Did you ever think of putting coffee grounds on your skin? Did you have the same thought about oats? If you did, then you clicked on the right article! This homemade face and body scrub is incredibly easy to make and helps nourish the skin. Learning about the different uses of ingredients, especially foods, can open your world to exciting possibilities. Plus, there are many benefits to scrubbing different foods on the skin. 

Is Coffee Good For Your Skin?

In short, yes, or it is possible that caffeine encourages healthier skin. A 2013 study found that caffeic acid, an antioxidant in coffee, may enhance collagen production, which works to reduce signs of aging. A separate study from 2015 found a link between drinking coffee and reduced signs of “photoaging.” In the case of the study, photoaging referred to pigmented spots and wrinkles. 

There is one caveat about coffee and cosmetics. Most coffee-related research focuses on drinking coffee or using cosmetic products that contain caffeine. Most studies do not focus on coffee scrubs, so it is difficult to generalize the results of these studies in relation to the coffee scrub in this article. That said, there is likely no harm in using a coffee scrub on your body. Much like other exfoliants, coffee scrubs can help:

• Unclog pores
• Slough away dead skin cells
• Temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite
• Brighten skin

Are Oats Good For The Skin?

Much like coffee, oats are best known for their culinary uses. Oats have been a cultivated food source for humans for over 3,000 years. Some researchers note that the oldest cultivated oat grains date back to the early Bronze Age. Despite the mass consumption of oats, people have used them for a variety of cosmetic purposes, including natural skin cleansers. One of the primary benefits of oats is that they help to hydrate and nourish dry skin. Many studies show that skin care products containing oatmeal can reduce skin dryness and associated symptoms, such as itching, flaking, or tightness. In addition to keeping the skin well-hydrated, oats also help to balance the skin’s pH. Oats are essentially a pH buffer, helping your skin maintain a healthy pH of around 5.0.

Does Avocado Oil Encourage Healthier Skin?

Avocado is naturally rich in vitamin E, potassium, and lecithin, all of which work to nourish and moisturize the skin. The skin’s outermost layer, the epidermis, can easily absorb these nutrients, which can encourage the formation of healthy, new skin. The antioxidants in avocado oil may help to repair damaged skin or soothe irritated skin and redness. That makes avocado oil a helpful ingredient for people with psoriasis or eczema. Finally, some studies have suggested that avocado oil may help ease the symptoms of sunburn. A 2011 review of studies found that the vitamin E, protein, essential fatty acids, and beta-carotene in avocado oil help soothe the skin and encourage healing. 

DIY Face And Body Scrub

Ingredients For Coffee Infused Oil:

• 1 cup avocado oil
• 1/2 cup coffee grounds

Ingredients For Scrub:

• 8 tablespoons coffee grounds
• 4 tablespoons oats
• 4 tablespoons coffee infused oil
• 20 drops vanilla essential oil

Instructions:

• To make the coffee infused oil, put the coffee grounds into a glass jar and pour the avocado oil into the jar. Screw the lid on and let it sit in the sun for a few weeks, shaking every so often. 
• After a few weeks, strain the oil through a cheesecloth and save the strained oil to make the scrub. 
• Add the coffee grounds and oatmeal to a blender or food processor and blend until you get a fine powder. 
• Pour in the blended mixture into a bowl and then add in the coffee infused oil and essential oil. Mix well until you achieve an even consistency. 
• To use, mix this scrub with a little water and spread over your face and body. Rinse with lukewarm water and then finish your skin care routine.

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Changing weather, washing dishes, gel manicures and excessive nail polish use can wreak havoc on your fingernails. You may experience dry, brittle, or weak nails that easily split. Fortunately, you do not have to live with these nail issues. Take matters into your own hands and use the homemade strengthening nail serum in this article to help repair nails. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this serum!

What Causes Nails To Become Weak?

The nails are made up of keratin, which is a protein that is also found in skin and hair. As you get older, the body starts to produce keratin at a slower rate, which can cause nails to appear dry, dull, or even brittle. As mentioned previously, though, a number of factors influence nail health. Extreme weather, excessive hand washing, or contact with chemicals can leave nails dry and vulnerable. 

