How To Get Rid of Blackheads & Get a Pure skin.

1-Acne Treatment

Most people will only need treatment for mild acne. The common
treatments for acne are over-the-counter medications. These
products contain active ingredients that can get rid of blackheads
and acne causing bacteria and clean the pores to prevent acne.

Resorcinol

Resorcinol is a crystalline phenol that can dissolve whiteheads
and blackheads. It improves the skin condition by breaking down
the upper layer of skin where dirt is trapped. Unfortunately,
resorcinol cannot kill bacteria nor does it prevent its buildup.

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl Peroxide is a common active ingredient in acne products.
It can kill bacteria and reduce the oil production. Benzoyl is
crystalline peroxide that is used in bleaching. It can also work as a
peeling agent that accelerates the skin’s shedding making the
pores cleaner.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is effective in reducing inflammation. It causes skin
to shed easily which makes room for new cells to grow. It
prevents blackheads and whiteheads and reduces the production
of oil.

Sulfur

Sulfur is a yellow crystalline solid in its natural form. It has been
an ancient cure for acne, eczema and psoriasis. The elemental
sulfur oxidizes to acid which can be an antibacterial agent.

Retin-A

Retin- A is an acne treatment which is derived from vitamin A. It is
mostly used to treat mild to moderate acne. It is especially
effective in eliminating whiteheads and blackheads. Retin-A works
by speeding up the cell turnover and decrease the buildup of
dead skin cells.

Azelaic Acid

Azelaic acid can be used for mild to moderate acne. It kills
bacteria that can cause pimples and reduces the inflammation.
Azelaic acid strengthens the cells and lines the follicles and stop
oil eruptions. It is also recommended for people who suffer from
melasma or dark spots that occur after the acne has healed.
Treating more severe cases of acne involves stronger
medications that may need a prescription from a dermatologist.
These prescription medicines can be in the form of creams,
lotions, and pills.

Corticosteroid injection

If acne turns into a cyst and becomes severely inflamed, a
dermatologist can inject a diluted form of corticosteroid to prevent
the cyst from erupting and scarring. It also helps speed up the
healing process.

Isotretinoin

Isotretinoin is prescribed for a severe cyst that antibiotics cannot
handle. It is a powerful medication that is used when acne does
not respond to common treatments. While it is very effective, it
can also have severe side effects like birth defects for pregnant
women, dry skin, and muscle aches. This drug should only be
administered with the supervision of a specialist to avoid any
dangerous effects.

Oral contraceptive

Oral contraceptives, like ethinyl estradiol, has been proven to
decrease the acne of women. It can also cause side effects like
breast tenderness and headaches. Women who want to use oral
contraceptives as acne medication should consult their doctor
first.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are used for moderate to severe acne. However,
people can build up a resistance to an antibiotic, which is why
most doctors recommend stopping the medication once the
symptoms are gone.

Acne treatment mistakes

For many acne sufferers, the wide variety of treatments and
medications can be confusing. With wrong information, it is easy
to commit mistakes and aggravate acne condition. Here are some
common acne and blackhead removal mistakes to avoid.
Not trying acne treatment long enough
Skin may react to products slowly. Acne requires time to heal and
improve. Give products at least one month to work and continue
to use it if there is any improvement. It is also common to feel a
little irritated during the first few days of a treatment. This only
means that the product is reacting to the skin. However, these
irritations should only be mild, discontinue the use of any products
that causes severe side effects.

Over cleaning the skin

Aggravated scrubbing can only worsen acne because it removes
the protective skin barrier and can lead to irritation. Use a pH
balanced cleanser to clean the face gently. Washing the face
more than twice can also strip the skin of its natural oil, making it
drier and more susceptible to bacteria.

