It seems that the beauty industry continues to suggest new products for your skin and hair that you “absolutely need.” If you have a difficult time managing facial skin, hair, or scalp, then you may quickly purchase these items in hopes of remedying the issue(s). What you end up with is a cabinet full of masks, oils, exfoliants, serums, creams, lotions, and more. Is there an end to this madness?

Believe it or not, and we are not about to sell you on a product, but scalp serums make up a big part of this beauty shift. There are buzz-worthy formulas and ingredients in products, but are they really necessary? If you deal with certain scalp issues, though, you may benefit from using a simple scalp serum. We’ll detail three signs that may make you want to consider a scalp serum. 

Flakes Or Dryness

It’s possible to see two types of flakes on the scalp: dandruff and dryness, the former of which calls for targeted treatment, such as social shampoos. Dandruff is seborrheic dermatitis, which is a form of eczema, and it is caused by Malassezia furfur, which is a type of yeast. Dermatologists note that dandruff flare-ups tend to happen for several reasons, but the most common are stress and changes in weather (both cold and humid temperatures).

A dry scalp may reveal symptoms, such as itchiness, flakes, tight skin, redness, or ashiness, some of which overlap with dandruff’s symptoms. If you see dryness-induced flakes, seek out a hydrating scalp serum that contains peptides, hyaluronic acid, and similar ingredients. 

General Or Localized Thinning

Hair thinning tends to result from miniaturization, a process during which the diameter of the hair shaft decreases in size. That can result from hormone-related hair loss, stress-related hair loss, or the buildup of natural oils and products on the scalp. The latter only happens if you do not wash your hair enough, or you frequently use heavy products on the scalp, such as dry shampoo. Thinning can be a sign that your scalp needs a little extra TLC, especially with a serum focused on hair growth. Click here to make a natural scalp serum that may help you grow your hair. 

Congestion Surrounding Roots

Congestion may not be the first word you think of regarding your hair and scalp, but it can happen there as well. Generally speaking, a congested scalp is full of buildup from various hair products, dead skin, and natural oils. If you get close enough to the mirror, you may see a little skin visible under the buildup between hair strands. You can also massage your scalp with your fingers and see if the buildup has broken up after. 

In order to get rid of buildup, you will need a scalp serum that contains an exfoliant. Detox treatments, as some people call them, are great for cleansing the scalp and removing buildup. A scalp scrub can also be a great first step before applying a serum. Use these scalp serums before you wash your hair and consider following it up with a hydrating scalp serum, just as you would moisturize your face after using a cleansing scrub. 

Ultimately, you should treat your scalp a little more like skin and a little less like hair. That means you use scalp serums when necessary, especially if you notice dryness, thinning hair, or product buildup.

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If your skin is dry, then it lacks moisture. What causes this lack of moisture, though? To correct the problem, you apply moisturizer, but that doesn’t seem to relieve dry skin. It’s more likely that there are other, more surprising, causes for your dry skin. In this article, we aim to highlight some of these causes, so that you can address the problem accordingly. 

Dermatologists agree that dry skin is caused by an impaired skin barrier and a deficiency or dysfunction in the healthy fats in the skin’s top layer. This outermost layer is made up of natural oils and dead cells, which trap moisture to keep the skin supple and soft. If there isn’t enough water in this layer, however, the skin dries out. The good news is that dry skin is not really a major concern, as it can happen to people of all ages at any time, on any area of the body. 

Although your first thought may be to lather on the moisturizer, you may want to first get to the root of the problem. What is causing that dryness? Read on to find out. 

Hard Water

If tap water has a high concentration of minerals, such as magnesium and calcium, the U.S. Geological Survey classifies that as hard water. Those minerals leave a film on the skin that dries out. Heavy metals turn the skin’s oils into a thick substance that can clog glands, which aggravates acnes and rosacea. They also make it so the skin cannot absorb moisturizers. You can invest in faucet filters or skin care products that contain vitamins A and C to help counteract the hard water problem. 

