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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Calamansi & Egg White Skin Routine

As promised on my previous post explaining how calamansi and egg white work wonders for the skin, here are the instructions on how to do it:

• Prepare 1 tsp of egg white and 1 tsp of calamansi extract
• Wash the face with soap and water then pat dry.
• Apply the calamansi extract and leave it on for 5 minutes
• Rinse off and pat dry
• Apply the egg white into the face and leave for 10-15 minutes or until it hardens
• Rinse off with water

Do this 3x a week and notice the improvement of your skin a week after. The results may vary for each individual. If you are prone to skin reactions, use it at your your discretion.

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Calamansi and Egg White for Skin Care

These kitchen regulars do not only make useful ingredients to a satisfying meal. They also double as natural remedies to skin problems and as beauty enhancers. They I just say the magic word? Yep, beauty with a capital B. If that got your vain self more interested in knowing how, read on.

My 13 year old niece asked for my help in an investigatory project she had at school. She wanted to prove if calamansi and egg whites had beneficial effects on the skin, thus she enlisted us as her guinea pigs. The idea of dabbing citrus on my face scared me. Not out of fear of turning my face sour, but due its acidic nature which may be irritating. Then I remembered the recent routine that I apply daily on my skin consists of acid nonetheless. I’ve been putting glycolic acid to facilitate exfoliation and skin renewal to get rid of my pesky acne pock marks.

Calamansi as a Fruit Acid

Glycolic acid is classified under alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), a group of naturally occurring chemicals derived from fruits. Sugar cane, beets, pineapple and grapes are common sources. Calamansi (citrus microcarpa bunge), likewise, is a rich source of fruit acids. AHAs are widely used in the cosmetic industry. Owing to their acidity and solubility, they penetrate the skin and loosen the bonds that hold the dead skin cells together, hence allowing exfoliation.

As we may know, dead skin cells contribute to acne formation by blocking the pores. They also give the skin an uneven texture. While Calamansi is being promoted as a skin whitener, the lightening effects may be mostly due to its exfoliating effects, revealing a fresher and smoother layer of skin.

Fruit acids do not only exert a peeling effect on the skin but also stimulate the formation of collagen and elastin on the dermal layer, which are diminished as we grow older. In addition, the anti-oxidant properties of fruit acids fight off free radicals which give our skin a worn out look. By attaching itself to the free radicals, we are saved from further damage to the skin cells, lessening premature wrinkles and age spots. Whether as an acne treatment or beauty enhancer, fruit acids are shown to be beneficial in our unending quest for beauty.

The Miracles of Egg White

There’s more to egg whites than melting in our mouths as a delectable meringue. For the beauty savvy, I am certain that you’ve heard about its use as a facial mask. Although there is a lack of scientific evidence proving the efficacy of this technique, the positive testimonials from women who have tried using egg whites in beauty rituals are not to be ignored.

Egg whites contain around 40 different proteins dissolved in water, among which, albumin comprises the most part. The skin- clearing properties of egg whites may be partly attributed to the lysozyme, an enzyme which digests bacterial cell wall, thereby fighting acne. This enzyme has also been used as an ingredient to prevent food spoilage.

The egg white contains the enzyme hydrolysate which promotes the synthesis of hyaluronic acid in fibroblasts at the dermis. Fibroblasts, in turn, produce collagen. Simply put, egg whites have amazing anti-aging properties.

Tightening and shrunken pores are noticed immediately after the application of this protein-rich poultry product to the skin. Whether or not it has long term beneficial effects, it remains to be seen.

The base pH of the egg white makes it an effective neutralizing component in facial masks utilizing other natural products like the calamansi (note: although the pH of lemon is acidic, it is considered an alkalinizing food when taken in because of the chemical reactions inside the body). With the combination of the effects resulting from both ingredients, they make quite a powerful skin care tandem.

So how do you apply this natural skin care regimen? Find out on my next post. Til then!

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