Acne Prone Skin Treatment

Acne is a very common skin disorder. Acne may have started in your teen years. Acne Prone Skin characterized by pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, redness, inflammation and irritation. A specific acne skin care regime will help to reduce bacteria and therefore limit the outbreak of spots, it will also help to unblock congested pores and improve the health of the skin. Acne affects nearly 17 million people in the U.S., making it the most common skin disease in the country. Acne formation begins with excessive secretion of sebum that blocks the hair follicle, the passage that leads from the sebaceous gland to the surface of the skin. Inflammatory acne starts when the combination of excess skin cells and oil cause pore-aggravating bacteria to develop. Normally sebum helps in removing the dead cells from the lining of the hair follicle and in carrying them to the outer skin surface. Oil glands influenced by androgen hormones that elevate excess oil (sebum) production.

Acne Prone is a not curable though it is manageable and controllable. Acne, particularly the one, caused by internal factors as above can be easily prevented. Good skin care plays an important role in treating acne. Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily. Apply mixture of 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder. Apply Nutmeg (Indian: Jaiphal) powder with un-boiled milk on the affected area. Garlic has antibiotic properties that help destroying the bacteria thus containing the growth of acne. Make a paste of neem leaves with turmeric powder. Apply this paste on the affected area. Tomato is known to have anti-oxidants and contains vitamins A & C. Vitamin C in tomatoes can rejuvenate the dull skin and vitamin A is involved in formation of healthy skin. Apply a paste of orange peel powder with water on affected area. Wash it off after 30 minutes with lukewarm water.

Acne Prone Skin Treatment Tips

1. Use medicated, oil-free cosmetics.

2. Do not wash your face excessively.

3. Use scrubs cautiously, as they may irritate skin.

4. Do not manipulate pimples with your fingers or touch your face excessively, as they heal better and faster without touching.

5. Use a mild cleanser or medicated cleansers with either salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide in the morning and before bedtime.

6. Do not wash excessively or scrub too hard.

7. Avoid cream-based cleansers if you have oily skin.

8. Garlic has antibiotic properties that help destroying the bacteria thus containing the growth of acne.

]9. Make a paste of neem leaves with turmeric powder. Apply this paste on the affected area.

10. Tomato is known to have anti-oxidants and contains vitamins A & C.

11. Vitamin C in tomatoes can rejuvenate the dull skin and vitamin A is involved in formation of healthy skin.

12. Apply a paste of orange peel powder with water on affected area. Wash it off after 30 minutes with lukewarm water.

13. Neem has got antibacterial properties making it effective in controlling epidermal dysfunctions such as acne.

14. Apply juice of raw papaya on affected area.

15. Apply cucumber juice on the face.

Acne Care Skin Tips

Blackheads are not dirt. They are actually the result of oil &dead cells getting trapped in a pore, block the duct & mix with bacteria. Exposure to the air discolors them to black. Blackhead inflammation causes red pimples and it spreads when touched with dirty hands. When the pimple becomes infected, it develops a whitehead or pustule. These can break & cause scars.

Here's a quick listing of the most common products used to treat acne � click on the links that interest you for more information on that course of acne treatment. Benzoyl Peroxide kills the bacteria that causes acne. Proactiv Solution is a dermatologist formulated Combination Therapy acne management system. Salicylic Acid unclogs your pores and encourages skin renewal. Tretinoin (Retin-A)promotes healthy sloughing. Antibiotics kill bacteria and reduces inflammation. Oral Contraceptives help regulate hormone levels. Anti-Androgens inhibit the body's production of acne-causing hormones. Isotretinoin (Accutane) is a treatment for severe cystic or nodular acne.

You might think that treating acne requires you to see and consult for prescription. Well, you can actually treat it by yourself! You can find solutions right in your home or garden! Applying toothpaste in your acne and letting it stay overnight is just one and actually the most common home treatment for acne most people do. You can also try a variety of paste or mask that are great options made from different plant species. You can choose from applying salt and vinegar solution, lime, ripe tomatoes, methi(fenugreek) leaves, lemon, dried basil leaves, mint juice, cucumber, corn flour and egg white, sandalwood, roasted and powdered pomgranate, ground radish, oatmeal, almond powder, honey, ground orange peel, nutmeg and milk, turmeric and tender neem, ground sesame seeds, papaya, and drumstick pods and leaves. Truly natural home treatments for acne!