Signs Of Damaged Nails

Although the signs may vary, you may want to take better care of your nails if you experience the following signs:

• Changes in nail thickness
• Peeling nails
• Nail discoloration (yellow nails, or nails with white or dark spots)
• Changes in nail shape (ridges or curled nails)

You can strengthen your nails with various natural remedies, such as moisturizing daily or ditching nail polish removers that contain acetone. The following ingredients in this strengthening nail serum help encourage healthier nails. 

Vitamin E Oil

Anyone with brittle, ridged, or yellow nails will find that vitamin E oil is highly beneficial. Vitamin E oil helps to hydrate and protect nails, fighting off bacteria and viruses. It also works to widen blood vessels, which means that it helps make your nails stronger and healthier with less ridges. Vitamin E oil also works to repair damage done by harsh nail polish removers. You can apply vitamin E oil to your nails and cuticle beds for maximum benefits. Plus, it helps to increase moisture to the nail bed and skin around the nails. 

Jojoba Oil

Regular application of jojoba oil can help boost the moisture content of your nail plates, making your nails less prone to flakiness. You may sometimes notice a whitish or yellowish accumulation under the nail if you have psoriasis. Jojoba oil may help thicken the nails, which works to restore your nails to a healthier state. If the keratin in your nail beds break down, you can experience splitting or breakage. Jojoba oil can help strengthen the nails, helping them become less brittle when they are exposed to harsh products or extreme conditions. 

Essential Oils

There are many essential oils that can help strengthen weak or brittle nails. Naturally, the serum in this article does not contain all of those essential oils, but it does contain lemon, lavender, frankincense, and myrrh essential oils. Lemon essential oil hydrates and strengthens the nail, helping to improve their natural shine. Lavender essential oil is excellent for cuticle care and boosts the skin’s firmness and elasticity. Frankincense essential oil has anti-fungal properties that help fight fungi, which can slow nail growth, and also adds moisture to nail beds and cuticles. Finally, myrrh essential oil is one of the best oils for keeping nails healthy and strong. It works to protect your nail beds from becoming brittle and thin. 

DIY Strengthening Nail Serum

Ingredients:

• 1.25 teaspoons jojoba oil
• 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil
• 5 drops each: lemon, lavender, frankincense, and myrrh essential oils

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a 10-milliliter glass bottle with a rollerball top. Screw on the top and shake well to combine. 
• This is a 10% dilution of essential oils, which may be greater than you are used to, so feel free to reduce the amount of essential oil drops you use if you have more sensitive skin or nails. 
• Apply two to three times per week, shaking before each use.

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Achieving smooth, hydrated skin does not have to be a lifelong journey. You can accomplish this goal if you give your skin the right ingredients, both inside and out. That means that you eat the right foods that benefit your skin from the inside and apply a series of creams, salves, butters, masks, and more topically to also boost skin health. Selecting the right products is often where people find the most difficulty, though. 

This super green spirulina face mask can help hydrate, soothe, and calm your facial skin. It contains spirulina powder, aloe vera gel, and Manuka honey, all of which deeply nourish the skin. Although spirulina receives a lot of praise for supplying the body with many nutrients, it doesn’t get enough attention for topical use. Spirulina benefits the skin in the following ways:

• Helps the skin retain moisture
• Helps eliminate bad bacteria that may cause acne
• Provides the skin with beneficial antioxidant compounds
• Contains chlorophyll, which is very cleansing
• Helps exfoliate skin

How Does Spirulina Benefit The Skin?

According to a study from 2020, applying a cream containing spirulina to the skin could be a potential acne treatment. The reason for this is because spirulina exhibits powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Spirulina may even be a better option than local antibiotic therapy, due to fewer side effects and zero antibiotic resistance. 

A separate study from 2020 confirmed that an ointment containing spirulina was effective at improving eczema symptoms when applied topically two times daily, three times per week. Another study found that spirulina helped reduce the presence of psoriasis in mice. The study suggests that spirulina could potentially advance as a natural pharmaceutical for psoriasis treatment. 

How Does Manuka Honey Benefit The Skin?

