What actually mean by pimple?

It is an swelling involving Pilosebaceous duct with blockage on skin.

Does originate from outside bacteria / virus / fungus?

No. It is merely an provocative disorder damaging the lining epithelium of sebaceous gland owing to interior hormonal alteration.

Is the acne hereditary one?

Yes. But not all the times, only few cases of acute cystic acne is due to family record

Is acne effected by seasonal changes?

Yes, very humid atmosphere or intense sweating will lead to keratin hydration swelling, reduce in the magnitude of sebaceous follicular orifice and partial or total obstacle so, burst up of acne is normal after intense gym / summer season.

Does acne infect by profession / contact to chemical?

Yes, person with H/o contact to heavy oils, greases, PVC, tars can get acne due to obstacle of duct. Separate entity called “Pomade acne” is familiar in women who often visit beauty clinics after usage of greasy substance for hair care.

Does acne has got relationship with cosmetics?

Yes, extremely. All cosmetics as well as moisturizers, sunscreens, powders, fair cream, can cause/ exacerbate acne due to blockage of duct. In this aspect, atleast gel based sunscreens/moisturizers are better for person who need them most.

Is there any relationship with food items (Chocolates / Junk Foods?)

No, absolutely not. Neither sebaceous gland function nor acne is affected by diet. Disease is with the sole purpose hormone. If some people have noticed increase in acne after certain foods, better they can avoid that but in actuality, it is nothing to do with illness.

So, how better I can get rid of acne?

• By stopping all the cosmetics.
• Frequent face washes (with plane clean water more than enough)
• Nearby dermatologists opinion for medication according to grade of acne.
• Understanding realistic aspect of disease.

So, being patient to manage disease is very important, shared realistic expectation between dermatologist and patient of any treatment regimen are essential to achieve the desired improvement.

Dr. Bhanuprakash
Dept. of Dermatology
Vydehi Hospital
Whitefield Bengaluru
Ph: 080-28413381/2/3/4

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It is that time of the year when you value the best things in life – from smiles and warmth of near and dear ones, to gifts, clothes, food and an overall sense of happiness and cheer. We are nearing the closing of the year and along with Yuletide, we need to prepare for the biggest party season! From the best of skin and hair care to the latest in fashion, make up and styling, have all been a highlight of the celebrations for ages. It’s all about not just looking good but feeling good and being in high spirits.

Heralding in the winters your skin can welcome it with a warm glow, nevertheless! And this can be made possible with various innovations in skin care products. There has been a rising awareness about healthy skin routines and the need for a real, long term solution to skin problems that go beyond cosmetic fixes. Our skin is extremely sensitive to internal health issues and often reflects the early signs of internal discord, from hormone imbalance and dehydration to nutrient deficiency or toxin build-up. These factors are vital symptoms that manifest in external appearance and affects overall wellness and beauty. Though a smooth and radiant skin is what everybody wants; getting it may sometimes be a challenge!  In line with the essence of intrinsic beauty and holistic wellness, we bring you the top three nutraceuticals that are essential for that glow that can sustain the after effects of the after-hours!

1. Glutathione: Known as the body’s Master Antioxidant, Glutathione mimics body’s own indigenous antioxidant properties. It is present in every cell of our body and, and is responsible for various functions, including boosting stamina, reducing stress and maintaining an optimum level of antioxidant in the body reserves. Glutathione levels are often impacted due to stress, aging process, alcohol consumption, and smoking, sleep deprivation, and other lifestyle associated factors. This can reflect in a dull and tired skin, puffiness, and lack of glow. New innovations that have leveraged bio-engineering to harness Glutathione are helping create a sustainable, healthy, and holistic approach to overall wellbeing, resulting in a beautiful and healthy appearance. Ingesting Glutathione as a nutraceutical also directly helps in flushing out toxins and promoting a lighter, glowing skin that is radiant and healthy from within.

