Skin and Hair

Home Remedy for Itch Problems

2009-06-19T01:44:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the best home remedies for itching:
• Take a bath in a can of evaporated milk; you can include other combinations like oatmeal etc. The milk works effectively to sooth the itching.
• Apply aloe vera, cod liver oil, Vitamin E oil lemon juice, or wheat germ oil to the itchy area.
• Cornstarch helps relive itching. You can put some into your bath water or dust it onto your body.
• Scrub the affected area lightly with a pumice e stone. Then bathe with soap, apply little alcohol ad dab a thick layer of Vaseline over it. This will provide relief from itching.
• Add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to your bathwater to relive itchy skin.
• Apply cold compress to the itchy area. It is believed to bring relief from itching.

Acne treatment: Tips: to treat and cure acne

2009-03-23T10:04:00.000-07:00

Acne is the bane of adolescence which may overshadow your adulthood. Acne a skin condition, that causes pimple and skin irritation is common in teenagers and young adults. Acne primarily appears in the oil producing regions of the body like the face, the chest and the back. It is also noticeable on upper arms and neck. If acne is left untreated, it can develop into scars that may be difficult to go away. There are two types of acne: non inflammatory-blackheads and white, and inflammatory which are in the form of red blemishes which may or may not have pus in them.

Why does acne appear: There are three reasons for acne to appear:

1. Bacteria: Propionibacterium, a bacteria which thrives on the skin is the major cause of acne.

2. Rapid increase in androgens: The male sex hormone which is found in both girls and boys in puberty, called androgen; is among the major reasons for acne proliferation. The hormone causes the sebaceous glands of the skin to produce more sebum which results in acne. Hormonal changes due to pregnancy or stopping or starting of birth control pills are another reason.

3. Genetic: Acne can be inherited genetically too.

Though acne starts at 10-13 years of age, it disappears on its own by early 20s. However in some cases, it can last in the late 20s and even beyond that.

Does acne affect men and women equally

Yes, but there is a difference in the occurrence and pattern of acne. For men, acne lasts longer but women are likely to experience irregular acne due to hormonal changes triggered by menstrual cycle and usage of cosmetics.

What increases acne:

1. Oils from skin care and beauty products like cosmetics can increase acne. It also increases if you are working in a greasy environment like the kitchen.
2. Wearing tight clothes, tight collars and compact helmets can also cause acne increase.
3. Pollution and humidity are also causative factors for acne.
4. Scrubbing the skin too hard, squeezing, itching or picking on acne blemishes can worsen the condition.
5. Hormonal changes two to seven days before the menstrual cycle can also cause acne.
6. Worry and stress are no doubt, another major factor for acne to increase.
7. Chronic constipation is another major reason for acne. If the bowels do not empty properly, the blood stream gets mixed with toxic matter. The skin tries to get rid of the excess waste in the form of acne and other skin disease.

How to fight acne naturally

Wash your face twice daily with a mild face wash to remove excess oil. Avoid excess make-up, go for water based cosmetics instead of oil based ones. It is important to wear skin care products that are ‘noncomedogenic’. This means the product does not cause or increase acne. Drink lots of water, 10-12 glasses daily so that you are able to get rid of excess toxins in the form of urine, sweat or motions. A healthy diet comprising fruit, vegetables, sprouts and juices can give you a fantastic looking skin.

The herbal remedies to cure yourself of acne include mixing natural yogurt and fine oatmeal to a thick paste, applying it on the skin and leaving it to dry. Later you can apply an antibiotic lotion depending on your skin type. Another great natural method to treat acne is usage of Aloe Vera. Use aloe vera gels or soaps to heal acne damaged skin and acne scars. Consult a dermatologist if herbal methods to cure acne fail.

Treatment for acne:

Consult a good dermatologist for acne cure. Do not take self-medicate. The doctor will prescribe pill, ointments or lotions that can kill the bacteria that causes or increase the acne condition.