Overzealous Hand-washing

Ever since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, people started washing their hands a lot more than they did before. Clean hands are great, and you should wash your hands. The problem is that constant hand-washing will not help dryness. In fact, it increases the risk of cracked or dry skin. That can be a problem if you work in an industry that requires frequent hand-washing, such as healthcare or food service. Try to use lukewarm water instead of hot water and opt for moisturizing soaps. Gently wash your hands and finish with a lotion or moisturizer. 

Fragrances Cause Irritation

If you see the word “fragrance” on a lotion, soap, or other skin care product, you should avoid it. Dermatologists note that fragrances have a tendency to irritate dry skin or make it worse. Fragrances are common sources of allergens, including those that cause contact dermatitis, and endocrine disruptors. It may take a few exposures or applications before your skin reacts, or your skin may react the first time. Always check the ingredients on your skin care products, especially if you deal with dry skin. 

Soap May Zap The Skin’s Moisture

A lot of soaps, shampoos, and detergents can zap the skin and scalp of moisture. These products are made to remove oil, which is not something you want if you deal with dry skin. Choose your face washes, body washes, and laundry detergents carefully. A moisturizing body wash is better than a harsh soap, so long as that body wash doesn’t have harmful fragrances. Additionally, watch out for harsh detergents and fabric softeners if you have dry skin. 

Genetics

Researchers note that you can inherit dry skin. Thanks a lot, parents. One study observed mutations in genes that control filaggrin, which plays a role in forming and hydrating the skin barrier. The findings indicated that people with these mutations suffer from drier skin and have a higher risk of developing eczema. If you have dealt with dry skin throughout your life, or it runs in your family, be diligent with moisturizing. Ceramides and lipids, which you can find in moisturizers, help build and strengthen the skin barrier. 

Long Hot Showers Can Dehydrate The Skin

How great does it feel to stand under steaming, hot water for a long time? It’s quite relaxing, especially if the weather is colder. Standing in that hot water can cause skin issues, though. If you take long, steamy showers or baths, you can dry out the moisture in your skin. Limit your showers to no more than five minutes and try to keep the temperature lukewarm. Apply a moisturizing cream within one minute of exiting the shower because moisturizers work best on damp skin.

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Brushing your hair every day can help optimize growth potential. The brushing action helps to evenly distribute sebum across hair strands, instead of just leaving it on the scalp. That helps to naturally detangle the hair, while simultaneously flattening hair to keep it looking shiny and healthy. If you do not want your hair to look unkempt, brittle, or unhealthy, there are certain brushing tips to keep in mind. From changing the way you brush to changing the brush itself, the following brushing tips should help promote healthier hair. 

Always Brush From The Bottom To The Top

The common hair brushing technique is to start at the top of your scalp and brush all the way down to the bottom (tips) of your hair. When you work your way up the length of your hair, you actually smooth it out a lot more than brushing it the traditional way. When you brush your hair, make sure to either use a serum or detangling spray. Attempting to detangle your hair from the roots will put undue stress on your strands and contribute to breakage. 

Clean Your Hair Brush Every Other Week

One of the hair brush’s jobs is to redistribute all of the natural oils on your scalp where your roots are to the rest of your hair. If your hair brush contains residue from bacteria, grime, and hair products, it can do more damage than good. Experts encourage you to clean your hair brush every other week, or more frequently, if your hair is long. Don’t know if your hair brush needs a good wash? Look at the tips of the bristles and see if products form on them. Before washing your hair brush, make sure to pull out all existing hair. Next, wash it with regular shampoo and rinse thoroughly. Dry the hair brush in the sun to prevent bacterial growth. 

Get A Cushioned Brush If Your Hair Is Fine

If you have fine, fragile, or delicate hair, please understand that your hair requires more care than normal hair does. Avoid hair brushes with metal-tipped or pokey bristles because they can damage your scalp or tear your hair. If you have delicate hair, choose a hair brush that has balled or rounded tips. Need to check the quality of your hair brush? Run it over the inside of your hands to see how aggressive it is. 

