Glossy red in color and round in shape, cranberries have a strong yet a delectable flavour. Cranberries are considered are as a super food and the credit goes to its healthy nutrients that are beneficial for our health. Cranberries are rich source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients, cranberries are good for our cardiovascular heath, moreover, on this juicy fruit is also known to heal stomach inflammation, prevent urinary tract infections, avoid respiratory infection, prevent scurvy, strengthen bones and teeth and aid weight loss. People enjoy eating cranberries in their raw form, plus also in the form of jam, sauce and juice. Apart from these health benefits, cranberries are quite beneficial for our skin and hair too. Here are some amazing ways to use cranberries for our skin and hair.

1. For Acne And Blemishes

If you are suffering from acne, then cranberries are perfect for you. Cranberries have an anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties that help to treat ache and blemishes. Moreover, the fruit has a rich amount of vitamin C, which helps the scars and marks to fade away.

How to use:
Take some cranberry juice.
Dab it on a cotton swab and apply directly on the acne or blemishes.
Leave it to dry and wash it off with clean water.

2. To Unclog The Pores

This is for the ones with oily skin.Cranberries contain natural acids that help to prevent clogging of pores and decrease the risk of acne and boils on the face.

How to use:
Take some cranberry juice and dab it on a cotton ball.
Apply the juice on your face and leave it for some time.
Rinse it off with cold water.

3. For Hyper-pigmented Skin

Cranberries contain high amount of antioxidants and astringent properties, which help to remove pigmentation on your skin.

How to use:
Take some cranberry juice and mix it with gram flour.
Apply the mask on your face and massage it in a circular motion for 10-15 minutes.
Rinse it off with cold water.

4. For Glowing Skin

Cranberries help to give you a glowing and supple skin as it is rich in antioxidants. It helps to fight free radicals that are responsible for dull, dry and saggy skin.

How to use:
Take some cranberry juice and mix it with yogurt.
Massage it for few minutes.
Wash it with cold water. Follow this routine regularly to get youthful glow.

5. For Firm Skin

People with saggy skin must include cranberries in their daily skin care routine. Cranberries are rich in vitamin C that help in boosting our collagen production that is known to improve the elasticity of the skin. Collagen production helps to carry the oxygen and nutrients to the skin that makes our skin soft, glowing and firm.

How to use:
Take some cranberry juice and mix it with orange juice.
Apply it on your face and leave it for some time.
Rinse it off with cold water.

6. For Scalp Irritation

Cranberries contain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help in preventing scalp irritation. If you have scalp irritation then you must try cranberries.

How to use:
Take some cranberry juice and mix it with egg white.
Apply the mixture on your scalp and make sure you cover the tips of the hair as well.
Massage your scalp with it for some time.
Wait for few minutes and wash it off with cold water. For better result follow this remedy twice a week.

7. For Shiny Hair

Cranberries have large amount of vitamins and proteins in it. Washing your hair with fresh cranberry juice can help to give you lustrous and shiny hair.

How to use:
Take some cranberry juice and mix it with one cup of mayonnaise.
Apply this mask on your scalp and leave it for 15 minutes.
Rinse it off with cold water.

8. Works As A Natural Hair Color

Cranberry juice can be used as a natural hair color. Use cranberry juice to have a natural red hue to your tresses and the best part is that it does not have any side effects.

How to use:
Take some purred cranberry juice and mix it with water.
Apply the mixture on your scalp and let it dry naturally.
Then wash it with normal water.
In order to get natural red tinge on your hair repeat this routine regularly for 2-3 days.

So, now you know the skin and hair benefits of eating/using cranberries. Go and grab this healthy fruit today. Also, let us know some more skin and hair treatments using cranberries in the comment section below.

