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The Wonders of Natural Skin Peels
Q: It seems to me that alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) products should be easy to make at home, because aren’t they made of fruit? Do you have some recipes? –Rachel, NY
A: Yes! Fruit acids are great for the skin because they loosen the glue between dead skin cells, and the cells fall away, leaving the face very smooth and soft. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to produce fabulous results for your skin that you would imagine only the most expensive and sophisticated products you could buy could do. Not only that, but AHAs are found in fruit and vegetables you may already have in your kitchen or growing in your garden, so you don’t need to worry about any synthetic chemicals that may cause harm.
The famed beauty Cleopatra unknowingly used the benefit of AHAs on her skin when she bathed in milk. Try any of the following fruit acids, but always take care to avoid your eyes. Avoid using these homemade peels if your skin is sunburned, and before going into the sun.
Malic acid: Apples, vinegar, applesauce, cider.
Lactic acid: Buttermilk, yogurt, powdered skim milk, sour cream, blackberries, tomatoes.
Tartaric Acid: Grapes, grape juice, wine, cream of tartar.
Citric Acid: Citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, grapefruit, and orange.
Glycolic acid: Sugar cane.
All you need is about one half a teaspoon of liquid per face cleansing. You can freshly squeeze the juice of one lemon, for example, and refrigerate the leftovers for the rest of the week. Just dab some of the juice onto your fingers and pat on your face. Leave on for 10 minutes or so before rinsing.
If you are in a rush, just cut a grape or strawberry in half-whatever you happen to have on hand-and rub it over your skin; let the juice set for a few minutes, and then rinse.
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add your comment »I recently read that anemia can cause restless leg syndrome. Interesting. Magnesium is so important too.
I am so happy for these skin tips! The AHA products are so expensive, thanks for the alternatives!
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In addition to Calcium and Potassium, it's also important to get enough Magnesium to ensure muscles can relax. Good sources are nuts, beans, whole grains with bran such as brown rice and buckwheat flour, halibut, dark green leafy vegetables, and yogurt.
More magnesium rich foods: http://www.mg12.info/magnesium-in-food.html (ignore the translation of the text, but the table is good)
USDA: http://ars.usda.gov/is/graphics/photos/may04/k11083-1.htm
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Try a little cream of tarter under your tongue its bitter so beware. You could eat more bananas...or buy a potassium supplement...its a lack of potassium that usually causes leg cramps.
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Try a little cream of tarter under your tongue its bitter so beware. You could eat more bananas...or buy a potassium supplement...its a lack of potassium that usually causes leg cramps.
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Dear Jean
Try sports drinks for leg cramps.Also over the counter Minerals Like Potassium and magnesium
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Bravo!
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My grandfather used to cut lemons to rub onto my complextion when I was a teenager to help clear acne. It really worked great! That was way back in the 1950's
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What can I do for nighttime feet (mostly)and leg cramps?I drink lots of water and intake a good amount of calcium in the foods I eat.Lately the "Leg Cramp formula"Quinine" does not work. Thank you.
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