Acne: Symptoms,Causes, Treatment

Our skin is the reflection of our overall health.Acne, blackheads etc indicates the disturbance in good health.Acne problem is a very common problem these days. From teenager to adult most of them are  suffering from acne.

Acne can be painful and irritable. If they are left untreated, acne can also lead to scars on face,back and arms and can also lead to long term hyper-pigmentation. 

What is Acne?

Acne is a inflammatory skin condition that causes pimples on face, shoulders, back , neck and upper arms. Treatment of acne depends on how severe and persistent it is.

Most of the time it can be treated through natural remedies but if the condition is too severe, you need to visit a Dermatologist.

Causes of Acne

There can be many reasons for acne.Here i am explaining some of them.

Hair follicles clogged by oil and dead skin: 

Our face, back chest,shoulders have most of the oil glands and the hair follicles are connected to the oil glands. This follicle wall can cause blackhead or white head.
If this follicle wall gets bulge, it can cause a whitehead. If the pore is left open it can cause the darkening of surface causing blackhead. This blackhead is actually filled with bacteria and oil. This turns black when exposed to air.

 Hormones 

During puberty in boys and girls there is a hormone known as Androgens  increases which causes sebaceous gland to enlarge and make them produce more sebum. This is the major reason of acne in teenagers.

 Diet

We know that what we eat affects our skin directly and it can be a cause of pimple also.
There was a research based on the study of 115 people in Eastern Paraguay and 1200 individuals in Papua New Guinea. The individuals lived on a diet of self raised lean meats and fresh plant foods and as a result of which not even a single person had acne on their skin.Based on this evidence, researchers concluded that the diet which contains mostly starches and sugars and fried foods are the main reason for acne.

There is also a study which has showed the results that acne is also related to dairy products.In 2005, an article in the journal of the American Academy of Dermatology  proved this relation. It was seen that much of the milk consumed is produced by pregnant cows who pump out progesterone,IGF-1 which is then passed to milk. this hormone can trigger the oil glands to produce more oil.

Make-up

 When we apply foundations or concealer make up on our skin, it fills our pores and prevents our skin from breathing. this can worsen the acne.I don't understand why we are obsessed with  make up. Just to look good? is that only face that we need to show the world? what about our work, our health? think about it !!

Stress 

When stress level is increased, adrenal glands increase the production of the male Hormone Androgen, which signals sebaceous oil glands to secrete more sebum.As this excess oil builds up, acne is more likely to develop.

Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills can also affects the hormone level in women. According to Huffington Post , birth control pills that are androgen based are the reason for the acne

Home remedies for Acne

Conventional treatment of acne is quite expensive and can cause side effects too like itchiness and dryness. these treatments make our skin to depend on products only like if we stop using these products there are most chances that acne can appear again. 

Acne can be cured at home. I have used these products myself and they are organic products so they do not have any side effects.Before sharing those steps i would suggest you to change your day routine.

All these things take time to show difference. They will not change your face with in a day you just need to have little patience.

1.GET UP LITTLE EARLY AND WORKOUT IN FRESH AIR.

Your lungs try to take in as much oxygen as possible when you run or exercise in fresh air. The heart then pumps out blood throughout your body including skin which gives a radiant look right after your workout.This keeps your skin fresh and smooth. 5–6 days workout in a week is enough. :)

2. EAT HEALTHY

Now this is the main part. I am not saying to change your diet plan or do not eat food. Eat every kind of healthy food.

1 thing you need to change in your food is to use less oil.

Include these things in your diet and you will be able to see changes in your skin and hair within one month. and this is compulsory. you can’t skip that

• JUICES: any fruit juice, beetroot juice, carrot juice,bitter gourd(karela), Azadirachta indica (neem) juice. these juices purifies blood.
• FRUITS: try to eat every seasonal fruit. but do eat apple everyday
• VEGETABLES: try to include green vegetables in your food
• DRY FRUITS: almonds,apricot,cashew nut, dates, dried dates, flax seeds, peanuts,walnuts,watermelon seeds. but eat very little quantity eg 2–3 pieces per day
• SALADS: add salads with your lunch and breakfast.

