How To Cure Or Alleviate Acne

The processes going on in the skin of a person suffering from acne are explained here. You also find a survey of the factors causing acne and measures you can apply yourself to prevent, cure or alleviate acne.
Acne gives the combination of symptoms like greasy skin, white heads, black heads, pimples, inflammation and scar formation.

Acne mostly affects young people in the age 14 - 25, but also sometimes older persons, like women in their menopause. Most teenagers experience outburst of acne, some only little, but for others acne may develop into a serious skin ailment with great cosmetic impact.

THE SKIN ANATOMY
To understand the acne process, some knowledge about skin anatomy and physiology is essential:

The skin has there layers:

The outer layer called epidermis consists of epithelial cells. Under this lies the dermis consisting of connective tissue. At the bottom there is a layer called the hypodermis consisting mostly of fat cells.

The skin has narrow pores extending from the surface down to the top of the sub-dermis, called hair follicles. A hair extend from a growth zone in the bottom of each hair follicle and out at the skin surface. Around the hair in the dermis, there are small glands called sebaceous glands. These glands produce a fatty substance, sebum, which empty through the follicle opening and lubricates the hair and the skin.

THE ACNE PROCESS
Acne starts by the glands in the hair follicles increasing their sebum production. This will in the beginning only cause greasy skin. Eventually the sebum in the entrance of the follicles mixes with dead epithelial cells. This mix reacts chemically to forms hard props, comedones that close the pore entrances. According to the color of the comedones, they are called black heads or white heads.

Then the closed hair follicle gets filled with sebum and swell. The swollen follicle then gets infected by bacteria. The bacteria and the accumulated sebum cause the follicle and the surrounding skin to get inflamed, forming a pimple.  At last the inflamed follicle burst and empties its content.  Eventually the affected area heals. Sometimes the inflammation reaches deep into the skin surrounding the follicle and destroys skin tissue. This will cause more or less distinct scars that may reside permanently. Typically an affected person will have follicles in all these stages of the process at any given time.

THE CAUSES OF ACNE
The increased hormone production in the puberty stimulates to increased sebum production. The male hormone, testosterone, seem to contribute most. Also girls begin to produce more testosterone in the puberty. Also in other periods, altered hormone production may give acne, for example by women in the menopause.
 
Since not all teens get acne in any degree, the increased hormone level cannot be the whole cause of the increased sebum production. The follicles of affected persons must for some reason react stronger upon the higher hormone level.
 
Dietary factors, like eating too much fat, too much sugar or the wrong kind of fat may aggravate acne by some individuals. Lack of vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids may also contribute to development of acne.

Poor digestion, lazy colon and constipation aggravate acne in some individuals, probably due to productions of toxins in the intestines. Lazy colon may be caused by dietary faults, like lack of fiber.

Very frequent washing and use of strong soaps aggravate acne, and does not alleviate the condition as many think. Rubbing, scrubbing or squeezing the skin may also aggravate acne.

Here are some other factors that may contribute in causing acne or aggravating the condition.

- Stress
- Some contraceptive agents
- Environmental or domestic pollution.
- Humid environments.
- Some antidepressants.
- Testosterone and anabolic steroids used for treatment or by body-building.
- Use of some types of greasy cosmetic products.
- Some antiperspirant products.
- Exposing the skin for chlorine or other halogens, or medicines containing halogens.
- Women may get aggravated acne 2-7 days before menstruation.

WHAT CAN YOU DO YOURSELF TO AVOID OR TO TREAT ACNE

Sometimes Acne is so severe that special medical treatment is required, and sometimes the causes of acne necessitate medical treatment. But you can do much yourself also. Here are listed things you can do yourself to prevent or treat acne:

1. Some advices about diet that may help prevent and cure acne:

- Do not consume a great amount of fat.
- The fat you add to the food should be natural oils. Olive oil is ideal, but use other types of oils too, like walnut oil, sunflower oil and soy oil. However, do not use only soy oil as many tend to do. Using only soy oil will give you too much of some fatty acids and too less of others.
- Eat much fish, seafood and not so much meat.
- Eat food with a high fiber content to regulate the digestion, like vegetables, whole cereals, full corn bread and fruit.

2. Here are some things you should avoid.

- Do not use greasy or heavy cosmetics that clog your skin and are difficult to wash away.
- Do not use strong irritating antiperspirants.
- Do not wash with strong soap or cleaners that dry up your skin and take away all the natural oily protection in your skin.
- If you perform body-building, do not use anabolic steroids or other hormonal supplements.
- Use clothes that allow air to reach your body surface to avoid collection of humidity and overheating of your skin.

3. Use of rinsing milk or solutions
You can rinse your skin with mild products especially made to dissolve the plugs in your pores, and to make the environment in your skin unfriendly to bacteria causing infection. Some of these products are just products to wash your skin with one ore more times a day; others should be on during night and flushed away in the morning.
 
Salicylic acid is a mild ingredient often used in these products to dissolve the comedones. The products usually also contain ingredients that work antibacterial and stimulate the skin's own cleaning activities, like Tea tree oil or Echinacea extract.
 
4. Use of gels and creams to treat acne and protect your skin
After the rinsing, you should apply some treatment gel, cream or lotion onto your skin to achieve these effects:

- To make your skin soft and elastic.
- To protect your skin against the environment. 
- To acts further to dissolve the clogging of your pores.
- To soothe and alleviate inflammation.
- To kill the bacteria causing infection or make an environment hostile for the bacteria.
- To stimulate the skin to clean itself.
- To stimulate the skin to heal.
- To be used as a isolating layer between the skin itself and cosmetics

In order to protect, make the skin soft and further dissolve the comedones, many products contain natural plant oils that are easily absorbed into the epidermis, like Tea tree oil, Rose hip oil, Lavender oil and Olive oil.
 
