Healthy Skin Tips

The outer layer of your skin renews itself every 2-4 weeks, but the dermis layer is pretty permanent. The things you do to your skin in your teens and 20s can affect your skin's look almost immediately. It is critical that you take good care of your skin, and your body, if you want to look and feel good.

Tanning and Sun
Hopefully every person alive now knows the dangers of the sun and tanning. It can cause skin cancer - and not just when you are 60 or 70. I know people in their teens who have died of skin cancer. If you don't get skin cancer, you are also destroying your dermis layer. The dermis layer gives your skin its elasticity and firmness. So if you desroy your dermis, your skin looks wrinkled and saggy - even by age 21. Eat

Healthy Foods
You are what you eat, from your head down to your feet! If you eat healthy foods with nutrients, your skin reacts positively and glows. If you eat tons of junk food and sugar, your skin gets bloaty, dull and listless. It can have a direct impact on how you look.

Drink Lots of Water
You may think that drinking lots of water makes you look pudgy. But actually your body only holds onto water when it thinks there is a DROUGHT. That means if you drink only a little water, your body will cling onto it with a passion and make you look water-logged. If you drink lots of water, it lets your blood do its job flushing the toxins from your system, and your body lets the water go out of your system because it knows more is coming soon. The more water you drink, the more healthy you look and feel.

Get Lots of Sleep
You know how people who are not sleeping well have dark rings under their eyes? Your skin shows very clearly when you are not getting enough sleep. Sleep lets your body renew and refresh. Avoid Smoking
One of the best known destroyers of skin (besides the sun) is smoking. Smoking causes ALL sorts of health issues, and destruction of your skin is just one of them.

Home Remedies for Glowing Complexion

GLOWING COMPLEXION
Looking good costs money, right... Or does it?

If you are feeling too broke to splurge on a facial at the salon, let Mother Nature come to the rescue.

All you need is to do is invest some time and effort once a week, and use the ingredients available in your kitchen to concoct your own facial at home.
You can decide which facial to opt for, depending on your skin type and on the availability of the ingredients.

These facials can be done once a week, or before going for a party or for an occasion.

Note of caution: If your skin is sensitive to any natural product, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist before using any of the given remedies.

Also, please wash your face before using any of these face packs.

Normal skin

~ Extract the juice of half an orange or tomato, mix with two teaspoons of curd. Lightly massage onto your face in an upward direction. Let it dry. Then, wash your face with cold water and wipe dry. This will give your skin a nice glow.

~ Rub the inner part of the skin of a papaya on your face. Let it dry. Then, wash your face with cold water and wipe dry. This will give your skin a nice glow.

Whenever you cut a papaya to eat, save a small portion of the peel for this purpose. You can store the peel in an airtight container for about two days in the fridge; however, it is preferable to use it fresh.

~ Grind 50 grams (around half a cup) of cabbage and extract the juice. Apply this on your face. After it dries, wash with cool water and wipe dry. This helps tighten your skin and prevents wrinkles.

~ Grind one small carrot and squeeze the pulp to remove the juice. Apply the juice on your face and let it dry. Then, wash with cold water and wipe your face dry. This helps to rejuvenate your skin.

~ Whenever eating an apple, do not discard the skin. Use it as a skin cleanser.

Just rub the inner side of the peel in an upward direction and let your face dry. Then, wash with cool water and pat dry. This helps tighten your skin.

~ Take an ice cube and rub on your face. Then, pat dry. This helps to improve blood circulation and keeps your skin healthy.

Variation: Boil some lemon grass in a small container of water and cool. Pour it in the ice tray and freeze. Later, rub the ice cube on your face.

~ Beat the white of one egg and apply on your face in an upward direction. Once it dries, wash with cold water. It helps tighten your skin and delays wrinkles.

Oily skin

~ Make a paste of 2 tbsp of wheat flour using as much water as needed. Apply on your face in an upward motion. Leave to dry. Then, wash with cool water and pat dry. This helps remove excess oil from your skin.