3. DRINK 5–6 LITERS OF WATER PER DAY

Water should be your best friend. Do 1 thing always keep 1 liter of bottle with you. and refill that bottle 5–6 times. Drinking water will flush all the toxins from your body and this will keep your skin clear.

4. DRINK WARM LEMON WATER EVERY MORNING

Take 1 glass of warm water add 2 tea spoon of lemon juice in it. Drink this every morning empty stomach. Lemon cleanses your digestive system and boosts immune system.There are numerous benefits of this solution . 

5. HOME MADE FACE WASH
 First you need to know what kind of skin type you have. oily,dry or combination

• FACE WASH FOR OILY SKIN:

INGREDIENTS:

• gram flour or besan
• lemon drops
• fuller’s earth or multani mitti
• neem leaves

Procedure: add 1 table spoon gram flour, 1 tablespoon of fuller’s earth, half of lemon drops, and grinded neem leaves in it . and add water or rose water to make a paste. Use this mixture as a face wash every morning and night .

• FACE WASH FOR DRY SKIN:

INGREDIENTS:

• vitamin E capsules
• honey
• aloe vera gel

Procedure: add half tea spoon of aloe vera gel, few drops of honey and few drops of vitamin E oil which is in capsules. vitamin E capsules are available easily in any medical store near you and its price is also very low around 22 rs for 10 capsules. You can use 1 capsule at 1 time. Mix all ingredients and apply on your face as face wash every morning and night before going to bed.

Combination skin people can use himalaya neem face wash . It is very good for that skin type.

6. HOME MADE FACE PACKS

• ORANGE PEEL FACE PACK(FOR COMBINATION AND OILY SKIN)

INGREDIENTS

ORGANIC ORANGE PEEL POWDER.

I personally use this one.This is 100% natural.

Procedure: add 1 table spoon of this powder and add rose water or gulab jal in it to make a paste and apply it on face . Leave it on face for 30 min and wash with normal water. Use this face pack four times a week.This will remove dark spots from your face and will also lighten your skin tone

curd face pack(for dry and combination skin):

Just apply simple curd on your face every day for about 20 minutes and this will work miraculously. After removing this face pack do not wash your face with face wash. You can wash with face wash after one hour

herbal lemon face pack: (oily and combination skin )

i personally use this one.this is also 100% natural.

Add 1 tablespoon of this powder in a bowl and mix with gulab jal or rose water. make a paste and apply this on your face for 30 minutes.

You can use this 3 times a week. this will lighten your skin tone remove dark spots and will prevent pimple growth.

7. APPLY ALOE VERA GEL EVERY NIGHT BEFORE GOING TO BED

After water, aloe vera gel should be your best friend. It doesn’t matter whether u have oily or dry skin you can apply this gel.

i use this patanjali’s aloe vera gel. you can use this as a moisturizer . apply this on your face before going to bed. aloe vera gel prevents acne and makes your skin smooth. :)

i have followed all these steps and now my face is healing slowly. 

                          "i wish you all a healthy life"

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Dry skin causes and remedies

Dryness is a condition of the skin when your skin is not able to hold moisture. Dry skin is also called xerosis. Some people are born with dry skin and for some people dry skin occurs during winters. If left untreated, dry skin can cause flaky skin and itchiness .

You should keep your skin moisturized, but the moisturizers we get in the markets are way expensive and they also have chemicals in it. I have a very dry skin. During winters it gets worse as my face gets white patches. I want to share some home remedies that i use myself, which helped me change my skin into combination from dry one.

