Chapped Lips? Try This 3-Ingredient Sugar Cookie Lip Scrub
Exfoliate your lips with this hydrating Sugar Cookie Lip Scrub made with lipid-rich coconut oil.
Do your lips dry easily from cold dry winters or harsh rays from the sun? Ditch those artificial commercial scrubs and try this natural exfoliant made from three edible ingredients that taste like a sugar cookie!
They’ll gently buff away chapped skin and restore hydration to the lips. Plus, you can make it part of your daily shower routine to ensure perfectly kissable lips 365 days of the year!
Not only is coconut sugar a Paleo pantry staple, but it also makes a great topical scrub for the face, body, and lips. Fine sugar granules help polish away dead skin cells while added coconut oil leaves a dewy moisturizer for your lips. Coconut oil can also help combat dry scalp and acne when used on its own.
To create your own sugar cookie lip scrub, start by combining coconut sugar, coconut oil and vanilla extract in a small bowl.
Tip: Be sure to purchase pure and alcohol-free vanilla extract so the alcohol doesn’t burn or dry out your lips.
Feel free to experiment with vanilla bean paste or powder instead of extract. Stir all the ingredients together until the texture is similar to wet sand. Scoop it into a small jar with a lid and store in the shower until ready to use.
3-Ingredient Sugar Cookie Lip Scrub
Recipe by Jennafer Ashley
Exfoliate your lips with this hydrating Sugar Cookie Lip Scrub made with lipid-rich coconut oil.
Tools:
Small bowl
4-6 oz jar with lid
Ingredients:
1/3 cup coconut sugar
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/2 t pure alcohol-free vanilla extract
Instructions:
Mix coconut sugar, coconut oil and vanilla extract in a small bowl.
Pour into a small jar with a lid.
To use: Scoop up approximately 1/8 teaspoon of the scrub with your fingers and gently rub in a circular motion on your lips, then rinse.
Jenna is a Registered Dietetic Technician and recipe developer specializing in healthy eating. She styles and photographs recipes for her website, Fresh and Fit , as well as contributes to a variety of websites. In her free time, Jenna enjoys trying new restaurants and hiking with her German Shepherd.
A lot of people have gotten results from the Keto diet, and enjoyed the foods that it has to offer. However, many of the people who are following this diet have a hard time finding the recipes that they need, especially ones that are quick and easy to complete.
Fortunately, Kelsey Ale, noticed this problem, and decided to do something about it. She’s found that making recipes in a slow cooker gives you meals which are not only delicious, but also take very little time to make. Mostly you just put a few simple ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it do the rest.
We all know that a particular smell can evoke a strong memory, such as your father’s cologne, the aroma of meat roasting in the oven, or even the comforting scent of freshly washed towels, but essential oils take it one-step further.
You can applying essential oils to the skin, combining them with a carrier oil to give yourself a massage, or warming them to fragrance the air so you can breathe them in and in some cases, you can even consume low amounts.
Although essential oils may seem expensive when you see them standing on the shelf in a very tiny bottle, you simply need to know the effectiveness and potency of what is inside to know that they are worth every penny.
Essential oils are taken from certain plants cells or glands. The smell you breathe from a flower is the essence of the plant that is removed and placed into that little bottle you can buy.
Of course, only a small amount of oil can be found in any one plant, therefore it can take a lot of plants to obtain enough oil to fill a small bottle with essential oils. In fact, it takes roughly 50 roses to create just one single drop of essential oil.
The result is a highly potent extract with a powerful aroma and many health benefits. Due to the potency, only a small amount should be used at any one time. That being said, you will likely keep that little bottle of essential oil around for a long time!
Most people add to their essential oil collection over time, since buying every single oil at once would be expensive and probably unnecessary. You will discover your favorites as you experiment with them.
Lavender is perhaps the most versatile oil. The aroma is relaxing and it also helps heal skin irritation, cuts and bruises. Placing a few drops in your bath or on your pillow can help you to sleep.
