Category: Skin Care

To look beautiful is a human desire. It enhances self-esteem, confidence, social admiration, and social acceptance. Busy schedules, stressful lifestyles, hormonal changes, aging, and certain medical conditions cause problems such as hair loss and thinning of eyebrows. This leads to cosmetic issues, which can lower the confidence and self-esteem of an individual. To overcome these challenges, semi-permanent makeover techniques are becoming more popular. Microblading and Micropigmentation are popular and advanced procedures used as semi-permanent makeovers. These cosmetic procedures give permanent and long-term results with minimum side effects. Initially, these procedures may look similar; however, they are quite different. In this article, read on to understand the difference in detail.

Microblading

It is a non-invasive (less complicated) procedure that is performed by using a fine needle pen. Small incisions(cuts) are made into the skin with the help of a handheld blade. This deposits the pigment into the superficial (upper) layers. It is used to enhance the eyebrows in people whose eyebrows may have thinned out due to the following:

• Ageing
• Hereditary
• Medical conditions such as Madarosis
• Skin infections
• Hormonal changes
• Stress

Loss of eyebrows creates cosmetic concerns which can be effectively treated.
The pigment penetrates the skin from 0.08mm to 0.15mm in depth. The tip of the needle is so fine that the hair strokes which are created look like natural hair. This procedure is less painful; however, pain is further reduced by using a numbing cream.

Microblading gives a very natural look to the eyebrows. It is semi-permanent, and the results last for upto 12 to 18 months, depending on the skin type, lifestyle modifications (sun exposure, exfoliants, .etc), and post-procedure homecare.

Benefits of Microblading

• It is a less painful procedure.
• It gives fuller and more natural-looking eyebrows.
• It is relatively affordable.
• It is superficially done; hence there are less side effects.
• Post microblading procedure, the risk of infection and allergic reactions is less.

Micropigmentation

It is a non-invasive, semi permanent makeover treatment. It is performed to enhance the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and lips (to correct the colour). It is also called cosmetic tattooing, and done using a digital machine instead of a manual blade. It uses micro and nano needles to create strokes. The pigment penetrates the skin in a much deeper (dermis) layer, to a depth of 1mm. Micropigmentation is used for the following purposes :

• To minimise the appearance of scars.
• To replace hair loss in case of thinning of the hair or baldness (as seen in alopecia).
• To enhance the appearance (shape, contour) of eyebrows.
• To replace the loss of eyebrows due to ageing and other medical conditions.
• To create an areola (the pigmented area around the nipple) following breast surgery.
• As a semi-permanent makeup procedure (eyeliner, lip colour).

Benefits of Micropigmentation

What is the difference between microblading and micropigmentation?

• The results last for upto 3 years, longer than microblading.
• It is used for other areas as well such as scalp, eyelashes, and lips, and not just confined to eyebrows like Microblading.
• Replaces eyebrows lost due to treatments such as chemotherapy.

Microblading and Micropigmentation, are two most popular makeover procedures which look similar, yet have many differences with respect to:

• Procedure: The outermost layer of your skin is called the epidermis, followed by the middle layer of your skin which is called the dermis. Microblading uses a fine needle pen to make incisions and deliver the pigment in the superficial (upper) layer of the skin (depth 0.08-0.15mm). At this depth, the pigment is deposited into the border between the epidermis and the dermis. Micropigmentation uses a digital machine instead of a manual blade and delivers the pigment into the deep layers of the skin (depth of 1mm). At this depth, the pigment is deposited into the middle layer of the skin- the dermis.
• Colour: The colours of the pigments used in Microblading appear much more natural, as compared to the pigments used in Micropigmentation. The pigment is selected based on the patient’s skin tone, complexion, and hair colour.
• Results: Microblading shows results which lasts for 12-18 months, and slowly begins to fade. In Micropigmentation, the results last for 1-3 years. Hence, Micropigmentation provides long-term skin pigmentation with deeper penetration. Although the pigment never washes off, it gradually fades over time.
• Side Effects: Microblading is generally a safe procedure, but it can sometimes cause itching and mild pain. Micropigmentation causes temporary side effects like: itching, pain, swelling, bruising, scabbing, tenderness and heaviness. There may be other complications post Micropigmentation such as: keloids (these are scars which form when the skin is irritated or injured), granulomas (nodules around the particles of the pigment used), and severe eyelid injury (when the procedure is done around the eyes).

Post-Procedure Care:

In Microblading the post-procedure care should be as follows-

• Do not apply water or cream on the treated area four days post-procedure.
• Do not rub or scratch the treated area, especially during the healing and peeling phase. This will lead to pigment loss.
• Avoid direct exposure to the sun for three to four weeks post-procedure.

After Micropigmentation, ensure the following-

• Do not exercise for at least 24 hours.
• Avoid exposing the treated area to excessive moisture or humidity (facials, swimming, saunas).
• Avoid touching the treated area repeatedly.
• Do not rub or scratch the treated area post-procedure which causes pigment loss.
• Avoid direct exposure to the sun for three to four weeks after the procedure.

Consultation and Patch Test

Microblading and Micropigmentation treatments require an experienced dermatologist who has good knowledge about the procedure, its benefits and side effects. A patch test (the pigment or solution is applied to a part of the body and left for sometime to check the response) is important before starting the procedure to avoid any unnecessary skin reactions.

Making a choice between the two

Both Microblading and Micropigmentation treatment processes take 2 hours to complete.

• In Microblading, pigment is deposited into the superficial layer of the skin, hence this is less painful when compared to Micropigmentation.
• Microblading enhances only the eyebrows, whereas Micropigmentation helps enhance the eyebrows, eyelids, lips and scalp (in case of hair loss seen in alopecia).
• Allergic reactions are comparatively less in Microblading than in Micropigmentation.
• Microblading gives a more natural look.
• The results last longer in Micropigmentation than in Microblading.

Book your appointment today with Kosmoderma or walk in at our centre to get started on your visual transformation.

Glowing Skin is healthy Skin. Everyone desires to have glowing Skin, especially in the comfort of your homes. A quick way to achieve glowing Skin is using a face pack at home. Indian families are filled with recipes for homemade face pack for glowing Skin.

Top 5 picks for homemade face pack:

1. Malai (Milk Cream), Turmeric with Lemon Juice homemade face pack

This recipe is a celebrity favourite for a face pack for glowing Skin at home.

• 1 Tbsp Curd
• 1/2 tsp Turmeric
• 5 drops lemon Juice

Mix and apply to face and neck.Leave on for 10 minutes. Wash with cool water

For: All Skin Types. For Glowing Skin

How it works: The lactic acid in Malai gently exfoliates the skin along with lemon juice, while moisturising at the same time. It helps reduce soft tan, and the turmeric acts as an anti-septic on the Skin, cleaning the surface skin.

This combination makes it one of the best homemade face pack.

2. Curd &Besan (Gram Flour) Face pack at home

• 1/2 cup curd
• 1/2 cup besan

Mix into a paste, apply to clean face and neck. Leave on until dry (15 – 20 minutes). Wash with cool water

For: Tanned Skin, For Smooth Glowing Skin

How it works: The lactic acid in the Curd gently exfoliates skin while soothing it. The besan forms a thickening agent which helps to remove surface dead Skin. It is a comfortable face pack for glowing Skin at home

3. Cucumber & Minthomemade face pack

• 1/2 cup grated cucumber or cucumber slices
• 1 tbsp Crushed mint leaves

Mix and leave to cool in the fridge for 30 minutes. Apply on face for 15 minutes and wash with cool water.

For: Sensitive Skin, Dehydrated Skin

How it works: The water in the cucumber soothes and hydrates the Skin, while the mint refreshes the Skin and the senses. Mint leaves have an astringent effect and tone the Skin. This makes it an ideal homemade face pack for sensitive skin/skin recovery.