If it is determined that your skin is too sensitive for tea tree oil, consider using a less potent substance. Most tea tree oil extracts come in a container that only holds pure tea tree oil. If this is the case, consider diluting the liquid to lessen its activity. Furthermore, if your skin shows any signs of reaction to the presence of tea tree oil or you experience any discomfort after using the extract, immediately discontinue the use and consult a dermatologist. Using a product that negatively affects your skin is almost as bad as not treating your acne at all, since the results--red, blotchy, swollen, or painful skin are often the same in both situations.

Among popular alpha hydroxyl acids, glycolic acid is one of the most commonly used. It has similar results with a chemical peel. Even when used in strong concentrations, glycolic acid has only few negative side effects. Long-term day to day use may also have a beneficial effect on acne scars. Glycolic acid is also effective in increasing skin resistance to ultraviolet light, improving moisture retention, as well as the general skin condition. However, even though it is quite effective and has only minor side effects, it is better to use as part of a more complex skin care system.

Hormones (or a lack of them) during later years - especially for women - can play a role in acne flare-ups and prevention. One recent study showed that about 50 percent of women have acne, referred to as hormonal acne, problems during the week before their menstruation. Treatment options include topical retinoids, oral antibiotics and Benzoyl Peroxide for teen years. For adults oral contraceptives or hormonal birth control pills and hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) may be helpful for women, combined with systemic or topical treatments, prescription or over-the-counter products and medications.

Skin Care This Holi!

Holi is after all Holi. There is no festival more vibrant, colourful and exhilarating than Holi. Everyone wants to enjoy it - to dance in clouds of gulal and to get soaked in shower of coloured water. Yet many of us suffer from skin problems, allergies, breakouts and irritations later on. The consequence of Holi in not just spoilt clothes and floors, but skin and hair damage too due to the presence of chemicals in the colours used.

Synthetic colours

Most Holi colours sold these days contain many harmful chemicals. In fact, most are dyes meant for industrial uses like dyeng textiles and are not meant to be applied on humans. These colours have in them heavy metals, acids and powdered glass. The black paste youngsters use has lead oxide, green contains copper sulphate, red is mercury sulphite and so on. All these are toxic and can result in anything from skin allergies to cancer, from eye irritation to blindness. And worse.

Even the bases in which these chemicals are mixed are highly toxic. Many dry powders use a base of asbestos talc, chalk powder or silica. Asbestos is a known as human carcinogen, which builds up in the body daily tissue, and even micro quantities can result in cancer. Silica may dry as well as chap the skin. The shine in the colours is due to the addition of powdered glass or mica.

Many water colours have an alkaline base capable of causing severe problems. If it enters the eyes, it can pose a great danger to one's vision. Colours in the form of paste have toxic compounds mixed in a base of engine oil or other inferior quality oil, capable of causing skin allergy, temporary blindness and much more.

Synthetic colours used during Holi often contain lead oxide, engine oil, diesel, chromium, iodine and copper sulphate, which cause skin irritation and even blindness in case of extreme exposure.

Colours in the hair:

Hair can turn brittle and extremely dry if colour remains in it for a long time. This is due to the chemicals in the colours and the dust in the air. Though no damage is done to the roots or scalp, the hair begins to break. Oiling of the hair thoroughly before jumping into the playing arena can go a long way in taking care of this common problem.

If the colour enters the eyes...

While throwing colours at each other, people do not realise that these colours might enter the eye, damage the ocular surface and cause temporary problems. There could also be complications that pose a great danger to the sight and could impair it.

There are well documented cases of eye injury due to Holi colours. So one should keep in mind that, while playing Holi, sensitive areas like the eyes should be avoided. However, if colour enters, one should immediately wash them with large amounts of water and, incase irritation persists, medical aid should be sought immediately.