Manuka honey is a semi-opaque honey made from the nectar of the Manuka plant, which is native to New Zealand. This unique honey is highly praised for its valuable antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Manuka honey also has higher pH and sugar content than other honey varieties, which may contribute to the impressive antibacterial activity. 

The polyphenols in Manuka honey may help block the effects of damaging external factors, such as sun exposure and environmental pollutants, which helps delay the development of fine lines and wrinkles. Manuka honey also boasts emollient and humectant properties. As a quick refresher, emollients fill the spaces between skin cells to promote softer skin, while humectants draw moisture from the air into the skin to boost hydration. 

How Does Aloe Vera Benefit The Skin?

Aloe vera is one of the most popular herbal remedies for topical skin conditions. The gel-like components of the aloe plant have been known to remedy a variety of ailments, including burns, sunburns, and minor cuts and scrapes. The skin can easily absorb aloe vera gel, making it ideal for oily skin. That said, it may be effective at soothing dry skin because it helps to seal moisture into the skin. Aloe vera gel also helps to boost collagen production and fight bacteria. Lastly, aloe vera gel may help alleviate seborrheic dermatitis, alleviating the itchiness that is common with this condition.

Spirulina Face Mask

Ingredients:

• 1/2 tablespoon Manuka honey
• 1/2 tablespoon aloe vera gel
• 1 teaspoon spirulina powder

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a small bowl and mix well. 
• Apply to a clean face and leave on for 15-20 minutes. 
• Rinse with warm water and pat your face dry. Follow up with a natural moisturizer.

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Bedsheets and towels are materials that touch your skin daily, especially the most intimate parts of your body. Like most people, you probably hang your towel up after drying off when you exit the shower. You don’t think about it (perhaps) until the towel starts to smell. That is downright gross, and it raises the question: How often should you wash your bath towels?

Why Washing Your Bath Towels Is So Important

There’s no other way to say this without being blunt: you get up close and personal with your bath towel on a daily basis. You use it to dry off every square inch of your body, from head to toe. After a few uses, your towel can be contaminated with several pathogens or bacteria that increase your risk of infection. Some of those things include:

• Fecal pathogens (norovirus, C. diff, and E. coli)
• Fungal species (such as the ones that cause ringworm and athlete’s foot)
• Skin pathogens (such as Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA)
• Bacterial and viral pathogens that can cause conjunctivitis 

How Often Should You Wash Your Bath Towel?

Some researchers suggest that you should wash or change your bath towel after every use. This isn’t exactly feasible for everyone. Other researchers say that you can stretch your bath towel to three uses (max), so long as it dries fully between each use. According to one dermatologist and cofounder of Audubon Dermatology in New Orleans, Louisiana, she changes her bath towel every day. She added that it is acceptable to throw them in the laundry after every two to three uses.

What all researchers can agree on is that the towel must fully dry between each use. The reason for this is because drying helps kill potential microbes and inhibits them from growing. Your towel’s ability to dry will depend on the climate in your house. A towel may never fully dry in a more humid environment, and your bathroom tends to stay more humid than other areas in the home. For this reason, you may want to hang dry your towels outside the bathroom. 

As a quick note, there are some exceptions to the three-day towel rule. If you have open cuts or scrapes, had a recent surgery (such as mole or skin cancer removal), or have a lot of eczema or psoriasis, you will want to change towels more frequently. The reason for that is because the skin barrier is not intact, which is why you want to be more careful. Use a fresh towel after every shower until the skin has properly healed. 

How To Correctly Wash (And Dry) Your Towels

Make sure to wash your towels with detergent and then dry them on high heat. Health experts agree that that is the most efficient washing and drying routine to kill germs and keep mold counts down. Choose a detergent that contains enzymes, which break down dirt and kill germs during the wash cycle. The detergent will have that listed on the front label, saying that enzymes fight stains. 

If you have sensitive skin, it is possible that using a new detergent may cause irritation. If you experience any irritation after using a new detergent, stop using it. You can also find dye-free and fragrance-free detergents that incorporate enzymes into their formulas, as they may be gentler on the skin. You can also use liquid bleach or laundry products that contain activated oxygen bleach. Those products increase the efficacy of the cleaning process. 