Trying too many products at once

Trying too many products at once can irritate the skin, especially
in products with strong chemicals. Keep your skin regimen clean
and simple. Some products also counter act the effects of other
treatments. Be sure to consult a dermatologist if you have any
serious side effects or want to know more about how a product
will affect your skin.
Choosing the wrong products
Harsh cleansers and alcohol based products can worsen acne.
People should choose products that do not clog the pores to
prevent acne buildup.
Popping and picking acne
Picking on blemishes only prolong its healing process and
increases the risk of scarring. Fingers can transfer bacteria to the
wound and infect it. This only leads to more swelling. Wait for the
pimple to dry out.

Waiting too long to see a dermatologist
Contact a specialist if acne is starting to get out of hand and when
treatments do not respond to the acne anymore. Clinics are more
equipped to deal with persistent acne and can prescribe stronger
medication.
Over-using or under-using medication
Only use medication as instructed. People tend to over use the
product in hopes of speeding up its effects, but this will typically
just lead to dryness and redness. Some people tend to under use
their products because they lose motivation after a few weeks
without result. One secret to treating acne is consistency and
patience.
Stopping the use of acne products once it clears up
Once acne has subsided, use acne medication less and less
rather than abruptly stopping its usage. To keep skin clear and
blemish free, people usually have to continue to use one acne
product that has been shown to work well for them.

2-Acne Removal

Serious acne problems might need certain surgical procedures.
People should go through acne removal as a last resort to
eliminate acne and the marks that it has left behind. These
procedures are mostly done in a doctor’s office and should be
done under close supervision.
Soft tissue fillers
Collagen is injected into the skin to fill out and flatten any scars
while stretching the skin. The effect of these injections is only
temporary, so the procedure must be repeated periodically.
Chemical peels
Peels are strong chemicals that are applied on skin to remove the
top layer and to even out the skin tone. Peels are effective against
shallow acne scars. It is administered by a physician with a cotton
ball who spreads the solution on the areas to be targeted. The
stronger the consistency of the chemical peel, the deeper it
penetrates to the skin and the longer it takes to heal.

Types of chemical peels
Trichloracetic acid( TCA)

This is the mildest chemical peel. TCA is used to reduce the
appearance of fine lines and mild blemishes. The pretreatment of
Retin A can help TCA penetrate the skin better.

Alphahydroxy Acids( AHA)

AHA is typically a term for a vast array of fruit acid peels like lactic
acid, citric, tartaric, malic and glycolic peel. This peel is suited for
sun damaged skin and helps eliminate pimples and wrinkles.
Glycolic acid is from sugar cane and is used for mild exfoliation
and can help promote collagen production. Citric acid is effective
against minor skin damage. Lactic acid peel promotes softer and
more radiant skin. Tartaric acid has similar effects to citric acid
while malic acid peel is used to treat acne by cleaning the pores.

Phenol

Phenol is a strong chemical peel that is used to treat deep
wrinkles and skin discoloration. Phenol can only be used in the
face since it can cause scarring on other parts of the body. Also,
phenol can only be used for fair skinned individuals because this
peel can produce unwanted scarring on darker skin tones.

What to expect from chemical peels

Chemical peel procedure can be as quick as a few minutes. Deep
chemical peels may require local anesthesia. The application of
the chemical can produce a slight stinging sensation. The skin will
be red and can peel afterwards. A cream is usually applied to help
heal the skin. It is important to follow the specialist’s
recommendation to avoid damaging the skin. Chemical peels can
be done every few weeks, and treatment is usually based on the
condition of the skin.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion removes the top layer of the skin with a rotating
brush, thereby making space for new layer of skin to grow.
Dermabrasion is not recommended for everyone. People with
keloid scars and thin skin should not undergo dermabrasion.
Moreover, patients with a viral disease such as oral herpes, are
advised to skip dermabrasion since infection can spread during
the process and cause permanent scarring.

What to expect from dermabrasion

The procedure can last from 15 minutes to 2 hours. The surgeon
will carefully abrade the skin to the agreed depth. An antibiotic
ointment will be spread on the face after the procedure to help
protect the new skin surface.
The skin is very sensitive after dermabrasion, so it is not
advisable to put anything on it without the consent of a
dermatologist. It is also highly recommended to avoid sun
exposure after a treatment.

