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Got Winter Itch?

November 28, 2010 in Beauty & Skin

The cold season wreaks havoc on the delicate skin of eczema sufferers. Learn how to weather the symptoms of a common skin condition that affects over 20 percent of the world’s population.

Consider yourself lucky if you don’t have eczema, which is an unrelenting skin problem that causes intense itching and unattractive discoloration. Although this pesky rash may disappear without a trace, eczema tends to reoccur, leaving sufferers puzzled as to what caused its comeback. One would think that a rash could not be that difficult to treat – slap on a cream and voila! But eczema is a force to be reckoned with, making it a real stickler to get rid of.

Cold weather is no friend to eczema. The dry air and low humidity of winter strips the moisture from the skin, which is the last thing a person with eczema needs. It is extremely important to moisturize at least once a day to rehydrate the skin, since eczema thrives on dryness. Other tips to keep eczema under control are to avoid wearing wool clothing, which can irritate the skin – stick to cotton garb to warm yourself up on those cold days – avoid using hot water for bathing and hand washing because of its drying effect and apply cream after showering on slightly wet skin to help lock in moisture.

Although eczema can rear its itchy face for no reason, there are other factors (aside from the climate) which can trigger or worsen this condition. Allergies, soaps, perfumes, infections, hormones, food sensitivities, and clothing detergents may be to blame. Although no easy feat, identifying the root cause of eczema is vital to fighting it. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can also play a big role in eczema. Vitamin A, C, E and B, along with essential fatty acids and zinc, are crucial for healthy skin. Omega-3 rich fish oils may reduce flare-ups due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Some health advocates even claim that following an “anti-eczema diet” full of these nutrients is an effective remedy, suggesting that treatment starts from the inside out, and is not as simple as applying a cream.

While it is true that eczema should be dealt with internally, prescribed topical creams, such as hydrocortisone, are extremely helpful in stopping the itching. However, these creams are not without side effects, especially over time. Having a cream that improves symptoms with fewer side effects is greatly welcomed. According to the British Journal of Dermatology, applying a topical cream containing vitamin b12 significantly improves eczema, and may be a safer alternative to current therapies.

Many eczema patients are struggling to find a lasting solution to soothe their inflamed skin, since most prescribed medications should be applied as little as possible and for the shortest amount of time. Having the comfort of slathering on a cream that will calm down the itching is a ‘dream come true’ for those battling eczema. Whether vitamin B12 creams fit the bill remains to be seen as studies are limited, but it may be worth a try. In the meantime, don’t let the cold temperatures bog your skin down by remembering to keep the largest organ in your body always moisturized, avoid triggers and adhere to a nutrient-dense healthy food plan.

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The Forever Young Pill?

October 30, 2010 in Beauty & Skin, General Health & Wellness

The anti-aging industry is scattering to find that secret formula that will help preserve youthfulness, but does the ‘fountain of youth’ DHEA supplement live up to its hype?

 

Aging may be inevitable, but how fast we grow old may be more in our hands. The “you look good for your age” compliment attests to the fact that taking care of yourself helps keep the body looking and operating at its finest. But your DNA blueprint is also important – if your parents or grandparents lived to a ripe old age, you have a better shot, provided you don’t abuse your body.

There is no doubt that genes and environment are essential players in the aging process, but how do we age? There are many aging theories ranging from the free-radical theory which hypothesizes that aging happens when free-radicals destroy healthy cells to hormonal ones which claim that a decline in various hormones causes the body not to perform in tip-top shape.

DHEA is one such hormone that diminishes with age, so proponents of DHEA assert that replenishing this youth exuberant hormone will reverse bodily aging by increasing muscle mass, increasing bone mass, boosting vitality and more. It sounds good in theory, but does it actually work? A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed no convincing evidence that DHEA is an effective anti-aging supplement, so people are strongly urged not to use these pills for this purpose. Furthermore, long-term adverse affects of DHEA are unknown. Since DHEA is converted to estrogen in the body, there is a concern that it can increase the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast cancer, especially at higher doses.