If your skin is too sensitive:

Individuals with a history of eczema oratopic dermatitis are at a high risk of developing allergic contact dermatitis due to Holi colours and dyes. This will manifest in itching, a red rash and irritation in the area of contact. Such individuals should use a barrier cream (white soft, yellow soft, paraffin) prior to playing Holi While the application of very little colours would be an ideal solution to avoid any kind of allergy, the application of a body oil, like coconut oil, can also protect the skin. However, if the colours irritate the skin, they should be immediately washed away with running water.

To make Holi truly colourful:

Use quality colours:

- Use water-soluble colours and stay away from "permanent" colours because they contain cheap dyes that cause reactions.

- Avoid metallic colours, like gold and silver.

- Most dry colours are safe, but avoid glittery ones. They contain silica particles that can abrade your skin.

- Feel the texture of the colour before buying it. It should feel powdery, like talc and not grainy or gritty.

Make your own natural colours:

To make your own colours, all you need are a few plants. For green, take plants like henna and dry and powder them. Use separately or mix the powder with suitable flour to make a green colour. Ultimately, you could use the paste of green leafy vegetables to turn others green.

Turmeric mixed with gram flour gives a good colour too. Marigold flowers can also be dried and ground and paste used instead of artificial colours. Red sandalwood powder can be used to colour the cheeks crimson. Rose petals or gulal is also a good option and so is vermilion. Red hibiscus flowers soaked in water overnight, also give a red colour.

Use palaash or tesu:

These flowers, available with any general merchant, can be boiled and soaked overnight to get a rich yellow colour. In the Vedas, it is written, "If clothes soaked in this colour are worn, then that colour will have its effect on our bodies by entering through the pores of the skin, and will save us from contagious diseases." It has miraculous medicinal effects on the body. The increased heat in the body may result in gloominess and an increase in anger. Palash prevents all such symptoms as it regulates the body temperature. This colour destroys kapha, pitta, leprosy, heat and urinary disorders, vayu and blood impurities and increase blood circulation. It also increases willpower and mental and physical strength.

And now...

Get set and go:

- Wear clothes that cover most of your body.

- Liberally coat your entire body with oil, rubbing it into fingernails and body folds. Oiive oil is the best. Even coconut oil will do. This prevents permanent staining and forms a barrier to protect your skin from potential allergen.

- Oil your hair similarly. Colour will wash away more easily and not leave your hair feeling like a bundle of rope later on.

- Use nail paint and transfer resistant lipsticks (any Colourstay range), which stays put on your fingers and lips, besides protecting your fingernails, nailfolds and delicate skin of your lips.

- Colours and sunlight combined may cause a "photo toxic" reaction, so sunscreens are a must. Use waterproof sunscreens because liquid colours can wash off ordinary sunscreens. Try Banana Boat SPF-30 or Spectabran SPF-28.

When the hulla of Holi is over...

- Cleaning the skin of all the colours after the fun and games are over is the most important aspect. Wash immediately as these chemicals can harm your skin on prolonged contact. So bathe and shampoo as soon as possible to minimise skin contact time. Use a glycerine-based soap.

- Stuck with gulal stains on your face and ink blobs on your nose? No problem! For colour, or gulal on the skin, massage warm oil into your skin, (heavy oils like mustard are the best), and let the oil seep in for 15 minutes. Using a gentle soap and warm water, wash off the oil.

- For permanent colour stains, use a cotton ball soaked in acetone (your nail polish remover) or kerosene and gently remove it.

- Do not rub the skin vigorously with soaps, etc., but instead, opt for a cleanser. Follow this up with loads of moisturiser, especially one that is meant for sensitive skin. Liberal use of cold cream or moisturiser is good for the skin. Apply moisturiser on damp skin immediately after the bath.

- Apply the pack of curd or mashed papaya for 20 minutes. Liberal use of cold cream or moisturiser is good for the skin.

- After removing the colour, replenish and rejuvenate the skin by using a paste of soya bean flour or besan with milk. A mixture of sea salt, glycerin and a few drops of aroma oil has an anti-bacterial and antifungal effect and can take care of the bad effects of chemical colours. Use warm water and moisturising soap to scrub off the colours. Then, using a cream cleanser or baby oil, gently massage off the leftover colour.