Ingredients used in products to reduce inflammation and to stimulate healing may be: Aloe Vera extract, Viola Tricolour extract, Rose hip oil, Vitamin E and Vitamin A.
Tea tree oil and Grapefruit seed extract are natural antibacterial agents used in many of these products. In other products artificial compounds like Benzoyl peroxide are used.

5. Oral supplements to fight the acne process and nourish the skin
Supplements taken by mouth to nourish your skin may be useful. The purpose of these supplements is more or less the same as that of nourishing creams.

- To make the sebum more fluid so it drains more easily.
- To stimulate the substance exchange and cleaning processes in your skin,
- To stimulate your skin to heal,
- To give your skin building nutrients necessary to heal.

Ingredients often used in these supplements to stimulate the cleaning and healing processes in the skin are: Vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B3, B6, C, D, E, Folic acid,  Beta carotene, Bioflavonoids, Magnesium, Copper, Zinc, selenium, anti-oxidants from Green tea, Metylsulfonyl methane.
 
Nutrient found in these products used as material to rebuild damaged skin and to give a sebum with better consistency are: Evening primrose oil, Olive oil, Flax seed oil, Borage oil, Soy oil, Wheat germ oil and Lecithin.

Gum guggul extract used in oral products has an anti-biotic effect, and helps against spreading of the acne infection and thus helps against scar formation.






Photo and illustrations by courtesy of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

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Watch Out These 5 Foods for Stroke

Beware of foods that cause disease stroke. Hypertension, headache may be ditanngulangi, tetapai stroke attack suddenly becomes a difficult problem. Preventing denganolahraga and healthy food. Well, watch out for these 5 foods cause a stroke.

A disease affecting the blood vessels of the brain's nerve system is highly lethal, and the main cause paralysis. Stroke can strike without warning symptoms or alias of a sudden.

Unhealthy lifestyle such as eating fatty foods is one of the evil that led to the destruction of blood vessels, which in turn will trigger a stroke. Therefore, the selection of foods in the daily menu becomes important.

There are some foods that you should be aware as early as possible and limit their consumption. Want to know what food is? Here is the explanation, as quoted, Caring.com:

1. Crackers, chips and fried

Muffins, donuts, chips, crackers, or baked foods are high in trans fats, oils terhidrogen used in its manufacture. Consumption of these foods should be limited karen trans fats have harmful properties of being able to block or clog blood vessels, increasing the concentration of lipids (fats) and bad cholesterol in the blood and lowering good cholesterol.
A study at the University of North Carolina United States found that women who mengasup 7 grams of trans fat each day (two orders of donuts or half a serving of French fries) had a stroke risk 30 percent higher than women who ate just 1 gram of trans fat per day.

2. Processed meat and cigarettes

Processed meat and cigarettes are nasty contributors to stroke risk factors triggers. Processed meats generally have a high content of sodium and preservatives. The experts concluded, sodium nitrate and nitrite can directly damage blood vessels, causing arteries to harden and narrow.

Many studies have linked the consumption of processed meats to coronary artery disease (CAD). A meta-analysis of research in the journal Circulation estimated that an increase of 42 percent in the risk of coronary heart disease for those who eat one serving of processed meat per day.

3. Consumption of soda

The decision to replace sugary drinks with diet soda seems like a smart solution to lose weight and promote heart health. But in fact, soda consumption can trigger a stroke coming.

Those who consume soft drinks per day had a risk of suffering a stroke by 48 percent. A study at Columbia University involving 2,500 people age 40 or older and found that daily soda drinkers had a 60 percent higher risk of stroke, heart attack, and coronary artery disease than those who did not consume soda.

4. Red meat

The experts concluded that women who consume large portions of red meat every day have a higher chance of stroke by 42 percent. The findings are based on observations made during the approximately 10 years of 35,000 participants all of whom are women.

Researchers have long known that the saturated fat in red meat increases the risk of stroke and heart disease by clogging the arteries through a gradual buildup of plaque proteins. Researchers urged to replace red meat with fish consumption. Also, choose other protein sources such as beans, legumes, tofu, and nonfat dairy.

5. Canned food and fast food

Assess nutritional experts, some canned foods that contain levels of sodium and salt (sodium) too high is not recommended for frequent consumption. Because the salt or sodium may directly affect the risk of stroke. Heart and Stroke Association of the United States recommends, sodium intake should not exceed 1,500 mg per day.

A latest research says, people who consume more than 4,000 mg of sodium a day, double the risk of stroke than those who mengasup 2,000 mg or less. Therefore, experts are suggesting me to always read food labels carefully. In addition, do not also glued to alert food that tastes salty. You also need to examine food labels that contain sodium in other forms such as baking soda, baking powder, MSG (monosodium glutamate), disodium phosphate, sodium alginate.

The food in the non-food wicked to be avoided, but be careful and prudent in consuming, to maintain health, away from a stroke.

Stroke Communicable Diseases Cause Most Deaths

 Is the disease cause of death? the answer is "stroke". Previously, many people die from heart disease.
Now, Stroke communicable diseases cause most deaths. Allegedly, the symptoms and signs of heart disease are more easily recognized than the stroke.

Stroke is a disease characterized by the death of brain tissue. This disease can occur due to reduced blood flow and oxygen to the brain due to a blockage, constriction, or rupture of blood vessels. Pukovisa say, now is not only attacking stroke 55-64 years age group. People who are relatively young are vulnerable stroke. The disease attacks the age of 18 years with 1.7 percent of those 1,000 people.

