Archive for November, 2009

« Older Entries

Causes of Itchy Skin during Pregnancy | Rashes during Pregnancy

Monday, November 23rd, 2009

Itchy Skin during Pregnancy

It is common to have itchy skin during pregnancy and this could arise on account of a number of factors. One of the most common causes for itchy skin during pregnancy is the stretching of the skin to accommodate the growing size of your belly and breasts. The skin around these areas tends to feel taut and stretched and therefore feels itchy. Changes in the level of hormones in the body can also lead to itchiness. Sometimes, during pregnancy, the skin on the palms and soles of the feet tend to become red and itchy. This is on account of an increased level of estrogen in the body when you are pregnant. This kind of itchiness is not harmful and tends to disappear after the baby is born. If you were prone to certain skin allergies before pregnancy, they may worsen during pregnancy. For instance, skin conditions like eczema, dry skin and food allergies tend to become more aggravated during pregnancy. Pregnant women also tend to develop a condition called pruritic urticarial papules, and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP). This condition generally manifests in the third trimester and tends to occur in women who are experiencing their first pregnancy or in those who are carrying twins. PUPPP occurs around the abdomen or around stretch marks in the form of eruptions that are very itchy. The eruptions could spread to your thighs and buttocks and can be very uncomfortable.

Rashes during Pregnancy

Contact your doctor immediately when you develop any kind of rash during pregnancy. This is to ensure that the condition is not threatening for you or your baby. PUPPP can be treated with the help of topical ointments or with a course of antihistamines. A rare condition that may manifest during your pregnancy is prurigo of pregnancy. This condition also leads to severe itchiness and has the appearance of bug bites. Many tiny bumps erupt anywhere on the body but specially occur on the arms, feet and legs. Both PUPPP and prurigo of pregnancy disappear after your baby is born and are generally harmless to him/her.

Another condition that occurs during pregnancy and causes itchiness is pemphigoid gestationis. This is an itchy eruption that looks like hives when it starts out but later turns into a large lesion. This condition generally begins around the abdomen and then later spreads to the arms and legs. This condition is relatively serious and may be harmful for your child.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Skin Problems | No Comments »

Lighten Skin Color - How to become Fair Naturally

Monday, November 23rd, 2009

What Causes Darkening of the Skin

Skin darkening is a very common problem faced by millions of people around the world. The main cause for darkening of the skin is an exposure of the skin to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. The production of melanin - the natural pigment that protects the skin from damage by the ultraviolet rays of the sun, increases, thereby giving the skin a deeper tint. Other factors that attribute to the further darkening of skin include exposure to pollutants, hormonal imbalances, stress, anxiety and unhealthy eating habits. Similarly, the consumption of alcohol and tobacco based products give the skin a dark, lifeless look. There are many natural remedies that assist in the lightening of skin tone. However, it is essential to bear in mind that these remedies prove helpful only when used on a regular basis and their skin lightening abilities are limited to the extent of the natural color of the skin.

How to Lighten Skin Color

The first step to lighten skin color is to prevent exposure to the harmful UVA and UVB rays of the sun. The use of a sunscreen whenever outdoors is recommended to prevent sun damage. The effect of most sunscreens tends to wear of in 2 to 4 hours. Hence, reapplying a liberal layer of sunscreen, whenever possible, is advisable. The use of cosmetics with a sun protection factor will also prove beneficial. In addition, keeping the skin covered through the use of a scarf, and long-sleeved and ankle-length clothes will further prevent darkening of skin related to sunlight and pollutants. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will prevent dehydration that’s makes skin look darker. A healthy diet rich in vegetables and fruits, and low in junk food will further enhance the quality of your skin.

Home Remedies to become Fair

Lemon juice is a well known natural bleaching agent that helps in getting rid of a tan.Applying a mixture of lemon juice and honey to the skin will not only help in lightening skin tone, but will also help in keeping skin cleansed and nourished. This treatment can be followed before every bath for best results.

