It’s the same old story for everyone, you see a pimple and it feels like the whole world is closing down on you and you just need to find a way to break free from these tiny scoundrels that are ruining your life. We try everything to sort the calamity and usually end up in vain, with that nasty pimple still chilling on our faces like it’s no one’s business. Well ladies, most of the time, you do not even know the kind of pimple that has settled on your face. Wait, there are kinds? Yes there are different kinds of acne and each need to be treated much differently to their siblings.

The basic whitehead:  We all have had this at some point in our life, a white head is a classic pimple. These are simply clogged pores that appear white in colour or are flesh coloured sitting underneath our skin, these are not red or sore. This is the kind of pimple, that you and me both are tempted to pop, but are forced not too, for the sake of our long-term skin life. The best way to treat these is to exfoliate your skin, this will aid in cleansing your pores. Since these type of pimples are not inflamed, please refrain from making use of the big guns (intensive acne treatments) to treat these. Intensive acne treatments, will only make matters worse for the whitehead, since these drying agents trap oil in your skin for longer periods of time, something you do not want.

Is that an oxidised clogged pore I see?: Well, well, well if it isn’t the blackhead we are talking about. Sure they are annoying and your first instinct is to pop that black stuff out. But did you know? A blackhead is just a very large open pore, that is clogged with oil and has turned black in colour due to the process of oxidation.  The wonders of chemistry even dawns upon us during skin care regimes. Pore cleansing products and facials are your best bet to keep blackheads at bay. Also, I would say stay away from products containing pore-clogging ingredients and make generous amounts of salicylic acid products to keep clean pores.

Oh dear not another cyst:  Cystic acne, one of the worst forms of acne you can ever endure. You know you have cystic acne, when there are bumps within your skin and there is no opening. These bumps are super inflamed, red and highly painful. Their favourite hot spots for developing are near your jaw line and chin, you sometimes also find them near your neck. I shudder at the thought of these, since I was a victim to its pain during my teenage years. DON’T ever try picking on these, you will be left with scars and you shall endure loads of unwanted pain on your face. The best way to treat these is to apply ice on the cyst, this will calm down the swelling and inflammation. Wish I knew about this treatment. Also from personal experience, I would say, give the diary intake in your diet some slack. Diary intake can be the cause for these eruptions to take place. If you want to apply a topical treatment, there are a number of anti-cyst products available in the market. Speak to your dermatologist before using any.

Pustules:  These are your regular joe “zits,” these are not whitehead, so do not get confused. They are red and inflamed, usually infected and are filled with pus. Treatments for this sort of a pimple will include products containing anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties that will kill the infection and help you say bye to the zit.

So that was a quick guide to the kinds of acne and pimples there are in the world, I hope it helps you ladies identify the one you are enduring. Till then, don’t pick on those nasties and if you do, keep your hands clean. Comment below and tell me, what kind of pimples do you usually face and your best go to treatment for the same.

Image Sources: 1, 2, 3.

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By Kanishka

Acne – it’s that one phenomenon we fear more than 3 torturous hours of examinations. Those little zits here and there, messing up with your personality, your confidence, everything you are — down the drain. Though, like every problem has a solution, acne does too. I’ve done my research, and in this post, I am listing out some ingredients to treat acne. It’s tried, tested, dermatologist recommended. Also, to sum it all up — it works.

What causes acne?

“Acne is caused when tiny holes in the skin, known as hair follicles, become blocked. Sebaceous glands are tiny glands found near the surface of your skin. The glands are attached to hair follicles, which are small holes in your skin that an individual hair grows out of. Simply put – skin cells, sebum and hair can clump together into a plug, this plug gets infected with bacteria, resulting in a swelling. A pimple starts to develop when the plug begins to break down.” – source – www.nhs.uk/

10 products that kill acne bacteria:

1. Benzoyl Peroxide.
2.Tea Tree Oil.
3. Calendula.
4. Triclosan.
5. Topical Tretinoin.
6. Isotretinoin.
7. Adapalene (Diffirin).
8. Minocycline.
9. Tetracycline.
10. Medicinal Honey.

My proposed routine consists:

1. Benzoyl Peroxide Creamy Wash 4%.
2. Anti-Acne Cream.

I was introduced to this routine by my dermatologist, but she says it’s mild enough to be used by anyone having a few zits here and there.

Disclaimer: This routine is strictly for those with mild acne. If you have acne vulgaris, kindly consult your dermatologist. Believe me, this will help clear your face quicker than ever! It’s always worth it. Kindly do not try millions of products and worsen your existing condition.

I take the benzyl peroxide-based face wash and shake well.  Take a pea-sized amount in your palm. Dot it all over your wet face, and massage in for 5 minutes. Rinse out well. Pat dry. Like I’ve mentioned before, the creaminess feels like a dream! It’s very moisturizing contradictory to what other face washes containing benzoyl peroxide are like. The normal ones though work wonderfully, quite often dry out your face a tad too much. But this one doesn’t dry your face out at all, and still manages to make it feel squeaky clean. Also, after a week, pimples are gone for good and you will have 90% less breakouts.

2. Anti-acne cream routine:  I then dab a little anti-acne cream wherever skin is breaking out and blend in completely.  The already existing pimples will take a while to clear out whether you perform the routine or not. But, what this routine ensures is that they won’t come back for good. I’ve been applying this since a month and this works like a dream for me. It actually helped clear out my face pretty quickly and now I almost don’t break out anymore.

An alternate product – Femcinol. Before the doctor recommended me the anti-acne ointment, I have always used the “Femcinol A gel” and it worked as great as the anti-acne ointment.  I quite like Femcinol over the other anti-acne cream because of the gel vs. powder consistency. I did talk to my dermatologist about this and she recommended using Femcinol instead of Femcinol A as the latter also contains a peeling agent. Otherwise, all three are safe, reasonable and very effective. You can try out all three and see for yourself which one works best for you.

Reminder and a few tips:

• Remember to give your skin some time. Healing is a time-taking process. With time, the products will combat acne, but you cannot expect them to work for you overnight or within 3-4 days. Give them a week, let your skin accept them; and observe as the magic unfolds.
• If I were to break out today, I would increase a glass of water to my regular 8 glasses, and cut down oil completely for at least 2 days. I’ve observed that this helps the zits to fade away quicker than ever.

This routine is very safe and works seamlessly to keep my breakouts at bay, and I hope it does so for you too. I have a normal to combination skin.

Image Sources:  1, 3.

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“Keep calm and love your skin”

Hi friends!

Acne is one of the biggest skin disorders a lot of us face and we wish the perils of acne-prone skin would just fade away forever. However, as acne (acne vulgaris) is a chronic skin condition that normally appears in adolescence, it can continue even when you’re in your thirties and forties.

Acne can be classified as mild, moderate or severe and often leads to scarring and the reasons behind this skin condition are either genetic, hormonal, lifestyle issues like smoking etc., or even psychological due to high stress levels.

I had mild acne when I was a teen as my skin was inclined towards the oily side, and thankfully it subsided with age and proper face cleansing and food habits. However, they did leave some marks. As we know, there are many topical treatments to cure acne including creams and lotions etc., but while all that is great to cure, one must pay extra attention towards what food they consume if they want to keep acne at bay in the long run. Just like the case with any other skin care routine, a lot of emphasis is given on eating the right food as ultimately what goes in our stomachs determines how our skin looks and feels to a great extent. For instance, if we keep on eating rich, fried food regularly, yet wonder why the face creams aren’t working, well that’s a no brainer! A wholesome skincare routine involves the usual exfoliation, cleansing, toning, moisturizing, and not to forget litres an litres of water along with consuming nutritious food.

Now, it is a myth that one should completely avoid aerated drinks, chocolates and fried food as these could cause acne. They can aggravate acne or lead to it, but they can be taken in moderation. Since, acne forms when too much of the sebum gets clogged in the hair follicle, we must ensure we are eating food that contains the right nutrients to regulate our sebum flow. So, don’t worry about having to quit your favourite foods altogether, just ensure you don’t go overboard. A lot of foods cause the body’s sugar levels to rise, which in turn, causes the production of insulin and excess of insulin in the bloodstream can cause pore-clogging cells and increase in sebum secretion. In this post, let’s explore some of the food options that can help fight acne by maintaining a balance in the hormones and prevent inflammation of the skin.

Food rich in Vitamin A (Retinol)

Fruits and veggies are considered good for the overall diet of an individual, especially when trying to combat acne. As opposed to processed and refined foods such as white sugar, pasta and flour, fresh vegetables and fruits help in controlling the hormones, therefore controlling acne. Deficiency of vitamin A causes the skin’s glands to produce more sebum, and as we already know that can lead to acne formation.

Food rich in Vitamin A: sweet potatoes, carrots, dark leafy vegetables such as kale, squash (butternut), tuna fish, and mangoes and so on we can keep a check on the acne producing cells.

