Tag Archives: Acne Scars

Best Herbal/Natural Face Masks for Acne & Acne Scars in India, Prices, Buy Online

Best Herbal/Natural Face Masks for Acne & Acne Scars in India, Prices, Buy Online

Best Herbal/Natural Face Masks for Acne & Acne Scars in India, Prices, Buy Online

By Nidhal

To say that we all are subjected to the vicissitudes of weather would be truism. To say that we all bear the brunt of those weather changes that shows on our skin is yet again sooth. While we may have a multitude of quick-fix solutions at our disposal yet for those who do not eye quick results but rather long-lasting and non-toxic results, it makes sense to zero in on face masks that are not only devoid of deleterious chemicals but also infused with the virtues of natural ingredients in their virgin form.

On that note, here is a list of those face masks available in India that would help you bid farewell to zits/spots/marks.

1. Tarika Ayurlabs – At Tarika, the endeavour is to be as faithful to the principles of Ayurveda as possible. Right from the procurement of herbs to the packaging stage, there is indubitable synergy in the combination of herbs. The manufacturing process described in detail in Ayurveda is followed conscientiously sans taking shortcuts. No chemicals, preservatives or additives are added to the products. Incepted in 1995, the glorious enterprise’s owners realised that even though Ayurveda is a vast ocean of goodness to be delved into, not much attention is given to it by the government, policy makers and people at large.

Coming to their eclectic range, it is Tarika’s Pimple/Acne Removers mask that has me smitten. Claiming to treat stubborn acne, its inimitable formula was developed in 1996. Proven to be efficacious for all types of skin throughout the year, it is a 100% natural product. Shipped all over India, everything about it is impressive. It certainly cleared out my skin within a short span of time. I don’t have acne hence, can’t comment on its efficacy to tackle it yet I am certain of its bountifulness. Wondrous, I say!

PRICE- 280/- INR for 50g (Buy HERE)

2. Kan’s Natural Beauty Care- Mrs. Kanchana S Babu’s all-natural, preservative and artificial- fragrance free venture, all the way from Chennai has all the reasons to be on our list. Keeping an eye on each and every facet of her products right from sourcing her ingredients to the composition of the products, she is an encyclopaedia of home remedies. Incredibly patient to lend an ear to your skin/hair woes, she recommends products on the basis of what would work for you rather than force a product down your throat.

From her bewitching range of chemical-free products that span hair masks, face masks, hair oils and body scrubs, what caught my eye was the Kasturi Anti Pimple Face Pack which is made of 100% natural ingredients. Its natural ingredients include sandalwood, Vetiver, Rose petals and Neem, all of which are great anti-bacterial agents that control even the most severe of pimples and reduce marks and blemishes. Apt for use by everyone, it helps one achieve a more even and luminous skin tone overtime. For the price you are paying, you surely are getting a value-for- money product!

PRICE- 195/- INR for 50g

AVAILABILITY- Facebook

3. Raw Rituals- Composed of sandalwood powder, lodhra bark extract, ginger lily powder, fuller’s earth powder, wild turmeric powder, nutmeg powder and Aloe vera powder, Raw Rituals’ Tarditional Healing Face Pack spells luxury from the word go! Owned and operated by the courteous Mrs. Lovina Agarwal from the Manchester of India aka Ahmadabad, Raw Rituals’s range of products is not only chemical-free but also handmade and vegetarian.

With the aroma of their products attained by the virtue of addition of pure therapeutic grade essential oils, your nose won’t have to crinkle into folds in utter repugnance when a tub/pot/bottle of their product is opened. Rather, brace yourselves for you will be swept off your feet.

Apt for use by all skin types, it not only fades blemishes overtime (realistically) but also imparts a winsome glow temporarily which is augmented, if used regularly. Packed scrupulously in an aesthetic and travel-friendly package, it can be carted conveniently while travelling.

