Tea tree oil: Acne Terminator

An oil which is not oily? It's Tea Tree Oil!

We know how demoralizing it is to face people with our unsightly acne ...

Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca oil, contains Terpinen-4-ol which has powerful antimicrobial properties. Thus, the oil is antiseptic and antifungal and usually used when it is diluted.

Use Tea tree oil to eliminate acne appearing on your face. According to a study (Medical Journal of Australia, 1990), a solution with 5% of tea tree oil treated acne just as well as 5% of benzoyl peroxide (you practically find this in every acne cream).

Tea tree oil is gentler than benzoyl peroxide; you don't have to worry about scarring if you accidentally apply a tad too much on your stubborn acne.

Lavender is often used with tea tree oil as lavender is excellent as a preventative acne treatment that stops future breakouts.

Off the Kitchen
Tea Tree Oil Acne Terminator
1. Apply tea tree oil onto blemishes.
2. Apply lavender essential oil onto blemishes. (Optional )
3. Do it 2 times a day, once in the morning and once in the night after cleansing face

Pineapple: For removing dead skin cells

Apple from Pine tree?

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) work wonders because it removes dead skin cells, which is mainly made up of a protein called keratin.

But did you know there is a type of plant enzymes called Proteolyitc enzymes that actually help to dissolve the layer of keratin ?

Pineapple is a main source of Proteolytic plant enzyme. The enzyme helps to fight free-radicals that damage the skin and helps to remove dead skin cells while detoxifying to give a clean, rejuvenated skin.

Pineapple is useful against acne as it has anti-inflammation properties. Having exfoliating and anti-acne properties, pineapple makes your skin spotless and young.

And it makes good cocktails too!

Off the Kitchen
Pineapple mask
1. Prepare 1 tablespoon of pineapple juice
2. Spread the juice onto face and massage gently
3. Allow juice to dry for 8-10 mins
4. Wash off with warm water

Papaya: Exfoliating or whitening?

Skin Whitening Fruit?

Many people thought that papaya was good for whitening skin because after application of papaya extract, they experienced a softer and whiter skin.

However, papaya is NOT a ‘whitening fruit’ because it simply does not suppress melanin, which causes unfavorable dark spots, production.

Due to the presence of Papain, papaya is an excellent exfoliant. Papain dissolves dead skin cells thus aid in skin exfoliation.

When papaya extract is applied, your dead skins are readily removed and you get renewed skin!

Therefore, your skin appears softer, younger and vibrant, some say ‘whiter’ in complexion.

Papain is most ‘active’ in an unripe green papaya compared to a ripe one. Thus, it is better to use green papayas for skin care; whatever that is left can be part of your diet :)

Off the Kitchen
Papaya Exfoliating Mask
1. Prepare a cup of papaya juice (recommend to start with ripe papaya, if no signs of allergy proceed to use unripe green papaya)
2. Pat the juice onto face (recommend to mix in yoghurt for easier application)
3. Allow it to dry and leave on and for 5-10mins
4. Wash face with cool water

Note:

Application of papaya extract might cause sensitivity and skin irritation.

Try applying on hand or small area on the face to test for any allergy towards the fruit extract.

Balinese Papaya Mask
1. Mash papaya well.
2. Take an egg, beat it until it is frothy.
3. Combine that with the papaya. Add the pumpkin to the egg/papaya mixture and blend them together.
4. Apply mixture on your face. Cleansed your skin prior to ensure you get maximum benefits from the mask.
5. Leave the mask on for 10 minutes and rinse off mask.


Pore Minimizer Vinegar Toner
1. Mash 1/2 a papaya
2. Mix papaya with pure vinegar, such as white wine or cider vinegar.
3. Apply on face. Rinse after 10 minutes.

Vinegar gently cleanses and closes pores, restoring the skin's natural
pH balance.

The papaya exfoliates dead skin cells and lighten age spots and freckles.

Pomegranate: fruit for skin renewal

Means "Apple Seeded" in Latin!

If you are always active under the sun, it is likely that you have experienced UV skin damage. UV Skin damage includes

• the formation of free radicals, which causes dreaded aging symptoms like wrinkles
• collagen breakdown , which makes your skin less firm

Fortunately, extracts from pomegranate seeds are good sources of antioxidant that can fight off free radicals to reduce your aging woes.

In addition, pomegranate seed oil and punicic acid encourage the production of collagen and elastin; both important for young and healthy skin. Now, go ahead and experience the sun !


Off the Kitchen
Anti-aging Red Mask
1. Blend 3 tsp of pomegranate seed, 1 tbsp of plain yoghurt and 1 tbsp of pomegranate juice
2. Apply to face and leave it on for 15 mins
3. Wash off with water

Black Sesame: antioxidant

Sesame street!

Among edible oils from plants, sesame oil has the highest antioxidant content. Antioxidants reduce and even prevent the formation of destructive free radicals bring the effects of aging.

Some of the most effective antioxidants in the fight against free radicals are…

• Vitamins E
• Vitamin C
• Beta-carotene
• CoQ10

Because of Vitamin E ample, black sesame has an antioxidant property that will slow down your skin's aging process.

Combine with ginger to make your skin rosy, supple and shiny.

Off the Kitchen
Sesame ginger scrub
1. Cut and grind 1 inch of ginger root.
2. Mix the ginger with 1 table spoon of ginseng powder (optional) , sugar and 5 table spoons. of sesame oil.
3. Apply the scrub to your skin in circular motion and then rinse off.