A face mask made by using a tablespoon of milk cream, a pinch of turmeric powder and half a teaspoon of oatmeal will also help in lightening the skin naturally.Allow the paste to dry on your face, and then gently rub it off with circular movements of your fingertips. This acts as a natural scrub that exfoliates the skin. The oatmeal will absorb any excess oil, milk cream nourishes the skin and turmeric is known for its anti-microbial and skin-lightening properties. This mask can also be used on other parts of the body to remove a tan and dead cell buildup.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Skin Care Treatments | No Comments »

Beauty Tips for Skin Care | Homemade Beauty Secrets for Skin

Tuesday, November 17th, 2009

The skin, being the largest organ of the body, and being the most exposed to external elements, requires a lot of care. Keeping the skin protected from direct sunlight and pollution at all times prevents skin from damage that can be easily avoided. The production of melanin (the natural pigment that colors skin and protects it from sun damage) increases when the skin is exposed to the ultraviolet rays that are emitted by the Sun, thus resulting in darkening of the skin. Hence, the use of a sunscreen whenever outdoors is also recommended. Keeping the face covered with a scarf, and the use of long-sleeved and ankle-length clothes when outdoors further helps in preventing skin damage.

Tips to Maintaining Healthy Skin

There are a few important tips that play a vital role with respect to maintaining healthy skin.

  1. Cleansing the skin is the first of these, and needs to be taken seriously. With exposure to dust and pollution, the pores of the skin get clogged with dirt, making the skin look dull and lifeless.
  2. Exfoliation of the skin is also very important because it involves the removal of dead skin cells that give the skin a dry look. Clogged pores and dead skin cells also increase the chances of acne. Lemon juice diluted with a few drops of water will help in deep cleansing the pores while exfoliating, rejuvenating and toning the skin as well. Lemon juice is also known for its anti-microbial and skin lightening qualities. Adding a little honey to lemon juice will further guarantee that the skin remains soft and nourished. Before going to bed, ensuring that the skin is clear of all make-up also plays an important part, as make-up tends to clog pores.
  3. Moisturizing the skin is another important aspect of skin care. This can be taken care of by hydrating the skin frequently, and by ensuring that your body is given enough of fluids throughout the day. After having a bath, instead of wiping the skin dry with a rough towel, it is advisable that you either pat your skin dry or use a soft towel so that the skin retains enough moisture. The use of skincare products with jojoba as an ingredient is recommended, as jojoba oil suits all skin types as its composition is similar to that of sebum – the body’s natural oil. Aloe gel is another excellent natural moisturizer that is known for its skin healing and soothing properties. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables also helps in keeping the skin healthy. Sufficient rest and exercise also help in maintaining healthy skin.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Skin Care Tips | No Comments »

Reduce Face Wrinkles - Homemade Anti Wrinkle Face Masks

Tuesday, November 17th, 2009

Face wrinkles

Face wrinkles are one of the most common problems faced by people all over the world, irrespective of gender. Although aging gracefully has its own charm, the development of wrinkles on facial skin is not welcomed by almost everyone. With an advance in age, the skin loses some of its ability to retain moisture and its elasticity, thereby leaving it dry and susceptible to the formation of wrinkles. Although there are numerous procedures that have been designed to help with the removal of wrinkles and make one look younger, there are also numerous side effects that are associated with these procedures, aside from being extremely expensive and sometimes painful.

Home Made Facial Masks to Prevent Wrinkles

Drinking plenty of water is the best known remedy advised as it ensures that the body has a regulated fluid content, while keeping the skin hydrated, moisturized and free from dryness that leads to the formation of wrinkles. There are a number of home made facial masks that have been recommended for use in order to prevent wrinkles from forming on facial skin.

  • The use of honey, carrot juice and baking soda in the form of a paste, when applied to the face, and left on for at least twenty minutes acts as an effective remedy. The mask should be wiped off with cotton wool dipped in warm water. The paste helps in rejuvenating the skin and cleansing the pores of dirt particles, making the skin feel fresh and helping it to breathe easily.
  • Another commonly used homemade face mask is made by mixing the white of an egg with some milk cream. Before the mixture is applied to the face, one must ensure that the paste is smooth and contains no lumps. The face mask can be washed off in a few minutes.
  • Similarly, a banana mask can be made by mashing a ripe banana and adding a few drops of rose water to it.  Once the face mask is applied and left on for approximately twenty minutes, it should be washed off with lukewarm water. The banana content in the face mask gives the skin a firm texture while the rose water helps to clean the pores.
  • A face mask that is made with the help of green seedless grapes, by cutting the grape in half and rubbing it over the face, especially over areas where wrinkles are more pronounced, is known to be of great help.
  • Another effective method of preventing wrinkles is ensuring that your facial skin does not lose excess moisture each time you wash it, therefore pat your face dry instead of wiping it with a towel.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Skin Care Treatments | No Comments »

Children Skin Care Tips- Ways To Take Care Of Children’s Skin

Friday, November 13th, 2009

The skin is the largest and most delicate organ of the human body. It is the organ responsible for sensation, through which we can feel external stimulants. Hence the skin is constantly exposed to damage. Children have the healthiest skin which does not show much sign of damage. Nevertheless, the skin is very sensitive and looking after it from a young age will prove beneficial in the long run. However, children do not understand the importance of taking care of their skin or are unable to do so effectively. Therefore, the complete onus of skincare falls on the parents.