Food rich in Vitamin B

Brown rice is an excellent source of nutrition. It not only contains Vitamin B, but also provides ample magnesium and protein. Vitamin B acts as our skins stress fighter, thus, resulting in hormone balance, less secretion of sebum and zero skin breakouts. Vitamin B includes Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Folic acid, Vitamin B6 and B12; however, it is the Vitamin B6 which is the best for preventing acne.

Incorporate foods such as whole grains, prunes, apricots, bananas, and green leafy vegetables like spinach for your Vitamin B6 intake. One great vegetable intake which will help fight acne is broccoli. Not only does it contain Vitamin B, but also Vitamins A and E and helps attack any radical damage of the skin.

Food rich in Vitamin C

Fresh foods contain a host of nutrients and vitamins such as Vitamin C which is found in oranges, tomatoes and melons. Vitamin C won’t cure acne, but this helps in protecting the skin walls, thus, preventing scarring, which I know is a common problem with acne-prone skin. Bioflavonoids, which are found in these Vitamin C rich-foods, act as natural anti-inflammatories which prevent the painful redness that acne brings.

Artichokes are also rich in Vitamin C and clear toxins from the body, and although you may not find this at your local sabzi bazaar, you will find it at the grocery stores that sell variety of foods from across the globe such as the food stores in your malls etc.

Food rich in Vitamin E

Almonds, eggs and leafy green vegetables, for example, are some food items that are rich in Vitamin E which serves as an antioxidant. Vitamin E helps in the prevention of cell damage caused by acne. Now, as Vitamin E is mostly predominant in oily foods, it is advisable to incorporate some oils in your daily diet even if you’re on a low fat diet. That’s why I said earlier, avoiding oily foods or chocolate etc. completely isn’t the best thing. People who eat salads, for example, should drizzle some Olive Oil over it so that they are getting their Vitamin E intake. Another great food source of Vitamin E is nuts which are abundant in an antioxidant called Selenium. Some great nuts to consume would be Brazil nuts and Almonds.

Avocados are abundant in both Vitamin E and C. Berries such as blueberries or any other wild berry contains ample Vitamin E as well as antioxidants. So, get your hands on these fresh berries wherever you can even if it’s generously sprinkled on your favourite frozen yogurts or mixed with your smoothies made at home.

Essential Fatty Acids : Omega-3 and Omega-6

Fish is a great source of essential fatty acids. Fatty acids help reduce the inflammation that can trigger cell-clogging pores resulting in acne. Do eat fish such as Sardines (you get them in tins at your local supermarkets), Mackerel and of course, Salmon. If you’re vegetarian, incorporate foods like Flax Seeds(ground into a powder/paste form or buy the oil) and Walnuts too.

Food rich in Zinc

Foods that contain Zinc are said to control the hormone Androgens, found in both men and women that cause excessive release of sebum. Zinc also helps with the absorption of Vitamin A, which is a vital nutrient for overall healthy skin. Try to eat a lot of green beans, kidney beans, lima beans, spinach, poultry, egg yolks, dark chocolate, shrimps as well as oysters which are extremely rich in Zinc. Nuts too have a good Zinc content and so do Oats. Why not start the day with a bowl of oats or make oat desserts!

Food rich in Beta-Carotene

Beta-Carotene is a reddish orange pigment found in plants and fruits such as carrots, sweet potato, bell peppers etc. The more intense the colour of the food, the more beta-carotene it has. Our bodies convert Beta-Carotene into active Vitamin A or Retinol and are essential for the eyes, organs as well as the skin. It is said to improve skin colour and texture, thus, preventing wrinkles and acne induced inflammations etc.

Food rich in Chromium

Chromium is a mineral that stabilizes blood sugar levels. As extreme sugar content in the bloodstream leads to excessive sebum production, one needs to consume foods with a high Chromium content in order to regulate the blood sugar and keep acne at bay. People who have diets with no or less Chromium are found to be more prone to acne than those whose diets are rich in this mineral.

So, by eating enough lettuce(Romain lettuce has the highest chromium content than any other lettuce), onions, potatoes and whole grains you can combat acne to a large extent. For optimum benefits of Chromium, foods containing high Vitamin C content should be taken alongside as Vitamin C helps in the absorption of chromium in the body.

Food rich in Allicin

Garlic is one food that is plentiful in a naturally occurring chemical compound called Allicin, which is super for killing off harmful bacteria and viruses. It is a natural antibiotic. Allicin has a yellowish oily liquid appearance and is responsible for the strong odour that garlic gives off. Cooked garlic does not have a high Allicin content so uncooked garlic is best suggested. The antimicrobial properties of Allicin, helps to fight acne either by incorporating ample raw garlic in your diet or by applying it over the acne as it reduces redness and dries up the acne quickly. Other Allicin-rich foods are onions, leeks, chives and shallots in their purest and raw form.

Foods To Steer Away From:

As mentioned in my introduction, you don’t have to completely avoid certain foods, and now that I have cleared the myth that food alone can’t cause acne, certain foods should be taken in moderation as too much of them may lead to acne. For instance, Iodized salts and Iodine rich foods cause acne breakouts. Try Sea Salt instead, which has lower Iodine content. Avoid foods that are too rich in processed sugar as you don’t want to increase your blood sugar levels and insulin.

Milk chocolates, as scrumptious as they are, are not the best friends of acne, I’m afraid. However, if you can limit your chocolate intake, then that’s great. If you can’t, you must switch to the darker chocolate variety which is actually great for the body and skin as it contains Flavonols (flavonoids found in chocolate) which are antioxidants protecting the skin’s hydration. So, munch away on dark chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage and less sugar percentage.

I hope this rendition of acne fighting foods will help in identifying which foods to grab next time you’re at your local supermarket, especially if you have acne prone skin or get occasional breakout every now and then. I have provided a selection of food items both in the veg and non-veg segments. So, do stock up and incorporate them in your daily diet and bid those nasty zits farewell.

Au revoir!
xoxo

Image Source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

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I first started using face oils in early 2014, about 6 months prior to my wedding. I had troubled skin (acne, eczema and scars) and didn’t want to aggravate the condition with products loaded with chemicals. Oils sounded like a very soothing promise, but my biggest fear was “doesn’t oil make skin oilier leading to more acne?!” I still remember buying Clean and Clear products because they were oil free. So, I started with my online research of studying in depth about how oils work. I was ecstatic at what I found – sebum is over produced by the sebaceous glands when there is lack of oil in your skin. When you apply oil, the glands assume there is sebum on your skin and doesn’t produce more sebum – so oil stops oil. Beat that! *cries out happily* (But stay away from mineral oils and heavy comedogenic oils.) With the wide variety of oils available for fighting acne, I narrowed it down to two-Rosehip oil and Tamanu oil.

Product Description:

A rich, amber-colored oil from the ripened fruit of the rose known as hips. Contains natural Retinol Acid (Vitamin A) and is well sought after for helping to replenish and restore mature or sun-exposed skin.

Price:

$7.79

Ingredients:

Rosehip oil is abundant in retinoic acid, vitamin C and the essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6 and is good for acne scars, sun damage, pigmentation and dull skin.  In former Victoria’s Secret Angel Miranda Kerr’s words – “I like to wear rosehip oil at night. It’s full of many antioxidants and it really works on a cellular level too to rejuvenate the skin. I put that on at night and I wake up glowing.”

My Experience with Life-Flo Organic Pure Rosehip Seed Oil:

The oil is very light in texture as opposed to heavy oils like olive oil and is yellow in colour. It smells almost like mustard oil (my husband gets very put off by this!).  The bottle is made of brown glass and has a built-in dropper on the cap making it extremely easy to pour precise drops out.

I first used it as a cleanser because I wanted to see if there would be any reaction since I hadn’t heard of this oil before. I poured a few drops onto a cotton pad and used it to remove the dirt and makeup on my skin. There was not much of a reaction, so I went on further and used it as a mask. I applied a few drops all over my face and let it stay for about 30 minutes before washing it off.

Even that didn’t cause any reaction on my face, so I tried the ultimate – I slathered it all over my face and let it work overnight. This was also okay, so I continued this for a few more days after which I noticed extreme peeling of my skin on the sides of my nose and below my eyebrows. My skin was dry. On the other hand, I noticed my skin texture improving! It was smoother and the scars were less red. There was a subtle glow also. I had to stop using it, but I had to use it also *dilemma*. So, I started applying 2-3 drops on alternate days. This method worked fine for me and it didn’t dry out my skin though the improvement in texture slowed down.  You gain some, you lose some!

A whole bottle would thus last for at least an year! But the shelf life is only 6 months, that too if you store it away from sunlight. The oil oxidizes and turns rancid after that.

P.S:- Buy only 100% pure oils. Look for words like organic, unrefined, and cold-pressed. Be wary of cheap products and sellers.

