Potato As Acne Remedy

This starchy root crop has been advised to be eaten in moderation for diabetics and those on a diet because of its high carbohydrate content that transforms into sugar quite quickly. Generally though, it cannot be branded as a bad veggie, as it has loads of health benefits too. One of its more interesting properties is its ability to tame acne.

The uncooked potato when applied topically, has been noted to clear skin blemishes due to its potassium, sulfur, phosphorus and chloride contents. It also contains antioxidants to help nourish skin cells and enzymes that act as antiseptics. Some people even vouch that it helps lessen the appearance of acne scars due to its astringent actions, by exfoliating dead skin cells that give rise to fresher layer of skin, thereby lightening the dark post-acne pigmentations and decreasing the depth of scars.

Instructions:

Get a small portion of an uncooked potato, grate it and slather both the pulp and juice on to your skin. Leave it for about 30 mins then rinse. If you want to skip the grating part, just slice a potato, apply the moist side to your skin and leave it for 30 minutes before rinsing.

Caution:

When acne is beyond control, please see your dermatologist at once. Mr. potato can only do so much.

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Acne: #1 Beauty Pooper

“It is difficult to face your problems if the problem is your face,” goes the old saying that holds a stinging truth to it. Growing up, pimple attacks have not been kind to me. It left scars and pockmarks as an ugly reminder of what I’ve been through. Needless to say, acne can be a top source of insecurity especially among teens. No amount of makeup can boost your confidence if red zits keep popping up and digging holes on your face afterwards. I blame my pimples for ruining my chance to be a dermatologist. Some establishments boldly state in their requirements that applicants must have a flawless complexion. Discriminating, but I get their point. It would be hard to convince patients to trust your judgment if you’re a living proof of how curing acne is hopeless. Until now, pimple still pops up every now and then, albeit lesser in severity in comparison to the attacks during my college years.  Looking at the brighter side, it sharpened my makeup skills because for the longest time, I’ve been trying to search for ways to conceal the damaging effects of acne. Eradicating acne is a difficult feat, but avoiding its causes and knowing its treatments will make it more manageable.To win a battle, you must study the enemy, and here are some facts about acne that you have to know:

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Acne occurs when the pores of your skin are blocked. The deep seated dirt is not able to come out to the surface, initiating the inflammation process and leaving permanent lesions. Contrary to the belief that acne arises from what you eat or do, the causes are a lot more complicated than these. The interplay of factors lead to the beauty pooping pimples:

• Genetics. Did your folks suffer from acne attacks when they were younger? If so,  you are inclined to inherit the same fate because it’s in the genes. The ability to produce  excessive amount  of keratin, a protein found in the skin, could have been passed on to you. Normally, dead skin cells are brought to the skin surface from the hair follicle when the hair grows. When keratin is abnormally abundant, they constrict the lower portion of the hair follicle.

• Hormones. When your body starts producing hormones called androgens, it triggers the production of sebum or oil which benefits the skin in normal amounts, yet when in excess, turns your face into an oil factory. Women on monthly period produce more androgens. This is why acne pop out more  during that time of the month. Acne is more likely to grow on oily skin because sebum is trapped at your hair follicles. This in turn, feeds the bacteria because they thrive in the environment of blocked pores.

• Bacteria. The type of bacteria feasting at the site of sebum-filled pores is called Propionebacterium acnes. It has the ability to convert triglycerides into fatty acids through the enzyme lipase. Fatty acids irritate the cells in the area which react by staging an inflammatory process.

• Diet. They say chocolates and oily food trigger an acne attack. From my own experience, I do notice zits popping out following a chocolate binge or a sumptuous meal of greasy delights but scientific evidences have been inconsistent as to the relationship of food to acne. However, there was a study done in 2005, showing that drinking more than 3 cups of milk can increase severe acne by 22%. It becomes worse when skim milk is used. They attribute it to the hormones in cow’s milk. If you observe certain foods causing you flare –ups, then avoid them even if studies tell you otherwise.