Blogging can work for the thin-skinned as well

2009-03-06T23:26:00.000-08:00

Blogger Tricks is an amazing blog that talks of just what wonderful things we can do with Blogger. They are having their First contest ever giving away $100 cash in total. The contest is sponsored by HomeImprovementCorner.com and Banner-ad-blog.com . .Lying under the simple but user-friendly format of Blogger are many tweaks and tricks that can elevate your blog to one of the most eye-catching wonders online. Blogger Tricks spruces up your blogger blog and even shows you how easy and convenient it is to add a lot of useful and handy tips that can not only increase your reader base but also give the visitor a fantastic viewing and navigating experience. Blogger Tricks has plenty of tips ranging from increasing the search engine rankings of your blog to making use of add-ons that can make your blog appealing and successful.

Chemicals in the skin care products, poisonous chemicals in skin care product

2008-11-16T05:51:00.000-08:00

Here are some of the chemicals in the skin care products, you should stay away from:
• Imidazolidinyl Urea and Diazolidinyl Urea These are the most commonly used preservatives after the parabens They are well established as a primary cause of contact dermatitis.
• Methyl/Propyl/Butyl/Ethyl Paraben Used as inhibitors of microbial growth, they extend the shelf ife of products. Unfortunately they are widely used even though they are known to be toxic.They cause allergic reactions and skin rashes.
• Petrolatum You will see this ingredient in lip products (balms, chaps, jellies). Petrolatum is mineral oil jelly, and mineral oil causes a lot of problems when used on the skin such as photosensitivity (susceptibility to sun damage) and it tends to interfere with the body's own natural moisturising mechanism, leading to dry skin and chapping. Ironically, it creates the very conditions it is supposed to alleviate!
• Propylene Glycol In its natural form it is a vegetable glycerine mixed with grain alcohol. But it is largely available as a synthetic petrochemical mix used as a humectant (substance that attracts and holds moisture from the environment, thus acting as a moisturiser). It has been known to cause allergic and toxic reactions.
• PVP/VA Copolymer: A petroleumderived chemical used in hairsprays, gels and other cosmetics. It can be considered toxic, since particles may cause congestion in people with sensitive lungs.
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate This synthetic substance is used in shampoos for its detergent and foam-building abilities. It causes eye irritation, skin rashes, hair loss, scalp scurf (similar to dandruff), and allergic reactions. It is frequently disguised in pseudo-natural cosmetics with the parenthetic explanation that it 'comes from coconut'.
• Stearalkonium Chloride A chemical used in hair conditioners and creams, it causes allergic reactions. Stearalkonium chloride was developed by the fabric industry as a fabric softener, and is a lot cheaper and easier to use in hair- conditioning formulae than proteins or herbals, which do help hair health.
• Synthetic Colours The synthetic colours (not colour cosmetics) used to make you cosmetically 'pretty' should be avoided at all costs, along with hair dyes. They will be labelled as FD&C or D&C, followed by a colour and a number. Example: FD&C Red No. 6/D&C Green No. 6. Synthetic colours are believed to be cancer-causing agents.
• Synthetic Fragrances The synthetic fragrances used in cosmetics can have as many as 200 ingredients. There is no way to know what the chemicals are, since on the label it will simply describe it as 'Fragrance'. Some of the problems caused by these chemicals are headaches, dizziness, rash, hyper-pigmentation, violent coughing, vomiting, skin irritation.
• Triethanolamine Often used in cosmetics to adjust the pH, and used with many fatty acids to convert acid to salt (stearate), which then becomes the base for a cleanser. TEA causes allergic reactions including eye problems, dryness of hair and skin, and could be toxic if absorbed by the body over a long period of time.
It is equally important to understand what the label says. Most beauty products use some common terms in their ingredients' list that tells you about the chemical nature of the product and the kind of effect it will have on your skin or hair. Always look out for them before making the purchase. So, get gorgeous girls. Remember, beauty doesn't always have to come at a high price. Certainly not, at the price of good health!