Brush Your Hair Before You Shampoo It

How is this even possible? Well, it may not be possible for certain hair types, particularly curly or very thick hair. If you can brush your hair before you shampoo it, though, you can help loosen product buildup or dirt on the scalp. That can make the shampooing process more effective, as it can wash away the dirt and buildup. Additionally, this process can help you avoid product or dirt getting stuck in knots or tangles. 

Replace Your Brush Often

Cleaning your brush is great for hair hygiene, but you also have to get a new hair brush from time to time. It can be hard to bid farewell to a beloved brush, but, like most things in life, a brush has an expiration date. When you notice that the bristles fray and start falling off, get your wallet out and buy a new brush. A higher quality hair brush should last for two to three years before you have to toss it out and repeat the cycle again. 

Choose The Right Brush To Prevent Static

Finding the right brush for your hair can prove difficult at times. Once you find the right brush, you’ll be able to save lots of time and money when you need new ones in the future. The shape, size, and type matters, but so does the cushion, bristles, and other features. Does your hair get charged up when you brush it? Consider using a brush that has negative ions. Choose a brush that has boar, wood, metal, or other natural bristles, and avoid using brushes with plastic bristles. 

Don’t Over-brush Your Hair

Brushing is not a process that you rush. As much as you would like to get it over with, brushing is an action that requires care and attention. Brushing wet hair, even though it is easy to detangle, can cause it to break more easily. Avoid over-brushing as much as possible to minimize the stress you put on your hair. Use a wide-toothed comb or a hair brush that has natural, flexible bristles when you brush your hair, and glide it slowly through your hair without too much force.

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Shea butter is one of the top contenders for the best moisturizing ingredients to combat dry skin. That’s just one reason why you commonly see shea butter in various skin and hair care products. Shea butter exhibits many other health properties, though, including an ability to reduce premature wrinkles and soothe conditions like eczema. 

What Is Shea Butter?

Extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree, shea butter is rich in fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. Shea trees are native to West Africa, and most shea butter still comes from that region. Shea butter is basically a solid oil that contains five essential fatty acids, the most present of which are stearic and oleic acids. It also contains vitamins A, D, & E in addition to phytosterols and anti-inflammatory properties. The combination of these various components in shea butter makes it an excellent product to incorporate into your beauty routine. Learn more about how shea butter benefits your skin below. 

Hydrate Your Skin

Shea butter is an emollient, meaning that it helps to seal moisture into the skin by filling in micro cracks. The essential fatty acids, including linoleic, oleic, stearic, and palmitic acids, also assist with moisturizing the skin. The skin rapidly absorbs these fatty acids, which work to restore the lipids on the skin to create more moisture. According to dermatologists, it’s best to use shea butter within a few minutes of drying off after a shower/bath. 

Promote Cell Regeneration

The body constantly makes new skin cells and gets rid of dead skin cells. Research states that you get rid of 30,000 to 40,000 old skin cells every day. The moisturizing and antioxidant properties of shea butter help promote the regeneration of new, healthy skin cells. When the skin has the right moisture balance on the surface, you have fewer dead skin cells in the way of fresh cell regeneration in the epidermis. Use shea butter to help promote this process!

Gentle For Sensitive Skin

If you have sensitive skin, you have probably experimented with many products that promised to soothe the skin. Unfortunately, the result of that experimentation was itchiness, rash, or general soreness. At the moment, there is no medical literature that documents an allergy to topical shea butter. Shea butter is gentle on all skin types, blending effortlessly into the skin to leave you with hydrated, moisturized skin. It doesn’t clog your pores or leave your skin looking oily after application. 

Protect Skin From The Sun

Although shea butter is not a sunscreen replacement, it does offer mild protection against harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. The natural protective qualities make shea butter a great addition to other sun protection products. In addition to offering sun protection properties, shea butter is also beneficial for the after effects of sunburn. Due to the fatty acid and vitamin content, shea butter helps to soothe the skin, reduce inflammation, and accelerate the healing process. 

Reduce Dandruff

Restoring the moisture balance on the scalp is one of the most effective ways to soothe a dry and itchy scalp. According to a 2018 review, shea butter may decrease the presence of dandruff flakes or reduce the risk of flare-ups. These benefits were enhanced when combined with other moisturizers. Many researchers also believe that the anti-fungal properties of shea butter may reduce dandruff. It helps to kill spores of fungi that cause both ringworm and athlete’s foot as well. 

