Posted - 22 September 2014
7 Ways to Reduce the Appearance of Scars
Say goodbye to stubborn spots.
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There are few skincare woes more frustrating than stubborn scars. It can seem like no matter how well you care for your skin, scars—whether caused by acne, an injury, or something else—seem to stick around no matter what. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel—if you follow these tips to reduce the appearance of unwanted marks.
Be Patient
Scars caused by an injury need time to heal before they can be treated, says Joseph Rucker, a Wisconsin-based cosmetic surgeon. See, the body has natural means of healing scars, including by producing collagen—and using treatments can interfere with that process. For this reason, Rucker recommends waiting three to four weeks to begin treatment.
Use SPF to Protect
Sun exposure not only damages your skin, but it can also worsen the appearance of scars. The cells that produce pigment in the skin become overactive during the healing stage and produce more pigment than normal, which is why scars are dark in the first place. Sun exposure essentially tans the scar, making it even
darker for a longer period of time. Use SPF 30 on your scar (and all over!) every day, says Rucker.
Follow a Gentle Skin-Care Regimen
Harsh ingredients like acids can aggravate scars, so using the gentlest products possible is key. Rucker recommends using a mild cleanser infused with natural plant extracts, such as Enza Essentials Sustaining Cleanser ($35, enza.com). You can also try a water-based moisturizer infused with calming ingredients like aloe and chamomile to keep scars from flaring. Rucker likes Enza Essentials Sustaining Glow Crème ($60, enza.com).
Skip the Cocoa Butter and Vitamin E
While natural remedies all the rage, Rucker says they aren’t enough to actually heal scars. Instead, stick to topical medications designed specifically to treat marks.
Use a Cell Activator
After allowing your skin to do its natural healing routine, you can let the magic of products step in to finish the job. Rucker suggests using the one-two punch combination of a cell activator, like Enza Essentials Tri-Peptide Cell Activator ($150, enza.com), and a topical stem cell cream, like Dermaquest Stem Cell 3D Complex ($245, dermstore.com). The pair helps to even out scars and reduce redness.
Apply Mineral Makeup
Covering up scars is the obvious way to reduce their appearance, but be careful not to go too concealer crazy. Caking on too much product will draw attention to the scar instead of camouflaging it into the skin. Using mineral makeup disguises scars by helping them blend them into the skin, resulting in a flawless finish. Rucker recommends Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Broad Spectrum SPF 20 ($52, Nordstrom).
Seek Professional Help
While stopping in to your local pharmacy may be easy, it's never going to give you the best results. Rucker says that the most effective way to deal with scars is to get a scrip for something like a light steroid cream from your general practitioner. The concentrated dose of steroids reduces the redness and inflammation of scars so they don't cramp your style.
source:
www.womenhealthmag.com
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How to get rid of blemishes
posted 20 September 2014
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9 Ways to Use Vinegar for More Beautiful Skin and Hair
Even if you never cook, you'll definitely want to grab a bottle.
Contrary to popular belief, vinegar—apple cider vinegar, to be exact—may not help you lose weight. But it can help you step up your beauty routine. This multi-tasking ingredient can be used to prevent acne and make nail polish last longer, but that's just the beginning. Check out all of the ways in which apple cider vinegar can help you look your best—from speeding up the healing time for bruises to tightening and toning your skin.
Skin Soother
Add eight ounces of apple cider vinegar to a bathtub filled with warm water, and soak in it for 15 minutes. Since the pH level of apple cider vinegar is similar to the pH level of the protective acid mantle layer of our skin, this soak will help restore balance.
Facial Toner
Mix together one tablespoon apple cider vinegar and two cups water. Moisten a cotton ball, and swipe the mixture over a clean, dry face to tighten skin. Don't rinse (the scent will dissipate quickly). Apple cider vinegar's natural alpha-hydroxy acids and acetic acid will stimulate circulation, as well as minimize pores.
MORE: 7 Ways to Make Your Pores Look Smaller
Hair Rinse
Mix two tablespoons apple cider vinegar with one cup water, and use to douse your hair after washing. Rinse thoroughly, and follow with a light conditioner. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar will remove residue from product buildup and help you get shiny, lustrous locks.
Sunburn Relief
Mix together 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar and four cups water. Douse a washcloth with the solution, and apply to sunburned skin. Apple cider vinegar helps balance pH levels of skin, promote healing, and prevent blistering.
Razor Bump Remedy
Moisten a cotton ball with undiluted apple cider vinegar, and swipe over problem area. For especially aggravated bumps, try applying a light layer of honey to the area first, let stand for five minutes, then rinse, dry, and apply the vinegar. The anti-inflammatory properties of apple cider vinegar soothe irritated skin, and acetic acid softens skin to help ingrown hairs grow out more easily.
Dandruff Treatment
Mix together a solution of equal parts apple cider vinegar and water. Massage into your scalp before shampooing. You can also mix one teaspoon apple cider vinegar into your regular shampoo and use to wash hair, massaging and concentrating on your scalp. Apple cider vinegar has natural anti-fungal properties to combat and mitigate dandruff. Plus, its acidic properties balance pH levels and restore the scalp’s protective acid mantle layer to ward off further fungal growth.
Bruise Healer
Soak a cotton ball or pad with undiluted apple cider vinegar, and secure it with a bandage. Leave on for one hour. For especially bad bruises, follow with arnica gel or cream. Apple cider vinegar's anti-inflammatory properties calm injured skin, and its acetic acid increases circulation and healing.
Bug Bite Treatment
Moisten a cotton ball or pad with undiluted apple cider vinegar, and dab on bug-bitten skin for instant relief. The acids in the vinegar neutralize the itch, while its anti-inflammatories ease swelling and its pH-balancing properties speed healing.
Foot Deodorizer
Mix one cup apple cider vinegar with four cups water in a basin. Soak feet for 15 minutes, the rinse and dry. Apple cider vinegar's antiseptic properties help to deodorize rank odor and disinfect feet. Plus, its anti-fungal attributes prevent and combat fungal conditions like athlete’s foot.
source:
www.womenhealthmag.com, date accessed 16 September 2014.