source: prevention.com

What you should look for in a skin care product

2008-11-16T05:49:00.000-08:00

• Retinol is a type of Vitamin A that penetrates deep into the skin where collagen and elastin reside; there it causes more collagen production and makes skin repair and renew itself at a much faster rate.
• CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) is known to quicken the skin's cell renewal process.
• AHA works as an effective exfoliator. It shows instant results by loosening the bonds that hold dead skin cells together on the skin's surface. AHA also hydrates and lightens the skin.
• Vitamin E is a powerful anti-oxidant quite effective against cell damage and pigmentation that is due to ultra-violet (UV) rays of the sun.
• Allantoin promotes regeneration and skin recovery, while controlling inflammatory pigmentation that leads to uneven skin tone and dark spots. It is an effective ingredient to control skin dryness.
• Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) actively tightens and locks melanin below the skin's surface. It is usually found in skin-lightening products.
• Essential Oils such as jojoba that moisturizes skin, camomile, which is an effective calming agent and tea tree oil, which has strong anti-bacterial properties. Add a few drops of these essentials oils to your bath, or foot bath.
• Honey is a great emollient. It can also clean and get rid of bacteria.
• Green Tea Extract is a powerful antioxidant that also soothes the skin. Green tea helps prevent free radical damage caused by sunexposure and pollution.
• Aloe Leaf soothes irritated or sunburnt skin.

Keep skin clear and clear, tips for keeping skin clean and clear

2008-10-26T01:52:00.000-07:00

There are three important factors to maintaining clear skin: sufficient sleep, good hydration, and regular exercise. Sleeping well leaves the body and the face refreshed and healthy. Hydration is also imperative. Drinking 2 liters of water during the day helps to keep the system clean. Water is necessary to wash out the toxins and to keep the skin well hydrated. Finally, regular exercise helps to regulate good blood flow and improve cardiovascular health. This results in your body becoming increasingly efficient and face glowing beautiful, with flushing out of toxins.

Get rid of dry flaky arms, herbal remedies for dry flaky arms

2008-10-26T01:50:00.000-07:00

Combine six-teaspoon petroleum jelly, two-teaspoon glycerin and two-teaspoon lemon juice. Apply this moisturizing lotion at least twice a week if you have dry and flaky, arms and legs.

How to make curly hair manageable

2008-10-26T01:35:00.000-07:00

To make your curly hair manageable, use a creamy conditioner after shampooing to soften the texture of your hair. Home remedies cannot straighten your hair. However, with the help of a hair dryer you can get a temporary effect that will probably last till the next wash. After you shampoo, when the hair is wet, split it into sections. Hold the end of a section of hair with a brush or comb. With the help of a hand-held drier and keeping it in a downward angle, do it again with each section. Please note that you should hold the drier at least 6 inches away from your hair. Too much use of hair dryer can make your hair dry.

Difference betweeen deodorant and antiperspirant

2008-10-26T01:32:00.000-07:00

There is a basic different between an antiperspirant and a deodorant. Anti –perspirant, as the name suggests, blocks sweat out. It is actually harmful to the body because it stops the natural excretory process of the body (sweating) by blocking the pores. A deodorant just camouflages (or masks) the body odor but does not reduce the sweat. Anti-perspirants also leave white patches on the body, which deos do not leave such patches.

Eczema treatment,cure for eczema, home remedies for eczema

2008-10-19T00:26:00.000-07:00

Home Remedies for Eczema

Following are some of the effective home remedies for eczema:

Mango has many healing properties for eczema. Peel off the mango skin, and simmer the pulp in water, allow it to cool. Apply this paste over the eczema infected area for 10-15 days. This is effective home remedy for eczema.

- You can also try this home remedies for eczema. Prepare fresh fruit or vegetable juice of carrot, grapes, spinach and oranges and apply it over the eczema affected area.

Musk melon is one of the most effective remedies for eczema. Eat only musk melons three times a day for forty days or more. In the beginning only 3 kilos of musk melons should be taken daily for 3 days. The quantity should be increased by 1 kg daily till the appetite is catered for. Use only sweet and fresh fruit of the best variety to treat eczema.

It is found out through laboratory tests, that eczema happens due to lack of linoleic acid. Safflower being rich in this acid can be used for the treatment of eczema. Two tablespoons of safflower oil should be taken daily for the treatment of the disease.