4: Banana, Honey &Oat Meal Home made face pack:

• 1 mashed ripe banana
• 1 tsp oatmeal
• 1 tsp Honey

Mix and soak the ingredients for 15 minutes . Apply to face and neck& wash after 15 minutes.

For: Dry Skin and Glow

How it works: Banana along with oatmeal, exfoliates the dead Skin. Banana is anti-inflammatory and also lightens skin spots. Honey is soothing and moisturising to the skin. This pack is one of the best homemade face pack for glowing Skin at home.

5. Black Tea with Mint face pack at home:

• 2 tbsp Black tea cooled
• 1tsp crushed mint leaves

Soak cotton pads in this mix and leave on cotton pads on the face, including eyes for 10 minutes.

For: Puffy Under Eyes and Dark Circles

How it works: Black tea reduces puffiness while the mint tones the skin and closes pores. Excellent for tired Skin and eyes. This home made face pack for glowing Skin and eyes is especially popular amongparty-goers.

For Indian Skin, these 5 home made face packs recipes are easy to prepare and use to achieve glowing Skin in the comfort of your home. From dry Skin to sensitive Skin, for glowing Skin, using face pack at home is a popular choice with minimal effort.

Kosmoderma Skin, Hair & Lasers Clinics are dedicated to medical excellence in the field of Cosmetic Dermatology with international accreditation and facilities.
We offer scientifically proven treatments using US FDA approved technology. All our products have undergone extensive research and trials in USA, Europe and India. We pride ourselves in offering safe, effective and affordable treatments with high standards of quality. Kosmoderma gives personalized consults with skin care and uses facial analyzer and 3D imaging of the skin to analyze and personalize the treatments and skin regimen.

While we are trying to come out of the corona virus and set our lives back into our regular routines, one thing that is going along is the precautions we need to take to protect ourselves from the infection. One such protection is the need to wear a face mask when you step out of your house. With all the government guidelines in place, wearing a face mask whenever you go out in public has become mandatory.

With the increased use of face masks, we have observed that people have started experiencing skin issues and skin irritation on the face. According to a study published by the Journal of Wound Care from the University of Huddersfield in the United Kingdom, medical masks are causing inflammation and skin irritation on the face that can lead to pain and infection.

So, what do we do about it? This blog on face mask skin irritation is all about understanding the logic and working on preventive measures.

Overview of “Skin Irritation to Face Mask”

Wearing a face mask continuously and for more extended periods can lead to skin irritation on the face. When wearing a mask, your mouth is covered fully, and your breath is trapped, creating a humid environment for your skin. It leads to sweating underneath the mask, which causes friction and leads to damage on and around the nose and cheeks.

According to statistics, more than one-third of frontline healthcare workers suffered from severe skin reactions after wearing N95 masks daily for a prolonged time. People report problems like breakouts, rashes, redness, skin irritation, and acne on the face.

The acne caused by continual mask wear even got a name for themselves because of their common occurrence and are known as ‘maskne.’ In some instances, continuous mask wear can also lead to severe skin irritation on face such as rosacea miliaria. Wearing a face mask for skin is causing irritation across their nasal bridge, behind the ears, and under the chin. Some skin problems from wearing face mask on skin include-

• Acne- if someone is already prone to acne, wearing a face mask can lead to further breakouts. Masks block and close the hair follicles due to the sweating and dirt traps that happen because of constant coverage and lack of transpiration. This in turn leads to acne. And sometimes, things do not stop at acne. Severe damages can result into the acne turning into blood red pimple or even rosacea.
• Dry skin, peeling and itching- The heat of your breath that gets trapped inside essentially dries your skin and can cause redness, skin peels or itching. For instance, if you have been in colder weather, you must have realised how continuous wearing of caps makes your forehead scaly or dry. Well, a mask does the same in case of prolonged wear.
• Itchy rashes- wearing a mask for prolonged periods can also lead to rashes resulting from allergic reactions to formaldehyde, metals, rubbers, or glues present in the mask.

And yes, dry eye is one really serious concern. Check out the guidelines shared by Core for a better understanding.

What things should we care about while using a face mask for skin?

Not a lot, but few very critical things:

• Do not keep adjusting your mask all the time. The continuous movement against your skin will create friction and hence damage the skin
• Go for lighter shades if you may for the reusable masks. Darker shades don’t look dirty and hence we think that they are good to be used daily. However, this assumption is really faulty and can result in serious infections. So, wear a lighter shade that shows you the truth!
• Go for softer fibres. Satin masks are available as well and you can use them
• Do not buy masks with a mesh screen on the inner surface. The mesh leaves a print on the face and given the lesser area of contact, causes more wear than normal
• Always check the fit of the mask before buying. It shouldn’t be too loose but it shouldn’t be too tight as well. If this works for you, then go for a mask with medium fit and use a face shield over it.

Perfect care for your face skin during quarantine to avoid skin irritation on the face

Well, let’s cut the chase and share with you the few tips that our expert dermatologists at Kosmoderma have been not just suggesting but also following themselves to avoid any face mask based skin damage. So, here we go!

• Cleanliness is next to godliness- stay true to this adage and maintain complete hygiene around you. Wash your hands regularly for atleast 20 seconds to avoid spreading any germs or bacteria on the face.
• Do not over-exfoliate your skin. You being at home doesn’t mean you will exfoliate or scrub the skin every other day. It can lead to itching and face soreness.
• Follow a proper CTM routine (cleanse, tone and moisturize)- while many individuals might be following this ritual on a daily basis, it becomes all the more necessary to cleanse and moisturize your face once you are home and remove the mask. Wash your face with a gentle, chemical-free cleanser that is not harsh on the skin and cleanses the face thoroughly. Always follow up with a moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated as it can lead to dryness and redness of the skin. Choose moisturizer as per your skin type and look for ingredients like Ceramides and Hyaluronic acid that help prevent breakouts and acne.
• Use that Chapstick: Wearing a face mask for a long duration sucks moisture from the lips and makes them dry. Saw that ad about moisturising your lips- well the claim is right! So, moisturise your lips well. A honey lemon paste applied at the end of the day will go a long way in keeping your lips nourished.
• Probably NO Makeup: Yes, because anyway, it’s just your eyes that will show so, why even bother. And if the dark circles seem too much for you and you feel that you need to hide them to feel confident, about time you considered going for some good under eye treatments.
• Wearing the right mask- one of the most important things to consider is to look for the mask that you are wearing. A mask made of cotton or fabric that is soft, natural, and breathable will prevent any kind of skin irritation on face. The mask should be snug but with a comfortable fit. Avoid fabrics like synthetic, nylon, and polyester which can lead to redness and irritation.
• Washing the cloth mask- If you are going for a cloth mask then we would recommend that they should be washed after every use to remove any dirt or dust that may have stuck to them. Also, use lukewarm water to wash the masks. It will not just remove any microbes better but also soften the overall texture.

Conclusion

Face masks have become the new normal. Even if the vaccine comes, it’s going to take some time before people are allowed to go out without masks. So, like we always say- why not be better safe than sorry?

CTA: better safe than sorry-

PS: This blog was mostly focussed on the skin bits of the protection. However, masks can impact your other bodily functions too. This image from OhioHealth focuses on it! So, while we will be there to take care of your skin, make sure that if you are facing any below mentioned symptoms, you get in touch with the relevant specialist for help!

So, until next time- Stay Safe!

For centuries DIY beauty treatment has been almost every woman’s secret. Handed down by generations from moms to the daughters, the DIY treatments have been the secret behind many glowing faces. From home-made face washes to scrubs, from face packs to masks, the range of DIY beauty treatments for face is many folds. Traditionally, ingredients from the kitchen, home garden are used for a DIY beauty treatment. With the advent of many new elements in the market, the recipes for these DIY facial treatments are getting innovative. The ingredients range is vast and varied from herbs and spices to actives like peptides, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, etc. DIY beauty treatment has always been and is still a popular choice today. Some of the reasons why DIY treatments are popular are that they are easy to perform at your convenience, carry age-old secrets, have natural ingredients, and are inexpensive. Not everyone has the means or the time to go in for professional procedures often; that is where these DIY beauty treatments come in handy. And in this day and age, it’s not limited only to women, but men have also become a fan of DIY facial treatment.