Microdermabrasion

This procedure involves a hand-held device that blows crystals
into the skin and gently exfoliates the top layer. There is a
vacuum that removes the crystals and dead skin cells. The results
of this procedure are subtle, but it does decrease the appearance
of scars and lessens pimples. Dermabrasion is effective against
scars but not on active acne, so patients have to let their pimples
dry first before going through microdermabrasion.

What to expect from microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion can cause minimal discomfort is rarely
painful. The procedure can last up to 40 minutes. Generally,
people will need eight treatments to see the desired results.
Treatments are usually done in two weeks interval. Avoid sun
exposure and always apply sun screen after treatments. Patients
are also advised against exfoliating for a few days after the
treatment.

Laser Treatment

Laser treatments can reach deeper into the skin without harming
the surface of the skin. It damages the oil glands causing them to
produce less oil. Each laser has different wavelengths and color.
Facial resurfacing is done with ablative laser that is effective
against wrinkles and sun spots. A Non-ablative laser heats up the
fibroblast and encourages collagen production instead of
removing a layer of the skin.

Types of Laser Treatments
Carbon Dioxide Laser

Carbon dioxide laser treatment is the first ablative laser and is still
considered the gold standard for laser treatments. CO2 lasers can
dramatically improve skin texture and tone as well as reduce
wrinkles and scars. It involves a recovery period of one month.
Hyper pigmentation and redness can occur to darker skin.

Erbium-YAG

This laser penetrates the superficial layers of the skin and
dissolves unwanted tissue. The pulsing laser reduces the heat to
the skin thereby reducing damage. This is a less invasive option
and is effective in improving sun damaged skin. The recovery
period is shorter than CO2 treatments.
Q-switched
Q-switched laser treatments can remove pigmentations and
tattoos. It can take eight to twelve sessions to see the desired
results.

Fractionated lasers

Fractionated laser treatment is a form of ablative laser that is
administered to patients who need stronger treatments. This laser
improves the overall skin texture and has the least recovery time
of all laser treatments.

What to expect from laser therapy

Laser resurfacing usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour. The
exact number of treatments depends on the type of laser being
used and the area being treated. After the laser treatment, an
ointment may be applied to the skin to aid the healing process.
There will be redness and puffiness in the skin for a few days
after the procedure. Keeping the skin moisturized and avoiding
sun exposure is important after laser treatment.

Intense Pulsed Light Therapy

Light therapy is said to kill acne causing bacteria. Light treatments
also reduce acne scars and can improve the skin texture. IPL
uses a broad spectrum light to treat skin conditions like age spots,
broken capillaries, tattoos, varicous vein and large pores. There is
also less downtime for light therapy.

What to expect from light therapy

The specialist will typically apply topical anesthetic to the affected
area. The treatment can be done every three weeks. There might
be mild swelling and redness after each treatment. Although
uncommon, bleeding can occur after light therapy. There is also a
variety of light treatment options available for purchase at stores
and on the internet. Blue light has been shown to be the most
effective for helping clear up acne.

When to seek acne removal procedures?

People who are overly self-conscious about their acne and acne
scars, who also do not respond well to medical or natural
remedies, are good candidates for acne removal. Typically,
people who have moderate to severe acne find acne removal
beneficial and more effective than topical creams. These
procedures are great in eliminating blackheads and help diminish
large pores.

Benefits

One of the benefits of an acne removal procedure is that a person
only has to go through the process a few times in a month. Unlike
creams and oral medication that has to be administered
continually and religiously, acne removal shows improvement
much faster.

3-Acne Home Remedies

Acne is a skin problem that affects people of all ages, and
although there is no specific cure for acne, there are simple home
remedies that can help people get rid of their breakouts.