- Colour on the hair should be rinsed off with a mild shampoo immediately. Conditioning is a must. Apply a hair pack of olive oil and honey after shampooing. If you have any rash or allergy, you can take a non-sedative, anti-allergic tablet like Ceterizine or consult a doctor immediately.

If you continue to have problems...

- If your skin feels irritated and is itching or burning, wash it properly again. Then mix one part of cortisone (Fluticasone) lotion with two parts of moisturiser or calamine lotion and apply.

- For a more severe reaction with eruptions, a tablet of Cetrizine (available at chemist shop) may be taken but its better to see a doctor immediately.

- For dull, dry hair, try this hair pack. Mix half a cup of olive oil, an egg white and 4 teaspoonfuls of honey. Coat your hair with this mixture for half an hour then wash off.

- A soothing face pack can be made with a mixture of pureed banana, 2 teaspoonfuls of honey and 2 teaspoonfuls of milk cream. This hydrates, softens and soothes the skin.

After Holi hulla, you are bound to get tanned, so try this natural recipe. Puree a tomato and apply it on your face for about 20 minutes. Fresh, crushed tomato pulp is supposed to remove immediate tanning.

Wish you a happy Holi with a healthy skin and great hair!

Skin Allergies � Easy and Effective Home Remedies

Allergies in general are defined as hypersensitivity to some foreign particle or the other. Different people have different kinds of tolerances for foreign bodies. When some people cannot adjust with certain elements in their surroundings, they may suffer from certain skin problems that are commonly referred to as skin allergies.

There is a sure way of determining whether your skin affliction is an allergy or not. If you have got a skin problem due to a cause that has affected no one else, then it is an allergic reaction. For example, several people may be exposed to dust. But if it affects you in a strong way, then you are allergic to dust.

Skin allergies could be in the form of itching, dry and scaly skin, eruptions, rashes, boils, etc. There are three main types of problems that are associated with skin allergies. These types are as follows:-

(i) Dermatitis � This is the skin allergy which is caused due to contact with some substances. It is shown as an inflammation.

(ii) Hives � Hives is a fluid accumulation in the skin which shows up as a swelling. This is a temporary condition and heals with treatment. Hives are also known as urticaria.

(iii) Prickly Heat � This is a red rash which occurs on the body. Prickly heat is generally caused due to excessive perspiration due to hot and humid climates.

All skin problems are vata dosha disorders. Vata dosha controls the air element of the human body. Hence, when the vata dosha is vitiated, there are skin reactions. In different people, there are different degrees of the vata dosha. In some people, the vata may be weak and get easily vitiated due to external factors. Such people are more specific to skin allergies than others.

In this article, we see how to treat various skin allergies with an Ayurvedic point of view.


Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Skin Allergies

- Cassia (Cassia fistula)
Cassia is used effectively in the treatment of several irritations on the skin caused due to allergies. A paste of the cassia leaves can be applied on the skin in case of inflammation of the hands and feet caused due to extreme cold, and also swellings caused due to accumulation of fluids under the skin, as in hives.

- Henna (Lawsonia inermis)
Henna is an excellent remedy for several skin allergies. It can be used in case of hives, swellings, boils and other kinds of inflammation. Applying henna on the skin cools the skin and removes the symptom of the allergy.

- Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum)
The holy basil is venerated in Indian tradition as the tulsi. It has an almost maternal status for the Hindus. This plant is venerated for its many medicinal properties. Among the other advantages, tulsi is also used for healing skin problems. In case of itches and rashes, the juice of the tulsi leaves is applied on the skin. This is a very quick treatment for allergic skin problems.

- Madhuca (Madhuca indica)
Madhuca is used as a treatment for skin itch problems. The leaves are made into a paste and applied onto the skin in skin infections due to allergy.

- Rauwolfia (Rauwolfia serpentina)
Rauwolfia is known as sarpagandha in Ayurveda. It is a very good remedy for skin problems. In case of hives, the juice of its leaves is applied on the swollen parts to reduce itching. Relief is almost immediate.

