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Acne Scars – Causes, Prevention Measures and Home Remedies, Indian Beauty Blog, skincare blog

Acne Scars – Causes, Prevention Measures and Home Remedies

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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

Johara Instant Radiance Face Scrub, Amaranthus and Amazon Lily Body Lotion Review

Body Lotion, Face Scrubs, Johara Cosmetics, Reviews, Skin care, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Johara Instant Radiance Face Scrub, Amaranthus and Amazon Lily Body Lotion Review

Hi guys,

If you remember I had reviewed Johara Cosmetics before (See HERE), they have come up with two new products i.e. the Johara Instant Radiance Face Scrub and the Amaranthus and Amazon Lily Body Lotion. I have tried the Amaranthus and Amazon Lily Body Mist before and it smells absolutely amazing, so I was quite excited to try the body lotion.

Coming to the review, let me start with the face scrub first.

What the Company claims: Johara® Instant Radiance Face Scrub is formulated with natural exfoliating ultra-fine walnut grains and a blend of lemon peel extract and neem oil to gently slough off dull skin layers, remove impurities and promote natural cell exfoliation. Brighten up lackluster skin with this creamy formula enriched with Cococin™ CG , a nutrient rich extract from green tender coconut water to rejuvenate skin to leave skin feeling clean, smooth and toned for a simply radiant complexion.

Paraben, Sulphate, Formaldehyde , Synthetic dye Free

Benefits:

:: Gently exfoliates the skin

:: Nourishes, hydrates and softens the skin

:: Leaves your skin clean, refreshed and renewed

:: Moisturizes your skin better from the inside out

:: Cleanses the skin of impurities

Directions:

Step 1: Cleanse your face with Johara® PhytoBright Whitening Cleanser to remove all the dirt and pollution.

Step 2 : Take a dab of the Johara® Instant Radiance Face Scrub and massage it all over face and neck. Be careful not to rub too hard. Recommended use is twice in a week. Regular use of face scrub exfoliates dead cells, blackheads and reveal instant radiant skin.

Ingredients: Aqua, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Lauryl Glucoside, Sorbitan Stearate & Sucrose Cococate, Isopropyl Myristate, Isopropyl Palmitate & Pentaerthrityl Tetraisostearate, Cetyl Palmitate, Stearic acid, Cetostearyl Alcohol, CI 77891, Juglans Regia (Walnut) Shell Powder, Zea Mays (corn) Starch, Niacinamide, Azadirachta Indica (Neem) Seed Oil, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel extract, Phenoxyethanol & Methylisothiazolinone, Fragrance, Cocos Nucifera Juice, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Amino Methyl Propanol, Pentaerthirtyl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnmate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Menthol, Disodium EDTA.

MRP: Rs.500/- for 100g

It comes in this bright red tube with a grey flip cap. It’s an off white creamy scrub and has a strong herbal smell.

The scrub is very very creamy and has walnut shell powder for exfoliation. The shells are grainy enough for perfect exfoliation and the cream base is so amazing that it moisturizes the skin at the same time and does not leave the skin dry at all.

I love creamy scrubs and this is one perfect face scrub, but do not use it for more than twice a week. I prefer using it once a week as I do not exfoliate the skin much.

It’s definitely slightly on the expensive side but the 100g quantity is huge and if one has to use it 1-2 times a week, this would last pretty good. You can buy it directly from the Samidirect website or from Flipkart, Shopclues, Snapdeal, etc.

Now coming to the body lotion,

What the Company claims: Johara® Amaranthus and Amazon Lily Body Lotion is enriched with the goodness of Amaranthus oil which deeply hydrates and helps the skin to maintain moisture. A fast absorbing body lotion that moisturizes and softens the skin. Enriched with Cococin™ CG, a nutrient rich extract from green tender coconut water that rejuvenate and leaves skin feeling smooth and nourished.

Paraben, Sulphate, Formaldehyde, Synthetic dye Free

Benefits:

:: Luxurious blend to pamper and nourish your skin

:: Optimum moisture balance with natural skin protection barriers

:: Restorative nutrients to afford soft and smooth skin

Directions: Apply onto body and gently massage.

Ingredients: Aqua, Glycerin, Sorbitan Stearate & Sucrose Cocoate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Cyclotetrasiloxane (and) Cyclopentasiloxane (and) Dimethicone (and)Trisiloxane (and) Phenyltrimethicone (and) Isoparaffinic hydrocarbon, Cetyl Alcohol, Methyl Gluceth – 20, Carpylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isopropyl Palmitate & Pentaerthrityl Tetraisostearate, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Lactate, Sodium Gluconate, Amaranthus Caudatus Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Fruit, Garcinia Indica Seed Butter, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol & Methylisothiazolinone, Pentaerthirtyl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Carbomer, Amino Methyl Propanol, Cocos Nucifera Juice, Mica & CI 77891, Disodium EDTA.