Making sure that your child drinks plenty of water throughout the day will ensure that his or her skin remains hydrated and supple. A healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables will also prove beneficial in maintaining healthy skin.

Skin Care for Children

The use of products suitable for babies or young children is recommended as they are milder than regular products available. Most of us tend to buy products that smell lovely and are beautifully colored. However, these products have a higher concentration of chemicals. Products that are colorless and odorless are the most suitable for children as they do not add to skin damage. In the case of a baby, the skin is not exposed to pollutants. Hence, a bath with plain water is sufficient for cleansing the skin. Instead of a bubble bath, adding a few drops of lavender oil to bath water will keep your baby smelling fresh without the worry of harsh chemicals to affect the skin. Regular moisturizing plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin. Before every bath, massaging your child’s body with pure coconut oil will keep his or her skin soft and nourished, while developing bones and muscles. After a bath, it is essential to replace the natural oils that have been lost.

The sun, the main source of energy, heat and light, is also the main cause of skin damage. In addition, early exposure to direct sunlight can lead to serious ailments in the future. Hence, protecting your child’s skin from exposure to direct sunlight plays a vital role when we talk about skincare. Whenever, your child is going out, insist on the use of a cap or a wide-brimmed hat to minimize sun damage. The use of long-sleeved and ankle length clothing, as far as possible, is recommended to reduce skin exposure to the sun’s harmful rays. The use of a sunscreen capable of blocking out UVA and UVB rays of the sun, made especially for children, is also essential.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Skin Care Tips | No Comments »

Causes,Symptoms and Treatment of Seborrhoeic Eczema

Friday, November 13th, 2009

Causes and Symptoms of Seborrhoeic Eczema

Seborrhoeic eczema is a form of eczema that mainly affects the head, face and the trunk of the body and is closely linked with dandruff. This condition is associated with the sebaceous glands that are responsible for the secretion of natural oil, called sebum, which is essential as it lubricates the skin, giving it its soft, supple texture. When a person is suffering with seborrhoeic eczema, these sebaceous glands become overactive resulting in an excess secretion of sebum that has an adverse effect on the skin. Excess sebum clubbed with a yeast infection causes dry or greasy flaking of the scalp, face and in some cases, the trunk, and is mainly found along the margin of the hair or in skin folds. Seborrhoeic eczema is in no way contagious or harmful but should be attended to at the earliest in order to minimize discomfort.

Seborrhoeic eczema can be an inherited disorder. Pollution, unhygienic conditions and temperature changes can lead to seborrhoeic eczema. Stress, fatigue and sleep deprivation are believed to aggravate the condition. Greasy areas of skin, skin lesions, itching and mild redness are characteristic of seborrhoeic eczema. In severe cases, thick, oily, yellowish-brown crusts may form on the skin and severe inflammation, redness and itching may be experienced. This disease can lead to hair loss if ignored.

Treatment of Seborrhoic Eczema

Seborrhoeic eczema can be brought under control through numerous natural remedies, but the results cannot be obtained overnight. Hence, it is essential to follow a strict skincare routine persistently. Personal hygiene is a matter of priority when trying to get rid of seborrhoeic eczema. Since oil buildup is the main cause of seborrhoeic eczema, washing your hair several times a week will prove beneficial in minimizing the accumulation of sebum, dead skin cells and other pollutants that affect the scalp and hair adversely. The use of a mild, medicated antifungal shampoo and body wash is recommended to curb the growth of the fungi that aggravates the condition. Applying milk of magnesia on the skin, just before a bath, will prove beneficial in the treatment of seborrhoic eczema. After a bath, a final rinse with a mixture of a few drops of tea tree oil and water will also prove beneficial as tea tree oil has the ability to kill microbes and absorb excess oil.  After a bath, massaging the affected area with aloe gel is advantageous due to the natural moisturizing, antimicrobial and skin-healing properties of aloe. The intake of a tablespoon of flaxseed oil daily is also known to reduce the symptoms of seborrhoeic eczema.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Skin Conditions and Diseases | 1 Comment »