PRICE- 190/- INR for 25g (Buy HERE)

4. Quinta Essentia Organics- A little biased towards my fellow Delhi-ites, Quinta Essentia Organics- an organic skin, body and hair care venture is helmed by the lovely duo- Ms. Arti and Atika Gaur. No points for guessing, it is based out of Delhi and churns out indulgences.

No, I won’t call them “products”. They are far above than mere products. At the helm of affairs, is Arti who holds years of experience and a degree in Ayurveda from Dhyan Foundation. With a degree in biotechnology, comes Atika into the picture. Conscious consumers as the two call themselves, we cannot help but gawk at their drool-worthy range of indulgences spanning- body butters, cold-pressed soaps, hair masks, body oils, lip butters, mineral makeup, chawanpraash (formulated as per ancient Ayurvedic texts and wildcrafted/certified organic ingredients), sun veil, organic lip sticks and so on.

From their enticing range, what caught my fancy was the Olive Clay Soap. Packed in a tub which may confound one and all, it comes in a semi-liquid form and takes just a few minutes to work its magic. For use on damp skin, the time limit is 20 minutes whereas for those using it like a face wash, restrict it to 5-7 minutes. Post washing, it not only clears your skin tone instantaneously but also imparts a tinge of luminosity that looks incredulously natural- something most makeup products also fail in eliciting!

PRICE- 1,200/- INR for 70g

AVAILABILITY- Facebook

5. Vedantika Herbals- With a range that encompasses not only beauty products but also health food, Vedantika Herbals is here on our list. Known to keep the ingredients’ list of their products minimal, their beauty care range of products spans a body polishing ubton/ubtan, anti-aging face mask, skin glow mask, anti-acne mask amongst others. Shipped all over India, their beauty care products are packed in aesthetic bottles that make them handy as well as durable. Adding no nasties like- parabens, sulphates, phthalates, petrochemicals, SLS, SLES, alcohol and the ilk to their products, they believe in keeping pernicious chemicals at an arm’s length from their tempting products.

I find the Anti-Acne Mask from their range worth a mention. While I do not suffer from acne, I can’t comment on how efficacious it would be for a person suffering from the same yet, what I can comment about is, is its cooling and rejuvenating properties which make it an ideal pick for blistering summers. Good to enough to be used daily, it doesn’t suck up the moisture of your skin and is safe for use by all skin types. Pulverized finely, it won’t scratch your skin too. Creditable, isn’t it?

PRICE- 185/- INR for 70g (Buy HERE)

Editor’s Note: They all sounds really, would definitely love to try some of these.

Have you tried any of these anti-acne/acne scar removal natural masks?

DIY Facial Serum for Night

DIY Facial Serum for Night

By Sanchita

To begin with, I have extremely sensitive, acne prone, oily skin that is always on the verge of breakouts. Due to this reason, I avoid moisturizers (except for aloe vera gel) all my life. However, as I am approaching towards late 20s, I have been noticing that the texture of the skin looks very unhealthy and that natural glow is missing somewhere. Hence, I wanted something to rejuvenate and nourish the skin. After searching high and low for all the ingredients that works on acne prone skin without giving much trouble, I made this night serum for myself and to my surprise, I did work! I have been using it past a month and thankfully I observed some good changes in my skin. Firstly, it never broke me out and also nourished the skin. Secondly, it hydrates the skin throughout the night with getting oily or greasy. So, here goes the night elixir for acne prone skin.

INGREDIENTS:

  • Aloe Vera Gel – you can either take it directly from the plants and blend it smooth to have the gel consistency or simple buy one!
  • Jojoba Oil – Works wonder for oily acne prone skin. You can also substitute it for Avocado OR Almond Oil for preference.
  • Rose Water – either homemade or store-bought will work.
  • Vitamin E Capsule – easily available across the counter otherwise you can also opt for Vitamin E oil.
  • Sanitized Bowl – since it is a face product, it is better to have a sanitized place to start with and then transfer it to a dropper bottle or any container.