What Happens If You Don’t Wash Towels Twice Per Week?

The short answer is that your skin will never be the same. No, of course this is not the truth. The reality is that not everyone will have problems with infrequent towel washing. If you notice that your towel has a mildew smell, that stink can transfer onto your skin when you dry off after showering. That could potentially trigger or contribute to allergy symptoms if you are allergic to mold. 

The transferring of pathogens from your towels to your own skin is possible, as we stated earlier in this article. That is true even if they are your own germs. You can get something from your towel, but it depends on how long the specific pathogen can survive and whether or not it will transfer from the towel to your body. On the other hand, some people won’t have any skin problems from overusing one towel. It really just depends on your skin and your body’s risk of infections.

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When the weather is cold and the air is dry, it is very common to experience dry, itchy skin. This is especially true if you run the heater in your house during the winter. Staying warm is essential, but transitioning from the cold, dry air outside to the warm, dry air inside contributes to itching and dryness. That’s why moisturizers are necessary, but using the right one will change how you feel in your own skin. 

If you regularly moisturize, you probably know that you use more during the winter. Besides the outdoor and indoor air, the heavier clothing you wear in the winter can cause significant chafing. Maybe you reapply your moisturizer, only to feel dry again in an hour. Fortunately, there is a remedy in the form of the DIY body oil recipe in this article. Using a body oil in place of your typical lotion or moisturizer will help soothe dry or itchy skin and make your skin feel silky smooth. How does this DIY body oil do that? The ingredients nourish your skin and help it retain water, and you can learn more about how they do that below. 

Fractionated Coconut Oil

Fractionated coconut oil differs from extra virgin coconut oil in that it goes through a process that makes it remain liquid at room temperature. Extra virgin coconut oil is usually solid at room temperature, unless it is in a warm environment. Fractionated coconut oil is made by separating different types of fats in regular coconut oil, and two medium-chain fatty acids remain. It is one of the most versatile carrier oils available and absorbs quickly into the skin. It helps to seal moisture into the skin without leaving a greasy feeling. 

Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E oil exhibits numerous health benefits for the hair and skin. It is especially beneficial for people with dry skin, itchy skin, eczema, or psoriasis. Derived from vitamin E, vitamin E oil can be applied directly to the skin or added to lotions, creams, or gels. It exhibits antioxidant properties that may fight inflammation and other properties that enhance moisture. Vitamin E oil is a common additive to moisturizers because it helps prevent dry, flaky skin. Some studies suggest that vitamin E oil provides temporary relief from itching caused by dry skin. Additionally, one study suggests that topical application of vitamin E oil may improve psoriasis symptoms. 

Lavender Essential Oil

Dry skin can overproduce sebum, the skin’s natural oil, to compensate for the dryness. That can lead to clogged pores and blemishes. Lavender essential oil exhibits antibacterial properties that can help kill acne-causing bacteria that may inhabit your pores. It also works to moisturize the skin and is non-comedogenic for pores. It is also an anti-inflammatory superstar, working to soothe irritated or reddened skin from the sun. 

Tea Tree Oil

Dry skin is no laughing matter and it can increase the risk of cracking, flaking, or even bleeding if you scratch too much. The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe dry skin. The best way to enhance moisture with tea tree oil is to mix it with a carrier oil and then apply it to the skin. Tea tree oil is very potent, so don’t apply it directly to the skin, as that may cause further irritation. 

DIY Body Oil With Lavender

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fractionated coconut oil
• 40 drops tea tree oil
• 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
• 15 drops lavender essential oil
• 8-ounce jar with lid

Instructions:

• Pour the fractionated coconut oil into a mixing cup and then add the tea tree oil and vitamin E oil. 
• Finally, drop in the lavender essential oil and stir well to combine the oils. Pour this mixture into a clean eight-ounce jar and screw on the lid. 
• If you have a little left over, treat your skin well right away!
• This is a wonderful body oil to use right after you shower. Make sure to shake up the oil before you massage it gently into the skin while your skin is still moist.