Reduce Skin Inflammation

The vitamins and antioxidants in shea butter offer relief to people suffering from inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea and eczema. Moisturizing with shea butter has been proven to reduce the severity of eczema symptoms, as it works to reduce dryness and relieve irritation. A small 2015 study monitored 25 participants with mild-to-moderate eczema. The results indicated that shea butter was able to alleviate the signs and symptoms of eczema. Researchers attribute this ability to the bioactive ingredients responsible for the anti-inflammatory properties. 

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In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), gua sha is a popular healing technique that aims to treat muscle pain and tension. A professional strokes the skin and applies pressure with a smooth-edged tool. This practice not only aims to reduce pain, but also to move energy, qi or chi, around the body. Gua sha may also help break down both scar tissue and connective tissues, helping to improve joint mobility. 

What Is Gua Sha?

The name gua sha, pronounced gwahshah, comes from the Chinese word for scraping. It sometimes translates to “skin scraping” or “skin spooning.” It’s a practice that helps to balance and improve a person’s chi. If chi remains unbalanced, it cannot flow freely to ensure optimal health and well-being. The belief is that blocking internal energy can lead to aches or general stiffness, especially in the joints. Gua sha, in addition to unblocking energy channels, may help move pooled or stagnated blood to relieve symptoms. 

More often than not, people use gua sha to relieve muscle and joint pain. Practitioners claim that gua sha can also benefit the immune system and reduce inflammation. In the past, it has been used to help treat colds, fevers, and even problems with the respiratory system. In regards to musculoskeletal issues, though, physiotherapists use a similar technique for pain relief. They scrape connective tissue that is not working in order to help joints move as they should.

Gua sha is not a technique that you learn overnight. It takes time to educate yourself on how to use the tool, where to scrape, and what movements benefit the body most. There is a lot of ancient wisdom behind the practice, so you must be patient with this practice. Before you get going, though, there are important tips to follow to avoid skin damage. Keep the following beauty tips in mind before starting gua sha. 

Always Moisturize

Before you scrape your skin with the gua sha tool, you should apply moisturizer for smooth gliding. Using the tool repeatedly on dry skin does not feel great, and it can even cause structural issues over time. In TCM, body oil tends to be the go-to lubricant for both face and body gua sha. If you need another layer of moisturizing cushion, start with a layer of lotion and then top that with a layer of carrier oil. Ideally, use ingredients that help hydrate the skin and protect the skin barrier. 

Practice On Your Inner Forearm

For self-practice, it takes time to learn how much pressure you should apply when performing gua sha. Learning the basic techniques is part of the process because gua sha is a nuanced practice. A great place to practice your skin scraping is on the inner forearm because you can easily feel what intensity is tolerable. Additionally, it’s much easier to avoid skin-tugging on this area. That said, you should still moisturize before practicing on your forearm. The goal is to make smooth, even-pressured stokes. The body has more muscle than the face does, so you can apply more pressure on the shoulders, legs, etc., going a little deeper if that is relaxing. 

Redness Is Perfectly Natural

When you scrape the skin during gua sha, it’s perfectly natural to see some redness. All that means is that blood is flowing to the area, so don’t let a little rosy skin alarm you. In fact, one might argue that the redness is a sign that gua sha is working. Applying more pressure will also yield a little more redness, but the pressure should never be severely uncomfortable. A little “hurts so good” type of pain is acceptable, but don’t cripple yourself.

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Common in cold weather, chapped lips are usually harmless, but feel awful and painful. Truly, they are annoying and leave chapped lip sufferers with a burning question: What is causing lips to chap? Although winter may be to blame in certain cases, it’s not always the culprit. More often than not, there are a few different problems that cause lips to appear dry, flakey, or chapped.

