| How to Remove the Redness of a Pimple Posted: 03 Jun 2018 01:00 AM PDT Everyone gets pimples and zits that can cause irritation and redness. The redness of a pimple is an inflammatory response, not a scar. Inflammation actually helps our tissues regenerate and is a normal part of our body's healing response, but it can be annoying when that inflammation is plastered over our face for the whole world to see. Luckily, there are home methods that can decrease or hide the inflammatory redness until your pimple heals. EditUsing Quick Home Treatments - Ice the pimple to relieve inflammation. Wrap a few ice cubes in a thin, clean cloth and apply directly to the zit. Hold the ice pack in place for 5-10 minutes at a time, repeating throughout the day as necessary. Allow your skin to rest for at least 2 hours before repeating the icing process, though, to avoid any potential damage.[1]
- Make sure not to put too much pressure on your skin. Too much pressure can cause the pimple to break, causing even more redness and spreading bacteria.
- Put a cucumber on the pimple. Cucumbers are naturally cooling, and they have mild astringent properties that may help minimize swelling and redness. Cut off a thin slice of cucumber and put it over your pimple for 5-10 minutes.[2]
- To get the best effect, use a cucumber straight out of the refrigerator. A cold cucumber is going to deal with inflammation better than a warm cucumber.
- Make an aspirin mask to reduce redness. Mix together 4-5 crushed uncoated aspirin with a little water to form a paste. Apply to the inflamed area gently with a cotton swab and rinse off once dry.[3]
- Do not try an aspirin mask if you have an allergy to the medication, if you are taking potentially interactive medication, or if you have a health condition that also prevents you from ingesting aspirin.
- Try a yogurt and honey mask to soothe inflammation. Mix together equal parts plain, full-fat yogurt and honey. Apply a thin layer of the mask to any inflamed areas on your face. Let the mask sit for 10-15 minutes before washing it off with warm water.[4]
- Apply a hot washcloth or a warm compress to the zit. While ice can temporarily reduce redness, a warm compress works to reduce long-lasting inflammation. It can also open up your pores, allowing the sebum and bacteria to exit through the head of the zit. Hold a warm compress over the pimple for 10-15 minutes at a time. Reapply the compress up to 4 times throughout the day to help clear your pimple.[5]
- To make your own warm compress, soak a washcloth in water that is hot, but not too hot to touch. If you just steeped some tea, you could even use the teabag.
- Follow your warm compress with a gentle face wash. Washing your face will help remove some of the oil and bacteria that was drawn out by the warm compress.
- You can also add a few drops of tea tree oil or lavender oil to the compress to help reduce inflammation.
- Apply a green concealer to quickly mask the redness. If you're in a rush to reduce the redness around a pimple, apply a small amount of a green concealer directly to the zit. Blend it out with a clean makeup sponge or brush, and set it with a very thin layer of translucent powder. The green will neutralize the red discoloration.[6]
- Green concealer won't perfectly match most skin tones. You will need to apply a bit of foundation or concealer that matches your skin tone over the green.
- Concealer can cover the redness of a pimple, but it will not be able to mask any bumps or rises in the skin due to a zit. Some concealers, though, have salicylic acid in them to help gradually combat acne.
- Hide the pimple with clothing or accessories. While clothes and accessories don't actually get rid of the redness, they do make it less visible. If the pimple is on your body, cover it with a piece of clothing. If it is on your face, try using an accessory like sunglasses to hide it.
- If you have long hair, you may also try to style that in a way that covers up your zit.
EditUsing Medicated Treatments - Apply a spot treatment that has salicylic acid. You can find over-the-counter spot treatments with salicylic acid at most pharmacies and drug stores. Apply the spot treatment directly to your pimple. The acid will start to dry up the oils and sebum in the area, reducing some of the zit's overall redness.[7]
- Spot treatments will take several hours to several days to completely heal the pimple, but they can start to reduce redness quickly.