Two tablespoons of molasses should be taken twice a day in a glass of milk to cure eczema. You will be able to see improvements in two weeks time.

Add 2-3 teaspoon of turmeric powder to water and boil it at low flame. Remove it from heat and allow it cool a little. Wash the eczema affected area with this solution. You can also replace turmeric with margosa (neem) leaves.

- Make a paste of nutmeg in water and apply 2-3 times a day over the infected area. This paste is very useful in curing the various skin diseases.

Find out the best way to beat eczema quicky and easily

Eczema, cure for eczema, causes of eczema

2008-10-19T00:20:00.000-07:00

Eczema is inflammation of the skin, which results in the formation of pistules and vesicles on the skin. It is characterized by severe and itchy irritation on the skin. The disease is not contagious but can take many forms. Eczema usually results from a toxic condition of the system and the failure of the body to excrete poisonous or toxic systems from the various orifices of the body. Other causes can include faulty metabolism, constipation, nutritional deficiencies, menstrual stress, stressful life style etc. Taking drug for treatment of another disease can also result in eczema as a side effect.

The person who is suffering from eczema should get as much air as possible. He or she should drink two or three liters of water daily in order to facilitate removal of toxic substances, and not stress the kidneys or liver, which can give rise to eczema problems. Possibly take a shower two or three times a day. Reduce intake of foods with high mineral content like onion and ginger. Talk to an allergist, identify the substance that is causing the eczema and abstain consuming or using it. Do not use soaps or body lotions that have chemicals in it. Use a glycerin based soap or a baby soap. Keep the clean and office dust free. Take a steam bath or sun bath twice a day. Sunbathing kills bacteria and other disease causing germs.

Here's how you can get relief from eczema in just 14 days -proven method

Women's hair loss problems, prevent and cure hair loss for women

2008-10-15T00:20:00.000-07:00

Hair loss effects women psychologically compared to men

There is an old saying which says that the hair of a woman is her “crowning glory”. A lustrous silky full mane epitomizes the beauty of a woman. Studies have revealed that women go through a lot of emotional and psychological setback when they began to lose their hair. Hair loss in a woman, while often less obvious than male hair loss, can be far more emotionally upsetting. A loss in the self-esteem and sagging confidence levels is witnessed in women when their hair begins to fall out. Nobody is really surprised when a man starts balding. For men hair loss can be even perceived as a sign of virility and that his sex hormones are functioning to the fullest. Cosmetically though, a man also does feel low when he witnesses a receding hairline but his psychological loss is not anyway near to the way a woman feels when her hair starts thinning.

Pattern of hair loss for women

One in four women will experience hair loss at some time in their lives.
More than 20million women in the US alone are suffering from hair loss problem
While women can suffer female pattern baldness like thinning in the crown and receding hairline, they are more likely to experience hair thinning spread or diffuse through the entire scalp. The female pattern sets in a later age compared to men, mostly after the menopause and is usually restricted to the top of the head. Total baldness is a rare occurrence

Common cause of hair loss in a woman

Here are some of the reasons for hair loss in a woman:
1. Hormones: One of the major cause of hair loss in a woman can be a hormonal imbalance. An overactive or an under active thyroid can cause the thinning of the hair. Treating the thyroid disease can take care of this kind of hair loss problem. Hormones can also cause hair loss if there is an imbalance of the estrogen hormone. If the hormone imbalance is rectified, the hair loss can cease.

2. Child birth: It is common for a woman to experience hair loss after three months of having delivered a baby. The hair loss in a woman after the child birth is sudden and fast. This kind of hair loss is also the result of hormones which are imbalanced. However this is not much of a cause of concern because once the hormones begin to work normally as they were prior to pregnancy, the hair loss is restored. Telogen effluvium, the scientific name for this kind of hair loss is characterized by a general thinning of the hair and is usually brought about as a result of some traumatic event or a life changing event causing stress like pregnancy or stress in exams and work.

3. Menopause: Hair loss is one of the signs of menopause in women. About 13 percent of women have reported hair loss before menopause. The percentage has reportedly been shown to rise to about 38 percent after menopause.