Tea tree oil can be used topically and is great for blemishes and fungus. You can use it on athlete’s foot or dab it on acne or spots to aid healing.
Peppermint is stimulating and purifying and it can increase mental alertness when inhaled. You can also mix a drop or two into water and drink to help ease indigestion.
Clove oil is well known to help with toothaches. Use an earbud to dab small amounts of clove oil onto the tooth causing discomfort, doing your best not to get any oil onto your gums.
Oregano oil has natural antibacterial properties and some people like to place a few drops on the tongue to fight the flu.
Grapefruit oil is great for dealing with jet lag and it is also a natural antiseptic, so you can use it not only on yourself but also in homemade household cleansers.
A detailed list of all the benefits of essential oils is far too long for this short introductory article on the subject.
However, it definitely is a subject worth reading more into, as after all, we are all seeking optimal health throughout our lifetime and who better to help heal us and give our body strength than Mother Nature?
PaleoHacks is an online paleo diet community that promotes a healthy lifestyles through primal methods. PaleoHacks started as a way for people share recipes, ideas and general opinions about the Paleolithic lifestyle. Now, whether it be the paleo diet, physical fitness or overall wellness, PaleoHacks has evolved into an online resource for healthy living. check us out on Facebook.
A lot of people have gotten results from the Keto diet, and enjoyed the foods that it has to offer. However, many of the people who are following this diet have a hard time finding the recipes that they need, especially ones that are quick and easy to complete.
Fortunately, Kelsey Ale, noticed this problem, and decided to do something about it. She’s found that making recipes in a slow cooker gives you meals which are not only delicious, but also take very little time to make. Mostly you just put a few simple ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it do the rest.
Extra virgin olive oil is so much more than a basic cooking oil. Here are 15 ways you probably didn’t know you could use EVOO!
We all love a drizzle of finishing olive oil on omelets, meats, and other dishes, but it turns out that extra virgin olive oil has all sorts of other uses. Did you know that you can use it as shoe polish, or even as a quick way to treat diaper rash?
Quality matters here. Make sure to find cold-pressed, extra virgin olive oil that has not been heated or chemically refined. This processing can damage the delicate antioxidants that give olive oil its many benefits, so you don’t want to purchase anything sub-par.
Read on for 15 unique and genius ways to use olive oil. Some of these will seriously improve your life!
15 Unique Ways to Use Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1. Makeup Remover
You’ve probably heard that coconut oil can be used as a makeup remover – and olive oil works just as well. Just apply a little bit to a makeup remover pad or cotton ball and wipe your makeup right off your face.
Best of all, it also contains wonderfully hydrating antioxidants that fight aging, like vitamin E and polyphenols. Much better than the expensive commercial removers that dry out your face!
2. Massage Oil
Get a boost of moisture when you use olive oil to give a massage. Add one to two drops of your favorite essential oil, mix it well with olive oil, and rub generously over your partner’s back and neck. Then, it’s your turn!
3. Face Moisturizer
Olive oil contains abundant amounts of healthy fats to help keep the delicate skin on your face moisturized. Plus, EVOO has several anti-inflammatory compounds that are great for acne-prone skin, as well as anti-aging antioxidants. Apply a dime-sized amount of olive oil to your face at night, right before bed.
4. Pet Lotion
Olive oil works great as a natural lotion for pets, especially if they have dry, cracked paws due to cold weather or walking on rough terrain or concrete. Try rubbing a little olive oil into your dog’s dry spots to help moisturize and soothe their skin.
5. Hair Mask
Olive oil makes a wonderfully simple hair mask. The abundance of healthy monounsaturated fats deeply moisturizes your strands, while its antioxidant content also nourishes your scalp.
To make your hair mask, gently warm about a ¼ cup of olive oil in a small pan, then apply it to your hair, from scalp to ends. Let the oil sit for 15-20 minutes, then hop in the shower and shampoo as normal.
6. Furniture Conditioner
Even your furniture will enjoy a good dose of olive oil. Add a dash to a cloth or rag, then use it to polish wood surfaces until they shine. Go ahead and smooth it over any area that needs a little touch-up!