Facial Redness Remedy - How to Reduce Facial Redness Naturally

Friday, November 13th, 2009

Causes of Facial Redness

Rosacea or facial redness is a rather common skin problem faced all across the globe. A person with rosacea appears to be blushing, off and on, without really intending to do so. The skin gets an unusually red tinge and a thick appearance when a person is afflicted with rosacea. The red discoloration of the skin starts with the skin on the nose, cheeks and around the eyes before making its way to the forehead and the chin. In severe cases, the face appears to be burnt by the sun. Dilation of blood vessels leads to recurrent flushing of the face which is the most common symptom of this disorder. A burning sensation and facial inflammation are other, not so common, symptoms that accompany the redness. Facial redness is not limited to people with a particular skin color but is more prominent in people with a light skin tone.

Changes in temperature and hormonal changes are the main causes of facial redness. Certain foods, beverages and cosmetics with alcoholic content can aggravate rosacea. Rosacea can also be linked with emotion. Anxiety, embarrassment and excitement are factors that can result in facial redness. Rosacea needs to be treated at the earliest because if left untreated, the skin could become extremely sensitive, making the condition quite uncomfortable.

Reduce Facial Redness

Rosacea cannot be cured but its frequency and duration can be reduced. However, the redness can be reduced by a few easy to follow tips. On experiencing the onset of the flushing feeling, immediately place a cold, moist towel on your face. This will help in reducing the redness by constricting the dilated blood vessels. Chamomile is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Refrigerating a mixture of a few drops of chamomile and water and splashing your face, whenever needed, with this mixture will help in reducing inflammation and other symptoms of rosacea. After a bath, a final rinse with a mixture of tea tree oil and cool water will be beneficial in preventing the flushed look. Since the skin tends to become very sensitive in the case of rosacea, it is advisable to choose skincare products carefully, ensuring that they are mild and alcohol-free. Products with aloe as an ingredient are recommended as aloe is known for its ability to heal damaged skin. The use of aloe gel as a moisturizer is advisable as it has the ability to calm and soothe ailing skin while nourishing it. Direct exposure to sunlight should be avoided so as to prevent further damage. If you are aware of the stimulant that triggers facial redness, it is advisable to stay away from it at all times.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Skin Problems | No Comments »

Travel Times Skin Care Tips

Friday, November 13th, 2009

Traveling is fun. But many a times, people do not make the most of their holidays because of the constant fear of skin and hair damage. However, this problem can be overcome with great ease by following just a few tips.

Natural Skin Care Tips

While traveling, one is bound to come in contact with various pollutants. Whenever possible, washing your face with cool water is recommended so as to prevent the accumulation of dirt, grime and natural oil on the skin. These factors have the ability to block pores thus resulting in acne. They also tend to make the skin dry and lifeless. The use of a sunscreen is also recommended so as to prevent damage owing to the harmful rays of the sun. Since most sunscreens wear off in two hours or so, carrying the sunscreen with you at all times is recommended so that you can reapply a fresh layer whenever needed. The use of oil-free cosmetics with a sun protection factor will also prove beneficial. If you are going to be constantly exposed to direct sunlight, wearing a scarf will also prove advantageous, as it will further protect your face from damage. Avoid carrying big bulky bottles of skin and hair care products as they would only increase the weight of your luggage. Choosing travel packs after taking into consideration the schedule you have planned and the period of your stay would be a wise decision.

Carry along a mixture of equal proportions of lemon juice and honey in an air-tight container as these ingredients have the ability to prevent microbial infections and skin damage. They are known for their skin healing properties. Besides, lemon juice has the ability to lighten tanned skin due to its natural bleaching properties as well as exfoliate dead skin cells. Before going in for a bath, massage your skin with this mixture, paying special attention to the exposed areas of the skin. Aloe gel is an excellent natural moisturizer and is suitable for all skin types. Gently massaging your skin with a liberal amount of aloe gel will ensure that your skin remains smooth, healthy and blemish-free. While traveling, most people tend to forget the importance of drinking water. Dehydration causes the skin to lose its elasticity and as a result of this, the skin appears dry and wrinkled. Hence, drinking plenty of water is recommended so as to keep your skin soft and supple. Avoid junk food that is oily and fatty as it may cause an acne breakout.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Skin Care Tips | No Comments »

Itchy Skin Remedies - How to Combat the Winter Itch

Friday, November 13th, 2009

Itchy Skin in Winter

During the winter, the air becomes cold and dry. This change in weather often has adverse effects on the skin making skin dry, itchy and scaly. The skin also loses its elasticity on account of the loss of natural moisture as the harsh rays of the sun also increase the level of evaporation of natural oils from the skin. To add to this, with advancing age, the production of natural oil lessens thus making older people more prone to winter itch. Winter itch results in great discomfort owing to the stretching sensation felt by the skin. In severe cases, the skin may break leading to great pain and bleeding.

