SHOCKING MISTAKES THAT MAY DAMAGE YOUR SKIN

In spite of taking good care of your skin, does your skin feel dry, irritated and dull? Are you ready to visit your dermatologist? Hold on! There are some surprising skin care mistakes that you might be doing every day.

Beyond regular cleansing, toning and moisturizing routine, there are so many things that are involved in your skin care. 

Here are few shocking skin care mistakes that you might be doing

Hot shower

Do you like to indulge in a long, hot shower after a hectic day at work. This practice is an enemy for your skin!! Prolonged hot shower will actually damage your skin’s essential fats such as, cholesterol, lipids and ceramides. In fact, hot water breaks the skin’s barrier that has essential fatty acids. These fatty acids are essential for maintaining right moisture levels around your skin barrier. The result is the “dryness and dehydration of the skin”. Hence, take bath with lukewarm water, if possible, with cold water. If you are tempted to take a relaxed shower, do not pamper yourself for more than 15 minutes.

Strong soaps, shampoos and body Washes

Almost all soaps and body washes include a powerful ingredient called “sodium laureth or lauryl sulfate”. This strong chemical is the one that is present in dish-washing liquids and detergent soaps. Such harmful chemicals can penetrate the human skin cells. They damage the skin’s barrier. This leads to irritation, dryness and inflammation.

In addition to this, most of the regular shampoos also have this irritating component. Check whether you soap or shampoo has this particular ingredient. If you find this ingredient, then switch to mild, non-foaming cleansers for your face, body and hair. Further calming alternatives are organic, oil-based and un-scented body washes.

Strong Facial Masks and Peels

Mild face masks and peels are really good for cleansing and exfoliating your skin. They can also help to maintain your skin pores clean. However, some powerful masks and peels like glycolic acid peel or even a chemical spa treatment destructs your skin’s barrier and causes inflammation. If you wish to pamper yourself with a good facial massage at your favorite spa, pick something that is calming and soothing for your face. For instance, oxygen facial can be very soothing and calming for your face. It can actually bring a healthy glow on your face. Nowadays, there are so many at-home facials that are available in the market. Nevertheless, make sure that to choose a mild one.

Aggressive Rubbing

Rubbing your skin aggressively after taking a shower may cause abrasion and irritation. Always pat your skin with a soft towel. Apply a good moisturizer immediately on your damp (not dry) skin. This facilitates deep absorption of the moisturizer into the skin and thus leaves your skin soft and supple.

Skipping Sunscreen in Winter Season

We all know that powerful UV rays from the sun will aggravate too many skin problems. Therefore, it is very important to apply a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or more. Check whether your sunscreen has both UVA and UVB protection. Another mistake that people often make is skipping their sunscreen lotion during winter season. Remember, sunscreen is not only for summer. It is very important  to use a sunscreen that has at least SPF of 15 during winter. Skipping your sunscreen lotion totally may damage your skin. This is because the sun’s rays will be severe at higher altitudes and during winter season also.

Check Your Medicines

Apart from all the above factors, your health condition and the medicines you take may have a greater impact on your skin. For instance, diabetic patients may experience severe dry skin. Check your medicines with your doctor to find an alternative.

BENEFITS OF CUCUMBER

Cucumber is known for its cooling properties. The high content of water (around 90%) present in them along with vitamin C and the element silica is great for maintaining glowing healthy skin in a natural way. Due to its astringent and toning properties, it acts wonderfully to remove any puffiness or weariness to the eyes. However, there are many more benefits that cucumber can provide to the skin. Just a simple application of cucumber juice to the skin can tone up the skin to make it look radiant to the core.

There are many ways you can utilize cucumber to benefit your skin right from the comfort of your home. So stop resorting to expensive and harmful beauty products in markets and go natural to be cool literally!!

Uses and Benefits of Cucumber

For Dry Skin and Wrinkles

Grated cucumber mixed with equal amount of sour cream and beaten egg white should be applied as a mask for duration of twenty minutes. This will help in reducing the dryness of the skin.

Skin aging and wrinkle formation can also be combated in this manner, as the mask helps in tightening of the skin and keeping it soft and supple at the same time.

Chilled slices of cucumber help lighten the skin and impart a soothing, refreshingly cool sensation after a stressful day at work.

Applying a mixture of lime juice, lanolin cream and cucumber juice under eyes for about 15 minutes is a proven home remedy for dark circles.

