Pimple Scabs: How to Heal Popped Acne Crusts on Face Fast

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Pimple Scabs: How to Heal Popped Acne Crusts on Face Fast

Pimple scabs or acne scabs are red and sore formations that form after popping a pimple. How do you remove scabs on pimples? Crusty scabs form, usually on wounds or cuts to help healing. After scratching and popping zits, dry crusty scabs form on the pimple’s head.

They can keep scabbing over and over and come off too early, or even not heal or form scars. Here’s how to get rid of pimple scabs fast, overnight, and naturally.

Pimple scabs that won’t heal or won’t go away can form on the face, mouth, cheek, chin, lips, and even corners of the mouth. These can get itchy if not treated fast, and make you feel like picking them. Scabs can appear as red, brown, and even sometimes black.

Other than pimples, acne zits, boils, and wounds, cold sores can also cause scabbing over. Below, I have discussed how to cover, heal fast, and get rid of these unsightly scabs overnight or fast enough.

Popped pimple scab

Popping pimples can be difficult to stop even when you know you should not. But if you know how to do it the right way, you shouldn’t remain with a scar or a dry crusty scab.

Scabs form on zits that have been squeezed because you are likely to have torn the skin or made it bleed. Here are a few things you should know about popping boils and pimple heads.

  • Before scabbing over, popped zits are likely to bleed, swell, and even become itchy.
  • According to Zakiya Rice, MD, a dermatologist being interviewed on WebMD, the bacteria, and dirt in a pimple, when squeezed, will land in other skin pores. That gunk is likely to cause more pimples.
  • To keep your skin healthy, avoid popping pimples.

Usually, scabbing over popped pimples and acne spots lead to the formation of scars on your face, nose, cheeks, and even forehead. Soon enough, you will start looking for ways to get rid of dark spots on your face because the clot usually turns dark and form those blemishes.

How to get rid of pimple scabs fast

When infected, scabs can form pus, bleed, or even become painful. To get rid of scabs fast, you will need to not only know how to clean the wound but also how to deal with infections. The following are important practices you should consider.

1. Avoid picking them

Some people ask the healing time of scabs from picking and sores. If you want those pimple and acne scabs to heal fast, avoid picking them. It is tempting, but avoid scratching, rubbing, popping, and squeezing them. To heal scabs quickly, allow the clot to stay put in order for the pimple to go away.

Scabbed wounds and zits can be itchy. That feeling is what makes you want to pick it off. Try to use anti-itch creams if you want to stop picking the acne scabs on your face, nose, and chin.

  • The scabs on the pimple act as temporary skin. It prevents the wound or pimple from getting infected by external bacteria.
  • Picking the face scabs will get rid of the protective coating and slow down the healing process.

Even though you can try to cure pimple scabs fast, it is important to know that your body takes time to heal. A balanced diet, vitamin C, D, and vitamin E can go a long way in making your zit scabs heal fast.

2. Apply tea tree oil

Another good home remedy for removing scabs from acne and pimples is tea tree oil. It is used because of its antiseptic properties. It will prevent bacterial infections on cuts, wounds, and scabs on the skin. Here’s how to get rid of a pimple scab using tea tree oil.

  1. Take a clean piece of cotton wool.
  2. Drip a little tea tree oil to dampen the cotton ball with it.
  3. Apply the oil gently on the scabs. Avoid applying pressure because it can break the crust and cause bleeding.
  4. Do this once or twice a day to heal acne scabs overnight and naturally.

We highly recommend Essential Oil Labs Tea Tree Oil (Check price on Amazon)

3. Warm compresses for overnight healing

Another quick home remedy to make facial scabs from zits to disappear is warm compress. Warm compresses are said to remove scabs overnight or in just a few hours. Why is that? The moisture from the compresses will soften the skin and loosen the scab. Here’s how to heal a pimple scab fast by doing warm compresses.

  1. Take a clean washcloth.
  2. Dip it in warm water. The water should not be hot; otherwise, you will burn your skin.
  3. Apply the warm water compress on your pimple scabs to relieve the itch and loosen the scabs and crust.
  4. Do this for about 5 minutes, twice a day, to get rid of pimple and acne scabs overnight or within hours.

Warm compresses are known to moisturize wounds, cuts, and scabs from pimples and zits. They also increase blood supply on the skin surface around the pimples. This will make the healing process faster. Warm compresses are also part of the home remedies to stop popped pimple scab from swelling.

4. Use honey

How to Heal Popped Acne Crusts on Face with Honey

Honey is an ancient antiseptic. It not only prevents infections but will help you heal faster. According to Max D. Gray of OneHowto, honey is an antibiotic and will also improve the appearance of your skin after pimples and injuries such as cuts, burns, and boils.

  1. Clean your face thoroughly, especially the areas around the pimples and acne zits.
  2. Dry the areas cleaned to remove any moisture and water.
  3. Apply honey, preferably, Manuka honey.
  4. Dress with a hydropolymer dressing. You can buy this at the drugstore.

This kind of dressing will absorb fluids discharged by the zit. By keeping the scabs dry and clean, you will help it heal faster. Apply this scab treatment once a day to get rid of scabs that won’t heal on their own.

5. Aloe vera

How to Heal Popped Acne Crusts on Face with Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is used for healing sunburns, cuts, and even bruises. You can use it to remove pimple scabs fast. According to Natural Products Network, aloe vera gel helps soothe the discomfort and itch on the scabs from pimples. It will also prevent unsightly scars from forming after the acne spots.

  1. Get aloe vera gel by squeezing the leaves.
  2. Apply a thick gel of aloe vera to the scabs on pimples.
  3. Let is sit on your skin for a couple of hours. You should leave it on your face overnight to heal acne scabs fast.

Other than treating scabs caused by pimples and acne zits, aloe vera is known for its skin lightening properties as well and will help you lighten the dark spots on your face, usually from the breakouts.

A great product is organic cold-pressed Aloe Vera gel (Check price on Amazon)

6. Vaseline

Scabbing over on a pimple can leave you with scars, dark spots, and all sorts of blemishes on your face. Made Man recommends that when you pick or pop pimples and rapture them, you should use Vaseline to seal them and help them heal faster.

  1. Before using Vaseline petroleum jelly on your acne zits, ensure that the spots are not oozing any liquid such as blood or even pus. Green pus in pimples will mean they are infected.
  2. Dry the crusty scabbed spots on your face after cleansing and patting dry.
  3. Apply a layer of Vaseline on the scab. This will keep it moist and protected from the entry of infectious bacteria.
  4. Petroleum jelly also loosens pimple scabs to make them go away faster.

How long do face scabs from picking take to heal? With this treatment, you will get rid of the dry crusty scabs almost overnight, but the little wounds under the pimples might remain.

7. Remove scabs with baking soda

Baking soda is one of the most widely used home remedies for very many skin health problems. Acne scabs can be treated using baking soda paste. The reason for this is that baking soda is an ingredient that works as a fungicide as well as an antiseptic.

When used on scabs, baking soda will tighten the scabs (making them loosen from the pimple wound). This draws it away from the wound, allowing it to fall off. Here’s how to use it.

  1. Take a small amount of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and add it into a bowl or glass.
  2. Add a little amount of water and mix to make a consistent paste.
  3. Apply the paste on the pimple scabs to cover it completely.
  4. Repeat this daily until the scab falls off the pimple or acne zit by itself.

Other than loosening scabs on acne and breakouts to help them come off easily, this remedy will ward off infections and the itchy feeling that will make you want to pick pimples on your face, chin, forehead, and nose.

8. Polysporin and Neosporin treatments

For infected pimples and acne, Neosporin and Polysporin antibiotics cab help you treat it. Polysporin can also help as an over-the-counter treatment, but try to keep the pimples dry because that is what will accelerate the healing process.

How to cover a pimple scab and crusts

Scabs from pimples can make your face look unsightly. Other than knowing how to get quickly rid of pimple scabs, other important tips to learn include concealing and covering them. So, how do you cover the zits and acne blemish dry, flaky crusts? You will need the following:

  • Cotton wool balls
  • Petroleum jelly like Vaseline
  • Foundation and its applicator brush
  • Mild toner
  • Cream concealer
  • Makeup sponges
  • A gentle moisturizing cream
  • Wash cloth

Other thins include those you will find in your general makeup box or kit. So here’s what to do to get rid of a pimple scab by hiding it, covering or concealing it.

  1. Cleanse your face using your regular cleanser and warm water. Pat dry with clean towels.
  2. Use cotton balls to dab a gentle toner on the scabbed areas. This will help your skin soften.
  3. Apply a smooth layer of moisturizer on your face and allow time to absorb.
  4. Put a little Vaseline over the scabbed areas.
  5. Use a foundation brush to apply the foundation on your face, stroking it in a downward motion. On the scabbing areas, dab until you cover them.
  6. Apply your cream concealer. Be careful not to break or loosen the scabs.
  7. Dust off your face using a translucent powder.