- Sandalwood (Santalum alba)
Sandalwood is a traditional remedy for all kinds of itch problems on the skin. It is made into a paste and applied on the skin. It smoothes the skin and prevents it from allergies. Itches are immediately resolved by applying sandalwood paste on the skin. Permanent relief can be obtained by keeping the paste smeared on the skin for half an hour before washing it off. Sandalwood oil is also used in the treatment of diseases such as erysipelas (an eruptive allergic skin disease) and prurigo (an itchy skin eruption).


Dietary Guidelines for Treatment of Skin Allergies

You must take a lot of water to prevent all kinds of skin allergies. These include fresh fruits and vegetables that have high water content in them. In the summer season, take cooling drinks such as lemon juices and sherbets.

Do not consume sour foods if you have skin allergy problems often. This can vitiate the vata dosha further.


Home Remedies for Treatment of Skin Allergies

- Take about 30 milliliters of the juice of the leaves of wood apple (Feronia limonida) and mix some cumin powder in it. Take this twice daily. This is a very good treatment for urticaria or hives.

- Extract the juice of the jambula (Indian Plum) and mix some soda in it. Apply this in case of prickly heat.

- In hot seasons, drink a glass of lemon juice twice everyday. This will supplement the vitamin C content of the body lost due to perspiration and will prevent the outburst of prickly heat.

- Chomping on sugarcane several times in the hot season is also a good method of preventing prickly heat.

- If the area on the skin is exceptionally itchy, then mash a papaya and spread the paste of the papaya on it. This will reduce the itch and also make the skin healthier.

Cosmetics Saftey and What Should We Be Really Using On Our Skin?

For the longest time, companies that make everything from after-shave to lip gloss have conducted safety testing on grooming products and shipped the cosmetics to stores to be sold to consumers, all with very little government involvement. And over the years, there have been few health or safety problems associated with the myriad grooming products and cosmetics on the market. Nevertheless, momentum has been building for greater oversight of the chemicals in everyday products, with the European Union and California taking the lead in imposing new rules for monitoring what is in the perfumes, creams, nail polish and hair sprays that are sold.

The California Safe Cosmetics Act, which took effect on Jan. 1, requires cosmetics companies to tell state health authorities if a product contains any chemical on several government lists covering possible cancer-causing agents or substances that may harm the reproductive system. The cosmetics industry is already taking steps to heighten self-monitoring, though representatives said the ingredients that the California law regulates pose no risk to human health when used topically in the small quantities found in some cosmetics.

Indeed, no rigorous large-scale clinical trials have been conducted that would indicate that cosmetics trigger major diseases in humans. But some small case reports published in medical journals suggest that a few substances used in cosmetics may affect hormone function in humans.

Scientists are particularly interested in a group of chemicals called phthalates � used in some nail polishes, fragrances, medical devices and shower curtains � some of which have had an effect on the reproductive systems of lab animals and can be absorbed and excreted by the human body.

Although the cosmetics industry considers the phthalates used in its products to be safe, some companies have voluntarily removed dibutyl phthalate, which California considers harmful to the reproductive system, from their nail polishes. But some environmentalists are pressing for a deeper analysis of the possible long-term effects of exposure to these chemicals. Some have formed a group called the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and natural beauty to publicize their concerns, using the Internet to highlight ingredients and manufacturers. Their efforts have raised the possibility that the cosmetics industry eventually could be subject to greater government regulation, with perhaps mandatory testing and product approval.

Since 1938, when Congress gave the Food and Drug Administration limited authority over beauty products, cosmetics has been a largely self-regulating industry. Prescription and over-the-counter drugs must submit safety data to the agency before it approves them for sale to the public. But cosmetics do not need agency approval because they are defined as topical products (like moisturizer or mascara) that alter neither the structure nor the function of the skin.

Beauty manufacturers are required to ensure the safety of their cosmetics before they go on sale, but the federal agency has never defined safety, according to an agency spokeswoman. That has left it to the beauty industry to settle on a definition, with the overall standard being that products are safe for use if they do not irritate the skin when applied as directed. By that standard, the industry has a long record of safety, with about six billion products manufactured annually worldwide, and only rare reports of problems like allergic reactions.