 

Even though DHEA supplements have been debunked as an anti-aging remedy, new products are on the horizon as the search for eternal youth will never cease to continue. Until the scientific world succeeds in discovering that super pill which will ‘turn back the clock’, your best weapon against aging is healthy living and preventative care, so here are some tips to help you age gracefully:

  • Be health vigilant – we are lucky that we live in a time of state-of-the art biomedical technologies that will help detect diseases early, so don’t forget your pap-smear, mammograms, and blood tests.
  • Do not light up (ever notice the leathery complexion of some heavy smokers?).
  • Avoid excess sun exposure and wear sunscreen even in the winter (the sun is a potent skin ager!).
  • Work your muscles – including your brain – by participating in sports, hobbies, social events and mentally challenging activities.
  • Avoid high-glycemic foods because oxidative stress (production of free radicals) can be controlled by stabilizing blood sugar. Sticking with nutrient dense food rich in anti-oxidants, healthy fats, and lean proteins is your best anti-aging diet strategy.
  • Boost growth hormone (also declines as we age) naturally by doing surge-style resistance training daily and getting your eight hours of sleep each night.
  • Learn how to deal with ongoing stress in a positive way as chronic stressors will eventually take a toll on your body, whether it is now or later.
  • If you do have a chronic disease, such as diabetes, keep it under control by adhering to your medications, sticking to your doctor appointments and making positive lifestyle choices.

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The Mane Attraction

July 25, 2010 in Beauty & Skin

What vitamins are good for strong, healthy hair?

Everybody wants a gorgeous mane of hair like those women on shampoo commercials bouncing around with their thick, shiny tresses. Is it what you apply on your hair that makes for a healthy looking head of hair? The answer is: Probably not.  Although, it does not hurt to use good products, beautiful locks are a combination of some great genes, healthy nutrition and minimal stress. These vitamins and minerals play a major role in keeping your hair looking its best.

Beta-carotene

Beta-carotene, precursor to Vitamin A, helps maintain natural oils in the scalp. Vitamin A deficiencies create dry brittle hair. Overdoses cause hair loss. Liver, eggs, orange-colored fruits and vegetables are good sources.

Calcium + Magnesium

Calcium and Magnesium work together by fostering hair growth. Eating too much sugary and processed food creates a calcium and magnesium imbalance which contributes to hair loss. Substitute junk food for natural foods high in calcium (dairy and leafy greens) and magnesium (whole grains, nuts and fish).

Iron + Vitamin C

Iron prevents anemia induced hair loss (one of the most common symptoms of anemia is hair loss). Iron can be found in meat products, eggs and dried fruits. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that not only improves the absorption of iron, but also is essential in collagen production which holds the hair tissues together. A Vitamin C deficiency causes hair breakage and splitting. Eat lots of citrus fruits, kiwis, strawberries, tomatoes, and green peppers, and you will never be low in this nutrient.

B-complex Vitamins

Biotin, also called Vitamin B7, produces keratin which is a protein found in hair. Dubbed the “hair growth vitamin,” it can help combat hair loss. Liver, nuts, beans, egg yolks and cauliflower are excellent sources. The rest of the B vitamins should not be forgotten as every single one is essential for healthy hair. This is why supplements promoted to strengthen hair often contain a myriad of B vitamins, also called B complex. Vegetarians are typically low in Vitamin B12, since meat is the main source.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E helps increase blood circulation to the scalp area, which means the hair gets more nourishment. Good sources include vegetable oils, dark leafy greens and nuts.

Silicon

Silicon is also known as the beauty mineral. It maintains the luster in our hair, elasticity in our skin and strength in our nails. Less silicon equals dull hair, wrinkled skin and brittle nails. As we age, we cannot help but lose collagen, which is mainly made up of silicon. The foods highest in silicon include oat cereals, whole grains and rice. Many supplements use horsetail because it is a very rich source of silicon.

Zinc

Zinc deficiency causes dry scalp and hair. Taking too much zinc, however, can cause hair loss because it hinders the absorption of other important minerals essential for hair growth such as copper, manganese, magnesium and iron. Take it easy with the zinc if you take it for colds, and don’t overdo it. Rich sources of zinc include spinach, whole grains, red meat and mushrooms.

You may not get Rapunzel-looking hair with supplements, but you can certainly add some vibrancy to your mane especially if you lack certain vitamins and minerals in your diet because of poor nutrition. Beware not to take too much, thinking it will speed up hair growth or thicken it up because you may end up with the opposite effect – hair loss. Great hair starts from the inside-out so get plenty of exercise, minimize stress and eat well.