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There are face sprays, toners, oils, tinctures, lotions, masks, butters, and so much more to improve the health of your skin. Sea salt and magnesium are two ingredients receiving a lot of attention in the beauty world. Although this is relatively new, sea salt and water have a long history of use in various skin and beauty therapies. It even has its own name: thalassotherapy, the therapeutic use of salt water. People with various skin types may benefit from using salt water. 

Skin Benefits Of Salt Water

Historically, people who use salt on their skin notice fewer breakouts, clearer complexion, and improved skin texture. Salt scrubs, Epsom salt baths, or salt baths are excellent methods to add to your skin care routine. Using a sea salt scrub on your skin can be a little rough for people with sensitive skin, though. Fortunately, the use of a gentle sea salt spray stays on the skin and helps to nourish it throughout the day. 

Why is salt water so great for the skin? Well, it is naturally antimicrobial and can help get rid of acne-causing bacteria. Sea salt is also rich in naturally occurring trace minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, but Epsom salt, which is in this spray recipe, contains other beneficial minerals. In general, though, salt can help boost collagen production and aid with the removal of blackheads. 

Salt Water For Different Skin Types

Unlike other ingredients, salt is not the perfect fit for everyone’s skin type. If you have dryness or certain skin conditions, you may find it irritating. That said, many people with eczema and psoriasis benefit from the healing minerals in Epsom salt. If you are unsure whether or not salt negatively affects your skin, try a patch test before rubbing it all over your face and body.

Now, some dermatologists discourage people from washing their face with salt water. Various cultures have used this practice for thousands of years, though. In fact, studies found that salt water benefits musculoskeletal issues like arthritis and skin problems like psoriasis. A 2005 clinical trial examined the benefits of bathing in the Dead Sea as a remedy for psoriasis. The authors behind the study reported a 76% improvement in psoriasis symptoms. A similar study from 2007 saw a 95% improvement in symptoms.

Other studies examined the effects of salt water on eczema. The studies noted that patients experienced less inflammation and skin cracking. Other people note that salt water is highly beneficial for reducing dandruff. Another study examined the use of salt water baths for EB, a rare and painful skin disorder that causes blisters. EB patients reported having 91% less pain and saw improvements in skin discharge and odor. Salt water may not have the ability to cure diseases, but it may be powerful enough to improve your skin. 

How To Use Salt Water For Skin

You don’t want to use too much salt water, especially if you have dry skin. Try to follow up the salt spray in this article with a moisturizer for extra hydration. Some sources recommend that you start with a salt water cleanser or toner a few times a week before using the following spray. Whatever you do, don’t forget to add Epsom salt or magnesium flakes to the salt spray. Either of these ingredients will complement the benefits of sea salt. 

DIY Sea Salt Spray

Ingredients:

• 1 cup distilled water
• 1 tablespoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Epsom salt (or magnesium flakes)
• 2 drops essential oil of choice (optional)

Instructions:

• Pour the water, sea salt, and Epsom salt (or magnesium flakes) into a small saucepan over medium heat. You don’t want the water to boil; rather, you just want to heat and stir until everything is completely dissolved. 
• Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool. Stir in the essential oil, if using. 
• Pour into a glass spray bottle and store in a cool, dry place. 
• Shake well before each use. Spray on a cotton pad and use it as a toner, or you can lightly mist your skin with this spray.

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The great thing about homemade body butter is that you can select ingredients and formulations that cater to your skin’s needs. Not only can you experiment with texture, but you can also tweak the moisture content. Although some people enjoy having body butters that are specific to different times of the year, there is something special about having a body butter you can use no matter the season. 

This mango body butter contains four ingredients: mango butter, avocado oil, vitamin E oil, and arrowroot powder. The first three ingredients work nourish the skin, while arrowroot powder enables the body butter to have a more appealing, lightweight texture. Additionally, arrowroot powder helps you avoid a greasy finish to the skin after application. You just have to mix in the arrowroot powder after you melt, mix, and then chill the butters and oils that you’re using. It will truly give your body butter a luxurious texture. 