2. Ceramosides: Dryness is a very common skin condition. A well hydrated skin, which is actually supposed to be a result of nutritious diet, adequate water intake and a balanced lifestyle, is today mostly achieved only through the superficial application of moisturising creams and lotions. Skin dryness can lead to not only loss of elasticity and radiance but also contributes to aging and may lead to conditions like psoriasis and dermatitis. Ceramosides, a globally acclaimed wheat derived neutraceutical ingredient can help boost skin’s hydration level and it also improves radiance and glow. Innovations such as these are leading to creation of nutraceuticals, in the form of oral moisturisers, would help fix these problems intrinsically, allowing for a holistic wellbeing.

3. Vitamin C infused nutraceuticals: The revered lifestyle antioxidant and skin rejuvenating properties of Vitamin C are well known. Your skin is always busy fighting with the enormous quantities of free radicals produced by virtue of biological reactions and critically because of external insults such as UV radiations, pollution, and chemicals. This free radical overload (FRO) interferes in the cellular metabolism as well as leads to collagen degradation and melanin over production. Balancing this FRO is important to ensure health of the skin and also to prevent the loss of collagen. A nutraceutical rich in Vitamin C helps protect your natural beauty by reducing melanin pigment, increasing production and transfer of anti-ageing protein, exerts photo-protective effects by neutralising free radicals and helps boost collagen.

Apart from wellness and beauty, nutraceuticals have also been found to address issues related to certain skin conditions, like acne and fungal infections, which are currently treated using strong anti-acne or anti-fungal treatments with antibiotics. With the increasing challenges of antibiotic resistance and the strong side-effects, has led to the search for alternatives which can actually address the internal problems, instead of just fixing them with antibiotics. Leveraging natural compounds or solutions which tap into the intrinsic intelligence of the body, are slowly emerging as a trusted alternative.

With the advances in bio-wellness and the emphasis on holistic solutions which offer beauty from within, the future trends point towards a more evolved and authentic approach to beauty and health. From the cosmetic approach to skin care and hair, we are steadily moving towards innovative approach which can harness the body’s intrinsic compounds, helping us achieve a state of overall wellbeing.

So while you brighten up the party venues with your beautiful positive presence, ensure your body too is rejuvenated and glows with beauty from within, adding to the warmth and joy of your near and dear ones!

Mr Sushant Raorane

 Co-founder Director of Adroit Biomed

The post How nutraceuticals can be helpful for beautiful skin? appeared first on Health Vision.

Indian Cosmeceutical market to grow at 22% by 2025

The Cosmeceutical industry in India has witnessed a boom since its penetration in the country. The potential has always been high, especially in its volume, considering an ever-growing consumer demand. Furthermore, the sector continues to gallop and remains the fastest growing sector in India. Currently valued at $6.6 billion, the Indian Cosmeceutical market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 22% by 2025, according to the Ministry of Economy and Industry.

Currently, India accounts for a little over 1% of total global personal care, cosmetics, and Cosmeceutical market and is set to grow markedly over the next five years. The primary growth factors include increased disposable income, a huge % of young, elite millennial, and a rising middle-class population.

The factors driving demand for the cosmeceutical market in India

More consumers are now consciously choosing products that not only enhance their beauty and but can also nourish the skin and the body. With a growing number of global and domestic manufacturers entering the Indian beauty and personal care market, the trend has slowly been moving from superficial beauty to beauty from within.

Shift towards Natural Beauty

India, the land associated with Ayurveda and organic products, has witnessed a shift from artificial to organic products for beauty and wellness. In the quest to seek beauty from within, consumers in India are exclusively purchasing healthcare products and supplements which use natural ingredients. As the products are natural, there are minimal to none side effects and being bought and used in huge numbers by consumers.

The E-commerce boom

The Indian cosmeceutical industry is the most popular among the youth of India, constituting 60% of the total population. With the benefits and ease of e-commerce websites and apps, the younger demographic now use online channels to buy cosmetics. The growth of the internet and social media has provided even smaller companies the ability to reach out to a much wider customer base. According to a report by Forbes, internet users in India have reached 475 million as of 2018, and as a result, direct sales by e-commerce websites have taken over retail sales. 