7 Best DIY Beauty Treatments for Your Face By Kosmoderma

Most DIY treatment is about facial toners, scrubs, and masks. Here are the top 7 popular ones.

1.Deep pore cleansing mask:

 

For T zone only:

Ingredients:

15gms (1 Tbsp) Gelatin

10 ml (2 Tsp) Milk

Add on: 2 gm: Coffee /Turmeric powder / Green Tea powder

Oily skin with pores: Coffee powder

Acne-prone Skin: Turmeric

Pores: Green Tea

Steps :

• Mix the ingredients in a small bowl. Heat for 8 to 10 seconds in a microwave
• Apply to T Zone in a thick layer
• Let dry 10 to 15 minutes
• Slowly roll the edges and peel off.
• The edges can be washed off.

Points to Note :

• After warming the mix, check the temperature and apply to face
• Apply a thick layer over another layer
• The combination will cool fast and harden, so you have to be quick with this beauty treatment for face
• If applying for face, Don’t use on areas with fine fluffy hair as it can pull this out
• Apply Vaseline on this area to protect from pulling
• Choose the add on based on your skin type.
• You can use this mask without the add on just as an exfoliant

2.Dark Circle Mask: (Make this, store in a glass bottle and preserve it for 4 weeks)

 

Ingredients:

15 ml (1tbsp) Cold Pressed Coconut Oil

2 drop Lavender Essential Oil

1 Fish Oil capsule ( Prick and pour the content into the mix)

2 drops Sandalwood Essential Oil

Coconut oil nourishes and moisturises the skin
Lavender Oil is anti-inflammatory
Fish Oil capsule nourishes the skin providing essential surface skin nutrients
Sandalwood is a potent calming agent and brightens the skin tone

Steps :

• Mix the Oils and store it in a glass bottle
• Every night Apply this Mask to the eye area on the upper and lower lids and leave on overnight as a mask
• Use your ring finger to apply the mix from inner eye to outer eye.

Points to Note :

• If you have oily skin, use on alternate nights
• Don’t warm this mix. It will lose its active properties
• Apply only to clean skin

This under eye mask is an effective DIY treatment for face.

3.Inflamed Skin Gel Mask:

 

Ingredients:

1 tsp organic Turmeric or fresh Turmeric paste

1 tsp organic or fresh Aloe Vera Gel

Add on: 2 drops RoseHip oil

Turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory
Aloe Vera gel has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties
RoseHip Oil helps reduce skin redness and inflammation

Steps :

• Mix the ingredients in a bowl.
• Apply right away to clean face
• Allow it to sit for 15 to 20 minutes
• Wash with cool water
• Apply ice cube in strokes to face for 2 -3 minutes
• Dab dry

This Gel Mask is a celeb secret DIY treatment from Beauty Guru Dr Chytra Anand. Her Celebrity patients do this before events to calm their skin before makeup.

4.Hydrating Skin Calming Mask:

 

Ingredients:

One-forth Cucumber pulp

Half tsp Aloe Vera

3 Crushed Basil leaves

3 Crushed Mint Leaves

Cucumber has calming and hydrating properties
Aloe vera has soothing effect and moisturising benefits
Basil Leaves are anti-inflammatory
Mint Leaves are refreshing for the skin and have brightening properties

Steps :

• Mix ingredients
• Apply to clean face to hydrate it
• Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes and wash off

This mix is a suitable DIY facial treatment for sensitive and dehydrated skin

5.Cleansing Face Solution:

 

Ingredients:

1tbsp Rice atta/Rice powder

1 tsp Honey

1tbsp Milk

Honey is a gentle cleanser that softens the skin
The rice powder gently exfoliates
Milk is a mild exfoliant due to lactic acid and has skin de-tanning properties

Steps :

• Mix the ingredients together.
• Use this to apply on face and gently rub on the skin for 1 to 2 mins
• Wash off with cool water

This mix is a unique DIYfacial treatment

6.Breakout / Acne Control Mask:

 

Ingredients:

1 tsp Organic Honey

Half tsp fresh crushed Cinnamon

Half tsp fresh shaved or powdered Nutmeg

1 pinch of freshly crushed Black Pepper

Cinnamon is an antiseptic with astringent benefits.
Nutmeg is exfoliating on the blemishes.
Honey is a natural anti-bacterial and softens the skin.
Black Pepper helps unclog pores

Steps :

• Mix the ingredients in a bowl.
• Apply to clean and dry skin for 10 minutes max.
• Wipe off the face and then wash skin with water

This mask is a popular beauty treatment for the face for acne-prone skin with inflamed acne.
It can also be applied on the spot overnight for reducing pimple size.

7.De-Tan Mask:

 

Ingredients:

1 small piece mashed Pumpkin

1 small piece mashed Papaya

Half tsp lemon juice

Half tsp crushed Orange Peel

Pumpkin and Papaya are antioxidants and contain enzymes that soften the dead skin on the face.
Lemon juice is acidic and acts as an exfoliator
Orange Peel helps to remove surface impurities

Steps :

• Mix the ingredients in a bowl.
• Apply to the clean face and mildly scrub into the skin for 1 minute in circular motions
• Leave on for 15 minutes
• Wash off

Points to Note :

• Can be used once a week to detan the skin

The fruit-infused mask is a popular DIY treatment suitable for all skin types.

While at-home beauty treatment for face is popular, it is important to note that DIY instructions have to be carefully followed. The active ingredients can benefit skin or harm it.

Kosmoderma Skin, Hair & Lasers Clinics are dedicated to medical excellence in the field of Cosmetic Dermatology with international accreditation and facilities.
We offer scientifically proven treatments using US FDA approved technology. All our products have undergone extensive research and trials in USA, Europe and India. We pride ourselves in offering safe, effective and affordable treatments with high standards of quality. Kosmoderma gives personalized consults with skin care and uses facial analyzer and 3D imaging of the skin to analyze and personalize the treatments and skin regimen.

Skin Whitening / Skin Brightening / Skin Lightening is a taboo, but at the same time, skin whitening treatment is one of the most sought after procedures in India.

The search for fairer skin or a lighter skin tone goes back centuries and is deeply rooted in the Indian psyche. It dates back to 700 BC in Asia with stories of how Indian Queens used herbal concoctions to maintain their complexion. Why is skin whitening hugely popular?

In India, more than half of the skincare products sold are in the Skin whitening category. India sells more skin whitening products than the amount of Coca Cola sold, which will give you an insight into the market mentality.

In China, the skin whitening and skin lighting category are worth billions yearly. This industry dominance by skin whitening products is seen in Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and African regions predominantly. It seeped into the culture going back to the days of colonialism and even further in the other regions.

The queens of the past have also played their part in glorifying lighter skin tones by using goat milk and certain herbal potions to keep their skin fair. The impact of the media, billboards, and celebrities has also led to the continuing fad in the new world for the quest for skin whitening treatments. Despite Governments across many countries banning skin whitening creams and skin whitening treatments, the demand has not waned.

