Archive for March, 2010
Friday, March 26th, 2010
Causes of Dry Chapped Lips
A lot of people suffer from the problem of chapped lips. The skin in almost all parts of the body produces natural oils which help to protect these same parts from the outside elements like cold breeze, extreme heat or low humidity. However the lips do not have this ability to produce oils, hence they are prone to chapping. Other causes include too much exposure to windy conditions, infections, drugs, harsh soaps, allergies to certain cosmetics or chemicals. They also occur due to dehydration, riboflavin deficiencies or Vitamin B2 and ill fitting dentures. Cracked lips are prone to bleeding and appearing red and dried. They can also be embarrassing and uncomfortable, thus interfering with many of the daily activities like eating, smiling and talking. They become painful and in an endeavor to moisten the lips most people tend to lick them. This further dries them and is also said to make them darker.
Home Remedies for Dry Chapped Lips
Some of the most effective remedies to tackle this problem of chapped and dried lips include keeping one’s body well hydrated by drinking lots of fluids.
- Try applying butter or petroleum jelly before going to bed at night.
- Another good remedy includes soaking rose petals in milk and leaving overnight, and then crush them to form a paste. This can be applied on the lips and helps removing the dryness from the lips and further helps to make them pink.
- Try applying castor oil to the lips or grinding rose petals in glycerin. This helps the lips to retain the moisture and the color.
- Application of milk cream can help get rid of dead skin from the lips and thus keep them smooth.
- Another remedy which is very effective is to take a strip of the fleshy part of the aloe vera plant and apply this on the lips twice a day.
- Dryness of the lips can also occur due to a Vitamin A deficiency. Hence the diet should be supplemented with foods that are rich in Vitamin A like tomatoes, carrots, leafy green vegetables, legumes, nutritional yeast and whole grains.
- Try applying a mixture of a few drops of honey and teaspoon of glycerin to the lips and leave it overnight. This helps to soften the lips.
- Honey has a lot of nutritional benefits and is a great anti bacterial and healing agent.
- Coconut oil is also considered by some to be a good remedy in healing chapped lips. This can be applied several times in a day.
Tags: causes of chapped lips, chapped lips home remedies, home remedies for dry chapped lips, how to cure chapped lips, natural cures for chapped lips
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Friday, March 12th, 2010
Causes of Crow’s Feet
Crow’s feet is the term used to describe wrinkles or creases that appear on the face, especially in the region surrounding the eyes. Crow’s feet are the earliest indicators of wrinkles that form on the face and generally increase with age. However, premature creases or wrinkles can also develop around the eyes for a number of reasons. While aging is the primary cause for the appearance of crow’s feet, there are several factors that may contribute to the formation of wrinkles on the face. These include high stress levels, improper skin maintenance, irregular dietary habits and pollution. These factors may cause skin damage that leads to the formation of crow’s feet. For instance, the skin tends to lose its elasticity with age and therefore creases up into wrinkles naturally. However, everyday exposure to pollution, sunlight, tobacco and other harmful substances may also affect the skin’s natural elasticity, resulting in premature aging. There are several ways in which crow’s feet can be treated. There are various surgical options that you can explore with a specialist to help diminish wrinkles around the eyes. In addition, you can help prevent and treat crow’s feet with the help of a few skin care tips and simple home remedies.
Tips and Home Remedies Prevent Treat Crow’s Feet
Taking good care of your skin will help prevent premature wrinkles. Firstly, ensure that you moisturize regularly to help prevent the formation of wrinkles. Dry skin tends to lose its elasticity easily and consequently leads to the formation of crow’s feet. It is thus essential to moisturize your skin to keep it nourished and hydrated.In addition, ensure that you protect your skin from sun exposure to help prevent premature wrinkles. Overexposure to the sun has harmful consequences for the skin and is one of the major causes of premature wrinkles.Ensure that you get adequate rest and at least eight hours of sleep everyday to help diminish wrinkles. Crow’s feet are also the result of high stress levels and a general lack of sleep and can be treated effectively by relaxing and reducing everyday stress.