To make your lips red, blend 10 ml cucumber juice with 10 ml carrot juice and 5 ml honey & apply it on your lips daily.

For Oily Skin

Cucumber is a natural astringent and removes excess oil and closes pores as well. Applying cucumber juice or pulp in either plain form or by mixing it in a face pack will reduce the oiliness of skin to a great extent.

Oily skin is prone to makeup getting smudged easily. Clean your face with cucumber juice daily and wash it after 15 minutes. Applying makeup after this cleansing routine will help the makeup last longer.

The cleansing properties of cucumber also prevent acne formation.

Mix ½ tsp cucumber juice and ½ tsp fresh lemon juice. Splash it on your face; leave it for half an hour and rinse to get a radiant skin.

Place a strip of cucumber peel on your forehead for a quick heat reduction skin therapy.

Mix two tbsp of cucumber juice with two tbsp of curd to get the glow back on your face.

Cleanse your skin by mixing two tsp of milk with 2 tsp of cucumber juice.

Reduction of Spots and Skin Lightening

Pollution and exposure to harmful sun rays has adverse effect on the skin. This is reflected as skin darkening and pigmentation. Cucumber juice works effectively in removing sun tan and lightening the skin tone.

Mix it with about two teaspoons of powdered milk and beaten egg white. Apply this mixture evenly on the neck and face and rinse with water after half an hour. It will effectively remove the sun tan and also help in cooling your skin.

Another alternative method is to mix cucumber pulp with almond butter and apply it for 15 minutes and rinse off. This can help in significantly reducing skin blemishes and make your skin feel soft.

Choose your way of using cucumber as per your skin type and needs to make your skin glow. Don’t forget to consume it in ample quantities as salads in addition to applying it externally.

This wonderful vegetable will make your skin glow and keep it free from blemishes for a long time. In short, you can bid farewell to all your skin problems in one go. So go ahead and use it liberally to pamper your skin.

To remove the tan around underarms mix half cup of cucumber juice with 2 tsp of lemon juice and a pinch of turmeric. Apply and wait for 20 minutes to wash. This should be applied daily.

To soften and whiten the skin, mix cucumber juice with Aloe-vera or rose water and apply over the skin.

Prepare a concoction of one egg white, 1 lemon juice, 1 full cucumber extracts, and 1 tsp of mint. Keep it in the refrigerator for 10 minutes; apply on your skin and wait for 15 minutes. This mask is used to keep the skin oil free.

As Natural Eye Pads

The hectic and long hours of work in front of computers is something we cannot avoid but the effect it has on our eyes in terms of tiredness, dark circles and puffiness can be drastically reduced. 

Use these natural eye pads after a long day’s work and you are sure to feel refreshed. As it has mild properties you can resort to using it on the sensitive region around your eyes without any second thoughts.

Simply keep the two slices on your eyes and relax. It soothes out the tissues and reduces any kind of puffiness in and around eyes.

SAGGY SKIN!!!-REGAIN THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUNGER LOOKING SKIN

Time and tide wait for none…so do wrinkles, fine lines and ageing skin, which lose its sheen, suppleness and tightness, making it appear coarse and rough. Nevertheless, in some cases, the skin tends to age prematurely due to a number of factors namely overexposure to the harsh ultra violet rays of the sun, an unhealthy environment with harmful pollutants, improper nourishment, pregnancy, smoking, stress, dehydration and sudden weight loss. 

Nonetheless, to comprehend the natural phenomenon of skin ageing we have to understand its delicate structure.

Skin Structure & Sagging Skin

The largest organ in the body, the skin comprises of 15% of the body weight along with a combination of chemical constituents, containing 70% water, 25% protein and 2% lipids. The remaining are just trace minerals, and other numerous chemicals.  Epidermis delimited. The skin consists of three key stratums (layers), the epidermis that consists of the layers directly exposed to the atmosphere.  Beneath is the dermis, abundant in collagen and elastin to provide strength and flexibility playing a very important role.  Final layer is the hypodermis that contains fatty tissues that act as a protective sheath supporting the entire structure. Nevertheless, with natural phenomenon, like ageing leading to deterioration in the secretion of hormones namely progesterone, oestrogen and testosterone the elastin and collagen structure of the skin loses plasticity and moisture making it appear wrinkled, forming fine lines and sagging skin.