7. Exfoliating Scrub
Olive oil is a fantastic ingredient for a DIY exfoliating scrub. Its high antioxidant content delivers age-fighting compounds while you buff away dead skin, making it the perfect double-whammy for soft, glowing skin.
Simply mix 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil with 2 tablespoons of honey and a ½ cup of sugar in a glass jar. Use it to scrub your body and face in the shower, then rinse clean.
8. Sunburn Lotion
Aloe isn’t the only way to treat a sunburn! The polyphenols and anti-inflammatory compounds in olive oil can also help soothe the pain and discomfort of too much time at the pool.
Treat your toasted skin with a dab of olive oil, or take your summertime skin care regimen to the next level and blend a ¼ cup of olive oil with a tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel. Your sunburn doesn’t stand a chance!
9. Zesty Salad Dressing
Believe it or not, you should always add a little healthy fat to your greens – it helps your body absorb the vitamins from the veggies.
Whisk up a quick vinaigrette by mixing 2 tablespoons of olive oil with a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar, two teaspoons of honey, and a teaspoon of Dijon mustard. You can even jazz it up with a little sea salt, chopped herbs, and minced garlic. Then drizzle all over your favorite salad!
10. Moisturizing Bath Oil
You don’t have to wait to towel off before you moisturize. Simply add 2 tablespoons of olive oil right to your bath, along with a few drops of your favorite essential oil, and soak. Your skin will love the moisturizing effects of the healthy fats since hot water can otherwise dry out your skin.
11. Diaper Rash Soother
Oleocanthal, olive oil’s anti-inflammatory compound, may also help soothe a case of diaper rash. It can help bring down irritation in your baby’s skin, while also moisturizing the area to keep it hydrated and prevent further irritation.Simply clean around the diaper rash, apply a dime-sized dollop, and gently rub in.
12. Lip Balm
You don’t need to venture to the store the next time you run out of chapstick or lip balm: simply wander into your kitchen and apply a small amount of olive oil to your lips. The oil will help deeply moisturize dry lips, while also giving your puckers a nice glowing shine.
13. Paint Remover
If you’re an artist, or you have kids that love to paint, olive oil can help remove those unwanted splatters. It works best for oil-based paints, helping to smooth and dissolve away the paint more thoroughly than water alone.
14. Shaving Cream
It might sound weird, but lots of people swear by using olive oil as a natural shaving cream. It may help your razor glide across your skin more smoothly, which will help you avoid nicks and cuts. In addition, the natural antioxidants in olive oil may also help soothe irritations from shaving.
15. Shoe Shiner
Toss your old chemical shoe-shiner and give your dirty kicks top treatment with a little olive oil. Just like it buffs up tired-looking furniture, it can give your tired shoes a nice conditioning treatment. Simply add a teaspoon or more to a cloth and buff away.
Olive oil has such an array of unique uses, you’ll most likely be able to get rid of several products in favor of just one bottle of extra virgin olive oil. Try out the tips above and dole out a few tablespoons to spruce up your home or jazz up your bath time routine.
Written by Megan Patiry
Author Bio:
Megan is an inquisitive nutrition and wellness writer harboring an editorial love affair with the decadent and the nutritious. She is a dedicated researcher in all areas of ancestral health, a certified specialist in fitness nutrition, personal trainer, and professional almond milk latte addict.
A lot of people have gotten results from the Keto diet, and enjoyed the foods that it has to offer. However, many of the people who are following this diet have a hard time finding the recipes that they need, especially ones that are quick and easy to complete.
Fortunately, Kelsey Ale, noticed this problem, and decided to do something about it. She’s found that making recipes in a slow cooker gives you meals which are not only delicious, but also take very little time to make. Mostly you just put a few simple ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it do the rest.
Researchers from the University of Milan in Italy have discovered that men suffering severe ED are lacking one essential vitamin.
This vitamin is either cheap or free, depending on where in the world you live, and supplementing causes no side effects. So you could correct your ED in a matter of days.