In addition to these skin care tips, you can treat crow’s feet at home with the help of a few simple remedies. For instance, applying raw fruit or vegetable pulp on the wrinkles helps treat them effectively.Cucumber or potato pulp is very effective in diminishing crow’s feet.
Tags: causes of crow's feet, crow's feet, crow's feet wrinkles, get rid of crow's feet, prevent premature wrinkles, treatment for crow's feet
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Friday, March 12th, 2010
Causes of Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are white scars that appear on the skin following periods of immense weight loss or gain. During periods of immense and rapid weight gain like pregnancy, the skin is stretched and pulled and tends to tear. These tears later form the scars that are termed as stretch marks. When the skin is stretched or pulled, its normal collagen production is disrupted and it starts to tear and forms scars. Stretch marks can affect anyone who goes through periods of rapid changes in weight. Body builders often develop stretch marks for instance, on account of the drastic changes that occur in body weight as a result of weight-lifting and exercising. Stretch marks tend to cause a great deal of embarrassment as they are not only disfiguring but take a long time to heal.
There are various ways in which stretch marks can be treated. For instance, they can be permanently removed with the help of surgical intervention. You should however, consult a specialist before deciding upon cosmetic surgery or any other kind of surgical intervention to help diminish stretch marks. Your specialist may also recommend creams that can be applied topically to help treat stretch marks. In addition, there are many ways in which you can try to diminish stretch marks with the help of a few simple home remedies.
Home Remedies to Reducing Stretch Marks
- For instance, you can apply a natural bleach on the affected area to help lighten stretch marks. Lemon juice is an effective natural bleach that may help lighten stretch marks considerably. Apply lemon juice on the affected area at least twice a day to help reduce your stretch marks.
- In addition, cocoa butter is also very effective in the treatment of stretch marks. Apply a moisturizer with a cocoa butter base to help diminish stretch marks. Cocoa butter is rich in enzymes that bleach the skin, therefore treating skin blemishes like stretch marks effectively.
- Another effective remedy for stretch marks is pure vitamin E oil. When massaged into the skin, vitamin E oil not only helps nourish and revitalize the skin, but cures blemishes like stretch marks effectively. Massage pure vitamin E oil on the affected area at least twice everyday to help reduce stretch marks effectively.
- Massaging olive oil into the affected area everyday also helps treat stretch marks.
- Eat foods that are rich in vitamin K like liver, tomatoes and green leafy vegetables to help reduce stretch marks.
Tags: causes of stretch marks, how to reduce stretch marks, reduce appearance of stretch marks, reducing stretch marks, stretch marks prevention, treatment of stretch marks
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Friday, March 12th, 2010
Loss of Skin Pigmentation
A loss of skin pigmentation is caused by a skin condition known as vitiligo or leucoderma. Leucoderma results in a gradual decrease of melanin in the skin and consequently gives rise to white patches. Leucoderma thus leads to the destruction of melanocytes which are responsible for the production of skin pigmentation or color. These white patches lead to skin disfigurement and can be a source of embarrassment. Leucoderma has a variety of causes and can affect men and women of all ages. Some of the main causes of leucoderma are overexposure to the sun, heredity, trauma or injury to the skin, high levels of stress, irregular liver functions, gastric problems and even an impaired hepatic function.
Leucoderma is also increasingly viewed as an autoimmune disorder. This means that the immune system of a person affected by leucoderma starts to react against and destroy melanocytes in the body. Leucoderma often manifests as white, milky patches that commonly appear on the skin surrounding the neck, hands, wrist and back. White patches may sometimes even occur on the retina or other mucus membranes of the body. The formation of white spots on the skin may also be accompanied by symptoms like hair loss, a general feeling of weakness, sensitivity towards extreme temperatures, premature graying and a lightening of the hair on the affected area. There are several ways in which leucoderma or vitligo can be treated at home. Most methods of treatment for leucoderma aim at increasing the production of melanin by attempting to reactivate melanocytes.