MRP: Rs.550/- for 200ml

It’s a body lotion but it comes in this green and white flip cap tube form. It is white in color and has quite a runny consistency, not as fluid as liquid but it is water based.

It smells absolutely amazing, the combination of Amaranthus and Amazon Lily is amazing, I am not a fan of floral smell but this is something very unique and nice. It is not that sweet kind of fruity floral.

The base in the lotion seems almost the same as that in the body mist of this range, coz it feels watery and dries off immediately after applying on the skin, just like the mist. It is super super light, perfects the lightest body lotion I have ever tried. It is not hydrating enough for winters and definitely needs reapplication but it is perfect for summers or humid climate.

I am going to use this more often in summers as I prefer richer lotions for winters.

Currently both the scrub and body lotion  come with a smaller pack free which is perfect for travel. Again it is slightly on the expensive side for a body lotion, but if you prefer natural and sulphate, paraben free products, then very few brands have good options and this is definitely one of the best.

Highly recommend the face scrub and the body lotion is good for summers.

Rating: Scrub

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

Overall rating: 3.75/5

Rating: Body Lotion

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

Overall rating: 3.5/5

Do you like Amazon Lily & Amaranthus combination? Have you tried Johara products?

Lotus Herbals WhiteGlow Intensive Skin Whitening & Brightening Serum + Moisturiser Review

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Lotus Herbals WhiteGlow Intensive Skin Whitening & Brightening Serum + Moisturiser Review

By Archana

Lately, I was on the search for a good serum. I have never used serums before, but after reading a lot about the importance of a serum, I decided to get one. Since I was using mostly Lotus Herbals products in my routine, I thought of getting the serum too from the same brand. I have used the Whiteglow range night cream before and loved it. Not for the skin whitening claims but because it suited my combination skin well and didn’t cause any breakouts. So, I ended up with this Lotus Herbals WhiteGlow Intensive Skin Whitening &Brightening Serum + Moisturiser finally. Read on to how it fares.

Products claims: WhiteGlow Intensive Skin Whitening & Brightening Serum + Moisturiser is a breakthrough formulation from Lotus Herbals that lightens, whitens & brightens your skin tone.

* Lightens: It lightens skin’s tone by reducing uneven pigmentation.

* Whitens: It unveils visibly fairer skin by reducing dark spots.

* Brightens: It enhances skin’s radiance naturally.

Why Serum: WhiteGlow Intensive Skin Whitening & Brightening Serum + Moisturiser is a proprietary formula which has 2x* more skin whitening and brightening power than a day creme. It comes with excellent carrier properties, penetrates deep into the skin & distributes the potent blend of all natural ingredients.

How it works: Clinical trials show that the following plant extracts lighten, whiten and brighten the skin with 7 days of regular use:

* Grape Extract (Vitis Vinifera): Exfoliator – helps active ingredients penetrate into the skin.

* Mulberry Extract (Triter Penoids, Phenyl Flavones): Tyrosinase inhibitor.

* Milk Enzyme: Blocks melanin pathways.

* Saxifraga Extract (Epigallocatechin): Free radical scavenger & tyrosinase inhibition.

Why WhiteGlow? WhiteGlow Skin Whitening & Brightening range is a breakthrough formula from Lotus Herbals. It comes with an advance formula that has triple action on skin – lightening, whitening & brightening. It is enriched with rare fruit and potent plant extracts that penetrate deep into the skin to provide enduring action. The result, your skin looks fairer, flawless and radiant. It is free from harsh chemicals, that generally have side effects.

Ingredients:

Directions to use: Use every day in the morning & evening all over face & neck after cleansing thoroughly. For best results, use before Whiteglow Whitening & Brightening Gel Creme.

Packaging:

The serum comes in a translucent, frosty, glass bottle with a pump. The pump has a small plastic cap to cover it. Lotus Herbals surely make all their packagings convenient as well as giving a luxurious feel. Since its a glassy bottle, one has to be careful while handling it. The bottle is housed inside a white carton box which has all the details of the product.

Texture and fragrance:

The serum is between a gel and cream, its translucent. The consistency is perfect, not runny, not thick to spread, just the right texture for a serum. It has a light fruity fragrance, similar to other products in the Whiteglow range.