- Dab on an acne cream that contains benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide kills the bacteria in pimples. Since the bacteria also cause the redness, these creams help reduce the redness, as well.[8]
- Read the acne cream packaging to look for one that contains benzoyl peroxide.
- Use eye drops as a spot treatment. Eye drops that contain tetrahydrozoline hydrochloride are formulated to help get rid of redness. That same ingredient can help reduce some of the redness commonly associated with acne. Apply a few drops to a cotton swab and dab that on your pimple to get the most targeted treatment.[9]
- Alternately, freeze a cotton swab that's been soaked in eye drop solution overnight. Apply it gently to the pimple. The cold will suppress the inflammation.
- Eye drops won't help treat the pimple itself. They will just reduce some of the redness for a little while.
- Use an over-the-counter redness reduction product. Many drug stores and pharmacies carry redness relief creams and other topical treatments. These can target mild to moderate redness and reduce discoloration in as little as 12 hours. You may want to ask a pharmacist which product is right for you, especially if you have sensitive skin or are using any other topical treatments.[10]
- Common products used to combat redness include Rhofade and Eucerin Redness Relief Soothing Night Cream.
- Try hydrocortisone cream for a temporary reduction in redness. Although hydrocortisone cream is typically used for itching, it can also help reduce redness. Dab a small amount of the cream directly onto your pimple.
- You can buy 1% hydrocortisone cream over-the-counter at most drug stores.[11]
- Use a clay mask to dry up zits. Combine 2-3 tablespoons of powdered clay with enough water to form a spreadable paste. Apply a thin layer of the mask to your face and let it dry fully before rinsing it off with warm water. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to the paste before application to amp up its acne-fighting powers.[12]
- You can get powdered clay from most pharmacies, drug stores, and health food stores, as well as online.
- Alternatively, you could use a pre-mixed clay mask, which you can find in the bath section of your local department store or in a beauty supply or drug store.
EditPreventing Breakouts - See a dermatologist if you get repeated breakouts. You could get breakouts for reasons ranging from internal hormones to external environmental factors. If you're struggling to control those factors on your own, talk to a dermatologist. They can help you develop a holistic acne treatment plan that may include diet and lifestyle changes, a new or enhanced skincare routine, and/or acne medication.[13]
- A doctor is the only one who can get you prescription-strength medication if over-the-counter treatments and home remedies aren't helping with your acne.
- Wash your face daily with a quality face wash. Washing your face every day helps remove the dead skin, sebum, and bacteria that promotes acne. Look for a face wash that is formulated for acne-prone skin. Your dermatologist or doctor can help you with recommendations for the right wash for you.[14]
- Aim to wash your face 1-2 times a day. If you wear makeup, one of those times should be at the end of the day to remove your makeup. Try not to wash too much, since overwashing can actually encourage acne.
- Don't scrub too hard or use a rough-surfaced implement like a loofah or washcloth to wash your face. Your hands or a face brush will work great. When drying your face, gently pat dry with a towel.
- Use a toner after cleansing. Apply the toner to a cotton pad, then wipe it over your face. The toner will remove any excess dirt or makeup that remains on your skin and balance your skin's pH. Toner also tightens your pores.
- You can find toner at a drug store or beauty supply store.
- Moisturize your face daily. After washing your face, you should apply a moisturizing cream, gel, or lotion. This helps replenish the natural moisture that was stripped away when you washed your face. Even if you have oily or acne-prone skin, a moisturizer can help reduce the amount of oil and sebum your face produces, and reduce your breakouts.[15]
- There's no shortage of different moisturizers on the market, so finding the one for you might take a little experimenting. Look for a moisturizer that is formulated for your skin type (oily, combination, etc.) to get the best results.
- If you have acne-prone skin, look for a non-comedogenic moisturizer. It will be specifically formulated to ensure it doesn't block your pores.