Options for Skin Tightening

With the advancement of modern technology, there are various cosmetic procedures available for skin firming and tightening. Besides being expensive, these procedures involve a lot of pain providing a not-so-effective result. Nevertheless, there are many non-invasive options available, which besides being easy on the pockets produce tremendous outcome. One such useful method for stimulating the natural collagen for a sag-free skin is by way of using at-home remedial measures that works wonders restoring firm supple skin.

Natural Remedies for Saggy Skin

Banana (Ripened)

Bananas are one of the fruits used for massaging in most salons and parlours as they produce excellent results. Peeled and mashed bananas applied on the face makes one of the best anti ageing treatments for skin. When mixed with Vitamin E capsule and cream apart from offering nutritious vitamin benefits to the skin help rejuvenate and freshen up. 

Papaya

Papaya contains rich antioxidant properties that besides enhancing skin tone also remove dead cells from the skin. Laden with vitamin C they rejuvenate skin from within. The detoxification agents, present in papayas minimize pores, prevent attack of free radicals, and make excellent anti ageing stuff keeping skin radiantly lustrous. Mashed papaya, mixed with rice flour, honey spread on the face and rinsed with tepid water after twenty minutes prevent ageing and sagging of skin.

Aloe Vera Gel

Due to anti ageing substances present in Aloe Vera, the plants extracts have always been in use in most anti ageing and wrinkle free beauty products. Smearing the gel extract from the leaf helps skin remain wrinkle-free, hydrated, minimizing open pores. 

Lemon Juice

Containing naturally present anti inflammatory, astringent and skin tightening elements, Plain Lemon juice rubbed on the face overnight, followed by a morning cleanse aid elimination of free radicals and dead skin cells from the exterior, closing pores and smoothening coarse skin.

Tomato

Tomatoes make an effective astringent toning up sagging skin on the face and neck. The juice of tomato applied in a thin film, two times a day provides amazing results.

Carrots

Raw carrots mashed to a creamy consistency applied on the face and cleansed after an hour helps treat dark spots and ageing skin. 

Cucumber

Cucumber juice proves refreshing and helps tone up saggy skin. Applying the juice and then washing it off when dry gets rid of dark circles and fine lines around the eyes.

Potato

Dark spots and pigments exhibit one of the initial signs of ageing. Therefore smearing potato juice or rubbing a raw potato on the face is one of the best treatments for dark pigmentation, skin tanning and ageing.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is important for toning up loose saggy skin. Olive oil by nature gives a polished effect and brings out an unblemished skin. with added advantage of providing strong antioxidants, namely Vitamins A and E olive oil benefits to restore and replenish skin damaged from overexposure to sun, environmental pollution, and other modern-day hazards such as smoke from cigars and highly processed unhealthy food. 

These antioxidants have the natural ability to stimulate cells and return skin to a firmer, smoother and healthier state. Hence, olive oil is one of the main ingredients used in the manufacturing of skin care products.

Honey

Loaded with natural hydrating, antiseptic antioxidant and anti ageing properties honey keeps skin free of crinkles and fine lines. Half cup of this golden liquid combined with a few drops of lime juice and olive oil rinsed after fifteen makes the face radiant.

Avocado

Spread over avocado pulp on face. Containing fats and anti ageing high soluble vitamins they naturally provide an effective treatment for sagging skin. 

Watermelon

Watermelons and are used both from without and within, for enriching beauty. With their naturally slightly astringent quality, and natural hydrating qualities, the fruits are in use to improve and enhance the quality of skin. They are excellent anti ageing elements because of their ability to neutralize free radicals, thus preventing fine lines, wrinkles age spots, and ageing skin, and reverse ageing process.

Pineapple

One of the best home remedies for sagging skin is the prickly pineapple. Applying pineapple extract on your face is a fantastic home remedy for clear out wrinkles and fine lines.

Turmeric

Turmeric has been an ingredient that has stood the test of time to lighten and enhance skin tone. Possessing anti-inflammatory properties a paste of turmeric mixed with water and applied on the face acts as an excellent tightening mask for face lifting.

Rose Water

A natural astringent with anti-inflammatory qualities, Rose is exceptional in moisturizing and reviving the skin to its former glory. Well known for its antibacterial and antiseptic qualities, rose water is superb for purging sanitizing, toning and softening skin.  Nature’s very own awesome product  Rose water made from roses are rich in nutrients such as vitamins B3, E, D, C and A including tannins, antioxidants, and flavonoids, that help revitalize skin smoothening the fine lines. Applying rose water tauten the skins blood vessels beneath the skin toning the skin.