CAUSES OF DRY SKIN: 

There are  external or internal reasons for dry skin

EXTERNAL REASONS: 

1. Washing skin with harsh soaps
2. Cold temperature
3. Overuse of sanitizer
4. Taking bath multiple times with hot water
5. Using moisturizer which contains perfumes or alcohol
6. Low humidity

INTERNAL REASONS:

1. DEHYDRATION: Skin can also look dry if it has lack of water.Even oily skin can experience dehydration.Excessive drinking of alcohol, coffee, tea can also cause  dehydration.                                                                                                                             
2. MEDICATION: A number of medicines have the side effects of drying out the skin.for example medicine for high blood pressure, of medicine for acne like retinoids. this can really make the skin dry.

REMEDIES FOR DRY SKIN.

A HOME MADE MOISTURIZER:

No need to apply so many things on face multiple times. Just use this moisturizer twice a day or right after when you wash your face and you are done.You will feel your skin so soft.

INGREDIENTS:

1. Aloevera gel
2. Lemon
3. Olive oil(optional)
4. Coconut oil
5. Honey.

PROCEDURE

1. I have an aloe vera plant at my home so i used the fresh aloevera leaf. 

and then i extracted the gel out of it. It will look something like this

If you do not have aloe vera plant at home, then you can ask for it from your relatives neighbors or friends.and if still you are not able to find it then you can use this one. This      is patanjali's aloe vera gel.

2. Add 1 table spoon of both  lemon juice and honey

3. Add 1 table spoon of coconut oil. I have used this green valley coconut oil. This one is pure. You can buy this from amazon or can use any organic coconut oil.

4. Add 1 table spoon of olive oil. This is optional. If you can afford this oil then add it otherwise it is OK. Coconut oil will do the work. 

Here i am assuming that you have extracted the gel of only 1 leaf of aloevera. 

Now grind this mixture in the mixer for 3 seconds and a gel will be formed. It will look something like this.

You can store this mixture in any bottle. 

 HOW TO APPLY THIS MIXTURE.

This mixture has got no chemicals and is in pure form. Take 4-5 drops on your palm and apply it on your face. 

You can apply this mixture whenever you wash your face because your skin feels more dry when it is washed. 

Do not forget to apply this mixture before going to bed.

Store this mixture in refrigerator during summers.

 And if you are going out in sun do not forget to apply sunscreen after applying moisturizer. sun will make your skin more dry. if you want to know about sunscreen like how to use it , which one to buy you can go on this link. 

THINGS YOU NEED TO KEEP IN MIND IF YOU ARE FACING DRY SKIN PROBLEM:

1. FACE WASH: Always use gel based face wash. Avoid  using foam based as it will extract all oil from your face.  This himalaya's face wash is really good and its been a year that i am using this face wash. You can use any gel based face wash of a good brand

       2. Never rub your face vigorously with towel: Always clean it gently with towel. Try to tap towel on your face instead of harshly rubbing on it.

      3. DRINK 4-5 GLASSES OF WATER EVERYDAY: Keep yourself hydrated. This will give glow to your face. 

     

     4. TRY TO AVOID JUNK FOOD.: Keep your food clean. If you are healthy from inside you will look healthy from outside too. Try to include every nutrient in your diet.

      5. EAT LOTS OF FRUITS AND GREEN LEAFY VEGETABLES: Fruits and vegetables also nourish your skin. Try to include fruits in your diet.

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Remedies for acne scars

Nobody likes a face full of pimples but worse than that is acne scars. A pimple usually goes away in 3 to 4 days but acne scars live there forever.There are 3 types of acne scars you can have after pimples.and there are different solutions for that.

DISCOLORED ACNE SCAR

It is red, brown or purple mark that is left after the pimple. It is technically known as post-inflammatory hyper pigmentation. This discoloration will fade away with time but it can take years. I waxed my face because i have too much of facial hair. Then after a week pimples started to appear on my face and they left acne scars.

You need follow these steps to get rid of these stubborn scars

STEP 1

Vitamin C:
 Vitamin C should be your best friend, because it lightens the skin tone. You should include vitamin c in your diet and should also apply on your skin.

You can apply lemon juice. Concentrated lemon juice may irritate  your skin. You can dilute it with rose water or simple water. 