~ Mix two teaspoons of raw milk, around the same quantity of cucumber juice and few drops of lemon. With a cotton ball, apply the solution on your face and leave to dry. Then, wash with water and pat dry.

~Soak two to three teaspoons of methi (fenugreek) seeds overnight. Grind into a paste, then rub on your face. Once it dries, wash with cool water.

The granular effect helps remove blackheads. Methi also helps remove excess oil from your skin.

The excess paste can be stored in the refrigerator but should be used within a week.

~ Soak two to three teaspoons of whole masoor dal (red gram) overnight. Grind into a paste and apply on your face. Once it dries, wash your face with cold water and pat dry. It gives the same effect as methi.

The excess paste can be stored in the refrigerator but should be used within two days.

~ Grind half a cucumber and squeeze to remove the juice. Apply the juice on your face and leave to dry. Then wash with water and pat dry.

It helps refresh and tighten your skin.

For dry skin
~ Mash half a ripe banana, add a teaspoon of honey and make a paste. Apply on your face. Once it dries, wash with cold water and pat dry.

This acts as a moisturiser and helps in tighten your skin.

~ Soak khus khus (poppy seeds) overnight. Grind it with just enough milk to make a paste. Apply on your face. Once it dries, wash with cold water.

The natural oil present in khus khus helps to moisturise your skin.

~ Just before boiling milk, remove two tablespoons. Massage it lightly on your face in an upward motion. Leave to dry, then wash with water and pat dry.

This helps to keep your skin supple.

Variation: Add � teaspoon of salt to the raw milk and follow the same process. However, avoid doing this if you have pimples on your face.

~ Make a paste of 2-5 tablespoons of raw peanuts with milk. Add � teaspoon of honey to it. Apply on your face. Leave to dry. Then wash with cold water and pat dry.

The natural oils present in the peanuts help moisturise your skin.

~ Make a paste of one teaspoon of malai, a pinch of turmeric and four to five drops of olive oil. Apply on your face, leave to dry. Wash with cold water and pat dry.

Malai acts as a natural moisturiser and turmeric and olive oil helps rejuvenate your skin.

Combination skin

~ Mix 3-4 tablespoons of Multani mitti (Fuller's Earth) with 8-10 ground pudina (mint) leaves. Freeze the pack overnight.

Keep outside for 10-15 minutes and then apply on your face. After 10-15 minutes, wash off and pat dry. It helps in cooling and cleansing your skin.

~ Boil a handful of lemon grass leaves in one litre of water, until you get the aroma. Then, place in an ice tray and freeze.

After returning home from work or an outing, rub a lemon grass ice cube all over your face. It cleanses the dirt and grime accumulated in your skin's pores and shuts them.

Whisk away black spots and pimples

~ Make a paste of either half a piece of nutmeg/ six to eight jamun seeds with water/ rose water. Apply on your face. Leave to dry. Then, wash with cold water and pat dry.

~ Squeeze half a fresh lemon into one glass of freshly boiled milk. Leave for half and hour, then apply on your face before retiring to bed.

~ Take 125 ml (� cup) of tomato juice and squeeze in half a lemon. Add five to seven mashed mint leaves and black salt to taste.

Drink this every morning and evening for at least one week. It will help detoxify the body.

It also helps to relieve constipation and worm infestation.

For blemishes
~ Rub a slice of lemon or the remains a squeezed lemon on your face. Allow it to remain overnight, then wash with cold water. It will restore your skin's softness and lend your complexion a glow.

~ Squeeze the juice of one lemon into one ripe tomato (in which a hole has been made). Rub the tomato on your face. Leave to dry. Then, wash with water and pat dry.

Diet tips
Diet can play a major role in imparting glow and freshness to your skin, some of the tips that can help are:

~ Drink 12 to14 glasses of water everyday.

~ Avoid eating to much of fried foods like vadas, samosa, chips, bhajias, etc. Stick to fresh vegetable salads or fruit salads.