4. Genes: Women can experience thinning of hair if they have inherited the genes that cause hair loss from their father or mother. The expression of this genes is dependent on hormones called androgens. Since the androgen testosterone, needed for male sexual characteristics is present at a higher level in men, the “androgenetic alopecia” (common balding) is more evident in men, though it is the ordinary form of hair loss for both men and women. However genetic deficiency can be cured in both the sexes if they are disciplined about their diet and get sufficient sleep.

5. Alopecia areata-This is another common hair loss condition known to affect women. The obvious signs are patchy areas of baldness on the scalp or widespread thinning of the hair throughout the scalp. The reason for hair loss in a woman in such a situation is because of a deficiency of hair protein or a weak immune system.

6. Traumatic alopecia: This happens when you damage your hair by manipulating or handling the hair roughly by twisting, tugging or braiding the hair too tightly.

Click to know how you canGrow hair naturally now

Treatment tips for women who experience hair loss

The hair loss treatment for woman and the related options are limited compared to those that are available for men. The only treatment and hair loss product licensed for women is Rogaine, for women (Minoxidil). Ideally, you should talk to a certified dermatologist in order to find out the root cause of your hair loss and the right kind of hair loss product that can suit you. You can consider the options you can use only on the basis of the diagnosis of your dermatologist. After considering the different procedures and costs, she should decide upon a course of action. One of these options is the restoration of her hair by a physician who is proficient in surgical hair restoration. Hair transplant surgery is a recommended hair loss treatment for woman who wants to get rid of her hair loss. At the same time, women who have diffusing hair loss through out the scalp should not usually go for the hair transplant surgery, although you may check for confirmation with your certified dermatologist.

How to remove scars and acne scars? Complete scar removal guide

2008-10-14T23:10:00.000-07:00

Scars are fibrous tissue which replace normal skin after the dermis, which gets deteriorated following a wound or sore. A skin usually appears in the brownish, blackish or pinkish color. Scars though ugly looking are a natural way of the skin to repair itself from injury. The word scar owes its origin to the Greek word eschara' which means fireplace. An injury becomes a scar only after the sore or wound is completely healed. Let us see how you can treat and remove scars and acne scars from your body:

Apply vitamin E oil directly on the healing tissue two or three times a day. Vitamin E is used to help the skin regenerate, and the gentle massage that you do will help the tissue grow smoothly. You can even use Vitamin E capsules. Break the capsule and smear the oil of these capsule in the area which has scars. - Aloe vera paste can be combined with the oil of vitamin E capsules to remove the scars effectively

Massage scars with water and little baking soda to gently shed off the dead issue on the top layer of the skin. Massage the scat with baking soda for atleaset one minute, twice daily. Rinse with warm water and apply some olive oil to revitalize the tissue.

An expensive yet permanent form of scar removal is by using laser scar removal. The cost of the treatment will depend on the size and the area where the scar exists.

Sandalwood paste can effectively get rid of scars. Soak sandalwood in night overnight. The next morning apply the paste on scar affected areas and you will find improvements in your skin tone.

Olive oil or aloe vera gel can also reduce the scar from intensifying.

Apply lemon juice on the area where scars are present. Otherwise you can also trying rubbing lemon on the affected skin areas, by cutting the lemon into two halves. The citric quality of lemon helps in not only cleansing the pores but also removing the scars.

Apply fresh tomato juice on the affected areas of skin to remove the scars.

Rub your skin with ice-cubes to pale the scar. This is the simplest way to reduce scars on the face or other areas of skin.

Fuller’s earth can also be used well to remove scars. Take two tablespoons of fuller’s earth and mix it with lemon juice. Mix them well, add rose water to the mixture. Apply the paste on the scars and the scars will reduce considerably. Allow it dry for 15 minutes before washing the area with cool water. If you do this twice a day, the scar will be completely cured.

Gently massage almond oil on the affected skin area to remove scars effectively.

Fenugreek seeds are also useful in scar removal treatments in a herbal manner. Take fenugreek seeds and dissolve them in a glass of water. Let it boil for about 5 minutes or so. Then let the solution cool and wash the affected area of scar with this solution. Washing the face with fenugreek water solution can also work wonders to add glow to your face.