Increased Awareness

People using cosmetics regularly need to know which product or brand works for them. The decision is largely based on their skin type, lifestyle, budget and ingredients used in the products. To cater to their intellectual curiosity, cosmetic companies invest heavily in marketing their products and creating positive goodwill for their products. This investment to reach more consumers to achieve beauty from within has driven the demand for cosmetics.

 Healthy Lifestyle

Currently, health is a prime factor for many individuals. However, aspects such as pollution, food adulteration, hectic lifestyle and stress can adversely affect wellbeing goals. With limited time available, people are switching to healthcare products which can contribute towards better health and protect from all negative factors. The desire to live a healthy lifestyle to look and feel great is one of the main reasons for the growing cosmeceutical market in India.

The cosmeceutical market is witnessing Indians spend a hefty amount on their well-being. According to a report by the World Bank, India’s per capita income increased from Rs 93,231 in 2016 to Rs 126,406 in 2019 (showing a 10% rise). With more disposable income at hand, the cosmetics market is experiencing a larger consumer share and higher spendings, contributing to expanded market growth in India.

Ajit Marathe,Co-founder, Director

 Adroit Biomed

The post Indian Cosmeceutical market to grow at 22% by 2025 appeared first on Health Vision.

So common among women, yet the cause is unknown to us. And we are still creating theories, doing experiments in laboratories and fighting with this unknown bull. It just to women with no cause what so ever, and then your life change for forever. Form one doctor to another, from one medicine to another, the struggle continues.  You got me right; I am talking about the Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) – the puzzle of the century.  For some women it is like a lifelong curse where they experience all the worst symptoms. Managing problems such as Irregular periods, or diabetes, or obesity, hair fall, acne and hirsutism (unwanted body hairs) is itself difficult and takes a whole life to manage them. Think about a person who has got it all at once. Many PCOS women say to me, ‘I do not know how many births I need to take to overcome such difficult issues’. Well, in this article I am going to talk about hirsutism in PCOS and how Ayurvedic medicines can help you.

Neither all women with unwanted hairs have PCOS, nor do all the PCOS women suffer with these unwanted hairs on their body. Studies says, almost 80% of women with high levels of androgens (male hormones) have PCOS. By the name PCOS women generally believe there is serious problem only in their ovaries. They don’t see the doctor unless the symptoms of PCOS start troubling them especially if it is something to do with their external beauty. Irregular cycles do not bother them as much as this particular symptom take over their self-esteem, make them depressed and anxious. And that troublesome symptom is ‘Hirsutism- unwanted excess growth of hairs over face, chest and tummy’. Hirsutism is medically defined as the presence of terminal coarse hairs in females in a male-like distribution due to excess androgen activity.

Let me tell you a story of one of my patients named Neela (imaginary name). Neela was in in her early 20’s when she visited me couple of months back. She was covering her head with a pink color silk scarf. I asked her, what brought you here to see me? Neela removed her scarf and showed me her chin and jaw line. ‘Look at this doctor, I have done it all to stop it but nothing is helping me to overcome these excess facial hairs. I feel terrible and ashamed’. I enquired in bit detail about Neela’s issue. She was not obese but definitely she had lot of fat around her tummy. I asked if she has been diagnosed with any medical issues, such as diabetes or PCOS?

She promptly said, ‘yes, I was diagnosed with PCOD (age of 15) right after one year I had my first cycle. My cycle was irregular with very less flow. I was told that it takes time for a cycle to settle due to hormonal changes in my body. I did not care about that as my cycle became regular slowly however, flow was anyway less only. But one day, I was shocked to see 2-3 long thick hairs on my chin. Also, I started visiting parlor for threading and waxing frequently than ever. I was sure something was not right. I went to a nearby doctor with the complaint of thick and dark hairs on my upper lips, side of the cheeks and over chin area, she said anxiously’.   These were only visible hairs. She also had such masculine hairs over her other body parts, which were easy to hide.