Cabbage

Cabbage juice rubbed on the face acts as an excellent treatment for sagging skin. A mixture of cabbage juice and honey rubbed on the face removes coarseness and keeps skin glowing. Cabbage contains vitamins P, K, C, B and A, that provide the required nutrients for the skin. A face mask prepared with a couple of spoons each of cabbage, rice flour and an egg white tightens the skin erasing facial crinkles.

Egg white

Egg white makes an excellent natural astringent and a skin nourishing formula, due to the presence egg white for sagging skin of hydro lipids that lift loose skin.  Besides being suitable for all types of skin, Egg white also has the ability to iron away premature wrinkles and prevent them from forming. They also help eliminate bags under the eyes, which gives an unpleasant look including crow’s feet around the delicate area of the eyes. Using egg white either alone or by combining other natural ingredients work wonderfully well on loose skin. Application of egg white in dilute form using fingertips helps regain a youthful radiance and firmness.

Do's and Don'ts For Rejuvenating Saggy Skin

Do’s

Remain hydrated. Drink eight glasses of water everyday

Get your eight hours of beauty sleep

Use natural oils like jojoba, grape seed and avocado

Exercise regularly for a well-toned look

Take a diet rich in antioxidants containing vitamins A, C and E, to help combat free radicals, which may destroy skin cells.

Exfoliate skin

Moisturise skin everyday

Facial massage at regular intervals

Use an astringent

Use a strong SPF fifteen or thirty (sun protection factor) sunscreen, for protection from the harsh UV rays

Don’ts

Quit smoking and drinking

Avoid sudden weight loss

Avoid highly processed junk food

Avoid exposure to sun for prolonged periods

Avoid soaps containing harsh chemicals like sulphates

HOME REMEDIES FOR HYPERPIGMENTATION

What is hyperpigmantation?

The natural color of skin is provided by a pigment called melanin. Hyperpigmentation, a skin condition, occurs due to the excess production and deposition of melanin on some skin area either in the superficial layer of skin, the epidermis or the deeper dermis, which becomes darker than the surrounding skin. Melasma can cause permanent hyperpigmentation to the face and neck and can be exacerbated by ultraviolet light as well as hormonal changes induced by contraceptive or hormone replacement medication and pregnancy or even a photoxic reaction to perfumed items. Hyperpigmentation can make one feel embarrassed and uncomfortable. If not cared on time those stubborn blemishes get darken with time.

Types of Hyperpigmentation

Most common type of hyperpigmentation is Melasma, mainly seen in women with only 10% men affected by this, is those with butterfly pattern dark patches on nose, both side cheekbones, upper lips, and sometimes on forehead. These types of pigmentation are mostly seen in women taking birth control pills. Exposure of sunlight makes the patches darker and more prominent.

Chloasma is the type of hyperpigmentation developed in pregnant women on their faces, and thereby also known as “mask of pregnancy”. Freckles or Ephelides are also common and usually hereditary small patches seen in young people with fair skin and exposed to the sun. 

Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) is another type of hyperpigmentation triggered by some type of injury or skin infections. Commonly it is seen after the acne spots or over use of skin products.

Photo pigmentation or Solar Lentigines is caused by exposure of sun for a prolonged period. This kind of hyperpigmentation, also known as liver spots or age spots, affects the cheeks, nose, and backside of hands.

Home Remedies For Hyperpigmentation

Natural homemade remedies are always preferred over conventional products because they are thought to have a minimal risk of side effects. Thankfully natural ingredients are a dime a dozen when it comes to skin problems. Let’s check some for hyperpigmentation.

Aloe Vera:

Aloe Vera works excellent on hyperpigmentation by removing the dead skin cells and encouraging the skin to regenerate new skin cells. Before going to bed, apply some fresh aloe vera gel and rinse it off in the morning. Follow this for few weeks and it will not only diminish the dark patches but also make the skin fresh and rejuvenated.

To make an effective mask with Aloe Vera for hyperpigmentation, add half tablespoon of raw honey to aloe vera gel and mix them properly. Apply the mask on face and leave to dry. After 20 minutes, wash it off with lukewarm water.

