The New Nation - Internet Edition

Sumi Naser

With the arrival of winter and Eid in Bangladesh, we often take our skin-care routine for granted, believing that the products we've used all year long will carry us through the change of Bangladeshi seasons. After all, we are using products we found to be the best for our skin type and budget. Begrudgingly, we accept flaky, itchy skin as an unavoidable part of colder, drier weather. But that doesn't have to be the case. Despite the increase in rain and snow in Pakistan, winter brings new challenges to skin care because the harsh elements tend to have a drying effect on skin and hair. By following just a few precautions, we can keep our skin healthy and glowing, and not just settle for red or raw skin from seasonal irritations but have glowing skin year round. By becoming more aware of what causes winter skin problems and solutions to the problems are as below:

* Sun protection is important in winter. Outdoor winter weather conditions, such as wind or sun reflecting off snow, can be very damaging to the skin.

* Moisturize to the maximum in winter. Because indoor and outdoor conditions are drier in winter, use moisturizers more frequently; you may also want to switch to heavier emollients and creams during winter.

* Winter wear should be wisely selected. Because of the cold weather, we usually bundle up more. As we go in and out of temperature-controlled rooms or the thermometer rises and falls during the day, we tend to be overdressed, causing moisture to be lost through sweat.

* Always start the day with a hot shower but before you get out switch to cold water for about fifteen seconds so your body temperature is not too different from the temperature outside.

Glowing complexion

Are you fancy having a glowing skin and a bright complexion? If yes, then we will tell you that how can you make your complexion clean and clear as much as you can while staying at your home.

First of all, we tell you sugar mask with lemon peels. Take equal proportions of grained sugar and powered lemon peel, mix them with a bit of milk and make a fine paste, apply it on your face and when it dries wash off with fresh water. If you apply it at least once in a week, it not only smoothes your skin but also adds shine and brightens your complexion.

Take one tomato and add 2-3 drops of lime juice. Apply on your face and wash off till dry after 15 to 20 minutes. You will see a slight shine in just one go. If you will do it twice in a week, you will definitely feel the difference.

Apply a paste of wheat flour with vinegar on your face with the very light and soft pat. Wash your face with fresh water when dries. It helps you to remove freckles and dark sports.

Mix lime juice, honey and egg white, apply it on your face and let it dry for few minutes and then washout. It will make your skin soft and smooth.

Make a mixture of rose water, glycerin and lemon juice. Apply this lotion on your face, arms and even feet, especially before going to bed at night. Regular application of this lotion will surely give your face a beautiful glow.

You can simply use rose water as best toner, after cleansing, after removing your make up, before going to bed, or just to fresh your face.

Homemade Body Spa Tips

Everybody wants to stay fresh during Eid. Antiperspirants work by clogging, closing, or blocking the pores with powerful astringents -- such as aluminum salts -- so that they cannot release perspiration. Many natural health care proponents argue against using aluminum because it accumulates in the brain.

Deodorants work by neutralizing the smell of the perspiration mixed with "body dust" (skin, hair and other bacterial goodies we carry around on ourselves all day), and by antiseptic action against that bacteria. Deodorants are more healthful because they don't interfere with perspiration, a natural cooling process.

Here are a few simple recipes, which are fun to make because they can customized with your favorite scents.

Baking Soda: Baking soda works wonders because it neutralizes the odor of sweat. Just sprinkle a light covering of baking soda onto a damp washcloth. Pat on. Don't rinse.

Basic Deodorant Powder: 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup cornstarch, a few drops essential oils such as lavender or cinnamon, or try cedar and sage for men. Place the ingredients in a glass jar. Shake to blend. Sprinkle a light covering of the powder on a damp washcloth. Pat on. Do not rinse.

Basic Liquid Deoderant:1/4 cup each witch hazel extract, aloe vera gel, and mineral water, 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin, a few drops antibacterial essential oils such as lavender, or tea tree. Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake to blend. Makes 3/4 cup with an indefinite shelf life.

Quick and effective deodorants : Simply put some apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle and apply under the arms. When it driestits smell is gone. It works for me a minimum of 14 hours.

After shave : it will consists of preparing peppermint tea using two teabags and let it steep until cool. Place in spray bottle.