A lot of today’s beauty products are filled with harmful, toxic chemicals that are harsh and dangerous for all skin types. Throughout the years, I have collected and learned an array of beauty remedies for all types of skin problems and blemishes. For this article, I will be sharing a few of my beauty secrets to make your teeth whiter and your skin healthier, the natural way. Enjoy!

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Teeth Whitening

Do you want to get rid of tea and coffee stains from your teeth? Are you tired of trying new expensive teeth whitening treatments that are filled with harmful chemicals? Here are a couple tips and tricks to get rid of teeth stains quickly.

Strawberries: One of the simplest ways to naturally whiten your teeth is by eating more strawberries. Strawberries contain a natural whitening agent that removes stains over time. So eat up!

Baking Soda: Baking soda is commonly known for its ability to aid in the process of teeth whitening. There are many ways you can implement baking soda in your teeth whitening regimen. The first method of using baking soda is: combine one teaspoon of baking soda with one-half teaspoon of lemon juice or water. Mix these two ingredients together until you get a paste-like consistency. Then, using your toothbrush, apply the paste on your teeth. Let it sit for a minute, then rinse. Another method for using baking soda is simply applying baking soda directly to your toothbrush, and then brush your teeth as if you would with toothpaste. Do not brush longer than two minutes! Baking soda has a very bold and strong flavor; therefore, use this method if your do not mind the potent flavor of baking soda.

** Baking soda should not be used on a daily basis; use these remedies two to three times a week or when necessary.

Exfoliating

Body scrubs are a very valuable product to have. They allow you to get that extra-deep clean and it rids the body of dead skin cells, which is essential for overall cleanliness and it prevents acne. Although store-bought body scrub may seem like a safe product to use, oftentimes they are filled with extra, harmful chemicals that are unsafe and unnecessary. I am going to give you a recipe that is filled with a few simple ingredients that you can customize. This body scrub is safe to use for your face, lips, and body.

Ingredients:

- Two cups of brown sugar, sea salt, or epsom salt.
- One-half cup of the oil of your choice (ex: almond-olive-coconut oil).
- One-fourth cup of honey.
Optional: – add a few drops of an extract (vanilla, lemon, almond) or scented oil.

Recipe:

Mix all of the ingredients together until you achieve a scrub-like consistency. It should not be too wet, oily, or dry. When thoroughly mixed, put the mixture in a container or jar; this recipe allows you to use it multiple times. Apply this mixture to your face, lips, and body. Gently rub it on your skin, then rinse.

Even Skin Tone

Many people, at some point, are affected by uneven skin tone. This may occur for many reasons, but oftentimes this happens due to sun exposure. Summertime is all about being out in the sun or getting a nice tan, but getting that desired tan on your face and body may not always happen so evenly. There are a few quick fixes that can be done using all-natural ingredients to even out unbalanced skin tones.

Lemon: Lemon is a natural toner. It has the ability to lift and balance skin tones, and it also keeps the skin tight and toned. There are a couple variations of how to use lemon juice to even skin tone.

Lemon juice: You can tone the skin just by applying lemon juice! If your skin is more on the sensitive side, do not use lemon juice by itself. Simply add a little bit of water to dilute the acidity of the lemon.

Lemon juice and honey: Use equal parts of honey and lemon juice and apply on the affected areas. Let it dry and sit for ten to fifteen minutes.

Lemon juice and turmeric powder: Mix three tablespoons of lemon juice with a half-teaspoon of turmeric powder. Apply on the skin, and let it sit for ten to twenty minutes.

Under-Eye Circles

Are you sleep-deprived? Is your under-eye area a little puffy or discolored? I have a few simple go-to remedies that I use to get rid of under-eye bags.

Cucumbers: The cucumber is a fruit with copious benefits; this fruit naturally has anti-inflammatory agents. This quality is valuable when clearing the body of inflammation (e.g. under-eye circles). Directly eating cucumbers will definitely assist in removing your “bags”, but you can also put them on the affected area. Before you apply cucumbers on your eye area, there are a few easy preparations you should complete.

Application: First, cut a cucumber into slices. Next, either put the sliced cucumbers in a freezer or refrigerator, depending on how much time you have to wait. When your cucumbers are chilled, directly apply the cucumbers under your eyes. Let them sit on your eyes for fifteen to thirty minutes (depending on the severity) and relax.

White Potatoes: Just like the cucumber, potatoes can be used to remedy under-eye bags. Potatoes are a great alternative if you do not have access to cucumbers; the choice is yours. Just follow the same steps as you would for cucumbers: cut, chill, and apply.

Acne and Blackheads

Most people typically experience acne at some point in their lives. Acne can be an annoying situation. There are multifarious acne products and treatments that you can buy to “safely rid your skin of acne,” but these products are not so safe. I have learned a couple acne treatments that help with clearing acne, blemish marks, and remove blackheads. Blackheads are one of the worst form of blemish to have in your skin; they seem almost impossible to get rid of. These remedies with help rid pitiful blackheads. The key with these natural treatments is consistency, use these on a constant basis.

Lemon juice: Lemon juice is a universal fruit; it is very beneficial for ridding acne, blemish marks, and blackheads. To use it, directly apply unto the face. Let the juice sit on the face for no longer than ten minutes. If your skin is highly sensitive, then dilute the lemon juice with a little water before applying. *Use this treatment three times a week.

Oats and yogurt: Combine three tablespoons of oats with four tablespoons of plain yogurt and roughly mix. Apply to the skin, and let it sit for up to twenty-five minutes.

Baking soda and water: Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with three tablespoons of water. Apply it on the face, and let it sit for up to fifteen minutes, then rinse. *Use this mixture twice a week.

Lemon and sugar scrub: Cut half a lemon and dip the exposed end into sugar (white or brown), and gently rub the mixture on the face. Focus primarily on areas with blackheads. Let the scrub sit for a few minutes after rubbing and rinse. *Use this treatment two to three times a week.

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I hope you all try out these remedies and enjoy them. These remedies can be altered and adjusted if need be, based on your needs. In addition to these remedies, remember to drink water; water is the best remedy for skin flaws and impurities.