Taking Care of Dry Skin

There are usually three types of skin, ranging from oily to combination and dry skin. It is important that you realize the right way to take care for your skin type. Most people over look the fact that they have a particular type of skin, and continue to care for their skin in a way that does not suit or benefit them.

If you have dry skin, you should care for it by trying to add moisture. There are numerous products out that help care for your dry skin. If you have dry skin on your legs and arms, you should try using a moisturizing lotion daily. Lotions should be applied when you have finished showering; this will help keep your legs feeling silky and smooth. Many people seem to have problems with dry skin on their face, this too requires extra care. The skin on your face is very sensitive, and it is also the most noticed part of your body.

Dry skin needs to be cared for and washed often, but gently. When washing your face, make sure you never use hot water. The deposits in the water are too drying. Adding moisturizer after cleansing your face will help make your dry skin look better. When you wash your face, you should use a soap to care for your skin that is specifically formulated for dry skin.

Home Remedies to Treat Dry Skin

There are many products out there to help you care for your dry skin. There are also some recipes that you can use at home in your own kitchen. Some of those are listed below:

Morning skin rejuvenator and cleanser:

1 teaspoon of orange juice
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon of olive oil
3 drops of rose water
4 drops of lemon juice

Mix all of the ingredients together and use as a cleanser in the morning.

Avocado Facial:

Avocado is a naturally rich moisturizer that is perfect for caring for dry skin.

Take one avocado and mash it until it is a creamy texture. You can then apply the mixture to both your face and neck. Leave it on for 15 minutes, and then rinse off as normal. You will instantly notice how soft and smooth your skin will feel.

Things to Remember

You should care for your skin on a daily basis. Try to avoid touching your face frequently throughout the day. This will prevent your natural oils from rubbing off. It is vital that you maintain a daily skin care routine when taking care of your dry skin. This will help maintain a naturally healthy look that you will love.

How Natural Skin Care Can Help You In Anti Aging Treatment

For centuries, people are interested on anti-aging skin care treatment. The reason behind this fascination is men and women want to look young at whatever age one is and to remain healthy.

If you want to fight against aging process, you need to take care of your whole body, life style and diet. In this article, we will look at how we can age more slowly when it comes to our skin, and our body.

Any anti aging routine for the skin and body should look followings:

1. Reduce oxidative stress from our lifestyle

2. Antioxidants are very important for our skin. A proper diet and drinking of enough water is essential to generate enough antioxidants.

Modern fast life style creates enough psychological stress. Excessive physical and mental stress increases secretion of "aging hormones" such as cortisol, adrenaline, and the reduction of the "anti-aging hormone" DHEA. Research report shows that after a successful treatment of clinically depressed patient, patient looks younger.

You need to put anti-aging & anti wrinkle skin care into action to have gorgeous skin, which mean that, the rest of your body is becoming healthy as well.

What are the best skin care medicines/ointments?

Natural extracts and state-of-the art ingredients are the best source of effective and finest best skin care medicines.

A few of these products are listed below for your easy reference:

Deep Pore Cleansing Lotion with Liposomes is a fragrance- water-soluble formula. It is mild cleansers and provides nurturing vitamins to skin.

Revitalizing & Anti-Aging Cream is an amazing cream that combines the benefits of squalene, moisture regulating Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamins A, D and E with Glycolic Acid. It contains no mineral oil and is very effective on skin showing fine lines or wrinkles related to aging, including blemishes and discolorations.

Moisture Balance Nutri-Cream help to restore the skin's natural moisture balance. Glycolipids and Rose Hip Seed Oil supply essential fatty acids.

Aloe Toner Blue with Rosewater has soothing and regenerative properties. It helps to maintain skin's natural moisture balance while removing residue.

Face & Body Scrub with Papaya Enzymes sweep away dead surface cells and penetrate deeply to lift out impurities
Marine Mint Masque with Salicylic Acid is a powerful deep cleansing masque to remove oil and lift out impurities embedded in the skin.

Glycerin, combined with specialized acid and a highly active form of Collagen, are combined in this effective surface lubricating lotion to help inhibit fine lines by binding moisture to the skin cells.