Ever been to a Skin doctor and heard him/ her saying you have an HORMONAL IMBALANCE while you were in your teens ? I am sure that must have left you wondering what is that STUFF ? What has my Skin and hair Problem to do with the Hormones ? Normally when a doctor quotes a person to have hormonal imbalance people always consider either it’s a some kinda of menstrual issue in females or libido constraints in males , which is certainly not true . Let’s find out how Hormonal Imbalance and your Skin are Interlinked ….. ROLE OF HORMONES Hormones are chemical messengers that are produced in organs such as ovaries , adrenal gland , thyroid gland . The hormonal changes are now these days being closely examined to reveal just how important they are to skin health especially in women Which hormones play an important role in maintaining a healthy skin ? 1] Estrogen - plays an important role in skin thickness , skin ageing and maintaining skin’s moisture also making hair grow long and healthy [ in essence estrogen help our skin and hair remain youthful ] 2] Testosterone – plays an important role in balancing the sebum secretion of the skin and providing all male attributes to our skin such as coarse and thick hair . 3] Thyroid Hormone – plays an Important role in maintaining the thermostat [ temperature of the skin ] you’re hormones don’t just control how you feel – they can impact the health of your skin as well How do hormones impact our skin health ? Hormones play a key role in skin health . we know this because certain hormonal disorders manifest themselves in the skin and hair . Hormone levels largely go unnoticed unless there is something off for instance ‘’one of the most amazing things about dermatology is that the skin can serve as a window into the health of the body “ Many endocrine and other internal disorders are diagnosed by dermatologist says dr hollmig . our body responds to signals by our hormones and skin being the largest organ of our body , our skin can be a great representator of some hormonal imbalance going inside our body let’s highlight a few now Which skin problems are associated with hormomonal imbalance ? LET’S TALK ABOUT SKIN CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH HORMONAL IMBALANCES 1] ACNE Studies suggest that prevalence of acne in people with hormonal imbalance is about 48 percent and severe pustular acne seen in young females mostly. 2. FACIAL HIRSUTISM The prevalence of hirsutism aka unwanted male pattern hair growth on a women’s face most often noticeable around the mouth and chin caused by excess of male hormones called Androgens 3] ACANTHOSIS NIGRICANS A skin condition characterized by dark, velvety patches usually found in body folds such as neck, armpits, groin, naval, forehead and other body creases 4] STRIAE DISTANSAE AKA STRETCH MARKS Indented, red streaks usually appearing on skin from rapid weight changes due to hormonal changes. 5] ACROCHORDONS AKA SKIN TAGS Small benign tumor that forms in the areas where the skin forms creases or rubs together such as the neck, armpit, groin, eyelids etc. 6] KERATOSIS PILARIS AKA CHICKEN SKIN A benign condition in which the skin appears like tiny, tan, red or bumps that occur on the upper arms, legs, buttocks or cheeks this usually occurs due to impaired ratio of estrogen to progestrone. 7] POST- INFLAMMATORY HYPERPIGMENTATION Those dark marks or discoloured spots left behind after a pimple heals, can be even more aggravating and distressing then pimples themselves. 8] MELASMA AKA CHLOASMA A tan or dark facial skin discoloration, irregular patchy skin most commonly found on upper cheeks, nose upper lip and forearm. 9] PALE, THIN AND WRINKLED SKIN The paleness is due to the abnormal dermal content of mucopolysaccarides and water due to inadequate circulating of thyroid hormone. 10] XEROSIS AKA EXTREMELY DRY SKIN A recent study shows that 57-59 percent of patients of hypothyroidism their was a significant change in skin texture and poor skin hydration was observed it was also seen that over the time these patients develop the skin which was rough and covered with fin scales. Diet and Lifestyle habits that can optimize your hormonal and skin health 1] Adhering to a detox or cleanse 2] Getting plenty of sleep / adequate sleep 3] Having a balanced diet 4] Exercise regularly 5] Reducing alcohol consumption 6] Avoid smoking 7] Clean living 8] Skip severe diets / crash dieting 9 ] Harsh cleansing of body How does Ayurveda helps in balancing your Hormones ? “Hormones will come into balance, when our lives come into balance “ 5 way in which Ayurveda can optimize your hormonal health of the body . 