Lemon Juice:

Lemon is a natural bleaching agent which acts to fade the dark blemishes away from your face. Rub the lemon juice on hyperpigmented skin and leave it for a while. After few minutes, wash the face with water. Use this remedy for few months and you will see that the skin is lightening gradually.

Alternatively you can prepare a facial mask by mixing lemon juice and raw honey in equal quantities. Apply the mask to affected skin and cover with a warm towel for 15 minutes, then rinse.

Cucumber:

Cucumber restrains such ingredients that are beneficial to the body, both internally and externally. Popularly cucumber is being used as a tested remedy to reduce dark circles and swelling around the eyes, but also effective to treat hyperpigmentation condition. Apply a slice to the affected areas of skin and leave on for 30 minutes. Besides, consumption of cucumbers is also great food for skin.

Sandalwood Powder with Rose Water:

Sandalwood is well known ingredient for glowing skin complexion and works effectively when used for hyperpigmentation or other types of blemishes on skin. Make a paste of sandalwood powder and rose water to apply it over the face. Leave it for half an hour and wash it off with lukewarm water. This will not only remove the hyperpigmentation and skin tanning but will also make the skin fairer and supple.

Cocoa Butter:

Cocoa butter can be used as a massage agent to lighten the hyperpigmentation or patches of darker skin. It will not only moisturize your face but massaging the affected area with cocoa butter in night increase circulation and help break down the scar tissues to reduce the hyper pigmentation on the face.

Turmeric and Lime:

The paste of turmeric and lime is another effective home remedy for hyperpigmentation. Both lime and turmeric have bleaching properties and their regular use help in getting flawless, lighter skin complexion. Apply the mixture of turmeric and lime on the affected skin and leave it for 10 minutes before washing.

Avocados:

Enriched with fatty acids, vitamin c and oleic acid, avocados are considered one of the best home remedies for hyperpigmentation and skin lightening. Mash a few avocado to make a paste, and apply that on the skin or you can directly apply the juice on affected areas as well.

To maximize the benefits, mash up half a ripened avocado and add 2 teaspoons of honey and apply it all over your face. While avocado can heal sun damage, honey on the other hand contains gentle bleaching and moisturizing properties.

Apple Cider Vinegar:

The apple cider vinegar is an acetic acid which can be found in any departmental and health stores. Mix equal quantities of apple cider vinegar and water. Use a cotton ball to apply the solution to the hyperpigmented skin areas and rub for one or two minutes twice a day. In a few weeks the dark blemishes will started to fade and give you a lighter and glowing skin.

Olive Oil:

Olive oil has anti-inflammatory properties and is an effective remedy for hyperpigmentation. Massaging and cleansing with olive oil can hydrate the skin and balance out the skin tone removing hyperpigmented skin. Simply massage olive oil onto the skin for 2-3 minutes, and then put a hot cloth onto the skin, letting the steam penetrate the pores. After the cloth cools, wipe away the excess oils and dead skin with the cloth.

Castor Oil:

The main ingredient in castor oil is Ricinoleic acid, has been known to reduce the appearance of acne scars and dark skin pigments. Take a cotton pad and rub castor oil directly onto the affected skin and leave on overnight for best results.

Alternatively you can try another great home remedy for hyperpigmentation by mixing a vitamin e powder which also known to reduce pigmentation. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that neutralizes the effects of harmful molecules, repairs and protects the skin. Break a vitamin e capsule and mix the powder in few drops of castor oil to apply on the skin.

Prevantion & Care for hyperpigmentation:

Along with the many treatment options for hyperpigmentation, it is also vital to use preventive measures for those pigmented patches and spots from appearing on the skin. As Ultraviolet (UV) sunlight is one of the main causes of excessive melanin production, it is important to use a moisturizer that contains SPF 30 or SPF 55 every day to prevent sun damage. Use good quality skin products to clean and moisturize the skin on a regular basis.

One of the most important vitamins to your skin’s overall health is vitamin C, which plays a key role in the production of collagen in your skin. Vitamin B12 helps regulate your skin’s pigment production and location, and vitamin B12 deficiency can trigger the dark spots and pigmentation on the skin. Thereby, the best way to prevent the hyperpigmentation caused by the deficiency is eating food enriched with vitamin B12 or as a vitamin supplement.