Fresh grapes

Grapes are rich in antioxidants and polyphenols that can cleanse
the skin. It fights pollutants keeping the skin looking young and
fresh.
Grapes are rich in vitamin C and are effective against
inflammation. Rub grape pulp into face to minimize pores.

Cucumber

Cucumber has a cooling and soothing effect that can lessen the
inflammation of acne. Cucumber can be directly applied to the
affected area or can be mixed with aloe vera and yogurt.

Honey

Honey is a natural antiseptic and has moisturizing properties.
Honey can be applied to the face for 30 minutes and it can reduce
acne size within a few days. Wash the honey off with warm water
when done, and then give your face a quick rinse with cold water
to help the pores close. A great brand of honey is: Ambrosia
Honey.

Orange peel

Oranges contain acidic properties that can treat acne. The orange
juice and the orange peel can both be used to treat acne. The
vitamin C in this fruit can also help lighten acne scars.
Indian Lilac
Indian Lilac can be a cure for several different skin problems,
including acne. It contains fungicidal properties that can kill
bacteria in the skin. Indian lilac is commonly mixed with water and
turmeric powder to create a paste before being applied to the
face.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera juice can treat acne in just a few days. Aloe Vera juice
can be applied to the affected area twice a day. It is also effective
in reducing acne scars. Most acne products contain aloe vera
because of its effective healing properties.

Fenugreek

Fenugreek is an herb that can be used as a treatment for acne. It
is an ancient cure for inflammation and contains powerful
antioxidants to fight acne causing bacteria. It is usually mixed with
water and applied directly to the face.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is an antiseptic that can remove damaged skin cells to
make room for new tissue growth. It also has properties that help
in treating acne.
Apply tea tree oil on the affected area several times a day to
minimize it. If you notice redness or irritation then stop usage.

Lemon

Lemon has strong antibacterial properties that can fight pimples. It
also has organic acid that can decrease the oil production in the
face. Scars and spots can also be reduced by applying lemon
juice on the skin.

Natural face masks for acne

Cucumber and Oats Face mask
½ cucumber
2 tbsp. oat
Juice of ½ lemon
1 tbsp. honey
Cut the cucumber into pieces and put into a blender. Add the
oats, lemon juice and honey. Blend the ingredients well until it
forms into a paste. Apply to the affected area and leave on for 20
minutes before rinsing off with water

Apple Cider Vinegar face mask

1 tsp Apple cider vinegar
2 tsp Green tea
1 tsp Honey
5 tsp Sugar
Mix all the ingredients in a small cup. Spread the mask over the
face using a cotton pad. Leave it for a few minutes then rinse with
warm water.

Cinnamon and Honey face mask

1 tsp cinnamon powder
2 tsp honey
Mix the honey and cinnamon powder until the mixture is thick.
Slather it to the face and leave for 15 minutes. Rinse off with
warm water.

Turmeric face mask

1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp honey
2 tsp milk
Combine all ingredients and mix well. Apply the mixture with a
cotton ball to prevent the finger and nails from turning yellow
because of the turmeric.

Purifying green tea face mask

3 tbsp. green tea
1 tbsp. aloe vera gel
1 tbsp. honey
2 tbsp. kaolin
Green tea face mask helps reduce pores and inflammation. Mix
green tea, aloe vera and honey in a bowl. Add the kaolin slowly
then stir. Put the mixture in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before
applying to the face. This mask can be used once or twice a
week.

Lemon face mask

2 tbsp. oats
1 tomato
1 tsp lemon juice
Soak the oat in water for a few hours. Squeeze the tomato and
add the pulp to the oats. Blend the ingredients together and add
the lemon juice. Stir the mixture. Apply on the face and leave for
20 minutes.

Lemon and egg mask

1 egg
5 drops of lemon
Separate the yolk from the egg white. Mix the egg white and
lemon juice together. Spread the mixture on the face and leave
for 10 minutes. Rinse with cold water then apply moisturizer.