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Adult Break-outs: Puberty again?

March 15, 2010 in Beauty & Skin

“It is no laughing matter getting approached by someone asking, ‘Aren’t you too old for breakouts’?”  Maha (36), a mama of three, admits.  “I am afraid to go out in public, get anxious in social gatherings, avoid mirrors at all costs and must wear a ton of make-up which leaves me looking like a clown.  Even my five-year-old tells me that I look ugly with all those dots on my face.”  Frustratingly, Maha eagerly divulges, “I never had a single pimple growing up, even during my teenage years”!  Clearly, Maha suffers from the emotional ramifications of acne which, not only lower self-esteem, but can also lead to social withdrawal, anxiety and even depression.

Differences between adult and teenage acne

Did you know that men and women are equally afflicted with acne during the teenage years, but women have twice the risk of men in adulthood?  Acne in adults may be either persistent acne which is childhood acne that never went away or late-onset acne that appears for the first time.  Late-onset is less common, while persistent acne makes up 70 to 80 per cent of acne sufferers.  The majority of acne in adults is focused on the lower portions of the face, around the chin, mouth and jaw line while acne in adolescence includes broader areas of the face.  Adult acne may be more challenging to treat, which is not surprising, given the fact that adult skin is more sensitive, less elastic and heals slower than teenage skin.  Unlike juvenile acne, which tends to be oily, adults typically have dehydrated skin which is more problematic for adults since acne medications are notorious for producing side effects of irritation and dryness.  The already moisture deficient adult skin cannot afford to get even drier.  There is also a misconception that teenagers only get acne; therefore, adults may be more embarrassed to seek treatment.  Acne can be socially crippling for any individual – man or woman, adult or teen.  However, unlike a woman, a man does not have the luxury of covering up his acne with make-up.  There is also a perception that adults generally accept acne as being a part of life whereas teenagers, with their vulnerable egos, may be more traumatized by acne than adults.  This is not always the case as research shows that adults with acne scars lacked self confidence, avoided eye contact, tended to be reserved, tried to conceal their face by hair styling and usually kept their head down.

The origin of a pimple

The starting point of the formation of a pimple is hormones.  Androgens, like testosterone, stimulate the glands in the skin to produce oil.   A blocked pore is caused by too much oil and the accumulation of skin cells that cannot be shed off.  This blockage is a breeding ground for Propionibacterium acnes bacteria naturally found in the skin, which results in the release of irritating skin chemicals.  Our immune system then comes to the rescue to help us fight off the bacteria; this inflammatory reaction is what creates the unattractive redness, swelling and pus, then voila`, a pimple is born!

6 Do’s of Skin Care

  1. Always moisture as adult skin tends to be on the dry side.
  2. Wash the face twice a day to remove excess oils with mild facial cleansers.
  3. Wear an oil-free minimum SPF 30 sunscreen even in the winter to reduce skin scars.
  4. Follow a low-fat, high fiber diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables.
  5. Use oil-free products.
  6. Reduce stress, stay hydrated, exercise and get regular sleep.

6 Don’ts of Skin Care

  1. Vigorously scrub your skin which will aggravate acne.
  2. Pick or squeeze pimples.
  3. Rest your chin or cheek in your hands.
  4. Wear make-up if you really do not have to.
  5. Eat foods that you know trigger your acne.
  6. Get lazy with your skin; keep up good skin care.

Acne medications

There are different formulations of products: creams, gels, solutions and lotions.  Creams are usually used for sensitive and dry skin because they tend to be less irritating and less drying. Gels are used for oily skin since they have a better drying effect but may cause more burning and irritation.  Solutions help oily skin and are mainly used with antibiotic skin products.  Lotions can be used for dry and oily skin and their advantage is that they can be easily spread in larger areas of the body if needed for back, chest and neck acne.   

Mild to moderate acne: benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and alpha-hydroxy acids (lactic acid and glycolic acid).

  • Start with lower strengths then move up if you do not see improvements within several weeks.
  • May take 2-3 weeks to see any benefits.
  • Causes mild dryness and irritation (use an oil-free moisturizer).
  • Can bleach clothing so make sure your skin is dry before touching any cloth.

When all else fails …

Visit a dermatologist.  Sometimes, none of the above treatments will be effective and stronger medications are needed.  Since adult-onset acne may not always respond to the typical acne products, it might be wise to see a skin specialist who specializes in skin care and hormones.

