JOY FEELINGS MAGAZINE

1

JOY FEELINGS!

JOY BEAUTY: Guide to treating acne scars and skin damage/HOW TO MAKE YOUR SKIN THICKER/ Home made hair treatments and shampoos/ Home made beauty treatments for a healthy skin/ DEBUNKING 5 MYTHS ABOUT ACNE/ Nutrients for your healthy skin/

FASHION FEVER FEATURING ANGELINA JOLIE’S HOT STYLE.

ENTERTAINMENT: A LOOK AT KERRY WASHINGTON…GET TO MEET HER!

2

JOY FEELINGS!

WORD FROM THE EDITOR Welcome to the new month of march‌this month is special too as we give our readers time to concentrate on their beauty with the joy beauty section which is our main focus in this issue and dealing with every question you have about your skin. Enjoy this issue!

All the best from Joyce wolayo.

3

JOY FEELINGS!

4

JOY FEELINGS!

Beauty is high and paramount and pimples. Yes and that’s on our list of priorities in this right. Please read to the very issue. Joy beauty would like last tip and read over again to make you more beautiful until you can get a beauty this season with detailed routine here immediately for your skin! articles on how to keep your skin healthy and strong by understanding the ways and methods in which you can I achieve this high endeavor.

We are all on this journey to learn and remind ourselves of how best to get rid of acne GUIDE TO TREATING ACNE SCARS AND SKIN DAMAGE

5

JOY FEELINGS!

If you see signs that your acne is leaving a scar on your skin, you don't have to grin and bear it. There are lots of ways to heal your scars and keep new ones from forming.

Cortisone and Fade Creams If your scar is red or swollen, use a cortisone cream to calm your skin. The cortisone is absorbed by skin cells and reduces inflammation. You can buy skin creams with cortisone without a prescription.

Next, you'll want to concentrate on lightening any dark areas left from the acne scar.

"Hydroquinone, a popular skin lightener, has recently fallen out of favor and is now being omitted from many fading creams due to irritation and carcinogenic concern," Alster says. But there are other ingredients in skin creams sold without a prescription that can help lighten your dark spots. Kojic acid (a natural skin lightener derived from mushroom extract), arbutin (also called bearberry extract), and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) are great alternative ingredients to look for in lightening creams, Alster says.

Laser and Filler Treatments

6

JOY FEELINGS!

If your acne scars don't fade away on their own, it may be time to consider booking an appointment with your dermatologist. In one to three sessions, laser skin resurfacing using fractionated laser technology can even out the skin surface and increase the formation of new collagen. Collagen is a protein that's a building block

of the skin. The new collagen can help fill in acne scars.

Ablative lasers vaporize your scar, allowing smoother skin to take its place. Non-ablative lasers help activate the production of collagen without damaging the surface of your skin.

Filler injections can help fill in the indentations left behind from deep acne scars, says Ron Moy, MD, a former president of the American Academy of Dermatology.

But the downside to fillers is that they need to be repeated every 4 to 6 months, as the product reabsorbs into the skin over time.

Patience The main key to seeing acne scars fade is patience. A few weeks after you break out and scar, new blood vessels move into the injured area to give nourishment to the skin, which is why most early scars look pink, Alster says.

7

JOY FEELINGS!

Months later, collagen starts to form, filling in the injured section of skin. Because cystic acne destroys skin and fat, it can take up to a year for the scars to fade, Moy says.

How to Prevent Scars or Help Scars Heal Stay out of the sun. Exposing scars to the sun can cause them to darken and slow the healing process, Alster says.

How? Ultraviolet rays stimulate melanocytes (pigment-producing cells), leading to further discoloration.

Before heading outdoors, put on a broadspectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Broadspectrum sunscreen protects against both ultraviolet A (long-wave) and ultraviolet B (shortwave) rays. Ingredients with broad-spectrum protection include benzophenones

(sulisobenzone and oxybenzone), cinnamates (octylmethyl cinnamate and cinoxate), salicylates, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, avobenzone (Parsol 1789), and ecamsule (Mexoryl SX). Reapply after swimming, after sweating, and after more than 2 hours in the sun.

Limit your time in the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Wear protective clothing, such as a longsleeved shirt, pants, and a wide-brimmed hat.

Don't pick and squeeze. Scars, which are made mainly of collagen, are your body's way of repairing itself. Acne scars are typically indented because of collagen loss from intense inflammation, Alster says.

Picking leads to more inflammation and injury of your skin, which add to the discoloration and scarring.

Squeezing or trying to pop a pimple causes pus and 8

JOY FEELINGS!

bacteria to filter deeper into the skin, bringing on more collagen damage, Moy says.

Don't use vitamin E on scars. You may have heard that applying vitamin E to a scar will help it heal faster.

But according to a study from the University of Miami, applying the nutrient directly onto a scar can actually hinder its healing. In the study, vitamin E either had no effect or made matters worse for 90% of the patients, and 33% who put vitamin E on the skin developed a contact dermatitis.

HOME MADE BEAUTY TREATMENTS FOR A HEALTHY SKIN

1. Apply some apple cider vinegar Apple cider vinegar is a powerhouse when it comes to

acting as an acne remedy.

Why? It kills off the bacteria that may be causing all the trouble in the first place. It also becomes alkaline, and balances the pH of your skin, which in turn makes it harder for bacteria to thrive.

To top it off it’s an astringent, like lemon juice, and will help dry up excess oil. Keeping that in mind, don’t overdo and dry out your skin too much. This could cause the sebaceous glands overproduce to compensate, therefore triggering an outbreak.

9

JOY FEELINGS!

You will need…

-Pure unfiltered apple cider vinegar -Fresh water Directions Wash your face with water and pat dry. Using a ratio of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water, dip a cotton ball into vinegar and apply it directly to the blemish.

Leave on for at least 10 minutes, or overnight.

Reapply several times a day, washing face thoroughly after each time. Make sure to use a moisturizer afterwards as well if you feel like your skin is getting dry.

10

JOY FEELINGS!

2. Make a cinnamon and honey mask Honey is sticky, and cinnamon is spicy, and it seems like they’re both things you’d want to avoid getting near your skin. Surprisingly, while it may sound strange, honey and cinnamon make a (literally) killer combo when it comes to acne. Cinnamon has antimicrobial properties, so it can help stop bacteria from getting out of hand. If it does, the honey is a natural anti-biotic, ready and waiting to wipe the little buggers out.

You will need…

-2 tablespoons of honey -1 teaspoon of cinnamon - paper towels Directions Rinse your face with water and pat dry. Mix 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon together until they are thoroughly blended and have formed a sort of paste. Apply the mask to your face (or spot 11

JOY FEELINGS!

treat) and leave on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off completely, and pat your face dry. This is a sticky mixture, so make sure you have some paper towels at on hand.

3. The land of milk and honey (or yogurt) While there is quite a bit of hub bub around dairy products causing acne, applied topically it seems that milk can improve your outbreaks and skin tone. The reason it is suggested that milk would cause acne is because of the extra hormones in it-but unless it’s ingested, this doesn’t really do much. For the most part, it just soothes the irritated skin, and helps tone down the redness. Cleopatra swore on the milk baths she took, and well, she was Cleopatra. You could also use yogurt. The acids in it are antibacterial while the fat provides moisture, making it quite nourishing for skin.

