and peach-pit scrubs. Instead, use mild exfoliants like a washcloth, natural-bristle bath brush or a body wash containing microbeads. You could also use a salt- or sugar-based scrub, but add an emollient like olive oil, mineral oil or petroleum jelly to it so the granules don't scratch your skin or remove the fat between the layers of your skin. When you get out of the shower or tub, be gentle when you dry your skin. Instead of rubbing yourself with a bath towel, pat your skin dry.

2.Pick the Right Cleanser:
When we were children, we were told to wash until we were squeaky clean and our skin shone. Unfortunately, many of us have held on to that misconception about skin care. Getting squeaky clean isn't a sign that you've done your skin cleansing properly: It's a symptom of stripping away your body's natural oils.


Of course, you want to wash off dirt, bacteria and perspiration, but your skin needs to retain a certain amount of oil and moisture. One of the skin cleansing tips you'll always hear from experts is to use a facial cleanser for your face and a body soap or wash for your body. It sounds like common sense, but many of us use the same cleanser on our faces and our bodies for simplicity's sake. If you've got dry skin, it's especially important to use a specially formulated cleanser for your face. Choose one that's mild and hydrating. For your body, a gentle, fragrance-free soap will work just fine.

3.Limit Your Bathing Time:
After a stressful day, is there anything more relaxing than soaking in the bathtub or taking a long, hot shower? If you have dry skin, staying in the shower too long can cause more stress in the long run. Prolonged time in the bath can dry out your skin even further. So limit your bathing time  unless you're soaking in a pool of mineral oil or skin cream.


As we learned from the previous skin cleansing tip, you'll want to make your bathing time count by using the right skin cleanser. Wet your skin, then apply soap or cleanser with your hand, washcloth or bath puff. Rinse within a minute or two, and hop out of the water within 10 minutes from start to finish. Some skin care experts even recommend being in the water no longer than three minutes .

4.Moisturize:
No matter what type of skin you have, you need to moisturize it. This is another area where skin care myths abound. Some people think that misting skin with bottled or canned water counts as moisturizing, but when the water evaporates, it actually strips moisture from the skin. As with skin cleansers, you'll want to look for moisturizers made especially for dry skin. Dry-skin moisturizers typically contain emollients like ceramides, olive or mineral oil and petrolatum.

These ingredients seal in your skin's natural oils while creating a protective layer on the surface. This barrier will prevent cracks and sores, seal out potentially harmful germs and viruses, and give your complexion a healthy glow.

5.Don't Strip:
After rinsing off your skin cleanser and patting your skin dry with a towel, it's a good idea to apply a toner to close your skin's pores. Omitting this step can cause pimples to break out  even on dry skin. Doctors and beauty experts recommend incorporating a toner into your daily facial cleansing regimen. There are many skin toners on the market to choose from, but if you have dry skin, you'll want to pay attention to the ingredients.

If your skin sometimes resembles the Sahara, you've probably been told to avoid products that contain alcohol but this isn't necessarily good advice. While it's true that some alcohol pulls the moisture from your skin, just like a paint stripper takes varnish right off wood furniture and floors, other alcohols such as cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol and cetearyl alcohol should be OK for dry skin. Some people opt for toners that contain witch hazel, an astringent that's alcohol-free.

6.Cleanse in a Humid Space:
If you hail from the Everglades or some other humid place, count yourself lucky. This is the ideal climate for cleansing and caring for dry skin. But even if you live near the North Pole, you can create a humid space in which to cleanse your skin. Simply run the shower or fill the bathtub with hot water, and keep the bathroom door shut to trap moisture in the room.

This way, you'll also capture as much moisture in your skin as possible. Remember that you need to limit the time your skin is immersed or exposed to water, so spend just a few minutes in your makeshift steam room.

7.Use Sunscreen:
Part of your dry skin cleansing regimen should involve the daily application of sunscreen. Just like wind can erode the largest rock formation, so can the sun wreak havoc on dry skin. If you already have a favorite moisturizer that you apply after washing your face, you may think adding a sunscreen on top of that will feel too heavy on your face. However, you can get the best of both worlds with a moisturizer that contains SPF.

If you're going to be outdoors for prolonged periods of time or in extremely hot temperatures, you'll need more protection. Put on sunblock and reapply every few hours. Remember to cover your ears and your neckline. Don't forget about your lips, either. It doesn't take a whole lot of sun exposure for lips to dry out, crack and bleed. Prevent this painful chapping by using a lip balm that contains sunscreen.

8.Be a Conscientious Shopper:
By now, you've read seven tips for cleansing dry skin, and you may worry you won't remember a single one. That's OK as long as you commit this one to memory: Buy cleansing products that are specially formulated for dry skin.


When you're grocery shopping, you probably take a few seconds to scan the nutrition labels of cereal boxes before you toss them into your cart. After all, you want to know what effect the cereal will have on your body. Why not read the ingredients list on bottles of body wash and facial cleanser? Those products will have an effect on your body, too.

Ensure that the product doesn't contain certain alcohols, some of which can dry out your skin. Dyes and fragrances should signal a warning bell that the product might irritate your skin, but ingredients such as oatmeal and shea butter suggest that the cleanser will offer relief for tight, dry skin. Some cleansers are even labeled that they're ideal for dry skin this really takes the guesswork out of shopping.