I was given some pills to regularize my hormones and asked to do some diet and exercises, although I was not fat at all. I took those hormonal pills (OCP) for one year. I was hoping to recover as I could see some flow during cycles and that heavy hair growth were thinning down. It was time to celebrate. I thought I am out of this curse and I will get my beautiful face back. But, good things never last long.   As soon as I discontinued the pills, my skin broke down. I got much thicker and heavier hairs over my chin and this time they spreaded although my jaw line. My mother took me to another doctor who diagnosed me with PCOS. I did not know what it initially. My mother thought I have got some serious problem. I was confused. Google came to help me understand it better. I remember, I had spent almost 1 week or two just reading about PCOS on internet. I was continuously asking myself, how on earth how got this problem. No one in my family had this. I accepted it as my bad karma and took medications given by the new doctor for 6 months. I was even bullied in my college for having such unnatural hair growth. I stopped all the medication and finally learned that there is no end to this. I concentrated on my carrier and forgot about PCOS. I even took some anti-androgen for 6 months with no better results.  I will never forget those days. Leela stooped taking after saying this. She appeared frustrated and sad.

Looked like, Leela had finally accepted her defeat with PCOS. She just wanted some cosmetic relief with her facial hairs. I talked her about Ayurvedic concepts of looking at her health issues. I informed that Ayurveda does not look at an issue as a separate entity rather it takes a holistic approach considering you have got this issue and not just your body parts. You need healing and not just your face or ovaries. I asked, do you trust that Ayurvedic medicines would be helpful to you? She nodded quite positively. She said, I don’t have any other option. At least I will not have any side effects with these’.  I asked her to come back tomorrow on empty stomach to check her nadi and then I can provide her remedies for her health issues. She was wondering why I need to check her nadi when she just wants to get rid of facial hairs and not PCOS. She asked doctor please give me some ointments or powders so I don t see theses hairs ever again. The quick solution is what everyone wants. Who wants to suffer from an illness for so long? Fair enough but there is a way to heal and not just to fix, I firmly advised her.

She agreed and came to me next day morning 9 am. I thought she would not come back considering I may take long time to heal her. Leela said, the only thing that bothers me more than anything is these facial hairs. I go to beauty parlor twice-thrice in a month to get a wax done. It is very shame full some times when my friends points towards to my chin and get curious  to know if there is any wrong with me. I have also taken laser treatment but that did not help me to get my feminine face back, moreover I cannot afford laser, electrolysis and expensive hormones.  Because of this facial hairs my relations friends and family is challenged due to myself low self-esteem. More over who will marry a girl with a beard and mustache. Please help me with Ayurveda.  I have read all your articles and have full trust in you, she said with confident.

I do not know what was changed in Leela in one day. I checked her Nadi and examined her as per Ayurvedic parameters. History taking is always important which describe both how the patients is and how the disease is. For Leela, it was severe Kapha and Vata imbalance. Her Pitta was too low, Agni was weak and lot of Ama (toxins) was collected in her gut. Leela was opened for the treatment. I explained her that she needs Panchakaram. This will help her to clean her body with abnormal toxins (AMA), support her Agni though Deepana and Pachana and then will start internal medication. After 45 days of cleansing (Panchakarma) , I gave her medicines which contained herbs such as harida, tulasi, ashwagandha, shatavari, yastimadhu, sharapunkha, Jatamansi, tankana, Cinamon, fenugreek and tulasi , Yasti , Shatavari , Gokshura, Varuna and guggulu. I also prepared a powder and oil for her to apply externally on her hair follicles of chin and jaw line after she waxes them which helped to reduce the thickness and growth of hairs. She took the treatment for 1 year with satisfied results, slowly I discontinued few herbs and she was able to manage her symptoms effectively than before with more positive outlook towards PCOS.

