Skin conditions are the most challenging to deal with. Whether battling a sunburn or acne, you must have the right products or remedies to combat them. Considering the myriad of skin conditions and the lengthy treatments associated with them, it can often dig a hole in your pocket. So, instead of having a doctor on board, why not seek refuge in some ingredients lying in your pantry? Here are some natural remedies for skin care.  Use coconut oil If you have dry skin, there is no better remedy than coconut oil. It is both safe and effective. It works like petroleum jelly and treats dry skin. It also increases the amount of fats or lipids on the skin surface and improves hydration. The oil has emollient properties because of the presence of saturated fatty acids. An Emollient is an oil or fat that works like a moisturizer to fill the gaps in dry skin. Thus, it leaves the skin feeling smooth and supple. Include turmeric in your meals Turmeric lowers inflammation, which is prevalent in several skin conditions. Turmeric has curcumin that works like an antioxidant, shields the skin, and reduces the wound healing time. Ideally, you must add at least a spoonful of turmeric to your daily meals.  Use tea tree oil Melaleuca alternifoila or tea tree is an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic oil. It is a steam-distilled essential oil extracted from an Australian plant that works against protozoal, viral, and bacterial infections. The tea tree contains terpenes, which break down the bacteria’s cellular matter. Before applying the tea tree directly onto the skin, dilute it by mixing a few drops of olive, coconut oil, or cream. You can use it in an affected area post-shower. People with itchy feet or scalps should shop for commercial products like foot creams or shampoos with tea tree oil.  Baking soda for exfoliation Blackheads are pretty tricky to deal with.

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is an inflammatory skin condition that can affect anyone, irrespective of age and gender. It causes skin dryness and discomfort that can affect a person’s quality of life. Eczema has no definitive cure, but certain home remedies can help prevent flare-ups and control the symptoms. It’s recommended to start with a good skin care regime, along with other treatments, when its first signs start to show up.  Early warning signs of eczema The most important thing to know about eczema is its symptoms differ for everyone. It can also impact different areas of the body depending on an individual’s skincare routine.  Itchy skin This condition always begins with itchy skin. Eczema-related itchiness may range from mild to moderate. People with severe itchiness may even feel the need for constant scratching resulting in bleeding and inflamed skin. Rashes People with eczema may develop unique rashes in specific areas. They tend to have flaky skin that lets irritants and allergens penetrate the outer layer. This, in turn, causes an inflammatory response leading to redness and rashes.  Inflamed and discolored skin The area of the rash may get inflamed and swollen. There will be a noticeable discoloration which means the affected skin may look darker than the surrounding skin.  Scaly patches Scaly patches occur when the outer layer of the skin starts to form scales due to dryness. Home remedies The affected person can use a few home remedies to reduce the effects of eczema and its symptoms. Aloe vera gel Aloe vera is a natural moisturizer that is extremely good for people with dry and sensitive skin. It has the potential to alleviate eczema symptoms. Aloe vera gel has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties and can help soothe irritated skin. Either prepare fresh gel at home or opt for a good vegan skin care product containing aloe vera gel.

Cold and flu are common upper respiratory tract diseases and even though they are different, they have shared symptoms like sore throat, fever, and nasal congestion. The viral conditions spread via droplets suspended in the air from an infected person. Colds are a mild form, while a flu tends to be more severe. Once can turn to home remedies to effectively control their symptoms initially in mild cases of either condition. Top 7 home remedies for cold and flu Increase your consumption of zinc A very effective home remedy to help treat cold and flu symptoms, as well as help manage COVID, is adding zinc to the meal plan to boost the immunity system. This mineral aids in creating germ-fighting white blood cells so that symptoms of cold and flu stay under check. Additionally, zinc is also known to fight off the flu virus and reduce its growth in the body. Some of the foods that come rich in zinc comprise chickpeas, beans, dairy, lentils, red meat, eggs, and more. Furthermore, supplements can also be taken before the flu season commences to keep the immune system strong. Adding these foods as part of daily meal plan will not only aid in keeping cold and flu virus at bay, but will also help in maintaining good health. Stock up on warm soups The key to keeping virus-borne cold and flu symptoms under control is to increase the intake of fluids like warm chicken soup as it not only aids in easing congestion but also in staying hydrated. Plus, the soup is rich in protein, which provides energy during the illness. The presence of minerals like potassium and sodium in chicken broth also helps to refill the lost nutrients due to cold and flu. Moreover, chicken soup includes a compound known as carnosine that assists the body’s immune system in fending off cold and flu symptoms in the initial stages.

