Thursday, June 25, 2009

Acne Solutions - Causes and Prevention

by Janice Kumar

Generally people with oily skin suffer from acne. Acne can also manifest when the body undergoes hormonal changes. This is why adolescents suffer extensively from this problem. Oily skin and hormonal changes cause the sebaceous glands in the skin to secrete excess of skin oil called sebum. This sebum can collect in the pores and harden, giving rise to various skin problems like blackheads, white heads and other spots. When the skin tissue around the blocked pore gets inflamed, it rises to form a pimple. If bacteria starts growing around this pimple, it can cause acne. An acne condition may therefore be characterized by blackheads, leading to pimples leading to acne. This acne, if left untreated can spread and if not corrected early can lead to skin scarring. Skin scarring caused by acne is difficult to treat and may require professional care.

Prevention is better than cure is an old adage very much applicable in this condition. Some ways to prevent formation of acne is as follows.

  1. Avoid exposure to harsh sun and usage of sun block creams and gels is important to prevent loss of moisture.

  2. Remove black heads early and prevent them from developing into pimples. Blackheads can be removed at home or by a professional and should not be left to fester especially in oily skin and in teenagers.

  3. For a skin prone to acne, it is important to deep cleanse and moisturize the skin every night before going to sleep.

  4. Switch to a low salt, healthy non fried diet. Fresh fruits, raw salads, sprouted grains and pulses and yogurt can go a long way in reducing oil formation in oily skins.

In case, acne has already formed on the skin, the implications are that pimples have already been infected with bacteria. It is now important to dry the skin around the acne and reduce oil formation. Medicated creams and ointments can help in controlling and reducing acne at the first stage by controlling the bacteria infection.

Now, I will mention some acne treatment measures which can be tried at home. There are many herbal remedies in nature which can be quire helpful in controlling the oil formation in the skin and reducing pore blockages. A few of these remedies can also help control, the bacterial infection around the acne, preventing it, from spreading. These remedies may be tried at home with a few precautions. In case, no relief is being felt even after four to five home treatments it is best to consult a trained skin doctor for relief.

Teenagers suffering from persistent freckles can try this remedy. Grate half a white radish into a bowl and mix two tea spoons (10 ml) each of fresh lemon and tomato juice into the bowl. Create a paste and apply it on the face. It may sting a bit. Let it remain for fifteen minutes before washing it off with cold water. Try this remedy once a day for at least a week to find substantial relief. Combine this remedy with deep pore cleansing every evening to find long term relief.

Another home lotion that works well to control freckle formation and reduce pimples is easy to prepare at home. Grate a radish and extract two tablespoons ( 20 ml) of juice in a bowl. Mix this juice with equal quantity of buttermilk and apply this mixture over the face. Leave on for an hour or so and then wash off with warm water. This may be done every day and this will help reduce formation of excess skin oil and control bacteria formation. The freckles and pimples should start reducing and disappearing after seven days of application.

Controlling acne which is spreading is not an easy task. One remedy that works well in many cases is as follows. Grind a tea spoon ( 5 grams) of pepper with seven to eight Margosa (Neem) leaves. Keep in a bowl. Prepare sandalwood paste (20 grams) by rubbing sandalwood on stone with little clean water ( or use commercially available paste). Mix this in the same bowl and prepare a mixture. Apply this on the face and let is remain for at least half an hour. Wash off with warm water. Try this every day for at least seven days to find relief from acne.

Acne and pimples can also be controlled with lime juice. However this will sting and hurt so it is better to blend 10 ml ( two tea spoons) of fresh lime juice with 20 grams of sandalwood paste and prepare a mixture. This mixture can be applied on the face and will help control bacteria formation and reduce acne. It is important to do this every day for at least seven days to find relief. Wash off with cold water after fifteen to twenty minutes.

I sincerely hope you found something useful about acne formation and control in this article. The herbal natural way to acne control and treatment is easy and inexpensive. Try it to find relief.

Disclaimer: The article and tips are for guidance only. Use them at your own risk and discretion. We take no responsibility for any suggestion given above. We strongly urge you consult a qualified professional doctor to find a lasting cure for any problem. The views expressed are the personal views of the author. We take no responsibility for same. Please consult a professional, before using any information on this site. No liability of any kind is accepted by us.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

The Fragrance in You : Hey Girls ..Smell Good

by Janice Kumar

A perfume is a profoundly intimate gesture that projects your moods and perceptions. The fragrance defines your personality and what you would like others to perceive you as. The perfume compliments your clothes and overall personality to project a certain dominant trait in your personality. As you move, your fragrance defines your presence. It is you at that time and moment.