Mash a ripe banana and apply the resultant paste on the scar. Leave on for ten minutes and then was the skin with cold water. You will be able to remove scars naturally this way.

Apply an extract of cucumber on the scar affected area and leave it like that for 15 minutes. Rinse your skin with cool water after 20 minutes. This method can remove the darkest of scars.

Applying honey directly on the scar area can also completely remove the scar. You must apply honey regularly on the scar affected area, till it goes away.

Dab some green tea on a cotton and massage it on the scar affected area.

Oils like olive oil, coconut oil and the aforementioned almond oil , if regularly applied on the skin several times a day can reduce scars effectively.

If the scar is due to an acne or pimple, do this: Mix a tablespoon of yoghurt, sour cream , a tablespoon of ground oatmeal and a some drops of lemon juice and mix together thoroughly. Apply this paste onto the face for ten minutes. Then rinse off with cold water. Do this several times a day. Se low fat sour cream if you have an oily skin.

Cut a clove of garlic into two parts and massage it on the acne or pimple area. This helps to cure the scar and its traces effectively.

Hair care questions, hair care treatments, split ends hair treatment

2008-10-03T20:58:00.000-07:00

How can you take care of split ends in the hair?
Split ends are more prominent in long hair because such hair is not trimmed frequently. If you cut your hair every 4 to 6 weeks, you will have lesser split ends. Hair tends to split when it is spoiled. So preferably, you should maintain your hair in good health to stop split ends. Maintain the quality of hair by using the right products and eat well balanced diet. Harsh chemical or heat formed from parlor processes like perming, blowdrying, coloring can cause hair damage. Nutritional deficiency, over exposure to the sun, chemicals in the water you take bath with, and medication can affect hair.
If you have treated hair, it is necessary to take care of it by using suitable products. For instance, after coloring your hair, use products that are customized for colored hair. Also, go for spa treatments and protein treatments for hair health.
Should you comb your hair when it is wet?
You should not comb hair when it is wet, because it is three times weaker at that time. You will only end up breaking and ruining hair strands. Combing wet hair also leads to loss of elasticity and bounce. Let hair dry naturally. Then, comb it with a wide tooth comb or a brush to reduce hair breakage.
Are 2 in 1 shampoos really good? Shampoos are basically cleansers. They remove grime and dirt. They clean the scalp and wash off product residues, like color and oil. On the other hand, conditioners go into the cuticle layers. They cover up the cuticle with a protective shield. It is preferable to go for a mild shampoo that cleans the scalp and hair without stripping it of natural oils, and use a separate conditioner later.
Can hair texture change permanently after a procedure?
Your hair remains the same because it is the genes which underlines the color, strength and texture of your hair. The only time, when the hair texture changes is during puberty. Understand that hair procedures and hair treatments are only done to the strand of the hair and not on the root of the hair. Which is why, there is no permanent change to the hair. Though the present hair may not have the change, the new hair which grows will. A color . A colour treatment done 10 years ago, or a year ago cannot affect it permanently.
Question: Is oiling your hair really important?
It is a myth which states that oiling your hair will make it grow long and lustrous. Usually hair oils in the market are paraffin based. Real, authentic, coconut oil is expensive. It is the massage that you apply on the scalp that makes the difference. It increases blood circulation in the scalp. This way, more nutrients are passed on to the hair cells. So it is important to massage the head regularly. Leaving oil on hair for hours can in fact, attract dirt, because it blocks the sebaceous glands.
Can expensive hair care products promise better hair health?
It is not a question about using expensive hair care products. Healthy strong hair has everything to do with what you eat. If you eat a healthy diet that has all nutrients, then your hair will be taken care of . Include biotin which is used in egg yolk, liver, milk and vegetables; and zinc which you get from nuts, beans and whole grains. Include calcium and proteins in your diet. Drink fat-free milk and eat lots of curd. As far as expensive is concerned; go for tried and tested well known hair care brands as a safe option. But eating a balanced diet is quite important if you want healthy hair.