Have you been noticing that some parts of your skin have turned dark and dull recently? Do you have ugly blotches and spots developing on your skin that keep on worsening? These may indicate that you have been affected by a medical condition known as skin darkening. Also known as hyperpigmentation, it is commonly caused by the overproduction of a pigment known as melanin. Although skin darkening is not a harmful condition, it demoralizes an affected person.

Types of Hyperpigmentation:

There are several types of hyperpigmentation or skin darkening. They are:

Lentigenes: This type of skin darkening refers to on the dark brown or black marks on skin surface.

Solar Lentigenes: This type of skin darkening includes sun spots, age spots or liver spots. These are spots, which are caused due to exposure to the sun.

Melasma: This type of skin darkening, also called as mask of pregnancy, occurs due to hormonal changes of pregnancy. Some areas of the facial skin become blotchy and pigmented.

Causes of Skin darkening:

There are several conditions, which may lead to the occurrence of skin darkening or hyperpigmentation. They include the following:

Hereditary factors: Some inherited factors present since birth may be responsible for the change in the skin complexion and the development of patches.

Skin disorders: Several skin disorders may cause the darkening of the skin, resulting into the formation of blotches and the skin becoming thicker.


Vitamin deficiency: Insufficient consumption of essential vitamins such as vitamin A, E, C and B complex may result in darkening and roughening of the skin. Vitamin deprivation also makes the skin look dull. Liver disorders: Certain liver disorders are also responsible for hyperpigmentation. A dysfunctional liver may lead to darkening of the skin.

Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes within our body and during pregnancy in women may also cause skin darkening.

Exposure to UV rays: Overexposure to the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun may lead to skin tanning. This causes overproduction of melanin, which in turn results in skin darkening.

Prevention:

There are several ways in which you can prevent skin darkening. They include the following:

Avoid exposing yourself directly to the rays of the sun.

Try to apply sunscreen every time before you go out in the sun.

You should drink plenty of water and always keep yourself hydrated.

Try to abstain from consuming too much of spicy, oily and rich foods.

You must intake a lot of fruits and vegetables, which are rich in vitamin A, B, C, and E.

There are many options for treating the hyperpigmentation, from skin lightening peels to lasers. A properly planned customized skin care routine and treatment options can minimize, the pigmentation on your skin dramatically.

Many Indians are crazy about fair skin and go to extreme lengths to achieve and maintain a fair complexion. The media bombards you daily with very catchy advertisements of creams, lotions, sunscreens and other unscientific products that claim to make your skin fairer. Do you know that your skin colour is darker for very good evolutionary and biological reasons and that medically speaking, it is good that you do not have very fair skin?

Darker skin is adapted to sunlight and has increased quantity of a pigment called melanin. The more melanin you have, the darker your skin. And the safer you are! Melanin along with other factors, acts as a “natural umbrella” and prevents harmful radiation from entering your skin.

These are just some of the reasons why black skin is safe and beautiful:

You are less prone to sunburns: White skinned individuals often get painful, carrot-red or tomato-red inflamed sunburns on exposure to sunlight. Some individuals also get blistering sunburns requiring aggressive medical treatment to control the reaction. Your darker skin allows you to spend much longer time on the beach and you probably have never ever experienced any blister due to sunlight.

You do not experience photo-ageing: Fine and deep wrinkles, broken blood vessels on the nose and cheeks, freckles, age spots and rough scaly spots called keratosis are commonly seen in white skinned individuals with long term sun exposure. These set of changes are called photo-aging. Because of natural sun protection, your Indian skin remains has less wrinkles and is smoother, even when exposed to the same amount of sunlight.

You are less prone to skin cancers: Without melanin, you can imagine white skin as a transparent covering, which allows harmful UV light to penetrate through into the lower layers of the skin. This radiation causes damage to the DNA and a few cells may mutate to cause skin cancers, some of which are deadly. You are lucky that your “natural umbrella” blocks UV light effectively and cells in different layers of the skin suffer much less damage compared to white-skinned individuals. However, don’t forget to see a dermatologist in case you see any new bump, or in case you see any change in(a)symmetry, border, color, diameter or evolution (ABCDE) of any existing moleon your skin.

However, on the flip side, since your skin is effective in shielding you from sunlight, you are also prone to Vitamin D deficiency. Sunlight is required for the production of Vitamin D and darker skinned individuals are more prone to this deficiency. Talk to your dermatologist about this possibility.

Sunscreens were developed to protect against sunburns and skin cancers and you probably do not need them as a routine, unless you work outdoors, on beaches or on mountains. Stay away from skin brightening creams, since many of them contain compounds which permanently damage your skin and organs. Make it a point to consult your dermatologist before putting any medication on your skin. Be proud and be happy that you have dark Indian skin.

It’s the newest trend to hit the world of beauty and glamour and everyone wants to be a part of it. Radiant and glowing skin is now on the ‘must-have’ list of everyone around. A picture-perfect, flawless skin is what we all desire. Some of us are born that way but for some it takes a little of bit of effort, and money! You could spend thousands on salon routines that may or may not give you the desired outcome. Or, you could become a fan of ‘Coconut oil’ – an easily available product that has a long list of beauty benefits.