Armed with the nature’s best home remedies for pigmentation, you can definitely improve the appearance of your skin with a healthy diet. Eating a balanced nutritious diet full with fruits and vegetables, plenty of water intake, and a proper protection from sun exposure, you will wipe away those ugly dark blemishes and have your skin looking glowing and spotless.

SKIN SCARS

Skin is a seamless organ, like a fine cloth protecting valuable assets.

Many different things cause trauma to the skin, ranging from injuries and accidents to skin conditions such as acne and eczema.

Now a scar isn't bad if it's small or in a location that's easy to conceal. But when it's not, you may wonder if there's a way to treat it, other than hiding it under your clothes, that will make it go away or at least change how it looks.

The truth is the scar will never completely go away. But there are some methods that can help reduce its size and change its appearance.

Treatments to get rid of scars on black skin can sometimes be a challenge, but with consistency and patience, it is possible to reduce the appearance of stubborn blemishes.

Types of Scars

There are several types of scarring that occurs after skin exposure to trauma:

Keloidal scars – Elevated, dark, benign tumors that appears on ears, back, shoulders and chest. This can be very difficult to remove since it goes overboard the boundary of the affected area.

Hypertrophic scars – Raised and dark scars. Disappears in a certain amount of time but causes intense itching while this is used.

Atrophic scars – Creates indentation or sunken marks. One example of this type of scarring is stretch marks.

Natural remedies for lessening and eliminating scars:

Turmeric powder: To clear scars caused by accidents, roast turmeric powder (not packed turmeric available in markets but turmeric used on face) and mix it with pure ghee. Apply this gently on your scars with the help of your fingertips. Wash this off in about 20 minutes. This mixture completely clears scars but it is always good to ask your physician before starting off on any beauty regime.

Lemon juice:Lemons contain alpha hydroxy acids(AHA) which help to remove dead skin cells, help new cells grow, and bring back some elasticity to the skin. As a natural bleach, it can help lighten scars.Make sure the scar and surrounding area area cleaned thoroughly.Put 1 teaspoon of lemon juice on a cotton ball and rub on the scarred area.Let it sit for about 10 minutes and then rinse it off.Lemon juice may make your skin sensitive to light, so consider wearing sunscreen wherever you applied it when going outside

Raw honey: Raw honey can also be used to fade scars. The antibacterial properties in honey can help heal wounds and promote skin cell growth. With constant use, scars should fade. Using honey is not recommended if you have oily skin. It is a natural moisturizer, can be effective in the treatment of wounds, and stimulates tissue regeneration.

Mix 2 tbsp. of raw honey with 2 tbsp. of baking soda.Massage for 3 minutes.Place a hot washcloth over the area.When the washcloth has cooled, use it to wipe the area clean

Note: Try mixing 2 tbsp. of raw honey with 1 tbsp. of baking soda to make an exfoliating wash to help fade acne scars

Olive oil: is rich in vitamins E and K, which are great for your skin and make this an effective ally in getting your scars to fade quickly. Virgin olive oil is particularly high in anti-oxidants and has higher acidity level, which helps to lighten the scars. 

Rub approximately 1 tbsp of olive oil onto your scars. Use less if the scar is small. Massage the oil into your scars for approximately 5 minutes to help loosen up the scar tissue. Leave the oil on your skin for roughly 10 minutes, then wipe it off with a clean cloth. Within a week you should start to see scars and stretch marks starting to fade.

Aloe Vera gel: Aloe Vera's anti-inflammatory properties help reduce skin irritations and help remove dead skin from wounds. Aloe vera may also lessen swelling, help repair damaged skin cells, and fortify new skin cells being produced. Aloe vera can be found in many forms including gels, ointments, and lotions. 

Apply and massage the aloe-vera gel directly on the scar tissue several times a day

Indian gooseberry (Amla): This is a great source of vitamin C, and is most effective if applied to a newly-healed area immediately as it will go right to work inhibiting the formation of scar tissue. 

Make amla paste by mixing with water or olive oil. Massage the paste into your skin on the affected area

Cucumber: Are commonly used to make skin softer and more supplements. cucumbers aren't very acidic and are very unlikely to cause skin irritations. 