- Keep your skin hydrated. A moisturizer will help keep your skin hydrated, but there's more you can do. Some of the most effective steps are preventative care, including limiting your exposure to cold or dry air, avoiding extended contact with hot or chlorinated water, and avoiding skin care products that contain alcohol. You should also make sure you are getting plenty of water inside and outside.[16]
- Many doctors recommend drinking at least 3 liters (13 cups) of water per day for men, and 2.2 liters (9 cups) of water per day for women.[17]
- Use facial mists throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated from the outside. If you are in a consistently dry area, you may even want to use a humidifier to keep your skin happy.
- Ensure that your body is getting proper vitamins. While research is still ongoing, some studies suggest that certain vitamins can help fight against inflammation and encourage healthier skin.[18] Common vitamins that are said to promote healthy skin include:
- Vitamin A. Vitamin A is an antioxidant, meaning it helps limit damaging molecules called free radicals. These can harm skin cells and hasten signs of aging. Foods rich in vitamin A include carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, squash, apricots, and cantaloupe.[19]
- Vitamin C. Vitamin C is instrumental in producing collagen, the building block of skin. Studies also suggest that it has some anti-inflammatory benefits. Foods rich in vitamin C include guava, citrus fruits, kale, broccoli, kiwi, and strawberries.[20]
- Exfoliate every week. Exfoliating is the process of removing the old, dead skin cells from the outermost layer of your skin. Exfoliating 1-2 times a week removes the dead cells that end up in zits, and helps promote cellular turnover to keep your skin bright and healthy.[21]
- You should exfoliate after you cleanse your skin but before you apply toner.
- Both mechanical exfoliants, such as facial scrubs, and chemical exfoliants, such as enzyme wipes, are widely available. If you have acne-prone, sensitive, or aging skin, though, you should opt for a chemical exfoliant since scrubs could irritate and even damage your skin.
- If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you may want to exfoliate as often as 2-3 times per week.
- Dermatologists don't recommend using toothpaste to dry up pimples. This old home remedy may actually irritate your skin and make things worse.
- Additionally, while lemon juice is a common home remedy for pimples, it can burn the skin, promote scarring and discoloration, and increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun.
- Avoid popping pimples if possible.
- If you really need to pop a pimple, wash your hands well. Then use a tissue to pop the pimple. Afterward, put a dab of antiseptic cream on the spot to remove bacteria.
- Hydrocolloid bandages can empty out popped pimples.
- Mix a couple of drops of tea tree oil in face masks or moisturizers. It helps dry out the pimple.
- Popping pimples may result in scarring. It can also spread any dirt, oils, and bacteria trapped in the pimple, which may encourage new zits.
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| How to Get a Haircut for Curly Hair Posted: 02 Jun 2018 05:00 PM PDT Finding the right cut for your curly hair can be a challenge. Even if you know the look you want, it can be hard to find a stylist who knows the best way to cut curly hair. Luckily, by researching different stylists and finding a cut that's suited for your face shape, you can get a cut that will show off your hair's natural texture! EditPicking Your Cut - Choose a hair cut which will suit the shape of your face. In addition to your curl pattern and your hair texture, various cuts will look different on you depending on the shape of your face. Pull your hair away from your face and take a self-portrait or trace the shape of your face on a mirror.
- If your forehead is the widest part of your face, you likely have an oval face.
- If your cheeks are the widest part of your face, you may have a round face shape.
- You have a square face shape if you have a wide jaw.
- If you have a wide jaw but a pointed chin, you have a heart-shaped face.
- Choose long layers if you have a round face. Long layers can help slim a round face, and they look good on almost all curl types. Your hair will appear to be mostly the same length, but your stylist will add a little texture and length with the layers.[1]
- A deep side part paired with long layers is especially flattering to round face shapes.
- Long layers can work with a variety of different lengths.
- Opt for a pixie cut if you have a round face and you want short hair. Pixie cuts made of tousled curls can be extremely flattering to a round face. It will bring the focus to your eyes and the apples of your cheeks.[2]
- This style is fairly low-maintenance, but you may need to use a little product to get your curls to cooperate at this shorter length.