Pros of Life-Flo Organic Pure Rosehip Seed Oil:

• Visible improvement in skin texture within a week – less redness, smoothness, and added glow to the skin.
• Extremely light in texture.
• Convenient built-in dropper to pour out precise number of drops.
• Cold pressed.
• Organic.

Cons of Life-Flo Organic Pure Rosehip Seed Oil:

• Overuse can cause extreme drying and peeling.
• Shelf life is about 6 months if stored away from sunlight after which it oxidizes apparently.

IMBB Rating:

4/5

Would I Repurchase Life-Flo Organic Pure Rosehip Seed Oil?

I want to try the Trilogy or Kosmea brands to see if there is any difference..

Do I Recommend Life-Flo Organic Pure Rosehip Seed Oil?

Yes, if you have acne scars, sun damage, pigmentation or dull skin and are tired of all the umpteen creams that you have tried, go for this!

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Is it ‘that’ time of the month again? As if mood swings, unbearable pain, bloating, weight gain, cravings weren’t enough, some of us get breakouts during periods too! These acne show up approximately ten days or 2 weeks ahead of the arrival of Aunt Flo. It happens because all of these hormonal changes stimulate the production of excess oils which leads to breakouts. So in today’s post, let’s talk about it and know if we can do anything about such breakouts!

As they say, prevention is better than the cure! A little bit of measures before the beginning of your cycle and a little alteration in your lifestyle will go a long way in controlling those horrible acnes? Here’s how!

Take Vitamin B6
Start taking Vitamin B6 tablets daily, one week prior to your cycle. This particular vitamin acts as a natural anti-biotic and helps regulate hormonal imbalances.

Tweak Your Skincare Routine Before Your Cycle
Use a cleanser that is gentle on your skin and will not clog your pores. As our skin is already producing extra oils and you don’t want any more of that. Wash your face twice a day and use a cleanser that has salicylic acid as one of the ingredients, as it will penetrate deeper into your pore linings and will help to clean out the pores.

Focus on Hygiene
One of the other causes of acne is not changing your pillowcases and towels regularly. To prevent those dreaded acnes, always use clean towels, pillowcases and linens around the time of commencement of your cycle.

Alter Your Eating Habits
To control the PMS acne, take a diet that is rich in vitamins and low in sugars. Vitamins impart a healthy glow to the skin and prevent hormonal acne. If nothing else, sip on 2-3 cups of green tea a day and keep that acne at bay!

Medications Helps Too
Retinoids are good for your skin around that time as they will unclog your pores, preventing the production of excess oils and thus acne. You can also use benzoyl peroxide in the form of creams and face washes as it is drying for the skin because of that acne formation is reduced.

Stay Active
I think at least half an hour of even light exercises solves most of the problems. Sometimes, PMSing plus acne can really stress you out. Practice some breathing exercises, yoga, brisk walking or just dancing. All of these things decrease the effect of all the hormonal changes happening inside your body.

I hope these tips will prove beneficial to you. Make sure you practice these before the commencement of your next cycle to see the results.

Image Sources: 1, 2, 3

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Retinoids are widely used to treat acne and prevent aging. In fact, they are the golden standard for acne and wrinkles. Read on to know the why, how and what about retinoids.

What are retinoids?
Retinoids are topical or oral compounds that are chemically related to vitamin A.

How do they work?
Retinoids work by binding to specific receptors in your skin and activating them and signaling them to behave in a normal manner (all skin issues are abnormalities, right?). They can improve how new skin cells are formed and how they behave as they grow. This results in collagen production and skin exfoliation.

Benefits of retinoids:
When used consistently, retinoids can keep your skin clear and acne free, even out skin tone, reverse sun damage and pigmentation, improve wrinkles and mild scars and prevent premature aging.  These factors along with the exfoliating properties, make retinoids the gold standard for acne and anti-aging treatments.

When to expect results?
Flaking, breakouts, or slight irritation are common within the first few weeks of usage. It can take up to six months to see visible improvement.

Types/forms of retinoids:
Retinyl palmitate, retinol, retinaldehyde, adapalene, tretinoin, isotretinoin, and tazarotene are all types/forms of retinoids.

Your skin can only use a retinoid when it’s in the retinoic acid form. Therefore, all types of retinoids are converted to this state by your skin before it can be used.

For e.g.: Retinyl palmitate must first be converted to retinol, which is then converted to retinaldehyde, which is finally converted to retinoic acid.  For each conversion, a little of the product is lost. Therefore, the fewer the conversions to retinoic acid, the stronger the retinoid.

So, in the decreasing order of strength the list becomes:

Isotretinoin> Tazarotene> Tretinoin (retinoic acid)> Adapalene> Retinaldehyde> Retinol>Retinyl palmitate.

Retinaldehyde, Retinol and Retinyl palmitate can be found in anti-wrinkle creams of brands like Neutrogena, Olay etc. and are the least potent.

How to use retinoids?
1) Do not rush:  Start with a lower concentration. Initially apply it once every two nights for the first few weeks. Then, use it every other night for another week and gradually use it every night. After some months, you can use a stronger concentration. This helps your skin slowly adjust to the product. This reduces irritation and the initial breakout associated with most retinoids.

2) Use as little as possible:  Ditch the “if a little is good, more must be better” mentality. Using more product will only irritate your skin even more. Use just a pearl sized amount for your entire face. If your eye is too sensitive to the retinoid, you can try mixing the product with a moisturizer and if that doesn’t help, just stop using it near your eyes. Retinoids can also be applied on your neck, hands and feet.

3) Use only at night:  Retinoids make your skin more sensitive to the sun, therefore it is best to apply them at night. You should also use a good sunscreen in the morning to protect your skin more than usual.

4) Minimize use of other products:  Treatments, such as BHAs and AHAs (salicylic acid, glycolic acid), make retinoids more potent and increases the chance of irritation.  If you feel comfortable with your retinoid and want to add an extra product, you can continue using the retinoid at night and use the BHA or AHA in the morning.

5) Wait 15-20 minutes after washing your face:  When you wash your skin, you disturb your skin’s natural barrier, so waiting a bit will minimize irritation.

P.S – Pregnant women shouldn’t go anywhere near retinoids.

Personal note – I started using Tretinoin 2 months back and I can already see a mild improvement. My skin texture has improved a lot, the sun damage has considerably reduced, my acne dries up within a day or 2 and I don’t get as many pimples as before. I am in my mid-twenties and I read at a lot of places that starting retinoids at this age can also prevent wrinkles in the future.

Image Sources: 1, 2, 3.

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Hey all!

I make it a point to pamper my skin with some of my favorite natural ingredients over the weekend. Natural ingredients are safe to use and inexpensive too. In today’s post, I will be sharing the natural ingredients that work best for a particular skin type. If you aren’t aware of your skin type, here is what you need to know!

We all know that our skin is divided into five different types:
1. Normal skin
2. Oily skin
3. Dry skin
4. Sensitive skin, and
5. Combination skin

Normal Skin

If you have a normal skin, you will have an even skin tone which is smooth and radiant. You are more likely to have less imperfections and pores won’t be much visible. Also, your skin tissues do not produce any sebum (or oil) as your skin has good blood circulation.

Best Natural Ingredients

Generally, people with normal skin type need not follow a particular beauty regime. Even though people with normal skin have a radiant complexion there are chances of getting tanned or if the skin gets exposed to pollution and dust, it may need proper treatment and care. So, to work with your skin, which is either dull or tanned due to environmental factors, you can apply lemon and sugar the following way!

You can cut a lemon into two halves and by holding a little amount of sugar in your palm dab half the piece of lemon over sugar and rub it directly on to face. If you wish to you can also mix some amount of glycerin or olive oil into sugar.

How Do They Work
Many of the fairness and tan removal face washes or scrubs are formulated with lemon. Sugar and lemon act as a deep cleansing agent to skin and thus, help in the removal of dead skin cells and tan.

Oily Skin

If you have oily skin you are more likely to experience excess sebum production by facial skin tissues on forehead, nose and cheeks. You tend to sweat a lot and the sebaceous glands are much active and produce more oil than necessary. Your face may be covered with pimples, blackheads, whiteheads and other blemishes.

Best Natural Ingredients

In order to combat pimples and blemishes caused by oily skin that produces excess sebum, you would need an ingredient that controls oil and is refreshing as well. When I think of refreshing my face up, mint comes to my mind. And, here is the way to apply mint and cucumber in order to have a control over the excess sebum produced by oily skin.

Grind few fresh mint leaves and cucumber pieces into a thick paste and apply it well all over face and leave it for about 10 minutes. Wash your face with water, pat dry and notice skin that looks bright and fresh all day long.