My experience:

I have been using this serum in conjuction with the Whiteglow Day Cream. The serum is easy to spread and blends easily, without any whitish cast like other whitening creams. It takes a bit of time to get fully absorbed and till then there is a sticky feeling. It moisturizes skin very well and I don’t feel the need to apply a separate moisturiser. Though, dry skin people will need to follow up with a moisturizer. The finish is more dewy and my face looks little brighter and radiant. It doesn’t make my face oily or greasy even for a long time. My skin tone is more evened out and the pores on my face look visibly smaller. It also acts as a good base for makeup.

Coming to the claims of whitening and brightening in 7 days, it is true to an extent. But don’t expect any miraculous changes. It helped to lighten some acne scars and brown spots on my face. But I think it will take a long time and continuous use to fade them completely, unlike other specific spot treatment creams which work quicker. Also, it removed some tan and my face overall looked more healthy, supple and radiant. My only concern is, once I stopped it using for a week, just to check its efficacy, and my skin went back to normal state. So, to retain the effects, the product needs to be used completely.

But I feel, if you really need a whitening/brightening effect, instead of going for those Fair & Lovely, Fairever, etc, creams in the market, this is a relatively better option as it doesn’t just focus on fairness, more on brightening, tan removal and healthy skin and Lotus Herbals is also a trusted brand. Though their products contain parabens (which is the only thing I don’t like about them), they are mostly suitable for all skin types and none of their products have ever caused me breakouts including this serum. Also, I think, to get really good results, you need to use this serum along with the day cream and night cream from the same range.

Pros:

* Nice consistency and blends easily.

* Moisturizes and hydrates the skin.

* Pores look visibly smaller.

* Evens out skin tone.

* Makes skin healthy, supple and radiant.

* Brightens skin and lightens scars and spots.

* Doesn’t leave any whitish cast.

* Doesn’t cause breakouts.

* Affordable price for a serum.

* Attractive luxurious packaging.

Cons:

* Parabens

* Takes a long time for the scars and spots to fade completely.

* Need to be continuously used to retain the effects.

Price and quantity: Rs.375 for 30ml.

Rating: 4.4/5

Verdict: Lotus Herbals WhiteGlow Intensive Skin Whitening & Brightening Serum + Moisturiser is one of the most affordable serums available and from a trusted brand. Though it doesn’t give any miraculous results, it does make skin more healthy, brighter and radiant and also lightens scars and spots slowly with regular use. Unlike other fairness creams, this is not overloaded with harsh chemicals. If you are looking to add a good affordable brightening serum in your routine, you can try this.

Editor’s Note: I always wanted to try this Archana, nice review. The product sounds really nice.

Have you tried the Lotus Herbals WhiteGlow Intensive Skin Whitening & Brightening Serum + Moisturiser?

Clean & Clear Foaming Face Wash Review

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Clean & Clear Foaming Face Wash Review

Hi guys,

If you remember I have reviewed the Clean & Clear Morning Energy Burst Face Wash before (Read HERE). Clean & Clear has been one of the oldest brands and one of the first to introduce face washes in India and that too in the affordable category. I believe every one of us has used and loved Clean & Clear face washes.

The Foaming Face Wash was one of their very first launches. I loved the Morning Energy range and was eager to try the new Foaming Face Wash.

What the Company claims: Clean & Clear’s improved oil-free Foaming Face Wash helps prevent pimples, oily shine and blackheads; thoroughly removing oil and dust without over-drying skin. The improved Foaming Face Wash promises to leave skin feeling clean, clear and radiant; and, best of all, controls oil for up to 8 hours!

About Clean & Clear Foaming Face Wash: Gentle enough to use every day, for clean and clear skin that glows.

Recommended for: Those who want to remove excess oil from their skin and prevent pimples.

How it works: CLEAN & CLEAR® FOAMING Face Wash is specially designed for young skin – to remove excess oil, while its special ingredients help prevent pimples. Its liquid formula cleans deep without causing dryness, and is gentle enough to use every day, for clean and clear skin that glows.

Directions: Apply a small amount on wet palm and work into rich lather. Gently massage onto face, avoiding the eye area. Rinse off thoroughly. Use twice daily for skin that’s beautiful, clean and clear! Follow with CLEAN & CLEAR® OIL FREE MOISTURISER for best results.

Ingredients: Water, Triethanolamine, Glycerin, Myristic Acid, Lauric Acid, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Lauryl Phosphate, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Fragrance, Pentasodium Triphosphate, O-Cymen-5-ol (Isopropyl Methtylphenol), Benzophenone-4, Butylated Hydroxy Toluene

MRP: Rs.99/- for 100ml (Buy Here)

It comes in this clear bottle with blue cap, the standard Clean & Clear face wash packaging. It is runny and transparent with a slight golden hint.