- Choose angled layers if you have a square face. The angular lines of a square face look best when they're balanced with soft layers.[3]
- When you're choosing a length, pick a cut that falls above or below your chin. Cuts that end at the jawline add width to your face.
- Consider asking your stylist to add a few short layers around your forehead to add bounce to your style.
- Go with a collar-bone length cut for a heart-shaped face. Full curls around your shoulders will balance out the width of your forehead and will bring attention to your delicate chin. Depending on the shape of your curls, you might want a few light layers at the bottom to avoid having triangle-shaped hair when it dries.[4]
- Another option for a heart-shaped face is a chin-length bob, which will create flattering fullness around your jawline.
- Ask for a shoulder-skimming cut with a side part for an oval face. Oval faces are more narrow, and a side part will enhance your cheekbones and play up your curls. Layers which add volume to the sides of your hair can also help balance out the narrowness of your face.[5]
- Fortunately, most haircuts look good on an oval face. If you have an oval face, don't be afraid to try something different!
- An afro is also a good style for oval face.
- Maintain your cut with a trim every 6-8 weeks. Since curly hair tends to be dry, it can be especially prone to split ends, which can make your hair look frizzy. For fresh, bouncy curls, don't skip your hair appointments.[6]
- Your trim should also be cut on dry hair to maintain the shape of the original cut.
EditChoosing the Right Stylist - Search for a stylist with experience cutting curly hair. Curly hair doesn't behave the same way that straight hair does, and you need a stylist who understands that. Ask your curly-haired friends and family if they have a stylist they would recommend, especially if you love their hair style! You can also run a search online specifically for curly hair stylists.[7]
- Try searching for options like, "best curly hair stylists in Portland" or "curly hair stylists in Atlanta."
- Use websites like Instagram and Facebook to find local stylists. Look through their pictures to see if you like the results of the cuts that they do.
- You can even stop curly-haired strangers if you like their style and ask them who their stylist is.
- Schedule a consultation to meet the stylist before you get a cut. Once you find a stylist you're interested in, meet them in person. Most salons offer free consultations so you can decide whether a stylist is a good fit for you before you book an appointment. Give the salon a call and inquire.[8]
- Consultations are usually about 15 minutes and should be booked in advance.[9]
- Look up customer reviews of hair salons to see if they have satisfied customers.
- Ask plenty of questions during the consultation. Be sure to ask the stylist about their experience cutting different types of curly hair. Pay attention to how confident the stylist sounds about your hair type. If you don't feel comfortable, or if the stylist sounds hesitant, you may want to keep looking.
- Ask questions like, "Do you have a lot of clients with curly hair?" You could also ask, "What would you do to make my curls more defined?" or "What cut do you think would work best for my texture?"
- Bring along pictures of styles you like to show the stylist during your consultation.
- The consultation should be hands-on. The stylist should touch your hair and examine your scalp so they can really understand your unique curls.
- Choose a stylist who dry cuts to avoid having your hair cut too short. Curls stretch out when they're wet, which can make it hard to get the length just right. Although there are some great stylists who wet-cut curly hair, dry cutting is preferred by most curly-haired styling experts.[10]
- A good stylist may want to wash your hair in the salon and allow it to air-dry so they can get a fresh look a your natural curl pattern.
- Avoid choosing a stylist who advises you that you should straighten your hair. Instead, try to find someone who will help you embrace the natural texture of your hair.
- Beware of stylists who want to brush out your curls while they're wet. If your stylist prefers to cut wet hair, don't let them run a brush through your damp curls. Wet-brushing curly hair can cause a lot of damage and should only be detangled with a wide-toothed comb.[11]
- Some people prefer not to use a brush on curly hair at all -- wet or dry -- but that's a personal choice.