Mango Butter

Although scientific studies on mango butter are minimal, mango butter may be an under-the-radar anti-aging ingredient. Researchers have pointed out the many potential skin-nourishing benefits of mango butter, especially in regards to anti-aging, because of the compounds it contains. A high percentage of tocopherols (vitamin E) may help environmental stressors like visible light, UV rays, and pollution. Because it has a butter-like texture, mango butter is a powerful emollient for dry skin. Dermatologists agree that it forms a naturally occlusive barrier on the skin that not only protects it, but also hydrates it. Additionally, mango butter may support collagen health because of the large amount of vitamin C. 

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil contains lots of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A, D, and E, in addition to a few other minerals like potassium. These nutrients work to moisturize the skin, specifically the epidermis, the skin’s outermost layer. The antioxidants in avocado oil may help alleviate dry or irritated skin. Although it is not an eczema or psoriasis remedy, people with those skin conditions may help relieve symptoms via topical application of avocado oil. Lastly, some studies found that consuming avocado oil may help the skin retain its elasticity. More research is necessary, but initial research is promising. 

Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E oil is known for two key features: antioxidant properties and moisturizing properties. As a common ingredient in many moisturizers, vitamin E oil may help prevent dry, flaking skin. A 2013 animal study found that, when given vitamin E supplements, mice were less likely to develop skin cancer, even when exposed to lots of UV light. Studies on humans, however, have not found any skin cancer prevention associated with vitamin E use. For those who experience dry or itchy skin from eczema, vitamin E oil may help provide relief. One study found that topical vitamin E use was able to reduce psoriasis symptoms. 

DIY Mango Body Butter

Ingredients:

• 5.6 ounces mango butter
• 2.2 ounces avocado oil
• 0.1 ounce vitamin E oil
• 2 teaspoons arrowroot powder

Instructions:

• Melt the mango butter in a double boiler over medium-low heat. You can melt it in the microwave, but you have better control with the double boiler method. 
• Once melted, remove the double boiler from the heat and stir in the avocado oil and vitamin E oil. Mix well, pour into a heat-safe bowl, and then place in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes. 
• Remove the bowl from the fridge and then whip the mixture using a hand mixer. Whip for about five to seven minutes, or until light and fluffy. 
• Transfer the body butter to your favorite container and then keep it in a cool place, using as needed.

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If you have sensitive skin or allergies and are prone to rashes or inflammation, you’re probably used to experimenting with anti-itch creams. Some store bought creams are effective, but they can irritate people with sensitive skin. So what do you do if the solution to your problem is also causing new ones? 

One of the best ways to nourish the skin is to use natural ingredients. Not only do ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, and calendula oil relieve itchiness, but they also offer protection, hydration, and beneficial nutrients. Ideally, you want the skin to absorb the ingredients quickly and efficiently. Without any preservatives or harmful ingredients, the anti-itch cream in this article can address the issue and soothe the skin. The standout ingredients are detailed below. 

Beeswax

Beeswax can help reduce itching and inflammation, especially when used in combination with other ingredients like coconut or almond oil. It works to moisturize the skin and reduce the severity of eczema and psoriasis flare-ups. Both eczema and psoriasis are conditions that cause dry, itchy, or inflamed skin. Beeswax works to combat this irritation by forming a protective barrier on the skin, helping to seal moisture into the skin. It’s also a humectant, meaning it attracts and binds water. Both of these qualities help the skin remain hydrated, which can help soothe flare-ups from either eczema or psoriasis. 

Shea Butter

The great thing about shea butter is that you get the benefits of several ingredients all in one. Shea butter is especially helpful for dry, reactive skin, according to dermatologists. That’s why you typically see shea butter in lotions for people with dry skin. Shea butter, on its own, contains fatty acids that work to lubricate the skin and create a protective barrier that locks moisture in. You can use shea butter for any irritation, from sunburns and chapped lips to bug bites and more. Because shea butter has anti-inflammatory properties, it also helps ease swelling and redness in the skin.

Calendula Oil

Extracted from marigold flowers, calendula oil is often paired with alternative or complementary treatments. Calendula oil exhibits anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties, making it useful for soothing eczema, relieving diaper rash, and accelerating wound healing. Historically, calendula oil has been used as an antiseptic. Although there isn’t a lot of research to support it, anecdotal reports claim that calendula oil is effective at treating eczema. Calendula oil may also relieve itchiness associated with psoriasis. It works to promote skin hydration and firmness, helping to improve the overall appearance of the skin. 

