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

The post How to get rid of Pimples or Acne Vulgaris appeared first on Health Vision.

In your mid 30’s and afraid about aging, wrinkly face, lusterless skin, stooped body? Well, most of you want to age gracefully. Maybe the definition of beautiful changes with time and you might start thinking rather than dazzled by external beauty, the beautiful heart and soul matters the most but personally, everyone wants to age gracefully with glowing, wrinkle-free skin and toned body.

People visit Dermatologists, skincare salons to look for advice and treatment to prevent signs of aging. Not only women in today’s scenario men are equally concerned about their skin as they age. These days Botox and fillers are in much demand since they make feel good and better about self with limiting the signs of aging.

On the other hand, I personally suggest fueling your body with lots of clean and green food, antioxidants, fruits, and water in your 20’s only so that your body starts to age gracefully in your mid 30’s. You cant look flawless by body and face without working hard. Your body and skin need a healthy lifestyle, exercise at least 4 times a week, the right food, meditation, and less stress.

WHAT DOES ‘AGEING GRACEFULLY’ MEAN

Everyone has different perceptions of Ageing Gracefully. Some us this phrase to mean Growing old but gracefully without undergoing esthetic procedures to maintain the body and skin, for some, it means Ageing but still powering forward with life. Aging gracefully for some might be wearing wrinkles with pride, for some, it may be to do whatever is necessary to look graceful with pride and confidence in the inner self. Ultimately it is a personal need,desire, and feelings.

TOP SECRETS TO AGE GRACEFULLY

1. EXERCISE AND STRENGTH BUILDING

Start building your muscle mass in your 30’s since you can lose 1 percent of your muscle mass every year so its better to start exercise to maintain the toned body in your later age. It doesn’t mean you should start hitting the gym in routine rather it means you should start maintaining the consistency of doing a mix of strength and cardio training at least 4 times a week.

2. DIET AND EATING HABITS

During your 20’s and 30’s maybe you are more fond of eating fried and junk food and get away from green leafy vegetables and healthy snacks. But you should be mindful of what you eat from your young age only. Keep munching healthy food and snacks and avoid excessive sugar, processed, and fried food. Green leafy vegetables, fruits, yogurt improves gut health and lead to glowing and healthy skin.

3. SKINCARE ROUTINE

• New wrinkles and loose skin start showing their effects in the mid-’30s especially in those who had not been on a good diet and skincare routine.
• Drink plenty of water, fresh juices.
• Eat the right food, include antioxidants and dietary supplements if necessary.
• Exfoliate your skin with scrubs and home-based exfoliation ingredients. In your kitchen, you may find various ingredients that can be used on daily basis without any side effects.
• Use the right kind of moisturizers and sunscreen lotion with SPF that suits to your skin.
• Cleaning your face regularly at least thrice a day especially after waking up and before sleep exfoliates the oil, bacteria, and toxins.

4. EARLY TO BED AND EARLY TO RISE

Thinking about binge-watching web series, scrolling Facebook, checking emails till late night. It should be avoided without any single thought. Sleeping for at least 7 hours at night is very necessary to maintain that glow of youthful skin. Sleeping less not only makes you feel and look tired but it may also lead to dark circles and puffy eyes.  Give a break to your skin too so that it could be able to maintain that charm in your 30’s too.

5. STRESS – A DISASTER FOR BOTH MIND AND SKIN

Eliminating stress is incredibly important. Yes, it is difficult since in the present scenario there are so many reasons to be stressed in day-to-day life. But it is really important to stop aging. Stress can make you look older at a young age. Try to eliminate stress by Indulging yourself in yoga, exercise, taking a good sleep, spending time with friends and family, Starting again forgotten hobbies, going on vacations. Stress is a killer for physical, mental health as well as skin health.

 6. HEALTH – THE MAIN PRIORITY

Set up a  foundation of great health and skin in your youth and enjoy that in your later age. By making your health your priority you can prevent yourself from trouble in your later age. Schedule appointments with your doctor, dermatologist once you start your mid 30’s. Get regular checkups, blood tests done to look for any abnormalities so that you can correct them as early as possible. Rather than being on medications be on a good diet to prevent any side effects on your body and skin.