You will need…

- 1 tablespoon plain low-fat or full-fat yogurt or milk, anything but skim - 1 tablespoon of natural, raw, honey Directions Let yogurt or milk come to room temperature (or close to) so you don’t get a chilly shock when you put it on your skin. Mix 1 tablespoon of milk or yogurt thoroughly with 1 tablespoon of honey.

You can apply the mixture with a cotton pad, but scooping it up and patting it on works just fine as well.

Let each layer dry before adding a new one, until the mask is the thickness you want. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Wash your mask off and use a washcloth to gently scrub in a circular motion, getting rid of loosened dead skin. Once you’re finished, moisturize as usual.

4. Whip up some ‘whites

12

JOY FEELINGS!

Egg whites are an easy and affordable way to help reduce acne and fade scars left by unfortunate blemishes. The reason people have found egg whites to be helpful for their skin is because they’re chock full of proteins and vitamins that both combat acne, and help to rebuild your skin cells. They also soak up excess oil, which means excess sebum, (exactly what you were thinking right?) which means less stuff for bacteria to feed on. Hooray!

Just make sure to use a good moisturizer afterwards, as they can dry your skin out a bit.

You will need…

-2 to 3 egg whites, separated from yolks -Bowl -Washcloth Directions Rinse your face with water and pat dry. Separate the whites from the yolks. You can use as many as you like,

but normally 2 to 3 is enough. Whisk the whites until they’re frothy, and let them sit for a few minutes.

Cover your face with the mixture (applying with fingertips is easy) focusing on problem spots. 3 to 4 layers is usually enough, but make sure to wait the first has dried before applying more.

Allow the mask to sit and dry for about 20 minutes before rinsing off completely with warm water and a patting dry with a soft washcloth. Apply moisturizer appropriate for your skin type.

5. Papaya for the pimple prone Papaya is an essential ingredient in a lot of beauty products on the market today, but theres no need to go out of your way to gain its benefits? Plain raw papaya is an all-natural acne remedy that removes dead skin cells and excess lipids from the surface of the skin, leaving it 13

JOY FEELINGS!

soft and smooth. Lipids are a general term for fats, of which oil is a form of.

Papaya also contains an enzyme called papain, which reduces inflammation and helps prevent the pus from forming.

You will need‌ -1 fresh papaya Directions Rinse your face with water and pat dry. Mash up the flesh of the papaya well, until it is of a consistency that can be easily applied to your skin.

Leave it on for 15-20 minutes, and then rinse off completely with warm water.

If your skin has a tendency to get dry after you cleanse it, use a moisturizer appropriate for your skin type afterwards.

6. Make an orange peel paste Ah, oranges. They taste rejuvenating and refreshing, and our skin may find them just as appealing as our taste buds do. Acne that is caused

by bacteria and extra oil/dead skin cells clogging up pores may improve with the use of an orange peel face mask of sorts, thanks to the vitamin C, citric acid, and it’s astringent properties. The vitamin C is particularly helpful because it promotes the growth of new healthy cells, keeping your skin in better condition overall.

You will need…

-2 Orange peels -Clean, fresh water Directions Rinse your face with water and pat dry. Grind/pound up your orange peels (you could use a blender, mortar and pestle, whatever gets the job done) and add a little water to create a paste. Add a little at a time, as too much will make it too thin and runny.

Once you have the right consistency, apply it to your face and/or problem areas.

Wait for 20-25 minutes.

Ideally the mask should be 14

JOY FEELINGS!

firm, but it can still work if it isn’t. Rinse off completely with water, pat your face dry, and apply a good moisturize.

7. Tap into tea tree oil You’ll read about tea tree oil for a lot of home remedies, but will most likely see it mentioned the most when comes to skin care, specifically, acne. But why, when too much oil is clogging the pores and making you break out, would you want to use more oil?

Tea tree oil isn’t like the oil your skin naturally produces, rather it is more like a solvent that cuts through the extra sebum and dead skin cells, and unblocks the pores. Its antibacterial properties also kill off the acne causing bacteria, and prevent further outbreaks.

Note: Tea tree oil is ok for topical use, but should never be ingested. It should also always be diluted before use.

You will need‌ -Tea tree oil (a small bottle will do) -Clean water -Q-tips or cotton balls Directions Wash your face with water and pat dry. Dilute tea tree oil by mixing 1 part oil to 9 parts water. Dip a Q-tip or cotton swab in mixture, and apply to problem areas. If you decide you want a stronger dilution after a while, you can slowly

15

JOY FEELINGS!

(slowly!) begin to increase the strength, making sure to use each new mixture for at least a week for making it any stronger. Again, it should never be applied undiluted.

You can apply a light moisturizer afterwards if you wish.

Another option, especially if you have sensitive skin, is to dilute it with aloe vera gel instead of water.

8. Mix strawberries and honey Honey and strawberries make a home remedy for acne that sounds pretty sweet (pun 16

JOY FEELINGS!

intended) and it combines two things that are used commonly in pricey, often time’s harsh, facial scrubs and cleansers. Strawberries may seem random, but

consider the fact that they’re high in salicylic acid.

Salicylic acid-a primary ingredient in many commercial acne treatmentsencourages the epidermis to shed its cells more readily, opening up clogged pores, and neutralizing bacteria. It also shrinks up the pores a little bit, which prevents them from clogging up as much in the future, and encourages new cell growth. Honey also works against bacteria that may be behind your acne, and is an anti-inflammatory.

You will need…

-3 fresh strawberries, washed well -2 teaspoons of good honeyraw is best Directions Wash your face with water and pat dry. Rinse 3 strawberries and mash them up well, taking care that they don’t get over-mashed and runny. Add the strawberries to two teaspoons of honey, 17

JOY FEELINGS!

and thoroughly blend them together. Apply to your face and let the mixture sit for 20 minutes. Rinse off completely with warm water, pat dry, and moisturize if your skin has a tendency to dry out. Use twice a week for at least a month.

9. Utilize a banana peel Bananas are full of all sorts of goodness-even the part we don’t eat. Their peels contain something called lutein, an extremely powerful antioxidant that reduces swelling and inflammation, and encourages healthy cell growth. So…rubbing a banana peel on your face can reduce the redness, obviousness, and discomfort of acne. It’s (debatably) a better use than using it to trip your friend.

You will need…

-1 banana peel Directions Peel your banana and eat itit’s not cool to waste, and

they’re good for you. Take the peel, and rub in a circular motion all over your face.

When you feel as though you’ve covered all of your face, let it sit for at least 30 minutes before rinsing it off.

10. Aloe for acne

Directions Wash your face with water and pat dry. Using your fingertips or a Q-tip, apply the aloe directly to your problem areas.

11. The wonders of sodium bicarbonate

Aloe vera gel can be used with other things to fight acne, but it’s a good thing on its own as well. If it’s going to be used on its own, the best is to have a little aloe plant floating around in your house, otherwise a good gel that’s sold in stores may work as well-just do some research on which ones have the least amount of additives.

Not only is the aloe soothing, it works as an antiinflammatory, decreasing redness and swelling. It also has antibacterial properties.

Sodium bicarbonate, glorious sodium bicarbonate, swoops in and makes itself useful in too many ways to count. In the case of acne remedies, this fabulous substance (also known as baking soda) is useful thanks to its mild antiseptic properties, as well as its uncanny ability to fight off fungus and bacteria and dry up excess oil, all while exfoliating your skin via microdermabrasion and making it soft and beautiful. I know-I get star struck too now whenever I see a box of baking soda.

