sulfur for fungal acne

DIY TURMERIC & LEMON BRIGHTENING FACE MASK

With the colder months fast approaching, I thought it would be fun to kick off a beauty series to keep our skin glowing and hydrated all winter long. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing my favorite DIY face masks, scrubs, winter skincare tips, and more! For a glimpse into my daily routine, check out my Natural Vegan Skincare Routine.

Wouldn’t it be nice to keep that summer glow all year round? This DIY mask is not only brightening but also perfect for acne-prone skin (or any skin type!) while giving you a healthy, radiant complexion.

Now, a quick disclaimer: the vegan police might be after me for this one… While I don’t consume honey, I’ve always appreciated its medicinal properties for the skin, especially Manuka honey, which has endless healing benefits. I actually picked up a bottle of Manuka honey from Trader Joe’s over the summer without thinking much of it. But then I started feeling guilty, since vegans typically avoid honey. There’s a lot of debate within the vegan community about this, which I dive deeper into in my post about Plant-Based vs. Vegan. If you’re concerned, you can always swap out the honey for agave nectar to get that same sticky consistency!

Normally, I wouldn’t purchase products with honey, but I had this small bottle lying around, and instead of letting it go to waste, I’ve decided to use it for beauty purposes, like in this Brightening Turmeric DIY Face Mask.

A fun fact: Manuka honey comes from New Zealand, where bees feed on the nectar of the Tea Tree Plant. It’s the perfect addition to this mask for an extra glow boost!

THIS POTENT MANUKA HONEY IS ESPECIALLY GREAT FOR:

  • Healing acne and scarring
  • Fighting skin infections
  • Cleaning pores while naturally exfoliating
  • Helping skin retain moisture
  • Rejuvenating radiance and softness

NOT TO MENTION ITS:

  • Anti-bacterial properties
  • Anti-inflammatory effects
  • Anti-fungal qualities
  • High in antioxidants to protect the skin

What makes it even more special is its thicker consistency compared to regular honey, with a cloudy appearance. After soaking up some of this healing Manuka honey, my skin feels totally moisturized, balanced, and soft—it’s magical!

I’m no honey expert (I picked mine up from Trader Joe’s), but I know that higher-quality Manuka honey products are out there, like this one from Manuka Doctor, which has a higher UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) score, indicating more potency. You can really feel the difference with a higher UMF—it’s like a supercharged version of regular honey!

The next essential ingredient for this DIY face mask is turmeric – a true wonder spice, and not just for your curry recipes! This vibrant, golden powder is incredibly beautifying. I was inspired to include it in this mask from my Golden Glow Elixir Juice, which you all seemed to love as much as I did (plus, it’s great for boosting immunity during the winter months!).

Turmeric has been used for centuries in beauty rituals, especially by Indian brides who use turmeric body scrubs and masks before their weddings to achieve that head-to-toe glow. The spice is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to brighten and even out skin tone, while also giving you a luminous, radiant complexion. It’s like liquid gold for your skin!

BENEFITS OF TURMERIC:

Turmeric is a powerhouse when it comes to skincare, offering a range of benefits:

  • Reduces redness
  • Treats breakouts
  • Helps with age spots
  • Reduces scarring and hyperpigmentation
  • Helps to heal psoriasis and eczema
  • Brightens and tones
  • Anti-inflammatory properties

While fresh turmeric would be even better for this mask, I only had ground turmeric on hand, which still works wonders. Just a heads-up—turmeric is known to stain, so be sure to wear a shirt you don’t mind getting a little messy and dry your face with a dark towel. The turmeric will leave a slight yellow tint on your skin, but don’t worry! I usually wash my face with my regular sulfur soap once or twice after the mask, and the yellow tint disappears with no problem. Just a little heads-up to ensure you’re prepared!

Next up is fresh lemon juice! Lemon is packed with vitamin C, which is essential for brightening and evening out your skin tone. It’s also anti-bacterial, making it especially helpful for breakouts, while acting as a natural exfoliant to give your skin that healthy radiance. Lemon is also known to help fade acne scars over time, making it a great addition to this mask. Don’t worry though—this mask won’t sting like lemon juice sometimes does on its own! It actually feels soothing and balancing on the skin.

The final ingredient is oats, which are incredibly moisturizing, exfoliating, and softening. I blended my oats a bit in the food processor to make them finer, but you can also use oat flour if that’s easier. Just a heads-up, the mask can get a little messy depending on how finely ground your oats are, so be sure to apply it over the sink to make cleanup easier. The oats will help lock in moisture while gently sloughing off dead skin, leaving you with smooth, soft skin.

CONCLUSION

And there you have it—this Brightening Turmeric DIY Face Mask is the perfect way to keep your skin glowing and healthy throughout the colder months! With the power of Manuka honey, turmeric, fresh lemon juice, and oats, this mask works wonders to brighten, exfoliate, and heal your skin, all while leaving it soft, smooth, and balanced.