Make cucumber paste by peeling the cucumber, removing its seeds and blending it with about 4-5 mint leaves in a blender. Beat an egg white separately and then add this to your mix. Apply the paste on the scar and leave it on for about 20 minutes. Wash it off with cool water and use a clean towel to dry the area.Practice this regularly to see the most benefits

Tea tree oil: This powerful oil is anti-bacterial and when used properly can gradually remove scars, including acne and surgical scars. Since it's so strong, it should be diluted with water before being applied to the skin, and should NEVER be ingested.

Add a small amount of tea tree oil to warm water to create a "soap". Wash the affected area with the soap, then rinse and gently dry it off. You may experience some tingling or light stinging after using the oil, but that is most likely due to the anti-bacterial agents at work. If the stinging persists, you may want to stop using it and consult a dermatologist before continuing its use.

Onion extract: This is an anti-inflammatory and can inhibit the production of collagen in a scar, thereby making it less noticeable.

It is typically found in a gel that you rub onto the scar. This process is long and may take up to several months before you start to see any results.

Few More Remedies for skin scars:

Flaxseed oil: You can buy this oil at almost any health food store. Rub the flaxseed oil on old and new scars a few times each day, including after you shower and again before going to bed.

Lavendar oil: Apply and massage directly on scars to help fade. In time, it can completely eliminate them.

Castor oil: Use with a plastic wrap and a heating pad. Note: Be sure to use only food grade plastic wrap that contains no bisphenol A, a dangerous substance found in many plastics. Rub plenty of castor oil on the scars and then wrap it with plastic wrap. Place a heating pad turned on as high a setting as you comfortably stand and leave on for 20 to 25 minutes. You may see noticeable results in as little as a week or so.

Grape-seed extract, jojoba and almond oil are all effective scar treatments, especially when combined together.

Vitamin K: Apply as a cream topically to scars. Depending on the severity of your scars and skin type, you may see results in as little as a couple of weeks to a couple of months when used twice daily.

Vitamin E:  Use oil from punctured gel caps and rub it into scars before going to bed everyday

Note: The key to natural lessening and elimination of scar tissue is persistence. Serious scars may take up to several months, but with persistent and consistent effort you should eventually see good results.

Things to remember:

Drink a lot of water. Keep a track that you eat healthy because this helps in removing the toxins from your body and in turn gives you a scar-free face.

Never use plain lemon juice on your face because it can harm the skin. Dilute lemon juice in water or rose water and then use it on your skin.

Wash your face at least twice a day if not more, using fresh cold water. This prevents the clogging of pores.

Use a good oil control face wash to help prevent excess oil secretion which leads to acne and scars.

WINTER SKIN CARE TIPS

Winter not only takes away the sheen of the skin but also leaves one with depressing skin. People with dry skin have to be much more careful than people with other skin types. So here are some tips for radiant and flawless look. The good thing about these tips is that these are not complicated and are very easy to use. A little extra care can keep all your skin problems at bay.

Aloe Vera: It is not only a very good moisturizer but also a good anti oxidant. Its medicinal properties can also cure many skin problems. Aloe Vera gel is a must for winters.

Sunscreen: It is a myth that sunscreen protects you only from summers’ sun rays but it also protects one from invisible UV rays. Thus it should be used all 365 days. Even very small quantities of these rays can cause pigmentation, rashes in long run. So it is always better to carry sunscreen and never ever step out without sunscreen.

Moisturize: For regular clean ups, prefer hot milk over hot water. Use boiling milk for steam purpose rather than water. The lactic acid of milk unclogs the closed pores and leaves you with a soft skin. Regular use will prevent cracked and flaky skin and will give you a fresh look.

Aroma oils: Massage you body once a week before bathing with aroma oils. Do not use very hot water for bathing as hot water steals away the natural body oils. Use luke warm water for bathing and for washing hair.

Sugar and lemon: Add some sugar to lemon juice and use this mixture as a scrub. It will have a softening effect on your hands.

Body lotion: Every time after bathing, massage your body with body lotion.Use body wash over soaps: Body wash are gentler and are more hygienic to use as compared to soaps. Prefer body wash over soaps.

DRY SKIN CARE IN WINTER WITH PAPAYA

With your skin constantly losing its moisture in winter season, exfoliating it is a good way to keep it looking great.

Papaya is considered a wonderful wholesome fruit as it meets with some of our most essential vitamins, minerals and protein needs. Both ripe and raw papaya can be used to rejuvenate the skin. Ripe papaya is excellent for exfoliation of the skin and brings about newer looking skin and generally suits all skin types. 