How Do They Work
Using a simple ingredient like mint can help reduce pimples and blackheads on skin. The salicylic acid present in mint helps in preventing acne. The strong aroma of mint may also help in relaxing your nerves. Cucumber naturally moisturizes and hydrates skin and acts as a natural cooling agent.

Dry Skin

If your skin is dull, rough and less elastic, you fall under the category of dry skin type. Your skin tends to be rough with invisible pores and red patches. Dry skin produces less sebum and the skin feels flaky.

Best Natural Ingredients

People with dry skin will need an ingredient that hydrates and moisturizes skin well. And, there cannot be any better ingredient for a dry skin than aloe vera as it has both hydrating and moisturizing properties.

Just pick a healthy aloe vera stem from your home plant and grind the pulp. Dab it well onto your face and wash after few minutes.

How Do They Work
Aloe Vera moisturizes the skin deeply and prevents it from drying. You skin tends to shine and glow after the application of aloe vera gel. Aloe Vera is a great ingredient used for dry skin in order to achieve proper skin restoration.

Sensitive Skin

If you experience itching, redness and burning to the response of any product your skin is sensitive. Your skin tends to be inflamed and irritated easily. Also it’s fragile type of skin and usually its dry.

Best Natural Ingredients

People with sensitive skin may also respond to natural ingredients. So, not all natural ingredients are safe for their skin. Some of them are even allergic to few ingredients. Sandalwood is a soothing ingredient that calms down the irritation caused by sensitive skin.

Mix some sandalwood powder and rose water into a fine paste and apply it all over face for about 10 minutes. Gently cleanse with water and pat dry.

How Do They Work
Sandalwood controls the production of sebum by making the skin look even and radiant. Also, if you experience any kind of redness or irritation sandalwood acts as a cooling agent on skin. Sensitive skin is more prone to redness and itching of skin. Some people with sensitive skin can also easily develop diseases like psoriasis and eczema and sandalwood powder is the best treatment for them.

Combination Skin

If your facial skin is dry in some areas and normal in particular areas you are having a combination skin. Combination skin tends to produce blackheads and over dilated pores. It can also be oily in the areas of T-zone that include forehead, nose and chin.

Best Natural Ingredients

Keeping in mind that people with combination skin have dry skin in some parts of face and oily skin mostly on the T-zone, it is important to treat the combination skin considering the fact that it is dry and oily as well. So, honey and curd are the most commonly used ingredients for combination type of skin.

Mix two to three drops of honey with one tablespoon of curd and apply the mixture well on face until it dries completely. Rinse with water after 10 minutes.

How Do They Work
Honey moisturizes the skin well and leaves your skin glowing like never before. It makes your skin soft and supple. It opens up pores and makes it easy to unclog. Whereas, curd helps in whitening of skin and gives you a natural gleam.

Hope this helps. Also, let me know about your favorite natural ingredient in the comments below. Until then, happy pampering!

Image Source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

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Hey beauties!

Got an important day ahead, but your skin isn’t being friendly and surprised you with a pimple? Don’t panic girls, we have all been through such such situations! There’s always a solution to every problem, so don’t let that pimple spoil your mood. To rescue you, from any such situation here is a quick, effective and super easy DIY!

Things Needed:

• 1-2 Green Tea Bags
• Tea Tree Essential Oil
• ½ cup Boiling Water
• Ice Tray

Step 1 – Collect all your ingredients. Now in a bowl add some boiling water and dip your green tea bag into it. You want the solution to be concentrated hence avoid adding too much water. Leave it in for 2-3 minutes.

Step 2 – Take your tea tree essential oil and add 2-3 drops in each section of your ice tray. Also, keep in mind that your ice tray should be totally clean and free from any bacteria.

Step 3 – Now add your green tea to each section of the ice tray.

Keep it in the freezer and let it sit for 2-3hrs or until the solution becomes totally solid. That’s really it, you’re done!

Benefits of The Ingredients Used:

Green Tea
Green tea is an antioxidant and helps reduce the rashes and scars formed because of this skin condition by fighting against skin inflammation. This tea is also known for its anti-bacterial activity which is very helpful in treating acne or pimples.

Tea Tree Oil
Without stripping your skins natural oils, tea tree oil helps to fight against acne and pimples because of its soothing and disinfecting properties. It also helps to reduce the size of pimples and fights bacteria.

How to Use these:
• After using a cleanser, take one of the ice cube and hold it on to the pimple for a while.
You will realise that it numbs the area. Depending on your pimple, you will see the results within a short period of time.

• These ice cubes are amazing for they help to reduce the appearance of the pimple and cure the problem naturally. They are astringent and antibacterial and reduce inflammation.

Hope you all try this out. Have a lovely day ahead
Xoxo

Image Source: 1

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Yes, we all spend a lot of money on buying skin care products, but at the same time we all are guilty of destroying our skin due to certain habits. These common mistakes lead to premature ageing of skin and other skin issues. Surprisingly, without your knowledge various daily activities of yours could be sabotaging your skin, check them out here and try to break them as soon as you can!

Smoking

Oh well, there are enough reasons to convince you to quit smoking and one such reason is your face! Researchers have proved that smoking dehydrates your skin and also damages your health. It leads to more and more wrinkles on the face that further leads to skin sagging. Study mentions that every cigarette results in reducing age by 2.5 years, and hence this is one habit that you must quit for your skin and health both.

Picking Up The Wrong Products

Newly launched products need to be on our shelves and wardrobe for no specific reason. Somehow, we just feel content to see them there. Surprisingly, picking up the wrong makeup products tends to add more age to the skin and is a hugely common mistake done by all of us. Also, if such products are not meant for your skin type, they could cause irreversible damage.

Not Using Sunscreen

Skipping the broad spectrum sunscreen is one of the mistakes we all make. Many of us believe that sunscreen is only meant for summers to protect the skin from heat and dust. But, sunscreen should be used every day to keep the skin healthy and to keep skin safe from damage, and of course skin tanning and sunburn. You should use a broad spectrum sunscreen every  single day with an SPF 30 minimum. Make sure you apply it every 2-3 hours if you are going to spend time out in the sun for long.

Drinking Too Much

Drinking alcohol can be one of the reasons why your skin looks aged and dull all the time. Alcohol dehydrates the skin and hence removes all the youthfulness and glow. Alcohol increases the level of inflammatory agents in the skin that, in turn, leads to dull and dry skin. If you love drinking, why not drink some infused water instead? It will help in maintaining the hydration and will also keep your skin looking young and healthy even when you age. This might take some time, but the results will blow your mind!

Cleansing Skin Too Often

If you think cleansing your face every now and then will keep your skin looking good and radiant, then probably you are contributing in destroying your skin. It is advised to cleanse your face using a cleanser early in the morning and once before going to bed, and that’s about it! You can simply wash your face with water, if it looks dirty and dusty. Using a cleanser more than twice, over dries the skin and as a result it looks dull. Also, it loses all the natural oil required by the skin to stay healthy and happy.

Using Dirty Makeup Brushes

Using dirty makeup brushes on face can trigger acne and breakouts. Brushes should often be cleaned after use and stored in a proper place, so that dust does not settle over them and bacteria does not breed. Dirty brushes lead to clogged pores, improper application, acne, breakouts and other bacterial growth. And, need I tell how much these can affect your skin in short and long term both?

Using Cell Phone for Long

A study suggests that cell phones can also lead to sagging skin due to the heat released out from the device. Resting your chin or cheeks against your cell phone can lead to breakouts and also the heat tends to clog pores. The heat released from the device tends to soak the moisture content from your skin, ultimately leading to a bad skin.

Not Removing Makeup before Going to Bed

If you attend late night parties often, chances are you sleep with your makeup on. Makeup is made of chemicals and synthesizers that tend to get deep into the epidermis if kept over face for long time. Makeup over face clogs the pores and also leads to breakouts often. If you are experiencing breakouts and acne a lot, pay heel to if and how well you remove your makeup.

Not Dealing with Zits Properly

What do you do when you get acne? You simply search for an anti acne face wash or try some home remedies to get rid of them quickly. The next possible thing we all are guilty doing is touching them quite often and squeezing them unnecessarily. Squeezing pimples releases bacteria that doubles the risk of acne over face. This commonly leads to inflammation and rise in other acne over face.

Compromising with Sleep Quality

Less than 8-10 hours of skin ultimately leads to dull and dry skin. Sleep deprivation can lead to various skin conditions including acne and psoriasis. Sleeping helps to repair the damaged cells that ultimately slows down the ageing process over skin. Getting enough sleep can bless you
with youthful and gorgeous skin.

Image Source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

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Hi everyone!

I wanted to try an amla pack for a long time as my hair has become really frizzy now. Somehow, the weather has made my hair rough and frizzy. I needed a good hair treatment, preferably an organic one, so I went ahead and tried this. Surprisingly, this is not only a hair pack, but a face pack too. Read all about it in my review!