Home renovations are a major task, especially if you own a big house with a complex design. A lot of deliberation must be done before the project can even begin. Right from coming up with ideas to drawing a plan on paper, you need to consider multiple factors before hiring professional contractors for the job. Further, you must avoid making the following mistakes in planning and executing the home renovation project. Miscalculating your budget Everything costs money. Whether simple repairs or a complete makeover, you must be prepared to spend your hard-earned bucks. But that doesn’t mean you can’t set a realistic budget. Typically, a home renovation is estimated to cost 10% to 15% of the home’s total value. Whatever the estimate, always keep an additional 10% to 20% buffer over the agreed amount. Experts suggest this as a general rule of thumb for calculating the final cost. Material and labor rates keep fluctuating, so you might end up underpaying or overpaying depending on the extent of the job. The bottom line is never underestimate the budget, or you may fall short of the actual costs. Neglecting the natural layout of your home Home renovation is a complex job. It involves making significant modifications to the entire space, including the living room, bedroom, and kitchen. A big mistake homeowners make is that they don’t consider the existing layout and plan an extravagant renovation that doesn’t suit the blueprint. You can avoid this error by paying attention to your home’s natural architecture and then considering modifications that are subtle yet impactful. You don’t have to go completely overboard with the redesign. It’s always the little things that make a big difference. Not paying attention to the home’s present condition Layout aside, you must also consider the home’s present condition. Are the foundation and support structures strong enough to handle a major renovation?

Smartphones are the technology that breaks all communication barriers and helps people connect better. With its plethora of features, this device has simplified people’s lives. However, due to the various models in the market, zeroing in on the best smartphone can take time and effort. Many brands offering lucrative deals make choosing the best one more difficult. However, it is also essential to steer clear of certain common mistakes while purchasing smartphones. Not analyzing your needs Smartphone buyers often tend to purchase mobile devices without considering their requirements. However, listing the features you want will help you achieve better clarity about the phone that will fulfill all your needs. Rather than spoiling the device’s overall experience, it helps you single out the best possible pick for your daily use. Rather than going by your friends or family’s opinion, it is also advised to research the specific smartphone model you intend to purchase carefully. Going for design and not functionality While buying smartphones, many people fall for marketing gimmicks where brands highlight more about the beauty of the device rather than its functionality. Furthermore, brands tend to exaggerate their products rather than discuss its shortcoming. So, the overall purpose of using a phone gets completely dissolved. Therefore, it is significant to get into the device’s details and check its performance, quality, battery, and more before making the purchase decision. Overlooking the smartphone’s dimension Along with the design and functions, customers are also required to anticipate the size and weight of the phone as it will ensure complete comfort for the user while using or carrying it. For example, people with small hands might struggle to handle large smartphones. Similarly, buying a heavy phone may prove uncomfortable for the user while traveling. Ignoring the price The smartphone market is diverse and comprises multiple brands that offer phones at different price ranges to match the different needs of users.

A smartwatch in today’s time is not merely a watch but a whole set of gadgets right on one’s wrist. Apple Watch is one of the most popular products in this category, and thanks to their Series 8 and Series 9 features, more and more people are intrigued by these devices. There are some basic functions that are generally well-known by most, but there are also some tips to make the most out of this device. 1. Use the handwashing alert feature This hygiene care does not require a smartwatch, but one can simply use a handwashing timer on the smartwatch to make sure that the 20 seconds are fully utilized. This can be especially useful in keeping health and safety checks and is just a neat hack that not many people may know of. This setting needs to be enabled in the watch under Settings. 2. Control Apple TV Losing the TV remote is a common issue, but with the Apple smartwatch, the device itself turns into a remote control for Apple TV. Both devices need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network, and then they can easily be accessible to the user. To use this feature, open the Remote app on the watch, add the Apple TV, and then select it on the Apple TV. For pairing the device, a passcode will be needed, which will appear on the watch. Just add that to align the settings. 3. View edited messages In iOS 16, the smartwatch had the update where it could edit the texts sent over iMessage. With the Apple Watch Series 8, users can not only edit, but they can also see the edit history of the messages. To view the edit history, tap and hold “Edited” below the message. This will reveal the edits.