Come autumn and most people I know start to stock up their creams, moisturisers and other skin nourishing products. During this time of the year, the skin starts to feel stretched and leathery, especially for those people who have dry skin. And for others who have been neglecting a proper skin care regime also notice patchy and discoloured, dull looking skin. Coming to people with oily and combination skin types, the skin starts to look better, more porcelain and glowing, but remember even these skin types will feel a tightening and stretching of the skin and will require not just moisturising but nourishing too. So what's the difference between moisturising and nourishing you'd ask? The simplest way to explain it to you would be comparing a dehydrated powdered soup available in packets as against a fresh, wholesome, home-made soup. You can never replace the goodness of pure fresh ingredients and products whether it is on your skin and hair or something you take internally.So what are these winter skin nourishers that give you the goodness of natural ingredients? Do they just moisturise the skin or do they nourish and pamper it too? Most certainly the answer is in the affirmative. Let's have a look at some of nature's wonderful skin nourishers and see how you can use them to improve, soften, nourish and pamper your skin.

Natural Skin Nourishers

Here are 10 amazing home remedies for a glowing skin:
1. Honey

Honey when taken internally and externally is excellent for the skin. For combination to dry skin types, take one teaspoon of honey and massage on the skin daily. Leave it on for about 10 minutes and then wash. Pat dry and you will see that not only is your skin softer but also glowing. Make sure you use raw honey both internally and externally in order to reap maximum benefits. Organic raw honey is easily available everywhere nowadays.

2. Figs

It is one of my all-time favourites. Take two figs (anjeer) and mash them. Mix in with a little milk and gentle rub on the face for one to two minutes. Wash the face with water and pat dry. This remedy will help remove all the toxins on your skin and help it glow better. the mildly abrasive nature of figs help keep the skin healthy. Make sure you use this face pack regularly to reap maximum benefits. Make sure it suits your skin. Try a sample of this pack on your hand and see if it does not react.

3. Milk

I personally love this ingredient. Not only does it softens and nourishes the skin but also makes it sensuous and helps in de-tanning. Wipe your skin with full fat milk twice a day or just splash a small bowlful of cold milk on your skin and pat dry. Milk is known to be one of the best moisturisers for your skin. This one's a great home remedy for those who have a dry skin. Ensure that you apply it regularly.

4. Avocado

The healthy fruit with aphrodisiac properties works wonders for dry skin. Mash an avocado and apply it onto a clean skin, slowly massaging it. Leave it on for a minimum of 15 minutes before you wash off with milk and then water. Full of healthy fats, vitamins and antioxidants, avocadoes are great for your skin health. Using avocado oil is also one of the best options to keep your skin healthy. Eating avocadoes is also one way to help your skin glow.

5. Banana

A common man's moisturiser and nourisher, never underestimate this fruit. Mash a ripe banana and massage the skin with the pulp. Even the driest of skins will thank you for it. Banana contains moisture, potassium and vitamins E and C, which are responsible for promoting clear skin. Use a ripe banana as it has more beneficial effects that unripe one.

6. Almond

Whether you are using pure almond oil or almond paste, both are excellent sources of Vitamin E, providing nourishment for your skin externally. For dehydrated and dry skin, first massage the face with one teaspoon almond oil and then make a paste of 10 almonds mixed with a little milk and scrub it gently onto the skin. Wash the face with milk and then water. Not only will this help patchy skin but will give the skin an youthful texture, something we are all in constant search of.

7. Olives

Olive is an excellent source of vitamins. Take three to four mashed olives and apply it onto the skin and let it dry. Wash off with cold water and pat dry. It will help restore the skin's natural pH. Olives or olive oil has long been known for their health and skin benefits. Olive oil is packed with anti-ageing antioxidants and hydrating squalene, making it amazing for hair and skin health along with nails.

8. Papaya

I am amazed at the goodness of this humble fruit and have used it time and time again on my skin in various treatments, and they have all given positive results. Take mashed papaya and massage it onto the skin for five minutes. Wash the skin with milk and then water and see how clarified and soft your skin feels in minutes. Papaya nourishes the skin; thanks to the presence of vitamin A and papain enzyme, it helps remove dead skin cells and inactive proteins, thus rejuvenating your skin.

9. Sugar

Sugar is an excellent skin softener. For best results, mix the grains with either curd or fresh cream to bring back life to the driest of all skins. Take one teaspoon of shakkar and mix with one teaspoon of malai and gently massage onto the skin. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then wash with cold water. Sugar scrubs have long been used for their abrasive nature that helps exfoliate the skin and help it to glow.