Pumpkin face mask

2 tbsp. fresh cream
3 tbsp. honey
4 tbsp. pumpkin pulp
Mix all ingredients until it has formed a paste. Apply to the face
and let it sit for 10 minutes. Apply the face mask once every week
for best results.

Baking soda mask

¼ cup water
2 tbsp. baking soda
Slowly add water to the baking soda until it forms a paste. Apply
to the face using circular motion. Let it dry before rinsing it off with
cold water.

Cranberry face mask

¾ cup cranberries
½ cup grapes
4 tsp lemon juice
1 pack gelatin
2 tsp oats

Puree the cranberries and grapes. Mix the gelatin, lemon juice
and oats. Mix until it is a thick paste. Put the mixture in the
refrigerator for an hour. Apply to the face and let it stay on for 20
minutes. Rinse with water.

4-Acne diet

Diet is very important in maintaining an acne free skin. Certain
foods can trigger the production of hormones and oil, while others
can promote good skin health. Here are some foods that can help
clear up acne.

Nettles

Nettles have an anti-inflammatory property that is best taken as a
tea. This tea can improve skin complexion and help detoxify the
body. It also has high levels of antioxidants that counter acts the
effects of free radicals that can damage the tissues and cells of
the body.

Peppermint

Peppermint is known for its calming ability. It also aids in digestion
and relieves stress. Peppermint tea is also used to treat
headaches and clear sinuses. Peppermint is also good for the
skin since it helps calm irritation and reduce inflammation.

Beetroot

Beetroot has skin clearing qualities that reduce acne
inflammation. The roots are rich in vitamin A, potassium, calcium
and magnesium and vitamin E. When combined, these nutrients
can speed up the healing process and cleans the toxin out of the
body.

Watercress

Watercress leaves are full of antioxidants and minerals that are
essential in nourishing the skin and flushing out any impurities. It
is rich in potassium, manganese, and carotene.

Tofu

Tofu is a great source for protein; its soft omelet like texture is
made from soy beans that are packed with minerals like calcium,
iron and healthy fats. These healing properties make a good
combination for anyone suffering from acne. It is also an
antioxidant that helps cleanse the body.

Dark Berries

Dark berries are a rich source of fiber and antioxidants that can
help regulate insulin production. These berries are good for
clearing up acne prone skin.

Nuts

Nuts are healthy snacks and the selenium in them helps to
increase the production of white blood cells which in turn can help
fight bacteria in the body and strengthen the immune system.
Nuts are rich in vitamin E, calcium, potassium, and magnesium,
which are good for overall skin health.

Brown Rice

Studies have shown that high blood sugar level is linked to acne.
Brown rice is a low glycemic alternative to carbohydrate rich food.
It also provides protein, magnesium, antioxidants, and vitamin B.

Legumes

Legumes are good for healing acne as they contain potent
amounts of vitamins and minerals that can detoxify the body.
Legumes are also high in dietary fiber which can help the body’s
digestion process.

Avocado

Avocado is a rich source of vitamin E which can boost skin health
and clarity. It also has vitamin C that can help reduce
inflammation. Avocado oil is also believed to stimulate collagen
production that improves skin texture and tone.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a rich source of vitamin C which can increase
collagen production. It also contains lycopene that encourages
skin circulation and can help clear out blemishes.

Artichoke

The regular consumption of artichokes is said to improve skin
luminosity and prevent acne. It is also a potent herbal remedy
because of its antioxidant property. Artichokes also aid digestion
and help lower cholesterol, which can help the body’s immune
system.

Burdock

Burdock has been known throughout the centuries for its healing
properties and its high levels of calcium, magnesium and
potassium. This herb also has strong antibacterial and antifungal
properties that can help stop the spread of acne. Burdock can be
eaten or turned into a tea for consumption.

Cottage cheese

Cottage cheese is good for reducing skin acne because it is a rich
source of protein and selenium.