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| How to Grow an Herb Garden Indoors Year Round Posted: 02 Jun 2018 09:00 AM PDT Herbs like basil, parsley, thyme, and oregano are great additions to your indoor plants, and they'll lead to lots of yummy foods! Once you decide which kind of herbs you'd like to grow, either plant the seeds in some nutrient-rich soil, take a cutting from a previous plant, or buy a little baby herb plant that's ready to grow. Herbs need at least 4-6 hours of sunlight a day to be healthy, so make sure you place them in a spot where they'll receive the best care. EditChoosing Your Herbs - Plant chives for an onion-flavored herb. Chives are a relatively low-maintenance herb to grow—they require about 4-6 hours of sunlight a day and a temperature between and .[1]
- Use chives in garnishes, salads, sauces, or soups, just to name a few.
- Plant chives seeds in nutrient-rich soil.
- Select parsley for a sun-loving plant. You can start parsley from seed easily or buy a baby parsley plant. Parsley is a great herb to add flavor to your food, and it does well in fluctuating temperatures.[2]
- Use parsley on foods like chicken, roasts, fish, grilled steaks, or vegetables.
- Look for a healthy, green parsley plant at your local nursery, or give it lots of sunlight and rich soil if you're planting it from seed.
- Grow oregano for an herb rich in antioxidants. You can either purchase a baby oregano plant to keep indoors, or you can take a cutting from an oregano plant you might already have outside. Give oregano plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil.[3]
- Oregano is often used on pizzas, in sauces, or mixed in with salad.
- Take a cutting by removing a healthy section of the oregano and placing it in a cup of fresh water.
- Pick out a thyme plant to provide great flavor. Thyme needs lots of sunlight—at least 6-8 hours a day or more. It does well in fluctuating temperatures and likes soil that drains well.[4]
- Use thyme in soups, stews, and sauces.
- Find a thyme plant at your local nursery or garden store.
- Sow basil seeds to grow healthy basil plants. Basil can be a bit tricky to grow, but it's easiest if you start from seeds. Basil needs constant warmth, so it's not a great herb to grow next to cool windows or in a climate where the temperature drops a significant amount at night.[5]
- Basil is used to make pesto and many other pasta dishes, as well as to treat several different ailments.
- Keep basil warm near a window and avoid letting it feel a drop in temperature.
- If you're purchasing basil seeds online, make sure you look for a reliable seed seller.
- Cultivate rosemary for an aromatic herb. Rosemary does well if you take a cutting from a grown plant, or you can purchase a baby rosemary plant that's ready to be cared for. Rosemary does well as long as the temperature stays between and , and it likes at least 6 hours of sunlight.[6]
- Use rosemary in vinegars, oils, or sauces, among others.
- Cut off a section of a rosemary plant and stick it in a cup of water to watch it grow roots.
- Choose sage for strong flavor and health benefits. Either buy a sage plant from your local nursery or take a sage cutting and grow it in a pot. Sage needs well-draining soil and full sun, but it can tolerate dry air well.[7]
- Sage goes well with many different types of meats, but it's quite strong, so use it in small amounts.
- Visit your local nursery to find a baby sage plant or cut off a section of an already-grown sage plant to watch roots form in a cup of water.
EditStarting from Seed - Purchase your seeds from a reliable source. You can visit your local nursery or garden store to pick out seeds of the herb you'd like to grow, or you can purchase seed packets online. Many seed packets come with over 100 seeds each, providing you with plenty of seeds.
- Reliable sources have a good reputation and positive buyer reviews.
- You can also ask your local nursery or garden store employees where they recommend buying seeds online.
- Prepare a container with nutrient-rich soil. The container should have drainage holes to let water pass through—clay pots are a good option, as are tiny seed trays designed for growing lots of different sections of seeds. Fill ¾ of the container with well-draining potting soil.[8]
- You can find nutrient-rich potting soil at a garden or home improvement store.
- Seed trays have multiple cells, perfect for growing several different seeds or herbs at once.