While concealer makeup can help you hide or cover scabs instantly, they are not a permanent solution. They make the wounds heal slower than you may thing. If possible, avoid makeup and allow your skin to cure the wounds naturally.

Infected pimple scab on the face, lip, corner of mouth, cheek, chin

Acne scabs from picking that won’t heal on your face can be infected. They are likely to appear as green. Sometimes, they will ooze blood all the time, clear fluid, or even turn green. When pus is oozing, keep the wound dry and seek medication.

Infected pimple scabs can be cured at home, but they will need good hygiene and avoid touching, picking scratching the pimple because it will not help it go away.

I have read about using toothpaste for scabs and pimples, but I wouldn’t exactly recommend it. Mint toothpaste soothes the skin, but can also have a drying effect on it. Worse still, it will cause inflammation on your acne scabs and make them feel like they are burning.

Sources and References

Withdrawal Bleeding After Stopping Birth Control Pill – Duration & Signs

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Withdrawal Bleeding After Stopping Birth Control Pill – Duration & Signs

Many women using birth control methods do not experience their monthly periods, and only end up experiencing what is known as withdrawal bleeding. The reason behind this is that the women are not ovulating, and as such, are unable to get a normal period, which only comes about after ovulation has occurred.

As the contraception method is suppressing your ovulation, it also contains enough estrogen, which ensures that no bleeding will occur while on the pill. As such, when this pill is withdrawn at the end of each month, you end up with withdrawal bleeding, instead of your regular period.

In this article, we are going to look at what is withdrawal bleeding, its symptoms, duration, and how to differentiate between withdrawal bleeding after stopping birth control and normal menstruation periods.

What is bleeding after stopping birth control?

Withdrawal bleeding, also known as a fake or hormonal period, refers to monthly bleeding experienced by women while they are using hormonal birth control options e.g., the patch, Provera shot, or while on the pill.

When the placebo week for each of these methods comes about, a woman will normally experience withdrawal bleeding. The bleeding typically looks like the normal monthly period. But, you should note that there is a difference between withdrawal bleeding and the regular menstrual period.

When does it occur?

For women taking a combination of hormonal contraceptive methods, they should expect the withdrawal bleeding to happen when they are not taking the hormones that are present in the contraception options. In many cases, this takes place on the last or fourth week of the woman’s cycle.

Causes

The bleeding is caused by the fact that a change in your normal hormone dosage has taken place in your body. For pill users, this occurs in the fourth week when they are taking the placebo pills, which do not contain any hormones. The lack of birth controlling hormones in your body, thereby causes your uterus lining to slightly weaken, which then leads to bleeding.

As mentioned above, this type of bleeding only occurs because there has been a change in the hormone levels, and should therefore not be confused with your regular period. It is also possible for the bleeding to take place after undergoing a progesterone therapy course.

Symptoms

When you decide to try and make a baby, the very first step you will need to take will be to stop using contraceptive methods. When this happens, all hormones that were present in your ring, pill, or patch will leave your body within five days.

Having left your body, you are likely to experience certain symptoms, some of which may mimic an actual pregnancy, but, there is no need for you to get worried, as this is just but a normal way for the body to catch up with the natural cycle that had been suppressed. Some of the symptoms you are likely to experience include:

1. Acne

It is common to experience pimple-related problems soon after you have stopped using your normal birth control methods. It happens because:

  1. The ring, pill, or patch has stopped pumping estrogen into your body. The hormone helps in combating oily skin, and this explains why it is recommended for treating acne inflammations.
  2. When you stop using contraception, your testosterone levels become boosted, and this leads to a breakout.

2. Erratic emotions

Having stopped using birth control, it becomes very easy for you to become stressed about the life-changing decisions that you are making. However, the mood swings and erratic nerves could be because of doing away with the steady hormone flow, which was being provided by the contraceptive pills or patches.

The contraception methods were previously in charge of ensuring that your hormones remained steady, but now that you are off these methods, they are likely to start fluctuating once again. The different hormone types available in your body are likely to change from one week to the next.

Withdrawal bleeding and pregnancy

Can you have withdrawal bleeding and still be pregnant? Generally, this is not possible. If you become pregnant when you are using the contraceptive pills, it means that the typical withdrawal bleeding after stopping birth control will not take place.

The reason being that progesterone production taking place in the corpus luteum gland found in your ovaries overrides the progesterone drop, ensuring that the active pills are not finished. Sometimes, you may experience spotting while you are pregnant, but you should not confuse this with a full period.

How long does it last?

It takes a few days for the hormones that were present in your contraception method to leave your body. This means that withdrawal bleeding after stopping birth control could last for between five days and a week.

But, even though the hormones have left your body, this does not mean that your cycle will return immediately. It may take a few days for it to normalize, with some women having to wait for between two and three months for this to occur.

One thing you can expect to deal with would be the hormone-related side-effects that were present before you started using the pill, as they are likely to come back. If for instance, you are like many women who started utilizing the pill to assist them with problems like:

  • Mood swings
  • Irregular or heavy bleeding
  • Spots or acne
  • Menstrual cramps

There is a very big possibility that all these problems will come back as soon as you have stopped using the pill. In case you are worried about such problems, you should discuss your fears with your nurse or doctor, who will be in a position to advise you on alternative treatments that you can consider.

Does it mean no pregnancy?

YES. As mentioned earlier, if your birth control pills fail, and you end up becoming pregnant, the normal withdrawal bleeding after stopping birth control will not take place. Therefore, when you get this fake period, it means that you are not pregnant.

When does ovulation occur after a withdrawal bleed?

If you have resolved to stop using the pill, the possibility is that you would like to conceive. But, you should understand that it can take a few weeks to months for first cycle ovulation to occur, according to the University of California.

The duration is influenced by your current health status and the kind of pill that you were using before to prevent conception. Also, they get to influence the length of time it will take to restore fertility and hormone balance.

Ovulation return

Traditionally, you should start ovulating within 2-4 weeks after you have stopped using the birth control pill. But, women who have been using the pill for a long time, as well as older women, may have to wait for a much longer duration before they can ovulate, according to Columbia Health.

In certain cases, it could take months before a regular ovulation cycle can be re-established. It, therefore, becomes quite difficult to calculate the exact return of your first cycle. Even though it is highly unusual, you can become pregnant without experiencing your normal period.

How to stop withdrawal bleeding?

Estrogen and progestin contained in contraception pills are two hormones created in a lab, and which are designed to imitate the estrogen and progesterone hormones found in a human being.

When you use a birth control pill, it releases hormones in your body, during times your body would naturally not be doing so. As such, it disrupts your menstrual cycle, and in the process, prevents pregnancy.

Home remedies

When you are coming off a birth control method, and want to start trying to conceive, the goal will naturally be to nourish and provide support to your hormonal feedback loop, uterine health, cervical mucus, and egg health. You can use the following remedies to achieve this:

  1. Tamarind—it is rich in antioxidants and fibers, which enables it to reduce cholesterol levels while preventing excess blood flow from withdrawing from the pills. Additionally, it also provides much-needed protection against heart diseases and cancer. You should soak ten tamarind pieces together with four pieces of dry plum in half a liter of water. The next day, take the seeds and crush them before adding three honey teaspoons to sweeten the mixture. The concoction should be taken on an empty stomach and should be consumed for at least five days.
  2. Orange juice—to improve your overall health, you need to consume fresh juices frequently. Prepare a concoction by adding two tablespoons of lemon juice to your glass of orange juice. Ensure that you drink this blend at least four times in a single day. Oranges contain vitamin C, which assists in reducing the symptoms that are associated with withdrawal bleeding.
  3. Gooseberry juice—this particular juice can help in solving many health-related issues. You need to make a blend of gooseberry juice and mint juice. Make certain that it is properly stirred, and make it a habit of consuming it often.
  4. Broccoli—broccoli juice comes highly recommended for women who are dealing with bleeding attributed to pill usage. You will be required to extract juices from fresh apples and broccoli. Combine the two juices and ensure that you drink between four and five glasses of this blend each day to help stop bleeding.
  5. Pumpkin—it is another home remedy that you can rely on when you want to stop this type of bleeding. You will need to take out the pumpkin pulp and leave it to dry. Do not dry it out in the sun as it should be dried at room temperature. Once dry, you will need to grind the pulp and then add a small amount of natural sugar to come up with a mixture. Take the resulting mixture with a cup of milk or yogurt daily to notice positive results.
  6. Fennel—Measure a single teaspoon of fennel seeds and then grind them into a fine Boil two glasses of water and add the fennel powder to the boiling water. Allow the fennel seed solution to steep for at least ten minutes. Drink the fennel solution while still hot to stop bleeding.  Check price of fennel seeds on Amazon

Treatments

Withdrawal bleeding is normally treated using Medroxyprogesterone. The medicine is a type of progesterone, which plays an important role in regulating ovulation. It can also be used to treat conditions such as abnormal uterine bleeding, and irregular or absent menstrual flows.

