Neem oil has been widely used in India for the treatment of various skin problems, including itching, pain, athlete’s foot, dandruff, eczema, psoriasis, and aging. It is also been used to control acne and diminish oily skin.

It can reduce the time it takes to heal cuts and burns, and the crushed leaves are an effective mosquito repellant.

Neem oil is obtained from crushing the seeds of the neem tree, which grows in South Africa, India, and Burma.

The best quality neem oil is cold-pressed from carefully handled seeds. Neem has a somewhat garlicky, nutty odor, which may take a bit of time to get used to.

Neem oil has many medicinal properties, as it has antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing properties.

For oily skin, adding a few drops of neem oil to your regular skin cleanser can help control breakouts and slow down oil production.

Neem oil works to clarify the skin and freshen your skin’s appearance.

Neem oil is a natural ingredient, and one you may consider adding to your oily skin care routine.

Be sure to store your neem oil in a cool, dry, place. It is stable for up to a year, if handled properly.

With the average life expectancy rising, it’s likely that many more of us will become caregivers for our parents as they age.

Elderly skin has special needs, and should be treated carefully.

The most significant difference in elderly skin is that it’s prone to dryness, which is a natural effect of the thinning of the skin which occurs in aging.

As skin becomes thinner, it’s less able to hold moisture, leading to dryness.

Extremely dry skin is a health hazard for the elderly, as dry skin loses its capacity to fight off infections and germs.

Here is a short and clear guide for caring for elderly skin:

Always keep the skin clean, especially on the feet, armpits, and in the creases of the hips, knees, and elbows.

• Bathe in warm, not hot, water.
• Use thick moisturizers and creams.
• Focus on pure drinking water as a beverage of choice. Some elders like water very cold (lots of ice) and prefer to drink through a straw.
• Use humidifiers to keep a regular level of moisture in the air.
• Perform regular skin inspections of moles, growths, sores, and skin which does not heal.

It can take a little bit of practice to implement these guidelines, but once you’ve done it, they are easy to continue.

Treat small skin problems early, to keep them from getting worse.

Seek medical advice or intervention when necessary.