First of all, you need to understand the causes of hair fall. It may be due to stress, pollution, hormonal changes (in case of women) or due to over-exposure to sun or any chemical reagent. If you find out that your hair fall is due to the above reasons, follow the below steps

Change your hair washing habits:

Never wash your hair in hot water. Always use cold/luke warm water to wash your hair as hot water may damage hair follicles and lead to hair fall.
If you’re using any shampoo to wash your hair, never apply it directly. Rather mix the shampoo with some water as this process will help dilute the chemical concentration in shampoo.

Wash your hair atleast twice a week which will help in protecting your hair against dust and pollution.
Improve your eating habits:

Take lot of protein rich food including Milk, Almonds, Pistachios, Cashews, Dried Dates, Raisins, Fruits etc. If you’re a Non-Vegetarian you can include a lot of fish recipes in your meal.

Avoid taking too much spicy food often. Especially, pickles. And also avoid the intake of bottled juices. These food has the capability to increase your body heat which is one of the main reasons for hair fall.

Drink atleast 8 glasses of water per day. Have tender coconut and buttermilk atleast 2 times a week. This will help in reducing your body heat drastically.

Improve your combing habits:

For Women: Never tuck your hair too high or use tight hair bands. Try to keep your hair loose while sleeping.

Use hair brush to remove hair tangles. Always keep your hair brush, comb, hair bands clean by washing them regularly.

Never use other’s hair brush/comb. When a person combs his/her hair their sweat sticks to the comb’s teeth. So when you use the same on your hair, there are high chances for dandruff.

Always brush/comb your hair from bottom to top. Take a section of your hair from bottom, comb it gently to remove tangles. Follow this procedure bottom-up.

Let the teeth of your comb/hair brush touch your scalp gently while combing. That’s another way of massaging your scalp.

Tips to reduce hair fall (All the below methods are proven ones gathered from my friends & relatives who have tried them and seen results):

Avoid applying hair oil every day. This will only make your hair greasy and as a result will attract more dust and may lead to dandruff which in turn will lead to hair fall. The primary purpose of applying hair oil everyday, apart from nourishing hair, is to reduce body heat. Follow the 3rd point above instead of applying hair oil everyday. It’s recommended to apply any hair oil 1–2 hours before washing your hair or the night before.

Apply curd to your hair 1–2 hours before washing it. It’s a good source of protein and will also help in getting a smooth & shiny hair after the wash. You can also add Fenugreek powder, Curry leaves powder, Gooseberry powder, Hibiscus powder to curd before applying it.

Try this method the night before washing your hair: Peel a garlic and cut it into half. Rub it gently on your scalp in small circular motion without applying much pressure. Repeat this process until you cover the whole scalp. Prepare Massaging Oil: Now heat some 4–5 spoons of coconut oil with 2–3 curry leaves and 2 drops of castor oil.

Don’t make the oil too hot. Massage this oil in your scalp. Follow this for atleast 4 times a week. This is one of the powerful methods to stop hair fall and regrow hair. (Additional, it’s good to prepare massaging oil in a clean iron kadai)

Apply shallot onions’ juice to your scalp. Keep it for 10–15 mins before washing. This is one of the ancient methods for regrowing fallen hair.
Wash your hair with rice water. Rice water is rich in starch which will help in nourishing your hair.
Some more tips:

Don’t change your hair oil/shampoo often. Use plain coconut oil (with 2–3 drops of castor oil(optional)) which is more than enough to nourish your hair. Otherwise, consult a dermatologist and stick to the products they suggest.

Don’t cover your hair with scarf/cap often.

Covering your hair may lead to sweating and dandruff. If you happen to wear helmet, make it a habit to wash your hair 3 times a week.

Avoid taking too many chemical remedies for hair fall & hair growth and resort to natural remedies to avoid side effects.

Hope this helps!

Nobody wants to deal with an acne breakout, especially when you have a big day coming up tomorrow. With the right products and techniques, though, you can start clearing up last-minute blemishes as quickly as possible. While it's not usually possible to completely eliminate a breakout in 24 hours, you can do a lot to significantly reduce the size and redness of your pimples.

1. Call your dermatologist for a quick-fix cortisone shot. When celebrities get breakouts before a big event, they head straight to their dermatologists for this fast treatment. A needle is used to inject cortisone directly into the offending pimple(s), and it can substantially reduce or even eliminate blemishes within a day.

2. That said, you probably don’t have your
dermatologist on speed-dial and likely don’t want to pay big bucks for last-minute appointments and regular injections.

If cortisone isn’t in the cards for you, move on to an at-home plan of attack on your acne.

Clean your face thoroughly with an acne wash. In order to clear up acne, you need to start by giving your face a nice wash. Acne consists of bacteria that have invaded your pores, and the first step is to fight back with a gentle but effective acne wash.
Some people use a washcloth, but your hands are just as effective.

Mix the directed amount of acne wash with warm water, and gently rub it into your face in a circular motion.

Rinse your face with warm water, then pat it dry gently.

