Things to Know Before You Pop that Pimple

Pimples show up at the worst times and when they do, you have a desperate urge to pop them out. You want to squeeze them out and at the same time make sure there is no mark left behind. But, must you? Is popping a pimple really the right approach to having flawless skin?

Why pimple popping is not advised by doctors

Pimple is a thin sack that holds oil, acne bacteria and debris, medically meaning that it is a good thing that you have the pimple there. If you puncture the pimple, you will force the debris as well as bacteria to run deeper into your skin. Also, the debris that comes out of the gunk will splatter and force itself inside other pores, causing more pimples. Moreover, you may introduce more bacteria from your finger into the zit. This can lead to the pimple becoming red, swollen, inflamed and infected. This may cause permanent scarring.

The conclusion is that the pimple must be allowed to run through its lifespan. If the pimple is let alone, the blemish will heal on its own in 3 to 7 days and if the pimple is popped out improperly, it may linger for weeks and may also lead to scarring.

But, how do dermatologists and estheticians pop the pimples?

Dermatologists as well as estheticians are experts at popping pimples safely. They use gloves and lance the pimple with a sterile needle before removing the contents with an instrument called a comedone extractor.

Therefore, popping a pimple is best to be left for the pros. But, if you must do it, there is a proper fashion in which that is supposed to be done. 
•    Do not poke the pimple way too early. Wait until it has a white head. This means that the pus is close to the surface of the skin.
•    Wash your hands thoroughly with warm water, fingernail brush and soap.
•    Sterilize a pin using a match or lighter. Let the pin cool and then wipe it down with the help of alcohol. 
•    Swab the zit using alcohol and pour some on your fingers as well. 
•    Dry your fingers and wrap them properly in a clean tissue.
•    Position the pin in such a way that it is parallel to the surface of the skin. Now, gently pierce the tip of the white center of the zit. 
•    With the help of a cotton swab, softly squeeze the pimple by pressing around the tip of the zit. If the pus does not come down with a soft press, the pimple is not yet ready to be popped. So, stop attempting to get the pimple out and wait until it is ready to be popped.
•    Whether the zit open out with the pus or not, apply some alcohol to the deflated blemish. It might a little but it will prevent further breakouts by inhibiting bacterial contact.

Causes of Acne Breakouts

There are many myths about what causes acne. Some people blame foods for their outbreaks.Some think that dirty skin causes it. But there’s little evidence that either has much effect on most people’s acne.

People of all races and ages get acne. About 4 of every 5 people between the ages of 11 and 30 have outbreaks at some point. It’s most common in adolescents and young adults. Although acne is usually not a serious health threat, it can be upsetting, and severe acne can lead to permanent scarring. Fortunately, for most people, acne tends to go away by the time they reach their 30s.

Skin oil or sebum

Acne begins in the skin’s oil glands. The oils travel up a canal called a follicle, which also contains a hair. The oils empty onto the skin surface through the follicle’s opening, or pore.The hair, oil and cells that line the narrow follicle can form a plug and block the pore, preventing oil from reaching the skin’s surface. This mix of oil and cells allows bacteria that normally live on the skin to grow in plugged follicles. Your body’s defense system then moves to attack the bacteria and the area gets inflamed.

If the plugged follicle stays beneath the skin, you get a white bump called a whitehead. If it reaches the surface of the skin and opens up, you get a blackhead. It’s not because of dirt; the oil becomes black on the skin’s surface when it’s exposed to air. Both whiteheads and blackheads may stay in the skin for a long time. Eventually, the wall of the plugged follicle can break down, leading to pimples, or zits.

Hormonal changes

One important factor in acne is an increase in certain hormones during puberty. These hormones cause the oil glands to enlarge and make more oil. Hormone changes related to pregnancy or starting or stopping birth control pills can also cause acne.

Genes

Studies suggest that you can inherit a tendency to develop acne from your parents, so genes likely play some role. Stress doesn’t cause acne, but research has found that for people who have acne, stress can make it worse.

Drugs and Medication

Certain drugs are also known to cause acne. Greasy cosmetics, for example, can alter the cells of the follicles and make them stick together, producing a plug. If you have acne, try oil-free cosmetics. Choose products labeled noncomedogenic (meaning they don’t promote the formation of closed pores).