Most of us use the internet for hours daily. So doesn’t it make sense to ensure we’re doing things correctly if we invest much money and time in it? Whether you are a seasoned computer expert or a beginner, certain mistakes are inevitable. Given the recent rise in online fraud and crime, it is necessary to exercise caution. Keep reading to learn about internet mistakes that could ruin your web browsing experience. Accepting every cookie request Cookies, in essence, are documents that websites create on your computer when you visit them. These files are not hazardous by nature and store data that must be accessible from one session to the next, including login information. They can, however, be misused to track your online activity. Although one might be aware of what cookies are, one might not fully comprehend their significance. It is best to enable first-party cookies, set by the website you visit, and disable third-party cookies placed by other domains. Clicking on pop-up ads with misleading information One might know that pop-ups are counterfeit, but not many know they can be dangerous too. It’s easy to accidentally click inside the ad and be directed to a spyware site or, worse, have malware automatically downloaded onto your computer. Close a pop-up window by carefully clicking on the ‘X’ symbol in the upper left or right corner, and do not click inside the window. To avoid pop-ups while browsing, use your browser’s pop-up blocker or a free add-on blocker like Google Toolbar.  Not using a secure internet connection When you use a public WiFi connection to browse the internet, you have no direct control over the connection’s security, so using public WiFi isn’t always safe. Avoid indulging in private activities such as online banking or shopping using a public WiFi network.

Sleep is crucial for good health. It refreshes the body and mind and provides energy to carry out daily tasks. But unfortunately, many people find it hard to get quality sleep, which affects their overall health. Several factors, such as ongoing treatment or underlying health conditions, can affect a person’s sleep. But for some people, an unhealthy pre-sleep routine is the cause. Here are five things to avoid doing before bedtime for sound sleep: Staring at a screen If you stare at your mobile, TV, or laptop screens before bedtime, you might struggle to sleep well. LED screens of digital devices emit blue and white light that lower a particular hormone released by the brain called melatonin. This hormone is required to feel drowsy and fall asleep. When the release of melatonin is reduced, sleep quality is hampered, and you cannot fall asleep quickly. Research says that exposure to any light before bedtime is unhealthy, but blue light has the most harmful effects on sleep. So, avoid it as much as possible before bedtime. Exercising Heavy exercises just before bedtime can harm your sleep quality. When our body prepares for bedtime, the temperature starts to fall, heart rate reduces, and the brain slows down. But exercising interferes with these biological processes. It causes the heartbeat to increase, body temperature to rise, and the brain to become active. These conditions are not conducive to sleeping. If you wish to exercise, do so at least three hours before bedtime. A heavy meal This is another big mistake to be avoided before going to sleep. While light meals and healthy snacks before bedtime is okay, a big meal is a strict no-no. The digestive process slows down once you go to bed. And if your belly is full, it can lead to indigestion, causing problems that could disrupt sleep.

Cyber Monday is the last major sales event of the year. There are tons of deals and discounts offered on highly sought-after products, and this makes it an important day for holiday shoppers. Whether you want to shop for your loved ones or buy a few items for yourself, you should be able to determine what will be on offer this year by reading our list of the top offers of last year. Asos Asos offered discounts on all wardrobe-essentials. Last year Asos offered up to 70% off on all big brands during the Cyber Monday sale. It is time to head over to any Asos outlet for exciting deals. Everlane Everlane is one of the best shopping destinations this holiday season. Beat the holiday rush and shop for men’s and women’s clothes, shoes, and more. You can expect to save up to 40 percent on items across all categories. Bed Bath & Beyond Check out Bed Bath & Beyond’s deals and enjoy incredible savings on everything from bedding, kitchen, bath, home décor, and more. Last year, shoppers received 30 percent off select indoor and outdoor Christmas décor. Etsy Shop on Etsy and expect to save up to 60 percent on items. Macy’s Don’t miss exciting deals on furniture, rugs, housewares, and more. Take advantage of the deals marked as Cyber Monday Special. Overstock Furniture, home appliances, and home décor will go on sale during the epic Cyber Monday. Along with great deals, take advantage of the free shipping on your purchase. Wayfair Save on 4K televisions and super-sized TVs during the Cyber Monday sale. Cyber Monday will also fetch great Apple watch discounts, and you might get the lowest prices on Apple Watch 6 and SE. Also, explore the deals on rugs, furniture, living room seating, and more at Wayfair.