• Hygiene. Having pimples does not mean that you’re a slob, although it would help fight it if you observe proper hygiene.  Avoid frequent touching of the face with dirty hands. The blackheads are mistaken to be dirt because of its color. They are black because of the oxidation of keratin.Regular washing of the face with a mild cleanser helps to keep your skin clean to prevent the accumulation of oil, dead skin cells and dirt. However, be careful not to overdo the washing of your skin because it could cause dryness. Dryness of the skin would tell your body to produce more oil, turning you into a walking oil mine.

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Aspirin Mask

Among the common DIY remedies, aspirin mask has gained quite a massive following due to its reported effectiveness in battling the perennial problem of acne.

Medical uses of aspirin aka acetylsalicylicacid include anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic effects and the prevention of blood clotting. The anti-inflammatory reaction is most likey responsible for shrinking zits and decreasing their redness. Salicylic acid, a metabolite of aspirin is known as a keratolytic that sloughs off the epidermis more readily. This prevents the pores from clogging.

I have tried a modified version of the aspirin mask by mixing it with my astringent and applying it on the affected areas. I don’t know if the astringent will destroy the potent properties of the tablet but I do notice a decrease in the erythematous appearance of the pimple afterwards.

Here is the classic way of preparing the aspirin mask:

• Choose lightly/noncoated tablets of aspirin ( coated formulations are made to prevent the irritant effects on the gastric wall)
• Get 3-5 tablets of Aspirin and dissolve it in distilled water, just enough to work a creamy consistency.
• Apply it on a clean, dry skin. Focus on the affected areas and the oily zone of your face.
• After drying, scrub it off with a clean, slightly moist cotton pad, in small circular motion.
• Do this 2-3x a week and gradually taper when skin improves. For dry and sensitive skin, lessen the frequency.

A moisturizer will aid in lessening the drying effects of this procedure. Variations are done by replacing water with honey, yogurt or facial cleansers. I have yet to try these but they are said to flake off less than aspirin with water.

Be careful not to apply this very near the eye because the skin surrounding that area is very delicate and sensitive.

This is an inexpensive answer to your acne problems but don’t be tempted to overuse it. It may be drying in the long term so be cautious. This is a quick fix but doesn’t guarantee that you acne will be gone forever.

Until the next beauty tip!

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Rx: Maalox For Oily Skin

I read on discussion forums online, that this medication for hyperacidity can actually work wonders as a skin mattifier. The Tyra Banks show featured the use of milk of magnesia as the solution to the perennial problem of oily skin. Milk of magnesia consists of Magnesium hydroxide.Maalox is a local brand name for a medication containing Aluminum Magnesium hydroxide. Aluminum OH provides the added benefit of shriking pores These are in fact ingredients of some cosmetics including concealers.

A lot of makeup junkies swear by this DIY remedy. Maalox can be used as toner by applying it to the skin after washing with cleanser. It should remain on the skin for several minutes before it is rinsed off. Another use is enabling makeup to stay put for several hours, Maalox can be applied thinly to the skin as a primer. It is important that very thin layer is applied as it dry up to a chalky consistency afterwards. Others are even using it as an eyehadow primer to prevent creasing.

Being an oilspill myself, I roadtested it today, in lieu of my regular primer. The control of oiliness was good. I’m just not too sure if it’s due to the Maalox or the Aubrey Nicole Rice finishing powder which arrived in the mail today. As a bonus, the zit on my nose dried up a bit. Since its an antacid, I wonder if will do additional good to my acidic skin, which darkens makeup after oxidation.However, there was a little whitish cast which may not be good for photography.

Promising, huh? An alternative to expensive primers that are not available here in cdo, anyway. I am a loyal mineral makeup user as these are my best options for oily skin. The addition of an effective primer should do the trick. On the downside, i’m not sure if it’s wise to use this on a regular basis as it can be drying. Not good for dry or aging skin.The feedback mechanism of the body could also cause rebound oiliness. I don’t want to look at the mirror a week after to see an aged/ dehydrated yet oilier face looking back at me. Moderation is the key, I guess.

Studies have not been reported as to its safety on the skin so try it at your own risk. It would be safe to do a patch test for allergies on the anterior surface of the forearm before putting it on your face.

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