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Does your scalp get itchy? {Hair Care}

Swathy · December 13, 2011 · 2 Comments

Well, itching is thought to be related to uncleanliness only. But, there are many other reasons for itching to occur. And, winters and especially, nights are worst times when itching gets full-blown. So, lets see what can make a scalp itch.

Dandruff: Winter dandruff is pretty much common.
Dry Scalp, Flaky Scalp, etc.: Winters makes the hair extremely dry and absorbs moisture form the scalp too because of which scalp can get irritated and dry and start to itch.
Hair Fall: If your hair is nearing a time of hair fall, scalp does start to itch. This is something my mom faces. So, you might as well beware.
Harsh Products: Sulfate based shampoos are particular great at drying the scalp. In fact, yesterday I washed my hair and my scalp felt so stretched and dry. I was literally itching to use oil!!! So, choose your products wisely.

Use moisturizing serums for the hair. Oil hair regularly before washing it off. Use good products as harsh chemicals literally dry out the scalp. And, never apply conditioners on your scalp.

Difference between Pimples and Acne {Reader’s Query}

Swathy · December 11, 2011 · 64 Comments

This has been lately asked by one of my friend’s and frankly, the question confounded me. I mean everyone knows what pimples and acne are but how do you really define them and differentiate between them? Putting in words was not very easy for me and I thought this is a question or a topic which should be discussed on a larger scale. So, do join in with what you think too 🙂

Ok, so my experience with breakouts overall is not very extensive and I am very grateful for that. In the course of last one year, I did face some series of acne cysts and the first of them was pretty serious. But, later on, I managed to control the breakouts by hit and trials. So, anyways, that was just a reference to how much I actually know about breakouts. But, lets see what I have found out by reading combined with something I know.

What is Acne?

Acne is an inflammation of the skin in which the secreted sebum gets collected in the pores of the skin and gets trapped there. That causes the skin to elevate in the form of a breakout. It may or may bot have a head. If its acne, it will most likely have a white head and is painful to touch. If its a pimple, it is not painful unless it is too severe. Pimple is also a form of acne. Any breakout on the skin can be termed as acne and then, acne is classified into various categories depending on its size and severity.

Pimples are generally milder than a full-blown acne attack. But, the reason for both the skin conditions is same – clogged pores. And, why are they common in oily skin types? Because, the skin secretes more sebum and is more likely to have deposits of sebum on the skin. So, keeping the skin clean is one of the carnal rules of skin care. If you find that your skin suffers regularly from breakouts, you should consult a dermatologist and use prescription products as they have chemicals which are better at cleaning the pores and keeping them unclogged.

Salicylic Acid is one of the common ingredients of such products. And, many people use aspirin tablets at home in their DIY’s. I would like to reiterate the fact that only 2% concentration of salicylic acid is advisable for the skin at max so if you are one of the people who uses full dosage of aspirin for face, please refrain from doing that. You are damaging your skin instead of helping it. Read more about this here. I have already done a post on how to safely use aspirin tablets at home.