Beauty Buzz

Summer is round the corner and the best way to be healthy is to keep your body hydrated. Following are some tips to stay hydrated:

• Strive to drink at least one glass of water with each meal and weave in a glass or two when you have a snack.
• Keep several filled water bottles in the fridge so they’re chilled and ready for you.
• Use a larger glass. If you normally use an 8-ounce glass, try a 10-ounce.
• To ensure that you get enough water, eat water-volume foods like fruits & veggies.
• If you are on the go, always take a travel cup filled with water.
• Try to have a glass of water at every transitional point of the day like when you get up, just before leaving the house, when you sit down for work etc.

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Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that causes spots.  Mild acne does not need treating as each inflamed spot will eventually heal. Eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water will help keep the skin healthy.

Keeping spot-prone areas clean by washing the affected area twice daily with an cleanser can help. However, excessive washing and scrubbing of the skin will not help and may make the inflammation worse.

More severe acne may need treatment. The aim is to clear the spots and prevent scarring.

Treatments work by either unblocking blocked pores, reducing the amount of grease or sebum made by the skin, reducing the inflammation or fighting the bacterium that infects the lesions.

Creams, gels and lotions that can be applied to the skin are available to buy at pharmacies without a prescription. These usually contain antibacterial agents such as benzoyl peroxide, which also works by drying out the skin and encouraging it to shed the surface layer of dead skin.

There are several more potent oral tablets that can be prescribed by a doctor if the acne persists.

Make-up can be used to cover blemishes but heavy use of concealer may make acne worse.

Any scarring will improve with time. Laser therapy, chemical peels, dermabrasion and other treatments have been suggested for acne scarring.

Acne can be extremely distressing and it is important to seek help if you are anxious or depressed about it

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Blackheads are almost impossible to prevent, steam your face frequently to soften the oils clogging your pores and cleanse skin using a mask. Products that include salicylic or glycolic acids should be used to keep pores clean. Getting a facial is also useful in to deep-clean pores.

To conceal the blackheads use a liquid spot-touch concealer that comes in a tube with its own applicator. Dot the concealer on the area and blend with your finger. If your skin is shiny, dust the area with powder.

There is no long term cure for blackheads. Try to use some commonly available blackhead removal strips to pull out some blackheads. Additionally, apply a hot (but not too hot) compress to soften the pores. With a tissue around your two fingers, gently squeeze the pore. If the oil plug isn't released, stop squeezing. Never squeeze facial skin hard enough to leave an imprint.

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Honey is not only a delicious but has lots of other uses. It’s ability to attract and retain moisture can be used for keeping the skin moist & hydrated. The skin’s ability to stay moist (or hydrated) is an important factor in its ability to maintain softness, suppleness and elasticity. As skin ages, or as it is exposed to environmental stresses and chemical agents, it loses its ability to retain water; it becomes dry and appears wrinkled.

Apply the solution of 1/2 cup warm water & 1/4 teaspoon salt. Maintain pressure with cotton ball for several minutes, to soften blemish. Using a cotton swab, dab honey on blemish; leave on 10 minutes. Rinse & dry, for soothing minor acne flare-ups.

For a facial mask, mix 1 tablespoon honey, 1 egg white, 1 teaspoon glycerin and flour to form a paste. Smooth over face and throat. Leave on 10 minutes. Wash off with warm water.