10. Aloe vera

This modest plant can be grown practically everywhere - gardens, pots, terraces, etc - and is an excellent rejuvenator for undernourished skin. Scrape out the gel from the leaf, mash it and massage onto the skin. Let it sit there for 10 minutes and wash the skin with cold water and pat dry. Your skin will be rejuvenated naturally. Aloe vera soothes your skin, especially in summers when it faces the sweltering heat.

Now that you have these precious natural nourishers, all you need to do is start using them and see how your skin comes back to life and becomes super soft in minutes.Until next time, make your skin happy naturally.

Everything you eat has an impact not only on your inner health, but also on your outer being as well. What you put on your plate is even more important than what you put on your skin. If you've been loading up on junk food lately, then there are high chances of you facing its consequences as well; in the form of acne breakouts, puffy eyes etc. So in order to avoid the same, here are some minor changes you can make in your daily diet:

Acne- Isn't it infuriating when you have a party to attend the next morning but there's that little acne bump on your face the night before? And you think why this acne won't ever leave you alone? Well, your eating habits may have drawn them towards you. Yes, you read that right! Foods that are high in iodine content may trigger acne. If you're having frequent breakouts, evaluate your diet for iodine-rich foods.

Early Signs Of Ageing- Ageing is a natural process. You sure cannot reverse it but can slow it down. The quicker you eat your food, the fewer nutrients your body absorbs. The proper chewing, tasting, and swallowing of food can cause greater nutrient absorption by your digestive system.
Skin ages when it's deprived of essential nutrients like proteins, vitamins, and minerals. If you're not absorbing enough of these nutrients, your skin is most likely to reflect it all.

Dry Skin- Dry, flaky, and cracked skin can turn out to be quite annoying. If you're experiencing dry, flaky skin on a regular basis, then you probably need to be drinking more water, or at least eating more hydrating foods like cucumber, lettuce and watermelon. Our diet plays a major role in keeping our skin hydrated and radiant.

Puffy Face- When it comes to looking fresh, there's usually one thing that can end up standing in your way - puffiness. A puffy face could possibly mean that your body lacks good fats. Essential fatty acids, such as those from seeds and oils protect against skin inflammation.

Stretch Marks- Stretch marks are formed due to the tearing of the middle layer of the skin called the dermis. The scars happen more often (and more severely) when you have less zinc in your diet. When it comes to repairing and healing of tissues, zinc plays a crucial role.

So make these little changes in your diet and feel rejuvenated.

Nutmeg, or jaiphal, is an exotic spice that is known for its sweet aroma and is used for the preparation of various dishes. Originally from Indonesia, it is the seed of an evergreen tree called Myristica fragrans. In fact, it is the only tropical tree to bear two distinct spices - nutmeg and mace. A pinch of nutmeg can add a different flavour to soups, meat gravies, steaks and various desserts. This exotic spice is not just valued for the flavours it adds to different delicacies, but is also known for various medicinal properties. Nutmeg oil and butter have some beauty and health benefits; all thanks to the presence of nutrients like magnesium, manganese and copper; and vitamins like B1 and B6. While you know some of its exceptional health benefits, you must know how good it is for your skin too. If you are the uninitiated ones here, we tell you some marvellous benefits of nutmeg for skin and hair.

Nutmeg For Skin
1. Reduces Pigmentation

One of the most amazing benefits of nutmeg is that it has the ability to even out discolorations and pigmentation on your face. Dark spots, pigmentation and freckles appear due to excessive exposure to the ultra-violet rays of the sun, hormonal changes, progressing age, side-effect of medications or a certain skin condition.

How To Make Nutmeg Pack For PigmentationIngredients:

Nutmeg powder
Lemon juice
Yogurt
Method:

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Now, apply a thick layer of this mask onto your face. Let it stay for about seven to eight minutes and then rinse off with cold water, followed by applying moisturiser. Apply it at least three times a week to see effective results.

2. Gently Exfoliates Your Skin

Its mildly abrasive nature makes it a great exfoliator for your skin and further makes it gentle and smooth. Mix it with other essential kitchen ingredients and give your skin a natural glow.