Skin whitening trends:

Numerous products in the market claim to make one’s skin tone lighter. Understanding the vital active ingredients is essential to be safe while undergoing skin whitening treatments

Common topical Ingredients

1. 1. Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is one of the strongest bleaching agents known. It bleaches the skin to make it look whiter. It is a pharmaceutical/medicinal ingredient and to be used on prescription only for a limited period.This famous skin whitening cream is used in a concentration of 2% – 8%. Hydroquinone is now a banned substance as it has led to overuse and adverse events like ochronosis, which is irreversible.
https://dermnetnz.org/topics/hydroquinone/

1. 1. Kojic Acid

Kojic Acid is a by-product of fermentation like in Soy sauce or Sake, but also commonly made from Fungi/mushrooms. It is not to be used on people with mushroom allergies. It is one of the most common OTC agents used today in skin whitening creams. Kojic Acid is used in a concentration between 1% – 5% for a limited period. It works by reducing the production of melanin (pigment). Kojic acid is also known to cause contact dermatitis. Hence, one should watch out for this.
https://www.healthline.com/health/kojic-acid

1. 1. Azelaic Acid

Azelaic Acid, a natural acid product, is found in barley, wheat, rye. It is popular for its anti-inflammatory action on the skin and commonly used in treating acne. It is used for skin whitening treatments as it reduces the melanin content in the skin. As an OTC, it is available in 10% – 20% concentrations and is especially helpful in people who have inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-12106-7039/azelaic-acid-topical/azelaic-acid-cream-topical/details

1. 1. Emblica

Emblica is also known as Amla or the Indian Gooseberry. It is renowned for its strong antioxidant activity. It is also a potent anti-inflammatory.
Emblica works by reducing the tyrosinase enzyme, which reduces melanin production, making the skin look lighter. Hence, it has become popular as a natural skin whitening ingredient in cosmetic creams. Due to its potent antioxidant activity, it reduces the free radical damage on the skin and helps in photoprotection.
https://www.mdedge.com/dermatology/article/48908/aesthetic-dermatology/emblica

1. 1. Licorice

Licorice is a herbal extract. It’s the root of the liquorice plant that contains the active ingredient glycyrrhizic acid. It is also commonly called Glabridin. This inhibits the tyrosinase enzyme that reduces the melanin and leads to skin whitening. It also has anti-oxidant activity making it photoprotective in the long run

1. 1. Arbutin

Arbutin is a natural extract from the bearberry plant. It’s a naturally occurring derivative of hydroquinone. Its efficacy is similar to hydroquinone without adverse events. It also has a photoprotective effect and can be safely used daily to protect the skin and lighten pigmentation. It gained popularity in natural skin whitening creams/gel in Asia.

1. 1. Niacinamide

It is also known as Nicotinamide and is a form of Vitamin B3 found in whole grains and greens. This works in skin whitening treatment by reducing the pigment/melanin transfer from the pigment cells to the skin cells. A minimum of 5% is required for it to be active and show results. Along with skin whitening properties, it has proved to boost skin hydration and collagen.

Common skin whitening treatments:

1. 1. Designer Chemical Peels

Chemical peels remove the dead skin on the surface and increase the cell turnover rate. Designer Peels for pigmentation are commonly used for skin whitening treatment. In these, milder acids like glycolic acid, lactic acid are combined with skin whitening ingredients like kojic acid, arbutin, liquorice, and Vitamin C. Once the skin is peeled, the potent skin whitening gel is applied so that it gets the deepest absorption. Over the next few days, the top layers of the skin flake off, leaving behind a brighter, lighter skin.

1. 1. QSNDY Lasers

Specific lasers like the Revlite or Clearlift lasers are known to work on pigmentation. As the laser beam is aimed at the skin, the burst of the beam disperses and scatters the pigment, making them smaller in size, and over time with repeated treatments, the skin whitening effect is seen.

1. 1. Skin Whitening Injections

Over recent years, Skin Whitening Injections have gained immense popularity.Use of Glutathione as a super antioxidant with Vitamin C or NAC has shown to lighten the skin color/tone in certain skin types. This is the latest trend in skin whitening treatment.

Why is skin whitening so popular today, despite many asking for a ban? Skin whitening is ingrained into the regional DNA of a person, and by constant exposure to media messaging and celebrity endorsements, this industry is booming. It is only now that the younger generations are starting to be more comfortable in their own skin in recent years. Slowly, we may see that skin whitening treatment is not as popular. Until then, it is best to seek a skin doctor’s advice regarding what best suits you the best.

Kosmoderma Skin, Hair & Lasers Clinics are dedicated to medical excellence in the field of Cosmetic Dermatology with international accreditation and facilities.
We offer scientifically proven treatments using US FDA approved technology. All our products have undergone extensive research and trials in the USA, Europe and India. We pride ourselves on offering safe, effective and affordable treatments with high standards of quality. Kosmoderma gives personalized consults with skincare and uses a facial analyzer and 3D imaging of the skin to analyze and personalize the treatments and skin regimen.

Anti-ageing ingredients are the buzz word in the skin and cosmetic industry. Aging and its signs have been the decade’s talk with innovations, new treatment discoveries, and cosmetic formulations. It seems like Anti-ageing ingredients are the flavor of the season.

Studies have shown that the aging process starts at 25 years of age as the production of Growth Hormone reduces. The visible signs of aging, on the other hand, start at 35 years of age. Studies by leading skincare companies like SK II have shown 33 days post your 35th birthday when signs of aging are visible on your face. The use of natural anti-aging ingredients has been proven to reduce the signs of aging.

The visible signs of aging are:

• Dull skin
• Dry skin
• Uneven skin tone / Blotchy skin
• Fine lines
• Open pores
• Thinning of Skin / Sagging of skin/li>
• Loss of skin smoothness
• Increased visibility of Scars

The visible signs of aging can be delayed in onset or reduced post appearance by using the best anti-aging ingredients. There has been a storm of anti-aging ingredients based products in the skincare industry. So the common question is, What are the best anti-aging ingredients that work in maintaining our skin?

 

1) Glycolic Acid

Glycolic Acid is from a group of Alpha Hydroxy acids. Glycolic Acid is naturally found in Sugarcane and belongs to natural anti-aging ingredients. Glycolic Acid dissolves dead skin cells on the skin surface, making the skin smoother. It improves skin texture and tone, increases cell turnover, hence improves the appearance of skin blemishes and open pores. This makes it one of the essential anti-aging ingredients used in most anti-aging skincare. Glycolic Acid has been used in body creams for its exfoliating properties.
Studies show that regular use of Glycolic Acid can stimulate collagen production.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583892/

Tip: Use an exfoliator with Glycolic Acid 10% once a week on your skin for 10 minutes rather than a daily cream, as using Glycolic Acid daily can make skin photosensitive.

2) Retinol

Retinol has been around for ages and is one of the most well known anti-aging ingredients. It is a Vitamin A derivative that increases cell turnover. It specifically helps to reduce dullness of skin, the appearance of open pores, and fine lines. Retinol is an active anti-aging ingredient that can penetrate the deeper layers of the skin. Hence it can also be irritating to the skin surface. Sensitive skin can get red with constant use. Tretinoin is the more potent version of Retinol and must be prescribed by a dermatologist for use.

Tip: Use Retinol at night on alternate days and ease your skin into the routine. Do not use Retinol in the day as it is photosensitive

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wrinkles/in-depth/wrinkle-creams/art-20047463

3) Ceramides

Ceramides are natural anti-aging ingredients. They are part of the skin’s natural barrier defense in the hydro-lipid membrane. Ceramides are lipids (fatty substance). Hence, they act as a sealant by keeping the skin protected by preventing the entry of harmful irritants and maintaining the skin’s hydration. It is one of the best anti-aging ingredients for dry skin, eczema-prone skin, and flaky skin. Ceramides are used in creams/lotions due to its moisture sealing capability.

Tip: Use a moisturizer with Ceramide to restore the skin barrier. This can be used daily for all skin types.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12553851/

4) Peptides

Peptides are the latest discovery in anti-aging ingredients. Active agents trigger cells or signal cells for specific functions like collagen-building, anti-inflammatory, etc. Peptides are present in every cell of our body and are essential for the cells’ smooth functioning. Peptides are of various types like carrier peptides, signaling peptides, hormone peptides, and various functions based on the type they have.