Stronger topical products: tretinoin (Retin-A), adapalene (Differen) and azelaic acid (Azelex).

  • Sunscreen is a must since these medications increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. 
  • Applying too much will surely cause flaky, scaly, dry lizard-looking skin; more does not work faster and a small amount goes a long way.
  • Do not give up on the medicine because you think it is not working; you need at least 3 months to see results.
  • Avoid the eye and lip area and the creases near the nose because those are sensitive areas and are more prone to drying and peeling effects of the medications. 
  • Stay away from direct sunlight and avoid sun-tanning during use of these medications.
  • Apply at night before bed, not in the morning.
  • Make sure to wait till your face is completely dry before applying.
  • If you have to remove unwanted facial hair, especially of the lip area, use caution since waxing can easily peel off skin leaving a sore mark for several days; threading and tweezing are preferred when using these products. 
  • Burning, irritation, redness and stinging are common side effects.
  • If too much dryness occurs in the beginning of use, it is okay to use every other day or every third day then slowly increase usage to daily.

Antibiotics:  clindamycin and erythromycin topical solutions are applied on the skin.  Oral antibiotics such as tetracycline, minocycline and erythromycin may also be used but only under a physician’s supervision.   Side effects may include rashes, diarrhea, stomach upset, yeast infections, bacterial imbalances and sun sensitivity.  Oral antibiotics must be used for months to clear up acne and if you are using birth control pills to prevent pregnancy, you must use an extra form of contraception during antibiotic use to avoid pregnancy; antibiotics make birth control medications less effective, so you might find yourself with an unplanned positive pregnancy test if you do not use a second reliable back-up method to prevent pregnancy while taking antibiotics.

Hormonal treatment: women who do not respond to medicated skin products and antibiotics may benefit from oral contraceptive pills to balance out the hormones, since many with hormonal acne break out around their periods.  Mild side effects which go away with time may be breast tenderness, bloating and nausea.  Anti-androgens may also be prescribed by a specialist, lowering androgens in the body thus producing less acne outbreaks.  However, blood tests are required before treating acne with any hormonal medications, so be sure to consult with a specialist.

Severe acne: Oral high doses of Vitamin A, such as isotretinoin (Accutane), can be used for severe acne with lots of scarring.  This is a potent medicine and used as a last resort.  It is absolutely critical for women not to get pregnant while taking this medication because there is an extremely high risk for severe birth defects.  Before treatment, women of childbearing age must have two negative pregnancy tests.  Females must be on two separate forms of effective birth control from one month prior to use, during use and for one month after discontinuing use.  Since it is unknown whether a man taking isotretinoin can cause birth defects, it is advised not to impregnate a woman.  In addition, anybody taking this medication should be carefully monitored and get periodic blood tests.

It is normal to feel frustrated because you feel like you are going through puberty all over again.  Do not expect results overnight.  Acne treatments take months to work, not days.  Your skin may look even worse for the first few weeks before seeing improvement as blemishes under the skin start coming out.  Sometimes, you might have to use multiple treatments before finding the right one.  Do not just keep waiting for the acne to clear up on its own, especially if you have been suffering with it for a long time; take the extra time and visit a dermatologist because you might be just one step closer to clearer skin.

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Still Breaking Out?

February 10, 2010 in Beauty & Skin

Have you ever looked in the mirror and uttered these words under your breath, “Why am I still breaking out?”  Did you wonder why, even in your adult years, you still have to put up with acne?  The idea that acne should be a teenage problem can leave adults frustrated not knowing what is causing the break-outs.

Here are 14 things you should know to help you identify the causes of your flare-ups and ways to prevent them:

1. Hormones

Androgens, like testosterone, are male hormones (present in women too), which can cause acne.  Women undergo sharp hormonal changes more often than men, so women are twice as likely as men to be afflicted with acne during adulthood.  Given this fact, it is no wonder why acne can strike anytime in a woman’s life – during puberty, ovulation, menstruation, pregnancy, menopause  and even after menopause.  Therefore, it should be of no surprise that, in a survey conducted by Z.El-Akawi, N. Abdel-Latif, K. Abdul-Razzak and M. Al-Aboosi on Jordanian females, 98 per cent believed their menstrual cycles worsened their acne.