7. AGING GRACEFULLY AND NATURALLY

a. Diet rich in antioxidants improves collagen, fight free radicals, and promotes that beautiful glow on the skin.  Strawberries, blueberries, fish, fruits making your skin glowing and healthy inside and out.

b. Vitamin C improves elasticity and prevents wrinkles. There are many vitamin c rich fruits such as lemon, oranges which prevent fine lines, damage to the skin, and reduce age spots. A regular habit of indulging in vitamin C rich food is great to enjoy the benefit of beautiful skin at a later age.

c. Avoid excessive alcohol, smoking completely, and add a healthy and right diet and prevent your skin imperfections and wrinkles from starting.

d. Some home care regimens such as facial steaming, hot water bath, scrubbing and exfoliation, homemade face masks are really simple home care regimens that could be followed regularly. Since the ingredients can be found in the kitchen only without much expenditure, easy to make, and are not time taking.

While concluding I would like to add Genetics does play an important role but the foundation you build for your health and skin at a young age gives a lot of benefits in later age. Indeed everyone has to age but it depends upon you whether you want to look like that or age gracefully.

Dr Jyotsana Anand Suri
Certified medical content writer
Email: jyotsana789@gmail.com

The post Aging Gracefully : Secrets of aging gracefully in your 30’s appeared first on Health Vision.

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.

Vitiligo – A skin problem which does not kill the patient but causes social embarrassment and depression. Hence counseling of the patient is necessary.   

Vitiligo was observed very early in history, and most ancient civilizations and religions had references to people who lacked pigmentation. Atharvaveda written in 1400 BC describes vitiligo. The name “vitiligo” was first used by the Roman physician Aulus Cornelius Celsus in his classic medical text De Medicina written in first century. In 200 BC, the Indian Manu Smriti described “Sweta Kushtha” meaning white disease referring to vitiligo.  Pop music icon Michael Jackson revealed in an interview with Oprah Winfrey in February 1993 that he had vitiligo. This was confirmed by the autopsy report following his death in 2009. P Sathasivam, who is the current Governor of Kerala, in office since 2014, has vitiligo. He previously served as the 40^th Chief Justice of India from 2013 to 2014.

Melanocyte

Melanocyte is pigment forming cell, present in skin, hairs, mucous membrane, eyes, ears and brain. Melanocyte traps tyrosine and converts into melanin pigment. 1 Melanocyte distributes melanin to 36 keratinocytes. Eumelanin is dark brown in color and pheomelanin is red brown or yellow in color. Different concentration of eumelanin and pheomelanin gives different color to skin. Negros will have more eumelanin, Caucasians and Mongoloids will have more pheomelanin.

Loss of melanocytes results in loss of melanin production, hence produces pale patches to white patches in skin and mucous membrane – vitiligo.

Causes

Although multiple hypothesis have been suggested as potential triggers that cause vitiligo, studies strongly imply that changes in the immune system are responsible for this condition. Genetic susceptibility and environmental factors both thought to play a role in development of vitiligo lesions. Vitiligo is sometimes associated with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, psoriasis, Addison’s disease and systemic lupus erythematosus. Patients who are stigmatized for their condition may experience depression and mood disorders. Vitiligo is also seen in animals. Cows, buffalo, dogs, cats and pigs all suffer from vitiligo.

Signs and symptoms

The only sign of vitiligo is the presence of pale patchy areas of depigmented skin which tend to occur on the extremities. The normal color of skin is due to the presence of a coloring substance called melanin. Melanin gives the typical color to skin. Depending upon the presence of color of skin, the population is divided into three races. They are Negros, Mongoloids and Caucasians.

The difference in the color of race is because of the presence of Eumelanin and Pheomelanin.

More the eumelanin, more the brown black color. More the pheomelanin, more the fairer color. At the time of birth, there is normal presence of melanin pigment. As the child grows, and then only pigment start disappearing from the body and giving rise to pale to white color to skin. Usually around 5^th year, 15^th year and 50^th year melanin pigment start disappearing from the skin. The patches are initially small, but often grow and change shape. When the skin lesions occur, they are most prominent on the face, hands and feet. The loss of skin pigmentation is particularly noticeable around body orifices, such as the mouth, eyes, nostrils, genitalia, and umbilicus. Some lesions have increased skin pigmentation around the edges. The mucous membrane of mouth and genitalia also loose pigment and become white patches. The hairs of scalp, hairs of body surface also loose pigment and become white.