The skin on the lips requires extra care because it is highly sensitive. Not only does it require extra care, but also the right kind of care. The wrong kind of care may irritate the skin even more and cause more chapping. In fact, it may surprise you to learn about the following causes of chapped lips. You may do these habits unconsciously, or don’t even realize that lifestyle habits and certain foods are at the root of the problem.

Dehydration

One of the hallmark symptoms of dehydration is chapped lips. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says skin begins to dry when the body lacks water, and this includes skin on the lips. Other common signs of dehydration include dark yellow urine, headaches, constipation, thirst, and sluggishness. Make sure to drink water if you notice any of those symptoms alongside chapped lips. 

Licking Your Lips

It’s a weird phrase, we know, but it’s a common reason why people experience chapped lips. Saliva from the tongue strips moisture from the skin on your lips, causing them to dry out. Dermatologists claim that saliva contains enzymes that are designed to digest food, not moisturize the lips. Try to be as conscious as possible about licking your lips to avoid chapping. If you are licking your lips, locate some lip balm or natural oils to help lock moisture into the skin. You may find that beeswax-based lip balms are best because beeswax has emollient properties that protect the skin barrier function.

Weather Conditions

More often than not, environmental exposures lead to irritation that cause lips to chap. Licking lips, dry or cold weather, sun damage, and eating spicy foods can all cause chapped lips. Dry winter air can deplete the moisture from your lips, which leaves them parched. Some people apply oils or lip balms to help replenish the moisture, but failure to do so can increase dryness. The more dry your lips are, the more prone they are to cracking and peeling. If you live in an area where weather is typically dry, make sure to have lip balms or oils at the ready!

Allergies To Certain Products

Be it your new lipstick or toothpaste, it’s possible for certain products to irritate your lips. Many people have an allergic reaction to propyl gallate in lipstick. If you started using a new lipstick and experience chapped lips, propyl gallate may be to blame. When it comes to toothpaste, guaiazulene or sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) may cause your lips to chap. These ingredients can easily case skin irritation, so check your toothpaste ingredients if you experience chapped lips after integrating a new brand into your oral care routine.

Drinking Too Much Alcohol

Drinking alcohol doesn’t directly make your lips chapped, but drinking alcohol in excess contributes to dehydration. As mentioned earlier in this article, dehydration saps your lips of moisture. If you notice that your lips are dry and flakey after a night of drinking wine by the fireplace, consider replenishing the body with fluids as quickly as you can. 

Eating Too Many Citrus Fruits

Although vitamin C is beneficial for the skin, eating too many citrus fruits can cause dryness around the mouth. It’s common for grapefruit, oranges, and tangerines to cause cracking or chapping. And if your lips are cracked, the citric acid will only irritate the dryness. Cut back on citrus fruits and drinks to see if your lips improve. You may benefit from rubbing aloe vera on the lips to accelerate the repair of cuts or chapping.

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Most people think about their hair on a daily basis, fretting over frizz or enjoying the results of a beautiful blowout. Perhaps there’s a new style that is intriguing, but that can’t happen if hair is dull, limp, or brittle. There are subtle cues from hair, be it change in texture, look, or thickness, which may indicate underlying health issues. 

Similar to fluctuating moods, your hair experiences both good days and bad days. When you notice abnormal or constant changes to your locks, something may be awry with your body. The body has different ways of informing you that something is going on, be it through changes in urine, stool, or even hair. Everything from stress and nutrition to hormones and health conditions can impact your hair. Check out the following telltale clues that your hair can give you about your health.

Hair Thinning May Indicate A Thyroid Problem

Hypothyroidism is a common issue that indicates an under-active thyroid. When the thyroid doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones, you may notice an increase in thinning or shedding. Hypothyroidism can also cause muscle pain, puffy face, weight gain, fatigue, joint pain, and more. Some thyroid disorders may also increase the risk of alopecia areata, an autoimmune hair loss condition. Get a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test to see if your thyroid is the cause of thinning hair. 

Losing Hair In Patches May Indicate Alopecia Areata

A telltale sign of alopecia is when you lose hair in dime- and quarter-sized patches. It’s an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks healthy cells in the body. Major life events, including pregnancy, death, or illness, can trigger its development. It’s possible for patches to regrow, but more bald patches may also show up. Consult your doctor to determine whether alopecia is the root cause of hair loss. 