You will need…

-Enough aloe vera gel to spot treat or cover your problem areas 18

JOY FEELINGS!

You will need…

-a box of baking soda -fresh water

Directions There are two ways to go about this-making a facial mask, or a straightforward scrub. For a facial mask, mix equal parts baking soda to water to form a thick paste.

Massage the paste on in slow circular motions for a 2 minutes. Leave the mask on for around 15-20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water, pat dry, and moisturize.

For a scrub, mix a half a cup of baking soda with one eighth a cup of water. Apply the paste to your face, massaging it in well. After 56 minutes of this, rinse your face thoroughly with warm water, pat dry, and moisturize.

12. Dab some lemon juice on it Lemon juice can help get rid of breakouts for a number of reasons. It is rich in vitamin C, which is good for all types of skin, and it’s a citric acid, 19

JOY FEELINGS!

so it helps ‘exfoliate’ the skin as well. Most importantly though, it is an astringent. An astringent will cause a contraction of body tissues, and will therefore dry out the blemish itself. It is also a natural skin whitener, which helps reduce redness. If you misplace a dab you may get a little white spot, but don’t panic- it will go away on its own accord. Rinse off any lemon juice before going out in the sun, as it may make you more sensitive to it.

You will need…

-1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice (approximately) -Q-tips or cotton balls (optional) -Yogurt (optional) Directions Rinse face gently with water and pat dry. Dab fingers, a cotton ball, or a Q-tip in lemon juice and apply to pimple. If it stings, try

mixing it first with a bit of

yogurt.

13. Make it steamy

helps reduce acne, and its glaring appearance, by opening up the pores and flushing out impurities

Steam can help soothe a number of minor maladies, acne being one of them. It 20

JOY FEELINGS!

lurking deep within your skin. You can choose to only steam, or you can use something afterwards. If you use it with something else, you’ve cleared a sort of path for whatever you’re using to really do its job.

You will need…

-1 pot of boiling water -1 towel -A large bowl Directions Boil a pot of water, pour into a large bowl, and let it cool for a few minutes. After its temperature has lowered slightly, place your face above the bowl, and drape the towel over your head to trap the steam. After 10-15 minutes, remove the towel and pat your face dry. Do this once a day or as needed.

14. The wonders of garlic Garlic is thought to be a good natural remedy for acne because of its supposed antibacterial properties. You can either ingest it, or apply it 21

JOY FEELINGS!

topically to help reduce the severity of your breakouts and prevent them in the future. If you can get the juice from the garlic, great, if you can’t, mashing it up and putting it in some water is fine. Never, ever, ever, apply garlic to your skin without diluting it first. If you’re hesitant about the garlic smell, look at the silver lining-others may be a bit taken aback, but you won’t have to worry about Dracula creeping around either.

You will need…

-2-3 cloves of garlic -water OR aloe vera gel Directions Either extract the garlic juice and mix it with 1 teaspoons or so of water, or mash up 23 cloves and let sit in water for about 10 minutes. Using a cotton pad, soak up the juice or garlic water and cover problem spots. If you don’t have a cotton pad or something similar to apply it

with, the mixture can be a bit runny and hard to work with.

In this case, substitute aloe vera gel for water. If you

15. Oatmeal boost 22

JOY FEELINGS!

choose to ingest garlic, a clove or two a day should be enough. Prepare it however you like.

Oatmeal can power you up from the inside out-and the outside in. If you soak/cook your oats and use them in mask, they can reduce the inflammation and unsightly redness that accompanies breakouts. Add some honey to your mask and you have a great recipe for a rather tasty sounding acne remedy. Keep in mind that oatmeal on its own will not cure your acne, and should be used as part of a sensible routine acne treatment. However, it may very well reduce the blatant, painful, appearance of the breakouts.

You will need…

-One serving of oatmeal-steel cut seems to work well -Water -Two tablespoons raw honey Directions Whip up a batch of oatmeal as usual, or by following the directions on the box. When it is finished and still hot, add two tablespoons of honey.

23

JOY FEELINGS!

Let mixture cool to room temperature. Keep in mind it retains quite a bit of heat, so really make sure it’s a comfortable temperature before applying it to your skin-the last thing you need is a burn! Leave it on for 20-30 minutes. When it has set, rinse off with warm water and pat your skin dry.

16. Sugar scrub Sugar, white or brown, helps get rid of the excess skin cells clogging up your pores by acting as gentle exfoliator.

Mix it up with honey, olive oil, or just plain water, and you have a sweet scrub to help rid you of your acne woes. There are plenty of different recipes out there, but we found this one to be particularly delightful (courtesy of cjanecreate.comthank you for sharing this!)

You will need…

-1 ½ cups of white sugar -1 ½ cups brown sugar, light or dark

-2-3 tablespoons coarse sea salt -Roughly 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil -10 tablespoons of pure vanilla extract -1 whole vanilla bean (totally optional) Directions Mix 1 ½ cups of brown sugar and 1 ½ cups of brown sugar, adding in a few tablespoons of coarse sea salt for extra exfoliation, and mix. If you’re using the vanilla bean, scrap out the caviar (the inside stuff) and mix it in at this point as well. Put about 2 cups of this sugar/salt/vanilla mixture into a liquid measuring cup and pack it down nice and snug. Pour the extra virgin olive oil over the top, and let it soak through half the mixture, leaving a little layer on top. Mix this up in the measuring cup, and then add it to the rest of the sugar/salt/vanilla mix. Add 45 tablespoons of pure vanilla extract and mix it in. Now 24

JOY FEELINGS!

you can spoon your scrub into whatever containers you wish to store it, making sure to pack it down. If you like, drizzle one tablespoon of vanilla extract on top to ensure that you’ll get the delicious scent when you open it up. This will fill 4 half-pint jars.

17. Avocado & honey mask There are so many rumors surrounding diet and acne, it’s hard to know what’s right and what’s wrong. Amongst these rumors is the claim that avocado (eating it and sometimes applying it topically) will make you breakout, because it’s higher in fat. As far as I am concerned, there’s no concrete evidence to prove this, and far more people seem to have success using it than not. It’s so full of good vitamins and nutrients it seems it can really help tone down the acne. If you have sensitive skin, too, it’s quite

mild. There are different combinations you can try, as with most home remedies, but this one blends together avocado and honey.

You will need‌ -1 avocado -1 tablespoon of honey Directions Rinse your face with water and pat it dry. Scrap out the

25

JOY FEELINGS!

inside of the avocado and mash it up, then stir in the honey. Continuing mashing/stirring until it turns into a paste. Apply it to your skin and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. When you’re done, wash off the mixture with lukewarm water and pat your face dry. Depending on your skin type, apply moisturizer.

18. Wash your pillowcase Technically, a pillowcase should be washed at the very 26

JOY FEELINGS!

least once a week. While most of us don’t practice this,

when it comes to keeping your skin fresh and healthy, it might help to get a little picky about your pillowcase.

If you never wash it, all the stuff that gets rubbed onto it then comes in contact with your face for around 6-8 hours every night, and can exacerbate your acne.

Keeping a clean, comfy place to rest your weary head is worth the hassle of stuffing your pillow back into its case-the real reason we avoid washing it-if it could prevent future breakouts.