Depending on the seasonal availability, eat all types of fresh, green vegetables and all types of fresh, juicy fruits (except for strawberries and mangoes; they are heaty and overconsumption can lead to acne).

~ Avoid consuming too much of heaty food like chillies, garlic, non-vegetarian items or dried fruits like dates.
~ Detoxify once a month by consuming fresh vegetables, fruits and liquids all day.

Mash banana with milk and apply it on face . Leave it for 20 minutes and rinse with cold water.

Make a fine paste of one teaspoon of walnut powder, lemon juice and honey. Scrub the body with the paste. Leave it for 20 minutes and rinse with cold water.
Make a paste of turmeric powder and orange juice. Scrub it on the area that is widely exposed to sun or cold weather. Leave it for 20 minutes and rinse it with cold water.

A piece of papaya when applied to the face can do a similar magic.
Boil cabbage in water and let the water cool overnight. Wash your face with this water early in the morning.

Make a paste of powdered mango peels and 1 teaspoon of milk powder. Scrub it over the area that is widely exposed to sun or cold weather.
In equal quantities, mix vinegar with rose water and apply.
Make a face mask of curd and cucumber juice and apply it at least once a week.
Make a paste of red sandal wood and apply it on the face every day for glowing skin.
Make a paste with red sandal powder and coconut milk and apply on the face for soft skin. A healthy massage with coconut milk and a pinch of turmeric powder before a hot water bath also helps.
Mix pineapple juice and carrot juice together and apply it on the face and wash it after 15 minutes.
Boil 8 cups of water, put in 2 table spoons of dark organic honey, slices of cucumber and 2 tea bags of green tea. Let the mixture sit over night in a container, then wash with a face cloth to feel refreshed.
Mix half teaspoon dried curry leaf powder with multani mitti (fullers earth) and apply on the face. Wash it with lukewarm water after it gets dry.
Apply the mixture of honey and tomato juice on the face and neck, wash it after 15 minutes.
Apply coconut water and thick pineapple juice mixture for 15 minutes and pat dry.
Drink plenty of water to keep your body well flushed of toxins and wastes.
Include plenty of raw foods like fruits, salads and sprouts in your daily diet.
Make sure to take time to relax as stress can trigger off many skin problems.

Practice the above given methods at least for four weeks continuously. However, if you are allergic to any natural remedies listed above, make sure to avoid it.

Benefis of Gooseberry (Amla).....herb

1. It balances stomach acid.
2. It contains essential minerals such as calcium,iron,protein,phosphorous and carbohydrates.
3. The juice is a tonic,diuretic and anti-bilioous remedy.
4. Gooseberry us also helpful in relieving burning sensation,excessive thirst,dyspepsia and other cmplaints of digestive system.
5. It is beleived to balance the menstrual flow.
6. It is a powerful tonic for the lungs,reproductive organs and the heart.
7. It moisturises the skin, giving it glow and lustre.
8. It is used in hair oils to give strength and lustre to the locks.

Home Remedies for ICHTHYOSIS VULGARIS / FISH SKIN

ICHTHYOSIS VULGARIS

Introduction
Sometimes called fish scale disease or fishskin disease, ichthyosis vulgaris is an inherited skin disorder that causes dead skin cells to accumulate in thick, dry scales on the skin's surface. These scales can be present at birth, but usually first appear in early childhood. Sometimes ichthyosis vulgaris disappears entirely for most of the adult years, only to return later.

Though most cases are mild, some cases of ichthyosis vulgaris are severe. Since there is no cure, treatments focus on controlling the signs and symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
Ichthyosis vulgaris is characterized by severely dry, scaly skin. The scales are small, polygonal in shape and range in color from white to dirty gray to brown. People with darker skin tend to have darker colored scales.

