Published On:Friday, October 19, 2012
Posted by abg man
The beauty secrets of beverages
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Sipping on a cup of hot green tea may help you lose weight — but have you tried using it as a face pack to get glowing, blemish-free skin? Read on to know the secret behind some of your favourite drinks
A shot of coffee in the morning lifts your energy instantly, while drinking a cup of green tea throughout the day keeps you healthy and fit. But these beverages have more qualities than one. While they help you stay energetic throughout the day, they also nourish your skin and hair when applied directly.
Beauty boosters
Coffee: Helps in reducing inflammation and redness of the skin.
For your skin: "Caffeine helps in treating dark circles and is often found in most cosmetics. It also helps reduce build up of blood under your eyes, which contribute to eye shadows," says Aakriti Kochar, beauty expert. Apart from this, it contains anti-ageing properties, which delay the signs of ageing. Phytosterols (friendly plant sterols and stanols that blocks cholesterol absorption in our system) promote moisture retension and provides chemical-free sun protection. It also reduces the appearance of cellulite and tightens your skin. Coffee beans can be used as face or body scrubs.
For your hair: Says Blossom Kochar, beauty expert, "Coffee has rich antioxidant properties, which help to repair your damaged hair and prevent breakage." Coffee stimulates growth and thickens your hair.
Says Shahnaz Husain, beauty pro, "You can use coffee in hair packs. It can be added to henna, along with other ingredients. It helps to add shine and lustre to your hair. It is also an antioxidant that counteracts the effects of pollutants in the air."
Green tea: Is often referred to as a powerful weight-loss tool. But did you know that is also protects your skin from damage and reactivates dying skin cells?
For your skin: EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) in the green tea reactivates your dying skin cells. It also protects your skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun.
Moreover, it gives a glow to your skin. It contains antioxidants, which help rejuvenate your skin and protects it against free radicals. Says Husain, "Green tea is also used as a skin toner, especially for those with oily skin. Soak green tea leaves in hot water for half an hour. Cool, strain and use the liquid to tone your skin." Green tea bags can be dipped in water and applied over your eyelids like eye pads for instant cooling and relaxation. They help reduce the puffiness around your eyes and add brightness.
Says an expert, Dr Narmada Matang, "Green tea also serves as an exfoliator. If you use it in the form of a face mask, it will naturally help in getting rid of unwanted toxins and make you look healthy and add shine."
For your hair: Green tea may also be used as a hair rinse, as the tannin in the tea helps to add lustre to your hair. Boil used tea leaves again in enough water. After boiling, cool and strain the water. Then add lemon juice to it and use this as a last rinse after shampoo.
Says Blossom, "Green tea helps in reducing dandruff. It also stimulates hair growth and softens your hair. It contains vitamin C, vitamin E and panthenol, which are used as common ingredients in hair conditioners. It helps restore dry and damaged hair, while also protecting them from the UV rays of the sun.
Chamomile tea
Have you tried to bring out highlights in your hair without applying a hair colour? Chamomile tea helps you achieve those golden streaks! Steep 2 chamomile tea bags in 2 cups of hot water for 5-10 minutes. Then add 2 tsps of lemon juice to the mixture. Use this as a final rinse on your hair after using a normal shampoo and conditioner. But do not rinse it out. This will help you bring the natural blonde or red tones in your hair and slightly lighten your hair without looking drastic or fake.
Black tea
Did you know that black tea has several beauty benefits? It helps fight free radicals that fasten the process of ageing of your skin. If you need a quick fix for your under eye bags, instantly dip 2 bags of black tea, cool and strain and put these on your eyes. It also serves as a natural astringent. All you need to do is make some tea, cool it and then splash it on your face for instant refreshment.
Lemongrass tea
Lemongrass tea is known to be an excellent detoxifying agent. Not only does it cleanse your system internally, but if you apply lemongrass tea on your face, it helps you get rid of blemishes and acne. Boil a cup of lemongrass tea and once cool, apply it with cotton on your face to lighten your scars and get rid of large and open pores and pimples.
Lavender tea
Other than soothing your senses, lavender tea is found to be effective in curing various skin conditions like cuts, wounds and sores. Further, non-sweetened lavender tea can be used as a hair rinse to deal with problems like hair loss. It can also help in getting rid of dandruff.
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