19. Don’t touch your face (more specifically, your breakouts) This doesn’t mean you can rest you chin in your hands or anything-it means don’t itch, scratch, pick, peel, pop, or rub at your skin. I distinctly recall the constant discomfort of acne, especially when treating it with irritating topical stuff. Almost subconsciously I would touch 27

JOY FEELINGS!

my face-probably every 2-3 minutes on average-and pick at my breakouts. Of course, this just made things go from bad to worse. While touching your face with your hands now and then won’t cause acne, if you suffer from it, resisting the urge to bug it will help the healing process go smoother and more efficiently.

You will need…

- self control 20. Freshen up with mint Mint contains menthol, which works as a natural antiinflammatory and pain killer.

It won’t cure your acne per say, but it may help the redness fade and ease up some of the discomfort cause by painful swelling.

You will need…

-A decent handful of fresh mint leaves Directions Rinse your face with water and pat it dry. Crush up the

leaves thoroughly, you can use a blender but a mortar and pestle works quite well if you happen to have one lying around. Rub the juice and crushed leaves on your face and leave for 5-10 minutes before rinsing off thoroughly with cold water.

21. Put a potato on it Potato is a wonderful vegetable, to be sure, but one of its benefits may not be something you’ve heard of before. That benefit would be taming acne, as potatoes are full of potassium, sulfur, phosphorus, and chloride-all components that can help

28

JOY FEELINGS!

reduce bothersome blemishes. They also have antioxidants to nourish your skin and encourage the healthy growth of new skin cells.

You will need‌ -1 potato Directions Wash your face with water and pat almost dry, leaving it a bit damp. Grate 1 raw potato and rub the pulp and juice onto your face for a few minutes in a circular motion.

Let it dry for 15-30 minutes, and then rinse off completely with warm water.

22. Tea Time 29

JOY FEELINGS!

There have been some promising studies recently (namely in 2011, 2012, Journal of Investigative Dermatology) in which green tea was shown to have a noticeable impact on acne when used externally.

Internally, there is theory it helps as well, but less concrete evidence. To sum up the findings briefly, there is an antioxidant in green tea called epigallocatechin-3gallate or EGCG. ECGC was shown to reduce sebum production, inflammation, and bacterial growth in acneprone skin-basically the main causes behind breakouts. It’s exciting for the future of acne, or rather, a future without acne. Here’s how to use it topically-you can also try drinking a cup or two a day to detoxify.

You will need…

-1/2 cup fresh water -2 teaspoons loose organic tea leaves OR 1 green tea bag 30

JOY FEELINGS!

Directions Wash your face with water, and pat dry with a soft clean towel. Place your leaves in a clean bowl and pour boiling water over them. Steep for 45 minutes before straining the leaves and letting the liquid cool to a comfortable temperature. You can then pour into a spray bottle and spritz your face lightly, soak a cotton pad/soft cloth and apply, or simply use a teabag steeped for 2-3 minutes, patting it onto your face or problem areas. Some people find more success just leaving the refreshing liquid on, while others rinse it off with cool water.

Now what?

Have patience. The desperate urge to find a speedy solution to acne, preferably something that takes minimal effort, is a strong one. In all reality though, and like so many other aspects in life, one really doesn’t exist. Having a regular skin care routine and

adding a good, natural, acne remedy to it may take extra work, but stay committed, do things right, and give your treatment time to have an effect. Remember, you live in your skin and that’s not ever going to change. Taking the effort to really care for it will make all the difference in terms of your comfort, happiness, and confidence.

DEBUNKING 5 MYTHS ABOUT ACNE Acne is shrouded in misconception, and covered up with conflicting information. Knowing what’s true and what’s not true can help you figure out how best to treat your skin.

1. Acne is caused by dirt/dirty skin- Acne is not caused by dirt, poor hygiene, not washing your face and so on. Too much scrubbing or cleansing with harsh soaps or chemicals can actually irritate 31

JOY FEELINGS!

your skin and make the acne worse. If you “over clean” you can end up drying out your skin, which will then try and compensate by making that much more oil. A simple cleansing of the skin to get rid of excess oil and dead skin cells is all that is needed.

2. Greasy food/chocolate makes you breakout-Greasy food and chocolate have been shown to have little to no effect on the development of acne. Diet can still have an impact, as some dairy products or carbs increase blood sugar or have added hormones and trigger acne, but it’s not usually the case.

3. Stress causes acne- In theory, stress can affect hormones, and therefore promote acne. It’s hard to quantify this though, and when you think about the stress most of us deal with in day to day to life, there wouldnt be an acne free face in sight. An effective acne treatment regime will

override a bit of everyday stress anytime.

4. Having acne means you can’t use a moisturizerLook for a good noncomedogenic (meaning less likely to clog pores) moisturizer to use. After treating your acne, be it with banana peels or over the counter creams, a moisturizer can help balance out your skin, ensuring that it doesn’t create excess oil to compensate for all that you dried up.

5. Sunlight/tanning clears up acne- In the short term getting a tan, or even slight sunburn, will seemingly clear up your acne. Long term, it’s not a solution. It’s just hiding the redness, and while it does dry up your skin, it can make it too dry, and do more harm than good.

What are the best foods for your skin and the best ways to get the vitamins and other nutrients your skin needs?

NUTRIENTS FOR HEALTHY SKIN

Antioxidants such as betacarotene and vitamins C, E,

32

JOY FEELINGS!

You know that you need to nourish your skin to keep it as healthy as possible. But are you getting enough of the right nutrients from the foods you eat? Could you benefit from taking a supplement or trying an antioxidant-packed lotion?

"The beauty of the skin is that you can affect it from both inside and out," says dermatologist Doris Day, MD, author of Forget the Facelift: Turn Back the Clock with a Revolutionary Program for Ageless Skin.

What You Eat Matters Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants is good for your whole body, including your skin.

and A can curb the damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. These molecules can harm skin cells and cause signs of aging.

One of the best ways to get more antioxidants is to eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.

"I recommend going for as much variety and color as possible in your diet," Day says. "Try snacking on blueberries, strawberries, grapefruit, kale, spinach, and different kinds of peppers."

She also suggests adding a little tomato paste, which contains an antioxidant called lycopene, to stir-fried vegetables, brown rice, or quinoa.

Another good idea is to stock your grocery cart with foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, including wild salmon, sardines, fortified eggs, and walnuts.

33

JOY FEELINGS!

"Omega-3 fatty acids help keep the top outer layer of the skin strong and intact so that external toxins and pollutants are kept out," says dermatologist David E. Bank, MD, director of the Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic and Laser Surgery in Mount Kisco, N.Y. What About Supplements?

The ideal way to get the nutrients you need for a radiant complexion is eating a healthy, balanced diet.

But Bank suggests taking an over-the-counter daily multivitamin with minerals to boost your nutrient intake if you're not eating a balanced diet. It's also a good idea if you spend a lot of time outdoors or are exposed to high levels of air pollution and secondhand smoke.

Pay Attention to Your Skin's Overall Health

As important as it is to eat a healthy diet, your skin also needs you to not smoke, get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and drink enough water.

shade, wear sunscreen, and reapply at least every 2 hours, more if swimming or sweating.

No matter what you eat, be sure to wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day. The label should say "broad-spectrum," meaning that it protects against the sun's UVA and UVB rays.

Apply a nickel-sized dollop of sunscreen to cover your face, says Woolery-Lloyd. If you’re going to be outside, limit your time in the sun, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Always wear protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat, seek the

To get results, give it time. "It may take three months to a year to really see an improvement in your skin," Bank says. "Go with what's tried and true and give it a solid chance to work."