Data Riskesdas 2007 said, the death rate from PTM increased from 41.7 percent in 1995 to 49.9 percent in 2001 and 59.5 percent in 2007. Cause of death from all causes of death was stroke (15.4 percent), followed by hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In urban areas, deaths from stroke in the age group 45-54 years by 15.9 percent, while in rural areas at 11.5 percent. It shows stroke attack age.

"So it's not just a disease stroke parents only. Proof, younger people can be hit. Why is that? This is because blood flow to the brain is disrupted due to lifestyle such as smoking, unhealthy eating, unhealthy diet, and lack of break, "he said.

Pukovisa added, stroke is more difficult to identify because it is advisable to diligently perform those checks brain and heart. In addition, he continued, in order to maintain smooth blood flow to the brain, one is obliged to maintain your diet, lifestyle, and diligent exercise.

Cure Under Eye Dark Circles in 30 Days

Hello beauties! Next to the skin lighting remedies, this is the one which is most asked for in our reader queries section. Many of you asked me for under eye dark circle removing home remedies and some other asked for under eye dark circle removal cream suggestions. My mailbox is flooded with this same type of query. I have luckily got dark circle free eyes (Can't judge about future! I am just 17 now) and hence I wasn't able suggest you home remedies for dark circles before. But just specially for you all, I made a visit to my beautician's house last week and discussed with her about the home remedies and other skincare ideas to control, prevent and cure dark circles fast other than the usage for dark circle removing creams. As one of our post named 'Fair Skin in 30 days' was made a huge hit by worldwide readers, I am here up with the next 30 days series. These remedies might work perfectly for you if you follow them in a right manner. Though genetic and health issues can also give you under eye dark circles and for that you MUST consult your physician rather than believing in cure from simple topical home remedies.

Three Must Follow Remedies to Cure Under Eye Dark Circles

• Get 8 hours of good night sleep. Read the previous line carefully, you need 8 hours of good NIGHT sleep. Hence untimely sleeping  is not going to help you even if you sleep for 8 or more hours. Regularize your sleeping habits as the first step. 

• Wash your eyes thrice a day with fresh water. This trick helps like a miracle in curing your bulged, dark, ugly looking under eye circles fast. Just simply splash some water over your eyes gently and that's it. Once in the morning while bath, once in the evening after returning home from work and once before going to bed every night is a best routine.

• Soon after returning home from college or workplace, get some cold water in a bowl. Dip two cotton pads in the cold water, squeeze a bit and place it over your closed eyelids. Relax for 10-15 minutes and then continue your other work. This should be followed everyday in order to calm down stressed eyes.

Five DIY Home Remedies to Cure Under Eye Dark Circles

• This is a very common remedy but it really works if followed everyday without expecting overnight results. Squeeze juice from grated cucumber and apply it over your dark cirlces. Leave on for 10-20 minutes and and wash away. This can be followed daily for best results.

• Potato juice acts a natural bleaching agent to lighten the dark skin around your eyes. Hence apply potato juice over your dark circles twice a week but not everyday. This would gradually remove the darkness and yes, you can see visible results in under eye dark circles reduction within one month if followed with patience. 

• Drop pure rose water on your eyes before going to bed at night. This would calm down eyes and reduce the heat to prevent and fade dark circles caused due to excess heat.

• Banana peels can be cut into thin squares and stored in refrigerator to use as your anytime relaxing fruit eye pads. Just place the cold peel strips above your eyelids and voila! You're ready to enjoy the super calming sensation which not only feels good but also helps a lot with the healing of your under eye circles problem.

• Last but not the least, this is the very important step that you should follow regularly to reduce dark circles in 30 days. Grind almonds to smooth powder and add milk to this powder to make a smooth eye mask. Apply this over your eyelids and below your eyes. Leave on for 10-15 minutes and rinse. This should be followed at least once every week to ensure the fast removal of darkness around your eyes. My beautician highly recommend this DIY dark cirlce removing eye pack.

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MABH Reader Query: Haircut Ideas for Long Hair

Gayathri asks..

Hey Lancy,
Its such a pleasure to finally find a beauty blog run by Chennai-vaasi  :) I am 26 yrs and a married office goer with a kid. Typical to all south-ies, I have long hair (between hips and tailbone). I hardly leave my hair open as it gets very tangle-y and in Chennai's climate I feel extremely sweaty and hot. And, I am tired of plaiting my hair every single day.

I have never cut my hair before.  Can you suggest some hair cut ideas for a Traditional south Indian gal? I was thinking of going for side swept bangs and a deep U cut. What do you suggest? Can you direct me to a parlour for the same?

Makeup and Beauty Home's Reply:

Hair Cut Ideas for Long South Indian Hair:
Hey Gayathri :) Welcome to Makeup and Beauty Home.
It's great to know that you are a Chennai girl too. For long, South Indian hair, deep U haircut would suit perfectly as you prefer but you haven't mentioned your hair type here so I cannot suggest you anything blindly. Layered cuts would also be very fine if you have long hair; as long hairs of lots of choices when it comes to styling. You won't be losing much length if you get a layered hair cut done but make sure that you do not have curly hair if you wanna layer cut it. Layers make the curls more visible and prominent. In case if you have a straight or wavy hair type, go for deep U as you preferred and this would make you more comfortable with free hair styles unlike the feel you get with plain, even cut hair. Make sure to get it done in a good parlour. Side Swept bangs would flatter if done on women who have wide forehead; hence make sure that you do not have a narrow forehead if you are planning to get bangs. I myself have a wide forehand and yes, I have my bangs now :)
     And about the Hair Salons in Chennai, you can try Naturals Salons and Spa. I have read heard and read good reviews about them. If not, you can discuss with your friends/cousins to find a well experienced hair specialist in your place.
        Overall I have a little suggestion from my side 'Consider not to shorten your hair much :) We, South Indian girls are blessed with beautiful, long black hair but why should we always find it hard maintain? I have experienced many good and bad haircuts in my life made by my beauticians and finally, before 2 months I made a resolution not to cut my hair anytime thereafter. In case If I hadn't cut my hair for 3 two years, I would have been with knee thigh hair now. So think twice before getting your hair cut done. As a start, go for a slight U or V cut and invest more on hair softening hair spas. If you have softer, manageable hair without any tangles, you wouldn't be having this much interest in cutting your long beautiful hair. If you have a very dry, un manageable hair, get deep conditioning shampoos, conditioners suggested  by your hair specialist and use them. Go for a hair nourishing mask or hot oil treatment every weekend. You can also depend on hair sprays to hold you hair in a place'. Think twice, get suggestions from friends/family and that's all you will be done with your beautiful new hair cut.