Sweet potato

Studies show that high cortisol levels can lead to break-outs.
Regulating the blood sugar level can help in balancing out cortisol
and thus help reduce stress and break outs. Vitamin packed
carbohydrates like sweet potatoes release sugar slowly thereby
regulating the blood sugar level. They are also rich in beta
carotene which can help the circulation of oxygen into the skin.

Acai

Acai berries are one of the richest sources of antioxidants. They
help clear the skin by eliminating toxins and free radicals.

Mackerel

Increase in the consumption of oily fish like the mackerel will
promote radiant and spot free skin. It is loaded with
eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaeonic acid that can reduce skin
inflammation.

Oysters

Oysters are rich in nutrients from vitamin A to zinc. These
minerals are essential in maintaining skin health and keeping
acne at bay.

Pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds are high in vitamin E and healthy fatty acids,
which helps make them effective in fighting acne causing
bacteria.

5- Recipes

Pineapple – Tofu fried rice

1 pack tofu, cubed
1 tbsp. soy sauce
2 tbsp. cooking sherry
2 cloves garlic
1 tsp minced ginger
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 cup pineapple juice
1 cup peas
1 cup diced carrots
½ tsp salt
3 cups brown rice
1 cup pineapple bits

Place tofu in a bowl. Pour the soy sauce and sherry into the tofu
and marinate for an hour. Sauté garlic and ginger in olive oil over
medium heat. Add in the pineapple juice, carrots, salt and peas.
Cook until tender. Add the brown rice, pineapple chunks and tofu
and cook for another 5 minutes.

Buckwheat pancakes with bananas

1 cup buckwheat flour
2 sliced large bananas
1 tbsp. brown sugar
½ tbsp. salt
2 tbsp. potato starch
1 tsp baking powder
2 tbsp. canola oil
1 cup rice milk

Cooking spray Brown syrup Combine all dry ingredients in a bowl.
Add the milk and oil then whisk until it is mixed thoroughly.
Preheat a pan and spray it with cooking spray. Pour the batter
into the pan, evening it out with a spatula. Cook until bubbles
appear. Flip and cook on the other side. Serve the pancakes with
bananas.

Romaine and Smoked Salmon Salad

1 small organic romaine lettuce
2 diced tomatoes
1 carrot
5 oz. thinly sliced smoked salmon
4 sliced radishes
1/ 2 diced cucumber Juice of
½ lemon
1 tbsp. canola oil
1 tsp ginger root

Place romaine leaves in a plate and top with salmon, carrots,
radishes and tomatoes. Mix lemon juice, canola oil and ginger
then sprinkle over salad.

Green Pea and Mushroom Risotto

2 tbsp. olive oil
4 lb. mushrooms
1 diced mushrooms
1 chopped onion
1 2/ 3 cup brown rice
4 ¼ cup vegetable broth
¼ lb. frozen peas
3 tbsp. chopped parsley

Salt and pepper to taste Heat the oil in a large pan. Place the
mushrooms in the pan and season with salt and pepper. Stir until
mushrooms are tender. Transfer to plate. Heat another 1 tsp of oil
and sauté garlic and onion for a few minutes until fragrant. Add
the rice and stir constantly. Add a half cup of broth and cook until
almost all the liquid is absorbed. Add another half cup of broth
towards the end. Add in the peas, mushroom and parsley. Cook
for few minutes then season with salt and pepper. Garnish with
parsley.

Carrot Fennel Cucumber salad

6 thinly sliced carrots
1 sliced cucumber
1 thinly sliced fennel bulb
1 cup chopped parsley
4 tbsp. lemon juice
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp. canola oil
1 tsp ground pepper
Mix cucumber, carrots and fennel in a bowl. Combine lemon
juice, pepper, salt and oil in a container and stir thoroughly. Pour
the dressing over the salad and mix.

Apple and onion soup

1 tbsp. chopped rosemary
½ tbsp. thyme
1 tbsp. canola oil
1 chopped leek
2 sliced onions
3 diced apples
6 cup low sodium vegetable broth

Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the garlic and
onions. Add the broth and bring to a boil. Toss in the apples and
let it simmer for 10 minutes.