34

JOY FEELINGS!

Be Patient

HOW TO MAKE THIN SKIN THICKER

Skin thinning is one predictable consequence of aging. As people age, their bodies produce less of the components that support skin health and development. But 35

JOY FEELINGS!

aging is not the only cause of thinning skin, and MayoClinic.com reports that exposure to the sun breaks down collagen and the fibers that provide coherence to

skin layers. A number of approaches can be used to thicken skin. Not all treatments have sound medical backing, but most will improve overall health and therefore skin cell production.

Step 1 Apply a moisturizer to the thinned area frequently.

Clean the area with a mild soap that has no fragrant additives. With the skin still wet, smooth on a moisturizing lotion.

Step 2 Add fish oil or flax seed supplements to your diet.

36

JOY FEELINGS!

According to Ray Sahelian, M.D., a study published in the September 2008 edition of the "British Journal of Nutrition" found that some conditions that lead to thin skin might improve by adding fish oil or flax seed to the diet. Both elements are available as dietary supplements. Follow the instructions provided with the product for proper dosage.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ACNE MARKS VERSUS ACNE SCARS?

In order to treat acne marks and scars, it's helpful to learn how to distinguish between the two. "Patients often mistake dark spots for acne scars but they're actually very different," says Dr. Bowe.

"Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation are red or brown marks that usually go away when you gently stretch out the skin," says Dr. Shah.

"These marks can take 3-6 months to go away on their own, and you can expedite the process with a diligent treatment of topical retinoids, 37

JOY FEELINGS!

vitamin C serums, sunscreen, and over-the-counter brighteners." True acne scars, however, are permanent indentations from collagen damage and can come in many shapes and forms, says Dr. Bowe, and laser treatments and temporary dermal fillers are the only ways to treat the issue. Some scars are thick, raised hypertrophic scars that stick out above the skin; others are keloid, which are scars with over-produced skin tissue.

Then, there are atrophic scars

that appear as depressions in the skin and they're the most challenging to treat. The three main categories of atrophic scars are: Ice pick scars: Deeper than they are wide, with jagged edges. Sometimes they resemble a large, scooped out pore.

Boxcar scars: Broad, rectangular depressions with steep, defined edges.

Rolling scars: Broad depressions that have rounded, sloping edges, hence the name.

What causes acne marks and scars?

"The dark spots that remain on skin—called postinflammatory pigmentary alteration—are caused by inflammation during the skin's healing process. When your skin is opened up, like 38

JOY FEELINGS!

when you pop a pimple, and then closes back together, you can get abnormal pigmentation, texture, and tone that looks different from the rest of your skin.

Sometimes broken blood vessels that remain after an acne lesion fades can result in a mark that appears more red or purple than brown. These are commonly seen in people who are more fair/light skinned," says Dr. Bowe.

Since it's so difficult to know what causes one person to scar more than another, the best way to avoid it is to treat acne with a great skin care routine — and that means you need to resist picking, poking, or touching a pimple.

But sometimes a particularly aggressive blemish is truly on a mission to leave its permanent mark. "Acne scars occur when normal tissue in the skin is destroyed and

replaced with fibrous tissue.

You can think of an acne lesion as a wound. When the damage caused by acne is severe, the body can respond by creating too much tissue or too little tissue. The production of too much tissue forms a keloid or a hypertrophic scar, and too little tissue leads to that depression in the skin, or atrophic scar. The deeper and more inflamed the acne lesion, or the more that it is picked or squeezed, the more likely it is to scar," says Dr. Bowe.

Some acne marks and scars are completely within your control while others are predetermined. "People with deeper skin tones may develop darker marks or hyperpigmentation, while people with lighter skin tones may notice redness," explains Dr. Bowe. Aside from 39

JOY FEELINGS!

genetics, there are several lifestyle habits that can make dark marks and scars worse. "Sun exposure can supercharge melanocytes, or pigment-producing cells, causing marks and scars to darken. And, of course, picking or squeezing pimples creates further inflammation and can ultimately lead to more damage," says Dr. Bowe.

How to treat acne dark marks: "The discoloration from dark marks will usually fade over time," says Dr. Shah. "But there are a number of treatment options to help speed up the process."

Sunscreen: "Sun exposure makes scarring appear more prominent," says Dr. Shah.

"And sunlight can even penetrate through your clothing so it's important to

be diligent about applying it everywhere, every day." And don't worry about the thought of breaking out from a poreclogging sunscreen; the latest formulas are more innovative and acne-friendly than ever. Elta MD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is a top derm-approved favorite.

It contains niacinamide, which is an antiinflammatory that helps reduce redness.

Topical vitamin C serum: "Vitamin C can help build collagen and promotes healing," says Dr. Shah.

"SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic serum is a combination of pure Lascorbic acid, which is vitamin C and absorbs into the skin so that it continues working even long after it dries."

40

JOY FEELINGS!

Retinoids: "Retin-A is a superficial treatment that helps with acne marks by causing your skin cells to divide more rapidly and pushing out the cells with the discolored pigment," says Dr. Shah. Retinoids make your skin sensitive to the sun, so it's best to apply a treatment like RoC Retinol Correxion Sensitive Night Cream before you go to sleep.

Chemical peels: "A chemical peel is a treatment which uses the application of mild solutions for skin refinement and regeneration. Products containing glycolic acid promote cell turnover, which is the process where new skin cells form and help even out your skin tone," says Dr. Bowe. You can try an athome peel like Peter Thomas Roth 40% Triple Acid Peel, which uses both glycolic and salicylic acids to help fade

spots by exfoliating dead skin cells and smoothing out skin texture. "Or, your dermatologist can prescribe you a stronger peel based on your skin type and treatment goals," says Dr. Bowe.

Skin lighteners: "For marks that are more brownish in color, skin lightening ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, hydroquinone, kojic acid, or licorice could help. Try L'OrĂŠal Paris Youth Code Dark Spot Correcting & Illuminating Serum Corrector, which helps to reverse hyperpigmentation and prevent further discoloration. Skin lightening ingredients don't work as well for pink or red acne marks that are not related to the skin's pigment or melanin. These should be treated with sun protection and can be lightened significantly using a laser 41

JOY FEELINGS!

called a pulsed-dye laser that targets hemoglobin (red pigment). It usually takes three treatments to make them go away completely but they can lighten up significantly even after just one treatment," says Dr. Bowe.

"If you're not seeing improvement within three months from using over-thecounter treatments, it might be time to see your derm to see if a stronger topical prescription or a laser treatment is an option," says Dr. Shah.

How to treat acne scars: Acne scar treatments are best handled with special attention and care from your dermatologist since they require more intense procedures than over-thecounter options.

Steroid injections: If you feel a stress pimple rearing its ugly head, a steroid shot can be administered the same day you call your derm because the process is very fast. Not only does it immediately reduce the inflammation of an existing zit, but cortisone can also help thick scars (keloids) appear softer and flatter. "These are specifically for raised scars, however," says Dr. Shah.

"It'll help flatten out the scar, but it won't do anything to any discrepancies in the texture."

Dermal fillers: "Certain scars can be filled with a substance that elevates the depressed areas, like hyaluronic acid. This can make the surface of the skin more even and get rid of shadows," says Dr. Bowe.