So girls, which hair cut do you prefer for long Indian hair?
If you have any suggestions close to Gayathri's query, please don't forget to leave them below in comments!

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Eyeko 'Black Magic' Mascara

The newest product to be released from Eyeko is their Black Magic Mascara. This mascara is said to be designed for 'after hours seduction' combing drama, volume and curl in to one product. Their new formula containing conditioning Keratin and Shea Butter coats your lashes with an intense carbon black finish whilst conditioning them for long-term lash care. I found that this made the mascara super easy to build up or re-apply. If you wanted to add a little more drama after work, it's easy to add more without making your lashes look like clumpy spiders legs!

 The newly shaped curved brush is said to curl lashes right up for a 90 degree lift! This seems to make your eyelashes look twice as long as they virtually stand upright. Usually I'm not such a huge fan of mascara's with curved brushes, however, this one is firm enough to coat my lashes from root to tip. Black Magic is also smudge-proof, water resistant and paraben free. The mascara also comes with 'The Eyeko Shield', a new beauty tool designed to maximise length and minimize smudges. Simply place this behind the lashes and sweep the brush upwards from root to tip.

 As you can see from the photo above, Black Magic delivers amazing results! It practically doubled the length of my lashes without making them appear clumpy. The photo was taken after applying two coats of mascara to un-curled lashes and as you can see, the eye on the right with the product on looks much more open and awake. I think this is such a versatile mascara and I can see it becoming a firm favourite of mine! I love how you can apply a small amount for day time to deliver a polished but long look, or pump it up for evenings by layering more product on top and creating lots of volume.

Eyeko's Black Magic Mascara is available from SPACE.NK and www.eyeko.com for £18. If you are a reader of my blog and are purchasing through the Eyeko site, you will receive a free gift with your purchase! Just click the link above. Let me know if you have tried any Eyeko products before?

Ten Home Remedies for Winter Dry Skin

Guest Post by Radha of My Noble Secrets

Hello Friends, This is my first post on MABH and I am excited to share it with you all.
                    
                     Winter going to come and the main worry of all of us is DRY SKIN. Winter gives us no sweating but the dry cool wind becomes the enemy of our skin's moisture often. So, we have to take care of our skin more carefully in order to prevent skin dryness and tightness. First of all, we have to concentrate on our diet well. This kind of moisture balancing skin care diet should be started earlier to the winter to maintain young glowing winter skin. Make your diet rich in Omega-3-fatty acids and low fat milk with oats or cereals. This will make wonder changes on your skin. Reduce the intake of coffee and tea that makes skin more dry by reducing important vitamins and minerals from the body. Take Green Tea which has lot of Anti-oxidants that repairs and keeps the skin younger forever. Staying hydrated with drinking 2 to 3  liters water everyday will wash away toxins from your body. Vitamin A, C and E helps to lock moisture in your skin. Hence, try to include fruits and vegetables rich in these vitamins. Avoid oily and greasy foods that give you bad skin. Consumption of nuts such as almonds and peanuts provides you vitamins and good fat; thus helping to prevent skin's natural moisture in winters.

                  
Now let us move on to the external maintenance part of skin in winter. Note down these ten effective dry skin home remedies and make use of them in a natural way to make your dry skin beautiful in winter.

• Mash a well ripen banana and mix it with Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Apply this mixture on your facial skin for 30 minutes  Wash it off with cold water. This method will give you soft and supple skin with a natural tightening effect.
   
• Massaging your skin with plain malai and a pinch of turmeric powder will also moisturize your skin the natural way.
  
  
• Use cold compressed castor oil to massage your skin to keep wrinkles caused due to dryness at bay.
  
  
• Give you face and body skin a honey massage ten minutes before bath.
  
  
• Egg yolk gives you skin wonderful moisture hence you can try this if you can tolerate the smell.
   
• Curd is also a good moisturizing agent. Just rub it on your skin for half an hour before bath.
   
• Aloe vera is a very good and natural moisturizer for your skin, It is good to have a plant in your home. Take out the flesh part of the plant wash it and just apply it on your skin. Use it on night because, it has photo sensitivity nature.
   
• Vitamin E oil massage also does wonder on dry skin.
  
  
• Coconut milk is a good moisturizer. Applying coconut milk on your dry skin gives you shine.
   
• Use glycerin and rose water mixture as your skin toner. Mix equal quantity of these two ingredients and store it in a tightly closed bottle. Refrigerate and use as your winter skin toner.

Hope you liked my natural home remedies for dry skin. Do share your comments below!

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REVIEW: Vivel 3-in-1 Face Wash+Scrub

OMG I feel like I am doing a product review after ages and yup it has been a while hasn't it :) Thanks to all of you, who missed and actually wrote to me saying so :) It is mails like these that make my hobby of being a beauty blogger all the more special :) Thank you!