This is not the only story I have. Many young girls are now suffering with this issue. At times, I have seen them complaining about such abnormal facial hairs since they get mature. Well, that is serious agony. Also think about a young hard working professional who just got a high profile job in a reputed company is struggling to keep her face ‘hair free’. And it seems her life will almost end if she does not wax or thread those long hairs over her chin. No one to blame!

You may already know is that this is all because of high levels of Androgens (Male hormone) in your body or so called ‘too much active’ testosterone. Androgens are known to be responsible for promoting hair cycles among men and women. Males generally have high levels of androgen and thus have larger hair follicles- mustache and beards etc.  Every woman needs male hormone in their body to trigger their female hormone – estrogen to work efficiently. But if this male hormone is excess then that is where women start feeling symptoms of being  ‘masculine’ – belly fat, hard skin, hair fall, growth of men like hairs over body and evens some develop deep voice like men.

For most women with PCOS this male hormone levels are higher than normal.  Doctor may recommend a simple blood test and may find that your free testosterone levels are high in your blood. However, hirsutism can be present with normal ovulatory function and normal androgens level. High levels of free testosterone in your body prevent ovulation and that’s why you may not be getting pregnant if you are trying.  If you are diabetic then you have got to work on that too as insulin too worsen the male hormone levels.

How to reduce androgens in female naturally in ayurveda – Ayurvedic Management

Ayurveda talks about Atiloma and Pushpaghni Jatharani which have symptoms like Leela explained. Acharya Kashyapa has given very precise description of Pushpaghni Jatiharini, which is almost having the symptoms of PCOS as told by modern science. Well, I am not comparing the two distinct sciences but trying to find a bridge where you can come to an agreement with me. The reference goes like this-

“Vritha pushpam tu yo nri yathakal prapashyati. Sthulalomashganda vpushpaghni sa api revati” (Ka S.K.6/32-33)

It is curable. Woman menstruate in time but it is useless (vyathpushpa i.e anovulatory cycle). She has corpulent and hairy cheeks –hirsutism; may be due to hyperandrogenism.

So what you need to overcome these unwanted hairs is to look after your hormones. Balance your doshas and Agni.  The healthy diet will help you much extend. Use the anti-androgen that causes unwanted body hairs in PCOS. If you are obese then lose some weight. Check your blood sugar levels, if you are insulin resistance. Eat healthy food and excise’s to improve your insulin and glucose control. This will help your ovaries to reduce the male hormones’ secretion.

Let me talk more about Almonds here, research says that they tend to reduce the potency of male hormones-testosterone. Again, many women with PCOS have high levels of male hormones in their body. So, eat 5-6 almonds soaked the previous night and munch on them. For external application- apply haridra churna and chickpeas flour together on the hair follicles.

What your food should have- The best thing to start your day is to have Vata-Kapha balancing Ayurvedic herbal kashaya (tea).

• Your breakfast should have Kapha balancing foods, such as Barley or Horse gram soup, Whole wheat Roti, Ragi, and 1 handful of nuts/seeds. Avoid- fermented food items such as dosa, idli, vada and white rice early mornings.
• Kapha balancing snack- buttermilk is best with ginger, also can have 1 apple or papaya.
• Lunch- should have small portion of brow\n rice, lots of veggies or meat or sea food and salads.
• Vata balancing snack– in the evening it is best to the herbal tea again or handful of nuts/seeds or just 1 glass of milk.
• Dinner- should have lot of different vegetables and roti if required. Also can have cooked brown rice, quinoa, porridge, low sugar baked beans, red kidney beans, lentils or chick peas. Avoid having rice and heavy meals in the night.

Remember beauty doesn’t live in the physical appearance, it lies within you. It is more important to understand how do one feel rather then we look. 

Dr Vibhuti Rao
Amruth Ayurvedic Centre
66/3, Vanivillas Road, Basavanagudi
Bengaluru 560004
Ph 09739976069
Email –  drvibhutirao@gmail.com

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