1] Kindling your digestive fire – pay attention to your elimination process , make sure your bowels are active everyday if not consider including cooked prunes and figs in your diet 2] Switch to fruits – consume more fresh papaya, pomegranate and pineapple to balance hormones . 3] Balance – Follow a balanced daily routine , significantly reducing stress . 4] Rest – Try to rest atleast one day a week . 5] Detox – Reducing Ama [ toxins ]. And if you’re feeling particularly a whack , it may be time to consider a Panchkarma / Skintox Regimen [ Ayurvedic Detox ] in conjuction with a Ayurveda Skin Expert [ Ayurveda Practitioner ]. which is a much faster route to unraveling the actions that have brought us out of balance than just integrating regular tips and tricks . Visit an Ayurvedic Skin Consultant or Dermatologist or a Expert Issued in Public Interest by Dr Swati Watwani, an Ayurvedic Skin Care Specialist #hormones #hormoneimbalance #hormonehealth #holistichealth #skincareblogger #skincaretips #skincarelover #skincare #skinexpert #pcos #skinblogger #pcod #hormonalacne #skinhealth https://www.persianlily.com/shop

3.9 billion people on this earth have sensitive skin. This more than half the population. But the fact is everybody experiences skin sensitivity a little differently. As we know, God has made each human unique, so is your skin. Your skin is different than your friend, siblings or your parents. And the percentage of sensitivity differs. It is time to get back to your historical roots. Reinvite Ayurveda in your life. Is your answer “YES” to any of these….. · Are your cheeks constantly red? · Does your skin flare up when you just look at a new moisturizer or a face cream? · Does your skin feel red or irritated when it is in contact with some cosmetics or other foreign particles? · Do you burn more than the Sun? · Do you feel your skin is swelling? I am sure you wonder why all this is happening to you! You may have a sensitive skin. The good news is that it is treatable. Not everyone has a sensitive skin or a Sensitized skin. Surprisingly all the 3.8 billion people do not actually have a sensitive skin. Some of us are born with a hypersensitive skin and some develop sensitized skin over time. So many variables play into finding out the cause of your skin sensitivity. It takes a bit of detective work, that’s where we doctors come in. But once you discover how life can be when it’s under control, you will realize the value of search is priceless. You might have to visit a good skin doctor. The science behind skin sensitivity When the skin lacks essential lipids and hydration,the natural barrier of the skin breaks down and forms micro cracks. This results in a compromised skin barrier. Where there are micro cracks, hydration escapes, microbes get in and causes redness and irritation. Redness occurs as our blood vessels expand to increase blood circulation to the affected area. This is what we are seeing as blotchy, red, itchy patches. How to identify sensitive skin? These are some of the signs that go along with sensitive skin. · Redness or flushing · Rashes of any type · Burning or stinging · Dry or flaky patches · Itchy skin · Smell of perfumes or fragrance makes your eyes tear and cause irritation · Swelling or tenderness · Sensitivity to sunlight Environmental triggers for sensitive skin – These are the uncontrollable external sources that we can blame: · Pollution · Temperature changes · UV exposure · Hormonal fluctuations · Seasonal changes · Global warming Lifestyle triggers for sensitive skin – Now let us take charge and control of our life · Not removing make-up before going to bed (hey, the party was great. I am just gonna hit the bed) · Medications such as retinols · Over exfoliation (more is good) · Stress (OMG, what is happening in this world) · Lack of sleep (I got a finish this series) · Diet poor in proteins (I prefer Burger to a Banana) · Harsh soaps and cosmetics (I will use the same soap for my body and face) · Medical procedures (let me just do the laser toning session again , its faster) · Chemical or synthetic fragrance and dye (love the coffee essence of this scrub ) · Smoking (damn! I am stressed! I need one drag ) · Alcohol (Binge Drinking: it’s a Wednesday offer: 1 on 1) Things to Avoid if you have a sensitive skin · Ditch your skin scrubs · Avoid alpha and beta hydroxy acid-based products · Heavy occlusive creams and lotions · Retinol based skin creams specially the ones who are on anti ageing treatments · Taking showers for too long 5 Tips for people with sensitive skin Less is more when it comes to sensitive skin. 1. Protect your skin in the sun [Use a gentle sunscreen containing zinc