Health Tips
Stay healthy by reading wellness advice from our top specialists.

Do you know that dandruff causes acne?

Acne is a skin condition that happens when pores get clogged with dead skin cells and oil, giving rise to pimples. It can be caused by numerous reasons like hormonal changes, improper diet, stress, consumption of specific drugs, excessive use of cosmetic products etc. In addition to these factors, acne can be caused by dandruff too, which may not be known to most of you. It has been observed that people who suffer from dandruff problems are more prone to getting pimples.

How does dandruff cause acne?

Dandruff has been associated with presence of yeast or fungi, it is also associated with abnormal skin ultrastructure. Dandruff makes the skin on your scalp flaky. These dry flakes of skin are often responsible for clogging the pores on your face, mostly affecting your forehead. In this way, dandruff triggers appearance of acne and can worsen the condition of your skin if you already have pimples. Though acne is more common among teenagers, acne due to dandruff is mostly experienced by people above the age of 20.

How can you prevent acne due to dandruff?

Eradicating dandruff from your scalp is the best way to prevent acne breakouts on your skin due to dandruff. Here are some simple ways to keep acne due to dandruff away from your skin.


1. Ensure that your hair stays off your face

Keeping hair off your face will ensure that dandruff doesn't come in contact with your skin and clog pores, preventing pimples. For this, you can use hair bands or tie your hair in a ponytail or braid.

2. Brush your hair at least twice a day

Brushing your hair at least two times a day will ensure that the dead cells on your scalp are removed and don't get a chance to clog pores. This option is highly beneficial in getting rid of acne caused by dandruff.

3. Use medicated anti-dandruff shampoo

Topical medicated solutions like a medicated shampoo should be used as a treatment. Short contact period of shampoo with scalp is important for more benefit. Good conditioner should also be used after head wash with shampoo.

Acne and pimples mostly occur due to hormonal changes occurring in the body. They are most prominent among teenagers undergoing hormonal transition. The growth hormones become ultra active and the oil glands present in the skin produce more. The glands present under hair follicles are infected and get inflamed, resulting in pimples. Pimples are a nightmare for teenagers, who are conscious about their look and appearance. Eruptions of pimples of different sizes, blisters and rashes of black or red colours are bound to worry appearance conscious individuals. Acne and pimples do not usually have easy solutions or quick remedies.

When it comes to treatment of acnes and pimples, Homeopathic medicines are considered the most effective and paramount. Homeopathic cure does not intend to quick-fix acne and pimples. The objective being the correction of inner causes, it allows the pimples to heal slowly on their own instead of taking any medicine of high dose. The process might take some time, but it surely is the most effective. The problem gets solved from its roots. Scars from previous eruptions are also permanently healed using homeopathic medicines. Homeopathy is, therefore, the best way to cure acnes and pimples.

Popular Homeopathic Remedies for Acne and Pimples
Here is a list of the most common solutions for acne and pimples and what they indicate:
1. Sulphur

It is a very common cure, especially for chronic cases of acne.
The eruptions cause great pain.
They are present in the form of abscesses.
Patient is vulnerable to cold and pain. Increased rate of perspiration.
Patient tends to get agitated and irritated very easily.

2. Silicea

In cases where there is pus formation.
The best homeopathic medicine for acne.
Increased rate of perspiration. The patient cannot bear cold at all.
Skin turns pale and tender.
3. Pulsatilla

For cases where the intake of rich junk food and indigestion are the causes of acne.
Also in cases of girls suffering from menstrual problems.
Symptoms include decreased thirst.
Patient is usually very sensitive to heat.
4. Nux Vomica

For cases where acne formation is because of gastric disruptions.
Skin seems to appear red and blotchy
Caused because of having too much spicy food
Signs of constipation and over sensitiveness to cold
5. Antimonium Crudum

Formation of tiny red pimples all over the face
Very irritable in nature
Arthritic pain in fingers and loss of appetite
White, thick coating on tongue
6. Bovista

Formed due to cosmetic use, especially during summer
Skin tends to itch
Cheeks swell up and become pale
Makes patient restless.
Homeopathy is certainly the best way to deal with and to get rid of unwanted, ugly acne, which ruin your face. There are more homeopathic cures for other types of acne and pimples for which you can consult any homeopathy physician.

The season of warm cuddles and lazy sunshine is here and the weather couldn't be prettier. Winter season is the time for warm soups and hot coffees in our cozy blankets but it is also the time for dry skin, hair fall, dull appearances and allergies. Here's the good news, it doesn't have to be this way as leading dermatologist, Dr. Deepali Bharadwaj tells us how we can take care of our skin and keep that perfect glow. You did it diligently in summers and now it is time to change the routine for winters.

