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Beauty Benefits of Tea Tree Oil

Beauty Benefits of Tea Tree Oil

There are many beauty benefits of tea tree oil.  It has such a wide range of benefits that it really is an essential product for any home.  It has become an active ingredient in so many cosmetic products for reasons such as its natural antiseptic qualities and its anti-inflammatory abilities.  Tea tree oil is a natural substance derived from the tree known as Melaleuca which grows in Australia and is therefore also referred to as Melaleuca oil.  It has been known to have strong antiseptic qualities formerly since the 1920s, however the native peoples of Australia have been using the oil for thousands of years prior.

The following are ways to help use the oil as a possible part of your skin care regimen:

Acne

Since tea tree has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, it aids in killing bacteria that creates acne.  The oil removes toxins by being absorbed into the skin on just about any body part (i.e. face, back, extremities).  Add a few drops to some raw honey and apply to your pimples for about 4-5 minutes, then rinse with warm water.  This may help reduce/eliminate acne.

Skin Infections

This oil is amazing in treating various foot infections such as toenail fungus or athlete’s foot as well as skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.  Using a dropper, apply a few drops in and around the fungal toenail once or twice daily for approximately a month. This should aid in clearing up the problem.  For topical problems, like eczema, use a cotton swab with a few drops of tea tree to dab on the affected area.  Tea tree works wonders to help kill theses parasites and infections.

Cuts and Abrasions

For relieving painful and irritating skin trauma such as a cut or even razor burn, tea tree oil can help to alleviate the discomfort.  Since the oil operates similar to witch hazel, added together they can soothe the abrasion.  For a burn, add several drops of tea tree oil to two teaspoons of witch hazel and apply this mixture with a cotton swab.  For a cut, take two drops each of tea tree oil and lavender oil in jojoba oil and apply onto a clean cut followed by a Band-Aid to prevent infection.

Warts

With antiseptic and anti-viral properties, tea tree oil can be effective in killing warts.  The oil helps stunt their growth and dry them out so that, if you are diligent enough, they will fall off naturally.  Apply a drop of tea tree oil to the wart and cover it over night. Remove the band aid in the morning, clean the area and repeat the process for about one to four weeks for the wart to fall off.

Daily Routine

Adding a few drops of tea tree oil to your cleanser or moisturizer is a great way to add extra hydration to your skin while keeping the bacteria at bay.  Create your own gentle make up remover as well.  Try 1/4 cup canola oil with 10 drops of tea tree oil and mix.  Place in a tight lidded glass jar and store in a cool dark place.  To remove your makeup, saturate a cotton pad and swipe all over face.  Rinse well and follow with toner and moisturizer.  This mixture is also great to rub on dry cuticles.

Essential oils are a wonderful addition to any home, but not many are quite as versatile as tea tree oil.  With so many wonderful uses and beauty benefits of tea tree oil, it is an essential addition to anyone’s daily routine.

We welcome your questions and feedback. You can connect with us via email or telephone.  Don`t forgot to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest trends and special offers!

Til next time,

Phyllis

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Paying Attention to Skin Changes

check for skin changes

Our skin is our largest organ. Taking care of it is essential to our general well-being.  Therefore we need to be actively aware of any skin changes that occur.  Some of these changes can indicate or give clues as to what may be happening within our body.  Skin discoloration, a new growth, or even a difference in texture may be a sign of an illness or injury within us.  The following are some skin changes or conditions that may signal something worth looking into with a doctor.

New Growths

Any new mark or raised bump on the surface of our skin should always be seen by a doctor.  We are already aware that any moles we have should be routinely checked, as they could be a sign of skin cancer.  But there are some growths that can signal an internal issue.  Acne can suggest a hormone level problem, especially in women.  In extreme cases, acne along the jawline could indicate having polycystic ovarian syndrome, a condition that can also lead to thinning of the hair and weight changes in women.

Rashes and Other Textures

A rash or raised texture on the skin can signal an allergy to food, medication or the environment you are in.  However, other symptoms that can accompany a rash such as a fever or joint pain, may indicate an internal infection or condition.

For example, a purple tinged rash on the lower legs can be a sign of hepatitis C, or, not as common, a velvety rash could be a warning sign of stomach or liver cancer. Very dry, itchy patches of skin can be a sign of hormonal problems, especially in regards to the thyroid.  Or even eczema, a condition causing itchy, red patches of skin can be a signal of something internal going on, possibly joint issues or sleep problems.

Skin Discoloration

An altering in skin colour can be a symptom of various conditions worth looking into.  A yellowing of the skin, and the whites of the eyes, may signal liver failure.  A darkening of the skin, primarily scars and joints (knees and elbows) could be an indication of hormonal diseases, such as Addison’s disease.

Nail Changes

The shape or colour of our nails can also indicate an internal organ issue.  Dry, brittle nails could indicate a thyroid issue.  Nails that appear concave my indicate heart disease or a liver disorder called hemachromatosis, where the body absorbs too much iron.  Discoloured nails could indicate a plethora of possible health ailments.  Blueish tinged nails could mean low oxygen levels in the blood, whereas white nails may indicate a liver disease like hepatitis.