If you are taking estrogens, the medication can also be used to decrease your risk of getting endometrial hyperplasia.

Before you can start using this medication, you should understand that it can lead to congenital disabilities down the line. Additionally, confirm whether you are pregnant before taking the pills.

It is recommended that you provide your doctor with all your health information, including whether you have liver disease, have a history of getting blood clots or strokes, and whether you have any abnormal vaginal bleeding that is yet to be diagnosed.

Your doctor will use the information provided to establish whether you should use this medication to treat the withdrawal bleeding or not. Before trying out conventional medicine, you should start by trying out the home remedies discussed above. Medication should always be the last option.

References

Aging Hair That is Frizzy, Dry: Signs & Best Products for Texture Change

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Aging Hair That is Frizzy, Dry: Signs & Best Products for Texture Change

Does more hair stick in your comb? Are you worried about your hair changing in texture? This is one of the worries for both men and women as you approach the age of 50 years. This post opens up your view of the signs, treatment, and hair care products that are required for aging hair.

What is aging hair?

The hair on your body plays a great role, including preserving the temperature of the body. As you age, the aspects of your hair change. The moment you notice this change, you should not be worried because it is a normal process in every human being. It has, however, become a cause of worry, especially women.

Signs your hair is aging

Hair loss: As you get older, your hair begins to lose the strength, and this, in the long run, results in the fall off of your hair.

Brittleness of your hair: As you age, the rate at which your body absorbs some of the nutrients that are useful for the health of your hair reduces. Some of the nutrients include proteins and vitamins. Deficiency of these, therefore, guarantees poor health for your hair and thus brittle hair.

Dryness and curly hair: Your hair becomes dry and becomes frizzy and, in the long run, gets to be unmanageable as you get older. This is because of the lack of adequate nutrients absorbed into your body. Your skin is also likely to change in its ability to generate new hair cells.

Graying: The level of the coloring pigment of your hair called melanin reduces as you get older. Your hair, in the long run, changes its appearance.

Hair becoming dull: Your hair will lose its natural shine as you get older. In the long run, your hair will look dull and lack some life.

Hair breakage: When you age, your hair will become weak because of the weakened hair production cells and follicles. This automatically creates room for its breakage.

Change of hair texture: The texture of your hair becomes rough the moment you start getting older. This is pointed to the limited amount of nutrients that your body can take in. What happens is that your hair becomes a bit spongy and puts on a wiry texture. In part, this is due to the reduced melanin production by your scalp skin.

Manageability: Since your hair is likely to lose some moisture as you age, it becomes harder to handle with time. It is, therefore, hard to handle to fly away hairs and the split ends.

Hair aging process

According to MedlinePlus, the process of hair change involves the follicles, which are the skin structures that make hair grow. The follicles begin to lose melanin, a color generating pigment of the hair. This process begins as early as at the age of 30 years.

African American hair

African American hair has a unique appearance. It is known to be fragile and prone to any source of injury and any damage that comes on.

It is estimated that more than half of the African American women have thinning hair or loss as they get older.

Treatment

Biotin supplements: Biotin pills can increase the number of hair cells on your head and skin. In the long run, it will make the hair to become thicker and thus give your hair to look healthier.

According to an article published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, it is indicated that biotin helps to generate fatty acids and proteins in the hair, making it thicker and stronger.

Fatty fish: The fish such as salmon or tuna has a lot of the fatty acids, and they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to make your hair obtain more shine, luster, and the thickness.

Laser treatment: Laser therapy can facilitate the regrowth of hair in case of the loss because of the aging process. There are even new laser brands that you can use at your home, and they include HairMax Laser Comb or HairMax Laser Band.

They help to push the hair from the resting phase in the course of its growth. The success of this is alluded to according to the study by Cleveland clinic that found out that 60% of people ended up with hair growth after the use of this remedy.

Best shampoo for aging hair

The following shampoos are known and considered one of the best when used for sorting out the issues that are related to the aging hair.

Keranique scalp stimulating shampoo

It is a shampoo that is packed with a compound called ginseng and amino acids. Further, it has peppermint that enables it to stimulate the scalp, thus helping to improve the flow of blood and, in the long run reducing toxins in the hair.

Phyto Phytologist shampoo

It is able to energize and then restore your hair to its full strength, length, and fullness. This is is just in case your hair is thinning as a result of the aging process.

Milk shake Energizing blend shampoo

It has a super minty scent that has high amounts of cleansing properties and hence able to take away the dirt and oil without taking away any natural oil from your scalp. It works to stimulate the circulation of blood on your scalp and thus creating room for new growth of hair.

TRESemmé Renewal Hair & Scalp Nourish & Renew Shampoo and Conditioner

It is able to nourish your scalp and renew the hair. In the long run, it can make it more manageable daily.

TIGI S Factor Stunning Volume Shampoo and Conditioner

When you age, your hair becomes and looks flat and limp. This is according to Francesca Rapolla of the Unilever R & D Technical Manager for hair. It has provitamin B5, jojoba oil, and nettle. This helps to pull out the dull hair, the lifeless hair, and give it more shine.

Alfaparf Semi di Lino Magnifying Shampoo

This shampoo can make the ends of your hair strands to be tangle-free and very smooth. From various reviews, it can make your hair to be flat if you apply it on your hair regularly.

Best products for dry and frizzy hair

Now that the aging of hair is a normal process, it is impossible to evade it. You can come in with the best remedies to ensure that moisture, texture, fullness, density and the color of your hair is maintained. The following are some of them:

Living Proof Timeless Collection

It contains pre-shampoo treatments, conditioner, and shampoo. It contains amino acids, ceramide-like lipids that are able to hinder or do away with the likely signs of aging hair. The cost of this starts at around $ 26.

Alterna Caviar Antiaging Moisture Intense Oil Crème

It is made up of marine extract, shea butter, and hydrating glycerin. You should use this before you wash your hair. When you use this product, you will have smoothing, softening, moisturizing, and deep conditioning benefits for your hair.

Pantene Expert Age Defy Conditioner

It has silicon molecules. It is, therefore, a conditioner that can get wrapped around the weak, aging strands of your hair and thereby creating a lock of moisture in your hair, which protects your hair from breakage. This ends up making your dull hair smoother and shinier.

StriVectin Hair Ultimate Restore Shampoo

This is a sulfate-free shampoo that has cleansing properties that can save the strands of your hair so that they look gentle. Further, it has protein0based complexes that coat the weak strands of hair, thus making them stronger.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Antiaging Scalp Serum

This is a treatment option that is a dermatologist creation whose ingredients include peptides, retinol, and another compound called alpha-lipoic acid. They work in synergy to create an ideal environment that facilitates healthy growth of hair.

DeveloPlus Antiaging Hair Treatment System

It is one of the clarifying shampoos that are able to get rid of any dulling residue in your hair. It is, in most cases, a 5-minute, protein-packed product that can reconstruct and strengthen any fragile hair.

The system has gained a lot of popularity and positive reviews because of its ability to be a clarifying agent without stripping your scalp of its essential natural oils. Many users bank on this to rate it highly and render it a high-performance product.

Living Proof Timeless Mousse

When your hair follicles shrink as a result of the aging process, your scalp will produce finer, thinner, and less dense. This kind of foam can increase the diameter of every strand, and thus this makes you feel fuller from the root of your hair to the tip.

Nexxus New York Salon Care Youth Renewal Restoring Masque

This is a well-formulated hair mask that can make your hair look brighter and very smoother. It is made up of proteins and pearl extracts that can make your hair look a lot healthier and more luminous.

Kérastase Densifique Fondant Densité

This injectable product contains a compound called hyaluronic acid (a substance that is found in many fillers). It is, therefore, able to fill out and then strengthen your hair fibers and follicles. This makes your hair to begin growing within a short time.

L’Oréal Root Cover Up

It is useful in helping out in one of the signs of aging hair, which is the graying of hair. The cover-up can hide them within a very short time. It is manufactured and sold in red, blonde, and brunette hues and lasts for a very long time.

Bumble and Bumble Full Potential Hair Preserving Booster Spray

It acts as a bandage that is in liquid form and thus protects any strands of the hair from falling off, and this enables your hair to grow to its full length. It, in due course, takes care of the fragile ends of your hair from breaking off.