Today, I shall be reviewing Vivel's 3-in-1 Face Wash+Scrub for soft, clear and glowing skin. It is supposed to be "All Skin Types" and "For Everyday Use". It contains jojoba beads, which are nothing but Jojoba esters created by complete hydrogenation of Jojoba oils. The oils are used as emollients and the esters or the beads are used for exfoliation.

Vivel Face wash+scrub is actually what is it called. It has these exfoliating jojoba beads floating in a face wash. The exfoliating beads are just right, they are not at all harsh and neither do they dissolve in water very fast. I loved the product as a scrub. It does have a strong fragrance but it isn't unbearable or synthetic smelling.

The product did have a downside though and that was the fact that I do not think it is suitable for dry skin. Though they claim that it is for all skin types but after a couple of uses I started finding dry patches on my skin (I do have extremely dry skin), very similar to the ones caused by Clean and Clear face washes. So I asked my friend with oily skin to try it and well she apparently loved it. So I guess its a fabulous product for those with oily skin but dry skin beauties are better off without it...

Image of the Product

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Oooohhsss And Aaaahhhsss!!!
1. The jojoba beads are of the perfect hardness and texture for exfoliation. They weren't harsh on the skin.
2. It really and I mean really helped me scrub away dead cells. My skin actually felt all sparkly and clean!
3. I like the fact that it has both a scrub as well as a face wash. It was awesome to have a lather working up while exfoliating.
4. Very very easily and widely available in all general and departmental stores.

Ouches!!!
1. Though they claim the product to be for all skin types, it does not suit dry skin.
2. It does have a somewhat strong fragrance.

Price
it costs INR 105/- for 100 ml.

Would I Recommend?
I would for sure recommend it for oily skinned ladies who are looking for a good scrub with an oil control face wash. But dry skinned beauties should stay away from this product.

Overall Rating:
5/10 - Dry Skin
8/10 - Oily Skin

The product was sent by PR for consideration. It has in no way affected my review.

How to Remove Pimples Overnight 5 Ways

Many people have pimples and they constantly irritate them. But there are some simple home remedies you can use to remove them overnight or a day or two. These 5 tips will help you have beautiful skin again.

Here are the 5 ways to remove your pimples:

1. The first thing you that you should do before you sleep at night is to wash your face.

Once you are done washing it, slowly pat it dry. Be sure not to scratch your face too hard because the skin on your face is very sensitive. If your face is now completely dry, get some plain white toothpaste and place a small amount on your pimples and let it stay overnight.

When you wake up the next day that is the time for you to wash it off.

2. Another effective method of removing the pimples on your face is by applying fresh lemon juice to them.

It is highly suggested that you do this before you tuck yourself to bed each night. This is to give the treatment some time to dry those pimples.

3. Have you ever heard of the good effects of lavender oil? This is one of the pimple remedies that you shouldn’t miss out.

This type of oil is said to be effective for some people only but still, there’s no harm in trying so why don’t you try it for yourself? Same as the other methods, you must apply this oil to your pimples before going to bed and let it stay overnight.

4. Many skin experts reveal that a cinnamon-honey mixture can help eliminate pimples.

For you to know if it really works, make your own by mixing cinnamon and honey together to form a paste. But before you can apply it to your face, make sure you wash it thoroughly first. After that, start applying the mixture to the areas on your face that have pimples on them. Do not remove what you had just applied on your face until you wake up the next morning. To prevent the mixture from creating a mess on your pillow, place a towel on your pillow before laying on it.



5. One good way on how to get rid of pimples is by applying egg white to your face.

To do this, get an egg and remove the egg yolk. Apply the egg white to infected areas and leave it there until morning comes.

The 5 tips listed above are just some of the easiest and most effective ways on how to remove pimples overnight.

However, there are also some things that you need to keep in mind before treating yourself with these remedies.

Here are just some of them.
Never squeeze your pimples because they will become worse.
 
Before you apply any form of treatment to your face, wash your face first and don’t forget to pat it dry. Wash your hands thoroughly before you touch your face to avoid irritations. Try other treatments or remedies if the first one you’ve tried doesn’t work for you. If after trying all these methods and none of them worked, set an appointment with your dermatologist and seek professional help.


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Story of Inspiration Run a Marathon

An inspirational motivation in life beautiful. Once when life was hard daningin despair, many reasons why life feels heavy. Call it a story of inspiration run a marathon. For the full burden of the spirit of life.

Feels the same as when the tumultuous life challenges. Imagining the problem, and how long has battled the problem alone makes you tired. Wanted to quickly finish the heck all the problems and you become the winner. But, what if the problem can be completely through it just yet. How to reach the final, when his run just yet?

I'm going to start running,

when I heard the sound of a gun being fired.

I'm going to start running,

approximately 5 miles away.

Feeling fine,

I'll keep running,

up to a distance of 10 miles can be exceeded.

And up at a distance of 10 miles later,

I would say,

"Ah, just three miles."

Up in distance of 13.1 miles,

I knew I had to reach a distance of 15 miles.

And when the 15-mile distance is exceeded,

I would say,

"You almost reached 20 miles, do not ever stop."

At a distance of 20 miles,

I would say,

"Hurry up, do not stop ... ran home"

As translated from the poem Strategy for a Marathon, Marnie Mueller

So so, when all the struggle was hard. All you need to do is keep running, and encourage yourself that your goal is near. A little more, and a little longer, the trophy that will be in your hands.