Treatment for Leucoderma
One of the most effective means of encouraging melanin production is by exposing your skin to sunlight for a short time everyday. It is important that you carry out this treatment early in the morning or at any time when the sunlight is moderately hot. Avoid the scorching heat of the afternoon and prolonged exposure to sunlight as this may be very harmful.Lemna minor is an excellent remedy for white patches on the skin as it helps promote melanin production. Mix one part of lemna minor with one part each of honey and water. Drink the resulting solution at least twice a day to help reduce white patches.In addition, the extract of the lemna plant can be applied directly on the affected area to help reduce white patches.Ensure that your diet is a healthy blend of fresh fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamin B, A and C to help diminish white patches.
Tags: causes of leucoderma, causes of pigment loss, loss of skin pigmentation, pigmentation loss treatment, remedy for white patches, treatment for leucoderma
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Friday, March 12th, 2010
Taking care of one’s facial skin is essential and requires time as the face often has a combination of skin types. The skin on the nasal area and the portion of the forehead just above is called the T-zone. This area is generally the oiliest part of facial skin. Comparatively, the apples of cheeks are a little less oily while the rest of the face produces the least amount of oil. It is important to concentrate on the oiliest parts of the skin while cleansing and toning to minimize the risk of blemishes.
Recipes to Make Homemade Facial Cleansers and Mask
- There are various homemade facials that one can make to suit these varying skin tones. You can start by making a great cleanser that also works as a moisturizer. Take plain yogurt and add a dash of honey to it. Mix this well and spread the resultant paste all over your face taking care to avoid the eye region. Leave this mixture on for 10-15 minutes and then rinse it off well. This also helps to nourish your skin and will leave your skin soft and smooth. It is better to make a new batch each time as this ensures that the curd is fresh. However if you wish to make a larger quantity, make sure that you keep the mixture refrigerated.
- Another useful product in facial cleansers is egg. Raw eggs have properties that are great for the skin. Simply beat 2-3 eggs with a few teaspoons of water and some honey. Proceed to rub this liquid into your skin and leave it on for 15 – 20minutes. Use this on a regular basis to keep your skin well nourished and moisturized. You can also add a few spoons of sugar to this liquid. Stir the mixture well for a minute or two so that the edges of the sugar grains dissolve. Apply this to your face and massage your skin with it. This is an excellent method to exfoliate your skin.
- Try mixing salt in warm water and stirring it until all the salt has dissolved. Dip a small piece of cloth in this solution and leave it on your face over night. If you have a pimple you can also trying putting a little bit of a thick salt solution on it. Salt is known to have drying properties and will help to reduce inflammation.
- Another good cleanser involves rubbing some cotton dipped in alcohol over one’s face. Alcohol is useful in removing excess oil from the skin and also helps to eliminate any bacteria present.
- Another remedy involves grating an apple and mixing this with honey to make an excellent face mask. Leave this mixture on for at least a few minutes for best results.
- You can also try making a mask from oatmeal and water. This mixture helps to cleanse the skin by washing out all the oils.
- Separately try mashing a tomato and then draining it. This application can be kept on the face for 15-20 minutes daily before being washed off.
- For an inflamed pimple, try applying some ice to it to help reduce the swelling and thus make it less obvious.
- Another good face mask can be made by mixing grated nutmeg with a little bit of milk. You will need to keep this on your skin for at least 45 minutes to an hour. This mixture helps to cleanse the skin and as nutmeg has exceptional anti-inflammatory properties, it also helps to reduce the severity of pimples and zits.