3. Pop pimples with “heads” at your own risk. Some experts say never to pop a pimple, while others think it’s okay to properly “extract” whitehead pimples when necessary. If you try to pop a pimple without a whitehead, you’ll almost certainly make it more noticeable.

You can pop the whitehead with your fingers, a towel, or a pin, but make sure the tool, your hands, and your pimple have been sterilized with rubbing alcohol first.

You can also shop online for a dedicated pimple “extraction tool” that pierces and lifts away whiteheads, but these may or may not work any better than a regular pin. If you do use one, follow the instructions and make sure to sterilize it.

We love to soak in the sun but don't realise that in the process we also make it susceptible to damage. The harsh sun rays work their way in many ways to harm our skin, the most common being skin tan, where the skin loses its moisture and glow to look pale and dull. Treating skin tan at the earliest is very important to prevent further damage. Sun screens and other agents do protect the skin from damage to some extent but since UV ray index is always on the higher side, it affects the skin irrespective of sun guards and sun screens.

One can find a variety of products that claim to treat tan and damage caused by exposure to the sun. However, I feel that the best way to get rid of tan is to use natural products or ingredients as the products available in the market could have somgheee chemical components that might affect the skin in an adverse way. The best way to get back your supple skin is to use ingredients that are natural and are easily available. How about ingredients straight from your kitchen or garden? Using ingredients from our kitchen or garden is a practice that we all have seen our parents and grandparents do. For example, ghee or honey was used to treat chapped lips and to smoothen the skin. Perhaps it's time to get back to basics.Here are some tips and ways to treat tan and get rid of it.

1. Tomato

I personally feel that tomato works extremely well as a tan removal agent. It not only removes tan and dead skin but also consists of properties that bring back the glow in the skin. Tomato also acts as a natural sunscreen, prevents sunburn, repairs skin damage and helps in reducing the ageing process. It has been an age old remedy to treat skin ailments especially when one has pale skin that lacks luster.

It is available easily in the market and the best way to use is to take out its pulp and apply it on the face like a mask. One could also use the skin of tomato and simply apply it on the skin and then wipe it off using a tissue, cotton or water.

Tomato has mineral complexes that reveal fresh and sparkling skin along with great complexion even after the skin has been damaged by sun and pollutants

2. Yoghurt

Another dead skin removal ingredient which is very effective and natural is yoghurt or curd. Curd mixed with wheat flour can be applied on the face, hands and feet and then rinsed off once it dries up. Curd and flour when combined act as a scrub and remove dead skin and tan easily. Regular use of this mixture will ensure clear, soft and supple skin.

3. Lemon

Lemon contains Vitamin C in abundance, which is a great tan removal agent. One can simply slice a lemon, rub it on the skin and wipe it off once it settles on the skin.

The citric acid present in lemon helps not only in the removal of tan but also in the removal of acne and lightening of the marks. One can also apply a mixture of lemon and curd for severe tan.

4. Turmeric

Turmeric is an integral part of Indian cuisine. It contains more than 300 antioxidants that are beneficial for overall health of an individual. It also helps fight acne, skin tanning, pigmentation, etc.
One could simply mix turmeric in water and apply it gently on the skin and then rinse. Regular use of this mixture will make the skin healthier and bring back the glow.

5. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera, these days has emerged as an elixir for every ailment. However, it has been available all this while in our gardens, parks and
neighbourhoods.

Aloe vera is a one stop remedy for almost all skin and hair ailments. It is a great cooling agent. One can take aloe vera pulp and apply it raw on the skin to get rid of tan, sun burn, etc. It helps in not only reducing the effect of tan but also soothes burns and acne.

6. Gram Flour

Gram flour is very useful in treating tan. It removes dead cells leaving behind a healthy and glowing skin. Mix gram flour with water and apply the paste on the skin. Wait for it to dry and rinse your face. Try using rose water instead of regular water, which will add to the glow.

1. Keep your face clean. Whether or not you have acne, it's important to wash your face twice daily to remove impurities, dead skin cells, and extra oil from your skin's surface. Washing more often than twice daily is not necessarily better; it may do more harm than good. Use warm, not hot, water and a mild facial cleanser. Using a harsh soap (like deodorant body soap) can hurt already inflamed skin and cause more irritation.

Avoid scrubbing your skin harshly with a washcloth, an exfoliating glove, or loofah (a coarse-textured sponge). Gently wash it with a very soft cloth or your hands. Always rinse well, and then dry your face with a clean towel. (Toss the towel in the laundry hamper, as dirty towels spread bacteria.) Also, use the washcloth only once.

2. Moisturize. Many acne products contain ingredients that dry the skin, so always use a moisturizer that minimizes dryness and skin peeling. Look for "noncomedogenic" on the label, which means it should not cause acne. There are moisturizers made for oily, dry, or combination skin.