STEPS

Step 1
  • Add 1 tbsp. of rose water in the bowl.
Step 2
  • Next, add 2 tbsp. of aloe vera gel. Mix it thoroughly as both the ingredients have different consistencies and takes effort to blend well. You can also add 1 tbsp. if you want a runny consistency but I wanted sort of a slightly thicker one, so I added 2 tbsp.
Step 3
  • Add 2-3 drops of Jojoba Oil and again blend it in.
Step 4
  • Lastly, take out 1-2 Vitamin E Capsules and poke them to take out the oil. Add the mixture very comprehensively unless you see a uniform consistency without any lumps.
Final outcome
  • And Voila! You night serum is ready!

TIP: Do not make it in a large quantity because it is handmade and hence, the preservatives are missing. Make it enough for a week or two at the most.

FOR DRY SKIN – Since dry skin or mature skin needs more than just aloe vera gel, they can use shea butter or cocoa butter instead of aloe vera gel. They can also incorporate the essential oils like Almond, Rosehip, Grapeseed, etc. as per their own preference.

BENEFITS OF THE INGREDIENTS –

  • Vitamin E – Vitamin E is the main ingredient I would vouch for. It has excellent properties to revive and renew the skin cells at night. It treats the scars and marks on the skin due to ageing or acne. Being a great moisturizer, it nourishes the skin well without making it greasy or clog the pores when applied. It soothes and treats the sun burns and regular tanning of the skin. Most prominently, it make collagen that decreases the rate of aging signs like wrinkles, fine lines, etc.
  • Aloe Vera Gel – this is the HG for every oily skin. Seldom moisturizers suit us and we always find our way back to this. Aloe Vera, known as “plant of immortality”, it has numerous benefits for skin. It moisturizes the skin, heals the scars and soothes the skin from acne and nourishes without any greasy layer which gets absorbed in a jiffy. It also lightens skin pigmentation and slows down the ageing sign.
  • Jojoba Oil – it is known to fight wrinkles, stretch marks and cellulite. With high amount of ceramides which cover skin cells, it hydrates and nourishes the skin like no other. Oily skin doesn’t go well with other oils but this is an exception. It is so light weight and gets blended very easily. It also has anti-bacterial properties that treats acne and allergies.
  • Rose Water – the beauty of rose water in indefinite. From toner to face packs, makeup setting spray to hydration – it can do everything. It treats acne, soothes the skin from sun burns, refreshes and invigorates and has many anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties for sensitive skin.

Do let me know how you liked the DIY.

Editor’s Note: I swear by Vitamin E capsules, but they are so sticky and messy while applying. I guess the mix of rose water and aloe vera gel will make applying Vitamin E easier. Also I am all for essential oils, I love using them. Definitely trying this Sanchita.

Acne Scars – Causes, Prevention Measures and Home Remedies

Acne Scars – Causes, Prevention Measures and Home Remedies

By Archana

Hi all,

After many product reviews, I am back with an informative post today. Acne is one common skin condition that many people suffer from. Though it mostly occurs in teenagers, many adults too face it. In today’s post, I will explain the common causes for acne, prevention measures and some home remedies to cure acne scars.

What causes acne?

The four main reasons for acne are:

* Excessive oil production
* Dead skin cells
* Clogged pores
* Bacteria

When our body secretes excess sebum/oil, they build up in the hair follicles and form a soft plug, creating an environment where bacteria can thrive in. This bacterial infection causes inflammation eventually leading to pimples. Whiteheads and blackheads too are actually clogged pores with bacteria and oil.

Some factors like hormonal imbalance, certain foods, stress, etc can trigger or aggravate the acne conditions.

How to prevent the occurrence of acne?

It’s always better to prevent the occurrence of acne in the first place with some good skin care routine.

