Essential oil that cellulite away

We all have it; and women are much more likely to have the uneven, dimpled or trademark cottage-cheese-looking skin.

Many uncontrollable factors such as hormones, heredity, circulation and age contributor to cellulite. But your diet, exercise routine and massage regimen can also aid in the treatment of it.

Aromatherapy treatments are a great way to stimulate your body's circulatory system which aids in the redistribution of blood and lymphatic fluid, which is essential in the treatment of cellulite.

For your own cellulite treatment, essential oil massage, try the following:

• Combine 8 drops of juniper breeze oil with 10 drops of geranium and 2 drops of peppermint
• Mix your oils with about an ounce of sweet almond oil (you can also use fragrance-free lotion)
• Massage in a circular motion around the areas most in need of the treatment

This massage will stimulate circulation and support detoxification in the areas where cellulite accumulates.

What are some natural remedies you have tried? Where they successful? Let us know........

Vacation for your health

A new study released in the Netherlands says people who take regular vacations have many more health benefits than those who do not.

Regular vacationers not only have lower stress levels, they also weigh less, have lower blood pressure and develop fewer disease. There is even evidence they live longer too.

The study also showed that a change of your environment is beneficial to the brain. So remember when your planning those few and far between trips to completely change your scenery. It will help get those creative juices flowing once you return to work.

One sad thing about the study, in America especially, many people do not go on vacations at all.

If you are one of those lucky Americans who takes vacations, what's your favorite place to get away from it all? Let us know your top destination pick............

Pamper yourself, it might save your life

The World Health Organization says by 2020, the top 5 world-wide diseases will all have one common underlying contributing factor.......stress.

In today's fast-paced society it is important to remember that regular massage therapy, acupuncture and meditation are all natural ways to relieve stress.

With that said, you do not have to bust your wallet on these treatments. Any type of massage is a stress reliever. Create your own at-home spa (don't forget your Scandle). You don't have to be an expert to give a hand, foot or back massage.

If you prefer the spa treatments, look for spas that are offering spa samplers. These treatments have seen a dramatic rise in 2009, with spas offering shorter massage times but tons of great add on treatments.

What do you do to relieve stress? Let us know........

What a pain in the neck

While stress is a major factor in neck pain, your sleeping habits can create as much tension and pain as stress can. Many people either sleep on their stomachs (which is the biggest cause of sleep-related neck pain) or use a poor pillow.

If you suffer from neck pain and the messages are not working and you have reduced your stress inhibitors, think about investing in a memory foam or neck-support pillow. Also, did you know that there are certain types of pillows for certain types of sleepers?

• If you sleep on your back you need a flat, medium firm bed pillow
• If you are a side sleeper, invest in good neck support
• If you are a stomach sleeper try to use a flat, soft pillow. If you can, try changing positions. Your neck will thank you later.

What do you do to reduce neck pain? Let us know......

Breast cancer survivors get alternative to implants

Soon breast cancer survivors will have an alternative to cosmetic surgery. A revolutionary new breast growing treatment will be available to breast cancer survivors this year.

Instead of artificial implants, a breast-shaped chamber is inserted under the chest skin. The technique, called Neopac, will first be offered only to breast cancer survivors, starting next month.

Within a decade, this process may even be an alternative to women who want to increase their bust size for cosmetic reasons.

What do you think about this new technology?

Vanilla, worth its weight in gold

Vanilla extract is a commonly used cooking ingredient, but did you know it can also be used as an aphrodisiac and fever reducer?

The vanilla bean is the second most expensive bean in the world because of the difficult and time consuming growing and fermentation process. Sometimes over 6 months to produce the bean and as long as 2 years to age it.

Well somethings are really worth the wait! The scent of vanilla is found to physically reduce symptoms of stress and can be combined with other natural elements to create amazing spa treatments.

You can combine fresh vanilla, coconut and herbal extracts to soften skin. You can also add pure vanilla to a routine pedicure to hydrate and provide a simple, yet very effective, aromatherapy treatment.

Got any vanilla beauty treatments or products? Let us know.......

Sweet potato, patato!!

It is now less than a week till Thanksgiving and your fridge is starting to fill up. We have covered just about every fall favorite at-home beauty treatment but there are still a few foods in your fridge you haven't use.

A recent study named sweet potatoes as one of the most important food secrets for beautiful skin. The beta carotene in the sweet potato can aid in a smoother complexion and reduction of fine lines within 10 weeks.

Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of potassium, riboflavin, folic acid and vitamins A, C, and B6. With all these antioxidants, sweet potatoes are effective skin protectors.

You can even use the water leftover from boiling your sweet potatoes as a soak to relieve joint pain and arthritis.

While you can eat your sweet potatoes on turkey day, you can also apply this amazing sweet potato mask before your guests arive:

Ingredients:

• 1 small sweet potato
• 1 tablespoon beer (the hops in beer are known to have a relaxing, cleansing effect on the skin)

Instructions:

• Peel and cube the sweet potato and boil it for 10 minutes (don't forget to save that water for a nice joint relaxing treatment later), drain
• Smash the boiled potato then add the beer and mix well
• Apply a thick layer to your face and neck for 20 minutes
• Rinse with warm water and apply your moisturizer
  

Got any sweet potato beauty treatments? Let us know......

An apple a day keeps the dermatologist away

Pumpkin pie, pecan pie and don't forget the apple pie are all staples of the holiday season dinner table. But did you know you can use apples to tighten your skin? So don't throw those leftover apples away!!

Apples are natural skin tighteners. They are also a good conditioner and toner because they have vitamin C, which has been shown to protect and repair skin cells, without the drying effect of citrus fruits such as lemon and grapefruit.

For a tightening and blemish reducing treatment, try an apple facial:

Ingredients:

• Pulp from 1 ripened apple
• 1/2 teaspoon of honey

Directions:

• Mash the pulp into a fine paste
• Add honey and mix
• Apply evenly to face, avoid your eye area
• Let the mask sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water

Got any apple beauty treatments to share? Let us know.......

Beauty in your fridge

In today's fluctuating market, people are cutting back on some of the things we use to feel were a mandatory accessory in life. Throughout the week, Scandle will be letting you in on some kitchen cures for your skin that are easy on the wallet and easy on time. So before you clean out the refrigerator, take a second look at these great skin cures:

• Strawberries

Strawberries can be used to condition and tone any skin type. One way to help lighten pigmentation problems and keep you skin smooth is to mash up some strawberries and use them as an astringent or cleansing mask.

• Carrots

If you have oily or acne prone skin, this vitamin A packed vege is you new best friend. Carrots have proven to be as effective at dealing with acne as retinoids.

To make a cooked carrot mask, boil three large carrots and mash or blend them. Add five tablespoons of honey. Apply lightly in an upward motion and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

Got any Scandle-ous do-it-yourself beauty tips and products, tell us.