Opening a Certificate of Deposit (CD) is a smart financial move for individuals who prioritize safety, predictability, and preserving their capital. They serve as an essential component of a well-diversified financial portfolio and can help one achieve short-term financial goals while providing peace of mind through their low-risk nature. However, one should consider the potential impact of inflation on personal savings and avoid these seven mistakes when opting for such an investment. Not looking for the best rates available One of the most common mistakes people make when opening a CD is not shopping around for the best interest rates. Many individuals simply walk into their local bank and open a CD without considering other options. This can be a costly mistake because interest rates on CDs can vary significantly from one financial institution to another. It is essential to research different financial institutions to find the best CD rates available. Online comparison tools and financial websites can help easily compare rates from various institutions. Conducting extensive research will ensure you get the best return on investment. Ignoring the fine print Another common mistake when opening a CD is ignoring the fine print of the agreement. Many individuals are so eager to lock in their funds and earn interest that they don’t take the time to thoroughly read and understand the terms and conditions of the CD. It is crucial to read the fine print of the CD agreement to understand important details such as the term length, interest rate, any penalties for early withdrawal, and the automatic renewal policy. Ignoring these details can lead to unexpected fees or restrictions on accessing money when needed. Not considering the CD term length CDs come in various term lengths, typically ranging from a few months to several years. A common mistake is not carefully considering the length of the CD term.

Gone are the days of bulky desktops. Today, laptops have become the front-running technology across the education and corporate worlds. And rightfully so! These devices are mighty powerful, easily portable, and capable of fulfilling most computing needs. Manufacturers have launched several ranges to meet the growing demand for quality laptops. However, choosing between them can cause a lot of confusion. Follow these seven laptop-buying tips to make this process a little easier: 1. Understand the needs The very first step to take is to recognize one’s needs. What is the main purpose of getting a laptop? Is it meant to handle heavy-duty gaming and video editing, or be a trusty companion through one’s projects and assignments? Knowing these needs can help one narrow down their options. Certain things to watch out for at this stage are as follows: Operating system Knowing what operating system is required for one’s needs is essential. This majorly depends on the software one uses and the systems it runs on. The four major OSs to choose from are Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, and Linux. Processor One also has to look for a processor suited to their needs. This component is the “brain” of the computer. It houses the processing power and instructions for the laptop to execute tasks efficiently. Look for the right unit for one’s workload. Screen quality For those who intend to be on the laptop all day, it is also important to find a comfortable screen. Screens with a glossy finish (most touch-screen laptops) reflect light, which can hurt the eyes. The screen’s resolution is also important, especially for those looking for a premium viewing experience. For regular usage, a full HD screen with 1920×1080 pixels works superbly. Graphic card All laptops are equipped with a graphics card. When bundled with the motherboard, they are known as integrated graphics.

Many people follow a great skincare routine by applying expensive creams and lotions but still encounter skin conditions like acne, eczema, and rashes. While it’s great to know the best practices for keeping your skin healthy, preventive skin care is equally important. Here are some unhealthy habits you need to stop immediately to keep skin conditions at bay and manage existing problems. These tips are easy to follow and don’t cost a lot. Having too much sugar and refined carbs Research shows that refined carbs and sugar increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular issues. But did you know that foods rich in sugar and carbs also lead to skin disease? Excessive sugar leads to a spike in insulin levels. This, in turn, causes the pores to secrete excess oil, leading to clogged pores and pimples. On the other hand, carbs bind to collagen molecules, forming advanced glycation end products (AGEs) that make the skin look aged. Skipping sunscreen Although we know how important sunscreen is for keeping the skin free of wrinkles, tanning, and pigmentation, we often skimp on it. Not using sunscreen can contribute to severe skin diseases, including skin cancer. To keep such ailments at bay, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that will shield the skin against both UVA and UVB rays. For the best results, apply a generous amount 15 minutes before leaving home and reapply it every two hours. Not cleaning your cell phone How is this related to skin health? Our cell phones are exposed to harmful bacteria. And placing its screen against the cheek when answering calls may transfer the bacteria from the handset to your face, leading to skin diseases like acne. So, clean the surface of your device from time to time, and if possible, use earphones while calling. Exfoliating too much Exfoliation is a great way to make the skin squeaky clean and bright.