Homemade Anti-Itch Cream

Ingredients:

• 1 cup calendula oil
• 1/4 cup beeswax pellets
• 1/4 cup shea butter
• 1 teaspoon arrowroot powder
• 2-3 teaspoons bentonite clay
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil
• 10 drops tea tree oil

Instructions:

• Add the calendula oil, beeswax pellets, and shea butter to the top of a double boiler. Stir to combine until fully melted. 
• Once these ingredients are melted, remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes. You don’t want the mixture to set, but you don’t want it to be piping hot, either. 
• Transfer the melted mixture into a heat-safe glass bowl and stir in the arrowroot powder and bentonite clay. Make sure to use a wooden utensil while mixing. 
• Add the peppermint essential oil and tea tree oil and mix well before pouring into jars. Once fully cooled, screw on the lids and store the jars in a cool, dry place. 
• Use when ready, but make sure to do a small patch test prior to slathering it on your whole body.

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Psoriatic arthritis develops in people with psoriasis, an autoimmune skin condition that causes scaly, inflamed plaques on the skin. Because psoriasis is an inflammatory condition, inflammation can start to affect the body’s joints. Psoriatic arthritis involves joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness that is either symmetric or asymmetric. The pain typically affects the hands, feet, and lower back. 

Because you don’t move a lot during your sleep, you can wake up in pain or with stiff joints if you suffer from psoriatic arthritis. Inflammatory activity can also surge during the night depending on the body’s circadian rhythm. However, making a few changes to your morning routine can help you start each day with more motion, fluidity, and less pain. Include some or all of the following activities in your morning routine to improve symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. 

Take Time To Stretch

Stretching is an underutilized therapy, despite how easy it is for everyone to do. You can perform simple to advanced stretches almost anywhere, anytime. Gentle stretches in the morning can help loosen up stiff joints to allow for more mobility throughout the day. Flexibility exercises and simple yoga poses, including a sun salutation, are low-impact so you don’t have to worry about straining muscles or joints. During your stretches, you should feel a gentle pull along the muscle, but pain indicates that you are overdoing it. 

Heat Therapy

Applying heat can help improve blood flow to that specific region of the body. More circulation to the area, especially to your joints, can help reduce stiffness and improve mobility. If you experience pain in larger areas of the body like the spine, you can apply a heating pad. An electric heating pad can be great for this, but you can also use one that you put in the microwave to heat up. Make sure that you place a towel between the heat source and your skin to avoid any irritation or burns. 

Take A Warm Shower

As previously mentioned, warmth helps to increase blood flow and reduce inflammation. Many people with psoriatic arthritis find that warm showers play a crucial role in their morning wellness routines. If you prefer a warm bath to a shower, consider adding sea salt, oatmeal, Epsom salt, or bath gel containing coal tar to help soothe muscles and moisturize the skin. Whether you take a shower or soak in a bath, be careful to not make temperatures too hot because that can cause dry, itchy skin.

Brush With An Electric Toothbrush

What does brushing your teeth have to do with joint stiffness? Well, a study from 2020 emphasized the importance of oral health for people with psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis patients have a higher risk of periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory condition that may result in early tooth loss. You have an easier time prioritizing oral health if you use an electric toothbrush because there is no need for the back-and-forth movement, which can cause discomfort while brushing. You can slide a piece of foam tubing over the handle to give yourself a better grip.

Use Assistive Devices

If your goal is to reduce strain on your joints, the last thing you want to do is make life more difficult. While you get ready, you can use a shoe horn to help put on your shoes. This tool is greatly beneficial if it hurts your knees to squat down in the morning. There are devices that also help you pull up a zipper if that is difficult. A dressing stick, which has a double hook at the end, can save you from bending or overextending your arms. You can use it to help put on your shirt, pants, and shoes!