Products Details:
Amla or Indian Gooseberry is a powerful natural hair conditioner and scalp cleanser. Amla prevents hair loss, premature graying & infections. Regular use prevents hair from losing its natural color and shine and strengthens hair roots. Amla is one of nature’s highest sources of Vitamin C and helps slow down the ageing process.

How to Use:

Ingredients:
Embilca officinalls (Origanic Amla Powder)

Price:
INR 190 for 150gm

My Experience with Khadi Organic Amla Powder:

I always prefer organic products, and hence I love to make my own hair mask at home. But, I also wanted some amla powder. When I saw this one online, I decided to give it a try, and not to mention, I love Khadi products. I found this one affordable and it offers good quantity.

Khadi Organic Amla Powder comes in a stainless steel tin with a tight lid. This packaging is totally different from the other brand. The tin is totally sturdy and heavy in weight, but a travel friendly one. The actual product is packaged in a plastic cover, so no worries about any spillage issue. I like to use the products from the plastic cover. It is more safe and easy. Overall, the packaging is totally hygienic and a lovely one. This steel tin may be used for storing some other product after this powder gets used up. Inside the can, all the details and directions of use are provided on a paper.

The amla powder smells just like amlas since it’s actually the powder of amla. The smell is strong,  but not overpowering. The smell stays even when you have the product on your hair or face. It’s a light beige colored powder that has a good texture. There are no harsh beads in the powder. It’s very smooth and finely grounded. It can easily be dissolved with water. I like to mix this with some warm water and make a thick paste. Also, I tried it with eggs. Amla has so many benefits for hair! It adds color to hair too. I like to keep it on for an hour to condition my hair. To add a little color to hair, it needs to be kept for 3-4 hours without any shower cap. I make sure I wash it properly with water once it gets dried.

If you need to head out, you may wash with a shampoo, but I don’t like to shampoo my hair on the same day as it makes my hair soft and shiny. I can feel my hair looking better. It actually controls the frizz really well. Amla is a rich source of Vitamin C. Also, it conditions my hair nicely. I couldn’t notice any hair fall at the time of rinse off. But, it also can’t reduce hair fall issue. You need wait for a long time to see such results. So, this is an average one for hair fall issue. It’s totally a star product. It makes my hair frizz free and makes them manageable. But, the softness doesn’t stay for a long time. After few days, it starts looking normal again. It needs to be applied regularly every week.

You need to apply it for a long time to see noticeable changes. I have been applying it for a month now, and I feel it really works well to soften my hair and also adds shine. It doesn’t make my hair gorgeous, but it is a good product to fight dryness. Now, the most amazing part is that it can add a nice color to my hair. I love my hair color also! It does not give a stark color to hair, but it does stand out under the sunlight. It looks kind of burgundy. I have applied it only once for color. Generally, I only keep it on for an hour.

Amla also works as a face pack. You just need to make a paste of rose water and this amla powder. Apply it for 15 minutes. It makes my face glow, and also prevents pimples. It’s a multipurpose powder. This can be used with other packs also. This is totally a natural product. It suits my oily scalp well. It has never dried out my scalp at all. It’s suitable for all hair types.

Overall, it’s a very useful powder for everyone. It makes hair soft and shiny. Also, it controls hair fall, but just a bit. Maybe, I need to wait much longer to see drastic difference. Otherwise, it also adds a nice color to the hair. This amla powder can be used in a lot of DIYs too. You can also make homemade recipes with this powder. I wish the effects stayed for long. Still, I love to use this. No doubt, it’s a good one!

Pros of Khadi Organic Amla Powder:

• Affordable
• Nice, reusable tin packaging
• Easily dissolves with water or any other ingredients
• Makes hair soft and shiny after application
• Doesn’t dry out my scalp
• It makes hair manageable
• Adds a nice color
• Regular usage makes hair look better
• Works good as a conditioner

Cons of Khadi Organic Amla Powder:

• Doesn’t control hairfall issue
• It takes time to show results, but that’s the case with every organic product
• The effects do not really stay for long

IMBB Rating:
4/5

Would I Recommend Khadi Organic Amla Powder?
I am always happy with natural products. This can be used in various ways and is also good for hair problems. I will recommend it to everyone.

Would I Repurchase Khadi Organic Amla Powder?
Oh, definitely! I love this, maybe it’s doesn’t do wonders to skin and hair, but it’s a decent one.

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Hello beautifuls,

I hope your Diwali preparations are going well. My semesters will begin within two weeks and I am not really in a party-mode anymore. But I was feeling so stressed and thought of writing something to refresh my mind.

I think we all have suffered from pimples at some point in our life and some of us still do. For some, it is an occasional affair while others suffer from severe breakouts especially between the ages of 15 and 25 years. Girls with such skin often do loads of things to get rid of those horrible pimples, acne and marks on their skin. Also a few are unaware of certain things that may cause a more severe breakout. This article aims to tell them what may go wrong with the things they do and make their conditions worse.

Do Not Experiment with Products

If you have severe pimples and acnes, this means your skin is sensitive. It needs special care and attention. Experimenting with random products available in the market is not really what your skin deserves. Also do not fall for everything that sells with a label of organic, natural, and herbal. These are lucrative terms that attract us a lot. There are only a few trust-worthy brands that sell such products. Check all the information you need to know before buying anything like that. Try to invest on some good quality products and stick to them.

Do Not Buy Medicines from the Pharmacy Without Consulting A Doctor

Just a few days ago, one of my friends made this big mistake. The pharmacist gave her a medicine telling that it will make the pimples vanish within a few days. Yes, the medicine fulfilled its claims and along with that burnt the entire area badly. It took her an entire week to get rid of that.

So friends, please do not do that. Get an appointment with a dermatologist and use medicines suggested by him/her. You can also consult him/her regarding using the same medicines if you develop pimples later. If you do not get time, do not use any medicines. It is better to leave the pimples like they are instead of worsening the condition.

Do Not Try Every Home-Remedy You Hear About

You will get loads of expert advices from your friends, neighborhood aunties and online articles on using home-remedies to get rid of those ugly devils. While a few occasional pimples can be easily controlled with the natural way, if you have heavy breakouts it is better not to do that. You never know which product will be suitable and in how much amount. I used to apply clove and harituki paste on my pimples and acnes as a teenager. While the pimples did dry up, an ugly black scar was left behind. Later on my doctor told me that too much of it burnt the area.

Do Not Go Out Without a Sunscreen

I think IMBBians are very much aware of the importance of sunscreens. If you have a pimple-prone skin, do not even think of going out without putting it on. You can skip everything else, but not this. Sun-rays damage your sensitive skin badly, increase the oil and sebum secretion, and make the condition tougher to deal with.

Do Not Be Too Stressed

The major concern of girls with pimples is the pimples. I remember spending hours worrying about how bad I am looking, how the pimples keep popping up, how badly they leave scars on my face and so on. Trust me, worrying about it won’t make it go away. It can only gift you a few more pimples and bad scars. It is a problem most of the people deal with it and there is nothing particularly wrong in it. It takes a few months for some, a few years for others, but finally we all get rid of the problem. So be happy and relax. And yes, do what is necessary.

Do Not Drink and Smoke

You know how badly pollution of the environment affects your skin? We cannot eradicate the pollution from the environment completely. But please do not pollute your body. These habits increase the toxic contents and impurity in your blood. So while every conscious woman should abandon these bad habits, our sensitive beauties should do that NOW. Please do not get carried away by peer pressure. “Ok, let’s smoke a cigarette today. I have not smoked for ages” is not a good excuse at all. Make it a NO today and keep it a NO forever.

Avoid Heavy Makeup

Girls with pimples and scars are always worried about looking bad. So to hide their flaws, they keep on layering make-ups. It is advisable not to do so. Heavy-coverage foundations, concealers do not allow your skin to breathe and give rise to more breakouts. Stick to minimal make-up if you are suffering from severe acne and pimples.

Avoid Skin Care Products Containing Alcohol

Many girls with pimple-prone skin love the drying feeling such products give. But these products are not particularly good for sensitive skin.  Using astringents, toners, cleansers containing alcohol should be strictly avoided.

Improper Skin Care Routine

As I have mentioned earlier, pimple-prone skin needs special treatment and if anything goes wrong, it shows severe reaction. Many girls think that heavy scrubbing can help them to remove the excess oil and sebum, gifting a pimple-free skin. The situation turns worse by doing so. Another common mistake is avoiding the moisturizer as many think that it will increase the oil content of the skin and cause more pimples. But moisturizers are essential for the skin nourishment and cannot be skipped.

Avoid Regular Parlour Treatments

If you are suffering from pimples and acnes, then it is advisable not to go for the regular parlor treatments. Waxing or threading the face, massage or facials are not really advisable in such a condition. A regular proper skin care routine along with treatment for the pimples can give you a healthy, glowing skin. For the little more we all crave for, have patience and wait until the pimples vanish.