oxide, titanium oxide with SPF 30] 2. Soap free cleansers for skincare routine 3. Opt for fragrance free hair care, skin care and cosmetics 4. Keep your skin hydrated with a mild moisturizer 5. If using steam, keep steamer arm 18 inch away from skin. Steam for 10 minutes and yes don’t over steam. Treatment for sensitive skin The key is to keep skin quiet and calm your doctor may prescribe · Antihistamines to relieve the itch · Lactocalamine and pramoxine based lotions for redness and inflammation · Add you up on antioxidants · A good sunscreen · Hypoallergic and Non comedogenic moisturizer for regular use Here is a Super easy and great DIY for SENSITIVE SKIN from your kitchen ingredients · one teaspoon of licorice powder [ mulethi ] · 2 teaspoons of milk · 8 to 10 drops of rose water What you have to do – 1. Mix a teaspoon of licorice powder [ mulethi] with two teaspoons of milk 2. Add 8 to 10 drops of rose water 3. Leave this paste to cool in the fridge for 10 min -15 min 4. Apply the paste to your face 5. Leave it for 10 min 6. Then wash off 7. Follow up with a mild and hypoallergic moisturizer Ofcourse, some of us are too lazy to make this at home. And we also like some extra magic herbs for better results. Hear is something for you. PERSIANLILY’S SKIN SOOTHENING AND CALMING FACEPACK – A 100 % natural , cooling , calming and skin relaxing face pack blended with all coolant herbal ingredients such as Indian rose , vetiver, liquorice andsome more such exclusively chosen herbs. check the link given below to view our product/ place an order [ Available in INDIA only ] - https://www.persianlily.com/shop Challenge is that the whole family exfoliates together. Let us be a skin caring healthy family! If you have sensitive skin or need help or advice Visit an Ayurvedic Skin Consultant or Dermatologist or a Expert Issued in Public Interest by Dr Swati Watwani, an Ayurvedic Skin Care Specialist #sensitiveskin #beautysecrets #skincare #sensitiveskincare #beautytips #naturalremedies #ayurveda #ayurvedaforsensitiveskin

It’s summertime! Hot and humid days of perspiration. Embarrassing sweat rings, dripping foreheads, sweaty palms and soles. It’s cool when you hitting the gym, you don’t mind sweat. It is a badge of honour, a sign that you’re pushing yourself. But dripping with sweat even on an average day at office, or at a family brunch is less ideal and a lil bit perplexing. You must be thinking, why am I sweating like a pig? Are you sweating more than normal? Having a shirt stained with sweat is a sure way to lose confidence, be on a date or a meeting! What exactly is Sweat? And What Sweating does? Sweating also known as perspiration. Sweating controls your body temperature. It’s the body’s inherent way of cooling itself down. Why do people smell after they sweat? Sweat itself does not have any odor. It contains 99% water, 1% is salt, protein and fat-based metabolites. The bacteria present in the skin cells causes the breakdown of protein, in the sweat leading to body odor. Even if you do sweat profusely, you do not have to deal with body odour. What is hyperhidrosis? Abnormal, unpredictable and excessive sweating is Hyperhidrosis. This can be caused due to Hormones, Emotions like Anxiety & Stress, Physical Activity, Pregnancy, Diabetes, Menopause, Thyroid, Drugs / medication and few other reasons. You can have excessive sweating in  Palms  Feet  Under Arms  Face  Scalp  Neck  Legs  Buttocks  Groin  Chest When do people first notice excessive sweating? Most people first notice excessive sweating during their teen and pre – teen years. As their body’s metabolism changes or their hormones levels increase. What are the treatment options for excessive sweating? There are lot of medical treatments for excessive sweating like:  Antiperspirants  Oral Drugs  Botox Injections  Iontophoresis treatment  Laser treatment on the other had I would still recommend doing this the Natural way ! What are the 5-ways approach to treat excessive sweating naturally 1. Diet modifications – Avoid foods which cause sweating · Cut back on spicy wings, meats and curries · Pepper contains capsaicin a compound that stimulates nerve receptors causing you sweating more · Avoid Garlic - although it does not make you perspire. The volatile organic compounds in the spice are more likely to make your sweat smell like ammonia · Keep yourself hydrated – drink plenty of water 2. Lifestyle modifications · sleep at least 6 – 7 hours at night · work in a well-ventilated room · prefer cold water baths · wear light, flowing natural fabrics like cotton, hemp or bamboo · skip the booze 3. Stress management · try to take long slow breaths during anxiety and