Acne

Jojoba is a perennial plant that is highly used in the cosmetic industry due to its liquid wax and oil yielding capacity from the jojoba seeds. Its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can be used to treat acne, pain, redness, and inflammation due to psoriasis. It is also helpful in preventing scars, wrinkles, and stretch marks because of the presence of antioxidant and moisturizing properties. It penetrates deep into the skin and hydrates the skin, and makes it look healthy and glowing.   Even in Ayurveda, it has many uses. It has ropan property, which helps in healing wounds faster. It is also effective against chapped skin and prevents dryness due to the presence of snigdha property. It is also rich in vitamin B, vitamin E, copper, and zinc and helps to promote hair growth and makes hair softer and healthier. It can also be combined with coconut oil and applied on the scalp to reduce dandruff and dryness.   However, there are certain precautions that you should take while using jojoba oil, such as you should avoid the use of jojoba oil if your skin is oily. It would help if you preferred to use jojoba oil with some carrier. Also, consult a doctor if your skin is hypersensitive.   Historical Uses of Jojoba Jojoba is a shrub that is native to southwestern states in North America. There are large nuts grown on the branches of the plant. These nuts are used to extract jojoba oil, which is used to cure various diseases. Jojoba oil became famous through Spanish missionaries in the 18th and 19thcenturies. Native Americans used the oil of the crushed seeds for various skin and hair problems.   Jojoba oil is a rich source of vitamin B, vitamin C, copper, and zinc. It also has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. It also has constituents that help to moisturize and nourish the skin. It is used to treat certain diseases also.   Jojoba oil is effective against mosquito bites and can also be used to make natural insect repellent. It is also used to reduce wrinkles, fine lines, redness, pain, and irritation of the skin. It is also helpful in healing wounds as it promotes the formation of new cells. The hydrating property of jojoba oil makes it an ideal skin moisturizer. It also promotes hair growth and helps to make hair softer and silkier. It can be used to treat pimples and control dandruff and dryness. It can be used to remove dead skin cells, clogged pores, and white and blackheads. However, it is advisable to avoid using jojoba oil if your skin is oily.   Treating Diseases/Health Problems Using Jojoba Given below are some of the diseases that can be cured with the help of jojoba:   • Acne               Scientific Ayurvedic Due to the presence of anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, jojoba can be used to treat redness, pain, and mild acne vulgaris infection. Also, jojoba oil has wax esters, which help to control pimples. According to the Ayurvedic view, the imbalance of kapha can lead to clogging of pores and eventually white and blackheads, whereas the imbalance of pitta leads to some red pimples and inflammation with pus. However, the sita nature of jojoba can help to control acne as it balances the pitta. Also, lightweight oil helps in balancing kapha and prevents clogging.   • Chapped and Irritated Skin               Scientific Ayurvedic Imbalance in mechanical properties and water content can make skin dry and chapped. However, the presence of fatty acids and triglycerides in jojoba can help hydrate the skin and restores its elasticity. Aggravation of vatadoshaleads to a decrease in kapha, which eventually leads to dry and cracked skin as it loses its moisture. Jojoba oil restores the moisture content and balances vata as it has snigdha.   • Sunburn            Scientific Ayurvedic Jojoba can help to treat sunburn. Jojoba has sita and snigdha properties, which producea cooling and moisturizing effect on skin and can be used to treat redness, inflammation, blisters, burning sensation, and itching due to sunburn.   • Hair loss           Scientific Ayurvedic Jojoba can be used to treat hair loss. Snigdha property of jojoba provides moisture to the scalp and balances vatadosha, and can prevent hair loss.   • Psoriasis            Scientific Ayurvedic Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder in which skin turns red, itchy, and scaly patches. Jojoba oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which prevent redness and irritation and provides moisture to the skin to prevent dryness and itching. It also helps the skin to combine anti psoriasis drug.  According to the ayurvedic view, Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder in which dead cells get accumulated on the skin leading to dryness and cracks. Jojoba oil has snigdha, which moisturizes the skin and controls dryness, itchiness, and scaly skin.   • Preventing mosquito bites             Scientific Ayurvedic Jojoba can be used as a mosquito repellent and can be applied to the skin. The presence of sita and snigdha properties in jojoba makes it appropriate to be used as a base for making natural insect repellent. It also helps in hydrating the skin.   • Alzheimer's disease              Scientific Ayurvedic There is not enough scientific evidence available that can verifythe use of jojoba to treat Alzheimer's disease. Imbalance of vatadosha can lead to vatavyadhithat is nervous system disorder. According to Ayurveda, jojoba manages vatadosha and therefore produces a calming and soothing effect on the skin.   Some Other Benefits of Jojoba Oil Jojoba oil has antioxidant properties that help your skin to fight oxidative stress due to pollution and dust particles in the air. The antioxidants present in jojoba help promote collagen production, which is a protein produced in the skin and body.   Forms of jojoba in Ayurveda with the recommended dosage Jojoba is used in the form of jojoba oil to treat various diseases. You can take 2 to 5 or as per your requirement; however, if you have consulted any doctor regarding the dosage, then we advise you to follow that prescription firmly.   Before using jojoba oil on your skin, do a patch test on your skin as described below: • Take 3 to 4 drops of jojoba oil and apply it on a small area of your inner forearm. • Cover it with a piece of cloth or bandage and let it stay for 24 hours. • Remove the cloth or bandage and check the skin; if there is no redness, irritation, pain, or itching, then you can use jojoba oil.   Types of Ayurvedic Care with Jojoba Jojoba in the form jojoba oil can be used to prevent and treat various skin and hair related disorders. It can also be used as conditioners in order to nourish the skin and hair.    1.Jojoba oil 1. Anti-wrinkle formula a. Take some coconut oil. b. Add 2 to 5 drops of jojoba oil to it. c. Apply gently on your face, hands, and body. d. Apply this remedy regularly in order to get rid of wrinkles.   2. For hair a. Take around 5 to 6 drops of jojoba oil. b. Apply it on the scalp and hair. c. This remedy helps to prevent dryness, dandruff, and promotes hair growth.   3. Hair conditioner formula a. Take your hair conditioner. b. Add 2 to 5 drops of jojoba oil to it. c. Apply it gently on your scalp and hair after shampoo. d. Use this remedy 1 to 2 times a week for better results.   4. Face pack a. Take 1 teaspoon of multanimitti and add rose water to it. b. Then add 2 to 5 drops of jojoba oil to it. c. Make a smooth paste. d. Apply it gently on the face and neck. e. Let it stay for 15 to 20 minutes. f. Then wash it with lukewarm water. g. Use this pack twice a week in order to get fresh and glowing skin.   5. Jojoba oil usage for chapped skin a. Take some coconut oil. b. Add 2 to 5 drops of jojoba oil to it. c. Apply it gently on the face. d. Use this remedy 1 to 2 times a day for better results.    6. Remedy for hair loss a. Take some coconut oil. b. Add some drops of jojoba oil to it. c. Mix it and apply gently on the scalp.  d. Then wash it with a mild shampoo. e. Use this remedy 2 to 3 times a week for better results.   7. Remedy for Alzheimer's disease a. Take 1 to 2 teaspoons of coconut oil. b. Add 2 to 5 drops of jojoba oil to it. c. Apply on the body 1 to 2 times a day.   Side effects of jojoba Even though jojoba has many benefits and is good for hair and skin; however, it has certain side effects. Some people can be allergic to the use of jojoba and can have rashes and redness on the skin. Also, it is highly unsafe to take jojoba by mouth due to erucicacid that can damage the heart.Some of the side effects of jojoba are: • Rashes and itchiness on the skin • It can also lead to contact dermatitis. • It is highly unsafe to use jojoba by mouth as it can cause severe heart diseases.   Precautionary guide while using jojoba? • According to Ayurveda, avoid using jojoba if you have oily skin. • Consult a doctor before using jojoba if you have acne-prone skin. • If your skin is hypersensitive, then combine jojoba oil with some base oil such as olive oil before applying to the skin. • Prefer to use jojoba oil with some carrier or base oil, such as olive oil. • You can use jojoba on the skin during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, it is highly unsafe to consume jojoba through the mouth.   FAO's about jojoba   Q Is jojoba oil benefits for hair? A. Jojoba oil restores moisture in hair and therefore prevents dryness and dandruff and also promotes hair growth.   