Lastly, do not ever forget that you are beautiful with all those acnes, pimples and scars. Never forget to love yourself and never forget to smile.

Be happy, be beautiful!

Image Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

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Hey my choco pies!

Every girl desires to have beautiful, glowing skin. Some beauties are blessed with healthy glowing skin while others have to work hard to get glowing skin. We do everything to get that perfect skin, but most of us concentrate only on good creams, moisturizers, face washes, serums etc. We tend to forget to change and maintain our healthy diet also, to get that perfect skin. The most easy and yummy thing you can consume for this purpose is juices. So, I have some most effective and yummy juices that would help you get glowing and healthy skin.

1. Carrot Juice

One of the best vegetable juices for glowing skin, the carrot juice, is very rich in Vitamin A. Carrots are also rich in fiber and enable smooth bowel movement. It provides long term benefits for the skin and effectively slows down skin aging, making it appear younger and radiant.

2. Broccoli Juice

Popularly known as green cauliflower, it is known to possess the highest amounts of nutrients among all vegetables. This fibrous vegetable is very rich in Vitamin C that is required for healthy skin. Being low on cholesterol, it is extremely nutritious and beneficial for both body and skin.

3. Orange Juice

And, orange juice is my weakness; I absolutely love orange juice. The antioxidant properties of orange juice make the skin fresh, beautiful and young-looking by preventing aging effects. In addition, the antioxidants with the combination of Vitamin C protect the skin cells from getting affected by free radicals. Thus, taking one glass of orange juice each day is the best way to maintain the freshness and attraction of skin for long time.

4. Tomato Juice

Tomato juice is packed with antioxidants which is the secret to remain youthful. Its other benefits involve tan lightning, shrinkage of large pores to reduce sebum secretion in oily skin, prevention and treatment of acne as well as skin discoloration. Substitute your morning tea or coffee with a glass of tomato juice and you need not look elsewhere for glowing skin.

5. Grape Juice

The high level of antioxidants in grape juice makes it great for removing acne and signs of aging. Grapes are commonly used to make a great fruit juice for glowing skin.

6. Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe vera juice is rich in vitamins and minerals which help in maintaining the natural glow of your skin. It also combats the effects of premature aging and wrinkles. If you suffer from sun burns often, aloe Vera gel will also help you.

7. Pomegranate Juice

Even when the skin seems beyond repair, a daily glass of pomegranate juice will help clear and heal the skin. The natural anti-aging properties of pomegranates make it a powerful skin repair remedy for naturally glowing skin.

8. Amla Juice

Amla juice is a healthy drink as it is the storehouse of Vitamin C and other nutrients which provide an array of health and beauty benefits. Amla fruit is greatly renowned and amla juice is also used in Ayurvedic medicine.

9. Beetroot Juice

Beetroot is simply amazing for the skin. Drinking beetroot juice regularly will supply the body with essential nutrients, which will help to produce and maintain healthy skin. It also reduces blemishes and wrinkles and also vanishes dark circles.

Image Sources : 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

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Hello,

Acne spotted on forehead can mean something different than acne over chin or cheeks. You skin reflects your internal health and hence analyzing pimples and the areas where they pop up is a very important thing to be considered. So, here we bring you an acne map and what your acne has to say!

1. Forehead acne
If you have acne on forehead, you should focus on 20-30 minutes of light exercise everyday. You should focus on eating healthy foods and chew them properly which further leads to proper digestion. You should focus on reducing sugar in your diet, and also check if your shampoo or conditioner is irritating your skin. People with acne on forehead should drink less of aerated or soda water and concentrate on drinking more water, which will help to flush out the toxins.

2. Lip area zits
People with zits near lips should eat less spicy or fried food. Include more of fiber in your diet and also include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. If you constantly spot zits around the lip area, try to massage your stomach everyday with coconut oil in circular direction.

3. On cheek areas 
People with acne on cheek areas should avoid fast and junk food and avoid eating tangy food. Also practice proper hygiene. Eat less sugar and take in more fresh air. If you sleep usually on one side, you must change your pillow as well as the pillow cover frequently. Try to maintain a normal daily routine and also keep a positive mood. The liver is the strongest from 1 to 3 AM; this is when you should be sleeping. The liver is weakest at 1 to 5 PM, so schedule difficult work for the morning. Try to detoxify your body as well as relax everyday for 15 minutes between your work.

5. Temples zits
People with temple zits should eat less of junk food and eat more of cooling foods like watermelon. Any food with more of water content in the fruit can help to cure the temple zits. You should try to reduce the amount of unhealthy fat in your diet and try to wear little of makeup. Eating something like cucumber and gourds can help to benefit your body.

6. Near eyes
Spotting acne anywhere near eyes points out lack of hydration. You should try to include water as much as you can and also include exercise in your daily routine. You should cut out alcohol and anything greasy in food. And cut down on aerated drinks, coffee and alcohol as these will cause further dehydration.

7. On nose
If you spot acne on nose, it means you are suffering from poor diet. Poor blood circulating and constantly suffering from bloating can also lead to acne over nose. You must try to include green leafy vegetables in your diet and add at least one green food in your daily routine. Eating a banana or an apple every morning can help to treat the problems.

8. Between brows
The area between the brows is to subject to breakout due to lack of sleep and dehydration in the body. This may also be due to irregular eating and sleeping habits. You must sleep on time and also try to avoid food late nights. Avoiding alcohol as well as smoking is a must in the process. Massage in between the brows for better blood circulation.

9. Chin and jaw acne
You must reduce the habit of eating before going to bed. You often encounter the problem of chin and jaw acne due to hormonal imbalance as well as kidney imbalance. Drink more of spearmint tea. Take a regular checkup for hormonal imbalances. Try to include fresh fruits and vegetables and also go for a daily walk for at least 15 minutes.

10. Ear acne 
The ears are also associated with the kidneys — breaking out here may signal dehydration. Make sure to drink more water throughout the day, and avoid consuming excess salt.

Image source: 1, 2, 3, 4

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Concealers are not just for hiding blemishes and dark circles under the eyes; they can be used for lots of other things as well. So, is having only one concealer in your vanity enough? No! Presenting you 15 best concealer hacks that’ll leave you surprised, and will make your skin look flawless.

1) Concealer Comes Second

Always apply your foundation first and then apply your concealer. Foundation will also give you some coverage, and hence you will need little amount of concealer to cover up. Using concealer and then foundation actually removes and spreads the concealer in an uneven manner.

2) Use Some Geometry, Draw A Triangle

Drawing a half moon under your eye is the wrong way to apply a concealer. The right way is to make a triangle. This will make your cheeks look lifted and will also highlight the undereye area.

3) Primers are Not Prime

If you do not want to spend money on expensive eyeshadow primers, then apply a concealer all over your lids. This will definitely work as good as an eye primer.

4) Correct and Conceal

Different shades of concealers have different usage. To hide a pimple, you need a green colored concealer. Apply, blend it and then apply a concealer that matches your skin tone. Blend it some more, and you’re good to go. If you do not have access to a green colored concealer, a matte green eyeshadow will work fine too.

5) To Hide Those Pimples

For hiding pimples on neck, chest or back, apply a concealer that exactly matches your skin tone. Now dab some translucent powder over it. The translucent powder will prevent the concealer from wearing off.

6) Foundation as Concealer

If you don’t have any concealer, use your foundation. Place a small dot of foundation over your acne and do not touch it for 2 minutes. In these 2 minutes, the foundation will become little dry and its texture will become thicker. Blend it and you won’t be able to spot your acne.

7) Fake A Good Night’s Sleep

Our eyes look tired when we do not get a good night’s sleep. To make them look more lively the next morning, you need to apply concealer in just three areas of your eyes. Take a concealer that’s one shade lighter than your skin tone, apply it in the inner V of your eyes, at the center of your lids and right below your brow bone. Blend, and you’re ready to face the world. This also works great to hide a hangover.

8) Choose Your Colors Right

It’s important to use the right color at right places. A peach concealer works best for blue undereye circles, green is used to hide red blemishes, and yellow toned concealers are the master of all trades.

9) Puffy Eyes No More!

If you want to get rid of puffy eyes instantly, before a big event, then all you need is an eye cream, a concealer and a highlighter. Mix all of these together and then apply under your eyes and over your brow bones. This tricks will brighten up the area and shoo away the puffiness.

10) Keep It Intact

Does your concealer settle into the fine lines or look cakey after few hours of application? Dab a thin tissue paper over it. It will absorb all the excess oil.

11) Save Your Eyeliner

You can also correct minor eye liner mistakes with the help of a concealer.

12) Enhance Your Lip Shape

Outline your lips with a concealer after applying your lipstick. This will not only prevent your
lipstick from bleeding, but also will make your lips appear fuller and more attractive.