The most common function of peptides in skincare is for boosting collagen production. It is commonly prescribed by dermatologists to prevent collagen degeneration. Peptides are potent natural anti-aging ingredients with anti-wrinkle properties. The pure peptides cost a lot more, and hence anti-aging creams with real peptides are more expensive than others.

Tip: Peptide creams are best for sensitive skin for anti-aging. They are touted to be alternatives for Retinoids in sensitive skin.

https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/peptides-for-skin/

5) Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid is one of the most popular natural anti-aging ingredients. Any serum or gel that deals with hydration contains Hyaluronic Acid. It is a natural product in the body that depletes with aging. It is a product that is hydrophilic, which means it can attract water. Hyaluronic Acid can attract up to 1000 times its weight in water and retain moisture within the cells. It forms part of the skin’s natural barrier, the hydro-lipid membrane, and is vital for maintaining the skin’s health. Hyaluronic Acid hydrates the skin, plumps up the skin cells making the cell look hydrated and healthy. It helps reduce the appearance of dehydrated lines and dullness. Hyaluronic Acid is critical for skin healing, making Hyaluronic Acid one of the vital anti-aging ingredients.

Tip: For dehydrated skin, use Hyaluronic Acid in a gel form to boost skin hydration. It can also be used on closed wounds/burns to help skin heal.

https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/skin-care/a25573129/hyaluronic-acid-for-skin-benefits-uses/

6) Niacinamide

Niacinamide is now the flavor of the moment amongst the anti-aging ingredients. It is a form of Vitamin B3 and is anti-inflammatory. Niacinamide calms and soothes irritated skin. It reduces skin redness, hyperpigmentation, and skin blemishes. It is one of the natural anti-aging ingredients being used in skin brightening creams these days. Niacinamide helps reduce the skin’s water loss. Due to its anti-inflammatory property, Niacinamide is used in anti-aging cream, anti-acne, and rosacea creams.

Tip: Niacinamide is a safe ingredient used for pigmented and young skin for acne as a gel or a serum.

https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/skincare/anti-aging-ingredients-skincare

7) Antioxidants

Antioxidants are free-radical fighters. This key group of anti-aging ingredients works by protecting the skin against free radical damage by external factors like pollutants, smoking, sun damage, etc. Antioxidants play a vital role in skin repair post free radical damage. Antioxidants are used in topical and as oral supplements for their protective function. Commonly Antioxidants in skincare are Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Lycopene, Glutathione, Curcumin, Grape Seed extract, Bio flavinoids, Soy extracts.

Tip: Vitamin C is one of the most recognized photoprotective and best anti-aging ingredients. When used daily in the day time, it reduces the skin damage caused by UV radiation of the Sun and boosts sunscreen activity of the surface skin. Vitamin C helps boost collagen production.

Vitamin E: It is one of the best moisturizing natural anti-aging ingredients that acts as a skin surface protective barrier and aids in skin repair functions. It is also photoprotective. Vitamin E is typically helpful for dry flaky and dull sensitive skin due to its non-irritant nature.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5605218/

Anti-aging creams are effective and proven to reduce signs of visible aging and prevent them too. The key is to start using them at the right time. There are numerous exaggerated promises of overnight effect, permanent results, and reducing many years off your face. It is essential to understand that the anti-aging ingredients help the skin by delaying the signs, but on their own can’t be corrected instantly or immediately. The choice of anti-aging ingredients is many. It is unnecessary to use all at the same time but to smartly pick the critical elements required for your skin type and age. The correct application technique of the products is essential to get the best results from using the best anti-aging ingredients.

Anti-aging creams are effective and proven to reduce signs of visible aging and prevent them too. The key is to start using them at the right time. There are numerous exaggerated promises of overnight effect, permanent results, and reducing many years off your face. It is essential to understand that the anti-aging ingredients help the skin by delaying the signs, but on their own can’t be corrected instantly or immediately. The choice of anti-aging ingredients is many. It is unnecessary to use all at the same time but to smartly pick the critical elements required for your skin type and age. The correct application technique of the products is essential to get the best results from using the best anti-aging ingredients.

Kosmoderma Skin, Hair & Lasers Clinics are dedicated to medical excellence in the field of Cosmetic Dermatology with international accreditation and facilities.
We offer scientifically proven treatments using US FDA approved technology. All our products have undergone extensive research and trials in USA, Europe and India. We pride ourselves in offering safe, effective and affordable treatments with high standards of quality. Kosmoderma gives personalized consults with skin care and uses facial analyzer and 3D imaging of the skin to analyze and personalize the treatments and skin regimen.

Acne is a medical skin condition that affects at least 80% of the population in the world. At some point in life, both men and women are affected by this skin condition. Acne is commonly known as ‘Pimples.’ The severity of Acne consists of blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, and nodules.

Acne is most commonly seen in the teenage years during the growth spurt and tends to fade away by the 20s in most naturally. Persistence of Acne in the 20s should entail a detailed medical check-up. Adult Acne is commonly seen in the late ’20s and 30s and is commonly related to hormonal changes in the body.

Acne is a condition that is misunderstood by most people, and hence they choose to treat only with natural acne treatment at home. But it is vital to understand that the treatment depends on the acne’s severity and the cause.

To treat Acne accurately, one must understand the cause, which can be one of the following: Bacterial infection, Hormonal imbalance in the body, Stress, Misuse of skincare products, Dietary intolerance, High Sugar Diet, Certain medications.

Natural acne treatment at home is commonly sought after and will work but only in mild types of acne, which are not severe. It can help boost the medical treatment but not as a stand-alone treatment in moderate to severe cases.

What is natural Acne Treatment?

Most people assume that natural acne treatment is just home remedies, or it’s from using produce that is in your kitchen. It’s this and much more. Natural home remedies can help with acne and acne scars treatments at home. The natural remedies for pimples can help reduce skin oil levels, decrease skin inflammation, and decrease the bacterial count.

9 Natural Acne Treatments that can work at home:

Tea Tree
Tea tree is an essential oil that is extracted from a native Australian plant. It’s well known for its ability to fight bacterial and viral infections.

Numerous studies have shown that tea tree applications on the spot can reduce the inflammation in that area over time with consistent application. It’s not a quick fix natural acne treatment.

How to Use Tea Tree Oil for Acne

Does Tea Tree Oil Help Acne?

How to use:
Tea trees can be used directly only on the spot as its potent.

For use in a cleanser or moisturiser, add 2 – 3 drops of tea tree oil to your existing cleanser or moisturiser and use at home as a natural remedy for pimples.

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Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a clear gel produced from plant leaves in the tropics. This clear gel is commonly used in natural remedies in moisturisers, cleansers, and soaps to treat skin burns, rashes and other inflammatory skin lesions.

What is less known is that Aloe Vera contains Salicylic acid and Sulphur, both of which are used to treat acne. Salicylic Acid is a BHA and decreases the number of acne lesions and oil in the skin. Sulphur has been proven to be an effective acne treatment for spot reduction of acne for inflammatory acne.

How to use:
Use only pure Aloe Vera gel for natural acne treatment on your skin. You can also grow an Aloe Vera plant in your house, remove the gel from the plant using a spoon to scrape and apply it directly onto your skin.

A word of caution: Don’t use it if you have a Sulphur allergy.

Aloe Vera gel can be used as acne scars treatment at home by applying the gel on acne scars that are red or brown to reduce the scarring.

Read more: https://thedreamkit.com/dev/blogs/Top-9-Benefits-of-Aloe-Vera

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Green tea
Green tea as a topical application rather than a drink is more suited as natural remedies for pimples. Green tea contains flavonoids, a powerful antioxidant that is known to combat bacteria and reduce inflammation.

EGCG or epigallocatechin-3-gallate is one of the major antioxidants in green tea, which is known to reduce sebum or oil secretion, reduce the growth of P.Acnes which is the bacteria that causes acne and also reduce inflammation.

Green tea for acne: Does it work?

