(BlackDoctor.org) — At a time when more people are turning to natural remedies, there is a lot of discussion about the connection between diet and beauty. What you may not hear as often is that there are a number of foods that offer beauty benefits…whether you actually eat them or not.
Here are four examples that may already be on your shopping list…
Coffee
We kick off the list with coffee since it is how many of us begin the day. If you are looking for a cellulite solution, turn to your coffee machine. Mix coffee grounds with olive oil, rub the mixture onto the affected area, and cover it with plastic wrap for 10 minutes. You should notice immediate improvement.
You May Also Like
Coffee fights cellulite because it dehydrates fatty cells, resulting in smoother skin. It is also constricts blood cells, which has a tightening effect. For these reasons, coffee is also highly recommended to treat puffy eyes and the fine wrinkles that often surround them.
There are two things that you should remember. Since coffee pulls moisture out of the skin, topical use should be followed by application of a good moisturizer. Also, the effects will be temporary, so regular treatment is required.
Coffee prices have been on the rise. If you need a little more to feel that you are getting your money’s worth– no problem. Coffee is also an excellent deodorizer. If there are odors that you would like to sever ties with, maybe under your arms, on your hands or between your toes, you can neutralize them with coffee grounds.
You May Also Like
Lemons
These bright, cheap citrus fruits can work wonders on your skin if you have pimples. The citric acid eliminates the excess oil, and it’s astringent, so it will help to eliminate bacteria, combating two of the main causes of acne.
The citric acid is also good if you need some rejuvenation. It will act as a natural chemical peel, eliminating the dead, dull skin cells, which paves the way for a fresh new surface.
Beware that lemon juice can be extremely drying and it can be unpleasant on sensitive skin. You can solve both of these problems by using it with olive oil.
Honey
This sticky, golden substance offers several beauty benefits. To begin with, it is a humectant, meaning it attracts moisture. If you have dry, dull skin but would rather have soft, smooth and moist skin, indulge in honey baths.
You can also make a natural moisturizer by mixing one cup of almond oil with 1/3 cup of honey and applying it to areas where it is needed. Some people leave the mixture on and others rinse it off after 20 to 30 minutes.
Your hair can benefit from honey’s nourishment too. Make conditioner by mixing honey with olive oil and applying it to your wet hair. Cover your head with a shower cap and either cover that with a hot towel or sit under a dryer for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing.
One more thing– research indicates that honey has healing properties and is a great wound dressing. It is a natural antiseptic and antimicrobial, so it kills bacteria and prevents infections from developing, while creating an ideal environment for healing.
Olive Oil
As you may have noticed, olive oil is often used with other natural beauty items, but it is highly worthy of attention in its own right. Extra virgin olive oil provides full body beauty benefits in its natural state. To promote shininess and strength, you can apply it to wet hair for 5 to 10 minutes and then shampoo it out. If you have problems with dandruff, apply it directly to your scalp afterward.
To remove makeup, relieve chapped lips or to moisturize the skin and cuticles, olive oil can be applied directly, including to your face. It’s loaded with antioxidants, which scavenge free radicals preventing and repairing damage caused by factors such as sun exposure and smoking. Combine this with its ability to promote elasticity and you have an excellent anti-aging product.
If you need to exfoliate, olive oil is an ideal choice. Simply mix in sugar or sea salt, apply it to the affected areas and enjoy the results.