Female acne can also be a symptom of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) which is a disorder caused by hormonal imbalances; however, such women are usually overweight, have fertility issues, do not have regular periods and grow excess hair in unwanted areas, such as the upper lip, chin and chest.  In addition, some women who have thyroid problems may also have trouble with acne.

2. Smoking

Recent studies have discovered a phenomenon labeled as ‘smoker’s acne’.  This type of acne is non-inflammatory: bumps with no swelling or redness as opposed to inflammatory acne, when the spots are red, pus-like and swollen.  Research shows that for people who had acne as teens, the probability of suffering from adult acne is four times higher in smokers than non-smokers.   According to a British Journal of Dermatology, a study of women aged 25 to 50 found that 42 per cent of smokers had acne compared to only 10 per cent of non-smokers.   It is a good idea to kick the habit, not only for health reasons, but also for the reason that smoking has long been associated with premature ageing of the skin, wrinkles and a bad complexion.

3. Skin products

Sometimes the products you apply on your face can trigger break-outs, so pay close attention to your cosmetics, shaving creams, cleansers, moisturizers and make-up.  Steer away from products with an oil base, which can block pores resulting in acne.  Surprisingly, only 30 per cent of the women questioned in the Jordanian study believed that cosmetics worsened their acne.  Allow your skin to breathe and only put oil-free products on your skin.

4. Medication

Some medications can cause acne break-outs.  These include medication used for seizures, steroids   DHEA supplements (marketed as the extremely controversial anti-aging pill that causes serious side effects and has not been proven to work), hormone therapy and certain birth control treatments can cause or worsen acne. Again, speak to your doctor before discontinuing any medication.

5. Food

The link between certain foods and acne remains to be controversial.  If you notice something you eat causes you to break out in pimples, avoid that particular food.  There is no guarantee that it will cure your acne, but it is worth a try.  The following foods may be related to acne:

Nuts. Although nuts are healthy they can provoke acne in some individuals.

Dairy. Recent studies have shown that milk and dairy products may trigger acne.  It is not recommended to stop dairy as a means to improve your skin until more studies are conducted.   Calcium is abundant in dairy products and is crucial for osteoporosis prevention.  If your dairy intake is low, make sure to take dietary supplements to keep your bones strong.

Chocolate. Some people get spots when they eat chocolate; however, it is not proven that chocolate causes acne and some claims have gone as far as saying ‘a bar a day keeps the spots away’ suggesting that chocolate can even cure acne!

High glycemic foods. There is some evidence that foods with high-glycemic indices (sugared drinks, sweets, white bread and carbohydrate-rich foods) produce a quick spike in blood sugar, which may aggravate acne.  Although debate still exists in the scientific community around the notion that greasy and fatty foods worsen acne, many believe that it is definitely a contributor.  It has also been proposed that switching to a plant-based, low-fat, high-fiber diet can reduce acne flare-ups since vegetables and fruits are natural anti-oxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties.  Eating more fish may also pave the way for clearer skin as fish is rich in omega 3-oils, which is known to reduce inflammation.

Acne fighting foods: Essential fatty acids (flax seeds, fish), vitamin A (carrots, green leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes), zinc (whole grains, spinach), vitamin E (green leafy vegetables), Vitamin C (citrus fruits, green peppers) vitamin B complex (brown rice, bananas), chromium (whole wheat breads, broccoli) and selenium (fish, lean meat, garlic, barley) are a sample list of foods that are rich in acne suppressing vitamins and minerals.  It is best to get these nutrients by eating enriched foods; do not take supplements without consulting a medical professional as overdosing can occur.

6. Constipation

Constipation can trigger acne by keeping toxins in your body.  Eating a diet rich in fiber, drinking water and maintaining an active lifestyle will help prevent constipation and may be just what you need to clear up your skin.

9. Stress

Stress-induced acne has been a highly debated topic and, recently, numerous studies have proven that stress does, in fact, worsen acne.  Stress causes acne by lowering our immune system’s ability to heal and activating acne promoting hormones.  

8. Genes

Your genes may control your skin type.  Adults with oilier skin are more prone to acne break-outs; also if acne runs in your family, chances are you will develop acne in your adult years.  People who have the ‘perfect-skin gene’ should really know how lucky they are. 