Tea and Honey Cleared Her Cystic Acne

How to use:
Boil 2 tsp of green tea in 50 ml of water. Once it has cooled, put the water in a spray bottle and spritz onto the skin twice a day. Dab excess off with a tissue

Drink 1 -2 cups of green tea during the day, as green tea lower blood sugar levels and insulin levels. This is helpful for people with insulin resistance.

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Honey
Honey is a powerful source of antioxidants. The use of honey in dry skin, dehydrated skin, and normal skin, which is acne-prone, has shown to be beneficial due to the antioxidant effect and anti-bacterial effect. Preferably use medicinal honey or Manuka Honey.

https://www.healthline.com/health/honey-for-face

How to use:
Use as a mask for acne-prone skin for natural acne treatment at home. Combine 2 tbsp of honey and 1 tsp of cinnamon powder to form a paste. Apply the paste to a cleansed face for 10 minutes and rinse off.

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Ice
You might be thinking, Ice, really? But it’s true. If there is inflammation, use ice. This holds true even for Acne / Pimples for spot treatment of Acne or Zit.
If you have a spot that is inflamed, i.e., swollen or red and angry looking with some amount of discomfort, this will help reduce the swelling and discomfort.

How to use:
Wrap an ice cube in a cloth and keep it pressed on the spot. This helps bring down the inflammation. This is a quick fix if nothing else is available and is not a cure.

Home Remedies for Pimples Using Ice

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Witch Hazel:
Witch hazel is an extract from the shrub Hamamelis virginiana, a rich source of tannins with strong anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Due to this property, it is commonly used as one of the natural remedies for pimples in the form of a toner.

How to use:
Soak 1 tbsp witch hazel bark in 1 cup of water for 30 minutes. Boil for 7 – 10 minutes, cool down and store in a clean container. Apply to the face twice a day with a cotton ball as a toner. Don’t use it if you have dry or sensitive skin.

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Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Danica is made from unfiltered juice of pressed apples or fermented Apple cider. Apple cider vinegar contains several organic acids like succinic acid, which has been shown to decrease inflammation and prevent scarring. Hence, it can be used as a natural acne scars treatment at home. Apple cider vinegar is helpful in oily skin as it can help dry up excess oil and can be used as a toner for natural acne treatment and as one of the natural remedies for pimples.

How to use:
Mix 5 ml of Apple cider vinegar in 15 ml of water and store it in a clear container. Use as a toner (5ml per application) on the skin with a Cotton Ball for 30 seconds and rinse face after.

As a spot treatment, apply the solution on the pimple or spot and leave for 3 hours and rinse off.
Ways To Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Beautiful Skin

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Turmeric
Curcumin, the main active in turmeric or Haldi, has antibacterial properties. It inhibits the growth of bacteria P acne in inflammatory acne as a topical application and can be used as natural remedies for pimples.

In pigmented acne scars, turmeric can be used as acne scars treatment at home to lighten the pigment.

Orally curcumin is a powerful anti-oxidant and reduces the free radical damage and inflammatory markers.

How to use:
Non-Oily Skin Mask: Mix 1tsp organic turmeric powder in 2tbsp curd. Let it sit for 3 minutes. Apply to a clean face for 10 minutes and rinse off. Can be applied alternate days for non-oily acne-prone skin
Oily Skin Mask: 15ml lemon juice, 15 ml water, 5gm organic turmeric. Mix well. Let sit for 5 minutes. Apply to the skin for 5 – 7 minutes and rinse off. Use twice a week for oily acne-prone skin.

Turmeric For Acne And Pimples

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Neem
For ages now, Neem has shown potent anti-bacterial and oil reducing properties and has been used in herbal medicine as a natural acne treatment.

Neem is often referred to as the wonder herb as it has over 130 beneficial properties. Neem can help with blackheads, whiteheads, and reduce scarring from acne. Hence, it is commonly used as acne scars treatment at home for pigmented acne scars and the prevention of acne scars.

How to use:
Cleanser: Boil fresh neem leaves in 60ml water for about 10 minutes until it becomes slightly thick in consistency. Cool and add this to your regular cleanser. Use daily twice to cleanse oily acne-prone skin
Neem benefits in ayurveda

Mask: Make a paste with fresh neem leaves or use 1tsp of neem powder. Add 1/2 tsp organic turmeric powder and water to make a paste. Mix and apply to the face for 10 minutes and wash off.

Acne is easily treatable and curable when the cause is known. Natural acne treatment at home does help and there are numerous natural remedies for pimples and acne scars treatment at home available. But remember, acne is a medical condition and will require a consultation with your dermatologist.

Today there are numerous acne DIY facial kits available for home use which contain actives like salicylic acid, witch hazel, and neem like the SkinQ Beauty box for acne-prone skin. You can efficaciously use these at home for natural acne treatments at home.

Read more: A Guide to Your Acne Scars

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Kosmoderma Skin, Hair & Lasers Clinics are dedicated to medical excellence in the field of Cosmetic Dermatology with international accreditation and facilities.
We offer scientifically proven treatments using US FDA approved technology. All our products have undergone extensive research and trials in USA, Europe and India. We pride ourselves in offering safe, effective and affordable treatments with high standards of quality. Kosmoderma gives personalized consults with skin care and uses facial analyzer and 3D imaging of the skin to analyze and personalize the treatments and skin regimen.

The EYES are the window to the SOUL, which is a common saying, and Indian women are known to have big beautiful eyes over centuries. The skin around the eyes is one of the thinnest in our bodies, making it sensitive to any change, be it external or internal. The under-eye area commonly reacts to changes negatively by showing signs of fine lines or wrinkles, dark circles, pigmentation, or under-eye swelling and puffiness. Among these, sudden wrinkles under eyes are one of the most typical signs of under-eye damage.

The use of creams, lotions, masks, and having procedures in the under eyes are not sufficient unless we correct the lifestyle habits that lead to the wrinkles of under eye.

What causes wrinkles under the eyes is critical to know to prevent them from forming in the first place. In our daily life, we develop habits that can have a negative impact on the area under the eyes. These habits can be involuntary, and many times we may not be aware of doing these repetitive actions that can cause deep wrinkles under eyes. An understanding of the common 10 lifestyle habits that causes wrinkles under the eyes will help us become aware of and change our habits. It will also help us stop the appearance of sudden and deep wrinkles under the eyes.

10 lifestyle habits to be aware of and change:

Eating Junk Food

We are what we eat. We have commonly heard this saying over the years, and it is true.” Garbage in, Garbage out.”
Your body requires a diet rich in nutrients and fiber to help it heal itself.
When you eat junk food that is high in sugar or refined flour or processed food, these are inflammatory to your body and are causes of wrinkles under the eyes.

Tip: Have a diet rich in Vitamin A, B, E, with iron and omega 3 fatty acids
Foods like salmon fish, flaxseeds, avocados are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids. Have Spinach, egg, broccoli, pomegranate for required vitamins as they are an anti-inflammatory food, which helps reduce the appearance of sudden wrinkles under the eyes.

Drinking a Lot of Alcohol

Everything in moderation. That is the mantra. Excessive alcohol is one of the leading causes of wrinkles under the eyes.
Alcohol has a dehydrating effect on our body, especially on the skin, as 90% of the water is stored in our skin. Alcohol also has high sugar content, especially if you are drinking cocktails. High sugar generates free radical damage and is what causes wrinkles.

Tip: Avoid high sugar additives to your drink like tonic water or juices or aerated drinks. Drink one glass of water for every 30 ml of alcohol that you consume. This will help alleviate the dehydration and quench your body’s thirst and prevent sudden wrinkles under the eyes.

Drinking A Lot of Coffee

Coffee is both good and bad for you. Coffee has many health benefits but in moderation. But when a large amount of coffee or caffeine is consumed, it becomes one of the causes of wrinkles under the eyes.

Coffee elevates your cortisol levels. It also dries out your skin, which increases your chances of getting deep wrinkles under your eyes. Also, beware of the sugar and dairy added to the coffee as this can lead to inflammation in the body. Inflammation is what causes wrinkles commonly.