9.Moisturize After Washing Your Hands:
Health experts advise that washing your hands is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of diseases. It's recommended that you wash your hands after using the restroom and before and after eating. If you're sick or a family member or co-worker is you're encouraged to wash your hands even more frequently. All this hand-washing can add up to 10 times a day or more that you expose your hands to hot water and harsh cleaners.

It's enough to strip even normal skin of its moisture. Dry skin calls for extra care, so keep lotion or another emollient close by and apply it immediately after washing and patting dry your hands. You'll start to notice an improvement in your skin's condition almost immediately.

10.Take a Whole-body Approach:
We pay so much attention to cleansing and moisturizing our hands, neck and face that we often neglect our lower limbs. Cover 'em and forget about 'em, right? That's the approach some people take to caring for their feet and lower legs. But when it comes to skin, your lower legs can easily become dry. Think about the last time you wore shorts and then spent the day outside, exposing your legs to the sun's hot rays. Did you moisturize your legs later to rehydrate the skin?

Despite the abuse they endure, feet also get forgotten. Some spas report that although pedicures are popular, customers often skimp on caring for their heels at home and leave the dirty work for professionals. One study finds that people only moisturize their feet eight times a month on average.


Make sure you give every inch of your skin the attention it deserves even the soles of your feet and your heels. Dry skin is more than an eyesore; it can be very painful if you don't take proper care of it.

Top Mild Cleansing Tips.

Many of us put more thought into washing our delicate items of clothing than we do into washing our skin. Unlike your favorite delicate shirt, skin does not come with a "gentle cycle" tag  but using a light touch will help keep it in great shape. Your skin has a very important job: It's the main barrier protecting you from the environment. It protects you from the bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms that can make you sick. To do this, your skin produces a type of oil called sebum.

The trouble with sebum is that, in addition to moisturizing and protecting your skin, it can also catch some of the dirt and bacteria on your skin. It also holds on to some of your dead skin cells. If you wear makeup, that's mixed in there, too. And particles from cigarette smoke or other pollutants can also build up on your skin's surface.

For healthy skin
you need to be able to remove the dirt, bacteria, pollutants and dead skin cells without sacrificing the natural protective layer of oil that your skin needs [sources: Bouchez, Kunin]. That's where mild cleansing comes in. The idea is to take away the bad particles that are harmful to skin, leaving enough of skin's natural oils for the skin to continue doing its job. If you cleanse your skin too vigorously or use a harsh product on it, you could strip all of the oil off your skin. That will only make skin dry and irritated.

And dry, irritated, unhealthy skin 
will lead to future skin problems.So, it might be time to rethink your skin care routine  if your skin did come with an instructional tag, the first thing on it would say, "Wash with a mild cleanser." Read on to learn how to select a soap that's pH balanced for the delicate facial area.

Mild Soaps
Often, we use the term "soap" to mean any kind of cleanser, even though many of these are not actually soaps at all. True soap is made from fats, oils and salts, and it works by attaching to dirt and some bacteria, allowing water to rinse them away. Soap has a high pH level, generally around 9 or 10, but your skin generally has a slightly more acidic pH, usually about 4.5 to 6.5 . Using a product that alters this pH, such as soap, is not good for your skin and can lead to dryness, itching and irritation.

Although true soaps are not good for cleansing skin  especially facial skin  many other types of cleansers might be a better option. Liquid cleansers, which contain glycerin, cetyl alcohol or propylene glycol as their main ingredients, are commonly used by people who need a mild cleanser, such as those with problem or sensitive skin. Sometimes these liquid cleansers have a more neutral pH that won't affect the pH of your skin.

They rinse clean and usually do not cause irritation.
Another option is for you to use a cleanser that has a moisturizing cleanser. These tend to have the words "cream," "lotion" or "milk" in the name and often contain mineral oil or other oils. These products can cleanse the skin of excess oils and impurities without drying it out.
Once you've selected the proper cleanser, it's time to read the second instruction on your skin-care label: "gentle cycle only." To learn techniques for freshening up without the use of force, read on.

Mild Cleansing Methods
A good cleaning regimen should remove dirt, pollutants and dead skin cells without stripping your skin of important oils. Choosing a mild cleanser is a good first step in that process, but you won't get as much benefit from it unless you also use "mild" techniques for cleansing your skin.

The first step before you wash your face is to wash your hands. Your hands are probably much dirtier and carrying more bacteria than your face, and you don't want to transfer that to your delicate facial skin. Once your hands are clean, use a gentle eye makeup remover to get rid of mascara, eyeliner and any other eye makeup you might be wearing.

After this, wet the rest of your face. You don't want to use water that is too cold or too hot; just use water that is lukewarm or slightly warm. Squeeze a small amount of cleanser (either liquid cleanser or cleansing lotion) onto your fingers and gently rub it onto your face using soft, circular motions. Do this for about a minute.

The key thing to remember: Don't scrub your skin to death. You could counteract all the care you took selecting a mild cleanser, and you could further aggravate any skin irritation that may exist, such as acne or eczema. In fact, for problem or oily skin, your technique can be as important as the product you use.

Then, thoroughly rinse your face. Again, use lukewarm water. Make sure you get all of the cleanser off, or it might leave a residue and irritate your skin.

The final instruction on your skin-care tag would tell you to "pat dry with clean towel." Resist the temptation to rub the towel over your skin, which could cause irritation. When your face is dry, apply a gentle moisturizer to provide a surface layer of protection on your skin.

If you care for your skin as well as you do your delicates using mild cleansers and a light touch  then it just might repay you by looking great for years to come. Read on to the next page to discover even more about washing your face.