September JolieBox Review

  

This September's JolieBox is focused around the theme of London Fashion Week. They have teamed up with boohoo.com to deliver us some fashionable goodies for the girl on the go. My first impressions when opening this box were rather mixed, often when I see lots of tiny bits and pieces I am left wondering 'where is the star product?'. So, with that in mind, let's see what's inside:

1. Balmi Mint Lip Balm: This lip balm reminds me so much of the EOS lip balms sold in America. This is mint flavoured and has a cooling effect on the lips. It contains SPF 15 protect your lips from harmful UVA rays and it is super moisturising! I love that it comes on a handy little key ring too.

2. I Love... Coconut Face Mask: Excited to try this one out as I love anything coconut scented! This is a peel off mask that contains fruit extracts of mango and cucumber, renowned for their antioxidant properties to give you perfect looking skin. I'm sure this one will smell good enough to eat!

3. REDKEN Align 12 Protective Straightening Lotion: This lotion is designed to banish frizz, protect the hair from heat and deliver naturally straight results. It smells devine so I can't wait to try it out. I have been a big fan of REDKEN products for many years now so I'm sure I wont be disappointed.

4. Twistband Hair Ties: These hair ties are supposed to leave your hair bump free, making it easy to let down your locks after a day of being in a pony-tail without a kink in sight. Or so they say. I can't say I love the look of these and am slightly disappointed in this product. They just look like a stray piece of elastic that is left frayed at the end. In my box was a shimmery, khaki green coloured one and a mustard yellow. Hmm, not really my style and I can't say I'll be wearing these out in public, sorry Twistband!

5. Dr Bragi Bio Marine Exfoliant: It certainly is a good job JolieBox included two of these samples as they are teeny-tiny! This is a marine based exfoliant to smooth, cleanse, brighten and renew tired skin. It's packed with 'fossilised diatom algae' and is 98% natural.

 One other thing I love about the new JolieBoxes is the addition of the JolieMag. I love having a flick though this at bed time with my cup of green tea! It's easy to read and often has fabulous recommendations. I love the JolieBlogger of the month segment too - this month featured another familiar face, the gorgeous Sammi from beautycrush.co.uk. Also in this Septembers JolieBox was a £25 voucher card for Skin3 Salon in London (fabulous if you live near enough to use it!).

What are your opinions on this months JolieBox? Available to purchase until 30th September.

How to Store Breast Milk

How to store breast milk. Advantages can store breast milk is the availability of milk at a time when the mother is busy not able to breastfeed the baby. Breast milk is best for babies to eat, do not substitute milk formula before it's time.

Step-by-step how to store breast milk:

Make sure your hands are clean and dry before handling pumped breast milk.

If your breast pump does not collect milk in a clean storage container, begin by pouring your milk into a container designed for storing milk in the refrigerator or freezer.

Try not to touch the insides of the storage container.

You may want to store milk in single-serving sizes of 2 to 4 ounces.  Seal the container with a solid lid and label each container with the date the milk was pumped.

Breast milk that will be frozen should have at least one inch between the milk and the container lid.  Frozen milk expands as it freezes.

Store milk in the main refrigerator or freezer compartment, away from the door, to avoid changes in temperature that may compromise the milk.

Use milk that has been in the refrigerator or freezer the longest first. 

How long can I store breast milk?

Storage Time at Room Temperature:
 

60 degrees F	24 hours
66 degrees F to 72 degrees F	10 hours
79 degrees F	4 to 6 hours
86 degrees F to 100 degrees F	4 hours

Storage Time In the Refrigerator:

32 degrees F to 39 degrees F - Up to 8 days

Storage Time in Different Freezer Compartments:
 

Freezer contained within a refrigerator	Up to 2 weeks
Bottom, top mount, side-by-side or stand alone freezer	3 to 4 months
Deep Freeze with a constant 0 degrees F temperature	6 to 12 months

 
How do I thaw and use stored breast milk?

• Always make sure to check the date on the milk's container before using. 
• Do not use undated milk, or milk that has been stored too long. 
• Thaw frozen milk in the refrigerator or under cool, running water.
• Heat the milk under warm, running water and gently swirl the container to mix the milk.
• If warm water is not available, heat a pan of water on the stove.
• Once the water is warm, not boiling, remove the pan from the stove and place the milk container in the pan.
• Never warm the milk container directly on the stove.
• Never microwave breast milk because microwaves can cause dangerous hot spots that could burn you or a baby.
• Always test the temperature of the milk on the inside of your wrist before feeding it to a baby.
• The milk should feel warm, not hot.
• After thawing, milk should be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 24 hours.
• Never refreeze thawed milk.
• Throw away previously frozen milk that is not used within 24 hours. 

How do I transport breast milk?

• If you are transporting milk, such as from work to home, pack it in a cooler filled with ice.
• Do not leave the milk in a cooler for more than 24 hours. 

source: * www.breastfeeding.com/reading_room/fda_how_do_i_store_breast_milk.html

Milk Allergy Symptoms

Milk allergy symptoms to infants or children need to be identified, because it can be dangerous if the wrong perception, if a toddler has a milk allergy.
Symptoms of milk allergy , which differ from person to person, occur a few minutes to a few hours after drinking milk or eating milk products.