Whether you’re dealing with breakouts, acne scars, or just want to keep your skin glowing, this mask has got you covered. Plus, it’s natural, vegan (with the option to substitute for agave), and perfect for anyone looking for a simple yet effective skincare routine.

So, put on your favorite old shirt, get ready for a little mess, and treat your skin to some much-needed love and nourishment. Your skin will thank you, and you’ll be glowing all season long!

Let me know how you like it!

HOW TO GET RID OF DANDRUFF, ACCORDING TO DERMS

Do you always wish to have beautiful, shiny hair, but find dealing with dandruff to be a real challenge? Dandruff is a common problem that not only makes our hair look bad but also makes us feel uncomfortable and embarrassed. The good news is, you don’t have to face this challenge alone. Experts in hair care have studied dandruff deeply and found effective ways to get rid of it. In this article, we’ll learn advice from hair care experts, dermatologists, and researchers dedicated to understanding and solving the problem of dandruff. Your questions about annoying dandruff flakes will be answered in the article below. This guide is all about saying goodbye to those annoying white flakes and regaining the confidence that comes with a healthy scalp. Join us to discover simple and effective ways to keep your hair dandruff-free.

WHAT IS DANDRUFF?

Dandruff is a common condition where small, dry flakes of skin from your scalp fall onto your hair and shoulders. It can make your hair look a bit snowy, and sometimes, it might itch a little. Dandruff isn’t a serious health problem, but it can be annoying. 

WHAT CAUSES DANDRUFF?

Why Do I Have Dandruff? Dandruff happens when there’s too much of a fungus called Malassezia on your skin. Dr. Zenovia Gabriel from Zena Medical said that Malassezia is normally on everyone’s skin, but when it grows too much, it causes dandruff. Our skin is always getting rid of dead cells, but if Malassezia grows too fast, it makes the body produce and shed skin cells too quickly. Malassezia growing too much can be because of things like getting older, hormones, or feeling stressed.

Think of dandruff like bread with olive oil and yeast. Dr. Joshua Zeichner from Mount Sinai Hospital explained that everyone has some yeast on their bodies, but the amount is different for each person based on genes and things happening inside and outside the body.

HOW TO GET RID OF DANDRUFF PERMANENTLY

While dandruff cannot be permanently cured, it can be effectively managed through appropriate treatments and good hair care practices.

If you are looking for scalp treatment for dandruff, please scroll down to find the answer.

CHANGE YOUR DIET

If you’re grappling with dandruff, making changes to your diet could be a beneficial step in managing this common scalp condition. Incorporating certain foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D, may contribute to a healthier scalp. Foods like fish, nuts, seeds, and leafy greens can be valuable additions. 

Additionally, reducing your intake of sugary and processed foods might help, as they could be linked to increased inflammation in the body, potentially affecting the health of your skin, including the scalp. 

BEGIN CLEANING YOUR HAIR MORE FREQUENTLY

Regular shampooing helps to remove excess oil, dead skin cells, and dandruff flakes from the scalp. Opt for a mild, anti-dandruff shampoo that contains ingredients like zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, or selenium sulfide, as these can target the specific factors contributing to dandruff. Washing your hair a few times a week can prevent the accumulation of flakes and maintain a healthier scalp environment. However, it’s essential not to overwash, as this can strip your scalp of natural oils and potentially exacerbate the issue. Finding the right balance in your hair-cleansing routine can be a simple yet impactful step toward managing and reducing dandruff.

GENTLE EXFOLIATION 

Scalp scrubs usually get rid of dead skin by using a bit of salicylic acid (common in acne products) or small dissolved bits. These tiny bits are “very helpful in breaking down the dead skin cells that pile up on the scalp and cause flaking.” Use the scrub on wet hair, wash your hair twice a week, and make sure to follow the instructions for how long to leave it on. If you have tough dandruff or just want a nice head massage, you can also use a scrub. You can refer these prosucts:

Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo: This shampoo uses charcoal to absorb impurities and coconut oil to nourish the scalp. It’s gentle enough for daily use and helps remove product buildup.

Kristin Ess Instant Exfoliating Scalp Scrub: This affordable option uses sugar crystals to buff away dead skin cells. It’s gentle enough for most scalps and leaves hair feeling clean and refreshed.

TRY HAIR OIL

Using oil on your scalp can help balance the amount of oil it produces. When you apply oil to your scalp, it attracts and removes excess oil. It’s like when similar things attract each other, like a basic rule. You can warm up celebrity-favorite coconut oil in the microwave and gently put it on your head. Be careful not to make the oil too hot, as this can burn your scalp. There are also many warm-oil products and prewash scalp oils you can try. But remember, using hot oil alone won’t completely cure dandruff caused by fungal growth, though it can help with dryness.