* Keep your face clean by washing your face atleast twice a day to remove impurities, dead skin cells and extra oil.
* Use a separate towel for your face.
* Change your pillow covers and bedsheets weekly.
* Avoid or limit the intake of deep-fried foods, dairy products, sugar, salty snacks and junk food.
* Avoid using oils, gels and fragrances on your hair.
* Wash your hair often as oily hair can add to the oil on your face.

Home remedies for acne scars:

When a pimple occurs, it can leave behind marks and scars. Though there are many pigmentation creams and anti-acne gels available in the market, home remedies are always more effective and with no side effects. Only thing, they need to be followed diligently for atleast two weeks to see improvement. Here is a list of easy remedies at home to cure acne scars:

Lemon mask for acne scars:

* Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
* Honey – 1tbsp
* Milk – 2 tbsp
* Rose water – 1 tbsp

Mix all the above together and using a cotton wool apply on the acne scars. Leave on for 15 minutes and wash off. Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent which helps lighten the scars. The rose water helps to soothe the tingling sensation caused due to lemon.

Aloe vera gel for acne scars:

Extract fresh aloe vera gel from the plant and apply on face. You can leave it overnight. Do it regularly for two weeks for the acne scars to fade. Aloe vera not only soothes inflammation but also helps in regenerating damaged tissues and speeds up the healing process.

Cucumber and gram flour face pack for acne scars:

* Half a cucumber
* Gram flour – 2 tbsp
* Turmeric powder – 1 tbsp

Blend the cucumber into a smooth paste. Add the gram flour and turmeric powder and apply as a face pack. Leave for 20-25 minutes and then wash off. This treatment is good for sensitive skin also to get rid of acne scars.

Potato and tomato mask for acne scars:

* Half a potato
* Half a tomato
* Honey – 1 tbsp

Grate the potato and extract the juice from it. Blend the tomato into a fine paste. Add the potato juice and a teaspoon of honey. Apply this mix all over your face and wash off after 15 minutes. Tomatoes contain the enzyme lycopene which help to lighten pimple marks. Potatoes also have skin lightening and bleaching properties.

Cinnamon and honey mask for acne scars:

Add half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder to one teaspoon of honey and apply on your acne scars. Leave it for an hour and then wash off. This mixture has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which is effective in treating the acne.

Tea tree oil for acne scars:

This is a proven remedy for reducing acne scars. Tea tree oil is an excellent antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral essential oil. Just dilute some tea tree essential oil in water and apply this solution on your acne scars everyday. Leave it overnight. Follow it regularly to see visible reduction in scars and blemishes.

Apple cider vinegar for acne scars:

ACV is a natural astringent and balances the pH level of your skin. It is effective in the treatment of acne too. Mix 1 part of apple cider vinegar with 1 part of water and 1 teaspoon of honey. Dip a cotton ball in the mixture and apply on scars. Leave it for 15 minutes and wash off. Do this once daily.

Sandalwood and orange face pack for acne scars:

* Sandalwood powder – 2 tbsp
* Orange peel powder – 2 tbsp
* Rose water – 2 tbsp

Mix all the above into a fine paste and apply as a face pack. Leave it for 30 minutes and wash off. According to Ayurveda, sandalwood is a effective soothing and cooling agent to treat skin inflammations. Orange peel powder helps to lighten the marks.

So these are some of the home remedies you can follow to cure acne scars, pimple marks and blemishes.

Editor’s Note: This was a really well written post Archana and the remedies are fab. I think I always stick to Aloe Vera Gel and the fuller’s earth, sandalwood mix. I will surely try the other home remedies mentioned by you.

Which ones have you tried? Share your experiences below.

P.S: Pics from Google

All About Surgery Scars & Mederma Review

All About Surgery Scars & Mederma Review

What the Company claims:

  • Visibly reduces scars resulting from surgery, injury, burns, acne and stretch marks in 8 weeks (Results depend on the length, skin type, age and location of the scar)
  • An easy to use, greaseless gel that helps scars appear softer and smoother.
  • Formulated with Cepalin and Allantoin (a proprietary botanical extract that restores your skin’s wellness).
  • Mederma® is the No.1 Doctor recommended product in USA for scars.