3. Try an over-the-counter acne product. These acne products don't need a prescription. Most of them have ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or lactic acid, which curb bacteria and dry your skin. They may cause drying or peeling so start with a small amount at first. Then you can adjust how much you use and how often. Another option is a new OTC topical retinoid gel (Differin 0.1% gel). It works to actually keep the acne from forming. Use these products with caution if you have sensitive skin.

4. Use makeup sparingly. During a breakout, avoid wearing foundation, powder, or blush. If you do wear makeup, wash it off at the end of the day. If possible, choose oil-free cosmetics without added dyes and chemicals. Choose makeup that is labeled as "noncomedogenic," meaning it should not cause acne. Read the ingredients list on the product label before buying.


5. Watch what you put on your hair. Avoid using fragrances, oils, pomades, or gels on your hair. If they get on your face, they can block your skin's pores and irritate your skin. Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner. Oily hair can add to the oil on your face, so wash your hair often, especially if you're breaking out. Got long hair? Keep it pulled away from your face.

6. Keep your hands off your face. Avoid touching your face or propping your cheek or chin on your hands. Not only can you spread bacteria, you can also irritate the already inflamed facial skin. Never pick or pop pimples with your fingers, as it can lead to infection and scarring.

7. Stay out of the sun. The sun's ultraviolet rays can increase inflammation and redness, and can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark discoloration). Some acne medications may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Limit your time in the sun, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, and a broad-brimmed hat. Whether you have pimples or not, always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with 6% zinc oxide or higher and SPF 30 or higher at least 20 minutes before sun exposure. Look for "noncomedogenic" on the sunscreen label to make new pimples less likely. Read the ingredients on the product label to know what you're putting on your skin.

8. Feed your skin. Most experts agree that certain foods, like chocolate, don't cause pimples. Still, it makes sense to avoid greasy food and junk food and add more fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains to your diet. Dairy products and foods high in processed sugar may trigger acne. Avoid these.

9. Exercise daily. Regular exercise is good for your whole body, including your skin. When you exercise, avoid wearing clothing or using exercise equipment that rubs your skin and may cause irritation. Shower or bathe right after exercise.

10. Chill! Some studies link stress with the severity of pimples or acne. Ask yourself what's making you feel stressed. Then look for solutions.

When in doubt, check with a dermatologist to see if you need more treatment to prevent or stop acne.

Ageing is an inevitable; it involves the changes in a person with physical, psychological, mental and social change. Wrinkled skin, greying hair and macular degeneration are a few symptoms of ageing. While one cannot avoid these changes, but can definitely delay them through medications, natural kitchen ingredients or Ayurvedic herbs. Ayurveda is known to be the art of daily living in harmony and laws of nature. It is an ancient natural wisdom of health and healing. Ayurvedic treatment for an ailment is focused on three doshas of a person - vata dosha, kapha dosha and pitta dosha. It believes in maintaining a perfect balance among these three aspects, which is the secret to staying youthful and healthy.The process of degenerating cells as you grow old is known as ageing. Ayurveda suggests herbs that can help reduce the symptoms of ageing by regenerating body cells. Most of the herbs have various antioxidants that inhibit the growth of cell damaging free radicals in the body. According to Ayurveda expert from NirogStreet, Ram N Kumar, "Rasayana (rejuvenation) branch of Ayurveda specifically deals with ageing and its effects. As ageing is a degenerative and palliative phase and process, Rasayana checks its pace and impact substantially, resulting in slow down. Rasayana treatment is advised to people who are 35 years old and more."

Here are some of the herbs suggested by Ram N Kumar that you can include in your diet in order to delay ageing.

1. Guduchi

Guduchi, or Giloy, is known to revive our skin tissues and resolve inflamed skin conditions by its anti-inflammatory properties. Guduchi is responsible for promoting mental clarity and enhance our immune system.

2. Guggulu

Guggulu is a powerful and potent herb that is derived from the flowering tree Mukul Myrrh. Its anti-inflammatory properties help in combating various diseases and inhibit the growth of free radicals in the body.

3. Brahmi

Brahmi, or Bacopa, is a memory enhancer, especially useful for those who may be suffering from age-related memory loss. It is believed to have refreshing effects on your brain.

4. Amalaki

Amalaki, or Amla, is an excellent source of Vitamin-C and antioxidants that help your body fight various diseases. Also, it helps you keep safe from age-related macular degeneration and Cataract.

5. Turmeric

The compound curcumin in Turmeric has shown to possess a powerful anti-ageing effect. It has anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants that help keep diseases at bay.

6. Ginseng

Ginseng contains a lot of phytochemicals that help stimulate and activate skin's metabolism. These phytochemicals also help you get rid of free radicals that get accumulated when your skin is exposed to pollution and sunlight.

7. Gotu-kola

Gotu kola is rich in flavonoids with antioxidant activity that helps protect the skin and body making it an extremely essential anti-ageing herb.

8. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha helps in rapid cell regeneration and rejuvenation that in turn helps in delaying signs of ageing, especially pertaining to the skin.

Make sure you use these herbs under supervision of an Ayurvedic expert. Grow older, don't age!