Until recently, fillers weren't a lasting solution. But now, if 42

JOY FEELINGS!

you're over 21 years old, Bellafill is the first FDAapproved dermal filler designed for permanently correcting moderate to severely dented acne scars.

Unlike other fillers, it contains two different ingredients to help improve acne scarring. "It's 20% polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), which helps your body make more protein to allow itself to heal," says Dr. Shah. "PMMA are tiny balls that sort of act as a scaffolding. Most fillers degrade over time, but since PMMA cannot be absorbed into the body, this offers a permanent result," she says.

The other 80% is collagen.

The procedure takes about 20-30 minutes, and while you may need a touchup a couple months later, some people just need the single treatment, says Dr. Shah.

Lasers: "These can be helpful in reducing the redness associated with acne marks and scars. I use a pulse-dye laser called the VBeam for red scars. When treating older scars that are no longer red, I like to use the Fraxel laser. When lasers are used to treat acne scars, the results can differ dramatically based on two things: how many treatments you have done, and how much social downtime you're willing to accept as part of the recovery process," says Dr. Bowe.

"Erbium laser resurfacing is also another option and it's more aggressive than Fraxel," says Dr. Shah. "It's a minimal burning of surrounding tissues and has fewer side effects like less swelling and redness, but it's not appropriate for those with darker skin," says Dr. Shah.Punch excisions: "This 43

JOY FEELINGS!

procedure is best for those with icepick scars which aren't as wide as rolling or boxcar scars," says Dr. Shah.

"If you use a punch excision on a scar that's wide at the surface, you're making a bigger punch and trading in one scar for another," she says. "Your dermatologist will numb up the area and use a tiny cookie-cutter like device to cut out the scar, and then sew it closed with a tiny stitch. The stitch is removed in less than a week," says Dr. Bowe.

Mix and match: "Since acne scars vary, so do treatments.

Depending on the individual, I often use a multimodal approach to treating acne scars. First, I might use Fraxel treatments to smooth out the skin texture. Then, I often use a combination of the fillers Restylane and Belotero to lift the depressed

scars. Finally, I perform a few punch excisions to surgically remove any deep scars that may remain," says Dr. Bowe.

the good news is that technology has come a long way in making them temporary and treatable. As with any skin condition, it's best to consult your regular dermatologist to see what the best option is for you.

There you have it! The bad news is that you're probably going to have to deal with dark marks or acne scars at some point in your life, but THREE UNIQUE WAYS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR SKIN BARRIER

44

JOY FEELINGS!

There’s more to “having a thick skin” than you may have thought. Figuratively, it helps you deal with a mean boss, but in a more literal sense, the thickness of your skin is related to your overall health.

The skin is the human body’s largest organ. It weighs about eight pounds and, according to National Geographic, the average adult has 22 square feet of it. The skin plays a key role protecting our bodies, which is why our skin barrier is so important.

Our skin is the mirror of overall health, and here’s why: • It prevents bacteria and viruses from entering the body • It protects our internal organs, muscles, nerves and blood vessels • It produces melatonin to 45

JOY FEELINGS!

filter harmful UV • It metabolizes and activates vitamin D3 • It regulates core body temperature • It excretes excess salt and waste • It retains fluids and moisture • It impacts our psychological well-being Every day we’re bombarded with messages promoting the latest cream designed to protect our skin. But anyone suffering from an inflammatory skin condition, such as eczema or acne, knows that not all creams can prevent the external stresses often responsible for flareups. When stress pumps through our system, excess hormones (like cortisol) surge. Not only can this lead to weight gain, but these hormones affect our immune

system and speed the aging process.

To truly understand skin health we need to start focusing on what’s upsetting the balance of our skin barrier. Whether it’s stress or food issues, find out how to keep your skin barrier strong: 1. Reduce stress Our skin releases chemicals called neuropeptides that protect us from infection. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) describes neuropeptides as, “the chemicals released by the skin’s nerve endings . . . the skin’s first line of defense from infection and trauma.”

Dermatologist and clinical psychologist Richard G. Fried explains that stress can cause these neuropeptides to be released when they shouldn’t be and aren’t needed. This can lead to a 46

JOY FEELINGS!

vicious cycle where worrying about a skin issue can create more stress, thus worsening the condition.

If you get a pimple the night of a first date, stressing about it can actually cause other reactions and inflammation in your skin because of the release of neuropeptides caused by the stress.

Dr. Fried’s research explains that stress weakens the skin’s barrier. For this reason, it’s important to reduce stress and also reach for moisturizers that build up your skin’s barrier.

Bottom line: The AAD says it best: “Stress can make a person’s rosacea more red or acne lesions more inflamed and more persistent. It can worsen hives, fever blisters, psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.” For

this reason, visiting a dermatologist and understanding why your skin is irritated are paramount. A dermatologist can recommend the best topical option for you as well as figure out if there are any underlying stressors causing flare-ups. I recommend SkinFix to many of my clients as a front-line option for skin.

Tip: Take a photo of your skin condition when it flares up, and bring it to your doctor’s appointment.

2. Meditate to calm your mind and your skin The U.S. National Library of Medicine found that a large number of skin diseases, including psoriasis, were largely affected by stress related to a specific event. Researchers focused on 27 students, and how their 47

JOY FEELINGS!

skin was affected in three different circumstances (two were low-stress vacations and one was the highly stressful exam time). When comparing the three time periods, it proved that under stressful circumstances the outer layer of their skin became very weak. The participants’ skin cells also reduced in size, allowing the skin to become vulnerable to harmful bacteria that could have lead to eczema or psoriasis.

Bottom line: Try using meditation to calm your nerves. I also recommend supplements like vitamin C, or adaptogenic herbs like Relora and ashwagandha, which help your body adapt to stress.

3. Watch what you eat Most people with food sensitivities don’t realize how bad they feel (or look) until

the problematic foods have been removed from their diet.

Suddenly getting out of bed is easier, and their energy, mood and concentration are improved. Joint pain, headaches, skin conditions and sinus congestion often disappear too. Eight common foods – milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, soy, wheat and shellfish – cause an estimated 90 percent of all food allergies.

A study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology confirmed a link between the skin barrier’s role and food allergies. Symptoms to food allergies are less intense, and typically appear within 12 to 48 hours after eating the offending food. In my practice, skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis are commonly connected to food intolerances and are greatly 48

JOY FEELINGS!

reduced when the key culprits are removed and proper topical products are used.

Bottom line: It’s no surprise that diet can play a large role in building a strong skin barrier. To get to the bottom of your symptoms, I recommend that you do a 14day elimination diet where you remove the most common food allergens from your diet to give your body a break, alleviate stress off your immune system and detox overall. Slowly reintroducing each food after a 14-day break can allow you to connect particular symptoms with your food choices. If you don’t want to do a 14-day elimination diet you can consider IgG foodallergy testing.

12 HOMEMADE DANDRUFF TREATMENTS & SHAMPOOS Before reading on about treating your dandruff at home, make sure you actually have dandruff. Chances are a good amount of the people visiting this page will actually have dry scalp, which differs from dandruff in symptoms and treatment.

If you know you have dandruff, than read on. Below are 12 home remedies to help you kick the crusties

1. Pour, Rinse, and Barely Repeat With Vinegar 49

JOY FEELINGS!