The scales usually appear on the elbows and lower legs and may be especially thick and dark over the shins. Ichthyosis may also cause scalp flaking and deep, painful fissures in the palms and soles. Though most cases of ichthyosis are mild, some can be severe.
Symptoms usually worsen or are more pronounced in cold, dry environments and tend to improve or even resolve in warm, humid environments.

Other less common forms of ichthyosis include:
Lamellar ichthyosis. This severe form of the disease is present at birth and lasts throughout life. Infants with lamellar ichthyosis are born encased in a filmy membrane that's shed after 10 to 14 days, revealing skin that's covered in scales. The scales can range from fine and white to thick and dark and generally occur over the entire body, although they may be larger on the legs. Lamellar ichthyosis can be extremely disfiguring and may cause great psychological suffering for children and adults with the disease.
X-linked ichthyosis. Starting soon after birth, this type of ichthyosis occurs only in males. The noticeable, dirty-brown scales that characterize this skin disease are most pronounced on the back of the neck, arms and behind the knees. Symptoms generally don't improve with age.
Epidermolytic hyperkeratosis. This extremely rare form of ichthyosis is usually present at birth and begins with blistering skin. In time, the skin peels away in large sheets and becomes rough or wart-looking. It's most pronounced on the knees, elbows, wrists and other flexural areas.
Itching of skin. Burning and stinging sensation. Tightening and cracking of the skin. Dry, flaking skin. Shedding of layers of the skin. Scaling of skin that gives skin the appearance of fish scales.

Causes
The skin is an endlessly renewable organ. New skin cells at the base of the epidermis push toward the surface of the skin, where they eventually shrink, flatten and die. These dead skin cells flake off every day and are continuously replaced by more cells.
Ichthyosis, however, disrupts this pattern. It occurs when the production of skin cells is too fast or the skin's natural shedding process is too slow. This causes dead skin cells to collect into thick flakes that stick to the outer surface of skin. These thick flakes can resemble fish scales.

Most often, ichthyosis is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, which means that a child has to inherit only one copy of the affected gene to develop the disease. Children with the inherited form of the disorder usually have normal skin at birth but develop scaling and roughness in the first few years of life. At times, ichthyosis vulgaris may disappear during the adult years, only to return later.

Ichthyosis not caused by genetics, referred to as acquired ichthyosis, is very rare. This type usually manifests in adulthood and is usually associated with other internal diseases, such as cancer, thyroid disease or chronic renal failure.

Harsh soaps or detergents
Genetic disorder that is passed from parent to child or that occurs spontaneously.
Cold weather
Frequent or prolonged bathing , especially in hot water .
Side effect of the disease like sarcoidosis , lymphoma , under-active thyroid , AIDS etc. may also be a cause of the disease.
Soaps or lotions containing certain scents or perfumes
When to seek medical advice
If you suspect you or your child has ichthyosis, consult your family doctor or a dermatologist. He or she can diagnose the condition by examining the characteristic scales. Also, be sure to seek medical advice if the symptoms worsen or they don't improve with self-care measures. You may need a stronger medication to manage the problem.

Treatment of Ichthyosis
Solutions or creams with salicylic acid or alpha-hydroxy acids may also help in promoting shedding of skin flakes.
Some times exposure to sunlight can improve the condition.
A large variety of non-prescription , unscented moisturizers.
Use of moisture retaining creams or ointments such as Petrolatum,lanolin or urea-containing preparations after a bath or shower helps in maintaining the skin moisture.
Disinfecting soap such as chlorhexidine can also helpfull in improving the condition.

Self-care
Although self-help measures won't cure ichthyosis, they may help improve the appearance and feel of damaged skin. These measures may be beneficial:
Take long soaking baths to soften the skin. Then use a roughly-textured sponge, such as a loofa sponge, to remove the thickened scales.
Choose mild soaps that have added oils and fats. Avoid deodorant and antibacterial soaps, which are especially harsh on dry skin.
After washing or bathing, gently pat or blot your skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains on the skin.
Apply the moisturizer or lubricating cream while your skin is still wet or moist from bathing. Choose a moisturizer that contains urea or propylene glycol — chemicals that help keep your skin moist. Petroleum jelly is another good choice. Cover the treated areas with plastic wrap to keep the petroleum jelly from staining clothes and furniture.
Twice daily applications of an over-the-counter product that contains salicylic acid may help. Salicylic acid helps the skin shed its dead skin cells.
Use a portable home humidifier or one attached to your furnace to add moisture to the air inside your home.