In short, pay attention to your body and look for skin changes.  Don’t ignore or overlook something new on your skin.  It is always best to consult your doctor if you have any doubt about a rash or a mark that you are unfamiliar with.  It just may be an indication of something bigger going on with you.

We welcome your questions and feedback. You can connect with us via email or telephone.  Don`t forgot to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest trends and special offers!

Til next time,

Phyllis

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5 Signs of Dehydration: Are You Drinking Enough Water?

signs of dehydration - are you drinking enough water

For many of us, it can be quite the challenge to remember to drink our daily quota of water.  The human body needs to consume a certain amount of water by means of survival.  The amount of water we lose during the day is significant, therefore replenishing it is extremely important.  For most of us, eight 8 ounce glasses of water per day is the proper amount to consume.  Not only is drinking water fantastic for our skin, but also for our mind, muscles and all our bodily systems. But how do we know if we are drinking as much as we should?  Are we hydrating ourselves appropriately?  The following are some possible signs of dehydration and why drinking enough water is essential to our overall health.

5 Possible Signs of Dehydration

Dry Skin

Before you spend your money on super expensive creams and potions, increase your water intake.  Dehydration can in fact cause sensitivities to your skin.   Your skin may become inflamed or irritated causing itching or, in extreme cases, cracking.  Your skin is your largest organ and it needs lubrication so drink up!

Elimination Issues 

Dark urine and constipation can both be caused by insufficient water intake.  Your urine should ideally be a light yellow colour.  Any darker than that generally means it has more waste within it being excreted from the kidneys.  Constipation can also be a sign of dehydration.  The colon needs significant lubrication to eliminate what it needs to and drinking more water is the first solution to consider.

Headaches

When dehydrated, our brain tissue loses water resulting in pain and swelling.  Since our brains are 80% water, it is essential to drink the appropriate amount of water to promote proper blood flow and oxygen to the brain, thus preventing the dreaded headache.

Muscle Cramps

When we exercise, our bodies sweat, resulting in a lower sodium level.  Our muscles become very sensitive if they don’t receive an adequate amount of water, which can result in cramps or spasms.  Drinking water aids in replenishing sodium levels, helping to reduce and/or eliminate the cramps.

Low Energy

Feeling tired? Guess what?  It may be because you aren’t drinking enough water! Our energy levels lessen when our blood circulation is sluggish.  Proper blood circulation delivers oxygen to all our organs and muscles, therefore giving us energy to go about our day. And water is the key!

Make sure you are getting enough water throughout the day.  Eating more water rich foods such as fruits and vegetables can also be extremely beneficial in consuming the appropriate amount of water.  Most importantly, don’t wait to experience any of these signs.  Just grab, drink and refill your water bottle every day!

We welcome your questions and feedback. You can connect with us via email or telephone, leave a comment right here on the site or click the contact tab at the bottom of the screen if you are reading this post on the website.  Join in the conversation on Facebook too!

Til next time,

Phyllis

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What to Look for in Moles to Detect Melanoma

detecting melanoma in moles

Ah, summer.  The season many of us look forward to the most throughout the year.  Many of us relate this time of year to relaxing family time at the cottage, packing up the kids and heading to the beach, or a fun day at the zoo.  Along with your snacks and water in your backpacks, be especially sure to pack your sunscreen!

Apply & Reapply Often!

Sunscreen is immensely important to apply at least 30 minutes before heading outdoors, at any time of the year, but especially in the hot months of summer. And also important is to reapply it often throughout the day.  We need to protect our largest organ, our skin.  As we know, melanin is the pigment responsible for our skin colour.  And without protection, dangerous conditions can occur over time, primarily, a disease known as melanoma.

Melanoma Can Occur from Over Exposure to UV Light

Melanoma is the rarest and most lethal type of skin cancer. Fortunately with early detection, it has a very high cure rate. Melanoma is a lump on the skin that often looks like a common mole. It can occur when we are over exposed to the sun’s UV (ultraviolet) light or the use of tanning beds.  Other risk factors that contribute to the development of melanoma are having a large amount of moles on your body, having fair skin or a family history of this disease.

The following are characteristics to look for in moles that may or may not be melanoma:

Asymmetry

When you look at the mole, imagine a line traced down the centre of it.  If both halves look similar, odds are the mole is healthy.  However, if both sides look different, you may want to get the mole checked out.

Border

A mole that has a rather smooth outline usually isn’t a problem, whereas if the borders are uneven or even jagged, it may be a melanoma.

Colour

Generally moles tend to be brown, some lighter and some darker. This can be fooling as melanoma can appear in different colours.  A mole that looks black, blue, red or even white can present itself as a melanoma.

Size

A melanoma usually are larger than a healthy mole.  A regular mole tends to be the size of an eraser on a pencil, or smaller whereas a melanoma would be larger than that.

It is essential to know your body and its changes.  If you notice a mole or a growth that you are unsure of, be sure to make an appointment with your family doctor or dermatologist.  In the meantime, apply that SPF every day and often, and enjoy the beautiful summer weather!

We welcome your questions and feedback. You can connect with us via email or telephone, leave a comment right here on the site or click the contact tab at the bottom of the screen if you are reading this post on the website.  Join in the conversation on Facebook too!

Til next time,

Jana

 

The information presented in this article is not to be taken as medical advice. Please consult with your health care provider.

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