FIVE MAIN CAUSES OF ACNE

Acne is one of the most common skin problems faced by many people. Acne may erupt anywhere on the body, but mostly it appears on the face. Acne eruptions, especially on the face may lead to other problems like depression and many a times, it may also put you in embarrassing situations. Many of us who suffer from acne believe that the main cause of acne is the diet we take. Yes, this is true, but this is not the only cause of acne. There are many other causes of acne which most of us remain unaware. 

CAUSES OF ACNE: 

There are several reasons why a person may suffer from acne. Here are the five main causes of acne: 

HORMONAL CHANGES: 

The main cause of acne in almost half of the population is hormonal changes. Puberty is the stage when many of us suffer from acne because our body tends to fabricate the hormones called androgens during puberty. The sebaceous glands expand due to the secretion of these hormones. Although this process is natural, but in severe cases the sebaceous glands enlarge much more than the normal condition and lead to the production of excessive oil on the skin. This ultimately leads to the outbreak of acne. In women, eruption of acne may also be due to hormonal changes which take place during the menstrual cycle and the phase of pregnancy. 

GENETIC PROBLEMS: 

In many cases, acne can be genetic. If any of your ancestors or your parents has suffered from acne, it is suspected that you may also become a victim of acne. So, the problem of acne may also be a result of hereditary transmission in many people. 

SECRETION OF EXCESSIVE SEBUM: 

The production of androgens may lead to the stimulation of the sebaceous glands. This causes the sebaceous glands to secrete excessive sebum. This sebum tends to move up to the skin surface through the follicles and, then the dead skin cells and the bacteria present on the surface of the skin mix up with the sebum. The excessive sebum causes clogging which is the main cause of acne. Although the moving up of the sebum through the follicles is a common process, but when the secretion is in excess, the skin becomes oily and ultimately leads to outbreak of acne. 

ROLE OF P.ACNES

The bacterium which is responsible for the outbreak of acne is called the bacterium Propionibacterium acnes. It is also called the P. Acnes and is necessarily required for the maintenance of the sebum system in body. When the follicles on the skin react with the P. Acnes bacterium, it leads to fast multiplication of the bacteria. This reaction leads to inflammation causing some kind of irritation on the skin and redness around. Ultimately, this reaction causes acne to break out where the inflammation is caused. 

IRRITATION ON THE SKIN: 

As mentioned above, the plugging of P. Acnes with the skin follicles causes inflammation to occur on the skin. This may cause irritation to occur on the skin which leads to the eruption of acne. 

Apart from this, there are other causes which may result in acne due to irritation on the skin. Many of us do not actually know what products to use for the skin and end up using the wrong products. In order to use the correct product for the skin, you must be aware of your skin type. The products should be used as per your skin type in order to avoid any type of irritation which may finally result in acne.

Top 5 Easy Ways to Lose Weight

If you follow a proper diet and avoid a few things, there would be no need of exercising rigorously to lose those extra fats. Here are the best five easy ways which one can follow for losing weight. 

Increase Intake of Fat Releasing Foods 

Some of the best fat releasing foods which you can include in your daily diet are honey, egg, part skim ricotta cheese and dark chocolate. In one tablespoon of honey, there are 64 fat releasing calories and one hard bolied egg contains a lot of fat releasing protein. Part skin ricotta cheese contains a lot of fat releasing calcium and dark chocolate is packed with fat releasing fiber.

Take Six Small Meals Instead of Three Large Meals

It has been scientifically proved that taking small meals for six to seven times rather than taking two or three large meals help in burning the extra fats in the body of a person to a large extent. The major reason behind this is that frequent intake of meals keep the metabolism working which burns more calories and thus the fat.

Walk for 30 Minutes a Day

Instead of going for any rigorous exercise regime, you should choose to go for a daily walk for at least 30 minutes. It would be great if you can walk bare feet on green grass in a park or a garden. This tip not only helps in losing weight, but also keeps the blood pressure balanced.

Drink lots of Water

Increasing intake of water is the best way to lose weight. If you drink at least 10 -12 glasses of water in day, it automatically reduces your diet. This doesn’t affect the energy level of the body in anyway as our body contains more than 60% of water.

Add Foods to Your Diet

Instead of cutting food items from your diet, it’s recommended to add more food items to one’s diet. However, while adding foods, it’s important to keep a check on the total amount of calories you consume in a day.

With these easy tips, one can certainly get great help in losing weight.

Five Best Remedies for Thinning Hair

Thinning of hair is a common problem seen nowadays. If this problem is not taken seriously and treated at the right time, it might lead to baldness over a period of time. Hair has always been a crown on any one’s head. Thinking of a scalp without hair definitely is not something that can be imagined. Hence, by following a few natural therapies you can gain thick hair.

Here are the five best remedies which can prove to be very effecting in treating thinning hair: 

Coconut Oil: 

This is one of the most primitive, common method and a wonderful recipe for hair from grandma’s kitchen. Take some coconut oil in a pan and heat it. Add some sesame seeds and let it spurt out. Now, add some hibiscus flower petals, Tulsi leaves, and few pieces of Indian goose berry. Heat it for a while and then let it cool down. Take some oil and apply it on your scalp and hair. Give a good massage by running your fingers through the hair. Leave it on for at least an hour and then rinse it off with mild shampoo. Repeat this process for at least thrice a week and you will definitely be awarded with thick hair within a few weeks down the line. 

Apply Eggs: 

Take some eggs and beat them well. Mix them with henna powder. Let the mixture settle down for about half an hour. Apply the mixture on the hair carefully using a brush. Make sure that you have covered all the ends of the hair and then massage it for some time. Cover it with a plastic or an aluminum foil. 

Olive Oil: 

Heat some olive oil in a pan and add hibiscus flower petals. Let the oil cool down. Take some oil and apply it. Massage the hair well. Move your fingers in circular motion and keep massaging for at least ten minutes. Leave it for about forty five minutes. Olive oil is supposed to be very good for health and is rich in nutrients. 

Baking soda: 

Take some baking soda and apply it to the wet hair. Massage the scalp for a few minutes. After that, rinse the hair well with water. It removes the dead skin, oil cells and also helps in treating dandruff problem along with promoting hair growth. 

Diet and Exercise: 

Diet, exercise and lifestyle also play a pivotal role in gaining thick hair. Eat those fruits and vegetables which are rich in proteins, calcium and vitamins. They include spinach, carrot, eggs, poultry, walnut etc. In case your body needs more intakes of such nutrients, then it is better to go in for additional supplements like vitamin tablets etc. Exercising and yoga also promote hair growth. Giving up smoking and alcohol can also prove to be beneficial in promoting hair growth. You should also avoid over brushing of hair. 

These are a few of the simple methods that can be followed at home to gain good thick hair. These methods are natural and lack side effects. The results seen may be pretty slowly, but it is better for the health of your hair. Keep it natural, keep it safe!

Fіvе Bеѕt Tips tо Dеаl with а Dеfіаnt Chіld

Aѕ yоur child grows, some defiance іѕ normal, from rеѕіѕtіng a ѕpооnful оf baby fооd tо rеfuѕіng to get оff оf thе swing ѕеt. In gеnеrаl, dеfіаnсе ѕhоwѕ that a child іѕ bесоmіng more capable, but no matter how nоrmаl, yоur сhіld'ѕ rеfuѕаl саn bе іnfurіаtіng. 

What does a fruѕtrаtеd pаrеnt dо? Here аrе the best five tips tо deal with a dеfіаnt child: 

Conduct аn аbс Analysis 

Your child is dеfіаnt for а reason. Thіnk about your сhіld'ѕ behavior and wrіtе down thе аntесеdеnt that is whаt hаppеnѕ јuѕt bеfоrе, thе bеhаvіоr which includes all his асtіоnѕ, аnd thе соnѕеquеnсеѕ which should include the things which your child should rесеіvе, or avoid, thаt mіght mаkе hіm соntіnuе thе behavior. оnсе yоu undеrѕtаnd thе pаttеrn, you can wоrk to сhаngе it. 

Consider Brаіn Chеmіѕtry 

Chіldrеn whо ѕtrugglе wіth dеfіаnt behavior mаy bе easily оvеrwhеlmеd by еmоtіоnѕ suffered durіng trаnѕіtіоnѕ or ѕіtuаtіоnѕ that аrеn't clearly еxplаіnеd. Yоur child may have many quеѕtіоnѕ like when Mоm is соmіng bасk or hоw long it will take her to come to him. He may rеfuѕе tо сооpеrаtе bесаuѕе he is оvеrwhеlmеd аnd dоn't know whаt еlѕе to dо. 

Offеr Chоісе 

Yоu'vе аѕkеd, cajoled, bаrgаіnеd аnd dеmаndеd, but your child still won't follow directions. Prеѕеnt twо оptіоnѕ that аrе ассеptаblе to yоu like two colors for shirts, two options for going out. Chоісеѕ gіvе power to the kids as they think things are happening as per their choice. You can аlѕо оffеr collaboration. When you оffеr help, the child lеаrnѕ that thеy have tо do what you аѕk, аnd they саn take the help of others if they require it. 

Use Questions, Nоt соmmаndѕ 

Instead оf giving а соmmаnd like ‘сlеаn your room’, you should try a question like ‘Whаt dо you nееd tо dо to clean up the rооm?’ By following this wаy, your child will ѕhоw what he knоws rather than defying your order. If yоu can, uѕе a rеwаrd to еnсоurаgе yоur child tо соmplеtе а tаѕk. For еxаmplе, "tell him that you will get the ice сrеаm rеаdy whіlе he figures оut what to do wіth thе clothes оn the flооr. 

Tаkе а Brеаk 

If yоur child thrоwѕ а tаntrum, wаіt to talk tо hеr untіl he's саlmеd down. Tаkе а brеаk, then tаlk аbоut whаt hаppеnеd uѕіng оpеn-еndеd quеѕtіоnѕ. You can ask questions like ‘What were yоu thіnkіng when thіѕ happened?’, ‘Whеn did yоu ѕtаrt tо gеt angry?’ It’s recommended to аvоіd ‘Why’ questions аѕ thоѕе саn ѕееm accusatory. Aftеr yоu'vе tаlkеd, іf he ѕtіll hasn't соmplіеd with yоur rеquеѕt, come up with а plаn tо аddrеѕѕ thе task you'd asked him tо do. 

Dealing wіth сhіldrеn whо аrе dеfіаnt аnd unpleasant саn even wеаkеn your patience аѕ a pаrеnt. Yоu might also become angry аnd dеfіаnt yоurѕеlf, leading to guіlt and overcompensation later. Thе bеѕt way to dеаl wіth dеfіаnt children is by maintaining clarity and соnѕіѕtеntency. You can only deal with them in the right way if you yourself stay саlm.

Five Best Foods that Control Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that can stick to the walls of the blood vessels. The best way to control cholesterol is to change the diet and life style. Increase in cholesterol level leads to various kinds of heart diseases. There are two types of cholesterol called as high-density lipoproteins or HDL known as the good cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins or LDL known as the bad cholesterol. Nevertheless, many food items can help in controlling the cholesterol level in the body largely. 

Oats 

Oatmeal contains soluble fiber, which reduces your low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the bad cholesterol. Aim for at least 10 grams each day to reduce your low-density lipoprotein levels. Eating 1 1/2 cups of cooked oatmeal provides 6 grams of fiber. The soluble fiber found in foods such as oat bran, barley, flax seed meal, citrus fruits, apples, lentils and beans are effective in lowering cholesterol. 

Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acids 

Fish contains omega-3 fatty acid that enrolls to control cholesterol. Eating fatty fish is healthy for heart because of its high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which helps in maintaining blood pressure as well as reduces the risk of developing blood clots. Omega-3 fatty acids are present in good quantity mainly in trout, salmon and tuna fish varieties. 

Blueberries 

A compound in blueberries may help lower cholesterol as effectively as commercial drugs with lesser side effects. Antioxidants present in blueberries help in lowering LDL that is cholesterol. 

Garlic and Onion 

The most notable attention garlic has received over recent years is its possible usefulness in lowering cholesterol levels. Garlic, spring onions are also beneficial for maintaining a healthy heart. Use garlic liberally in cooking and on fresh salads. Researchers believe that the high garlic content of the mediterranean diet is one of the factors that make this diet so heart-friendly. Eat a clove of garlic every morning in empty stomach. In fact, you should use garlic in daily food preparations as it lowers LDL cholesterol level and increases HDL. 

Olive Oil and Olive Products 

Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E. The high level of monounsaturated fats in olives, olive oil and avocados protect against heart diseases and diabetes and increase the level of good cholesterol in your body. By adding two spoons of olive oil in your food products or salad daily, you can assure the health of your heart and the level of cholesterol in your body effectively. 

You can lower your cholesterol by exercising regularly and eating lot of fruits and vegetables. In case, the cholesterol level shoots higher than normal level instead of taking all the precautions, you should consult your doctor immediately.

Tips to Enlighten Dull Looking Skin

A bright, healthy-looking complexion gives a fresh, young and glowing look while the dull skin makes you look much older than your age and gives a tired look to your personality. 

Dull skin is mainly the result of insufficient circulation of required nutrients to the skin membrane which slows down the process of the formation of new skin cells. This problem is caused due to poor intake of diet which doesn't consist of enough, vitamins, minerals and the essential fatty acids for the body.A dull skin is featured by a wrinkled and problem skin look with lots of unsightly dry patches. However, you can follow some tips to restore the dull looking skin and give a fresh, radiant and vibrant look to the skin which attracts everyone’s attention.