Anti-aging hair care tips

There are many things that you can do before your hair gets the signs of aging. They are simple hair care tips that you can follow. They are as follows:

  • Ensure that your diet is full of proteins while at the same time avoiding the intake of a lot of fat. What is more, take in a lot of water and take some supplements like vitamin C, E, B7, and B3. They help in the growth of your hair.
  • Apart from that, constantly trim your hair after every about 6 to 8 weeks. This is essential to ensure that your hair keeps growing. You could also explore with your hair specialist the best haircut that makes your hair look thicker.
  • Avoid the chemicals that are likely to compromise the health of your hair. They include the straightening, bleaching, and drying agents. These chemicals are only known to make your hair to be stiffer and dryer, thus making them break.
  • Ensure that you avoid the super-hot showers. These kinds of showers deny your hair of the basic and very important oils that are good for the health of your hair. Once you have showered, ensure that you rinse your hair with a lot of cool water.
  • Limit the use of mega-hold styling products. They contain very high levels of alcohol that makes your hair to become very dry and brittle. Instead, you could consider using natural products like aloe vera that are able to nourish your hair as you age.
  • Be gentle when you are washing your hair. This is because your hair is very fragile when it is wet. You should brush your hair before you take a shower when it finally dries and minimizes the combing afterward.

References and sources

  1. http://www.marieclaire.com/beauty/hair/a282/hair-aging/
  2. https://www.aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/hair-care/african-american-hair

10 Best Face Masks for Acne Scars

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10 Best Face Masks for Acne Scars

With proper care, acne scars and dark pimple spots can be prevented and erased. We took it upon ourselves to do the hard work to determine the very best face mask for acne, dark spots, and blackheads.

Top 10 anti-acne face masks

There are plenty of these products, some of which are high-end and expensive, while others are of good quality yet can be bought from the drugstore for cheap. Scroll below to read our reviews and check out our full list.

When your skin pores become clogged with dirt, sweat, and excess oil, you are likely going to get acne and pimple breakouts. Sometimes, these are triggered by hormonal changes during puberty or pregnancy and period in women.

Below, we have listed the best tried and tested anti-acne face masks (both commercial and homemade) that have been tried and tested for removing acne scars.

The big problem with pimples and acne zits is that they leave visible spots on your skin – something we all don’t like. The spots can turn red when fresh due to inflammation. They are sometimes black when the pimples finally die off.

You can count on masks to cleanse your pores and peel off the skin with blackheads and blemishes. The result is clear, radiant, and youthful skin.

The thing with the good products is that they are made with acne-fighting ingredients. While you can make them at home, the bottle ones are highly potent. You can jump to the best ingredients for clearing pimples here.

What is the difference?

Commercial masks work faster compared to the homemade ones. While you don’t expect to get overnight results, you can easily lighten dark spots within a few weeks of application.

For acne scars to go away completely, you first of all need to replenish your pores and prevent any future breakouts that may increase the number of dark spots on your face.

Acne treatments in a bottle are just what you need, but the problem is that there are so many in the market. You can hardly figure out which one will work for you and which one will not.

Here are the top-rated products that will not only prevent but also fade away black spots from pimples and acne zits.

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay

Pros:

  • It is deep cleansing and will open up pores to prevent further breakouts.
  • It works fast. Some reviewers saw pimples and dark spots disappearing within 2 weeks of use.
  • It is cheap. You can get it on Amazon for just $9.
  • The mask is 100% natural, with no additives.

Cons:

  • It can easily cause irritation and redness when used for long on a tender, sensitive skin.
  • You will need to use a moisturizer afterward since it dries out the skin.

Anyone with acne-prone skin should have Aztec and bentonite clay products. These are usually very good at cleansing pores, opening them up, and, more importantly, lightening and clearing dark spots.

The clay absorbs dirt, toxins, and excess oils and will prove very good for people with oily skins. It provides deep cleansing benefits for your skin, therefore leaving you with fewer blemishes and breakouts each time you use it.

According to Acne.org, “When applied on the skin, it tightens up your skin, creating a pressuring feel on your skin, which results in the circulation of blood. Generally, this creates a very calming and good sensation.”

The name can be misleading, so just forget it first. It is not a skin-bleaching and whitening product. The ingredients in the mask are exactly what you need to clear and get rid of blemishes on your skin.

It contains licorice root and kojic acid. These two can be found in anti-acne spot soaps and even creams that are known to fade the scars in record time.

Review rating

With all-natural bentonite clay ingredients, it is one of the best face masks for acne scars. As the label claims, it is the most powerful face mask.

However, we advise that you do a patch test fast before using it to prevent any possible irritation. If this is a problem, you can try out the mild Pure Body Naturals Purifying Dead Sea Mud Mask Facial Treatment.

Murad Clarifying Mask

Murad Acne Clarifying Mask

Pros:

  • It works by absorbing pore-clogging oil and dirt.
  • It will help regulate your oil production. If you have oily acne-prone skin, this product will help you reduce the shine.
  • Combines potent blemish treatments with moisturizer and pore-gunk removers.

Cons:

  • Can be a little bit uncomfortable if you leave it overnight.
  • May leave a little bit of smell on your skin for a couple of hours.

Murad’s mask is a highly rated product due to its effectiveness and results. Like the Indian clay one, it is made of natural muds and sulfur that help in treating acne and pimple breakouts.

This facial application works by drawing out dirt, excess oil, and other impurities to stop breakouts from forming.

Key ingredients: Salicylic acid and sulfur acne treatments; glycerin and allantoin for moisturizing your skin; kaolin clay for absorbing oil and buildup.

Review Rating

We noted that this clay feels smooth and makes the skin cool. You will notice a faint earthy smell when applying it on your face, but it is nothing overwhelming.

Although the price is a little higher than other drugstore anti-acne masks, it still works and delivers good results.

Clinique Acne Solutions Oil-Control Cleansing Mask

Clinique Acne Solutions Oil-Control Cleansing Mask

Pros:

  • It is an oil-free formulation.
  • Does not irritate the skin.
  • Hydrates the skin while cleansing it.
  • Can be used by people of all skin types.
  • The salicylic acid ingredient helps fade away dark spots on face from acne.
  • It is very easy to apply as it takes just 5 minutes of use for results.

Cons:

  • The salicylic acid concentration is very low in a basic clay pH. The ingredient may, therefore, not have an exfoliating effect, which means that it works at a slower rate. You may take longer to have the blemishes on your face cleared.

Like the other top-rated acne face masks above, Clinique’s product is clay-based. It helps heal blemishes that erupt due to acne and pimple breakouts.

What we like about this product is that for just about $25, you get a medicated formula that will not only unclog pores but also fade away black spots and remove black spots.

The good thing about this is that you do not need to use it overnight. Just applying the mask and leaving it on for 5 minutes only will give you great results – a clear, smoother skin.

Review rating

We found it perfect for preventing further breakouts. If you have oily skin, it will also help prevent shine and unclog your pores. It is, therefore, a great product for getting rid of blackheads and preventing acne hyperpigmentation.

Kate Somerville Eradikate Mask Foam-Activated Acne Treatment

Kate Somerville Eradikate Mask Foam-Activated Acne Treatment

Pros:

  • It soothes the skin, making it a good mask for people with irritated acne spots.
  • It prevents further breakouts. Consistent use will give your skin a clearer look over time.

Cons:

  • The product seems a little overpriced for what it can do.
  • The smell isn’t that great for a product that you apply on your face.

Although this is not a very popular blackhead removal product, it is touted as one of the best face masks for acne scars that are clinically tested and proven.

According to the manufacturer, “After just 1 week* of using this acne mask with Colloidal Sulfur, 88% of test subjects in a clinical study showed a reduced number of blackheads. *Results based on an independent Clinical Study”

Unlike Clinique’s formula, the foam acne treatment clears acne scars by exfoliating them, paving the way for new skin cells to grow and leave you with a clear complexion. The exfoliation also unclogs pores by removing dead skin cells, gunk, and oils, thus, preventing further breakouts.

Our review

The honey extract in the product seems to give it a boost in lightening dark spots from acne. Though it is made by a celebrity skin-care expert, it does not really work that fast. We would recommend it if you want to prevent further breakouts and blackheads on your face.

Burt’s Bees Natural Acne Solutions Pore Refining Scrub

Here are our reasons why it is the best face mask for acne scars with natural ingredients:

Pros:

  • Clinically tested and proven to exfoliate acne scars and improve the appearance of pores.
  • Does not dry up or irritate the skin.
  • It is made of 99 percent natural ingredients.
  • Works well to prevent future breakouts due to its deep cleansing power that opens up pores.
  • Specially designed for oily, acne-prone skins.
  • It is noncomedogenic.

Cons:

  • It has a creamy consistency with very few scrubbing particles.
  • May work slowly for very dark, deep acne scars.

With all-natural ingredients, Burt’s Bees’ formulation is a dermatologist-tested noncomedogenic acne treatment that promises the best results in fighting acne scars and dark blackhead pores. It is the manufacturer’s best anti-acne facial scrub, according to their website.

This product contains willow bark extract that is known to have naturally occurring beta hydroxy acids (BHA). BHA is a common ingredient in facial masks and exfoliators. It unclogs blocked pores to prevent breakouts and acne scars.