Glow Skin:1/2 cup ripe papaya pulp, 4 tsps orange juice, 4 tsps carrot juice, 1 tsp honey or glycerin. Mix the above ingredients and apply or massage the pack all over the face and neck.

Skin Rejuvenation:1/2 cup ripe papaya pulp, 1/4 cup coconut milk, 1/4 cup of oat flakes. Run the mixture on your face and neck gently for about 5 minutes. Wash off with milk and water and notice the glow for yourself.

Regular applications of the above two-treatments can do wonders to the face.

DRY SKIN CARE IN WINTER

As winter sets in and sweaters and blankets come out, dry skin and chapped lips start cracking the surface of your skin. 

The popular solution is cold cream and moisturizer. But are these the only cosmetic options? We soak in the facts on ways to fight dry skin and what is the root cause of dry skin. 

Causes of Dry Skin:

Dry skin signifies that the water in skin dries up at a faster pace. The reason skin dry out in the winter is because there is less humidity in the air, more extreme weather conditions, and indoor heating. Even people who don’t normally have dry skin can experience problems in the winter.

When your skin is dry it can drain out the oils and nutrients. Dry skin makes skin vulnerable. Low temperatures and cool winds suck the moisture from your skin, leaving you with dry and itchy skin and sometimes it even flakes.

The barrier that prevents dry skin is the outer-most layer called the stratum corneum.

The stratum corneum protect underlying tissue from drying out. When this layer loses its integrity due to drying conditions, it can no longer hold in moisture and the result is dry, even flaky skin.

Why is it important to avoid dry skin? 
Not only does a dry skin cause topical issue like eczema, the winter rash, and dry burns, but it also leads to a host of other germ-related diseases. How does this work? Bacteria germs are attracted to dry surfaces and when your skin is dry, you tend to pick up germs from places like common workstations, public loos, door knobs, etc. Therefore, treating dry skin is of utmost importance to avoid winter discomfort. 

A common misconception is the way we bath in the winters: Opt for lukewarm shower instead of a steamy hot bath. Hot water may make you feel better during the winters but it can wash out the natural oil from your skin. 

Here are a few tips to prevent dry skin during the Winter:

-Reduce the heat of your showers or baths – using hot water can actually dry your skin out as it removes the natural protective oils from your skin.

-Replace soaps and detergents with soap-free cleansers. In the winter, replace light weight shower gels with one that contains built-in cream or oil.

-Moisturize more. You may find that a light-weight body lotion works well in the Spring and Summer but when winter arrives, your skin needs change. Use products that are oil-based and that can add that protective layer to the skin. Moisturize after every shower and between hand washings.

-Protect your lips! Lips don’t contain oil glands so they need moisture applied often, especially in winter. Use lip balms with a sunscreen to keep lips protected and moist.

-Protect your face. Even though the sun isn’t out as much, you should still be using a moisturizer with a sunscreen. In addition, use a cream versus a lotion to add more moisture. Using a night cream is essential in the winter to help keep your skin hydrated.

-Keep your skin hydrated by drinking water. Water will build your body's natural moisture.

-Exfoliate less, especially if you have skin that is extremely dry or inflamed. Use a finer scrub that gently removes dead skin from the face no more than twice a week. Exfoliate the body once a week.

-Treat the feet. Because our feet are covered with socks doesn’t mean they don’t dry out. Keep them exfoliated – at least once a week. Then treat them with a mask and an intense moisturizer. Cover them with socks at night and wake up with gorgeous feet.

-Foods with essential fatty acids, good cholesterol, flavonoids, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals are important for maintaining skin's elasticity through collagen production. Whole grain products, vegetables, fish, lean meats, and egg yolks protect and nourish the skin.

-Reduce your intake of coffee and alcohol; these two affect and cause dry skin quite adversely. Smoking is a common culprit behind pre-maturely ageing skin, dryness and general hormonal imbalances that affect skin's texture. Avoid it, to maintain smooth skin.

-Use a humidifier. A humidifier adds moisture to the air and aids in your skin retaining moisture. Place them throughout the house and especially in the bedroom. Humidifiers control the moisture in the air. It would work great during winter. By humidifying the air, they prevent environmental drying agents.

-Avoid using products that contain alcohol like toners or astringents. Look for an alcohol-free alternative or skip them altogether. Many experts claim that toners are no longer necessary.