Q What is the composition of jojoba oil? A. Jojoba oil comprises of 3 most essential fatty acids, namely erucic acid, gadoleic acid, and oleic acid. It also has vitamin B, vitamin E, copper, and zinc.   Q Where can we store jojoba oil? A. The shelf life of jojoba oil is 15 months to 2 years depending on the quality of oil; however, storing oil in a refrigerator or airtight containers can help to increase shelf life.   Q Is jojoba oil beneficial for chapped skin? A. According to Ayurveda, the presence of snigdhain jojoba oil can help to prevent dryness and cure chapped skin.   Q Is jojoba oil helpful in treating wounds? A. Jojoba oil can help in the formation of new cells and accelerate wound closure and, therefore, help in healing wound faster.   Q Can jojoba oil used as a face moisturizer? A. Jojoba oil can be used to prevent wrinkles and fine lines. It is a good moisturizing agent and helps you to make your skin healthy and glowing. However, do not use jojoba if your skin is oily, or consult a doctor before using jojoba oil if your skin is hypersensitive.    Q Can jojoba oil promote beard growth? A. Jojoba is a rich source of vitamin B, vitamin E, copper, and zinc. It helps to moisturize the skin and makes it softer. It also promotes soft and healthy beard growth. It also has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, which prevents dandruff, dryness, and brittle beard growth.   Q Can jojoba oil help in skin lightening? A. Even though sufficient scientific research has not been done to verify the role of jojoba oil in skin lightening, the active constituents present in jojoba can penetrate deep into the skin to lighten dark spots and scars and also moisturizes the skin.The clogged pores remove dead cells, reduce fine lines, wrinkles, stretch marks, and make the skin healthy and glowing.   Q Can jojoba oil used for babies? A. Jojoba oil is obtained from jojoba plant seeds and is similar to a natural waxy substance that is produced by the skin called sebum. It gets gently absorbed by the skin and also hydrates and moisturizes the skin. It is suitable for the skin of newborn babies. However, it is better to consult a doctor before using it for your baby.

The refreshing showers and the cool weather of monsoon will feel like bliss after the sweltering heat of summer. However, with the cool breeze and showers comes humidity packed with additional bacteria in the air leading to clogged pores resulting in acne, blackheads and whiteheads. Before we enter in the monsoon take steps to keep your skin blemish free.   Acne is a common problem that troubles teens and adults alike. Get extra cautious this season. Dr Satish Bhatia, MD, FAAD, Dermatologist and Skin Surgeon shares with IANSlife some useful handy tips which you can incorporate into your daily routine to keep your skin acne free and supple during monsoons.   Cleanser alert   Forehead, neck, jaw line, cheeks are acne prone areas. Clean these zones thoroughly without rinsing too hard. Use a mild soap-free cleanser like Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser twice daily to wash your face. For oily or combination skin, use a cleanser best suited to the skin type.   Toning to the rescue   Tone your skin to remove the leftover dirt and make up. Toning also helps in closing pores to avoid oil clogging. If you aren't a fan of toners available in the market then use natural ingredients like green tea, lemon juice, rose water, cucumber water and   chamomile tea for toning your skin. Cucumber is a much loved skin cooler that works wonder on all skin types.   Replenish your skin   From time to time, your skin may feel sticky and oily but that shouldn't discourage you from using a moisturizer. Moisturizers keep the skin hydrated and supple. Choose a moisturizer which is light weight, yet rich in macadamia oil and sunflower oil, which helps to hydrate and nourish the skin. Make sure it is specifically formulated to soothe dry skin and is non-greasy, non-irritating and non-comedogenic since this will eliminate clog pores. You can opt for Cetaphil Moisturising Cream.   Drink it up   It's far more important to drink more water in monsoon and winter than summer since you won't naturally feel as thirsty as you do during summers. It's one of the most sureshot ways to get healthy skin without any breakouts or acne.   Eat and exercise right   We cannot stress enough on the importance of refraining from eating fried food and exercising regularly. The excessive build-up of oil internally will reflect on your skin through breakouts, zits, blackheads and whiteheads. To prevent it, consume a balanced diet. Additionally, exercising will ensure that you sweat out the toxins, stay in shape and keep stress at bay especially on the gloomy monsoon days. (Agency)