Barley soup with carrots and parsley

2/ 3 cups water
1/ 3 cup barley
2 tbsp. olive oil
½ cup chopped yellow onion
1 cup carrots
1 2/ 3 cup plain yogurt
2/ 3 cup minced parsley
½ tsp black pepper

Salt and pepper to taste Boil water in a pot then add barley.
Cover and simmer for 25 minutes. Remove from heat then set
aside. Cook onion in olive oil in a pan until soft. Add the stock and
simmer for 20 minutes. Mix in the barley and yogurt. Season then
serve.

Sweet potato ginger soup

1 tbsp. canola oil
3 large sweet potatoes
2 medium yellow onions
1 chopped ginger
6 cups vegetable broth

Salt and pepper to taste Heat the oil in a medium pan. Sauté the
onions until they are fragrant. Boil the broth then add the sweet
potatoes and ginger. Simmer until the potatoes are soft. Puree
the soup with a blender until smooth. Season it with salt and
pepper. Serve hot.

Chicken and apple salad

3 cups diced cooked chicken
½ cup diced celery
1 cup halved grapes
½ cup diced apples
3 tbsp. chopped onion
6 tbsp. light mayonnaise
2 tsp lemon juice

Lettuce leaves Salt and pepper to taste Combine chicken, grapes,
celery, red onion and apples. In a separate bowl mix mayonnaise,
lemon juice, salt and pepper, then add to the chicken. Arrange the
lettuce leaves and top with the chicken salad.

Blueberry banana smoothie

1 cup blueberries
1 cup soy milk
1 sliced ripe banana
1 tbsp. flaxseed

Mix all ingredients in a food processor. Blend until smooth.
Garnish as desired.

Catechin ice tea

2 cups water
2 ½ tsp green tea leaves
3 tbsp. organic lemon juice

Bring the water to boil then place the leaves in the pot. Strain the
tea and add lemon juice. Refrigerate before serving.

Desserts

Apple slices with cinnamon

1 medium apple
¼ tsp cinnamon

Sprinkle cinnamon on apple and serve immediately.

Carrot Muffins

1 egg
1 cup rice milk
2 cups quinoa flour
1 tsp guar gum
4 tbsp. canola oil
1 tbsp. flaxseed meal
3 ½ gluten free baking powder
½ tsp salt
¼ cup brown sugar
1 cup grated carrots
¼ cup raisins
1 tsp cinnamon

Preheat the oven. Mix egg, oil and rice milk in a bowl and beat
together. Combine the dry ingredients in another bowl.
Slowly pour the liquid ingredients and mix. Fill muffin cups with
the batter about two thirds full. Place in the oven and bake for 20
minutes.

6- Acne Control

The skin is the largest organ in the body so it is important to keep
it healthy and blemish free as much as possible. Here are some
lifestyle changes that can keep acne at bay.

Get more sleep

Stress can increase glucocorticoid production which can cause
skin problems like acne. Lack of sleep can aggravate acne and
increase inflammation. Sleeping relaxes the body and makes it
easier for acne to heal. Turn the thermostat between 65 to 72
degrees Fahrenheit. Lying in a cooler temperature makes it easier
to fall asleep.

Limit sugar

In general, avoid food that causes spikes in the blood sugar level
because this can result in inflammation. Excess levels of insulin
can trigger a hormonal cascade that can lead to the growth of
bacteria and the production of oil. Studies have shown that people
who are in a low-glycemic diet have fewer breakouts.

Exercise

Exercise reduces stress, regulates hormones, and increases
blood circulation, which helps clear the skin through sweating. Be
careful though, sweat can also cause acne. Be sure to wash your
face with water after every workout session and wash garments
regularly.

Drink water

Water flushes toxins out of the body. Just by drinking two glasses
of water, you can increase blood flow throughout the entire body.
Flushing out your body with water helps get rid of waste, which
makes it easier for the body to fight acne causing bacteria and
maintain healthy skin. After trying a variety of different water
sources, my all-time favorite is: ZeroWater.