In this study, published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, scientists measured vitamin D levels in 143 men with erectile dysfunction.
They found that those suffering from the most severe erectile dysfunction had significantly lower levels of vitamin D than those who only had mild erectile dysfunction.
This strongly indicates that lacking vitamin D can lead to severe erectile dysfunction. Even if this deficiency doesn’t cause ED, it worsens it at the very least.
The good news is that vitamin D is completely free if you live in a semi-sunny area. Just jump out in the sun for 30 minutes a day, with 25% of your body exposed to the sun, and you’ll be loaded up with vitamin D.
If the sun is not shining, stop by a local health food store and grab a bottle of good-quality vitamin D supplements. Avoid the cheap supermarket brands because they don’t absorb as well in your body and are often useless as a result.
Taking vitamin D improves your condition but it may not be enough to completely heal your erectile dysfunction. To do that, you must boost circulation in the genital area.
Thousands of readers have been successfully using simple, easy erectile dysfunction exercises to flood the genital area with blood flow and permanently heal erectile dysfunction.
The best part is that these exercises are completely private. Nobody will ever have to know you’re using them—not even your partner.
Triclosan is a chemical found in most antibacterial soaps. And it has been found to have devastating effects on your health.
In a recent study published in the Oxford Journal of Toxicology Sciences, researchers exposed rats to low levels of Triclosan. After the exposure, the rats had significantly lower levels of testosterone than the control group.
Testosterone is an extremely important hormone. Not just for sexual function, though. Studies have shown that a drop in testosterone leads to weakened immune system, risk of heart attack, lower energy levels and many other health issues.
As if lowered testosterone levels weren’t enough, another study from The Indian Institute of Technology’s Department of Biotechnology revealed that rats who were exposed to Triclosan had much slower sperm production than those not exposed. This could also lead to lower libido.
There is no reason to believe that research on men would have different results than rats.
The fact is that everyday use of antibacterial soaps and gels have never been shown to deliver any health benefits. To the contrary; over sterilizing can weaken your immune system.
I recommend using only organic soap found in your local health food store. Triclosan is only one of many chemicals found in antibacterial products, and I’m sure that research will reveal the other types to be just as dangerous.
Now if you’re already suffering from erectile dysfunction, I recommend you do extremely easy erectile dysfunction exercises. These exercises are so simple, nobody needs to know you’re doing them and they only take a few minutes per day.
Reduce Risk of ED – ED Risk Increased by 460% from Lacking This
Men who lack this one hormone in a specific way are 4.6 times more likely to suffer ED than those who have plenty of it.
Some swear that supplementing with it is more effective than taking risky prescription medications.
But there is a catch. If you lack this hormone in a different way, it has no effect on ED.
Testosterone has become a marketing word somewhat in the medical world. Doctors are prescribing pills and patches left and right to heal anything from high blood pressure to lack of libido or erectile dysfunction.
But a Chinese study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine put this issue to a scientific test.
Regularly measuring testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in 733 men for four years, the researchers found a weird connection.
Men between 20 and 40 years old had a 20% increased risk of erectile dysfunction if they had low free testosterone (FT). But there was no increased risk if they had low total testosterone (TT), as long as FT was normal.
This is an important difference. You see, 98 – 99% of all testosterone in your body is tied up by glycoprotein sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). Meaning, it is not available to be used. Only the 1-2% testosterone that is FREE, can be used by your body.
The total amount of testosterone doesn’t make any difference, therefore, since it’s not available to be used. Taking prescription testosterone may not do you any good, because it will mostly be tied up by SHBG.
In fact, the researchers found the biggest increased risk of erectile dysfunction among young men who had a low level of FT and a high level of SHBG. Those men were 4.6 times more likely to suffer ED than men with high FT and low SHBG.
Now even more interesting was that in men over 40, the level of TT, FT, and SHBG had no impact on their risk of erectile dysfunction.
You see, just like other muscles in the body become stiffer and less flexible with age, the muscles around the genitals tense up blocking blood flow into the penis.