Moroccanoil Dry Scalp Treatment: The Dry Scalp Treatment represents a range of therapeutic oil products designed for addressing dry scalp and dandruff issues. This accomplishment stems from the collaborative efforts of a team of research scientists in Israel who successfully developed a protective skincare formula. 

PATTERN Jojoba Oil Hair Serum Self-Heating Packs: Simply apply the serum to your scalp, and the self-heating mechanism helps enhance absorption and effectiveness. Jojoba oil can contribute to reducing dryness and flakiness associated with dandruff, leaving your hair and scalp feeling nourished.

USE A DANDRUFF SHAMPOO

Using a special shampoo for dandruff is the best and fastest way to treat it. It can be divided into anti-dandruff shampoo for men and anti-dandruff shampoo for women. You can get these shampoos either with a prescription for stronger ones or over-the-counter. They usually have zinc or sulfur, which can help reduce the yeast causing dandruff. These shampoos might not give you a luxurious washing experience, but they don’t smell bad anymore, and their packaging is better. If you just have dryness and flaking, shampoos with salicylic acid should be good enough. If you have redness and irritation, try the ones with zinc pyrithione (the same stuff in Head and Shoulders), ketoconazole, or selenium sulfide. Here are some of the best ones:

Ouai Anti-Dandruff Shampoo: The Ouai Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is a special shampoo designed to help with dandruff, those annoying white flakes on your scalp. Using this shampoo is like giving your hair a little superhero power against dandruff.

SACHAJUAN Scalp Shampoo: The SACHAJUAN Scalp Shampoo is like a special friend for your hair and scalp. It’s made to help with any itchy or flaky feelings you might have up there.

USE TEA TREE OIL

Tea tree oil can be a helpful remedy for managing dandruff. This natural essential oil possesses anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties, acting like a gentle superhero for your scalp. To use tea tree oil for dandruff, mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil, creating a soothing blend. Gently massage this mixture into your scalp and leave it on for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the tea tree oil to combat dandruff and soothe irritation. Afterward, wash your hair as usual to remove the oil and any loosened flakes. 

Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo: This shampoo, infused with tea tree oil, delivers a tingling sensation that invigorates your senses and helps soothe the scalp. 

Briogeo Scalp Revival™ Dandruff Relief Charcoal Shampoo: Briogeo Scalp Revival™ Dandruff Relief Charcoal Shampoo is like a detox for your scalp, offering a unique solution to dandruff concerns. This shampoo combines the power of charcoal, tea tree oil, and other natural ingredients to create a soothing and effective formula. 

WASH YOUR SCALP ONLY

Using dandruff shampoos can sometimes make your hair and scalp feel dry. To prevent this, only put the special shampoo on your scalp, not on your hair. Gently massage it into your scalp for at least five minutes each time you use it. Don’t rush, give the special ingredients time to do their job. If your hair needs more moisture, you can use a hair mask on the ends of your hair. This way, your scalp gets the treatment it needs, and your hair stays healthy and hydrated.

PROTECT YOUR SCALP FROM THE SUN

Shielding your scalp from the sun can play a crucial role in managing dandruff. Exposure to harsh sunlight can contribute to dryness and irritation of the scalp, exacerbating dandruff symptoms. Wearing a hat or using a scarf to cover your head when out in the sun helps to minimize direct exposure and provides a protective barrier against the sun’s harmful rays. Additionally, using a sunscreen specifically designed for the scalp can offer an extra layer of defense. 

WHAT INGREDIENTS SHOULD YOU LOOK IN ANTI-DANDRUFF TREATMENT?

When searching for an anti-dandruff treatment, it’s essential to look for key ingredients that target the root causes of dandruff. Common and effective ingredients include zinc pyrithione, which helps control the growth of yeast on the scalp, and salicylic acid, which aids in removing flakes and promoting a healthier scalp. Additionally, coal tar is known for slowing down the process of skin cell turnover, reducing flakiness. Moreover, a product with tea tree oil possesses natural antifungal properties, making it a popular choice for dandruff treatment. Ultimately, finding a treatment with these ingredients can be beneficial in effectively managing and preventing dandruff, ensuring a healthier and more comfortable scalp.

FAQ

1. How to prevent dandruff?

To prevent dandruff, make sure to wash your hair regularly with a mild shampoo. Keep your scalp clean and healthy by avoiding excessive use of styling products and maintaining good overall hygiene.

2. What’s the best way to get rid of dandruff?

To get rid of dandruff, use a specialized anti-dandruff shampoo and wash your hair regularly.  Additionally, maintain good overall hygiene and consider natural remedies like tea tree oil,…

CONCLUSION

To deal with dandruff, many dermatologists say you should use special shampoos, wash your hair regularly, and be gentle when taking care of your hair. They suggest paying extra attention to your scalp when washing, so the special ingredients in the shampoo can do their job. It’s also important to keep yourself clean and ask for help from professionals if dandruff keeps bothering you. Following these tips can help you take care of dandruff and keep your scalp healthy and happy.