Home Remedies for AGE SPOT REMOVAL

AGE SPOT REMOVAL

Age spots are most commonly known as liver spots or brown spots. These are thought to be due to over aging. But the main reason for these brown spots is over exposure to the sun. These are brown colored spots on the skin mainly seen on the face, shoulders, arms or exposed areas of the skin.

They are a result of excessive production of melanin. Melanin is the pigment in your skin responsible for uneven tanning. Such “ brown or sun spots” may also be the telltale sign of accumulated wastes or some dysfunction.

Age spots are pigmentary changes associated with mature and senile skin but the damage is not due to maturity, these spots and leathery skin are almost always the result of your body trying to protect itself from too much sun exposure.

Age spots are common after 55 years old. They are harmless and painless but may affect the cosmetic appearance. Though most age spots are harmless blemishes, but in advanced stage they can lead to skin cancer.

Age spots may also be caused by impaired liver function, and a dietary deficiency, or a variety of nutritional problems. As we advance in age our health changes, our metabolism changes and our liver may become so overloaded with toxins that it cannot efficiently process the toxins or help the body to get rid of them. The oxidation process within our body and a lack of antioxidants also plays a role in this process.

Liver spots are one of the results. Liver spots typically take years to form, though they have been found in young children, and eliminating the spots will also take time.


HOME REMEDIES FOR AGE SPOT REMOVAL
Use the bleach that contains lactic acid as it helps to remove the upper layer of the dead skin much faster.
Take juice of fresh garlic and rub it on with a cotton ball twice daily where the age spots are, and in six to eight weeks, they should begin to fade away.
Rubbing a piece of sliced red onion on age spots can also help them to fade away.
Apply castor oil twice daily with a cotton swab. On larger lesions, a bandage applied with the castor oil at nighttime may bring improvement.
Avoid excessive exposure to the sun as it is caused by the exposure to the sun. Wear shades while going out in the sun.
Apply a sunscreen lotion to prevent your skin from effects of the sun on your skin.
Sunscreen should be applied at least one-half hour before sun exposure and it should be reapplied frequently.
Sweating is powerful way to cleanse your body from accumulated toxins.
Drink 8-10 glasses of water every day. Include fruit juices in your diet. It is very helpful in age sopt removal.
Avoid sweets, caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and junk foods.
Rubbing fresh aloe Vera juice or gel on the spots will help fade them. Use the gel twice a day for a month or two.
Eat lots of lean, and high quality protein foods. Also include raw fruits to supply the vitamins and minerals needed.
Apply vitamin E cream to affected area and take vitamin E supplements. It is very helpful in age sopt removal.
Do not go outdoors between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm, when the UV rays are more intense.
If you have to be outside during this hour, try to wear a hat, sunglasses that protect your eyes from UV rays.
Prepare a solution by adding two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with one teaspoon of orange juice and apply to the spots.
Take 4-8 oz. of fresh berries, 80-160 mg of bilberry extract (25% anthocyanidin) , or20-40 mg anthocyanosides daily.
Dab the spots with buttermilk.
Apply castor oil on the spots in the morning and in the evening, and rub well into the skin.
Take fresh or canned chick peas (garbanzo beans), mash about 1/3 cupful and add a little water. Apply this paste on the spots and leave it there until it dries. Then wash off completely. Do this every evening.
Break open a dandelion stem and rub the sap on the spots 2-3 times per day.
Mix 1/8 teaspoon of powdered gotu kola into a cup of herbal tea or add it to plain hotwater along with 1/8 teaspoon of ginseng and a pinch of cayenne. This home remedy should clear the spots in a few days.
Prepare a mixture by adding one teaspoon grated horseradish root, 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon vinegar, and 3 drops rosemary essential oil. Dab onto your age spots with a cotton ball once or twice a day.
Take some green (not fully ripe) black walnuts and make a few incisions in the outer shell; rub the juice on the spots.
Apply some sandalwood paste to affected areas.
Prepare a mixture by adding 2-teaspoon tomato juice and 4 tablespoon buttermilk and apply on the face. Leave for 1/2 hour, and wash off. This is also a very effective home remedy.
Mix olive oil with equal quantity of vinegar and apply an hour before your bath.