According to Dr. Deepali Bharadwaj,"Summers and winters have a totally different effect on our skin and hair, which is quite apparent in the way we feel during these seasons. The harshness of winter causes the skin to feel dry and stretched out, leading to premature ageing and a dull look. Not only that, it can also lead to other skin conditions like acne, eczema and psoriasis being aggravated further." A few simple steps will restore your skin and hair to their former magnificence and even better if you take good care by following these amazing tips provided by Dr. Deepali Bharadwaj.

1. No matter how comforting a hot water bath sounds, it must be avoided. Not the bath, the hot water. Instead, use lukewarm water that will protect the skin from losing its natural oils, which hot water happily removes, leaving the skin scratchy and extra dry. But if you still wish to have a bath with slightly more warm water then add some oil like coconut , olive, sesame or into your bucket of water which helps by making a coat on the body and ensuring more hydration.

2. Remember to moisturise yourself immediately after a bath while the skin is still damp. This ensures that the moisture is sealed in, leaving the skin hydrated and supple.

3. Needless to say, exfoliation is a must to remove the dead cells and to allow the new skin cells to come up, breathe and be moisturised. Using a scrub once or twice a week should do the trick to rejuvenate the skin.

4. Don't be lazy about the night cream routine. Follow it religiously. Use creams without perfumes or paraffins. Lesser preservatives make for better and longer lasting creams.

5. Eating nourishing food items like sweet potato, dry fruits, amla and other seasonal fruits will help in boosting skin and body immunity.

6. Drinking plenty of water prevents dehydration specially since the dry air from heaters that are used in most households can exaggerate dryness.

7. Generously apply cream on your feet as they also need extra care and wear cotton socks to protect them further from developing cracks. Lactic acid cream is a better option in which crushed camphor can be added for exfoliating and nourishing properties.

8. Blow drying is a complete no-no even if it is tempting on a cold day to dry your hair. The brittle winter hair is only damaged further by blow drying so avoid it and if it is absolutely necessary apply serum before blow-drying your hair.

9. A few home remedies must be kept handy. Take curd, straight from the fridge and apply it on extra dry skin or even on any kind of rash. If your skin is very dry you can mix 2/3 drops of glycerine in it too and leave it on for about 20 minutes and then wash it off with rose water or plain water. This will leave your skin feeling definitely healthier and softer.

10. Another trick is using Vitamin E ( Evion) capsules. Cut or burst open a capsule. Apply it directly to dry or mature skin. Leave it on for 20 minutes then wipe your face gently with a soft cotton cloth.

We hope that now you have the perfect skin care routine. With these simple tips you can regain your natural glow and your hair strength.

Ever wonder why glycerin has long been a part of the skin care regimen of most women? Glycerine, alternatively known as glycerol, is a non-toxic substance that is derived from plants and animals. This water soluble ingredient is widely used by the food industry for its sweetening property, and by the pharmaceutical industry too. Glycerin is sourced from lipids, mostly triglycerides, found in animal tallow and plants like soybean or palm. Glycerol is also used as laxatives and in a number of beauty and cosmetic products like creams, gels, lotions, styling products among others.Glycerin is easily available in market and is commonly used by people as a skin care product. We spoke to a leading skincare and beauty expert to know more about glycerin and whether or not one should use it in regular skin care regimen.

"Glycerin is very important for your skin, especially in this weather when the skin is more likely to turn dull and dry. It is a stable compound which helps in moisturizing the skin inside-out." shared leading Delhi-based skin and beauty expert, Dr. Deepali Bharadwaj. Here are seven reasons to add glycerin to your skin care regime.

1. Battle dry skin

If your skin tends to turn dry and flaky during winters, glycerin may help tame the dullness and keep the skin supple and soft.

2. Protects skin from the adverse effects of pollution

"This year's pollution is going to add to skin allergies, rashes, irritation and issues like eczema. Just a thin coating of pure glycerin on your face before sleeping will nourish your skin and ensure that it is fortified to withstand the ravages of pollution and harsh weather. Owing to its light molecular weight it gets absorbed by the deeper layers of the skin," shared Dr. Deepali. Oils like almond, sesame and olive work on the superficial layer of the skin whereas glycerin penetrates deeper.

"Glycerin is available in the market at a very reasonable price. In my opinion, it is better than using almond oil on your face owing to its molecular size. It doesn't make your skin look greasy or feel oily," explained Dr. Bharadwaj.

4. Beneficial for all skin types

Glycerin can easily be used for all skin types as well as in your hair care routine. It helps nourish your hair, add sheen and render dazzling, lustrous texture. For hair, glycerin can actually be used like a leave-in conditioner or an after-wash serum.

For dry skin - You can take curd or milk and mix with glycerin and apply on the face. Leave for 20 minutes and wash off. Mix almond oil with glycerin and use as body lotion.