If you have acne, don’t rub or touch your pimples. Squeezing, pinching or picking at them can lead to scars or dark blotches. Gently wash your face with a mild cleanser twice a day—and after heavy exercise. Don’t use strong soaps or rough scrub pads; they may make the problem worse. It’s also important to shampoo your hair regularly. If you have oily hair, you may want to wash it every day. Several over-the-counter medicines can treat mild acne. It may take up to 8 weeks before you notice an improvement. For more severe acne, talk to your doctor about the options.

Researchers continue to work on developing new drugs to treat acne. They’re also trying to better understand the causes of acne so they can explore new remedies. In the meantime, there are several available treatments that may help.

Tips for acne troubles in summer

During summers, sweat and oil secretion increases and get deposited on the skin. An oily and sweaty skin also attracts more dirt and pollutants.

Which is why summers aggravate acne problem because of heat and sweat. Following are some tips to prevent skin from acne during the heated climate:

Cleansing is the keyword

Daily cleansing and skin care, with appropriate products, is the only way of protecting the skin from eruptions and oily-skin problems. The pores must be kept free of hardened oil and the oiliness of the skin surface must also be reduced.

If your skin is oily, an astringent toner should be used after cleansing. Wipe the face with it, using cotton. Some home ingredients can also be used. Rose water can be mixed with cucumber juice and applied on the face to reduce oiliness. Night-time cleansing is a must, to remove the pollutants that have been deposited on the skin during the day.

Wash your face with plain water

During summer, people tend to wash their face too often with soap and water. This actually destroys the normal acid-alkaline balance of the skin, since most soaps are alkaline in nature. If there is rash, pimples or acne, the face should be washed with a medicated soap, or medicated cleanser only twice a day, morning and night. You may wash the face several times a day with plenty of plain water.

No blackheads, no acne

Preventing blackheads help in the prevention of acne. If there are blackheads, a facial scrub should be used on the blackhead-prone areas. But do not apply scrubs on acne, pimples or rash. Mix rice powder with rose water. Apply it on the areas with blackheads daily. Rub gently on the skin with circular movements. Leave on for five minutes and wash off with water. This can be done after cleansing in the morning.

Avoid use of oily creams

If the skin is oily and prone to eruptions, avoid the use of oily creams and moisturisers. If there is dryness of the skin, it is usually a superficial dryness of the outermost layer. For this, mix one teaspoon each of honey and curd and apply daily, washing off with plain water after 20 minutes.

A paste of fresh methi leaves can also be applied on the skin. Keep it on for 15 to 20 minutes and wash off with water.

Neem leaves can also be used to treat rashes, pimples and acne. A handful of neem leaves can be simmered on very low fire in four cups of water for one hour. Leave it overnight. Next morning, strain and use the water to wash the face. Make a paste of the leaves and apply on pimples, rash and acne.

It is also important to make sure that the hair and scalp are kept scrupulously clean. If the scalp is oily, or if there is dandruff, it can lead to pimples and acne. Keep the hair away from the face while you sleep.

Cleanliness is an important aspect

If your skin is prone to pimples, wash your pillow covers and towels often in warm soapy water, after adding two teaspoons of an antiseptic solution.

Also remember to wash your cosmetic brushes very often and dry them thoroughly before putting them away.

Drink plenty of water

Acne can out of a congested system also. So, include fresh fruits, raw salads, sprouts and curd in your daily diet and drink 6 to 8 glasses of water. Add lime juice to a glass of water and have it first thing in the morning.

Last, but not the least, if acne makes an appearance, get professional care at right time, because acne can spread and cause extensive scarring.

Uneasy symptoms and reasons for acidity

It may come in middle of the night in the form of coughing and choking, or perhaps at work as a sudden burning sensation, incessant pain in your chest at office after a huge, greasy meal. Acidity has many faces, most are discomforting.

When acid from the stomach leaks up into the gullet (oesophagus), the condition is known as acid reflux, commonly called acidity. If acid reflux symptoms happen more than twice a week, you have acid reflux disease, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Common Causes of Acidity

• Eating large meals or lying down right after a meal
• Being overweight or obese
• Eating a heavy meal and lying on your back or bending over at the waist
• Snacking close to bedtime
• Eating certain foods, such as citrus, tomato, chocolate, mint, garlic, onions, or spicy or fatty foods
• Drinking certain beverages, such as alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee, or tea
• Smoking
• Being pregnant
• Taking aspirin, ibuprofen, certain muscle relaxers, or blood pressure medications

Symptoms of Acidity

Heartburn- A burning pain or discomfort that may move from your stomach to your abdomen or chest is known as heart burn. It is the most common symptom if you have acidity.  The pain can also move into your throat. Despite its name, heartburn doesn't affect your heart.