Sometimes oily skins can be a challenge. If a product goes wrong, the most likely consequence is usually more breakouts. We liked Burt’s Bees natural acne solutions because of its natural ingredients and effective results. It is worth a try, especially since it is fairly cheap.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Face Mask

The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Face Mask

Pros:

  • It leaves the skin feeling smooth, soothed, and calm.
  • The cleansing effect is deep and removes dirt and other impurities from the pores.
  • Tea tree oil fades acne scars, leaving you with a clearer-looking skin.
  • It is 100% vegan.

Cons:

  • It may not be good for hypersensitive skin. Tea tree oil can irritate, so it is important to test before applying it to your face.

Pimples and blackheads erupt on the skin due to bacterial activity that irritates the pores.

Tea tree oil is often used as a potent ingredient in most acne scar treatments because it has antibacterial properties that help kill bacteria and prevent further bumps.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Mask is a clay-based product that works well to heal acne-prone skin. It helps soothe the irritation on the bumps for a fresh feeling. The clay helps to absorb excess oil, gunk, and dirt from the pores to prevent further breakouts.

The product is suitable for blemish-prone skin and blackheads. It works with consistent use. However, you should not leave it overnight, as tea tree oil can easily irritate your skin.

Though it is an oil, it purifies the skin and leaves you with a mattified appearance.

Since it is a good drugstore facemask for getting rid of acne scars, we think you should try it as its content is interesting.

Neutrogena Blackhead Eliminating Cleanser Mask

Neutrogena Blackhead Eliminating Cleanser Mask

Pros:

  • It unclogs blocked pores to not only remove black spots but also prevent them for clearer skin.
  • It reduces oil. If you have oily skin, your blackhead problem is caused by dirt and excess oil blocking pores. This cleanser will solve it.
  • Exfoliates the skin to help fade away blemishes and visible marks from pimple breakouts.
  • The salicylic acid in the mask can help.

Cons:

  • It may not be good for hypersensitive skin. Tea tree oil can irritate, so it is important to test before applying it to your face.

Blackheads and dark spots give the skin blemishes. If you have them, this is one of the best face masks for blackhead removal and prevention.

According to the manufacturer, the cleanser is “formulated with Micro-Clear technology, a powerful technology, scientifically shown to boost delivery of maximum strength blackhead-fighting medicine to the source of breakouts.” [Neutrogena]

We liked this liquid because of its ability to eradicate blackheads without leaving the skin feeling dry with patches.

You can use it as a daily cleanser if you have acne-prone skin. However, if you are going to use it as a mask, limit your application to just two to three times a week. This will prevent any irritation and redness.

You can find the product on Amazon.

Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Daily Leave-On Mask

Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Daily Leave-On Mask

Pros:

  • The mask is clinically proven to reduce and shrink breakouts fast (within hours, according to the manufacturer).
  • It cleanses the pores deeply and can get rid of a persistent blackhead problem.
  • Prevents further breakouts.
  • Moisturizes the skin.
  • Formulated with 2.5 benzoyl peroxide, a common effective acne medication.
  • The benzoyl peroxide active ingredient in this formula fades away dark acne scars and spots.

Cons:

  • The product is not good for sensitive skin. An application will cause itchiness, irritation, and redness.
  • May bleach your towels and clothes.

This is the second product from Neutrogena in our list. We found it to be one of the top-rated anti-acne face masks due to its strength in preventing or killing blackheads before they even start to form.

If you experience redness due to acne irritation, this mask will help you relieve that.

To get rid of pimples and remove blackheads, you apply the mask on your face and leave it on. There’s no rinsing required.

If you have many dark spots and pimple scars, this product will help you fade them away faster than most other products on the market.

The only problem you may encounter with it is a little irritation, so we do not recommend it for people with sensitive skin. We also noted that too much use could cause a little discomfort, so just use once or twice a week instead of applying it daily.

Rating: 4.6/5 (for getting rid of pimple scars and dark spots on the face and preventing further breakouts)

Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask to Clear Pores

Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask to Clear Pores

Pros:

  • Clears pores within 7 days.
  • The product is safe for healthier skin because it does not have phthalates, sulfates, and parabens.
  • Unlike many products based on clay, this one has glycerin and myrtle water to keep the skin hydrated and well moisturized.
  • The porosity of the charcoal and clay combo in the product’s formula keeps pores clear, and ultimately, blemish-free.
  • It is suitable and works for all skin types.

Cons:

  • The product is not good for sensitive skin. An application will cause itchiness, irritation, and redness.
  • May bleach your towels and clothes.

There is an increasing number of beauty products with charcoal as an ingredient. Why? Because charcoal is a magnet for toxins.

This Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask from Origins is one of those with excellent performance when it comes to clearing blackheads and opening up pores.

The active charcoal works as a deep cleansing and purifying mask that cleans the skin and removes excess oil from the skin.

According to the manufacturer, the technology used to make the product – Clear Improvement – helps to “flush out environmental toxins, dirt, and debris that can clog pores and cause the skin to look dull—leaving the complexion clarified, refreshed, and healthier-looking.

Bamboo charcoal acts like a magnet to draw out deep-dwelling pore-cloggers, white China clay absorbs environmental toxins, and lecithin dissolves impurities.”

Our review found the product to give a solution for clogged pores, oily skin, and uneven texture that usually follows recurrent acne breakouts.

Yes To Tomatoes Clear Skin Detoxifying Charcoal Mud Mask

Pros:

  • It prevents breakouts and blackheads.
  • Detoxifies the skin and removes impurities for clear, young-looking skin.
  • The watermelon and aloe vera ingredients make it a highly hydrating mask compared to the other clay-based products.
  • Restores dry and damaged skin.
  • If your acne is irritated, this mask will soothe and calm it.
  • Hypoallergenic, so it will be gentle on your skin.

Cons:

  • Works slower on stubborn dark spots.
  • You need to use it for long to get rid of stubborn cystic acne.

Another charcoal and mud-based face mask for removing acne spots and scars. Formulated with 96% natural ingredients and without including parabens and silicones, it is suitable not only for acne-prone skin but all skin types.

It is made with salicylic acid, a blend of tomato, watermelon, chamomile extracts, aloe vera, and pumpkin. The result is a creamy face masking consistency that gives probably the best homemade spa-like experience.

Our product review

The mask is comfortable on the skin. It is also very easy to apply and remove. It actually works with consistent use, and for the drugstore price it has (under $10), it should be one of your best detoxifying charcoal mud masks for removing acne scars and dark spots.

While the above top 10 products can help you remove scars from pimples and zits, a natural routine of cleansing your face will help you get the best results. If your spots are too deep and stubborn, you could also try a good spot corrector cream to fade them away.

Other masks we thought are worth mentioning on our list are Blackhead and Acne Peel-off Mask and

Mario Badescu Whitening Mask. You can try them if you are looking for something that will work as an alternative to the ones above.

Important ingredients in anti-acne products that work

When it comes to a face product, there are so many things that you consider. Your skin type can easily determine what to buy and what not to try. Other than this important factor, here are the most effective ingredients known to get rid of acne and prevent scars and dark spots.

Honey

Honey is natural and has been used for centuries as a medicinal remedy. It is said to have many therapeutic benefits, even though there is little scientific research to support such benefits.

The reason for its application is that it works as a natural antibiotic and anti-inflammatory, the two common problems that occur with acne breakouts.

Most importantly, however, it has skin lightening capabilities, meaning that it can get rid of acne scars. Some people recommend that if you have deep scars and dark spots from pimples on your face, a mask with this ingredient will be ideal for you.

Kate Sommerville’s mask uses honey extract as one of its primary ingredients.

Charcoal

Charcoal based masks and face creams are some of the best when it comes to getting rid of blackheads and dark pores. The activated charcoal works like a magnet that attracts, binds, and draws out excess oil, dirt, and other impurities that cause breakouts.

If you have large pores that need shrinking, a good face mask with this ingredient will provide a good solution.

One of the best face masks for acne with charcoal and clays as the major ingredient is the Yes to Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Mud Mask. Using it weekly can really help improve the problem of acne-prone skin.

According to a board-certified dermatologist in Beverly Hills Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, the advantage of using charcoal masks is that they are less drying compared to other anti-acne ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide.

Best pick: BOSCIA Charcoal Pore Pudding Intensive Wash-Off Treatment

Benzoyl peroxide

To eliminate acne, most brands use ingredients that exfoliate the skin to get rid of dead skin cells and help unclog oil-blocked pores. Benzoyl peroxide (BP) is one such ingredient. The oxygen detoxifies pores and makes them release sebum buildup.

One of the major problems with benzoyl peroxide is that it can leave the skin feeling dry and blotchy. To remedy this problem, you should use plenty of moisturizers to keep your face hydrated and prevent further breakouts.

While BP is effective in shrinking acne spots, it can also be harsh to sensitive skin.

Even for the normal skin, you can feel a little uncomfortable if you leave the cleanser on your skin for long periods. It does, however, work in getting rid of pimples and acne bumps.