Classification

Vitiligo can be subdivided into

• Non-Segmental Vitiligo (NSV) and
• Segmental Vitiligo (SV)     

In non segmental vitiligo, there is usually some form of symmetry in the location of the patches of depigmentation. New patches also appear over time and can be generalized over large portion of the body or localized to a particular area. NSV is further grouped into

1. Generalized vitiligo or vitiligo vulgaris: The most common pattern, the areas of depigmentation present all over the body in patches. Patches are seen over face, trunk, and extremities.
2. Universal vitiligo: depigmentation encompasses most of the body.
3. Focal vitiligo or vitiligo areata: one or a few scattered white patches in one area, most common in children.
4. Acrofacial vitiligo: white patches present only on face, hands and feet.
5. Lip-tip variety: white patches present only on lips and tips of fingers and toes.

Segmental vitiligo: it tends to affect areas of skin that are associated with dorsal roots from the spinal cord and is often unilateral. It is more stable. It responds to topical treatment.

Differential diagnosis

Conditions with similar symptoms include the following:

Post inflammatory hypo pigmentation following burn injuries and also chemical burns. This type of hypo pigmentation and depigmentation is called leucoderma. Good history will differentiate vitiligo from leucoderma.

Albinism is also white skin, but the cause of white skin is absence of melanin pigment by birth. Albinism is seen in animals also, birth of white lion and white tigers in zoos.     

Old age people will develop white macules, which are called idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis. They are age related. Sometimes they feel embraced and hide their patches from their own family members.

Leprosy may present hypo pigmented patches. Careful examination will show, the patches are anesthetic also.

Treatment

Benign nature of vitiligo has to be explained to all school children, school teachers and parents. If a child is having white patches, school friends, teachers and parents should not differentiate him in the class room. This disease is not contagious. Sitting along with vitiligo child in the class room, eating with child, playing with the child will not spread vitiligo to friends.

On 25^th June all over World vitiligo day is observed. True nature of vitiligo is explained to all people all over the World.

The lesions may regress on their own; patient may get back the pigment in all patches. The patches may remain stationary for many years. The patches may start spreading all over the body. The treatment may bring back pigment over 6 months to 2-4 years. Sometimes the treatment may be ineffective. The course of vitiligo is unpredictable and the nature of treatment is also unpredictable.

Topical steroids, tacrolimus, psoralens are main stay of vitiligo treatment. Systemic steroids and Phototherapy are also helpful in vitiligo cases. Cosmetic camouflage and surgical treatment are tried where medical line of treatment is not effective.

Dr K Hanumanthayya   

Dermatology Department

Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre – Bangalore

Ph: 080 28413381/2/3/4

www.vims.ac.in

The post Vitiligo – A skin problem appeared first on Health Vision.

The ancient healing tradition of Ayurveda is creating waves in the world of natural skin care. Industry leaders are touting the benefits of Ayurvedic herbs like Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica), and spas offering Ayurvedic rejuvenation therapies are sprouting up across the country.

Ayurveda, the 5,000-year-old holistic healing system from India, has a lot to say about looking, and feeling, beautiful. Beauty begins with common sense. It can be as simple as eating right, getting your beauty sleep and managing stress.
According to Ayurveda Physicians, what you put on your skin is absorbed by your skin.
If you use heavily synthetic, chemical-laden products on delicate facial skin, be prepared for long-term damage. This doesn’t mean you have to do without cosmetics.
Look for natural products, and read those ingredients with a magnifying glass. Many products that claim to be “herbal” or “botanical” can contain artificial ingredients.
Ayurveda has sophisticated knowledge to offer in the realm of herbal approaches to skin care Ayurvedic formulations are often complex combinations of different types of herbs that offer the benefits of both synergy and balance, so that the final product is potent and highly effective without damaging side effects.”
Just incorporating an Ayurvedic herb or extract in a cosmetic product does not make it Ayurvedic. A herb can have powerful healing properties, but used alone or in inappropriate combinations, sometimes it does more harm than good.

Know Your Ayurvedic Skin Type

The first step in the holistic Ayurvedic approach to skin care is finding out your ayurvedic skin type. Vata, Pitta and Kapha are Ayurvedic psycho-physiological principles called doshas. They govern all the activities of the mind and body and determine the physical characteristics and emotional and mental tendencies of every human being.

These three principles are combinations of the five elements —

• Vata, for example, is mostly vayu and Aakash (air and space);
• Pitta is mainly Agni and jala (fire and water); and
• Kapha is primarily Prithvi and jala (earth and water.)

A person’s Ayurvedic skin type, therefore, can be Vata, Pitta or Kapha, or sometimes a combination of two of these doshas.