panic attacks · practice Pranayama · manage your temper · count on happy thoughts 4. Home remedies · Soak 10 raisins in a bowl of water overnight and have on an empty stomach each morning · After meals, have a teaspoon of amla churna [powdered Indian gooseberry] with jaggery [gur] · add 10 – 12 drops of jasmine oil / lavender oil or rose water in your bathing water · take tomato juice often - as it regulates sweat glands · soak a sponge / clean cloth in apple cider vinegar and compress under arm pits 5. Ayurvedic treatment · padmakadi kashaya [decoction] · sarivadi vati [tablet] · saptamrita loha · sariva powder one teaspoon after each meal · manjistha powder one teaspoon after each meal Now let’s make a simple Home Remedy for sweaty underarms: Step 1: one teaspoon each of lemon juice Step 2: baking soda in a small bowl Step 3: Make a Paste Step 4: apply this paste in the armpits with a cotton pad Step 5: let it sit for about 20- 30 minutes Step 6: rinse off with water This is one such effective remedy, which can control the problem of excessive sweating of your underarms to a large extent. If you have sensitive skin or need help or advice Visit an Ayurvedic Skin Consultant or Dermatologist or a Skin Specialist #Skincare #Perspiration #oversweating #excessivesweating #summerskintips Issued in Public Interest by Dr Swati Watwani, an Ayurvedic Skin Care Specialist www.persianlily.com

“ MIND OVER MATTER “ they say ,but in the course of our daily life we often forget that mind really matters. For the past few years of dealing with patients having various skin and hair concerns in the widest sense, I have addressed that 60% of people seeking treatment for skin and hair problems have significant stress issues in their life . Skin problems can affect a lot more than your face and body . Emotional issues can not only trigger your skin problems but also keep the most sophisticated treatments from working properly . when people with persistent ECZEMA( the crackled ,dry and itchy skin ) ,STUBBORN ACNE (pimples) , CHRONIC PSORIASIS(scaly and flaky skin),RECURRENT HERPES(shingles)and VITILIGO( white patches) present me their underlined skin conditions and even after been treated with best of the emollients ,lotions,creams and all the wonder drugs like steroids and vitamin A derivatives ,many skin suffers have been cured,yet some are not ! Understanding physiology of skin beyond symptoms : Skin is also an organ of body just as heart ,liver and kidneys . Just as stress can make your heart beat faster and blood pressure rise ,fear makes your skin turn pale and embarrassment can make you skin blush, ones skin is constantly utilized consciously or subconsciously as an outlet to relieve tension. Emotional conflicts ,anxieties ,and other stresses can trigger and aggravate your skin problems. The fact is ,No one is immune to emotional stress. One fine morning while sitting in veranda sipping up my coffee ,stirring up my thoughts as well ,I reminded myself a simple principle of both ancient and forgotten that MIND AND BODY functions as a unit in both health and disease. since they cannot be separated into two different entities, to treat one and not another is often fraught with failure ,a combined therapeutic approach is often needed for complete relief from many chronic skin disorders. You all know the law of conservation of matter and energy ,they can be neither be created nor can be destroyed only can be converted from one form to another . Emotion a kind of psychic energy obeys the same law ,shut anger,sadness or frustration out of the door and they will come back from the window or often through the body . And that is why your heart - attacks ,asthma - gasps ,eczema - weeps ,psoriasis - sheds off . HERE ARE SOME HEARTBREAKING PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PSYCOSOCIAL IMPACTS SIGNIFICANTLY SEEN IN PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM CHRONIC SKIN AILMENTS . 1. ACNE AND SOCIAL PHOBIA . Since the age of adolescence is a time of identity formation ,social phobia is observed very commonly in patients of acne ,Social interaction during the years of adolescence is of great importance and that’s why patients often tend to develop severe ACNE EXCORIE(a form of acne which develops specifically after picking up pimples on day to day basis ) , Skin under stress produces more sebum(oily discharge ) which contributes to clogged pores and aggravates acne . Having acne as a teenager isn’t just a cosmetic issue ,they can also massively affect your self esteem(especially in females ) .Apart from social phobia these patients are often tend to express more annoyance and social withdrawal .In india women still believe that physical attractiveness increases the ability to secure jobs and form more physically and emotionally secured relationships . 