Best pick: Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Cleanser

Bentonite clay

Do you have oily, acne-prone skin? A good product that is highly likely going to eliminate your excess sebum and breakout problem should be based on bentonite clay. A good number of the creams we have reviewed above are based on some kind of mud, most of them, bentonite clay.

The clay is ultra-absorbent and swells when mixed with a liquid to make a sponge. When used as a face mask, it draws out bacteria, excess oil, sebum, and dirt to leave your pores cleansed. It, therefore, provides a solution for blackheads and all kinds of breakouts on the skin.

Best pick: Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay

Other benefits of bentonite mud include the following:

  • Detoxifies the skin for a healthier, younger look.
  • Softens the skin.
  • It will leave the skin glowing.
  • Fades away acne scars to improve their appearance.
  • It will leave your skin glowing.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it a good ingredient for people with sensitive skin. What makes it even better is its moisturizing and soothing effects. Why is it beneficial as an acne-fighting face mask?

Aloe contains hormones that are antibacterial called gibberellins and polysaccharides that are responsible for killing and even protecting the skin from inflammation and pimple-causing bacteria.

Other than that, it is rich in Vitamin E, a good ingredient that helps heal deep pitted acne scars.

The best way to use aloe vera extract for an acne problem is with other potent ingredients. Some face masks combine it with salicylic acid, clays, etc. to make the products more effective.

Best aloe acne face mask: Tosowoong Pure Aloe Mask Pack; Yes to Tomatoes Mud Mask.

Salicylic acid

According to the Wiley Online Library, topical use of salicylic acid produces mild to moderate activity to inflammatory lesions caused by acne vulgaris. It is an approved formula for treating acne in children.

The reason why it is used as a potent ingredient in top-rated anti-acne face masks is that it can break down the keratotic plugs (blackheads and dead skin cells that block pores), leaving the skin with open pores.

The anti-inflammatory capabilities also make it a good ingredient for people with inflamed acne bumps and zits.

  • The beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) works well for people with sebum plugs that cause acne.
  • It penetrates the skin deeply and dissolves the excess oil as well as the surface layer of the skin.
  • Creams, face washes and masks made using salicylic acid are good at clearing pores and drying up pimples.

Best salicylic acid face mask for acne: Indie Lee Clearing Mask; Murad Clarifying Mask

Sulfur

Sulfur is a common ingredient in over-the-counter treatment for acne as well as prescription medications. Topical application to mild pimples and acne breakouts makes them dry, shrink, and peel off.

This effect gets rid of acne scars and blackheads. The antibacterial effect of sulfur helps prevent infected zits due to bacterial activity in the pores.

If you have a skin that reacts to Retin-A creams and products based on benzoyl peroxide, sulfur is one of the best alternatives for you.

Although some sulfur-based creams can smell awful, today’s beauty products have an improved smell, and some of the best face masks for acne and blackheads using this ingredient do not smell that bad.

Best sulfur mask for acne: Dr. Dennis Gross Clarifying Colloidal Sulfur Mask

Tea tree oil

It might not make sense adding oil to the list when the problem is caused by it, yes? Tea tree oil is a natural ingredient with powerful antibacterial effects. Acne is usually caused by bacterial activity. Applying a mask containing this ingredient will definitely kill the microbes and prevent breakouts and dark spots.

According to a study by the department of dermatology at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW titled “A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne” both tea tree oil and BP were found to be equally effective in healing acne.

However, there were fewer side effects when tea tree oil was used compared to BP.

Best tea tree oil mask for acne scars: The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Clay Mask

Note: Tea tree oil products may cause redness, burning, and stinging on sensitive skin.

Blue tansy oil

Also known as Moroccan Tansy, this oil comes in a magnificent blue color with a sweet herby scent. But that is not all. It has both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect on the skin, making it a good ingredient in products for acne-prone skin.

Top-rated pick: Herbivore Blue Tansy AHA + BHA Resurfacing Clarity Mask

Best drugstore face mask for pimples and scars

Most of the products here are affordable, but others are priced way higher than what you want to get from your local drugstore. Here’s a list of our top 5 drugstore masks if you don’t want to make one at home or even get a high-end product.

  1. Blackhead and Acne Peel-off Mask
  2. Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay
  3. Burt’s Bees Natural Acne Solutions Pore Refining Scrub
  4. The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Face Mask
  5. Freeman Facial Charcoal & Black Sugar Polish Mask

The only problem we have been encountering with most drugstore anti-acne products is the quantity. Some come in small tubes that you can only use a few times. Acne treatments need to be used for a while to get the best results. You may not see an improvement in the appearance of dark spots if you use a spot correcting mask only three times. We recommend you try to get products that come in packs of two, like the last one on the list above.

And when you do not want to try a drugstore or high-end acne scar removal wash, mask or cream, you can make one for yourself at home. Below are some of the best homemade face masks for acne treatment and fading away dark spots on the face.

Best DIY face masks for removing acne scars and blackheads

best face mask for acne scars

Acne scars can be very stubborn and hard to remove. Some of them can last for years, even after the teenage years. This happens especially if you are always picking at the bumps when they are itchy. Since getting rid of pimple scars can take a long time, it requires patience and a lot of effort. You can persistently treat them with your own DIY face mask.

In that sense, here are our top 4 homemade face masks for acne scars and removing blackheads that lead to more pimple breakouts. Try these recipes.

Turmeric face mask for acne

Turmeric contains cumin, a compound that has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on the skin. It will prevent the excess production of melanin and help with the replacement of damaged skin cells with new ones for glowing skin. The antibacterial property also makes it effective in treating acne.

More importantly, turmeric powder can lighten dark spots that are left behind when an acne spot shrinks and dies. Here’s a recipe for making a turmeric face mask at home.

Turmeric + gram flour + honey recipe

  1. Put 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder into a bowl.
  2. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of gram flour.
  3. Mix the two and then add a little honey.
  4. Stir well to make a paste with good consistency.
  5. Spread the paste on your face, making sure the acne scars are well covered.
  6. Allow it to dry for and stay for a few more minutes.
  7. Rinse it off with lukewarm water.

After this remedy, apply enough moisturizer on your face to keep it well hydrated.

Honey face pack recipe

Honey is often mixed with other home remedies to make a recipe that gets rid of dark spots and treat acne spots. For this particular face pack, we will use it with milk.

Why honey and honey? Milk has skin lightening properties and will help keep your skin well hydrated and moisturized. Honey, on the other hand, is good for its skin potency in treating acne and lightening dark spots.

Procedure:

  1. Put 3 tablespoons of milk in a bowl.
  2. Add 3 tablespoons of honey.
  3. Stir well to mix these ingredients.
  4. Apply all over your face and allow it to stay for 15 minutes.
  5. Wash it off with lukewarm water.

Apply this homemade mask once every day to get quicker results.

Cinnamon + homemade honey mask

Cinnamon is a good anti-inflammatory agent. If you are suffering from itchy acne bumps, it will soothe them out and stop the itching. It is also antibacterial and will kill any bacteria in your pores. Most importantly, this ingredient exfoliates the skin, thus helping open up clogged pores.

Procedure: Mix cinnamon and honey together to get a fine mixture. Do this by adding honey slowly to the cinnamon powder as you stir to get a consistent thickness. Apply it on your face covering all the black acne scars. Leave it on for 15 minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water. Use the recipe daily for the best results.

Egg white + almond milk

Egg white is one of the best anti-aging home remedies. If you are looking to tighten your skin and banish fine lines and wrinkles fast, it is a treatment you can try at home. Other than that, you can mix it with almond water to make a DIY face mask for getting rid of acne scars permanently.

  • Egg white is an astringent and will control excess oil that causes acne eruptions. Almond milk moisturizes your skin.
  • This mask is, therefore, very nourishing for a dry, oily acne-prone skin.

What you need:

  • Two tablespoons of 100% natural almond milk.
  • Egg white from organic eggs
  • A tablespoon of lemon juice
  • Almond milk.

Recipe procedure:

  1. Put egg white from two eggs in a bowl.
  2. Add 2 tablespoons of natural almond milk.
  3. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
  4. Stir to mix all these ingredients well.
  5. Apply as a mask all over your face except for the area around your eyes.
  6. Leave it for 15 minutes and then wash it off using lukewarm water.

To clear dark spots and scars from acne, use this remedy twice a week until the stubborn marks are gone.

Apple cider vinegar + honey

Note, for this recipe, ensure that you use organic apple cider vinegar. It is the one that contains alpha hydroxyl acids that have the most benefits for your skin. The compound helps in removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores that lead to acne spots and blackheads.

Apple cider vinegar and acne are also both skin lightening agents and will help bleach dark spots on your face.

Ingredients: Green tea, brown sugar, honey, and apple cider vinegar.

Steps to follow:

  1. Put 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into a bowl.
  2. Add 2 tablespoons of green tea and sugar.
  3. Mix well.
  4. Add honey to the mixture as you stir to make a fine consistency.
  5. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it for 15 minutes
  6. Rinse it off with lukewarm water.