Home Remedies For Dermatitis

Dermantitis home remedies
Eczema home remedies

As we all know the skin is the largest organ in the body and the most visible, so any condition affecting it is impossible to ignore. The skin is not only exposed to cut, burns, bruises and scrapes, it can also develop diseases just like any other part of the body.

Dermatitis or Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that produces blisters, redness, scaling, flaking, thickening, weeping, crusting, color changes and itching that can be very annoying. Many times Dermatitis/eczema is allergic in nature mainly by coming in contact with different materials, chemicals or plants, such as, rubber, latex, perfumes, gold, silver, poison ivy, soap, cosmetics etc.

People with thin dry skin are prone to develop dermatitis/eczema and other skin conditions. Another cause of dermatitis is sensitivity or allergy to some foods. Studies have shown that people with low stomach acid are sensitive to some types of foods thus making them prone to develop some kind of skin disorder.

People suffering from dermatitis/eczema are sensitive to some of the items listed above and should be mindful of their condition and avoid contact with any irritant. Prolonged exposure to the materials may worsen the symptoms and cause the dermatitis to spread.

Another type of eczema called atopic dermatitis (AD) affects the face, elbows and knees it's extremely itchy. Also nummular dermatitis attacks arms and legs and produces circular lesions caused by contact with nickel.

Home remedies for Dermatitis

1. Skin wash.
   Mix the following ingredients: 1 tsp. comfrey root. 1 tsp. white oak bark. 1 tsp. slippery elm bark. 2 cups of water. Boil for 35 minutes use it to wash the affected area.
   
2. Vitamin B complex is needed for healthy skin.
   
3. Take Biotin pills is essential to prevent dermatitis
   
4. Put Vitamin E on the affected area it calms the itching. Never use synthetic vitamin E because your body will not be able to utilize it. Synthetic vitamin E has a dl instead of a d in front of its description: dl-alpha tocopherol.
   Take Zinc orally and apply it directly on the dermatitis.
   
5. Home remedies for Dermatitis
6. Shark cartilage reduces inflammation.
   
7. Use a lotion made out of blueberry leaves this is proven to be fantastic relieving inflammation of dermatitis.

Home Remedies for SKIN ALLERGY

SKIN ALLERGY

Clear skin is free from germs. But an irritated skin is a cause of trouble. Chafing of the skin is more likely to occur where two moist areas meet, such as in the groins or buttocks, or under the arms. Skin reactions are more common today due to many new fabrics in use. Babies often develop skin rashes because of irritation from the coloring materials in these fabrics.

Allergies are abnormal or hypersensitive responses of the Immune System to relatively harmless environmental antigens (substance which causes the allergy).

Diaper rash usually arises from some chemical irritation due to certain germs present in the baby’s stool. These germs break down the urea into ammonia, which irritates the skin.

Allergic conditions, such as Hay fever and sinusitis are also greatly aggravated by the presence of the germs within the tissues of the nose and throat. The most common allergens are grass and tree pollens, mold spores, dust mites, and animal dander. Eating certain foods and food additives and being stung by insects can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people. Such common disorders as eczema, hives, hay fever and asthma are often attributed to allergic reactions.