13) Contour and Highlight…with A Concealer

You may use concealers for contouring and highlighting as well. For contouring, you will need a concealer which is two shades darker, and for highlighting use a concealer that’s two shades lighter. Try to go for pencil concealers for this trick.

14) For That Envious Collarbone

You can also intensify your collarbone with concealers by applying the contouring & highlighting method. Apply the lighter shade on the parts that protrude outward and then use the darker shade where shadow falls.

15) Tinted Moisturiser, Anyone?

Make your own tinted moisturizer by mixing your moisturizing cream and liquid concealer together.

Image Sources :
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

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By Shekinah

Hi everyone,

When you look at a beetroot what usually comes to your mind? I love the earthy smell of beets and the sweet earthy taste that fills your mouth when you bite into a cooked beet. Here in India, we tend to douse the thing in spices, thus masking the natural flavors of the vegetable which may not be a favorable for some people. But did you know that beets, also known as beetroots, have beauty benefits as well?

As a child growing up in a different country, I had very few of my cousins around me. One particular cousin used get all sorts of vegetable juices every single day at breakfast time because her father, my uncle, believed in the benefits of feeding these things to young children. I remember she was constantly fed beet juice, and she has beautiful clear skin today. I recently tried using raw beets on my skin, but since I am a dusky, I was not too happy with the red tinge. I rather prefer eating it. However, I have listed here the tried and tested methods that I have used to bring you the benefits of beets for beauty and a little scattering of health benefits too.

1. Juice for a Glowing Face

Beetroot juice for the ones with low iron levels in the body is a fantastic option to boost your iron levels without the help of synthetic capsules. Since beetroot juice is rich in irons, vitamins and minerals, it is known to purify the blood and reduce pimples. Therefore, drinking a glass of beetroot juice a day for two weeks will give you glowing results on your face. Try mixing a carrot while making the juice in case you do not like the flavor of the beetroot by itself.

2. Naturally Pink Pout

Cut a slice of beetroot and apply this to your lips if you have pigmented lips like me, it leaves behind a pretty red- pink stain. Top this off with a lip balm and you are good to go.

3. DIY Chemical-Free Blush

Use the same slice of beetroot on your cheeks for a hint of a natural flush. Since I am dusky, it is not too evident on my skin, but I liked the slight rosy hint on my cheeks for the day. Fair skinned beauties will benefit from this better than deeper skinned beauties.

4. Healthy Snack

Beets are good in salads too as they are rich in iron and great in flavor. If you cannot stomach the raw taste, try roasting the vegetable by cutting it in half and sprinkling some sea salt on top and roast in the oven for about 20 minutes. You can add some nuts and cottage cheese too.

5. De-Puff the Eye Area

Put a slice of raw beetroot in the freezer for 30 minutes and apply this to puffy under eyes. It immediately soothes and reduces the puffiness. I would suggest you cut the round slice in half and lay the half-moons under your eyes while you lie down for five minutes.

6. Skin Brightener

Mixing orange juice to beetroot juice not only tastes great and is packed full of vitamins. You can apply it on your skin as a brightener too. Just mix a little of the two juices together and massage on your face for about five minutes and wash it off to visibly brighter skin. This also works with a little tomato juice instead of orange juice.

7. Moisturizing Face Pack

Boiled beets can be mashed up and mixed with yoghurt for an excellent moisturizing face pack. You can also use malai (milk cream) for this if you have extremely dry skin. Yoghurt also acts as a brightener, so you are a few steps away from removing that annoying tan.

I hope these were beneficial to you lovelies and if you do use any of these techniques, do let me know how they worked for you. I personally love beetroots, so eating them raw or cooked is never a problem for me.

Image Source : 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

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Greetings to all IMBBians,

I buy Neutrogena Acne Face Wash the most because it cleans up my face really well and keeps acne and pimples at bay. I enjoyed similar benefits from an exact doppelganger of this face wash, Dial Acne Control Face Wash, but at a couple of dollars less.

Product Description:
Get clearer-looking skin in three days with Dial Acne Control Deep Cleansing Face Wash. The wash is formulated with citrus extracts and salicylic acid to visibly improve the look of your skin.

Ingredients:

Price:
$3.57

My Take on Dial Oil Free Acne Control Face Wash:

Packaging: The packaging is exactly like that of Neutrogena Oil-Free Face Wash, a clear plastic bottle with a pump dispenser and the only difference is the writing on the bottle. Even though this product is a bit cheaper than Neutrogena, it is not of inferior quality.

Consistency: It is a dense fluid face wash with not so runny consistency. It looks like pale honey, but just not as thick or viscous. The consistency is right for a face wash, but a bit too thick to be used on a cleansing brush and has to be diluted if you are using it with electronic rotating brushes.

Fragrance: I like the smell of this face wash because it is not overpowering and has a subtle floral fragrance like a talcum powder.

Efficacy: A small dollop is enough to cleanse the face and neck thoroughly. I usually use a Sephora Face Cleansing Brush to cleanse my face and this face wash works great in tandem with it. It removes dirt and grime from my face and also residue makeup that my oil-based remover fails to remove.  Since the time I have been using it, I have not encountered any acne breakouts except a few odd ones which do appear once in a blue moon, but that’s nothing to complain about.

This face wash produces a generous amount of lather and makes the cleansing process easier, but it leaves face dry and my skin needs immediate hydration after usage – this is a downside for most of the soap-based face washes because of the presence of sulphates.

Dial Acne Face Wash is a good and cheap face wash which would do well in our shower caddy. However, it does dry out my skin and all of you out there who do not like their skin getting all stretchy after using a soap-based cleanser, should refrain from picking it up,

In a nut shell, I can say that I would like to buy this face wash than the Neutorgena one and save myself a humble penny.

Pros of Dial Oil Free Acne Control Face Wash:

• Pump dispenser packaging.
• Just a small quantity goes a long way.
• Subtle floral fragrance.
• Gives a generous amount of lather.
• A small quantity is enough for large areas.
• Can be used to remove residue makeup.
• Can be used with a face brush, if diluted with water.
• Leaves skin soft and smooth.
• Prevents acne breakouts.
• Not expensive.

Cons of Dial Oil Free Acne Control Face Wash:

• Dries out skin.
• A bit too thick to be used with a face cleansing brush, has to be diluted with water.
• Packaging is not travel friendly.

Would I Repurchase Dial Oil Free Acne Control Face Wash?

Yes, because my skin likes it and I recommend it all those who would like to try a face wash that would prevent acne.

IMBB Rating:
4/5

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Hello everyone,
Breakouts are caused due to a lot of reasons. I’m sure we all have been through a phase in our life where we have suffered from acne breakouts. Breakouts are most common during teenage years and some of us even suffer from adult acne. So let’s talk what to do and what not to do to prevent them.

The Dos

• It is very important to wash your face at least twice or thrice a day. One should use face washes specially formulated for acne prone skin to combat acne and breakouts.

• One must use products which contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
• The cleansing, toning and moisturizing routine is a must as it helps to keep the skin healthy and clean.
• One must change his or her pillow covers regularly as bacteria can spread from the pillow covers to your skin easily.
• Maintaining a healthy diet also helps to prevent acne. One must avoid deep fried food and should incorporate healthy food in the diet which contains antioxidants. Drinking water on regular intervals helps to keep you hydrated and flushes out toxins from your body.
• Always use a sunscreen before stepping out of the house as it helps to prevent skin damage.
• Wash your hair frequently as dirty scalp can lead to acne on forehead.

The Don’ts

• It is very important to keep your hands off your skin as touching your facial skin constantly leads to breakouts. Squeezing your pimples leads to acne scars and infections.
• Don’t exfoliate your skin often as exfoliating your can regularly can cause inflammation and may lead to breakouts. Avoid using exfoliators which contain harsh walnut shell granules as they can be harsh on your skin. Always use exfoliators which have artificial beads as they are mild on your skin.
• Make sure you don’t wash your face more than thrice as washing your face more than required promotes extra secretion of oil which eventually leads to oily skin and breakouts.
• Avoid going for frequent facials and clean-ups as using acne squeezing tools may lead to additional breakouts.
• One must avoid sharing their makeup products with others as it leads to the spread of bacteria and it also leads to infection.

Image source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

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By Priyanka Dixit

Hello readers,
Hope you all are waiting for the monsoon season and are taking good care of yourself in this weather. Today I am going to write about the beauty benefits of acupuncture. A lot of people consider this to be a painful treatment but it can offer you many beauty benefits. Here they are!

What is Acupuncture:

Acupuncture is a system of complementary medicine in which fine needles are inserted into the skin at specific points. These points are considered to be the lines of energy, which are used in the treatment of various physical or mental conditions. But, make sure you go to a certified aesthetician for best results. Here are the beauty benefits of such needles:

1. Weight loss

Many people today are fighting weight gain and other health issues. A series of acupuncture can regulate an excellent water metabolism for your whole body which helps in suppressing the appetite. Through this, you get a great control over your hunger and food cravings.