Yellow Or White Flakes May Indicate Dandruff

Many people are familiar with the “salted shoulder” look, in regards to dandruff. Small white or yellow flakes can fall on the shoulders or reside on hair strands. Although dandruff is not a serious medical issue, it can be embarrassing. There are many natural remedies (click here to learn more about them), but you can also treat the issue with prescription shampoos or over-the-counter specialty shampoos. 

Dry Hair May Indicate A Diet Issue

Often times, dry hair results from too much sun exposure, but hair that’s dry year round can indicate another issue. Many times, this issues results from an insufficient intake of healthy fats, according to registered dietitians. Healthy fats are vital to the health of your hair and scalp, giving more life to your strands. Support the health of your hair via your diet by enjoying more foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids. These foods include olive oil, avocado, nuts, seeds, wild caught salmon, and beans. 

Brittle Hair May Indicate Cushing’s Syndrome

Brittle hair doesn’t always indicate Cushing’s syndrome, but it is one of the symptoms. This health condition is quite rare and it’s caused by an overabundance of cortisol, a primary stress hormone, in the body. However, there are many more obvious symptoms of Cushing’s, including high blood pressure, fatigue, and back pain. Brittle hair may also indicate a zinc or iron deficiency. Both zinc and iron and necessary for keratin production, so low levels of these nutrients can cause changes to hair structure. 

Going Gray Early May Indicate A B12 Deficiency

Most of the time, genetics are the primary cause of white hairs sprouting all over your head. There isn’t typically another health issue at play. That being said, many nutritionists say that developing lots of grays before the age of 35 may indicate a B12 or folic acid deficiency. Researchers noticed that increasing folic acid and B12 intake, combined with more sun exposure, was able to re-pigment patches of both skin and hair that stopped producing melanin. To increase your folic acid intake, focus on leafy greens, legumes, and whole grains. For more B12, focus on nutritional yeast, tempeh, shellfish, grass-fed beef, and wild caught tuna and salmon. 

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It can be quite shocking to look in the mirror and see wrinkles or fine lines that seemingly appeared overnight. This happens because the skin doesn’t age in a linear way, for example, from one birthday to the next. The skin ages depending on genetics, diet, overall health, and extrinsic factors, including sun exposure and smoking. You can, however, keep your complexion bright and beautiful by making a few lifestyle adjustments. 

What Is Premature Aging?

For the average person, wrinkles and fine lines arrive during the late 20s and early 30s. It’s possible for signs of aging to occur earlier, also known as premature aging. By definition, premature aging is when a person’s biological age is older than their chronological age. Sun spots, dry or itchy skin, sagging skin, wrinkles, or fine lines are all indications of aging. These symptoms are the result of shortened telomeres, which cap DNA strands and prevent damage. As telomeres shorten, they can leave DNA exposed to damage, which his when signs of aging occur. 

Many lifestyle factors are often to blame for the sped up rate at which telomeres shorten. Avoiding several bad habits, which are commonplace in many people’s lives, can help slow the aging process. If you want to keep the skin glowing and youthful, try to avoid the following habits as best you can. 

Drinking Out Of A Straw

This is a common habit that can contribute to fine line development around the mouth. People who regularly drink beverages out of straws activate muscles around the lips. The more that you activate those muscles, the more likely you are to crease the skin. Smokers tend to get fine lines or wrinkles around the mouth for this same reason, according to Mayo Clinic. You don’t have to avoid straws altogether, but try to drink without them when you can to avoid fine line development. 

Taking Certain Medications

Certain oral medications or prescribed topical ointments/creams can affect the skin’s appearance. Corticosteroids, for example, can decrease collagen and elastin in the skin, which causes the skin to thin. In turn, blood vessels can rupture more easily and lead to broken capillaries. Certain antibiotics and diuretics can cause photosensitivity, making skin more prone to sun damage, premature wrinkles, and pigmentation changes. Stopping these medications may not be an option for some people, so be mindful of sun exposure, taking precautions when necessary. 