2. ECZEMA AND STRAINED FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS . Family relationships are found to become strained when a person has eczema ,People with eczema look and feel different .In older age groups when physical appearance and attractiveness becomes increasingly important ,chronically inflamed ,crackled ,dry and itchy skin is perceived unattractive and can cause much anxiety and depression .Sleeplessness due to scratching ,which specially worsens at night leads to fatigue and increase psychological distress, these patients often feel a perpetual burden that there is a need to find measures to hide their disorder either by makeup or clothing .Due to the permanency and higher symptom visibility of eczema , this as a whole is seen to affect their family and other family relationships . 3. VITILIGO AND DIMINISHED POTENTIAL OF PURSUING A QUALITATIVE MARRIED LIFE . Vitiligo leads to a serious sense of disfigurement and dis-empowerment .In asian societies patients are not only found to face rejection from family and society ,but also develop a ruined or weakened sense of identity .In Saudi Arabia ,vitiligo is still considered as contagious .In India vitiligo is considered as one of the major barrier to marriage ,due to which many patients do not disclose the disorder to their spouses before marriage for the fear of rejection ,Even after marriage in law conflicts are not so uncommon ,and worst of all there are still female patients being reported on daily basis (especially in rural areas ) who are encouraged to divorce if she was not cured. As a result depression is a serious repercussion of the disease ,suicidal indentation is seen as a consequence of the emotional burden inflicted upon the patients especially the females who particularly coped poorly with the treatment. 4 . PSORIASIS AND WORK LIFE IMPAIRMENT . Patients of psoriasis face both physical and psycosocial impairment , which affects their quality of work life ,Especially in patients suffering from palmoplantar psoriasis (a chronic form of psoriasis which mainly affects the palms and soles ),which interferes with their daily activities due to the pain caused while using their hands and feet which affects the work productivity ,economic stand point thus leading to limitations on the inflow of income which may cause stress and disruption among the family . People with psoriasis are still asked to leave swimming pools due the stigma that its infectious and might spread to other people as well.The effect of psoriasis is often reflected in the multidimensional impact of the disease encompassing work difficulties and social limitations along with family dysfunction . Just as psychotherapists have learned to psychologically lower down the blood pressure and so do all the yoga and meditation experts . Here are a few tricks and techniques i share below which can help to make your mind your skin’s ally rather than its enemy . Proper sleep – A good sleep is key to a healthy immune system ,and also an important factor in treating skin conditions . Think more water and less sugar – pile your plate with plants ,veggies ,fruits and fish to keep mood disorders ,depression and chronic skin issues at bay Time spent well – spending some time doing the things you enjoy the most like chatting with a friend or visting your favourite place ,enjoying your favourite meal also can tame tension and raise levels of feel good brain chemicals called endorphins . Exercise – atleast 3 times a week plays a very important role in boosting your mood which inturn helps to ease your symptoms . Mindfulness and Guided relaxation – sessions which help you to built skills to manage stress and explore ways to deal with physical and emotional pain. Yoga and Breathing exercises – powerful tool for preventing the onset of depressed mood and anxiety . Journaling – writing is a powerful way to focus your thoughts . Habit reversal – it mainly involves the process which helps to reduce or break the habits which are worsening your skin conditions such as over scratching of skin or picking up the skin lesions. (preferably done with the help of a therapist ) Visual imagery –visualizing positive emotional scenarios elicts stronger and more positive reactions on mind . Cognitive behaviorial therapy – a form of talk therapy focused on watching for negative thought patterns to change your feelings and behavior. You can also ask your doctor to recommend a therapist for the same . "Don't Let Your Mind Bully Your Skin"