This homemade face mask for acne and blackheads can be used twice a week for the best long-lasting results.

References

Throwing Up After Eating: Causes and Treatment

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Throwing Up After Eating: Causes and Treatment

Throwing up or vomiting is the forceful expulsion of one’s stomach content through the mouth or nose.

Vomiting can either be accompanied by nausea or not. It’s a reaction accompanied by many causes. It’s an unpleasant experience, but it helps rid the upper digestive tract of irritants.

However, if it happens repeatedly, then there is a problem. This is because it affects the body’s nutrition and health. Sometimes, in extreme situations, it can lead to death, days after the vomiting episode.

Vomiting is an important mechanism since it helps protect the body. The body expels toxic substances that go through the digestive system through the mouth. This is done before the toxic waste gets into the bloodstream. The brain has a vomiting center that controls vomiting.

The brain sends strong impulses to the digestive tract through the nerves. The muscles located in the walls of the small intestine’s upperparts, the esophagus, and the stomach, contract coordinately to push content upwards into the mouth and out of it. This is referred to as antiperistalsis. This is because the process works in the opposite direction of the normal food movement while in the digestive tract.

Throwing up is a violent process as the contents of the digestive tract are forcefully expelled. When it becomes too strong, it can cause projectile vomiting.

Difference between vomiting and nausea

Nausea is the feeling of wanting to vomit. It comes before one vomits and can sometimes be felt even after vomiting. Its relief in most people is through vomiting.

Throwing up, on the other hand, may not always be preceded by nausea. The two are closely related however, since they originate from the brain.

Stimulation of the vomiting center can either be directly or indirectly through the CTZ (chemoreceptor trigger zone). This is a very sensitive zone that is triggered by substances like drugs or hormones in the bloodstream.

Nausea and throwing up can, therefore, happen even when one has not eaten or without having an irritant in the digestive tract. Underlying diseases from other organs may make one experience. They include kidney disease, liver disease, and brain injury.

Causes of vomiting after eating

Throwing up may be triggered by the following reasons:

  1. Eating some foods may worsen underlying disorders that cause throwing up and nausea.
  2. The digestive tract may be blocked, therefore preventing easy movement of food through it.
  3. Substances in the blood can trigger the vomit centers.
  4. The digestive process, food irritating, and an inflamed digestive tract.

Allergies and food intolerance

If every time you eat, you end up throwing up, you may have an allergy or intolerance. Intolerance can be caused by several factors, including:

  • Lack of an enzyme to digest a specific food fully.
  • Food additives sensitivity.
  • Irritable bowel syndrome.
  • Celiac disease. This is a chronic digestive condition triggered when one consumes gluten.

Lactose intolerance is an example of a food intolerance.

In the case of food allergies, consuming certain foods makes the gut trigger an immune response or allergic reaction. This is also caused by overeating, eating very oily foods, or unpalatable foods that trigger vomiting, even when the digestive tract has no problems.

Treatment

Food allergies require that you keep a diary to help you identify what foods trigger vomiting and stop eating them. For example, in the case of lactose intolerance, one should look for lactose-free milk. Anaphylaxis, which is life-threatening, is one of the risks when one has food allergies. The doctor should give you Epi-Pen or Auvi-Q to inject yourself with, in case of emergencies.

Food intolerance treatment will require the doctor to identify what the underlying condition is, and treat you for it. He will also recommend ways to help your body digest certain foods.

A blockage in the digestive tract

Throwing up after every meal can be due to a blocked digestive tract. The blockage impedes the movement of food through the gut despite contractions. This obstruction is caused when the gut narrows at a specific point. This narrowing can be caused by tumors and other growths, bowel twisting, or when bowel portions get trapped in a hernia. This obstruction can also cause constipation, flatulence, and diarrhea.

Treatment

  • This is a medical emergency, and one should seek medication immediately. Do not try to treat yourself with laxatives or enemas.
  • The doctor will use a flexible tube to remove gas and fluids. The tube is passed either through the mouth or nose. This helps to decompress the distended abdomen.
  • Surgery can also be done to clear the obstruction. The patient should have a preoperative operation to restore electrolytes and fluids before the operation. This helps prevent shock and dehydration.
  • After surgery, bowel resection may be done to rejoin the severed ends of the intestine.

Hormonal changes

Sometimes, vomiting after eating can be caused by hormonal changes in the body. Eating intensifies caused by hormonal changes leading to throwing up. These hormonal changes can occur during pregnancy leading to morning sickness, especially in the first months of pregnancy.

Some women experience the same when they use emergency contraceptive pills, also known as the morning-after pill or when experiencing severe periods.

Treatment

To treat morning sickness, pregnant mothers can avoid foods and smells that give them nausea, drink lots of fluids, eat dry crackers first thing in the morning and choose foods with high carbohydrates and protein.

Throwing up after eating caused by the morning after pill will require the lady in question to ask her doctor for a change of brand or type. The doctor can also prescribe an additional dose since vomiting means the dosage did not work effectively.

Women with severe premenstrual syndrome should eat smaller portions of food frequently to avoid fullness that leads to throwing up. Limit their intake of salty foods and avoid alcohol and caffeine.

Drugs and toxins

Vomiting after eating can be due to ingesting illicit drugs, alcohol, or poisons. These substances can trigger the vomit centers leading to vomiting. The substances are known to also irritate the digestive tract, which can lead to vomiting.

Treatment

Do not consume drugs and toxins.

Psychological conditions

Bulimia is one of these conditions where one purges after eating. Eating disorders can make the person even vomit without having to purge.

Other conditions include anxiety and shock. A strained psychological state of mind can trigger nausea or vomiting.

Treatment

Treat the underlying condition or offer therapy.

Food poisoning and gastroenteritis

One of the main causes of vomiting is food poisoning. This is mostly caused by infections caused by bacteria or viruses. Gastroenteritis occurs as an outbreak. It’s viral and can be passed from one person to the next.

Food poisoning occurs when one consumes contaminated water or food. The bacteria or virus in the food or water inflames the gastrointestinal tract through toxins or directly.

When vomiting occurs in gastroenteritis, it precedes diarrhea. One will vomit intensely for the first two days, then diarrhea starts.

Treatment of gastroenteric and food poisoning

Gastroenteric can get resolved without medication since treatment aims at reducing symptoms and preventing dehydration.

  • Drink a lot of fluids to replace lost electrolytes.
  • Sip water in small amounts even if the throwing up persists.
  • Start eating again gradually. You will find it easier to start with rice, toast, cereals, and bananas.
  • Avoid eating fatty, spicy, and sugary foods, caffeine, alcohol, or coffee since this will worsen gastroenteric symptoms.
  • To avoid getting dehydrated, use oral rehydration salts. This can be used by infants, adults over 65 years, children, and those with weak immunity.
  • The doctor can also prescribe drugs, including antidiarrheal medication or antiemetic medication.

Other conditions can make a person throw up after eating, including:

  • Gallbladder disease
  • Kidney failure
  • Liver failure
  • Pancreatitis
  • Diabetic ketoacidosis
  • A traumatic brain injury
  • Addison’s disease

Treatment will involve identifying the underlying condition and treating it.

References

Sunburn Itch (Hell’s Itch): Causes, Symptoms & How to Get Rid of It

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Sunburn Itch (Hell’s Itch): Causes, Symptoms & How to Get Rid of It

Symptoms of a sunburn itch

The symptoms of a sunburn itch are far more severe than that of a normal sunburn. Typically, hell’s itch appears 24-72 hours after sun exposure.

It commonly occurs on the back and shoulders, conceivably because the shoulders and the back are often exposed to the sun and also maybe do not get adequate sunscreen protection

Itchy or peeling skin after a sunburn is very common. However, the itchiness is far worse than anything you have ever felt before.

Victims of the hell’s itch describe it as an abysmal, pulsating pain that is extremely difficult to treat while others describe the pain claiming that it feels like fire ants crawling and biting the affected area.

Causes of the hell’s itch

Indubitably, the most obvious cause of a sunburn itch is the duration of time an individual is exposed to the sun.

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays leads to damaging of the outer layer of the skin, which is made up of countless numbers of nerve fibers that cause itchy skin after a sunburn.

The itchiness continues until the sunburn has completely healed, however, this is not to say that there are no home remedies or over the counter medications for relief.

Risk factors associated with hell’s itch    

Despite the knowledge of the cause that possibly contributes to hell’s itch, researchers are yet to identify the possible risk factors for skin damage related to sun exposure.

However, fairer skin people and those who hardly get exposed to sun, are more susceptible to the side effects of sunburns. Yes, everyone is susceptible to skin damage resulting from too much sun exposure but skin damage is more severe on fair skinned people.

For darker skin-toned people the damages are less severe due to the presence of melanin which blocks out the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays.

 Treatment for the sunburn itch

Treatments can be in the form of natural home remedies, or medical treatments. Here’s what you should try.