Make Smart Breakfast Choices

Is a drive through breakfast sandwich easy and quick? Yes, but it doesn’t do your body any favors, especially if you regularly battle inflammation. Focus on foods that are naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids, phytochemicals, and antioxidants because they help fight against inflammation. For example, chia pudding, fruit and vegetable smoothies, and mushroom blends that you can add to coffee or tea are excellent. A vitamin D supplement may also be a great addition to your morning, as people with psoriatic arthritis tend to have lower levels of vitamin D.

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Getting sunlight in your eyes first thing in the morning may not be what you want, but it’s something you need. Researchers note that morning sunlight exposure helps reset your body’s internal clock, helping cue the body that it’s time to wake up. By that logic, you cue the body to be more awake and help it figure out when it’s time to go to bed once the sun goes down. Sunlight exposure is not just beneficial for your sleep; rather, it can lead to benefits that we detail in this article. 

Let us be clear when we say that you should not stare directly into the sun, as that can damage your eyes. Be outside, ideally walking for about 10-30 minutes in the morning, to promote hormonal balance and metabolic wellbeing. The reason that you incorporate a walk into your morning sunlight exposure is to promote optic flow. Walking stimulates neurons in the eyes that communicate to the brain that it is daytime and time to be alert. That sets your body’s biological responses on the right path. 

How long you stay outside will ultimately depend on the brightness level. If it is very bright, two minutes per day is the minimum. Even if it is a cloudy day, you can benefit from heading outside in the morning. Note that experts do not want you to wear sunglasses because you should not shield your eyes from natural light. Seeing the light promotes a spike in healthy cortisol, which promotes wakefulness and optimal immune function. This spike will happen every 24 hours, but do your best to decide when it happens, i.e. when you first see sunlight. 

Helps Improve Sleep

When you expose yourself to sunlight in the morning, nocturnal melatonin production occurs sooner. That means that you go to sleep more easily when night time comes around. Although melatonin production has seasonal variation because of light availability, you can advance the melatonin rhythm phase via morning sunlight exposure. Studies found that this may be an effective strategy to ward off insomnia, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and premenstrual syndrome. By making cortisol in the morning, the body avoids having a surplus at night, making it easier to go to sleep. Plus, sunlight helps the body make serotonin, which is a precursor to melatonin!

Enhances Your Mood

As previously mentioned, sunlight can help boost the production of serotonin, which is a feel good brain chemical. One of the best ways to control the release of this chemical is via morning sunlight exposure. According to research, serotonin plays an active role in the treatment of depression. By exposing the body to full spectrum sunlight in the morning, it produces serotonin, which improves mood throughout the day. Outdoor light, even on a cloudy day, delivers more lux than indoor light. For example, rainy days still produce lux levels of 1,000 or more, which is greater than any indoor light can produce. On sunny summer days, outdoor light can deliver 1,000 times brighter than any indoor light.

Immune Cell Regulation

The immune system has a complex list of different cells. If a certain cell doesn’t function or exists in imbalanced amounts, the immune system either becomes suppressed or stimulated, increasing the risk of inflammatory conditions, autoimmune disorders, or even cancer. UV exposure works to increase T-regulatory cell activity. These immune cells basically tell other immune cell types to stay calm. By supporting immune system regulation, you can protect your overall health and reduce the risk of excessive inflammation. 

Improves Metabolic Function

Metabolic syndrome relates to blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and many other health issues. Type 2 diabetes and heart disease are associated with poor glucose metabolism, which means that the body cannot break down and use glucose. Statistics show that about 20-30% of people worldwide deal with metabolic syndrome; however, sunlight exposure may aid normal metabolic function. Studies on this subject are ongoing, but past studies indicate that regular sunlight exposure helps balance circadian rhythm, which supports appetite regulation and overall metabolic markers. 

May Improve Skin Health

UVB light may improve skin health, especially in people who suffer from inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. One study found mast cells play a critical role in calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) mediated immune suppression. That may explain why sun exposure may effectively remedy symptoms of psoriasis. This skin condition can cause flaky, scaly patches on the skin because skin cells grow too fast. Researchers confirmed that UVB light slows this overactive growth by calming inflammation. The same anti-inflammatory effects may also help reduce eczema symptoms, potentially by correcting vitamin D deficiency on the skin.

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