Sleep Deprivation

After a restless night of no sleep, it’s common to see dark circles under the eyes. Regular sleep deprivation can enhance the appearance of dark circles and other signs of aging like fine lines. According to research studies, insufficient sleep can make the body’s cells age more quickly. Not only does sleep deprivation cause premature aging, but it also decreases the skin’s ability to fo fight ultraviolet (UV) rays. The skin enters a renewal state during sleep, so make sure to get 7-8 hours of sleep per night for optimal skin health.

Yo-Yo Dieting

The cycle of regular weight loss and weight gain can be very harmful to the skin. Besides the appearance of stretch marks or cellulite, weight fluctuation stretches and contracts the skin. This takes a toll on the skin’s elasticity and can make it sag more than it should. Saggy skin only makes you look older, so it’s best to keep your weight in check. This can be difficult, but regular exercise and healthy eating can help improve elasticity and keep the skin looking young.

Using Drying Soap

Some people aren’t aware of the fact that their soaps contribute to older-looking skin. Some cheap bar or liquid soaps contain harsh detergents that strip the skin of its natural oils, causing dryness. Although dry skin doesn’t cause wrinkles, it does make wrinkles more noticeable. Additionally, dry skin cannot protect itself from irritants, bacteria, and viruses because the barrier isn’t as strong in a dehydrated state. Soap your skin responsibly with gentle soaps that contain moisturizing ingredients, especially if you use them on your face. 

Eating Certain Foods

Consuming foods that contain a lot to processed ingredients and refined sugars can make your skin appear older. Glycation is the reaction between sugars and skin proteins (collagen and elastin) to form advanced glycation end products (AGEs). When a person consumes too many processed or refined sugars, it’s possible to experience AGE accumulation. This can impair skin elasticity and increase the risk of UV damage. Unfortunately, the effects of AGEs are irreversible because no enzymes can remove them from the body. It’s best to avoid processed sugars and ingredients for this reason. 

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Exfoliation is an essential part of any great skin care routine. Some people exfoliate a few times a week, while others exfoliate daily. How much you exfoliate will depend on your skin type, as people with more sensitive, oily, or dry skin may require more or less exfoliation. The ultimate goal is to enhance the appearance and cleanliness of your skin, which is why natural ingredients are the best. 

Skin naturally renews itself about every four weeks. Newer healthy skin cells rise to the surface, but this process slows as you get older. Older skin can have a duller appearance, but so can younger skin if no exfoliation happens. Exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells, allowing new skin cells to come to the surface. It also works to remove dirt and debris from that live within pores. This helps to to give your skin a more vibrant glow. The following two ingredients are the only ingredients you need to aid with exfoliation. 

Baking Soda

The best facial scrub is one that helps to deep clean pores without being too abrasive. Baking soda has multiple purposes, but lately it is receiving a lot of attention for its beauty benefits. It works to exfoliate the skin, offering alkaline properties to help neutralize acids. The skin is covered with an “acid mantle”, a term coined by German physicians in 1928. It’s a thin film on the skin’s surface that consists of lipids from oil glands and amino acids from sweat. It’s a delicate skin barrier that helps to keep moisture in and bacteria out. Regular dry or flaky skin can indicated a damaged acid mantle, or an imbalance in the skin’s pH.

Baking soda works to remove excess oils, dead skin cells, and bacteria from pores. It works to minimize the appearance of blackheads by slightly shrinking the pores. Baking soda also offers astringent-like properties that help to prevent pores from clogging with dirt, which contributes to acne. When using baking soda as a scrub, it’s best to massage it into the skin using gentle, circular motions with your fingertips.

Coconut Oil

Nearly every DIY beauty product involves coconut oil. It works to nourish the hair and skin, but some people have their reservations about regular use. Coconut oil is a natural source of antibacterial properties, but people with sensitive or acne-prone skin may experience breakouts after application. The majority of people, however, believe in coconut oil’s ability to make the skin supple, hydrated, and radiant. 

