Tuesday 17 April 2012

How to Get Rid of Acne Fast

Acne can occur in people of all age groups, but it is more common in adolescent people as hormonal changes in the body usually occur during this age. Sebaceous glands present in the skin produce sebum or oil that helps keep the skin moisturized. Hormonal changes cause excess production of sebum which clogs the pores on the skin’s surface. When bacteria and dirt get trapped in these pores, it leads to acne.
Getting rid of acne fast is not an easy task, and is possible only when you follow a proper skincare regime including cleansing, exfoliating as well as moisturizing the skin. A change in your overall lifestyle, including healthy eating habits, is also essential to achieve your goal. Mentioned below are some easy home remedies to get rid of acne quickly.
Ice Pack: Applying ice can help reduce the swelling and irritation caused due to acne. Take some crushed ice and wrap it in aluminum foil so it does not melt quickly. Then place it in a plastic bag and cover this with a towel and place the ice pack over the areas with acne for 10 to15 minutes. This will make the open pores shrink and force the dirt and oil out from the pores. Wait for a few minutes and apply it once again.
Sandalwood Powder: Sandalwood possesses natural medicinal properties that help to treat acne and prevent acne scars. Make a thick paste using sandalwood powder, black gram powder and rosewater or milk. Apply the paste on your face and leave it overnight. After you wash it off with water in the morning, you will notice a decrease in the size of acne and the skin pores will appear smaller as well.
Honey and Cinnamon: Honey and cinnamon possess antibacterial properties that help reduce acne very quickly. Prepare a face mask using a tablespoon of raw honey and a teaspoon of cinnamon powder, and then apply the paste on the acne. In case you have acne scars, you can also use this paste for acne scar removal. After applying the paste, leave it on for about half an hour and then wash it off. You will notice the redness caused due to acne subsiding almost instantly.
Egg Mask: Before you apply an egg mask, make sure to clean your face thoroughly. Take 2 egg whites and add 2 tablespoons of lime juice to them. Stir the mixture well till the two components blend properly. Then dip a cotton swab in this mixture and apply it on the acne. Wait for around 15 minutes and wash it off using cold water.
Before using any treatment mentioned in this article, it is important to consult a dermatologist. For best results, always clean your face using a mild cleanser prior to any treatment. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, and cut down on processed and fried foods. Drink sufficient amounts of water as it helps flush out the toxins from the body.
In addition to these home remedies, you can also use medicated creams like Tazorac. Tazorac is a retinoid which is used to treat mild to severe acne, psoriasis and certain types of spotty and wrinkled skin. You can purchase Tazorac from the local drugstore or order Tazorac online. However, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist before you Buy Tazorac to treat acne.

Wednesday 11 April 2012

Causes and Treatment of Male Pattern Baldness

Male pattern baldness is a condition which involves progressive hair thinning in men. It affects almost 25% of men who are in their 20s and 2/3 of men after 60 years of age. It takes around 15 to 20 years to turn completely bald, while in some cases men go bald in just 5 years.

Baldness begins when the hair becomes thin and starts receding in the front and simultaneously on the top of the head. Gradually, a bald patch develops on the center of the scalp, followed by joining of the depleting area of front hair as well as the bald patches on the top.

Causes:

Hair is made up of hair follicles which are small sacks beneath the skin’s surface. It is from these sacks that hair grows for about three years, after which it is shed and new hair grows. This process of hair growth, hair shedding and new hair growth continues all through life. Some characteristics when men experience baldness include:

·      The affected hair follicle becomes smaller than normal.
·      New hair is thinner since the follicles are reduced in size.
·      The new hair falls very quickly as compared to the normal time of three years.
·      Just a thin stump of hair and small hair follicles are left.

These changes are caused due to male hormones, particularly testosterone. Other factors which are responsible for baldness include age and heredity problems. Generally, the levels of testosterone in people who become bald are normal. However, for some reasons, the affected hair follicles turn sensitive to DHT or dihydrotestosterone, a hormone formed by testosterone, which causes the hair follicles to shrink.

Treatments:

Basically, the treatment for hair loss or baldness is driven by underlying causes of the condition. For example, if it is genetic, then patients may opt for medication or surgery. However, if hair loss is caused due to stress or certain medications, then getting rid of the cause could improve the symptoms.

Surgery: Surgery is not a cure for baldness, but only a treatment that helps the existing hair to recover lost ground. Surgery includes scalp reduction and hair transplant. Although many people opt for such procedures, they are painful and expensive too. Furthermore, the side effects they cause may include scarring and infection.

Medication: There are many medications that help deal with baldness and promote hair growth. These medicines function by hampering the production of DHT. However, the results are not visible immediately and it may take around four months to a year to notice hair re-growth.

Wigs: In cases where the use of surgical treatment or medication is not an option, people can opt for wigs or hairpieces. Nowadays, there are wigs and hairpieces that provide a natural look and feel.

Drugs like Propecia are known to be very effective in treating male pattern baldness. You can purchase Propecia to effectively treat male pattern baldness in men. It works by preventing the testosterone from converting into dihydrotestosterone, which is directly related to male pattern baldness. However, Propecia is only used for treating male pattern baldness and should never be used by women. You can order Propecia online or from the local pharmacy. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor before you buy Propecia to treat male pattern baldness.