These muscles are extremely delicate, so even small amounts of tension can have devastating effects on your sex life. The good news is, just a little effort to loosen up and strengthen these muscles will boost your penis with blood strongly effecting the quality of erection.
Note: The penis is not a muscle. So exercises that involve pulling or pressing it directly don’t work. The exercises I’m talking about are for the muscles in the pelvic area that help pump blood into the penis.
This post is from the Erectile Dysfunction Master Program, which was created by Christian Goodman for men who are looking for the best erectile dysfunction natural remedies. This is an all-natural system that utilizes the power of exercises to permanently cure erectile dysfunction. By following the techniques in this program, you will be able to get hard fast without pills and maintain stronger erections for hours so you can enjoy sex again.
Erectile problems can be physical or emotional. If your problem is physical, you need to exercise the muscles around the genital area. If your problem is emotional, then you need to learn relaxation techniques. Erection Master will teach you steps that can help get rid of your erectile dysfunction for good. As long as you’re willing to commit 30 minutes of your time, 3 to 7 days a week for 1 to 2 months, they’ll work for you. You can practice the steps alone or with your partner.
These techniques are far more effective than Viagra, Cialis or other drugs for erectile dysfunction. The drugs only help about 40% of men who use them and can also cause very serious side effects.
Did you know that your skin is your body’s largest organ? It is. It’s actually a total area of 20 square feet on average, if you can believe it. It consists of three layers: the hypodermis, the dermis, and the epidermis.
The hypodermis consists of fat and connective tissue, and the dermis is comprised of tough connective tissue, hair follicles, and sweat glands. Both layers are very important, but they are not the layers that are typically honed in on when it comes to skincare beauty regimens.
The epidermis is the outermost layer of skin—the star of the show. This layer of skin provides us with a waterproof barrier, protects us from the elements and microbes, helps us to regulate body temperature, and even provides us with our skin tone.
It’s easy to say that the epidermis has a pretty big job that it performs for a pretty large amount of space—its jurisdiction stretches longer than every other organ, in all honesty.
Any help this incredibly busy organ can get while completing its arduous list of daily tasks is always much appreciated. Think about it—your skin can be managing projects ranging from ringworm to dandruff to even melanoma (always wear sunscreen) at any given time.
Talk about a big job, right? Skin cells under its regime die off every day. Some of these cells simply fall off and it’s as easy as that. Some cells don’t make it that easy. When these cells wear out their welcome, that’s when clogged pores, oily, rough skin, and various forms of acne come to play.
The most efficient way to remove the cells that are long past their prime is to exfoliate your skin. Unfortunately, many people think that equates to over exfoliating or using harsh chemical peels that ultimately: lead to the body having a harder time creating new skin cells in a natural way; leave us more vulnerable to sun damage; and even cause wrinkles, scarring, or skin lesions.
Stronger doesn’t always mean better—especially in this instance. You don’t want to use harsh chemicals on your face day after day, right? However, you can use natural ingredients for skincare like sugar, olive oil, honey, or even oatmeal to get the job done just as well without the harsh side effects.
DIY Face Scrubs
Why?
Sugar and salt are easy and gentle ingredients to use when exfoliating your skin. Choosing sugar as your exfoliate will boost new skin cell production as well as smooth and soften skin.
However, another great thing about adding a little sweetness to your beauty routine is that your scrub can come in many different scents. I bet you didn’t know that coffee is also a great choice because it reduces swelling.
If your skin is sensitive, oatmeal is also a great choice as it helps soothe itchy and/or irritated skin (think back to those good ol’ chickenpox days).
The great thing about making a DIY face scrub is that there are so many mix and match recipes to choose from, depending on what you like!
How?
Cup-o-Joe Scrub
To get the look and feel of a fresh day every day, simply mix ¼ cup oil, ½ cup sugar or salt, and add 2 tablespoons of ground coffee. Massage gently onto your clean facial skin and then rinse with cool water.