9. Climate

Does the weather affect acne? It is not hard to believe that hot, humid weather may cause acne due to excess sweating; however, sweating alone does not clog pores, rather the mix of sweat with exposure to oils and polluted air  provides a better environment for acne to erupt.  It is also important not to use the sun to dry out your acne as over-exposure will prematurely age the skin, darkens spots and may flare up acne, let alone the cancerous effects of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.  How about the cold weather? Cold weather can dry out the skin, shrinking and clogging the pores.  It is essential to moisturize the skin to help keep acne from worsening.

10.  Pressure and Friction

Adult acne can be caused by certain types of constant physical pressure to the skin, such as tucking a phone under the chin, or the friction from the straps of a backpack or purse. Tight clothing and undergarments, such as tight bra straps, and even excessive phone use can contribute to acne.

11. Dehydration

Not only does too much sun exposure and cold weather worsen acne by drying out the skin, but dehydration from lack of fluid intake can also cause break-outs.  Hydrating the skin by hydrating the inside of your body will help prevent clogging of pores.  Any caffeinated drinks, such as soda, tea and coffee, are dehydrating because they have diuretic properties (increase urination) so limit their intake.  Water is the best fluid for your skin.

12. Dirt

Clogged pores cause acne.  Acne strikes when bacteria, excess oils and clogged pores are present.  Although dirt itself does not cause acne, it is essential to maintain a daily hygienic skin regimen in order to remove dead cells, dirt and excess oils to prevent blockage of pores.  Avoid touching your face because your fingers have oils that can exacerbate acne.  Dirty, oily hair touching your skin can also clog pores.

13. Exercise

There is strong evidence suggesting that exercise may clear up skin by lowering stress levels.  Sweating is a normal bodily function and does not directly cause acne; nonetheless, it is still recommended to pull your hair away from your face during exercise to avoid oils from your hair touching your face and wash away or dry sweat when you finish working out.

14. Sleep

Not getting enough sleep increases stress, which can lead to acne.

Sometimes, more than one factor may be causing your acne and it is not always easy to figure it out.   Achieving clear skin may be as simple as switching your facial cream to a complex problem that requires a specialist.  You might be surprised that just by lowering your stress levels, your complexion might improve.  Remember, in any case, that beauty is more than skin deep!


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Interested to lighten dark spots?

January 5, 2010 in Beauty & Skin

Many people on my blog are asking me how they could lighten their dark spots.  Unfortunately, many whitening creams on the market are not safe because they contain hydroquinone and are therefore not recommended (some countries even banned this ingredient from being used in cosmetics).  Dermatology centers may be your only solution such as laser, chemical peels , microdermabrasion, etc.

Remember that once spots come, they are hard to get rid of so avoid getting them by keeping your acne under control using anti-acne products.  Also, it is crucial to use an oil-free sunscreen during the day to protect your face from the sun (even when it is cloudy) when going outside because the sun darkens the spots.

As far as medicine goes to lighten spots … whomever invents one that actually works and is safe will be very rich!

Retin-A is good for lightening spots but only for those people who also break out and have acne and you should consult a dermatologist to see if you are a candidate.  You must receive instructions on how to use it, what to use with it and potential side effects (check with me if your dermatologist prescribes this).

Although no definite research has proven natural methods to work, some people have claimed the following has reduced the appearance of their scars.

1. Natural remedies include the use of vitamin C that has bleaching abilities. You can try this at home by dicing onions and squeezing the juice from them. Mix the solution with some lemon juice and apply it to the areas you want to bleach.

2. Cucumber juice is also helpful in lessening acne scars. Apply the juice on face and leave it for 15 minutes. Wash it off with warm water.

3. Rub a tomato (cut into half) on your face and leave it for 10 – 15 minutes. Wash it with warm water.

4. There are two ways to apply potato juice to the skin. One can simply cut the potato in half and rub the interior against the skin for half a minute. Allow the juice to dry before washing it off with warm water. Another method which works well for pimples and blackheads is to grate a potato and place it into a blender to turn it into a paste. Slather the past over the affected area and leave it for half an hour before scraping it off.

5. Whole milk plain yogurt can also help lighten acne scars. A yogurt mask contains AHAs, so it is healing and stimulating, as well as lightening. For further lightening and treatment, mix fresh lemon juice into the mask. This gives your skin a blast of pure vitamin C and lemon juice is a natural bleach.

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