Chest Pain- Chest pain, which occurs because stomach acid is splashing into the oesophagus, is a classic acid reflux symptom. But the pain can last longer and be more intense than expected. You can never ignore chest pain, especially if it gets worse when you exercise or exert yourself.

Regurgitation- Another common symptom of acid reflux is regurgitation, or the sensation of acid backing up into your throat or mouth. Regurgitation can produce a sour or bitter taste, and you may experience a "wet burp" or even vomit some contents of your stomach.

Pain Worsening at Rest- The acid that is supposed to stay in your stomach is more likely to escape into your oesophagus when you lie down or bend over, causing heartburn.

Pain after Meal- Pain that sets in right after a meal—especially a big meal—often means the stomach is overloaded and its contents have nowhere to go but up. But you may be able to prevent this without taking medication.

Foods that Worsen Acidity Symptoms

Certain foods can make the symptoms of acid reflux worse. To lessen your symptoms, try avoiding:

• Citrus fruits
• Chocolate
• Caffeinated drinks or alcohol
• Spicy, fatty, or fried foods
• Garlic and onions
• Peppermint
• Tomatoes

When experiencing acidity, stronger medications should be taken with care, as they can cause side effects.  And remember; always contact your doctor if you are experiencing chronic and severe symptoms of acid reflux.

Foods that Cause Pimples:Stop Eating Them Right Now

Well, contrary to what we may want to believe, diet is a likely culprit in causing acne. A 2002 study published in the Archives of Dermatology shows strong evidence to prove that certain foods can cause breakouts. The theory is that refined carbs cause your insulin levels to spike, which in turn leads to increased sebum production and clogged pores. 

So, now that you know that the food and acne relationship is not a myth, you must also know the common foods that can cause pimples.

Chocolate

We do know that a high-sugar diet like chocolate can increase sebum production and promote inflammatory responses in the body, which can lead to acne. In fact, milk and white chocolate overall have more dairy, sugar and other additives than dark chocolate.

Spicy Foods

Foods with too much spice especially affect your skin if you use sauces bought from stores. Homemade chilli sauce with fresh peppers is not that bad. It’s not necessary that spicy foods will affect your skin condition but if you ask an expert what food causes pimples, spiced ones will sure feature in the list.

Cheese

A 2005 article in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology examined the diets of 47,355 women and found a strong connection between milk and milk product (like cream cheese, sherbet, instant breakfast drinks and cottage cheese) intake and breakouts. Now you know why you need to go easy on that pizza.

Nuts

Many people have experienced that eliminating nuts and products that made with nuts, such as peanut butter helps in managing and preventing their pimples. This may not be true for everyone but who knows this might just work for you.

Sushi

Shocked? Well, we too were when we found that out. But, take our word and avoid eating sushi rolls, sprinkling kelp on your salads and adding spirulina to your smoothies--all of these contain enough iodides to cause an acne cyst to erupt within the week.

Milk

Okay, so the logic behind avoiding cheese applies here; in fact it applies to all dairy products. Study of 4,273 teenage boys also found an association between milk and acne flare-ups. Much of the milk that we drink is produced by pregnant cows and contains high levels of hormones that can send oil glands into overdrive. Dairy products rate high in the list of foods that cause pimples.

French Fries

Of course, you knew that always but never left eating them. The fact that it’s not the fat in fast food that seems to cause breakouts; it’s the processed carbs should be novel to you. Science is finally catching up in finding the real reason behind what causes negative effects on your skin.

Soda

Soda is loaded with refined sugar—and eating or drinking high glycemic foods (such as soda) can lead to increases in blood sugar and fat levels. To battle the spikes in blood sugar, the body will then produce more insulin and testosterone, which can lead to skin inflammation and clogged pores.

The consensus seems to be that there are no common foods that have the same effect on every person. For example, chocolate may cause breakouts in one person but cheese may spark acne in another. Each person responds differently to certain types of foods, and abovementioned are specific foods that cause pimples.

What is Acne Rosacea?

Rosacea is a skin condition that affects parts of the face. Symptoms can include facial flushing, facial redness, spots, thickening of the skin, and eye problems such as dry eyes and sore eyelids.

American Academy of Dermatology describes Rosacea in detail.