During winter, due to the cold, most people tend to bathe in very hot water. However, it is essential to keep in mind that hot water has the ability to further strip the skin of natural oils thus increasing the dryness and the level of discomfort. Hence, bathing with lukewarm water is recommended. Reducing the amount of time spent in the shower will also be beneficial in reducing the loss of natural oils. Massaging the skin with a mixture of glycerin and rose water, half an hour before a bath will help in softening the skin. This will also help in locking in the natural oils thus minimizing the loss of natural moisture. The use of ordinary soap should be avoided, as most types of soap available in the market tend to be very harsh on the skin. Alternately, the use of soap with bees-wax base or a mild body wash especially designed to combat dryness is recommended.

Preventing Winter Itch

Moisturizing plays a very important role in preventing winter itch. Jojoba oil is known to be the best alternative when it comes to preventing dryness and related discomfort as this oil has properties similar to that of sebum – the natural oil secreted by the sebaceous glands in the skin. Massaging the skin with a liberal amount of jojoba oil before going to bed will prove beneficial in preventing itchiness. Aloe gel is also known for its ability to heal the skin effectively while destroying germs that may cause infection. Coconut oil, olive oil and vitamin E oil are also known to be advantageous in combating the symptoms of winter itch. Fluids help in keeping the skin hydrated thus ensuring that the skin does not lose its elasticity. Hence, an increase in fluid intake, especially water will assist in preventing dryness while keeping the skin supple and soft.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Skin Problems | No Comments »

how to get rid of an oily shiny face

Friday, November 13th, 2009

Causes of Oily Skin

The skin is equipped with sebaceous glands that are responsible for the secretion of natural oil called sebum. This sebum is essential as it lubricates the skin, giving it its natural texture. Oily skin is the outcome of overactive sebaceous glands. Hormonal changes (especially during menstruation), stress and anxiety have the tendency to stimulate the sebaceous glands thus resulting in oily skin. Oily skin attracts dirt and grime leading to clogged pores, making the skin prone to various forms of acne. Such skin appears excessively glossy and unhealthy, thus making one look rather unattractive as well.

Reducing Oily Face

To reduce the accumulation of natural oil, washing your face several times a day with plain, cool water is recommended. Twice a day, the use of a mild face-wash, especially recommended for oily skin, is advisable so as to keep the production of sebum in check. Choosing skin care products that are free of oil will also be truly beneficial in controlling the accumulation of oil. In addition, the use of oil-free cosmetics is also recommended to prevent the shiny appearance. For people with oily skin, it is essential to keep in mind that an oily complexion is more prone to damage caused by pollution. Hence, keeping the face covered with a scarf while outdoors is recommended to prevent further damage. The use of a sunscreen especially designed for oily skin will also prove beneficial in preventing damage caused by the harmful rays of the sun.

The use of aloe gel is recommended as aloe is a natural moisturizer that has the ability to absorb excess natural oil without drying out the skin. Its antimicrobial qualities also help in killing germs that may cause acne and other skin conditions. A face mask made with oatmeal, milk cream and a pinch of turmeric powder is recommended for oily skin. Oatmeal has the capacity to absorb excess sebum while milk cream nourishes the skin. The turmeric powder assists in killing microbes while lightening skin tone, giving the skin a healthy and radiant glow. Massaging the face with a mixture made by adding a few drops of lavender oil or geranium oil to jojoba oil will also prove beneficial in reducing the greasy effect of oily skin. Jojoba has properties similar to sebum and thus goes well with every skin type. Lavender and geranium oil help in regulating the flow of natural oil from the sebaceous glands thus ensuring that the skin is not too oily, nor too dry. They are also known to reduce skin sensitivity while leaving the skin nourished and smooth.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Skin Care Treatments | No Comments »

« Older Entries