2. Supple skin

Supple skin and fewer wrinkles – acupuncture is a great technique which proves to be beneficial
for better physical appearance. It works by creating a positive microtrauma in the skin which stimulates fibroblasts and increases collagen production. This helps to get good complexion, reduces the fine lines and wrinkles, imparts a youthful look and a flawless skin.

3. Bye-bye headache

Some people are too stressed these days that they can not find better solutions for their problems. Poor posture, heavy under eye bags and long sittings hours create a trouble such as neck or upper back muscle pain. To relieve this problem, acupuncture might be a superb solution. You place the needle where the tension is to balance the qi and high blood flow to the area that is the “calming point’’. This alleviates the pain and removes all signs of stress, giving your skin the natural glow back. So if you get headache for no reason, acupuncture can cure it by taking care of your eyesight and other headache-inducing issues like migraine.

4. Pimple prevention

Acupuncture is not our go-to method for clearing up acne, but topical remedies treat only the outward appearance instead of what’s going on internally. Acupuncture addresses the root of one’s acne problem, such as digestive imbalances or a slow moving lymphatic system.

5. Stress management

Acupuncture helps the energy flow through our body through a network of meridians, think of meridians like blood vessels that connect acupuncture points to each other. To reduce stress, needles are most commonly placed in the hands and feet. A good acupuncture session feels like a good massage session and can bring huge changes to your mental conditions.

6. Clean from within

Some skin problems are so powerful like eczema, acne, wrinkles, sagging skin, dark spots etc. Such problems are treated under cosmetics acupuncture. So if you want a long term solution to skin issues and diseases, and if your dermatologist isn’t able to cure them, try an acupuncture session. You might see immediate results in some cases!

7. Cures hair issues

The quality of your hair depends on the amount of qi, blood and kidney energy within the body. Your kidneys control the nourishment of the hair. Acupuncture improves qi and blood flow
within the body. Strengthening the kidneys and promoting a healthy hair growth is what a few acupuncture sessions can easily do.

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Skin Type: Fair, Oily, Sensitive

Hi, lovely ladies!
Can you believe it’s June already? Well, I have some good news for you. I got selected in IIT Bombay (yes, soon to be IITian) for M.Tech programme. So, I will soon be busy wrapping up things, but I have many new products lined up to be reviewed. So quickly reviewing Nature’s Essence Magic Ayurveda Neemaya De-Pigmentation Pack for you all.

Price:
INR 75 for 50 gm

Product Description:
Neem and papaya enriched this special cream and pack helps in removing blockage and reinstating natural color production and reducing pigmentation. Pigmentation and patches happen due to sun exposure, pre/post pregnancy or menopause in women and sun, age in men, leading to blockage in normal pigment production, causing unevenness and patches.

Packaging:
The pack comes in a sturdy white tub, which is small and not very bulky. Important details are mentioned on the body as well as on the cardboard box it comes enclosed in. There is also a safety lid, along with the lid of the tub. Overall it’s quite handy and travel-friendly. However, the tub packaging might feel unhygienic, so using a spatula is better.

My Experience with Nature’s Essence Magic Ayurveda Neemaya De-Pigmentation Pack:

The pack is thick and the texture is similar to other face packs with Fuller’s Earth as the base. It contains neem and papaya as the active ingredients. Recently my skin started to behave very badly, and I got breakouts!  I haven’t used a neem pack in like ages (since I crossed teens). But I decided to get one to tackle the issues.

The pack has a strong herbal smell, with predominant neem notes. It is easy to apply and dries in 10 minutes. Washing off leaves no residue behind. My skin looks fresh and clean. Pores look less prominent. My super oily skin stays matte for around 4 hours after which it turns normal. However, I feel it does reduce pimples and acne related blemishes.

Given the crazy breakouts I had, I applied it on the pimples overnight. By morning they had subsided by 70 %. Also they didn’t leave behind any marks or scarring. I am not sure how it acts on long term blemishes, but it does take care of the recent ones. My spots look faded with just 5-6 uses. I feel it is a good pack for normal-oily skinned beauties, who are prone to pimples or have skin issues. I currently use it twice a week, and might buy a backup for future skin troubles.

Pros of Nature’s Essence Magic Ayurveda Neemaya De-Pigmentation Pack:

• Travel-friendly
• Cheap
• Works well on acne and blemishes
• Prevents acne scars from occurring
• Skin looks clear and fresh

Cons of Nature’s Essence Magic Ayurveda Neemaya De-Pigmentation Pack:

• Unhygienic tub packaging
• Not sure how it acts on old spots and blemishes

Would I Recommend/Repurchase Nature’s Essence Magic Ayurveda Neemaya De-Pigmentation Pack?
Yes, for normal-oily skin. I might repurchase.

IMBB Rating:
4/5

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Skin type: oily, acne prone & sensitive

Hi girls,

Today I am reviewing Himalaya Purifying Neem Peel-Off Mask. I recently experienced a bad bout of pimples. So now I am using products that are effective on pimples and their marks. Let’s get into the details of this mask.

Price: INR 130 for 100g
Product Description: Himalaya Purifying Neem Peel-Off Mask is power packed with Neem and Turmeric, a tried and tested herbal combination, well-known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. This mask reduces oiliness, helps prevent pimples, and lightens pimple marks, leaving you with clear and healthy skin.

My Experience with Himalaya Purifying Neem Peel-Off Mask:

The product comes packaged in a white and green tube with a green flip top cap. All the details and directions to use are described on the packaging. The dispenser provides the perfect amount of the product. Its cap closes tightly and does not leak. But, it needs to be cleaned properly after a few uses. Otherwise, it is a perfect, travel-friendly packaging.

It is a green gel of medium-thick consistency, but the consistency is a little thin and sometimes it becomes quite difficult to keep control over the tube. Its smooth gel texture glides easily on the skin. Like all the other peel-off masks, this one too comes in a sticky, gum-like texture which easily sticks on the face. I need to clean my face first and then apply a thick layer of this mask for an easy peel-off process. I usually keep it on for 15 minutes to get the best results. It dries out quickly and perfectly. Once it dries out completely, I can see the dry edges from where I can peel the mask off. I really enjoy this peeling part like a kid.

It is so easy to peel it off from the face. It can be peeled off from the entire face at once if you had applied it perfectly. Overall the technique works well but you should be careful during application and try to avoid your hair line. After peeling the mask off, I prefer to wash my skin with normal water. It has a fresh but strong smell of neem. I really like this smell but somehow it is quite overpowering during application. Other than the smell of neem, it also has an alcoholic smell which is not great. This mask contains various types of alcohol. My sensitive skin is not a fan of alcohol, but thankfully this face mask has never broken me out.

It cleanses my skin deeply and it removes all the excess oil and dirt from my face. It brightens up my skin and removes all the dullness. My face looks clear and fresh after usage. I really like the effects this mask provides. It provides soft, smooth and oil-free skin and it suits almost all skin types well. As this mask contains neem and turmeric, it also removes all the impurities from the face. My skin looks tighter and clearer after using this mask.

I was facing many pimples when I started to use this mask. This mask has actually reduced those pimples from my face. It provides a nice, soothing effect on the skin. It can’t control or remove pimples totally, but it can actually reduce the size of pimples. Also, this mask works to lighten up those pimple marks too. But, it can’t remove the old dark spots. This peel-off mask keeps my skin clear, smooth, and hydrated. But this mask cannot control oil from the face.

Overall, I like this mask but I am not a fan of it because it contain alcohol. This mask works a little on pimples and makes skin clear. It also adds a nice glow to my face. Hence, I am quite happy with the results. But, if you keep experiencing pimples every now and then, this mask won’t do anything for your skin.

Pros of Himalaya Purifying Neem Peel-Off Mask:

• Tube packaging.
• Pocket-friendly.
• Gel-like consistency glides easily on the skin.
• Doesn’t take too long to dry.
• Can be peeled off easily.
• Removes dirt and oil from face.
• Makes skin clear and fresh.
• Makes skin soft, smooth and hydrated.
• Suits all skin types well.
• Provides a healthy glow.
• Helps to reduce pimples and their marks a little.
• Reduces redness caused by pimples.
• Has never irritated my skin.

Cons of Himalaya Purifying Neem Peel-Off Mask:

• Smell might be overpowering for some.
• Contains alcohol.
• Cannot keep skin oil-free for long.
• Not effective on dark spots.
• Can’t prevent serious breakouts.

IMBB Rating: 4/5
Would I Recommend/Repurchase Himalaya Purifying Neem Peel-Off Mask?
I like this product. It is a good mask if you desire fresh-looking and clear skin. But, don’t expect a lot from it, especially if you have acne issues.

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