- Sprinkle a few seeds into the container. If you're using small seed trays, scatter 2-3 seeds in each tray. If you're using a larger pot, you may want to sprinkle about 5 seeds into the soil, just in case some of them don't sprout.[9]
- Spread the seeds evenly so that none of them are on top of each other.
- Cover the seeds with a fine layer of soil. Sprinkle just enough soil over the seeds so that they're not exposed—a thickness of about is good. A thin layer of soil will protect the seeds while allowing the small seedling to sprout through the soil.[10]
- Don't pack down the soil once you spread it in the container.
- Place the container in a warm spot with dappled light. Once the seeds have been planted, set the container near a warm window that receives lots of light or in a warm room.[11]
- It's not necessary for the seeds to be in direct sunlight while they germinate.
- Use a spray bottle to water the seeds. Fill up a spray bottle full of water and mist the soil. If you're not sure if you've watered them enough, let the water soak in for about an hour and check on the seeds again—if the soil is dry, it could need more water.[12]
- Make sure you use a saucer or plastic tray underneath the container to catch any water that drains out.
- Use a piece of plastic to cover the container to keep moisture inside of the soil.
EditCaring for the Herbs - Use a saucer or drain pan to catch excess water. It's common for the plant to release water through the drainage holes in its container when it has too much. Placing some sort of liner underneath the container will not only keep water from leaking everywhere, but it will also protect your surface.[13]
- Opt for drain pans made of plastic or rubber as opposed to clay—clay lets water pass through more easily.
- Keep the herbs in a warm, sunny environment. Herbs like a temperature of about indoors, as well as some indirect sunlight. If the temperature outside drops a bit at night, this is okay for most plants as long as it warms back up in the morning.[14]
- Place the herbs in a south-facing window, if possible.
- Basil is one exception—it doesn't like cool weather and will start drooping if the temperature drops.
- Keep the leaves from touching the glass window to prevent it from getting too hot or too cold.
- Set up artificial light sources to help the herbs grow. If the herbs aren't able to get 6 hours of natural sunlight a day, purchase clamp-on reflector lights with fluorescent bulbs. You can set these lights above the plants to provide sufficient lighting.[15]
- These lights can be kept on for up to 12 hours a day, depending on the plant's needs.
- Wait for the herbs to dry out before watering them. Most herbs don't need constant watering. Check to see if the plant is dry, and if so, water the soil directly instead of pouring water all over the leaves and stem.[16]
- You can check to see if the herb has dried out by sticking your finger down into the soil near the roots. If this underground section feels dry, it's time to water the plant.
- Don't leave standing water in the drain pan—this can cause rot.
- Apply a liquid fertilizer to keep the herbs healthy. Herbs like fertilizers such as fish emulsion or liquid seaweed. When you're picking out a fertilizer, avoid ones that promote blooms to keep the energy focused on creating new leaves.[17]
- Read the instructions on the fertilizer to determine how much to use on the herbs, as well as how often.
- Most fertilizers are applied every couple of weeks.
- Cut the herbs to encourage growth. Trimming your herbs frequently will cause new leaves to form, expanding your plant. Start from the top of the plant, cutting right below where a leaf meets the stem. You can also use your fingers to pinch off the leaves, as desired.[18]
- Never cut off more than one third of the plant.
- Use sharp, clean scissors or cutting shears.
- Rotate your plants every week so that they don't start leaning in one direction.
- Cover the saucer or drain pan with pebbles and place your potted herb on top—this helps promote air circulation through the plant.
- Check with your local nursery or online resource to find out the best way to grow your chosen herb, whether from a cutting, by seed, or by purchasing a baby plant.
- Grow your herb from a cutting by snipping off a healthy section of the plant and placing it in water.
- If you see your herbs growing longer stems and fewer leaves, this might mean that they're not getting enough sunlight.
- Avoid getting fertilizer on the leaves, as you might be eating them.
- Overwatering is the biggest cause of herb issues. Always make sure the herb actually needs water before watering it.
- Yellowing leaves can be a sign of overwatering and root rot.
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