Rinsing your hair with vinegar (specifically Apple Cider Vinegar or white vinegar) may sound like a dreadful idea, but it can be quite an effective way to treat dandruff because it actually addresses the root of the problem (pun very much intended.)Put simply, dandruff is the result of skins cells maturing and dying too fast, building up, and causing irritation. Vinegar will get rid of the unwanted skin that would flake off into dandruff, and it won’t clog up your pores or cause more. An overgrowth of fungus can also cause dandruff, and

vinegar acts like a fungicide.

Using it is straightforward, simple, and is probably easier on your hair than some shampoos out there. Just don’t wash with it before a business meeting in a stuffy room-the biggest downfall is that your hair will smell like vinegar until you shower again (but it does go away.)

You will need‌ -1/2 cup warm water -1/2 cup ACV or white vinegar -A cup

50

JOY FEELINGS!

Directions Mix together the warm water and vinegar in a cup. The total amount may be varied to be more or less depending on how much hair you have.

Pour the mixture over your hair, scrub it around gently for several minutes, and then rinse it thoroughly with water (only water!) Wait about 8-12 hours before taking a normal shower. Repeat once every week or two weeks, depending on how often you feel you need it.

Formatted: Font: (Default) Times New Roman, 18 pt, Font color: Custom Color(RGB(255,51,0))

2. Break It Up With Baking Soda 51

JOY FEELINGS!

Baking soda is just an all-around useful thing to have in the house. It plays a large part in a lot of natural home remedies, and for good reason-it usually works! It helps to remove dandruff for a number of reasons. First, it mildly exfoliates, which gets rid of the excess dead skin. It’s also kills off acts as a fungicide, and a common fungus that occurs on everyone’s scalp can cause dandruff if it becomes overly abundant. In addition, its tiny particles can be useful in actually removing those loose flakes stuck in your hair-instead of just breaking the pieces of skin up into smaller pieces.

You will need…

-1 tablespoon of baking soda -1 cup of water -A few drops of rosemary oil (optional) Directions Mix one tablespoon of baking soda to every one cup of warm water. If you’re using an old (clean) shampoo or soap bottle, shake up the mixture and apply generously. Otherwise, stir it before you use it. Do this in place of shampoo, daily if possible.

Your hair may feel quite dry in the beginning, but its natural oils will restore themselves soon, and they will be much more balanced than when using some commercial shampoo. If you feel you absolutely must use shampoo (and really try the baking soda alone first if you can) you can add a teaspoon of baking to a handful of shampoo and use that instead. The rosemary oil is optional, but some people find rosemary helps dandruff and think it has a pleasant scent.

3. Have Fun With Fenugreek Fenugreek is a plant that is used commonly as a spice, particularly in Indian cuisine; however it serves medicinal 52

JOY FEELINGS!

purposes as well. Fenugreek seeds have a composition that is rich in protein and amino acids, encouraging healthy hair/hair growth and warding off those wicked flakes in the process. A little bonus-its high concentration of lecithin (a natural emollient) can help make hair stronger overall, and many people find that it leaves their hair silky smooth and soft.

You will need…

-2 tablespoons of Fenugreek seeds (check a health food store if they aren’t at your grocery store) -A bowl of water -Something to grind the seeds with Directions Soak the seeds in 1-2 cups of water overnight. The next morning, grind them into a fine paste and apply to your scalp.

Leave it applied for 30-45 minutes, then wash with mild shampoo or water.

4. Treat Your Scalp To Neem Leaves Neem leaves (also an Indian herb) make a great all-natural home remedy for your dandruff. Their properties not only relieve itching, they act as an antifungal as well, inhibiting the overgrowth of dandruff causing fungus. Be aware that some people find its smell to be overwhelming.

You will need…

-At least 2 handfuls of neem leaves -4-5 cups of hot water Directions Add two handfuls of neem leaves to 4 or 5 cups of hot water.

Let it stand overnight. The next morning strain the liquid and use it to rinse your hair. You can also try making a paste out of 53

JOY FEELINGS!

leaves, applying it to your scalp, and letting it sit for about an hour before washing it off with water.

5. Utilize Listerine Listerine was actually created in 1879 by a doctor in Missouri and used as a powerful surgical antiseptic for dentists. When the good doctor sold it to a pharmaceutical company, it uses broadened and it became the first over-the-counter mouth wash ever sold in the United States. In the 1930’s and ‘40s, one its original purposes was also to fight dandruff. It may seem random, but consider that Listerine fights fungus, and one of the most common cause of dandruff is an overabundance of…you guessed it, fungus.

You will need…

-Water -Listerine Mouthwash (preferably not green or blue as they might stain your hair) -Spray bottle (optional) Directions…

Mix 2 parts water with 1 part Listerine. After you shampoo, spray or pour the solution onto your scalp, massage in well, and let sit for 30 minutes before rinsing with water.

54

JOY FEELINGS!

6. Get Some Sun It’s not known exactly why, but there have been links between dandruff and exposure to sunlight. There have been many cases in 55

JOY FEELINGS!

which the severity of dandruff lessened when the afflicted person spent more time in the sun. It’s possible that instead of dry weather in the winter causing dandruff,

it’s really the lack of sunlight.

Maybe the light helps dry up some of the excess oil, or maybe getting a little time outside in the sun makes for a happier healthier human overall. Whatever the exact reason is, it’s something to try, and it’s probably one of the most straightforward home remedies you can try.

Directions Spend at least 10-15 minutes out in the sunlight every day that you can. Make sure to limit your time though-too much sun and it’s UV rays can be harmful to your skin, hair, and health.

7. Take Some Aspirin Aspirin can help with more than just headaches-it’s also an easy at-home remedy for dandruff. Pure Aspirin uses a large percentage of Salicylic Acid, which is an active ingredient in many commercial anti-dandruff shampoos. Salicylic Acid has fungicidal and anti-microbial 56

JOY FEELINGS!

properties to fight the extra flakes caused by fungus, while the Aspirin helps with the inflamed skin that often goes hand-in-hand with severe cases of dandruff.

You will need…

-2 white Aspirin tablets -Shampoo Directions…

Crush up the Aspirin until it becomes a fine powder. Add it to your regular shampoo before use, making sure to leave it in your hair for about 2 minutes before rinsing completely.

8. Eat Healthy You knew it would be on here, somewhere. Eating healthy helps every aspect of your well-being. These days we’re learning more and more that diet is truly vital to our health, so it comes as no surprise that it would have some impact on skin conditions, including dandruff. Of course, food that is extremely fatty and/or

unhealthy should be avoidedbut that’s common knowledge whether you follow it or not. What you may not know it what to eat to help your scalp and why, so check out the list below of some foods you should aim to eat that may help you get rid of those pesky flakes-and keep them from coming back.

Veggies: Green leafy vegetables in particular impact how our skin behaves.

It encourages healthy hair, skin, and nail growth, so shoot for stuff like broccoli, kale, and lettuce (NOT iceberg) to add to your diet.

Fish Oils: Fish oil can make a difference in the overall make-up of your skin. Taking fish oil supplements will not cure your dandruff, but it can help lessen its severity and/or prevent it.

Lean Proteins: To minimize dandruff, try eating more lean proteins. They help to build hair and skin and keep it 57

JOY FEELINGS!

coming in healthy. Aim for fish and non-meat proteins, such as eggs, nuts, and beans.

9. Take Advantage Of Lemons Lemons have a tough reputation, but they might be able to shake it-if they help you shake the flakes first.