For oily skin - Mix some lemon juice with glycerin and apply on face. Lemon juice will act on excess oil and work with its antibacterial properties while glycerin will go deeper and nourish your skin.

5. Acne control

Glycerin can act on acne very well. Take a drop of glycerin and a drop of lemon juice and apply on the affected area, wait for 5-10 minutes and wash off.

6. Get rid of dark circles

Mix glycerin with tomato juice and apply with a slice of potato on the affected area. "You can actually warm the potato and use it to apply under your eye," noted Dr. Bharadwaj.

7. Combat allergy

"Distilled form of glycerin may actually help some cases on skin allergies. Pure form of glycerin must not be used as it may make the skin more sensitive," concluded Dr. Deepali.

While glycerin can be an inexpensive tool in your regular beauty regime, the significance of a balanced diet in maintaining good skin must not be overlooked. Eat healthy and exercise regularly to shine of radiance.

Do you also happen to be one of those who have fallen prey to the brunt of harsh winters? Winter often brings along with it dryness, which can make your skin feel dull and dry. Dry and flaky skin can turn out to be quite annoying. Other than just face, our lips also tend to face the harsh effects of winter as well. In order to steer clear of it, it is imperative to take care of them. There are a lot of cosmetic products available in the market that can help keep dry lips at bay; however, they might just end up giving you side effects. So the best natural way to get rid of dark, dry and chapped lips is by using glycerine. Yes, you read that right! You can now ditch those expensive lip balms and bring glycerine to your rescue instead, as nothing works better than glycerine in keeping the lips soft and pink. Glycerine acts as a moisturiser not only for the skin, but for lips as well. Glycerine has been a part of the beauty regimen of most women. This non-toxic substance is a water-soluble ingredient that is used as laxatives and in various cosmetic products like gels, creams etc. According to Delhi-based skin and beauty expert, Dr. Deepali Bharadwaj, "In winters, our skin is more likely to become dry and dull; this is where glycerine comes into use. Glycerine helps in moisturising the skin and lips inside-out." It can be used in various ways to benefit our lips.

Here's a list of 5 amazing benefits of using glycerine on lips:

Battles Dry Lips

If you have been suffering from dry and chapped lips and looking for effective home remedies, then glycerine can come to great help. Glycerine may help in keeping dryness at bay and may keep them moisturised to a great extent. Dry lips are quite common in winters and they can give you a tough time, if not taken care of properly. Not only do they make your lips look black, but they may also lead to pigmentation. All you need is some glycerine and a cotton swab. Just apply it on your lips during bedtime and allow it to stay overnight. You can repeat this procedure every night before going to sleep for best results.

Gives You Soft And Pink Lips

Who doesn't wish to have soft and pink lips? Not only do they look good, but also make one feel confident. A lot of people tend to have dark lips due to smoking or other environmental issues. If you also happen to be one of them, then use glycerine every day. Just a thin coating of pure glycerine may nourish your lips to a great extent keeping them soft and pink.

Prevents Irritation
There is no denying the fact that dry lips can turn out to be quite bothersome. They can cause extreme itchiness, which can possibly tear the protective layer of skin. The lip balms that are easily available in the market do help in keeping the lips hydrated; however, for a very short period of time. Glycerine, on the other hand, can help in keeping irritation at bay along with keeping them soft and hydrated all day long.

Keeps Bleeding And Flaking At Bay
A lot of people tend to suffer from bleeding and flaking due to dry and chapped lips. Our lips are more sensitive than our facial skin; hence, they call for extra care. During winters, our lips become dry. Not only do they look unpleasant, but can also cause a lot of pain. In order to avoid chapping of lips and to heal them properly, use glycerine regularly.

Promotes Healthy Lips And Removes Dead Skin Cells

Regular use of glycerine on lips will not only keep your lips healthy and soft, but will also remove dead skin from your lips area. But that's not it; regular use of glycerine also stimulates the growth of new skin cells.

So, what are you waiting for? Bring this natural ingredient to your rescue and say bye-bye to dry and chapped lips.

Dr. Abhijit Kamble
Dr. Abhijit Kamble
BAMS, Family Physician General Surgeon, 14 yrs, Pune
Dr. Richa
Dr. Richa
BAMS, Mumbai Suburban
Dr. Anand  Kale
Dr. Anand Kale
MS/MD - Ayurveda, Ayurveda Dermatologist, 2 yrs, Pune
Dr. Sachin Rohani
Dr. Sachin Rohani
MS/MD - Ayurveda, Ayurveda Panchakarma, 16 yrs, Pune
Dr. Smita Darshankar
Dr. Smita Darshankar
BAMS, Ayurveda, 25 yrs, Pune
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