Tip: For every cup of coffee that you have, match with an equal amount of water right after. Try to drink black coffee, as it is healthier.

Smoking

Smokers frequently ask what causes wrinkles, even though they know that smoking leads to free radical damages to our skin and body. Free radical damage is one of the leading causes of wrinkles under eyes due to the damage of our skin’s collagen and elastin. Not just free radicals, but the nicotine in tobacco restricts and slows down the blood flow, which reduces the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the skin leading to deep wrinkles under the eyes. It also slows down the lymphatic drainage, which detoxifies the skin, leading to the build-up of toxins in the skin, causing sudden wrinkles in the eye area.

Tip: Take oil on your ring fingertips and massage the skin around the eyes seven times daily at night, from inside towards the outside. This will help the circulation and increase the blood flow to the area.
Take antioxidant supplements like Kosmoderma KosmoGlow nutrition supplement capsule, which contains a mix of super antioxidants and nutrients that can combat the free radical damage from smoking and reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles under the eye.

Sleeping On Your Face

You probably would not have imagined that your sleeping position can be one of the causes of wrinkles under the eyes. But it is. If you sleep on your tummy or your side, it means your face becomes squished against your pillow. This puts pressure on the skin around your eyes. Constant pressure will lead to lines and deep wrinkles under the eyes.

Tip: Sleeping on your back with your face upwards is the position to sleep. This is an anti-aging posture. With practice, you can get into the habit of sleeping in this position through the night. Use Position pillows around you to avoid turning over.

Don’t Forget Your Sunglasses

When the sun hits your face, the natural reaction is to squint. Constant squinting action pulls together the muscle around the eyes. There is a sheet-like muscle called Orbicularis Oculi that runs around the eyes and has a sphincter like effect. This constant action is one of the leading causes of wrinkles under the eyes.

Tip: Wear sunglasses whenever stepping out in the sun. If you don’t like to wear sunglasses, wear a hat that provides shade on your face and protects your eyes from the brightness of the sun. This will stop the appearance of deep wrinkles under the eyes.

Staring At The Computer Or Mobile Phone

Computer and laptop monitors, mobile phones screen, tablet screens, emit radiation. The blue light they emit over the long term can cause skin damage on the face and eyes and lead to sudden wrinkles under the eyes.
A digital detox now and then is recommended. We tend to squint our eyes while reading mails and long messages on small screens like on our phones. Squinting with time leads to deep wrinkles under the eyes.

Tip: Use a larger screen for reading long messages and surfing the net
Get clear lenses that protect against the blue light. Consider using a pair if you work long hours on the computer, especially if you are working from home

Adequate Sleep

Sleep is a beauty elixir. Your body regenerates and repairs itself when you sleep. At least 8 hours of sleep a night is recommended. Studies have shown disturbed sleep or insomnia is one of the leading causes of wrinkles under the eyes.
Estee Lauder found that women who slept less than 5 hours a night had more wrinkles, which is almost twice the amount than those who had 8 hours of good sound sleep.

Tip: Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep at night. Avoid caffeine after 4 PM. Do some deep breathing or meditation before bed to relax your mind and body to get deep sleep.

Frowning

Constant frowning or squinting or raising your eyebrows causes the muscles to contract. This is what causes wrinkles, especially wrinkles under the eyes as the skin here is thin and constant actions lead to deep wrinkles under the eyes.
A study in the Journal of Psychiatric Research in depressed participants showed that 52% of them got relief from depression from muscle relaxing injections like BOTOX. It shows that when you have negative actions, people respond to these wrinkle treatments/injections.

Tip: Become conscious of frowning and squinting actions; these are negative emotions. Train yourself to frown less and squint less. Seek a dermatologist’s help for muscle relaxing injections to help you get over the habit.

Poor Skincare

Poor skincare or lack of skincare routine is one of the most prevalent causes of wrinkles under the eyes.
Common mistakes that cause wrinkles under the eyes are:

1. 1. • Not removing makeup before sleeping
      • Rubbing eyes when there is no cream, the friction on eyes causes the skin to break.
      • Not applying cream to the under-eye area. The skin around the eyes is sensitive to external factors like pollution, temperature, etc.

Tip: Apply cream to the eye area. In the daytime, use sunscreen and at night use a vitamin base of hyaluronic acid to boost the hydration of the skin in this area.

For deep wrinkles under the eyes, apply a retinol-based product to increase cell turnover like the Kosmoderma Multi-Vitamin Moisturiser. For sudden wrinkles under the eyes, apply a Hyaluronic Acid-based serum to hydrate the skin like the Kosmoderma Hydra Boost Serum.

The above 10 habits are the common causes of under-eye wrinkles. By being mindful, these habits can be overcome to prevent and treat under-eye wrinkles.

Kosmoderma Skin, Hair & Lasers Clinics are dedicated to medical excellence in the field of Cosmetic Dermatology with international accreditation and facilities. We offer scientifically proven treatments using US FDA approved technology. All our products have undergone extensive research and trials in USA, Europe and India. We pride ourselves in offering safe, effective and affordable treatments with high standards of quality. Kosmoderma gives personalized consults with skin care and uses facial analyzer and 3D imaging of the skin to analyze and personalize the treatments and skin regimen.

Professional Treatments for Under-Eye Wrinkles

If you’re wondering what causes wrinkles under the eyes and have already addressed your lifestyle habits, professional treatments can offer deeper, more targeted solutions. These treatments work by improving skin texture, boosting collagen, and hydrating the delicate under-eye area. Popular options include chemical peels, micro-needling, laser resurfacing, and under-eye fillers. Each of these procedures is designed to reduce the appearance of fine lines, improve skin elasticity, and target what causes eye wrinkles at a deeper level. Consulting a dermatologist is essential to understand which treatment suits your skin type and concern. For sudden or deep wrinkles, a customised professional plan can help you achieve noticeable and lasting results.

Key Ingredients That Help Under‑Eye Wrinkles

If you’re asking, why do I suddenly have wrinkles under your eyes, it might be time to review the skincare ingredients you’re using. Some key ingredients that effectively target under-eye wrinkles include retinol, hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamin C, and caffeine. Retinol boosts collagen production, while hyaluronic acid provides intense hydration. Peptides help firm the skin, and vitamin C brightens and protects against damage. These ingredients, when used consistently and in proper concentrations, can visibly improve the under-eye texture and reduce signs of ageing. Look for products specifically formulated for the under-eye area for the best results.

Is there a birthmark on your body that you’ve always been embarrassed about? Relax! For, you’re not alone. Birthmarks, albeit unique, aren’t exactly beauty enhancers. And the worse of its kind are Mongolian spots-a type of birthmark, often bluish-grey, bluish-black or deep down in colour, which leaves a subtle patchy appearance on the skin.

A natural phenomenon that is largely pegged as a benign syndrome, Mongolian spots are not a sign of any underlying health issue. But rather, are the result of the formation of a collection of the melanocytes-the component responsible for pigmentation in the deeper layers of the dermis. The condition isn’t gender-biased and can occur in both boy and girl babies, and usually last up to four years of age.

In medical terms, Mongolian spots are called congenital dermal melanocytosis and often cover 5 per cent of the body surface area. The size, albeit irregular and non-uniform, range anywhere from two to twenty centimetres. Mongolian spots appear single or in multiple areas, but rarely affect body parts like the head or face for that matter. They bear a normal skin texture and continue to go on up until middle age for a meagre three per cent.

Noncancerous and painless, Mongolian spots are easy to spot as their hyperpigmented patches and typically appear in areas like the buttocks and lower back. Unlike the popular notion, these birthmarks aren’t bruises and although they disappear (gradually) the process takes longer than just a couple of days.