How To Make An Exfoliating Face Pack With Nutmeg

Ingredients:

Raw honey
Baking soda
Clove oil
Nutmeg
Lemon juice
Method:

Mix the baking soda in raw honey and add clove oil to make a paste. Now, add nutmeg and lemon juice into the mixture to make a fine paste. Massage the pack on your skin for at least two minutes. Your face will feel warm and tingly as the nutmeg gets deep into your pores, treating the deeper layers of your skin. Now, rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.

3. Treats Oily Skin

If you are left with an oily face at the end of the day, it means you have large pores that increase the sebum on your skin. Thank heavens for nutmeg to solve this problem for you. It helps shrink your pores and ensures a normal and healthy skin. Moreover, it has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that help prevent acne.

How To Make A Face Pack Using Nutmeg For Oily Skin

Ingredients:

Nutmeg powder
Honey
Method:

Mix the two ingredients together and apply the mixture on your skin and leave it for about five to ten minutes. Both nutmeg and honey have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help keep your skin safe from acne.

4. Promotes Youthful Skin

Nutmeg comes packed with antioxidants and anti-ageing properties that fight off the cell-damaging free radicals causing oxidative stress, making you look older than your age. The oxidative stress may leave you with fine-lines and wrinkles; in order to avoid the same, ensure adding nutmeg to your beauty regime.

How To Make Face Pack For A Youthful Skin

Ingredients:

Nutmeg powder
Yogurt
Honey
Method:

Mix honey, nutmeg powder and honey to form a paste. Apply this on your face and wait for 10 minutes before gently washing it off with running water.

5. Acts As A Natural Toning Cleanser

Nutmeg tends to restore moisture while stimulating dull skin, further reduces signs of ageing. It's always good to use this natural ingredient than opting for a store-bought beauty product to treat your skin effectively.

How To Make Face Pack For A Cleansing Toner

Ingredients:

Coconut milk or organic whole milk
Nutmeg powder
Method:

Mix the two ingredients and apply on your face. The benefits of lactic acid will promote a supple skin. Behold a beautiful glowing skin.

Bring this exotic spice to your rescue and ensure a beautiful looking skin!

Just like the rest of our body parts, the skin also requires certain essential nutrients to maintain it in good health. This biggest of our body organs is tough but is still susceptible to the excesses of the outside environment, as well as the changes that occur inside our bodies. But since we can only control our external environments to a certain extent, it is important to ensure that our internal environment is healthy and happy. Hormonal ups and downs, deficiency of certain essential dietary components etc. may wreak havoc on the skin. So while you spend thousands of bucks on buying expensive cosmetics to look good on the outside, you may also benefit from spending some time to ensure a healthy diet for your skin as well.

Skincare Tips: Nutrients For Healthy Skin
Some nutrients that have been known to promote skin health include antioxidants, omega-3 and -6 fatty acids and, vitamins E and C. Antioxidants are found in a number of plant-based foods like fruits and vegetables, as well as spices and herbs. These usually also contain the essential vitamins important for maintaining a healthy skin. Meanwhile, fatty acids are found in seeds and nuts, as well as fatty fish. Vitamin C helps in synthesis of collagen, while vitamin E is important for protecting the skin from the Sun and UV damage. Antioxidants fight inflammation, which reflects on the outside in the form of a blemish and acne-free skin. We have a recipe for you that combines all these nutrients in one delicious drink.

Anti-Ageing Coconut And Turmeric Drink Recipe
This recipe contains banana, pineapple, flaxseeds, coconut milk, coconut oil, ginger, cinnamon and turmeric. This drink can be a powerful addition to your diet if you are looking to improve the health of your skin. The coconut oil and milk are sources of healthy fats and important vitamins, and the shiny flaxseeds give you a dose of omega fatty acids. Ginger and turmeric are both root spices that are said to have anti-ageing benefits by improving skin elasticity and fighting inflammation.

Here's how to make this drink:
1. Chop the banana and pineapple.

2. Place them in a bowl and add flaxseeds, grated ginger, coconut oil, cinnamon powder, turmeric powder and flaxseeds to the fruits.

3. Add coconut milk and use a hand-held blender to blend all the ingredients together.

4. You may add a little honey to sweeten the drink more if you like.

Click here for the full recipe and details of ingredients.

It's important to stay hydrated and wash your face after a day out in the Sun to ensure a healthy and clear skin.