Sunscreen

The sun can do more damage than burning the skin; it can also
aggravate pimples and potentially worsen the condition. Acne
sufferers should opt for a lighter sunscreen that contains
oxybenzone and avobenxone. Avoid products that contain
titanium oxide and zinc oxide, since these tend to be thicker in
consistency and can block pores. Look for ‘noncomedogenic’ on
the label to make sure that the product does not block the pores.
Consume.

Omega 3 fatty acids

Good fats like omega 3 fatty acids control the production of
leukotriene B4, a molecule that increases the oil production. A
good source of Omega 3 is Nature Made Fish Oil Omega 3.

Washing your face

Wash your face twice a day to clear the skin of sweat, dirt, and
makeup that can lead to acne breakouts. Make it a habit to wash
the face in the morning and night with gentle cleanser. Use the
right product for your skin type. Drier skin needs products that do
not rob the skin of too much oil while oily skin needs a stronger
formula.

Exfoliate and Moisturize

Gently exfoliate the skin once a week to remove dead skin cells
that can also be the breeding ground for bacteria. A body loofah is
great for this. Follow up with a moisturizer to help protect the skin
and to replenish the lost moisture after each wash.

Astringent

If you notice your skin is oily or are in a rush and don’t want to
wash your face, applying a deep cleaning astringent to your face
with a cotton ball or paper towel is excellent for treating acne.

Clean your cellphone

Studies have shown that cellphones are a breeding ground for
germs. They can be exposed to thousands of bacteria that can be
passed from the fingers to the face. The heat produced by the
phone also aids the multiplication of bacteria. Wipe your phone
with hand sanitizer every day.

Sleep with a clean face

Remove makeup before sleeping. Makeup can clog the pores that
lead to acne. Invest in some wipes that can be used to clean your
face without water.

Stop touching your face

Fingers can be a breeding ground for bacteria so avoid touching
your face to prevent it from transferring.

Keep it clean

Change pillowcases and towels weekly to prevent bacteria from
building up and causing breakouts.

Pay attention to hair routine

The scalp releases oil to keep the hair shiny and lustrous. Too
much oil can seep from the hair to the skin. Try to wash your hair
every other day to prevent acne. Too much products such as gels
and sprays can also get into pores and clog them. Be careful in
applying hair products, especially to the forehead. Consider nonfragrant
products to clean your hair. Also, make sure to rinse
conditioner thoroughly from your hair, as it may contain oil that
can transfer to the skin.

Check laundry detergent
Laundry detergents also contain harsh chemicals that can cause
breakouts. Opt for natural laundry detergents instead.

Reduce stress

Stress is linked to breakouts. Try to maintain a happy and calm
disposition to control acne. Do recreational and enjoyable things
to look and feel better.

Quit smoking and drinking

Smoking and excessive drinking can dehydrate the skin which
makes it prone to acne breakouts. Eliminating these habits can
make the body so much healthier.

Make up tips for concealing acne

Acne cannot be cured overnight so concealing them temporarily is
essential in looking fresh and clean.

Step 1

Wash your face with a medicated cleanser. Gently scrub the skin
in a circular motion then rinse with cold water. Apply toner then
moisturize with a water based moisturizer.

Step 2

Choose a tinted moisturizer to conceal mild acne. Tinted
moisturizer can help reduce the appearance of acne. Use your
fingers to dab a small amount onto the face and then blend it in a
circular motion. Do not try to cover all blemishes; just create a
base layer that can cover mild imperfections.

Step 3

Use a concealer brush to apply liquid concealer. Apply a very
small amount directly on the blemish. Choose a shade that is
slightly lighter than the skin tone. Use a green primer to
counteract the redness of acne. You can conceal oily acne with
powder. Use a powder brush to apply powder and set the
makeup. Both translucent and tinted powder works well in
covering blemishes.