Caribbean women are well known for possessing a luxuriating aura of beauty. Their rich, thick hair, and smooth-as-butter skin are often the envy of international belles.
To achieve their naturally stunning appeal, these women have utilized beauty secrets that have been passed on from generation to generation.…..CONTINUE READING
The Waterfalls Magazine has combined a list of some of these top beauty secrets from the Caribbean that will help you achieve and maintain that tropical exoticness regardless of wherever you are.
Implement with precision and watch the magic unfold.
GOAT’S MILK
The fat in this milk contains high amounts of alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), in particular lactic acid, which takes off dead cells when applied topically, revealing newer and brighter skin underneath. Goat’s milk is also packed with vitamin A, which repairs damaged skin, and minerals such as selenium, which can guard against the effects of the sun.
Drink a glass of goat’s milk every day for softer, clearer skin. It will look like the old skin was peeled off.
Soak paper towels in cold goat’s milk, wring them out, and place on your face as an anti-aging, skin-brightening facial treatment. It’s also excellent for soothing rosacea flare-ups.
AVOCADOS (PEARS) and BANANAS
Both avocados and ripe bananas are rich in vitamins and offer luxurious moisture to dry skin.
To tap into the moisturizing benefits of these fruits, begin by cleaning skin with a mild soap and water. Smash up the fruit and spread on a thin layer. Leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse off well with warm water. The remnants of this beauty treatment are edible and nutritious. A win for health — both skin and body.
COCONUT OIL
Coconut oil with fresh coconut half on wooden background
Oil from coconut is one of the best anti-aging natural oils in the world. It contains vitamins, proteins, acids and fats to prevent skin from aging prematurely.
Here are a few ways you can add coconut oil to your beauty ritual to fight aging.
Moisturizing Facial Cream:-
Coconut oil-based moisturizers are great for locking in moisture because they contain saturated fats. These fats are deposited under the skin, leaving it smooth, moisturized and wrinkle-free. To make your own facial cream, use ½ cup Shea butter with ¼ cup coconut oil. Heat the Shea butter until it has become a liquid. Add the coconut oil and stir into mixture until it mixes seamlessly. Pour mixture out into a clean container and let it cool. Use as often as necessary.
Reduce Appearance of Stretch Marks:
Using coconut oil with cocoa butter can help fade stretch marks. They contain certain proteins to repair damaged skin cells and reduce the appearance of stretch marks and scars. Take 1 cup of cocoa butter and heat it so that is becomes a viscous liquid. Add one cup of coconut oil to the cocoa butter and stir in completely. Leave to cool then use on the areas affected by stretch marks.
COCONUT MILK
For dry & damaged hair:
Simply work some into the damaged ends a half hour before washing your hair.
Glossy, shiny locks & frizz buster:
After washing, drying and styling, rub a small amount into the palms of your hands then lightly work it in. If dealing with frizz, the above treatment will also help tame it.
Exfoliating Facial Scrub:
Mix with an equal part of baking soda and massage into face. Rinse with warm water to remove baking soda residue.
Dark elbow patches:
Rub in each morning and night until desired results are achieved.
Rashes, eczema, psoriasis or severe dryness:
Rub a bit into affected area and allow time for your body to absorb the nutrients. Treat daily for as long as needed.
Acne:
Clean face, pat dry, and then apply a light coating. Leave on overnight (allow at least 15 minutes to absorb it before going to bed). Repeat each night until desired results are achieved (may take some time depending on how severe the acne is).Note: Some may experience an increase in oily skin and breakouts, this can be the case for several days (even a week or two) until the skin is detoxified.
ALOE VERA
Aloe Vera is considered a miracle plant since it has a huge range of benefits. It has been used since ancient times and has been called the “plant of immortality’ by ancient Egyptians. Here are some uses.
Sunburn treatment:
Aloe Vera juice is a powerful healing agent. The natural nutrients and antioxidants in the plant work to soothe the pain and help to regenerate the skin.
To make the juice, blend the aloe in a blender, then strain the liquid from the pulp. That liquid is the juice. If you don’t want to go through all of that, simply peel one side of the aloe leaf and rub it to the affected areas.
Acne treatment:
Auxin and Gibberellins, two hormones found in aloe vera, have wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce skin inflammation and promote the growth of new cells.
Aloe Vera Moisturizer:
aloe vera gel makes a great skin moisturizer and doesn’t leave the skin feeling greasy, so it’s good for all skin types. Aloe vera gel is also good for using after shaving and its healing properties will help with any small nicks or cut. Use a blender or food processor to blend the aloe leaves into a gel/paste and use as is.
Anti-aging treatment:
Aloe vera gel can help smooth out some those fine lines and improve the skin’s natural firmness.
Aloe Vera for hair:
Used as a hair conditioner, it will give you thick, strong and healthy hair, and is especially good for dry hair and dandruff. Puree aloe vera’s jelly-like interior in a blender (make sure to strain the jelly properly before using it, to avoid getting small pieces trapped in the hair) and apply this puree on the roots of your previously shampooed hair and spread to the length.
Let it sit on your hair for about 10 minutes (you can put on a shower cap), then rinse and condition. The special substances in aloe vera gel can powerfully nourish and volumize your hair, while adding shine. Aloe vera also encourages hair growth, if used regularly.
Aloe Vera scar treatment:
The inside of aloe vera plant can be used to help treat scars, as it promotes the healing process and softens the appearance of scar tissue. Cut a leaf of the plant, then peel off the skin of one side of the leaf. Rub the inside of the leaf on the scar twice daily.
PAPAYA (PAWPAW)
The papaya fruit is very good for skin, hair and health. It contains an enzyme called ‘Papain’ that helps you in digesting proteins easily.
Along with the Papain enzymes, it is a good source of antioxidants and nutrients such as Vitamin C, Vitamin B, carotenes, flavonoids, fibre and minerals like magnesium and potassium. Papaya’s pulp is used as a fundamental constituent of many shampoos and facial creams.
For skin:
For hair:
A papaya hair mask makes your hair thicker, stronger and shinier. It can be made as follows:
Ingredients:
1 cup diced ripe papaya
1 cup diced ripe banana
1 tbsp. Molasses
1 tbsp. Coconut oil
1 cup Yogurt
Directions:
