HOW TO GET RID OF BLACKHEADS AND WHITEHEADS ON SKIN

It’s a dream come true if you possess clear and smooth skin. Maintaining a clear skin demands time, attention and consistent effort. Very few are blessed with natural clear and beautiful skin. Common problems observed is whitehead and blackhead on the skin.

Ayurveda describes two types of blackheads-darker one: nyachcha and lighter one: vyanga

Blackheads are produced due to the inconsistencies in the circulatory system of the body. Blood is impure and leads to formation of blackheads, whiteheads and pimples. To prevent occurrence drink lots of water such the impurities are rejected from the body by urination. Eat Vitamin C containing fruits. Avoid fatty foods.

Ayurvedic treatments:

• Apply steam on the face. Steaming helps circulation of blood in the facial region and helps blackheads disappear.
• Abhyanga is a method of oil massage on the face. This must be done before having bath in the morning. This will help remove blackheads, makes skin soft and shiny.

Basic approach to minimize blackheads : Never pinch, scrape, poke, press, or squeeze too hard. This will make blackheads spread.

You can get rid of blackheads and whiteheads by following natural home remedies that are proven. The ingredients are available in our kitchen and home.

• Tomato – Tomatoes have natural antiseptic properties that dry up whiteheads and blackheads. Peel and mash a small tomato. Apply the tomato pulp to your blackheads and whiteheads before going to bed. Leave the tomato pulp on your face while you sleep and then wash your face in warm water in the morning.

• Toothpaste – Very effective in the removal of blackheads and white heads.  Apply a thin paste to your infected areas and let it sit on your face for at least 20 to 25 minutes. You will experience a burning sensation when you apply the toothpaste, but this is normal and will pass. Once you remove the toothpaste, the top of your blackheads and whiteheads will disappear. Wash your face thoroughly to remove the buildup underneath. Repeat this home remedy every other day for two weeks.
• Baking soda – Prepare a mixture of equal parts of baking soda and water and rub it onto your face or other body areas prone to blackheads. Leave it on for 15 minutes and then rinse it off with warm water. Very effective.
• Rice – Soak rice in milk for 5 hours and then grind this in a blender until it is paste-like in consistency. Use the paste as a scrub on affected areas of the body.
• Potatoes – Grate raw potatoes and then rub the area with the mixture. Wash it off after 15 minutes.
• Lemon -Wash your face in warm water. Then, squeeze the juice of one lemon into a bowl. Add in a pinch of salt and stir the mixture. Apply the mixture to your blackheads and whiteheads. Leave the mixture on for approximately 20 minutes and then wash your face with warm water again.
• Coriander leaves – Mix some coriander leaves (Kothmir) and a little turmeric powder with water and form a paste. Use this as a mask to eliminate blackheads.
• Yogurt – Mix three tablespoons of plain yogurt (curd) with two tablespoons of oatmeal. Add one teaspoon of olive oil and one tablespoon of lemon juice to the mixture. Stir the mixture thoroughly and apply it to the effective area of the face. Let the mixture sit for five to seven minutes then rinse off with cold water.
• Cornstarch – Mix about a three-to-one cornstarch to vinegar ratio into a paste. Apply it to the affected areas,  let it remain for  20 to 30 minutes. Remove the paste with warm water and wipe with towel.
• Fenugreek leaves  – Crush some (methi leaves) and mix with water to form a paste. Put this on the face for 15 minutes and then remove it. Do this every night to keep your face free of blackheads.
• Oatmeal or Almond – Mix either oatmeal (powdered) or badam (almond) powder with just enough rose water to make a spreadable paste. Apply it to your problem areas with your fingertips first and then apply it to the rest of your face. Let it set for about 15 minutes and then rinse your face with cold water.
• Lime – You can also use equal parts of lime juice and cinnamon powder and apply this mixture to blackheads. Leave it overnight and rinse it off in the morning
• Honey is also good for removing blackheads. Spread honey on the affected area and remove it after 15 minutes. Do not leave honey for long on the face.
• A combination of lemon juice, honey and yoghurt in equal proportions can be applied on the affected areas . Wash away after 10 minutes.
• Ice pack treatment  and cucumber face masks will be helpful  to compress the pores .

Be gentle to your skin. You can avoid the occurrence of blackheads and feel confident.

HOW TO REMOVE DANDRUFF – HOME REMEDIES

Dandruff on scalp in the form of crust or lumps is a common problem for many. Dandruffs are caused due to aggravated Vata dosha resulting in dry scalp. Dandruff occurs when dead scalp cells accumulate as shiny flakes at the hair roots. It causes severe itching and redness, leads to further damage when scratched.

Some of the factors causing dandruff are:

Excessively oily scalp,  Improper maintenance of greasy hair , unhygienic hair conditions cause accumulation of toxins on the scalp, dry weather, scalp sensitivity, poor immune system, fungal infection, stress, hormonal imbalances. poor diet leading to dandruff.

Some of the easy home remedies – natural healing are:

Coconut oil is wonderful as a hair conditioner. It conditions the dry head, and softens the hair. Take equal quantities of lemon juice and lukewarm coconut oil (or any of your favorite head massage oil) and mix them well. Gently massage this mixture on your head in circular motions with your finger tips. For better results leave it for overnight, or at least for 30 minutes before washing your hair.

Fenugreek prevents hair loss, thinning of hair and baldness. For dry dandruff: Take 2 tbsp of fenugreek seeds and soak it overnight. Separately soak shikakai-soap nuts in water . Make a fine paste of soaked Fenugreek it in the morning and apply it on your scalp. Leave it for half an hour, and then wash it off thoroughly with water and shikakai / reetha (acacia concinna ). Use this treatment twice a week.

Lime juice can prove to be an effective treatment while dealing with dandruff, especially in the oily condition. Lemon juice cleans the hair free off the stickiness, and gives shine to the hair. It has antibacterial effect too. It protects scalp and skin too. Squeeze 2 limes. The lemon peels can be massaged on the scalp for 2 to 3 minutes . Continue massaging scalp with 2 tspns of lime juice, leave it for 30 minutes. Wash hair after this duration. You can follow this schedule once a week.

Vinegar balances the pH of the hair, protects and covers the hair shaft, and imparts smoother surface. It is an excellent home made after shampoo rinse. Mix 2 tbsp of vinegar with 6 tbsp of water, and apply it on your head with a cotton ball, or finger tips, and keep it over night. Shampoo your hair the next morning using vinegar mixed water.

Eggs are proteins and proteins are the building blocks of good, shiny, healthy hair. This pack nourishes the hair, and aids in removing dandruff. Mix 2 beaten eggs with 2 tbsp of water and 2 tspns of lime juice, and apply this mixture on wet hair. Slowly, and gently massage the mixture on your scalp for some time. Leave it for 15 minutes, and then rinse your hair with lukewarm water.

Olive oil helps dislodge dandruff flakes and also nourishes your scalp. Besides that, the oil also supplements your scalp and hair with essential vitamins A, K, E, provides anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory qualities and even moisturizes. Heat 3 tspns of organic virgin olive oil until it is warm to dip your fingers and apply over your hair and scalp . Leave it for 30 minutes. Wash your head and hair using mild shampoo .

Add 2 gms of camphor in 50 ml of coconut oil and store in a glass bottle. After 3 days apply the oil onto scalp and massage well. Leave it overnight.

These are simple remedies that can be followed with items available in your kitchen. Allocate some time to yourself and you will be thrilled with the results.

Your effort has ensured the dandruff are away. Continue the scalp care as dandruff is known to resurface.