Coconut oil works to exfoliate the outer layer of the skin, removing dead skin cells and enhancing the skin’s overall appearance. In addition to exfoliating the skin, coconut oil helps the skin retain moisture. The medium-chain fatty acids keep the skin looking silky smooth and hydrated. Additionally, one study found that virgin coconut oil was able to suppress inflammatory markers and enhance skin barrier function. More research is necessary as this was an in vitro study. 

All Natural Face Wash

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup baking soda
• 2 tablespoons virgin coconut oil
• 5 drops frankincense essential oil (optional)
• 5 drops tea tree oil (optional)

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a medium-sized mixing bowl and whisk to combine. 
• Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and store until ready to use. 

How To Use:

• Scoop one teaspoon out of the container and use your fingertips to gently massage the mixture into your skin in circular motions. 
• Let the mixture remain on your face for a minute before rinsing with lukewarm water. Pat dry and continue your beauty routine as normal. 

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If there’s one word that describes an itchy scalp, it has to be the word “annoying.” You cold say that the problem is a real head scratcher! While many people attribute common itchiness to dandruff, that may not be the only reason for scalp irritation. It’s very possible that fungal infections like ringworm or types of inflammation are to blame. The main objective is to stop the itch, but you have to know what the cause is in order to remedy the problem. 

Itchy scalp is very common, so please don’t think that you’re alone if you experience this. More often than not, the causes are fairly harmless and you can address the issue. Occasionally, experts may not be able to diagnose the problem immediately. Understanding the symptoms and monitoring when they first occurred, however, can help determine the cause. Continue reading to learn about common causes that trigger itchy scalp. 

Common Causes That Trigger Itchy Scalp

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that causes raised, red, scaly patches on the skin. Occasionally, they can also occur on the scalp, resulting in intense itching. If psoriasis is the culprit, the itching will most likely be concentrated in one area. If you notice scaly, red patches then you can identify the problem. People with psoriasis can often benefit from discussing the issue with a dermatologist, as over-the-counter shampoos may be necessary. 

Dandruff

Dandruff affects about 50% of Americans and there are some telltale signs that indicate this condition. If you experience dry, itchy scalp with white flakes, you know that dandruff is the cause. A yeast-like fungus, Malassezia, is the common cause of dandruff, but hair products are occasionally to blame. Yeast naturally lives on the scalp, but problems arise when too much yeast exists. Although there are many over-the-counter shampoos and regular anti-dandruff shampoos, you can also experiment with natural remedies. Click here to learn about natural remedies for dandruff. 

Head Lice

People think that lice can only occur in children, or that they only get them in school. As it turns out, lice can creepy crawl their way onto anyone’s scalp. Lice love clean hair, contradicting the belief that they only occur in people with poor hygiene. If you look closely near the scalp, you can typically see tiny eggs on individual hair strands. They look similar to dandruff flakes, but they differ in that they adhere to the strands. Sometimes, you can see lice moving around the head, but they are difficult to spot. You have to carefully comb them out of the hair with a special comb before using a shampoo that contains pyrethrins/pyrethrum. This compound works to get rid of lice by attacking their nervous system, not your nervous system.

Contact Dermatitis

People who are sensitive or allergic to certain materials can easily develop contact dermatitis. Latex, nickel, or certain types of makeup can easily irritate the skin and cause a rash or itchy, inflamed skin. When it comes to itchy scalp, however, most dermatologists agree that the culprit is paraphenylenediamine (PPD), which is an ingredient in some hair dyes. When you stop using the material that causes the irritation, things typically clear up. If the problem persists, you may need to talk with a doctor or dermatologist. 

Ringworm

Ringworm, Tinea wapitis, is a common fungus that can infect the scalp and other parts of the body. It extends deep into the hair follicle and causes round patches that can increase in size over time. The rash is commonly itchy and can appear raised or stubbly. If ringworm is the cause of itchy scalp the fix often comes in the form of some anti-fungal medication. Because the organism goes into the hair follicle, anti-fungal medications that you take orally will resolve the issue. Before prescribing the medication, a doctor will have to determine if ringworm is the actual cause. 

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