It comes out clear and foams well. It deep cleans the skin and gets rid of all the dirt and clears the pores, you can feel it cleaning from deep within. It also controls the oil secretion for about 6-8 hours. I have combination skin and my T-zone gets oily in 3-4 hours usually but with this, it is well in control for a decent time.

Since it foams a lot, it does dry out the skin a bit and needs to be followed up with a rich moisturizer, especially in winters.

I really like the way it deep cleans, the fact that it can be carried along easily, comes in mini versions too which are perfect for hand bag for use in college, office, etc., is affordable and easily available everywhere. It is perfect for oily and combination skin, but I know friends with dry skin too, who quite like it.

Clean & Clear always comes up with interesting and helpful campaigns time and again, the latest being ‘Ready Face’. Ready Face helps teenage girls find their courage by introducing a ritual to empower girls to face the day head on. (Read more HERE)

Teenage years can be some of the most daunting, as they experience some of the most drastic developments to their emotional, physical and social well-being during these years. Part of these developments include the struggle to control the blemishes and oiliness surfacing on their constantly changing skin.

We have all been through that teen phase where even one pimple feels like our life is terrible and our confidence is at the lowest. We do not even feel like stepping out of the house and God forbid if we have a presentation or college fest or something like that, it’s like the ‘end of the world’ for us!

Research shows that a staggering 70% of girls age 15 to 17 avoid their daily activities when they feel bad about their looks and that 7 in 10 girls also believe that they are not good enough or do not measure up in some way.

So how does Clean & Clear empower teen girls to be their most courageous self? How do they help them combat their self-judgement?

The experts believe people who smile more frequently or do a power pose feel more confident about themselves.

Clean & Clear believes that beauty comes from being confident, comfortable and secure in your own skin. That is why the brand wants to introduce teenagers around the world to Ready Face, a concept that empowers you to channel your most courageous self– It can be a smile, a look, a gesture, or saying in front of the mirror that provides individuals with the confidence they need to take on everyday challenges. Ready Face motivates young girls to smile, be confident and take on the world. By getting noticeably clearer, more beautiful skin, teens are empowered to take back the mirror, flash their Ready Face, and become their most beautiful self.

So what do you think about the Clean & Clear Foaming Face Wash? And Ready Face?

Streax Pro Lovely Hair Argan Secrets Serum Review

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Streax Pro Lovely Hair Argan Secrets Serum Review

What the Company claims: A complex blend of essential oil, this moisturizing serum helps to replenish and restore dry and frizzy hair. Designed to provide an expert solution to everyday hair problems, this professional serum is aided with the rich benefit of Argan. Non greasy and greatly effective, the serum leaves hair soft and supremely conditioned, allowing you to let down your hair anytime, anywhere.

Claims & Ingredients:

MRP: Rs.349/- for 45ml

I like using hair serums as it controls most of the frizz especially in monsoons since hair is more frizzy due to the moisture and humidity (A forever story in Mumbai anyways)

I had not heard about Streax serums before, as hair color was always I associated it with. So, when I got to try this, I was all in, also coz I love Argan Oil.

It comes in a small dark tinted glass bottle with a white pump packaging and a small plastic clear cap to cover the white pump dispensor.

You just need two pumps of it and its more than enough. I love using it on my ‘just washed’ damp hair. Texture is slightly on the stickier side since its more ‘oil like’ than a serum. But then, I feel this is the reason, it controls frizz like nobody’s business !

Since its heavier, you just rub the serum in your hands and take thick strands of hair and press your hand against the strands, as if you coating them. You would still be left with some product even after covering entire portion of hair, as its just like touching them and not rubbing it on.

I love how my hair feels smoother and there is no frizz at all, after using this. It smells good too, not completely argan but slightly sweet coz of the added perfume probably.

Its a blend of argan, almond, walnut oil and Vitamin E. It does have silicones too, but it does not contain mineral oil or parabens. I guess silicones is something which is unavoidable in serums as that creates a layer on the hair to protect from moisture and not get frizzy.

I used it on both wet and dry hair. And IMO, I did not like using it on dry hair since its on the stickier side, it does not settle well on dry hair. Whereas it blended in, on wet/damp hair.

Overall, I would say I really loved it. Now its my staple after every hair wash. And since, you do not need much, the 45ml bottle is going to last long. Turns out economical at Rs.349/- even though its slightly higher priced than other serums. And I would prefer something like this with a blend of oils, rather than plain serums with just silicones. Highly recommended.

Rating:

Quality: 4/5
Value for money: 4/5
Availability: 3/5

Overall Rating: 3.75/5

Would I buy it again: Yes

Do you use serums ? Which is your favorite ?

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review.