How common are Mongolian spots?:Mongolian spots aren’t a rarity. They are commonly found in African, Native American, Hispanic and Asian communities. On the upside, if you aren’t too perturbed by the patchy appearance on some areas of your body, there isn’t really a need to get rid of Mongolian spots. They aren’t really harmful ( as very minuscule cases of malignant degeneration have been reported.) nor do they cause any pain normally.

What causes Mongolian spots?: As mentioned earlier, the primary cause of Mongolian spots is the presence of skin pigment cells called melanocytes, in the dermis. Mongolian spots are often traced to paediatric conditions and don’t call for immediate treatment. While Mongolian spots aren’t downright dangerous in most cases, one should always consult an expert in case you suspect an underlying disorder. For instance, one of the rarest cases of underlying issues in connection with Mongolian spots are manifested in the form of lysosomal storage diseases, especially in the case of developmental delay or neurological impairment. They occur as a result of a metabolism problem called GM1 gangliosidosis type 1. Other malformations include phakomatosis pigmentovascularis.

Also read:-How You Can Remove Birthmarks

How does one get rid of Mongolian spots?:

These birthmarks appear right during infancy- precisely around the time of birth and there are no ways to prevent them, one can opt for a laser treatment. Alexandrite laser is usually one of the most recommended methods and can be performed before an individual touches 20 years of age. The positioning of the Mongolian spots is of utmost importance too. Surgical treatments for the removal of the birthmark aren’t really suggested if they are found in the sacral area. However, if they fall in the extra sacral lesions for cosmesis, treatments are suggested.

The discolouration of the Mongolian spots are restricted to just a particular area, but cases of bilateral presentations have been recorded as well. Some of the commonly affected areas include the periorbital region, forehead, cheeks or nose.

In contrast to Mongolian spots, it also needs to be noted that nevus of Ota usually does not fade away in a short period of time. It persists all throughout life and may enlarge in some cases.

Cosmetic treatments and skin bleaching creams are the other options too, but pale in comparison to the positive outcomes offered by Alexandrite lasers. Either way, a skin biopsy is rarely required.

While how you wish to deal with the condition is entirely your choice, it all boils down to being comfortable in your own skin. Mongolian spots are never a barometer upon which beauty can be measured.

Kosmoderma Skin, Hair & Lasers Clinics are dedicated to medical excellence in the field of Cosmetic Dermatology with international accreditation and facilities.
We offer scientifically proven treatments using US FDA approved technology. All our products have undergone extensive research and trials in USA, Europe and India. We pride ourselves on offering safe, effective and affordable treatments with high standards of quality. Kosmoderma gives personalized consults with skin care and uses a facial analyzer and 3D imaging of the skin to analyze and personalize the treatments and skin regimen.

COVID has caused a global pandemic situation with most people confined to their homes. During this lockdown time, it is very easy to lose our regular routine be it our exercise, diet, skincare or haircare as they may seem so trivial given the overall seriousness of the situation. Don’t trivialize your skin issues.

Your skin is the largest organ in your body and the first defence barrier. Stress, poor nutrition, all impact your skin first, which in turn can decrease your immunity as our sense of regularity which is tied in with our daily schedule is lost. But one of the advantages of the lockdown though has been the number of skincare tips that are available on the net for people to look up to keep their skin healthy on a daily basis. But are the tips on how to use skincare valid? It’s essential to know what works for your skin and what does not.

Follow these skincare tips for glowing skin during lockdown:

• Wash your face daily twice with Soap free PH balanced cleanser
  If you have acne prone skin or oily skin, use a salicylic based cleanser.Skin care tip for DIY at home:
  If you don’t have a salicylic acid cleanser, use your normal cleanser and add 5 drops of lemon juice to it before applying to the face. This will help control the oil and also give you glowing skin.Tip for glowing skin:
  After cleaning the face, apply tomato pulp on the skin for 5 mins thrice a week to get your skin to glow.
• Apply a sunscreen with Spf 30 even if at home
  If there is daylight coming through the window, it can still damage your skin, so wear sunscreen even during lockdown when indoors. Use an SPF of 30 minimum for daily use.
• Exfoliate your skin once a week
  Dead skin piles up on our skin and if unexfoliated lead to dull-looking skin. At the moment it might not be possible to get your routine facials or peels or microdermabrasion at your dermatologist’s office, So exfoliate at home once a week. Based on your skin type use the appropriate exfoliant. If you have sensitive skin, don’t use beads or rough exfoliants instead choose AHA (Alpha hydroxy acids) to exfoliate.Skin care tip for DIY at home
  Make a sugar scrub for yourself at home if you don’t have store-bought exfoliants.
  1 cup sugar, 2 cups oil (almond or coconut or olive), 5 drops essential oil (tea tree for oily skin, lavender for sensitive skin, rose for red skin) Mix and let it set in a jar for 3 days. Post this you can scoop a small amount and use as a scrubTip for glowing skin:
  Try using the Kosmoderma Detan lotion (AHA lotion) leave on skin for 20 mins daily as a exfoliant.
• Use a face mask at least once a week
  Once you exfoliate your skin, it’s key to use a face mask for healthy glowing skin.
  Clay masks are excellent for oily skin and acne-prone skin. The Kosmoderma Purity mask is excellent for acne-prone skin and the Kosmoderma SkinBrite mask is excellent for glowing skin.Skin care tip for DIY at home
  Mix 1 tbsp gram flour, 1 tbsp of fresh cream or yoghurt or dahi. Let it set for 5 mins and apply to face and neck. This will seal your skin post exfoliation and is a great tip for glowing skin.
• Don’t forget the lips
  During this time, due to the stress, lip licking can become a habit, this leads to chapped dry lips and discolouration of the lips. Be conscious about lip licking. Use your moisturizer on your lips followed by Vaseline as a sealant. If you have a lip balm with Vitamin E, this will be helpful.Skin care tip for DIY at home
  Use Vitamin E capsules kept in the fridge. At night prick it and apply to lips and eye area.
  If not Vitamin E, then use coconut oil on these areas.
• Drink plenty of fluids
  Don’t forget to drink fluids during the lockdown. At least 8 glasses of water, 1 smoothie, tender coconut water if possible as it is full of potassium and necessary electrolytes for your body.Skin care tip for DIY at home
  Skin Anti-oxidant anti-inflammatory smoothie:
  1 apple, 1 banana, 10 spinach leaves, 1 kiwi, 1/2 cup pomegranate, 1/2 cup almond milk or regular milk, 1 tsp moringa powder. Blend together and drink right away.
  This super booster smoothie will give you antioxidants, essential minerals, vitamins B, C, D, E, protein which is essential for maintaining your skin health and boosting your immunity. It also helps reduce inflammation in the body.
• Eat Healthy
  It’s very easy to revert to having junk food, frozen food and ready-made foods during the lockdown. But do remember that maintaining your immunity is critical during this period. Try to get in as many fresh fruits and vegetables that you can. The more colourful the food the betterSkin care tip for DIY at home
  Soak 5 almonds overnight, in the morning peel off the skin and eat them on empty stomach followed by a glass of hot water. You must peel the almonds as the skin contains tannin which decreases your nutrition absorption.

Following these skincare tips during your lockdown will help achieve glowing skin and maintain your skin health. During lockdown getting some of the skincare or getting into your routine is tough, in fact impossible, but with the DIY tips, you can still maintain your skin health sufficiently till it’s time to get back to our normal daily life. Stay safe, Stay healthy and Feel and Look your BEST!

Kosmoderma Skin, Hair & Lasers Clinics are dedicated to medical excellence in the field of Cosmetic Dermatology with international accreditation and facilities.
We offer scientifically proven treatments using US FDA approved technology. All our products have undergone extensive research and trials in USA, Europe and India. We pride ourselves in offering safe, effective and affordable treatments with high standards of quality. Kosmoderma gives personalized consults with skincare and uses a facial analyzer and 3D imaging of the skin to analyze and personalize the treatments and skin regimen.