MRP: Rs.385/- for 10g, Rs.700/- for 20g (Buy HERE)

As you guys know, I met with an accident in January and had surgery stitch marks on both my legs, on the right knee and left ankle predominantly. Usually the senior surgeons do the main internal surgery and the stitching is left to juniors and interns and the stapling or stitching if not done well, the skin forms a mount there. Now at that moment, nobody cares about the skin, as the main internal surgery is very, very crucial especially the surgeons are least bothered about the skin or scars.

Also the skin on my left arm was completely bruised and even though it was not a stitch mark, the mark was even darker and deeper.

There was this main big cut on my knee and two smaller ones at the left side of the bigger cut. The skin there had formed a mount and as per what I read online, fresh scars are easier to fade when treated immediately. I ordered Bio Oil and was using it ever since my stapled were removed, twice a day on all of my scars. It kept the skin moisturised and that helps coz otherwise if your skin feels stretched, you kind of feel like itching on the area.

I used Bio Oil for a little more than a month, but did not see any visible results or improvements. Bio Oil has Vitamin E and I also read that sometimes Vitamin E Then I read about Mederma and I thought why not try this too, as I was trying all possible ways for the scars to lighten.

Now the Mederma  pack mentioned for fresh scars, it has to be used twice a day for 8 weeks to see results. I used it for more than 2 months, and I did see results.

My surgery stitch marks went from black to light brown and the mount on the skin (called ‘keloids’) on the biggest cut is almost gone, now there are two smaller cuts which I am hoping settle down soon too. (I am not saying it is only coz of Mederma coz with time, they were anyway going to lighten) I met a dermat at an event and I asked her about it, she told me cortison injections need to be injected on keloids and I freaked out. I did not want any injections, as I have already suffered a lot and everything freaks me out now :/

I was surprised how by only using Mederma, the biggest cut had subsided a lot and almost faded too. Now the bruises on my left arm and the two smaller cuts near right knee and the bigger left ankle one are still brown and I hope they lighten too.

I am using this since a long, long time now, though I took a break in between. But, the results are very slow! I would say Mederma Gel definitely works but it takes forever, so one has to be patient.

Also, it is definitely on the expensive side, but when you want to get rid of the scars without going through cosmetic surgery or taking injections, etc, then slow and steady is probably the way to go.

It is a transparent gel, with an unpleasant smell. I would say going easy with the quantity applied, as it is very expensive! It forms a layer on the skin and when you have a bath next, the layer kind of peels off like the dead skin coming out when you rub your skin.

I am not sure how it actually works, like renews the skin cells and layers or what, but if you are looking for something for your acne scars and surgery stitch marks, this will surely help lighten them.

Again, the scars won’t go away completely and also don’t expect overnight magic as it took me about 5-6 months to only lighten the scars. Also, on old scars, it might even take longer.

I am not sure if it works on stretch marks, I can say it works on acne scars, burn marks and stitch marks.

Rating:

Quality: 4/5
Value for money : 3.5/5
Availability: 4/5

Overall rating: 3.5/5

Have you tried using Mederma? Bio Oil did not work for on my surgery marks, what else have you tried for scars which actually worked?

Vichy Introduces New Normaderm Hyaluspot

FINALLY AN ADVANCED WEAPON AGAINST PIMPLE

VICHY LABORATORIES INTRODUCES NEW NORMADERM HYALUSPOT

Normaderm is Vichy Laboratoires’ family of products for imperfection-prone skin which helps give purer, healthier-looking skin quickly that provides an all round skin-care. Normaderm range gives you highly effective skin care products encompassing the care regime of – Cleansing, Toning and Moisturizing. The latest addition to VICHY’s skin-clearing Normaderm line is the new Normaderm Hyaluspot – a transparent pimple fighting gel that is designed to stop the spot after just 2 hrs and clear it without a trace after 48hrs.