For a little more TLC with your scrub, opt for this scrub. All you have to do is mix ½ cup of oats and ¼ cup of whole milk. Massage on clean skin and then rinse with cool water.
When mixing up a face mask, one of the best ingredients to use is honey. Honey contains antioxidants, such as phenolic acids and flavonoids, which help control acne. It’s also a good idea to mix in a moisturizer, such as bananas or avocado, so your skin keeps its healthy (not oily) shine.
How?
Organic Face Mask
To create a moisturizing face mask, first make sure to wash your face with organic soap so your face truly gets the full benefit of the mask. Then blend a banana and two teaspoons of raw, organic honey. Add five drops of lemon juice and mix well.
Apply to your face for 20 minutes, and then rinse with cool water. Tip: make sure to avoid your eyes when applying—lemon won’t do well there.
Mukhalepam is an ancient treatment in which facial skin is massaged and coated with oils or herbal pastes specifically tailored to your individual skin type. This sounds great, but how does this help you?
Benefits:
Increases elasticity of skin
Cleanses skin
Prevents pigmentation
Removes dead cells
Fades existing scars and blemishes
How?
Here’s the catch: one size does not fit all here. You have to find out which treatment is best for your skin type. There are three types: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Figure out which category you fall in, and then follow the treatment instructions suggested for your skin type.
For example, I am a Kapha—my skin is prone to be oilier. It is recommended that I exfoliate with a mixture of sea salt and honey, and then steam it with a combination of water and mint leaves.
Afterward, I should moisturize with aloe vera and turmeric paste and apply a mask of yogurt mixed with ripe papaya, grated cucumber, and tomatoes. To achieve the best results, I should repeat this regiment daily.
Find out what your skin type and regimen should be by reading up on what your skin and bodily responses are telling you.
Sometimes you don’t want all of the bells and whistles—you just want results. Nothing wrong with that. What better way to reach deep down into those pores than with—soap and baking soda, which we use as a natural cleaning product? Baking soda is an alkaline that softens sebum and debris, giving you a clean face.
Sure, you can’t eat this recipe, but it is an effective natural exfoliator nonetheless. Also, make sure you keep this mixture out of your eyes—it’s not fun for them.
How?
Baking Soda Exfoliator
Mix together baking soda, water, and add a dab of liquid soap. A great brand is Dr. Bronners. I am personally a fan of their rose scented soap (if you are looking for this mixture to smell up to par).
You want the mixture to create a paste, so make sure you add enough water to do so. Wet your face with warm water, and then gently massage the mixture on your face. Rinse off with warm water and pat your face dry.
Alpha hydroxy acid is naturally predominant in citrus fruits, and specifically lemons. Alpha hydroxy actually does a great job removing the top layers of dead skin cells and promotes firmness in the skin as well.
Technically, you could just rub citrus fruits on your face and call it a day, but why not create an exfoliate that smells great and uses lemons as the central ingredient instead?
There are many ingredients you can mix lemon with to create a scrub that’s packed with alpha hydroxy acid, but if lemon isn’t your favorite flavor, oranges, grapefruit, apples, or grapes will work too.
How?
Lemon + Sage Scrub
Mix ½ cup sea salt, one teaspoon dried sage, the juice of one lemon, olive oil, and two to three drops of lemon essential oil. Make sure to add enough olive oil to make the mixture into a paste. Apply in the shower and rinse with warm water.
Old-school vegetarian and paleo newbie, Jessie Dax-Setkus is a self-described “adventurous picky eater.” Discovering dishes from different cultures, exploring new flavor combinations, and simply stuffing her face on some homemade comfort food are definitely past times that make her top five—along with scribbling about them in her notebook.
A lot of people have gotten results from the Keto diet, and enjoyed the foods that it has to offer. However, many of the people who are following this diet have a hard time finding the recipes that they need, especially ones that are quick and easy to complete.
Fortunately, Kelsey Ale, noticed this problem, and decided to do something about it. She’s found that making recipes in a slow cooker gives you meals which are not only delicious, but also take very little time to make. Mostly you just put a few simple ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it do the rest.