There are so many signs and symptoms that rosacea has four subtypes:

• Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea: Redness, flushing, visible blood vessels.
• Papulopustular rosacea: Redness, swelling, and acne-like breakouts.
• Phymatous rosacea: Skin thickens and has a bumpy texture.
• Ocular rosacea: Eyes red and irritated, eyelids can be swollen, and person may have what looks like a sty. 

Types of Rosacea-

Some people have more than one rosacea subtype at the same time. Each subtype requires different treatment.

Subtype 1: Facial redness, flushing, visible blood vessels

Signs and symptoms

• Flushing and redness in the centre of the face.
• Visible broken blood vessels (spider veins).
• Swollen skin.
• Skin may be very sensitive.
• Skin may sting and burn.
• Dry skin, roughness or scaling.
• Have a tendency to flush or blush more easily than other people.

Subtype 2: Acne-like breakouts

Signs and symptoms

• Acne-like breakouts, usually where the skin is very red.
• Acne-like breakouts tend to come and go.
• Oily skin.
• Skin may be very sensitive.
• Skin may burn and sting.
• Visible broken blood vessels (spider veins).
• Raised patches of skin called plaques (plaks).

Subtype 3: Thickening skin

Signs and symptoms

This subtype is rare. When it does occur, the person often has signs and symptoms of another subtype of rosacea first. The signs of this subtype are:

• Bumpy texture to the skin.
• Skin begins to thicken, especially common on the nose. When the skin thickens on the nose, it is called rhinophyma (rye-NO-fie-ma).
• Skin may thicken on the chin, forehead, cheeks, and ears.
• Visible broken blood vessels appear.
• Pores look large.
• Oily skin.
•  

Who gets rosacea?

Rosacea is common. Most people who get rosacea are:

• Aged 30-50 years.
• Fair-skinned, and often have blonde hair and blue eyes.
• Family history of rosacea.
• Prone to acne cysts and/or nodules.
• Women are a bit more likely than men to get rosacea. Women, however, are not as likely as men to get severe rosacea.

What causes rosacea?

Experts are not sure what the exact causes of rosacea are. The following related factors are said to contribute:

• Abnormalities in facial blood vessels

Skin specialists suggest that a major factor is probably abnormalities in the blood vessels of the face, which cause the flushing, persistent redness and visible blood vessels. What causes the inflammation of the blood vessels is still a mystery.

• Light skin colour

A much higher percentage of people with fair skin develop rosacea compared to other people.

• Demodex folliculorum (microscopic mite)

Demodex folliculorum lives on human skin and usually causes no problems. However, patients with rosacea have much higher numbers of these mites than others do. Experts do not know whether the mites cause the rosacea, or whether the rosacea causes the overpopulation of the mites - i.e. whether the high population of demodex folliculorum is the cause or the effect of rosacea.

• H. pylori bacteria

H. pylori, a bacteria found in the gut, stimulates the production of bradykinin, a protein known to cause blood vessels to dilate. Experts suggest that this bacterium may play a role in the development of rosacea.

• Family history (inheritance, genes)

30% to 40% of patients with rosacea have a close relative with the condition. Unfortunately, scientists do not yet know how which genes are involved and how they are passed on.

Vegetarian Foods that Boost Metabolism – Burn Calories While Eating!

Did you ever wonder how few people stay fit even after consuming huge amount of food? This is due to their metabolism. Metabolism is a process of burning calories in your body. It converts the food which we consume into energy. Even if you eat, drink or do any sort of activity, your body keeps burning the calories and this is because of your metabolism. So, if you are planning to lose weight in a healthy and simple way, maintain a diet chart which includes few vegetarian foods that boost metabolism.

Many people who are overweight try to lose their weight by skipping meals or by eat less amount of food, but the final result is nil. This is because our body metabolic rate drops down and burns fewer calories. Metabolic rate of your body increases by following a proper diet and workouts. To increase your metabolic rate, the foods which you consume also matters a lot. So, always select foods which will enhance your metabolic rate.

Vegetarian Foods that Boost Metabolism:

Asparagus

Asparagus is a herbaceous plant known for its medicinal values and disease fighting abilities. It is one of the best foods packed with health benefits. This veggies is a powerhouse of all the nutrients. Asparagus is rich in fiber, folate, Vitamins (A,B,CE and K) and other antioxidants.