Further, a person can be born a certain skin type, but over time, that type may change because of external factors such as climate, diet and lifestyle habits or environmental pollution. Such “imbalances” should also be taken into account when choosing a skin care program.
Vata skin is in general dry, thin, cool to the touch, easily gets dehydrated, and is very vulnerable to the influence of dry, windy weather.
Pitta is mostly fire, so the Pitta skin type tends to have more breakouts, photosensitivity, less tolerance to hot food, and less tolerance to fieriness in temperament.
Pitta skin looks ruddy, and is warm to the touch. Pitta skin types tend to be more prone to freckles and moles than the other skin types.
Kapha dosha is predominantly water and earth, so Kapha skin tends to have all the qualities of water and earth — it can be greasy, thick, and more tolerant of the sun.
“Combination” skin can be Vata-Pitta, skin that is both dry and sensitive; Kapha-Pitta, or oily and sensitive skin; and Vata-Kapha, skin that is generally dry with some oily zones.
The ayurvedic approach to caring for combination skin takes into account environmental and seasonal factors.
For example, a person with Vata-Pitta skin would follow the recommendations for Pitta skin in summer and Vata skin in winter. The Kapha-Pitta type would follow Pitta recommendations in summer and Kapha recommendations in winter. The Vata-Kapha type would be best served by generally following Vata guidelines, with extra cleansing of the oily zones

Caring for Vata Skin

For Vata skin to stay youthful, skin care products used should be very nurturing. They must include some essential oils or herbs in combination which can nourish the skin and rehydrate it; otherwise, it may be susceptible to wrinkles and premature aging.
A Vata-pacifying lifestyle — like going to bed on time, eating three regular meals, and following a regular daily routine are essential components of a holistic approach to Vata skin care, as are eating foods that help balance Vata and nourish the Vata skin.

• Here are some suggestions for caring for Vata skin:
• Provide added nourishment to your skin by including organic milk, whole grains and green leafy vegetables in your diet.
• Drink lots of lukewarm water every day for internal hydration.
• Eat plenty of sweet juicy fruits; they help cleanse the body from within and provide hydration as well.
• Include a little healthy fat such as ghee (clarified butter) or olive oil in your diet for added lubrication.
• A warm oil self-massage (abhyanga) with a rich massage oil such as the bala taila, aswagandha taila etc are excellent for keeping skin lubricated.
  Get plenty of rest so your mind as well as your body have the opportunity to recharge

Caring for Pitta Skin

The Pitta skin type needs both cooling and nurturing.
Use skin care products that help enhance resistance to the sun. Avoid tanning treatments and therapies that expose your delicate, sensitive skin to steam for extended periods of time.
The ayurvedic herb sariva, chandana, usheera, shatavari etc can help protect Pitta skin from photosensitivity.
But like other ayurvedic herbs, it needs to be used in combination with other herbs for a balanced effect on the skin.

To care for Pitta skin, follow these guidelines:

• Stay away from harsh, synthetic cosmetics; they can damage your sensitive skin and cause breakouts.
• Avoid hot, spicy foods and an excess of deep-fried foods; they add heat to an already fiery constitution.
• Eat lots of sweet, juicy fruits and have some gulkand and cool milk every day. The rose is considered cooling for mind, body and emotions.
• Use a cooling oil, such as the chandanadi tailam yashtimadhu tailam, for the daily massage.
• Cook with cooling spices such as fennel and licorice.
• Take extra care to protect your skin when you go out in the sun.

Kapha Skin Care

Kapha skin, because of its thickness and oiliness, is more prone to accumulate ama (toxins) under the skin.
People with Kapha skin need to do detoxification on a regular basis — both internal detoxification and external detoxification to flush toxins from the skin.
Scrubbing the skin with a gentle exfoliating clay such as bentonite clay with herbs can help external cleansing.
Kapha skin types may also need to take herbal formulations to cleanse the skin from within.

Some suggestions for caring for Kapha skin:

• Avoid too many sweet foods or deep-fried foods, as they add to the oiliness in the skin.
• Exercise every day to improve circulation.
• A daily warm oil massage can also help circulation. Oil containing shigru,rasna, lodhra can be used.
• Eat plenty of organic vegetables and fruits to help cleanse the body from within.
• Cleanse your skin twice every day; exfoliate with a mud-mask at least once a week.
• Cook with warming spices such as ginger and black pepper to stoke the digestive fire and inhibit the accumulation of ama inside the body.

True beauty comes from within – from good health and a happy soul. Pay attention to the health of your mind and body, and your friends will say “You look fabulous! What’s your secret?” certainly it’s Ayurveda.

Dr Chitra Mukul Gawande
Professor, SDM College of Ayurveda, Hassan  Ph : +91- 8172- 2564 60, 61

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