Tags: facial cleansing mask, facial cleansing recipes, facial cleansing tips, homemade facial cleansers, homemade recipes for facial cleansers
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Friday, March 12th, 2010
Causes of Melasma
The brown patches or the brown-to-gray patches that develop on a person’s face especially on the chin, cheeks, forehead, upper lip and the bridge of the nose is a kind of skin condition that is referred to as melasma. It also appears on the forearms and the neck. Although melasma predominantly affects women, it is known to affect men too, especially those who are taking anti-seizure medicines. It has been observed that people with darker skin tend to be more prone to the occurrence of melasma. Discolorations and dark spots that occur on the skin can be a distressing and difficult problem. The skin derives its color from melanin which is the pigment and this pigment is developed by cells known as melanocytes. Women who are using birth control pills or those who are pregnant, tend to have hormonal imbalances in the body that interfere with the activity of the melanocytes and this produces larger quantities of melanin in certain areas. This occurrence results in melasma.
Home Remedies for Getting Rid of Melasma
There are various home remedies that can help in lightening these patches and even getting rid of them altogether.
- These include crushing mint leaves, extracting their juice and then applying this juice all over one’s face.
- Try making a mixture of grated peeled cucumber and a dash of lime juice. Apply this paste to the affected areas as it will help to cleanse and nourish your skin. Once it is dry wash it off completely with lukewarm or cold water.
- Another excellent home remedy includes making a lotion out of a tablespoon of rosewater, three teaspoons of vinegar and the juice that has been extracted from a large piece of cucumber. Use this lotion on a daily basis for quick results.
- Carrots too are very effective in reducing melasma patches and other minor skin problems as they have a very high Vitamin A content which is essential for healthy skin. Clean a couple of carrots well and then grate them. Place the grated carrot in a small saucepan and then add a cup of water to the pan. The water should just about cover the grated carrot. Heat this on low heat until the water boils and starts to evaporate. Take it off the heat and allow the mixture to cool completely before you mash it into a paste. Next, apply this paste all over your face for 15 to 20 minutes. This needs to be gently rubbed into the skin for optimum effect.
- You can also try peeling and mashing a ripe banana and applying this paste over your face.
- Raw potato juice has healing properties and when applied on the affected areas can help in lightening the condition.
- Orange peel dried and powdered can be mixed with curd and this mixture can be applied on the darkened patches.
- Another effective remedy includes taking the juice of an onion and mixing it with apple cider vinegar. Apply this mixture regularly on your face as it will help to get rid of blemishes.
- Instead of onion juice, one can also use diluted vinegar as vinegar has brightening and whitening properties and is also an excellent skin softener.
Tags: causes of melasma, get rid of melasma, home remedies for melasma, natural melasma treatments, reducing melasma patches
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Friday, March 12th, 2010
Causes of Zits
One of the commonest and most frustrating problems that affect teenagers is the occurrence of zits. A zit is a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin. They usually appear on the neck, face, shoulders and chest. For those people who are sensitive about their appearance a zit can cause a lot of embarrassment. Most teenagers try several different treatments in the hope of finding a miracle cure. There is no immediate cure for this problem and most treatments require a few weeks to show results. Discussing your treatment options with a dermatologist would be very helpful as the dermatologist will be able to recommend treatments that are meant specifically for your skin type.
There are various ways in which one can prevent the occurrence of a zit by using home remedies. These include washing one’s face and body regularly with a mild soap and warm water. Just before going to bed, if you see a zit appearing, then after cleansing the area, try applying toothpaste on the area and leave it on overnight. Rinse it off thoroughly the next day. There is a strong possibility that the zit may not be as inflamed as otherwise or it may even vanish completely.Another method to tone down a zit is to dip a cloth in hot water and hold it over the affected area. This can help in soothing the skin and reducing the inflammation caused by the zit thus making it appear smaller and not so noticeable. Try mixing cornstarch and water into a thick paste and applying it on the zit before going to bed.
Home Remedies to Prevent Zits
- Another paste that is beneficial in reducing zits is a mixture made from baking soda and water.
- Applications of lemon juice or dried orange peel are also good remedies in zit reduction.