The acidity in pure freshly squeezed lemon juice contains acids that can help break down the fungus that is often the cause of dandruff outbreaks. It’s also free from harsh chemicals and other unnatural ingredients that often do more harm than good to our hair and scalpplus it leaves you smelling clean and fresh. So remember, the next time life gives you dandruff, give it lemons.

You will need…

-2 tablespoons and 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice, divided -1 cup of water

Directions Massage 2 tablespoons of lemon juice into your scalp and let it sit for a minute. Mix 1 teaspoon of lemon juice into 1 cup of water and rinse your hair with it. Repeat daily until no longer needed.

10. Use Tea Tree Oil While excess oil can be a root cause of dandruff, some oils can still be helpful in keeping it under control. Tea tree oil has been used medicinally for centuries. Aboriginals in Australia would pick the leaves of the tea tree plant and break them (much like we do with aloe) before using them as a topical treatment for burns, cuts, bites, and so on. The oil extracted from those leaves have fungicidal

58

JOY FEELINGS!

properties and it is overall soothing to the skinespecially when it is sore or itchy. Be aware that tea tree oil, while safe for topical use, should NOT be ingested under ANY circumstance.

You will need‌ -1 tablespoon of tea tree oil -1 cup of warm water -A squirt bottle Directions Pour 1 tablespoon of tea tree oil into 1 cup of warm water in a squirt bottle. Shake well.

After shampooing, spray the mixture all over your scalp, massage, and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Pat the excess moisture out, but don’t wash it out.

59

JOY FEELINGS!

11. Enjoy Aloe Aloe Vera gel is synonymous with “ahhhhh…relief” in many people’s minds. While it may be used more commonly to help minor burns, it can also help give you relief from dandruff. It works because its constituents inhibit the process of skin cell proliferation. In other words, the stuff that makes it up slows down how fast your

60

JOY FEELINGS!

cells grow, and since dandruff often is caused by cells growing and dying too rapidly, the aloe can help restore them to normalcy.

You will need…

-1 bottle of Aloe Vera gel Directions Apply Aloe Vera gel to the scalp 15 minutes prior to washing your hair. After 15 minutes, shampoo and wash it as normal.

12. Salt It 61

JOY FEELINGS!

Salt is something most of us have lying around, something we use every day. But did you know that it can also help get rid of dandruff? It’s slightly abrasive crystals will work as a natural exfoliator, getting off the extra oil and dead skin flakes. It is effective because it clears a path, if you will, for the shampoo which can sink in and work to its fullest potential. While rubbing salt on your scalp may not sound like spa treatment, it can actually feel quite pleasant, especially if your skin is itchy.

You will need…

-3 tablespoons of salt (Epsom salt works well if you happen to have it, but regular table salt is fine too.

Directions Gently massage 3 tablespoons of salt into your dry or slightly dampened scalp for 2-3 minutes.

62

JOY FEELINGS!

Shampoo immediately afterwards.

Dandruff Tips If you’re not sure how you feel about washing your hair with some of the natural stuff used to treat dandruff, here are some tips that can still help you get rid of it at home.

1. Switch Up Shampoos You find that one shampoo…that one antidandruff shampoo that finally works. Deep down, you know it’s the shampoo for you.

Then, without any warning, it just…quits on you. The dandruff starts coming back, and it’s time to realize that you have to move on if you want to shake the flake. This isn’t uncommon-people often build up a tolerance to a shampoo and its active ingredient. If yours stops working abruptly this may be the case, so switch as soon as you can. To keep this from happening, switch up what

you’re using every month or so. Find 3 different kinds of anti-dandruff shampoo, each with a different formulation, and rotate them to prevent them from becoming ineffective.

2. Obey The Law Of L.R.R. Lather, rinse, repeat. We see it stamped on the back of shampoo bottles, but really, how many of us lather twice?

I know most of the times that I have, it’s usually because I forgot I had already shampooed (embarrassing, I know.) That direction is there for a reason though-it allows the shampoo to work at its best and really do what it is supposed to do. Next time you’re in the shower, do an initial lathering before rinsing it off to get rid of most of the flakes and oil buildup. To really fight the dandruff, lather a second time and let it sit for 5 minutes. Then the shampoo can penetrate the 63

JOY FEELINGS!

skin cells fully and really go to work.

3. Shampoo More Many people are of the belief that dandruff is caused by dry skin, and try to make up for this by shampooing less so as to not strip the skin of its natural oils. They may also use special shampoo for dandruff when they really have dry scalp, which will just dry it out even more. One of the biggest causes of dandruff is oily skin-that is why the skin flakes are often greasy, not dry. The best way to combat this is to shampoo more rather than less. Since that dandruff is a build-up or excess of rapidly maturing skin cells, scrubbing with shampoo can help get the itchy layer off naturally. It can also help ward off overgrowth of the Malassezia fungus.

Dandruff can seem like an unconquerable enemy, but

there are a number of effective ways to manage it and lessen its severity- and not all of them have to involve harsh chemicals or an expensive trip to the dermatologist. The next time you get down about shaking the flake remember that a

solution could be right in front of you, maybe even as close as the salt shaker on your dining room table.

2017 is a fresh new year and this time around our eyes are on what Angelina Jolie is wearing.

64

JOY FEELINGS!

65

JOY FEELINGS!

66

JOY FEELINGS!

Actress Angelina Jolie has kept a relatively low profile this year. After stepping out in Colorado with her family earlier this year, the special envoy to the United Nations emerged yesterday in Cambodia for a press conference to promote her forthcoming directorial movie project, First They Killed My Father. And while Jolie is known for her love of all black, she let the sun into her wardrobe for the trip, stepping out in the season’s buzziest new color.

Jolie went a more familiar route for a daytime occasion, however, opting for a black

67

JOY FEELINGS!

lace-paneled dress from Vanessa Seward. The ladylike floral motif was a subtle and sophisticated homage to her Cambodian surroundings. She upped the ante for evening, though, dressed in a particularly optimistic shade of pink, a color that has been percolating on the runways for the past two seasons. The whimsical floor-length look from Schiaparelli featured a high neckline offset by an alluring open back.

KERRY WASHINGTON

We have chosen Kerry Washington as one of our nominees for the 2017 annual Joie Jours awards for the best hairstyle of the year. It’s really incredible because we know she looks good and in this issue we want all our readers to meet her too!

68

JOY FEELINGS!

Last week there was a hot rumor I posted about how Kerry Washington was being tested for Domino, from Deadpool 2. She is not the first name thrown around for this iconic role as Lizzy Caplan (My pick for Lyssa Drak in the GLC movie), Ruby Rose, Sofia Boutella, Mary Elizabeth Winstead,

Sienna Miller, and to get the right person for Mackenzie Davis have all whatever role." That is been rumored. While being slightly misleading as she interviewed by Extra on the could simply be saying, "no red carpet, Washington was comment," or, "yup, it's me asked if there was any truth seeing as you need the right to the rumor. "I don’t have person." I have a feeling we anything to say about that. Of will be hearing more about this in a few days or course I would [want the role], but of course you have weeks to come. Washington got exceptional recognition after she played Jamie Foxx's slave wife in Django: Unchained, but she is much better known as playing Olivia Pope in the show Scandal. So, Matt Rooney over at JoBlo had this to say about Scandal: "... unless you’re a mother with three kids who, 'just needs some time away from those little monsters,' I wouldn’t expect most of you reading to be able to tell me much about that program."

69

JOY FEELINGS!