Exfoliate Your Skin

You can exfoliate your skin using a mixture of pineapple paste and curd which helps in removing the dead skin cells and gives a polished and fresh look to the skin. Exfoliation can also be tried using a scrub, facial brush, alpha hydroxy acid or beta hydroxy acid. There are also various exfoliating acids which are available in the form of masks and cleansers. However, one should choose the scrub and the facial brush with utmost care as any rough element present in these can irritate the skin and allow bacteria to enter the pores of the skin by damaging the skin cells.

Moisturize Your Skin 

You can use a moisturizer to revitalize your dull looking skin as it has the characteristic of balancing the moisture level and adding a protection layer to the skin. You can use rose water which is a natural moisturizer to keep the skin supple and soft. Natural oils such as rosehip oil, avocado oil and jojoba oil which contain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants nourish the dull looking skin and give a healthy glow to it.Moisturize Your Skin

Apply Shea Butter on Your Skin

Shea butter proves to be extremely beneficial in restoring a dull looking skin by its deep absorption properties which eliminates the dull and dry skin cells.

Use a Dry Skin Lotion

There are various lotions available in the markets which are specifically meant for people suffering from dry skin problems. If you use it on a regular basis, it can give a smoother and firmer appearance to your dry skin with in a few days.

Take Diet Rich in Vitamins, Minerals and Fatty Acids

Apart from this, your diet should have enough amounts of zinc, foliate, chromium, copper, vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin E and vitamin C as these plays a significant role in brightening the skin from deep inside. Essential fatty acids also help in building a healthy body and healthy skin cells. A mixture of olive oil, flax seed oil, coconut oil, hemp seed oil and fish oil can be used for getting the essential fatty acids.

You can also use supplements for vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids if needed to restore your dull looking skin.

So, these are a few tips which should be delicately followed to restore the dull looking skin.

Best Home Treatment Options For Arthritis of The Thumb

Arthritis is a common disease afflicting thousands of people worldwide. Hundreds of people of various ages and races suffer from it. Arthritis means inflammation of the joint. There are many different forms of arthritis, with arthritis of the thumb being one. 

In arthritis of the thumb, the cartilage layer which covers the ends of the bones and acts as a self absorber wears out, resulting in a direct contact between the bones and thus causing deformity and pain. It is most commonly seen in women over the age of forty. The exact reason for it is not known, but genetics, previous injuries such as fractures, or generalized joint laxity may incline women towards developing this kind of arthritis. The common symptoms include redness, pain, swelling and stiffness of the thumb. 

Certain self-care actions can help mitigate pain, improve mobility and finally increase your independence. Here are some of the best treatment options for arthritis in the thumb: 

Thumb Circles 

Carry out hand exercises that move your thumb through its full range of motion. You can try out the ‘thumb circle’ exercise. Make a gentle fist, keeping your thumb free and then rotate your thumb first clockwise and then anti clockwise slowly for about two minutes. Perform this exercise several times in a day. This will help in improving your joint's mobility. 

Squeezing a Ball 

Squeeze a soft rubber ball. Practice squeezing with all your fingers, and then indent the ball gently with the thumb for about twenty to thirty seconds. 

Paraffin Hot Wax 

Try a paraffin hot wax on your hands and thumbs. The hot wax transfers heat to the bones, thereby improving circulation. 

Hot or Cold Therapy 

For dull aches, apply a warm towel over your thumb or dip your hands in warm water mixed with Epsom salt. For burning pain, apply ice to lessen inflammation. Freeze water in a small cup and massage your hands, specially your thumbs. 

Potato Juice 

Make a juice by combining potato extract and water. Drink this every morning. This will give you relief from pain and reduce inflammation in the thumb joints. 

Mustard Oil and Garlic 

Combine garlic and mustard oil together to form oil. Apply the oil on the thumb area, three to four times in a day to get quick relief from pain and soreness. 

Drink Water Every Morning 

Drink a glass of water every day in the morning to ease bowel movement and treat arthritis. 

Mustard Oil and Camphor 

Apply a mixture of mustard oil and camphor on the affected area. This is also known to give immense relief from thumb arthritis. 

Take a Healthy Diet 

Include lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet, so that your entire body gets essential vitamins and minerals. Intake of healthy food will help in providing calcium to your body and your thumb joints, hence helping you to strengthening the joint area and improve its conditions. 

In the end, if these simple home techniques do not work, consult your physician who can give you medications and other treatment options.