The most common cause of the skin allergies is impairment in the immune sysytem, which increases the risk of allergic reactions. This occurs due to stress on the immune system due to excess of the toxins.

Other causes of the skin allergies are the nutritional deficiencies, imbalanced diet, chemicals in the food chain due to preservatives and chronic intestinal yeast overgrowth.

Researchers have found that digestion also plays some role in the allergies. These are not just caused by the food. Proper digestion helps to remove toxins from our body. When digestion is disturbed, large amount of toxins get accumulated in the body and our body becomes over loaded with the toxins. This is what leads to allergies.

Itching is an unpleasant sensation, which we try to relieve by scratching. A certain amount of mild itching is normal for every one. Only if it is persistent and troublesome it becomes serious. Persistent scratching may produce swellings in the skin with deep scratch marks and small ulcers into which germs have found their way, causing much more trouble.

Allergies in general are defined as hypersensitivity to some foreign particle or the other. Different people have different kinds of tolerances for foreign bodies. When some people cannot adjust with certain elements in their surroundings, they may suffer from certain skin problems that are commonly referred to as skin allergies.

There is a sure way of determining whether your skin affliction is an allergy or not. If you have got a skin problem due to a cause that has affected no one else, then it is an allergic reaction. For example, several people may be exposed to dust. But if it affects you in a strong way, then you are allergic to dust.

Skin allergies could be in the form of itching, dry and scaly skin, eruptions, rashes, boils, etc. There are three main types of problems that are associated with skin allergies.

These types are as follows:-

(i) Dermatitis – This is the skin allergy which is caused due to contact with some substances. It is shown as an inflammation.
(ii) Hives – Hives is a fluid accumulation in the skin which shows up as a swelling. This is a temporary condition and heals with treatment. Hives are also known as urticaria.
(iii) Prickly Heat – This is a red rash which occurs on the body. Prickly heat is generally caused due to excessive perspiration due to hot and humid climates.

All skin problems are vata dosha disorders. Vata dosha controls the air element of the human body. Hence, when the vata dosha is vitiated, there are skin reactions. In different people, there are different degrees of the vata dosha. In some people, the vata may be weak and get easily vitiated due to external factors. Such people are more specific to skin allergies than others.