Normaderm Hyaluspot is effective whatever the cause of localised break out is, as it targets imperfections, providing an antibacterial barrier and purifies skin whilst reducing spots and marks. It uses Anti-Bacterial bandage technology which is first of its kind. The formula is enriched with hyaluronic acid which creates an invisible and protective film on the surface of the skin. In association with hyaluronic acid, Normaderm Hyaluspot also has an antibacterial technology [salicylic acid + LHA] to treat the pimple and stop inflammation.  With the application on Hyaluspot 99.9% of Bacteria is eliminated in 2 hours while pimples start disappearing from 48 hours.

The texture of the gel is clean and fresh. It is completely invisible and instantly gets absorbed in the skin. Normaderm Hyaluspot also uses New Generaton cold applicator which is designed to cool and further sooth the spot/blemish; allows targeted application without the need of touching your fingers to the skin; is hygienic and anti-contamination. The product is tested under dermatological control and is suitable for sensitive skin.

Price: 15 ml for MRP – Rs 850

AVAILABILITY:

·         At select pharmacies in all major cities.
·         Orders can also be placed online (No delivery charges).
·         To place orders or to locate the nearest Vichy store log on to: www.vichyindia.com

B. Liv Spots Got Shot Review

B. Liv Spots Got Shot Blemish Treatment Serum Review 

Main Function:
Blemish & spot therapy + oil control

Blast those acnes away with Spots Got Shot! As an intensive acne treatment serum, it dries up acne, soaks up excessive oil, prevents acne recurrence, and removes dead skin cells. No more acne and scars to endure, living you looking vibrant and well!

Color    : Slightly yellow
Scent    : Characteristic
Texture : Thick fluid type
Feeling  : Itchy and warm sensation

Directions to use :
1.    Use Spots Got Shot daily, morning and night, after cleanser.
2.    Tip on the affected or spotted area.

Ingredients: Purified Water (Aqua), Cetyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Disodium Lauriminodipropionate, Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Phosphates), Trimethylpentanediol / Adipic Acid Copolymer, Cyclohexasiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glyceryl Stearate, Lactic Acid, PEG-40 Stearate, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Zinc PCA, PEG-10 Stearate, Salicylic Acid (BHA), Polysorbate 80, Sulfur, Propylene Glycol, Diazolidinyl Urea, Disodium EDTA, Methylparaben, Propylparaben.

MRP: US$25.00 for 15ml

When I was asked to review B.Liv products..I was not sure..if they would suit me..coz they are meant more so for acne prone skin..though they have good hydrating products too..B.Liv is a part of Cellnique which is one of the best in skin care in the world.

Spots Got Shot is meant for acne and its scars..and it also secretes the excess sebum or oil in that area..and prevents recurrence.

Its a small tube..approx the size of a finger..and has a long cap..and a tiny nozzle opening.. its off white in color..no particular disturbing smell.

Pros:

1. It does work in lightening spots as claimed…but it takes time..a minimum of 10 days to see some result..do not expect overnight magic.
2. I get occasional 1-2 zits which leave scars behind..and this did work on them.
3. Since it gets absorbed fast and is to be only applied on affected areas..it can be used even in day time comfortably.
4. It does keep skin oil free for a few hours..but not longer.
5. Though it helps in clearing zits and the scars..it does not dry out the skin..like a few creams.

Cons:

1. Feels a little itchy for a few minutes as mentioned by them.
2. Lots of chemicals and parabens in ingredients.
3. Available only online. You can buy it here.
4. Expensive.

Overall I think its good for people getting occasional zits..but if anyone is suffering from acne..I would not recommend this..but some medicated lotion…does take time to clear spots though.

Rating:

Quality: 3.5/5
Value for money: 3.5/5
Availability: 3.5/5

Overall Rating: 3.5/5

Would I buy it again: May be

P.S: Product sent by brand for review but it has not affected my opinion.