Let me present a few looks defined by various smells and fragrances. Check the perfumes by leading brands to find a complimentary style.

The Bohemian or slightly wild look can be complimented by Aromatic accords based on herbs like rosemary. sage and basil dispersed with silent floral themes. The top international brands defining this look are Glow by J.Lo and L'Air du Temps by Nina Ricci. So if you want to project that Gypsy look with chunky accessories and hippie clothes, try experimenting with these perfumes.

Simple floral and fruity blends work well with the Casual Look. The casual look is best defined by a luminous scent that keeps you relaxed and glowing. You stand apart and still have the relaxed look. Some of the popular perfumes in this category would include Acqua Di Gio by Armani and Burberry Brit by Burberry. So get your jeans on and relax by looking and feeling Chic.

The Botanical or Garden look can be enhanced by using perfumes derived from Jasmine, rose, lilies and combined with green and woody notes. Some of the best picks in this category would be Jazmin by Campos de Ibiza and Fidji by Guy Laroche. These perfumes can go well with a look patterned on large flowery tropical prints. This is the Green look.

If you are interested in projecting a Traditional look, try combining perfumes which have a fragrance typical to your region or country with traditional clothes. Perfumes with the Cherry blossoms fragrance could be traditional for the Japanese look, while Lavender could be relevant for a Provencal theme. Some good picks in this category would be Shalimar by Guerlain and Amayra by Ally Matthan. You need to explore which perfume best suits your traditional look. A visit to the local perfume shop or the net would help in decision making.

Incase you are looking to leave a lasting impression, try opulent and heady smells like tuberose and champaka. They are strong and leave a Big impression. Some well known perfumes in this category would be Tender Poison by Dior and Jolie Madam by Balmain.

A Film Star flashy look with a presence can be obtained by combining glitzy clothes with heavy amber and oriental top notes peppered with heavy odor types like patchouli and vetiver. Try Opium by YSL or Glamorous by Ralph Lauren for that look that is unforgettable.

Get that Classic look that is understated but distinct. Cologne based fragrances layered with different yet recognizable definitions like floral bouquets complete the look. Some well known perfumes in this category would be Anais Anais by Cacharel and Angel by Thierry Mugler. The classic look is ageless and distinct. Project this look and find a distinctive yet warm presence.

You may obtain a Thin or Skinny look by using minimalist musk notes that smell clean and yet are barely there. The lean look can be enhanced by using perfumes such as Pure White Linen by Estee Lauder and Lauren by Ralph Lauren.

Marine related top notes reminiscent of the ocean air , zesty and spicy can be combined with fabrics with white stripes to get a Nautical or Ocean presence. Try Latitude Longitude by Nautica and L'eau d'Issey for women by Issey Miyake.

Stay Sporty with clean, fresh fragrances created by blending citrus top notes with the essence of exotic fruit and flowers. Stay playful and a tease by using perfumes such as Eau Vitaminee by Biothern and Eau Dynamisante by Clarins. Show of your tanned body and get the right smell to go with it.

The School Girl or the Good Girl presence can be obtained by non shocking fragrance notes. Citrus and aromatic notes blended, exude a clean smell and this goes well with mini skirts and simple shoes. The recommended perfumes in this look are Lemon Sorbet by Etro and Lime Basil by Jo Malone.

Try the Ethnic look by using fragrances that leave a distinct impression. Powerful metallic green notes of galbanum or woody notes like cedar will do very well. Combined with craft based designs on clothes they will help create a strong ethnic look. Try Vent Vert by Balmain or So Pretty by Cartier.

And finally get that Rich / Empire presence with chypre or fougere notes based on woody, mossy and floral accords that leave a rich and lingering odour. Gucci Rush by Gucci and Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel fit well into this category.

Let your fragrance find you. As you change and mature, so will your tastes. Try new fragrances to find what you are comfortable with. Get naughty, flirty, demure or sophisticated with the right perfume. Let the perfume find you. Create a presence today!

Disclaimer: The article and tips are for guidance only. Use them at your own risk and discretion. We take no responsibility for any suggestion given above. We strongly urge you consult a qualified professional doctor to find a lasting cure for any problem. The views expressed are the personal views of the author. We take no responsibility for same. Please consult a professional, before using any information on this site. No liability of any kind is accepted by us.