HOME REMEDIES FOR SKIN ALLERGIES

Grind 1 tbls of poppy seeds with 1-teaspoon water. Add 1-teaspoon limejuice. Apply to affected area for relief from skin allergies.
Add 1-teaspoon limejuice with sandalwood paste. Apply to affected skin allergy area
Avoid the foods, plants, animals, drugs, dust, or other substances that trigger an allergic reaction.
Smoking exacerbates allergic reactions.
Those who are allergic to MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) should avoid smoking.
Vitamin C is very helpful in fighting with the allergic reactions.
Avoid white sugar, and everything made with it. The process of chemically whitening sugar is toxic. Avoid bleached flours, and everything made with it.
Avoid all processed foods, including the frozen pre-packaged types.
Avoid the processes meat.
Thoroughly wash all fresh fruits and vegetables in warm water
Eat whole foods, and prepare your meals at home using fresh, natural products.
Prepare an eating schedule. It may be that 3 large meals per day or 4 or 5 smaller ones will be better.
Regularly practice juice fasting. This will cleanse your system of toxins and residues.
Avoid smoking and heavy alcohol consumption.
Heavy coffee consumption is to be avoided ( 1 or 2 regular cups per day is not considered harmful )
Avoid fried foods and foods cooked in oil to prevent skin allergies. When oil is heated to cooking temperatures it begins to break down and has been identified as a carcinogen.
Regularly try to do regiment of moderate exercise, such as walking, biking or swimming and strive to live in harmonious surroundings that contribute to inner peace.
Rub an ice cube gently over the affected area. This cools the skin, reduces inflammation and soothes the itch immediately.
Pour boiling water over a bowl of oats. Cover the bowl and leave for 10 minutes. Strain the oats away and pour the liquid into an ice cube tray. Freeze the oat liquid to form oat cubes. To relieve itch, rub and frozen oat cube gently over the affected area.
Apply aloe Vera gel on the affected areas. It will sooth the areas and gives a cooling effect.
Take 2 cups water, ½ teaspoon each Echinacea root and marshmallow root,1 teaspoon chamomile flowers, ½ teaspoon peppermint leaf and ¼ teaspoon ginger rhizome. Combine water and Echinacea and marshmallow roots in a saucepan and simmer for about 5 minutes. Turn off heat and add remaining ingredients. Steep for 15 minutes, then strain out herbs. For a 50-pound child, give 1 to 2 cups daily.This is an effective home remedy for skin allergy.
Take 1 cup boiling water,1 teaspoon each calendula flowers, chamomile flowers, Echinacea root, elder flowers and yarrow flowers, 3 tablespoons baking soda. Pour boiling water over herbs and steep for 15 minutes, then strain out herbs. Stir in baking soda. Apply to irritated skin with a soft cloth or a sponge until itching is reduced. This is also an effective home remedy for skin allergy.
Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily.
Take about 30 milliliters of the juice of the leaves of wood apple (Feronia limonida) and mix some cumin powder in it. Take this twice daily. This is a very good treatment for urticaria or hives.
Extract the juice of the jambula (Indian Plum) and mix some soda in it. Apply this in case of prickly heat.
In hot seasons, drink a glass of lemon juice twice everyday. This will supplement the vitamin C content of the body lost due to perspiration and will prevent the outburst of prickly heat.
Chomping on sugarcane several times in the hot season is also a good method of preventing prickly heat.
If the area on the skin is exceptionally itchy, then mash a papaya and spread the paste of the papaya on it. This will reduce the itch and also make the skin healthier.

Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Skin Allergies-
Cassia (Cassia fistula)
Cassia is used effectively in the treatment of several irritations on the skin caused due to allergies. A paste of the cassia leaves can be applied on the skin in case of inflammation of the hands and feet caused due to extreme cold, and also swellings caused due to accumulation of fluids under the skin, as in hives. -

Henna (Lawsonia inermis)
Henna is an excellent remedy for several skin allergies. It can be used in case of hives, swellings, boils and other kinds of inflammation. Applying henna on the skin cools the skin and removes the symptom of the allergy.

Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) (tulasi)
The holy basil is venerated in Indian tradition as the tulsi. It has an almost maternal status for the Hindus. This plant is venerated for its many medicinal properties. Among the other advantages, tulsi is also used for healing skin problems. In case of itches and rashes, the juice of the tulsi leaves is applied on the skin. This is a very quick treatment for allergic skin problems.

Madhuca (Madhuca indica)
Madhuca is used as a treatment for skin itch problems. The leaves are made into a paste and applied onto the skin in skin infections due to allergy.

Rauwolfia (Rauwolfia serpentina)
Rauwolfia is known as sarpagandha in Ayurveda. It is a very good remedy for skin problems. In case of hives, the juice of its leaves is applied on the swollen parts to reduce itching. Relief is almost immediate.

Sandalwood (Santalum alba)
Sandalwood is a traditional remedy for all kinds of itch problems on the skin. It is made into a paste and applied on the skin. It smoothes the skin and prevents it from allergies. Itches are immediately resolved by applying sandalwood paste on the skin. Permanent relief can be obtained by keeping the paste smeared on the skin for half an hour before washing it off. Sandalwood oil is also used in the treatment of diseases such as erysipelas (an eruptive allergic skin disease) and prurigo (an itchy skin eruption).

Dietary Guidelines for Treatment of Skin Allergies

You must take a lot of water to prevent all kinds of skin allergies.
These include fresh fruits and vegetables that have high water content in them.
In the summer season, take cooling drinks such as lemon juices and sherbets.
Do not consume sour foods if you have skin allergy problems often.
This can vitiate the vata dosha further.