Immediately after consuming milk, signs and symptoms of a milk allergy might include:

• Hives
• Wheezing
• Vomiting

Signs and symptoms that may take more time to develop include:

• Diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps
• Coughing or wheezing
• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Itchy skin rash, often around the mouth
• Colic, in babies

Milk allergy to Anaphylaxis
Rarely, milk allergy can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that can narrow the airways and block breathing. If you or your child has a reaction to milk, tell your doctor about it no matter how mild the reaction was. Tests can help confirm a milk allergy, so you can take steps to avoid future and potentially worse reactions. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency and requires treatment with an epinephrine (adrenaline) shot and a trip to the emergency room. Signs and symptoms start soon after consuming milk and can include:

• Constriction of airways, including a swollen throat that makes it difficult to breathe
• Facial flushing
• Itching
• Shock, with a marked drop in blood pressure

When to see doctor
See a doctor or allergist if you or your child experiences milk allergy symptoms shortly after consuming milk. If possible, see your doctor when the allergic reaction is occurring. This will help the doctor make a diagnosis. Seek emergency treatment if you or your child develops any signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis.

source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Meal Menus to Keep Blood Sugar Levels (Diabetes)

 People with high blood sugar shall set meal menus to keep blood sugar levels.
For people with diabetes, keeping blood sugar levels is a must. The key to keeping your diet or the diet. One diet that can reduce the symptoms of type-2 diabetes is the Pritikin diet. Is it true, this diet can lower blood sugar levels in just three weeks?

Diabetes diet is low-fat, or no fat at all. But do not equate this with a vegetarian diet, because fish intake was legalized.

In the first three days on the diet, the stomach seemed uncomfortable. But then, the stomach will return to normal. Proven within a week, blood sugar levels may fall to 7 percent, and reduced the weight hinngga 4.5 kg. For maximum results, with sufficient and regular exercise, at least three times a week.

Diabetes diet guide:

* Chew vegetables and fruits as much as possible. But we must restrict enjoy juice, one cup every day. Therefore, to increase the sugar content of sugar in the blood.

* Intake of fish is better than red meat. The recommended portion of your palm. Another intake may be an option is the other protein sources such as beans.

* Routine exercise. Exercise an hour a day, helping to reduce insulin levels. If done regularly, at least three times a week, can keep.

Signs of The Body Needs Vitamin Supplements

At some point our bodies need vitamins and nutritional supplements in times of inadequate food consumption needs of the body. When to take vitamin supplements? We know that vitamin supplement are not necessarily good in fact not required by the body. Therefore you need to know the signs of the body needs vitamin supplements.

Cases of vitamin deficiency cause problems if it happens in the long run. If the deficiency is long enough, there will be a deficiency disease. Examples of simple cases of vitamin C deficiency disease is bleeding gums.

Many of us who actually are near the borderline vitamin B12 deficiency. Examples of diseases due to vitamin deficiency is anemia that can be detected through a simple blood test. Prior anemia occurs, vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause depression, confusion, and other symptoms of mental illness.
Here are the signs you are on the borderline vitamin deficiency:

- Rarely eating fresh fruits and vegetables, while both natural food is the best source of vitamins and minerals.

- In the long time experience severe stress or fatigue due to frequent gentle work. In times of stress, our body has a vitamin deficiency. This is compounded by unhealthy eating patterns. Vitamin deficiency became more severe.

- Pain bronchitis or just surgery. At times like this we tend to lose your appetite. In these circumstances we need additional vitamins and minerals for a healthy return.

- Suffering from chronic diseases such as asthma and diabetes. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can cause more severe illness. Asthmatics tend to be deficient in magnesium, while diabetics tend to lack vitamin C.
Chronic diseases change the way the body absorbs and uses vitamins and minerals. So need additional supplements.

- Pregnancy and lactation. In the state of pregnancy and breastfeeding, mothers need extra vitamins and minerals to split the baby.

- Suffering from depression. When depressed, we tend not to eat well. This can exacerbate depression as vitamin and mineral deficiencies can cause depression.

- Smoking. Because these unhealthy habits rob all our vitamins, especially vitamin C.

Vitamin A Can Resist the Cancer Cells

Cancer cells are difficult to identify because the symptoms of cancer can not be seen or felt. Which obviously everyone not to have cancer were ferocious, just as brain cancer or breast cancer. Vitamin A can resist the cancer cells, it was found that vitamin A is able to fight the cancer cells seed.

Retinoic acid deficiency which is a derivative of vitamin A, will cause prostate cancer cells to become stronger. "If the levels of vitamin A in the body is low, cancer stem cells more powerful and easier to divide. When vitamin A is fulfilled then the cancer cells easily killed by chemotherapy," said Norman Maitland of the University of York.

Maitland and his team now continues to examine the benefits of vitamin A in the treatment of cancer. He said the use of low-dose vitamin A has a stronger impact.

"The doctors have been using vitamin A to kill cancer cells, but what we need is to use vitamins to transform cancer cells so that they are easier to kill," he said.

Although the study does not related to the intake of vitamin A from the daily diet, but observed that high levels of vitamin A in the body could help cancer treatment therapies.

Milani Fall Fashion Nail Trends: My Designs!

A few weeks ago, a lovely lady from Milani contacted me and asked if I'd like to create four nail designs inspired by four fashion nail trends. I, of course, jumped at the opportunity and I was so flattered that I was asked to participate. Many other awesome nail bloggers particapated as well and there were so many beautiful designs submitted!

Milani has posted all of the designs on their Pinterest page. I'm going to post my four designs below, but you should definitely go check out everyone else's as well!

The four fashion nail trends that Milani asked us to base our designs off of were: Haute Rod, Color Block, Glamazon, and Gilded Rebel!

Haute Rod: I started with one coat of Milani Black Swift. Then using both Milani Gold Glitz and Red Sparkle I made stripes while leaving some black for a half moon look!

 

Color Block: For the white base I used Milani White on the Spot and used my striping tape to section off the triangles. The orange that I used was Milani Jiffy Orange and the red was Milani Rapid Cherry.

Glamazon: I started with one coat of Milani Black Swift and then did one coat of Milani Twinkle. For the glitter placement that frames each nail I used Milani Fuchsia.