Orange peel powder: It also has Vitamin C in it and is very helpful in removing dark spots. It is also useful in acne, blackheads,uneven skin tone . I personally use this one.

You can mix this powder with rosewater to make a paste and apply that paste on face until it dries.then wash your face with normal temperature water. You can use this mask for 
4-5 days a week for best results.

STEP 2: 

Sun Protection(Read my detailed blog here )
Try to protect your face from sun. Sun can really make these scars worse. Apply sunscreen before leaving home.
You need to keep these things in mind before buying any sunscreen
1) SPF is important. It is sun protection factor. It is always good to use a sunscreen of 30 or above than that. I suggest using Lakme Sun Expert UV Lotion SPF 50++ . It does not feel oily on the skin.
2)it is important to see what skin type you have and buy sunscreen according to that. If you have oily skin you can buy gel based sunscreen or if you have dry skin you can use cream based sunscreen.
3) Always use sunscreen 15-20 minutes before going out in sun.

STEP 3)
DRINK 4-5 LITERS OF WATER PER DAY
You need to do this for sure. Water flushes out the toxins from the body and makes the skin clear.Try to drink as much water as you can.

STEP 4) 
Do not squeeze the pimple it will make it worse. Let it take its time. 

STEP 5)
keep your face clean: Wash your face thrice a day.People with oily skin can use foam based face wash and people with dry skin can use gel based face wash.

STEP 6
Exfoliate: Exfoliate your skin at least 4 times a week. it will help you to get rid of dead skin and will make your skin look lighter. 

It's been 2 months that i am using these steps and dark spots are really fading. It just needs patience and care.

 RAISED BUMP ACNE SCAR:  

It is even worse. When pimples heal they leave slightly raised bump in that area.These scars are formed when body tries to heal from inflammation caused by acne. 
It is very hard to cure that at home. Vitamin C can help but it will take lots of time may be more than a year. If you need good results you need to go to a dermatologist.They will do laser treatment or inject the bump with cortisone which will help the bump to dry and match the skin level.

 DEPRESSION IN THE SKIN SURFACE:

 You need to visit a dermatologist for that too.It can be cured by lasers and they can use fillers injection or can do laser treatment depending on the type of skin depression you have.

I HOPE THIS HAS HELPED YOU. AND DON'T FORGET TO EAT HEALTHY. IF YOU ARE HEALTHY FROM INSIDE,YOU WILL LOOK HEALTHY FROM OUTSIDE TOO"

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Best remedies to remove sun tan at home naturally (with photos)

Hello friends 

Summers are coming and many people expose their skin to sun and those sun rays can really tan your skin.I went to a beach few months back and spent my whole day in the sun. My skin became reddish in color that day. Something like this..... :/

. And next day first layer of skin started coming out,and by evening i was tanned.

my face was appearing 3 shades darker than my usual skin tone.

 I did a lot of research on internet and read so many books before applying anything on my face.Then i came up with these few packs and tips by which you can remove tan from your face fully with in 2 months.Many people have written that do these steps and remove tan from your face with in one day. Dear friends let me tell you there is no miraculous pack or cream that can remove tan instantly.

you need to follow few steps in order to get flawless and radiant skin again.

STEP 1

FACE PACKS

Here i am suggesting you 3 face packs
you can use any one of them or can choose 2 face packs and apply them on alternate days.

1. CURD,LEMON, HONEY FACE PACK

PROCEDURE:
Take 1 tablespoon of curd of you want to apply it only on face. if you also want to include back or arms just take it accordingly.

then add 1 table spoon of lemon juice

now add half teaspoon of honey

mix this mixture well...

it will look like this

apply this mixture on affected area for 30 minutes if you are using this pack for alternate days but if you are using this pack everyday use it for 20 minutes only.

 REASON: 

CURD: curd has zinc and lactic acid.zinc is a cure for acne problem and lactic acid lighten the skin.