Benefits of Coconut Oil

It’s a well-known fact that Coconut Oil has antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties. These properties make Coconut Oil a very healthy choice for several health conditions. The list is pretty exhaustive:

- Weight loss
- Improvement of Type II Diabetes
- Prevention of Gum Diseases and Tooth Decay
- Known to reduces symptoms of Gallbladder Disease
- Improves Digestion
- Improves Energy
- Improves Memory
- Boosts Immune System
- Reduces Inflammation
- Helps in balancing hormones
- Treatment of yeast infections

But, did you know that this amazing natural product is also your skin’s best friend? Coconut oil is a multi-talented oil and depending on your skin type – you can use it as a moisturizer, cleanser and even as a sunscreen. This oil protects your skin and helps in healing the skin because of the antioxidants present in it. Coconut oil also reduces inflammation as it contains fatty acids. Here are some of the ways in which coconut oil can be used in your daily beauty routine:

1. Face Wash: Melt the coconut oil in a pan and add 1 tbsp baking soda and 5 tbsp of any of your favourite essential oils suitable for application your face. Store this homemade face wash liquid in a jar.

2. Lip Balm: You can add a few drops of coconut to any of your lip balm or chapstick, this will help in making your lips moist and getting rid of dry lips.

3. Night Cream: Add a few drops of coconut oil to your moisturizer and apply it at night before sleeping if you are prone to face acne. If not, then you can apply the oil as it is on your face.

4. Sunburn Relief: The harsh rays of the sun can dry the delicate skin on your face and you look older. Coconut oil helps you to get rid of that redness and itching (if you experience it) as it rehydrates the skin.

5. Makeup Remover: Removing makeup is a major task. Instead of removing make up with other chemicals, remove it with coconut oil. This will make your skin hydrating and softer. Coconut oil will help in reducing wrinkles as well.

6. Insect Repellent: Mosquito bites really look horrible on the face. Don’t they? There’s an easy way to get rid of them, just mix some coconut oil with any of your favorite essential oil and apply this on the insect bite. Repeat this after a few hours.

7. Face Scrub: Mix coconut oil with coconut sugar and use this mixture as a scrub on your face for at least 2-3 times a week. This will give you a much smoother skin than ever before.

When we think of olives, we get the image of Greek Gods, nectar, aphrodisiacs and exotic! No doubt that olive has been eaten for years now and its health benefits are very well known. Olives, both green and black, are known to lower blood pressure, as well as have anti-cancerous properties. Olives, in a recent study, have shown to reduce bone loss, and therefore, lessen the chances of osteoporosis. For our skin, olive oil shows remarkable results in treating damaged skin, as well as improving and maintaining our skin. It helps reduce dryness, wrinkles, eczema and psoriasis, and helps in cell regeneration. You would be surprised to know that olive oil is amazing for your hair too - it helps reduce frizz, keeps dandruff at bay and helps grow healthier and thicker hair! So, without further ado, let's talk about the benefits of olive oil and how you can improve your skin and hair with this natural oil.

Wrinkles And Age Spots

Due to the presence of polyphenolic compounds, olive oil helps reduce the oxidative stress in the body that is caused due to ageing and wrinkles. With regular olive oil massage, you can improve elasticity, reduce wrinkles and dark spots, and make your skin look younger.

Olive Oil For Dryness

Olive oil is full of vitamin E and A, which makes it a super moisturiser that helps reduce dryness and dehydrated skin. Not just that, it also helps maintain the skins oil balance and makes it look healthier.

Protects From Sun Damage

Being heavy in consistency and full of antioxidants, olive oil helps protect our skin against sun damage. If you are a swimmer or outdoor sort of a person and want to protect your skin from sun damage, then bring this oil to your rescue and say bye-bye to your skin problems. Massage olive oil on your face, neck, arms and legs, forming a thin layer on your skin. Let your skin absorb this completely. Wash it off after 20 minutes or next morning.

Itchy Skin

Olive oil is relaxing and soothing in nature. It helps reduce itchiness and discomfort caused due to itchiness; you can use it safely to treat rashes, including nappy rashes. And due to its anti-bacterial properties, it may help treat annoying skin-related allergies and conditions in no time at all.

Aftershave Soother

Olive oil makes for a great after shave soother. Post shaving, the skin becomes little dry and rough. Massaging olive oil after shaving will moisturise your skin and keep infections at bay. All you have to do is to take 2-3 drops of olive oil and massage it onto wet skin, allowing it to be absorbed completely.

Reduces Scalp Infections

Olive oil is excellent for people who have dandruff and other scalp-related problems. A bi-weekly massage with olive oil may work wonders for treating this hair condition.

Conditions Scalp

Olive oil not only conditions your hair, but also gives them a bouncy look and controls your frizz. For those with rough, unruly locks: olive oil head massage may help improve your hair texture and make them manageable.

Hair Conditioner

Most oils help soften your hair, but nothing is like olive oil. The presence of three major emollients - oleic acid, squalene and palmitic acid - provides moisture to your hair shaft, further making them soft and manageable.

Besides olive oil massage, you can also make this super nourishing hair mask, which helps repair, soothe and wake up dull lifeless hair:

Things you need:

5tbsp olive oil
2 eggs
Half a grated cucumber
4 tsp mashed papaya
1 banana blended
2 tsp honey
Half a mashed avocado
Method:

Mix all the ingredients and apply it on your scalp and hair. Cover your head with a shower cap for 40 minutes and wash it off with a mild shampoo. Not only will this mask add lustre and bounce to your hair but will also make your hair softer and more manageable. The natural AHA's present in the mask will be highly beneficial, making it a perfect weekly hair supplement for your hair.

Now, that you are aware of all the benefits of olive and olive oil, use it often for your hair and skin and see the results by yourself!

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.
skin

1. Battle dry skin
Glycerin may help battle dry skin

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.

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.