Benefits

1. Aids healthy metabolism(due to high vitamin B)
2. Maintains your insulin levels
3. Detoxifies carcinogens and other harmful compounds in your body
4. Slows down the aging process
5. Fights against high blood pressure and other heart related diseases

Beans

Beans is an edible legume which is known for its nutritional benefits. This veggie has significant amount of soluble fiber. Beans are also rich in protein, iron and other complex carbohydrates. Beans are also loaded with nutrients like folate, calcium, potassium and Vitamin B.

Benefits

1. Controls your blood pressure and reduces risk of stroke
2. Lowers cholesterol levels
3. Improves your metabolic rate
4. Protects against cancer
5. Improves blood glucose levels

Broccoli

Broccoli is a cruciferous plant which belongs to cabbage family and is best known for its anti-cancer properties. This veggie is rich in dietary fibre and Vitamin C. Broccoli is also a source of calcium, potassium and other phytochemicals.

Benefits

1. Reduces the risk of cancer
2. Maintains healthy nervous system
3. Repairs skin damage
4. Boosts metabolism
5. Strengthens your immune system

Celery

Celery is an Apium Graveolens plant that belongs to Apiaceae family and is best recognized as a negative calorie food. Celery is known as an alkaline vegetable as it contains 95% water content. This veggie is also filled with fibre  plant hormones and flavonoids.

Benefits

1. Helps to reduce weight
2. Reduces stress levels
3. Celery seed helps to treat cold, arthritis and other liver diseases
4. Improves digestion
5. Increase metabolic rate

Cucumber

Cucumber is a vegetable that belongs to the Gourd family. This vegetable is one of the best foods to improve the overall health of your body. Cucumber contains good amount of Vitamin B. This veggie is an excellent source for silica and also contains Vitamins, folate, calcium, potassium and magnesium.

Benefits

1. Fights Cancer
2. Relieves bad breath
3. Aids in weight loss
4. Cures diabetes and arthritis
5. Helps to improve metabolism

Garlic

Garlic is one of the essential food which belongs to Allium family and is well known for its culinary and medicinal properties. Garlic is an excellent herb and plays a vital role in maintaining the overall body health. It contains good amount of germanium and antioxidants. This herb is considered to be a natural antibiotic.

Benefits

1. Regulates blood pressure
2. Promotes heart health
3. Aids in metabolism
4. Strengthens your body against allergies
5. Promotes healthy immune system

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter which is primarily made from dry roasted peanuts is known for its valuable fat burning mechanism and other health benefits. Peanut butter is rich in protein and also contains good amounts of dietary fiber. It also contains potassium, calcium, Vitamins (E and B3) and otheressential minerals required for human body.

Benefits

1. Builds metabolism boosting muscles
2. Lowers the risk of heart diseases
3. Regulates digestive system
4. Reduces belly fat
5. Reduces hypertension

Spicy Pepper

Peppers are the most essential spices or ingredients which are known for its potential health benefits. Peppers contain rich amount of antioxidants, vitamins, potassium and complex mixtures of phytochemicals. It also contains Capsaicin, an antioxidant which helps to increase the body temperature and gives various weight loss benefits.

Benefits

1. Pain reduction
2. Helps in weight loss
3. Regulates metabolism
4. Maintains healthy heart
5. Treats ulcers

Spinach

Spinach is a green leafy vegetable which belongs to the family of Amaranthaceae and is known for the enormous amount of nutritional benefits that it provides. It is a rich source of iron, folate, zinc, magnesium, folic acid and protein. This leafy vegetable also contains significant amount of dietary fibre  vitamins and other essential minerals required by your body.

Benefits

1. Protects your body from free radicals
2. Balances blood pressure
3. Promotes Gastrointestinal health
4. Increases metabolism
5. Protects against eye diseases

Tomatoes

Tomato is a typical juicy and delicious red fruit is one of the best healthy foods and is known for its health benefits. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and are low in calories. They contain relatively high water content and low amounts of sodium. Tomatoes also contain folate, Vitamin A, C, K and potassium. They also contain essential minerals like copper, magnesium, phosphorous which are necessary for good health.

Benefits

1. Improves eye sight
2. Reduces urinary tract infections
3. Lower diabetes
4. Regulates metabolic rate
5. Protects against cardiovascular diseases

These are the top 10 vegetarian foods that boost metabolism. You should also foods like yoghurt, oats, grapefruit, green tea and apples which will increase your metabolism. Follow this balanced diet and perform regular workouts to stay fit and healthy.