 

Gilded Rebel: Since I was using neons for this mani I did a base of Milani White on the Spot. Then I did two coats of Milani Totally 80's and sponged a gradient using Milani Fresh Teal. Lastly, I did one coat of Milani Teal!

 

 

This project was SO fun to do and I still can't believe I was among the bloggers that were asked to take part. How amazing?! Like I mentioned above you should definitely go check out Milani's pinterest page to see all of the other gorgeous designs!

 

Many, many thanks to Milani for allowing me to participate in this! :)

 

*All of the polishes used for this project were provided for me by Milani.

How to use Hot Rollers - Day to Night Tutorial

Have you ever wanted to know how to use hot rollers? Well in my most recent YouTube video I share with you all how I use my Babyliss set. I got these as a Christmas present last year and realised that I've never reviewed them for you! I love rollers, whether they are hot like these ones or made simply of velcro! I actually have a tutorial on how to use velcro rollers here if you're interested. 

Having fine hair, I strive for the big & bouncy look on a daily basis! I find that for me, rollers are the best option to create tonnes of volume and a loose wave/curl. They just give you the most amazing root lift and they're super easy to use. I simply apply mine in the morning and let them set whilst I apply my makeup. By the time I'm ready to leave, the rollers are ready to be removed!

 In this tutorial I wanted to create two looks that were both easy and quick. They require little products and look effortlessly chic! I show you how to style your hair once the heated rollers are out, and how a 5 minute transformation can leave you looking like you've just stepped off the red carpet! 

Here's what I used to create the looks:

Babyliss Thermo Ceramic Hot Rollers

Schwarzkopf Got 2 Be Guardian Angel Heat Protection Spray

L'Oreal Mythic Oil - 'Rich Oil'*

TRESemme Touchable Finish Hairspray

Boar Bristled Smoothing Brush

Teasing Comb (the one I used was my great grandma's!)

Travel Sized Tangle Teezer*

Hair Doughnut

Bobble / Hair Elastics

Bobby Pins

For the day look I wanted something simple to create but that still looked cute! I opted for a simple side twist - a look I've been sporting virtually everyday! It keeps my fringe out of my way and looks super girly. I love the way that the twist seems to disappear in to the waves! A few minutes and you're out of the door and on your way to school or work.

For the evening look wanted something elegant and feminine. I love using my hair doughnut and find that it leaves me looking like I've got twice as much hair than I actually do! By simply sweeping your wavy hair in to a side bun, you can look so glamorous and ready for a lovely night out!

I really hope you enjoyed the post on how to use hot rollers! Have you tried them before? Let me know your thoughts below.

*PR Samples

What is Acne And Its Types And Symptoms

What is Acne?
Acne is a chronic disorder of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Some of the characteristics of acne include black heads, pimples, cysts, infected abscesses, and rarely scarring. Acne usually occurs during adolescence in both men and women. To be more specific, acne starts during puberty and tends to get worse for people with oily skin.

Acne badly affects teenage boys. Only mild to moderate forms of acne occur in middle-aged women. Acne can be seen most commonly on the face. The other places where it can occur include the neck, chest, back, shoulders, scalp, and upper arms and legs. Most forms of acne are the result of heredity and hormonal problems and has nothing to do with a harmful diet or poor hygiene.

Types of acne
Acne starts in a similar way for all but can take different forms and can react in a unique way according to the body conditions of the individual. A basic lesion called the comedo is the begining of acne. The comedo is an enlarged hair follicle plugged with oil and bacteria residing under the surface of your skin, that waits for the right conditions to grow into an inflamed lesion.

Whenever the skin produces more oil, the bacteria grows within the swollen follicle. The surrounding skin becomes increasingly inflamed as your white blood cells fight against the intruders. Two main types of acne include non-inflammatory acne and inflammatory acne.

Non-inflammatory acne
Closed comedo:
If the plugged follicle stays below the surface of the skin, the lesion is called a closed comedo. This usually appears on the skin as small, whitish bumps. This condition is otherwise called as whitehead.

Open comedo :
If the plug enlarges and pushes through the surface of the skin, the lesion is called an open comedo. The dark appearance of the plug is not due to dirt, but due to the buildup of melanin, the pigmentation element of the skin. This condition is otherwise called as blackhead.

Inflammatory acne
Papule:
This appears on the skin as a small, firm pink bump. The papules are tender in nature and are often considered an intermediary step between non-inflammatory and clearly inflammatory lesions.

Pustule:
These are small round lesions that are inflamed and contain visible pus, which appear red at the base with a yellowish or whitish center. Pustules do not contain a large amount of bacteria. The inflammation is caused by chemical irritation from sebum components such as fatty free acids.

Cyst:
These are large pus-filled lesions that are usually present deep within the skin. The cysts are very painful lesions, as they are inflamed. Cysts form as a result of the contents of a comedo spilling over the surrounding skin and due to the response of the local immune system in producing pus. The cysts often leave deep scars.

Acne conglobata:
This is a rare but serious form of inflammatory acne that develops primarily on the back, buttocks, and chest. In addition, to the presence of pustules and cysts, there may be severe bacterial infection.

Symptoms
The common symptoms of acne include persistent, recurrent red spots or swellings on the skin known as pimples. The pimples become inflamed and get filled with pus. The pimples usually occur on the face, chest, shoulders, neck, or upper portion of the back.

Some of the other symptoms include dark spots with open pores at the center, which are known as blackheads, bulged spots under the skin without openings, which are known as whiteheads, and red swellings or lumps filled with pus, which are known as pustules. The pustules can develop from blackheads or whiteheads. Inflamed fluid-filled lumps under the skin known as cysts are also a symptom of acne. These cysts can become as large as an inch across.



 

Photos courtesy of the National Institutes of Health


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