Use apple cider vinegar(ACV)

ACV contains weak acid that contains antiseptic properties. The acidity level present in ACV balances out the Ph. level of your skin as well elevates the healing process and alleviates skin itchiness.

Fill a spray can with some ACV, spray on a small area of the affected region in order to determine if you will experience any sort of allergic reaction, if you experience none whatsoever, you can continue spraying and allow it to drip-dry on your skin.

Alternatively, you can use a washcloth or cotton balls sprinkled with ACV and gently dab it on the affected area.

You can repeat this method as often as the itch re-occurs. 

Peppermint oil

Diluted peppermint oil provides a soothing cooling and calming effect. Use 10-12 drops or 5-6 drops per ounce-for children, expectant mothers and people with sensitive skin.

Apply on a small area of the affected region to determine any allergic reactions, if none, apply the oil to the whole affected area.

We highly recommend Peppermint Essential Oil from Pure Body Naturals (Check price on Amazon).

Witch hazelnut

Tannins present in witch hazelnut decrease sunburn itching. This a good alternative to using hydrocortisone cream.

Do a patch test for an allergic reaction before applying witch hazelnut cream to the affected areas or use a cotton ball dabbed in witch hazelnut water on the skin at least 6 times for itchiness relief.

Our favourite is CSM Organic Rose Water Witch Hazel Toner (Check price on Amazon)

Itch medication

  • Applying over the counter steroid creams such as hydrocortisone reduces inflammation and itchiness. Apply the cream at least 4 times a day for better results.
  • Antihistamines can also relieve itchy sensation, more so, because in some cases itchiness is a result of the body’s immune system releasing histamines as a protective mechanism. Antihistamines subdue the reactions and offer temporary relief of the itching sensation.
  • Alternatively, you can use topical anesthetics (creams, gels, ointments or aerosol sprays) to numb the skin, these work by blocking nerve signals in the body thus decreasing itchiness.
  • Hot showers

Very hot showers work perfectly to combat hell’s itch. Just make sure the water is as you can possibly stand and refrain from using soaps and scrubs-since the hot water dries out the skin.

When to see a doctor

If the itching worsens and causes sleep depravity or makes you unable to work you may need to consult your doctor in order to get a more aggressive treatment option.

These involve getting prescription only-available drugs to weaken your immune system. However, these medications can cause other very serious effects and hence should only be used in extremely severe cases only.

Prevention of the skin itch

  • Extreme caution, when exposed to the sun, is the best prevention method, especially for long durations. Always ensure that you wear sunscreen with a broad-spectrum SPF for maximum protection against UVA and UVB rays.
  • Cover up with the right clothing, sit under shades to prevent the direct exposure to sunlight.
  • Consider doing constant skin checks in addition to your health care, especially since continuous sun exposure leads to an increased risk of skin cancer.

Sources

https://www.healthline.com/health/what-spf-should-i-use

Vaginal Fissures: Causes, Symptoms, Heal & Prevent Labial Tears

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Vulvar or labial fissures are lacerations or tears that occur on the vaginal lips due to some reasons. In most cases, the primary cause is rough intercourse. It is, therefore, very common to find these in sexually active women.

If you experience pain, itchiness, and some kind of discomfort down there, it could also be a sign of recurrent yeast infections. The itching often leads to labial fissures and vulvar cuts, cracks, and tears. You should see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

What is a vaginal fissure?

A vaginal fissure, cut or tear, is a sore break or split in the thin, wet layer of the skin, also referred to as the mucous membrane of the vagina.

Vaginal abrasions or tears are very common, especially since the vagina is very sensitive to numerous factors.

Vulvar fissures can occur “on the inner or outer labia (vulva), on the perineum, around the clitoris or clitoral hood: which form the internal and external parts of the vagina.”

The skin in the vagina is very fragile and delicate; hence it is highly susceptible to splits and tears, which fortunately heal quickly without any treatment or leaving scars.

Symptoms of vaginal fissures

while vaginal fissures (both internal and external such as perineum fissures or vulvar fissures) are a severe threat to your general health, women who suffer from vaginal fissures complain of

  • Pain or discomfort
  • Stinging, burning sensation during urination, menstruation, or when the area comes into contact with soap, douche, or even semen.
  • Painful sex, also known as dyspareunia.
  • Bleeding or spotting from the fissures
  • Pain when inserting tampons

However, many vaginal fissures are capable of healing without any intervention. It is vital to visit your gynecologist to determine the underlying cause of the fissure and be given the proper treatment for the problem.

Types and causes of labial fissures

  1. Mild fissures

These are simple tears or splits in the vagina usually caused by

These types of splits or cuts usually heal without any treatment.

  1. Mystery fissures

These types of splits appear randomly for a short or long period. The causes of mystery vaginal fissures are usually associated with;

  • Fungal or yeast infections.
  • Sexually transmitted diseases.
  • Nutrient deficiencies.
  • Genital psoriasis.
  1. Severely deep vaginal fissure

Severely deep vaginal splits or breaks are a result of

  • sexual abuse or assault: a history of sexual assault causes sexual trauma, which inhibits the abused from enjoying sexual foreplay, therefore, making it difficult for them to become sexually aroused. Sexual arousal causes the vagina to release fluids for lubrication before penetration.

Other causes include:

  • Menopause: during this stage of life, the level of estrogen, which is the female sex hormone, gradually reduces: the decline of hormonal stimulation results in vaginal dryness.
  • Foreplay: an adequate amount of foreplay before intercourse is vital as it results in the release of vaginal fluids. Lack of enough foreplay limits the production of vaginal fluids leading to vaginal dryness.

Treatment

Depending on the depth of the tear, mild fissures heal on their own within a period span of 7 days or less. However, the split or break the longer it will take before the vaginal fissure heals.

In cases where the symptoms of vaginal fissure or abrasions are too severe, it is advisable to consult a health physician to get the best treatment. Depending on the diagnosis, the doctor can provide treatment to curb the infection.

Home remedies

Normally, vaginal fissures tend to heal on their own without any medical intervention. However, some home remedies can be used to soothe the affected area

Coconut oil soothes and hastens the healing process of vaginal fissures

  1. Coconut oil

Applying coconut oil to the affected region soothes and hastens the healing process of vaginal fissures and abrasions as well as minimize pain and any agitation.

  1. Yogurt

Yogurt and other dairy products contain friendly active bacteria known as lactobacillus, which is responsible for preventing and fighting off future infections. This is especially vital for people who have been on antibiotics.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle and a change of diet is also important to reduce consumption of foods with high contents of yeast like wine and beer: which increase the susceptibility of yeast infections

which causes vaginal fissures.

  1. Sitz baths

Adding diluted hydrogen peroxide to some water works as an antiseptic and hastens the healing process. However, in case you want to use this method and include other herbal cures consult your doctor to determine whether it’s safe.

You can also install a home sitz bath on your toilet:

How can you heal vaginal tears quickly?

  1. Use hypoallergenic soap-avoiding any product that could potentially exacerbate the irritation should be avoided: and while washing concentrate on the outer labial folds completely avoiding the vaginal opening.
  2. Avoid sex– stay away from sex until the vaginal fissures are completely healed to avoid reopening the wounds and delaying the healing process.
  3. Avoid anything that may irritate the vagina– any vaginal device such as tampons, condoms, nuva rings, and diaphragms should completely be avoided to prevent further irritation of the area. Lotions, creams, and tight undergarments should completely be avoided as well.
  4. Avoid douching– douching your vagina will only affect the natural balance of bacteria that is responsible for protecting the vaginal mucous membrane as well as maintain the required vaginal pH level.
  5. Eat a healthy diet– eating a balanced diet is very vital to expedite the healing process. Foods rich in protein (bodybuilding), zinc, and vitamin c (rich in collagen) are the best during the healing process.
  6. Avoid tight synthetic undergarments– undergarments made of natural fiber are best since they allow you to ‘breathe’ to prevent vaginal fissures and abrasions.
  7. Avoid staying in wet clothes– wearing wet clothes, especially after swimming, increases the moisture in the vaginal area, which increases the chances of vaginal infections.

How to prevent labial fissures

Can labial fissures and tears be prevented? Absolutely yes! In most circumstances, vaginal fissures result from vaginal dryness. Therefore, increasing wetness in this area will prevent future vaginal fissures,

  • Increase foreplay– more foreplay and vaginal stimulation ensure that the vagina naturally lubricates itself before intercourse, thus minimizing the risks of vaginal fissures.
  • Use of lubricants– commercial lubes are also effective when dealing with vaginal dryness. However, it is advisable to use water-based lubricants such as Astroglide as compared to oil-based lubricants e.g., petroleum jelly, since increasing the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy, since they damage condoms.

When should you see a doctor?

It is vital to consult a doctor if your vaginal fissures are not healing, are bleeding, if you are concerned that they may be infected, have unusual discharge, and are severely painful.

Sources

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