- Try mixing a dash of turmeric powder with a little coriander juice and applying this paste on the affected area.
- You can also try mixing turmeric powder with mint juice as this will also help to reduce the inflammation around the zit.
- Garlic has been known to be useful in curing zits. Rub the area gently with a drop of garlic juice regularly as this is known to be one of the best cures for acne and zits. Garlic juice has healing properties that help to cleanse the skin and prevent boils or pimples from appearing.
Some changes in one’s diet that can help in the prevention of zits are to reduce or control one’s sugar intake. Sugar helps the body produce oil and so an increased intake often leads to excess sebum production which can lead to zits. Drinking plenty of water and fluids helps in increasing the production of perspiration. Sweat is expelled from the body through the pores of the skin and this helps to flush out the pores and prevents blockages. Stress is also bad for the skin as it results in increased sebum production. Hence, in order to get clear and blemish free complexion, it is important to get adequate sleep and rest on a daily basis. Always remember to avoid scratching or squeezing a zit. This only serves to irritate and further inflame the zit, thus delaying the healing process.
Tags: causes of zits, curing zits, getting rid of zits, home remedies for zits, how to get rid of zits, prevent zits
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Friday, March 12th, 2010
Causes of Dark Spots
Dark spots are pigmented areas on the skin that usually start to appear in middle age. They can be caused by several factors. In some cases, dark spots may appear on the skin due to skin trauma. This is most evident in the case of skin infections like acne, which often leave behind dark spots on the skin. Other skin conditions that may result in development of the dark spots include linea fusca and erythromelanosis follicularis. The intake of certain medications may also cause dark spots on the body. Another very common cause of dark spots is exposure to the sun. The ultra violet radiation present in the sun’s rays can have adverse effects on the skin. It stimulates the melanocytes or melanin-producing cells to over produce melanin. This results in darkened spots on the skin. Dark spots may also occur during pregnancy due to the hormonal changes taking place in the body. Certain medical conditions may sometimes contribute to the development of dark spots. Such conditions include Addison’s disease, liver disorders, pituitary tumors and hemachromatosis. Stress can also bring about hormonal fluctuations in the body, thereby resulting in formation of dark spots.
Home Remedies to Lighten Dark Spots
- To prevent further darkening of the skin, ensure that you apply sunscreen before stepping outdoors. Sunscreen must be applied half an hour before sun exposure to allow it to take effect.
- To reduce the effects of sun exposure and lighten dark spots, cleanse your face with buttermilk. Scrub your skin gently for at least twenty minutes before taking a bath every day. Done regularly, this will work well in lightening darkened areas of the skin.
- Skin discolorations may also be treated using aloe vera gel. The gel extracted from the aloe vera leaves is very beneficial for the skin and helps in lightening the skin and preventing further damage.
- You may also apply apple cider vinegar to lighten dark skin spots.
- Lemon helps to lighten the skin naturally due to its bleaching properties. Application of lemon juice directly on the dark spots will cause them to lighten.
- Honey is another beneficial natural remedy for the skin. Apply some warm honey to the affected areas and then wash it off with lukewarm water.
- You may also add wheat germ oil to the honey before using it. Vitamin E oil may also be applied to get rid of skin discolorations.
- The juice of horseradish serves as another effective home remedy for treating dark spots.
Tags: causes of dark spots, dark spots home remedies, how to lighten dark spots, lighten dark spots, treating dark spots
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Friday, March 12th, 2010
Reason for Enlarged Pores
The natural oil that is produced by the sebaceous or oil glands of the body reaches the surface of the skin through the pores. Pores are present on the skin throughout the body and it is through the pores that the hair grows.
In some individuals the pores on the face may appear enlarged. The most common reason for enlarged pores is genetic factors. Certain individuals are born with the vulnerability to developing open pores. In some cases, the skin may be producing excess oil thereby causing the pores to widen. Improper hygiene may also contribute to open pores as dirt and dead skin cells may collect in the pores causing them to enlarge. Prolonged and continuous exposure to the sun causes thickening of the skin, which could also lead to enlarged pores. Sun exposure also results in collagen and elastic loss from the skin, causing the peripheries of the pores to get pulled down by the tissues beneath the surface of the skin.