LEMON:it has citric acid in it which helps in lightening the skin tone, removes dark spots on skin and also helps acne problem. lemon is best suited for oily skin people

HONEY: Honey contains superior antibacterial, and healing properties and is super nourishing and hydrating.it also has anti ageing properties.

2.ORGANIC ORANGE PEEL POWDER FACE PACK: 

PROCEDURE: 

add  1 tablespoon of organic orange peel powder in a bowl 

mix gulab jal(rose water) in it

make a paste like this

apply this mixture on affected area until it get dried.and wash face with normal water.

REASON:

ORGANIC ORANGE PEEL POWDER:  This powder has vitamin c , calcium ,magnesium in it.which prevent acne, dark spots, lightens the skin tone,prevents ageing, makes skin wrinkle free.

I personally use this one.

and i have really seen good results on my face.

ROSE WATER: It has toning properties. It cleans pores of skin , helps to soothe the reddish skin, prevents acne

i personally use this one

3. HONEY AND LEMON FACE PACK:

PROCEDURE : 

Add 1 table spoon of honey and half lemon juice. Mix it well. 

Massage this mixture on face for about 10 minutes and let it stay on face for 20 min. Then wash your face with lukewarm water.

you can choose any one face pack or any two . If you are choosing two face packs then make sure you apply on alternate days.

STEP 2

WORKOUT:

working out is not about only shredding pounds or toning your muscles. There are numerous benefits of workout.

1.workout increases blood flow in body including face which helps     to heal faster.

2.It uplifts your mood. You feel happy after workout.

3.You will feel less stress and anxiety.

4.Your face and skin will look more radiant

5.Your immunity will be increased.

and there are numerous benefits.........

STEP 3: 

DRINK LOTS OF WATER AND JUICES:

This is very very important step....

water is like a medicine.It is a medicine for any problem in our body for eg fatigue,blood pressure,sugar,migraine,acne,ageing, helps in weight loss and what not.But there is a proper way to drink it. You should drink approx 4-5 liters of water per day..

PROCEDURE: 

1. Take 1 glass of warm water and mix two table spoon of lemon juice and drink this empty stomach in the morning.

this is the best thing to clear the skin..

2. Do not drink water during meal

3. You can take water half an hour before meal and half an hour after meal.

4.You can also include juices.

the best juices for skin are

1. apple juice

2.orange juice

3. beetroot juice

4.carrot juice

5.spinach juice

6.lemon juice

7.cucumber juice

8.pomegranate juice

9. bitter gourd juice

these juice are the best for the skin

STEP 4:

 ALOE VERA GEL:

Now this should be your best friend. Try to have an aloevera plant at home. This is best if not possible you can buy aloevera gel from market. Currently i am using this one

This patanlali's aloevera is pretty good.

but first try to give preference to homemade aloevera gel.

PROCEDURE TO APPLY IT ON SKIN:

Use this gel as a moisturizer.Do not apply any other moisturizer. this one is the best.Wash your face 3 times a day. That is in morning, afternoon and night and after that apply gulab jal on face which will act like a toner and then apply aloevera gel  as a moisturizer. this magical gel will lighten your skin with in a month.

STEP 5: 

APPLY VITAMIN E OIL ON FACE BEFORE GOING TO BED:

This oil is super nourishing. this oil takes time to absorb in skin so is suggested to use at night.

PROCEDURE:

 You can buy vitamin E oil bottle from market or can buy capsules

capsules are cheaper. 10 capsules will will cost you around 20-25 rupees.Take a capsule. Make a pore on capsule and pour that oil on your hand and apply that on the affected area.

BENEFITS: Vitamin E oil is very good for your skin. It lightens the skin tone, removes dark spots and very useful in removing tan. This can also be used as sunscreen. 

"I HOPE THIS HAS HELPED YOU. AND DON'T FORGET TO EAT HEALTHY. IF YOU ARE HEALTHY FROM INSIDE,YOU WILL LOOK HEALTHY FROM OUTSIDE TOO"

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