Natural Way to Shrink Enlarged Pores
- One cannot really close enlarged pores, but it is possible to shrink them through proper cleansing methods and simple home remedies. Use a mild cleanser to clean the face regularly. The pores must be kept clean and free from oil and skin debris. Regular exfoliation of the skin is also beneficial in getting rid of dead skin cells and oil.
- The most effective way to shrink enlarged pores instantly is the application of ice. Place a cold compress over the open pores using ice or a cold washcloth. Using cold water to wash the face will also help to tighten the pores.
- Toning is also an effective way to shrink open pores. Go in for natural toners which will be gentle on the skin. Also opt for toners that are free of alcohol as this will prevent dryness of the skin. Apply toner to the skin twice a day to tighten the pores. A beneficial natural toner can be made using tomatoes. Mash a fresh tomato and apply to the face. Leave it on for five minutes and then rinse. Tomato juice helps to shrink the pores due to its acidic nature.
- Another home remedy for tightening the pores is to prepare a mixture of egg white and lemon juice. Warm the mixture slightly and after it cools, apply it to the face.
- Application of papaya to the face also helps to reduce the size of the pores. You can even add some lemon juice to the papaya before applying it.
Tags: exfoliation of skin, getting rid of dead skin cells, home remedy for tightening pores, natural skin toner, reason for enlarged pores, shrink open pores, toning
Posted in Skin Care Treatments | 3 Comments »
Friday, March 12th, 2010
Causes of Fever Blisters
Fever blisters, also known as cold sores, refer to lesions that develop due to an infection. They usually appear around the nostrils, cheeks, lips and chin. The infection is caused by the herpes simplex virus and tends to recur in the same place. There are two classifications of the herpes simplex virus. Type I affects the mouth and surrounding areas and is known as oral herpes, while type II infects the genital areas, and is referred to as genital herpes.
When the infection occurs, the virus moves through the nerves after entering through the nerve cells. The virus then remains in the ganglion of the nerve where it stays dormant. This virus can start multiplying again at later instances and move towards the skin, resulting in blisters in the same place. There are certain conditions that are involved in the recurrences of the viral infection. Cold sores generally tend to form during a cold or flu. Excessive exposure to the sun may also trigger fever blisters in some individuals. Imbalances of the immune system due to inadequate nutrition or physical and emotional stress can lead to the development of fever blisters. Other conditions associated with fever blisters are trauma or injury to the skin and stress. The herpes simplex virus can spread through direct contact with an infected individual. The infection is very contagious when the blisters are active. Once they dry up and form crusts the risk is reduced. However, the virus may sometimes be contained in the saliva even in the absence of sores.
Home Remedies for Fever Blisters
- The aloe plant is a very effective natural remedy against several skin infections, including fever blisters. Rubbing the gel of aloe vera leaves over the affected areas will alleviate itching and tingling. It will also help to quicken the healing process.
- You may even apply cornstarch to the area to ease discomfort.
- The application of ice works very well in restricting the spread of the virus over the skin. Rubbing ice over the sores several times a day helps to prevent them from developing further.
- Another beneficial home remedy is to add a couple of drops of the extract of grapefruit seed to olive oil and apply to the affected area.
- Lemon balm is also known to ease the pain and burning caused by cold sores.
- An effective herbal remedy for fever blisters involves consuming a blend of calendula, Echinacea, lomatium, burdock and oats tincture. Half a teaspoon of this mixture, taken four times a day helps to expel toxins from the body.
Tags: causes of fever blisters, fever blisters home remedies, fever blisters symptoms, home remedies for fever blisters, how to get rid of fever blisters
Posted in Skin Infections | 3 Comments »