Tag: lifestyle

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Beauty

Everything About Bacne.

What exactly is bacne? Bacne is short for back acne which is simply acne (similar to the acne on your face) on your back. Just like the face your back carries oil cells, dead skin and bacteria. This can lead to clogged and inflamed pores causing breakouts. The back also easily builds up sweat. Which makes it more susceptible to breakouts. 

There are also different types of bacne. These include whiteheads (a closed pore clogged with oil, dead skin cells, hair follicles or bacteria). Blackheads (similar to a whitehead, a closed pore clogged with oil, dead skin cells, hair follicles or bacteria). Cystic acne (acne that occurs beneath the skin typically red, painful or swollen). Papules (raised bumps on the skin that do not contain pus). Pustules (small bumps on the skin caused by oil, dead skin cells, hair follicles or bacteria typically filled with pus). 

Unfortunately there are a couple different things that can cause bacne. One of the main causes of bacne is hormones or excessive oil. Much like regular acne one of the main causes of bacne is hormones. If you’re going through puberty or on your period you may notice you have more bacne than usual. This is because hormones produce extra oil in the skin which in turn clothes the pores causing acne. 

Clothing can also cause bacne. Friction from the clothes or laundry detergents could be causing you acne. Clothes can also be causing you acne by trapping sweat or dead skin cells on your skin. 

Unfortunately another cause of bacne could simply be genetics. Just like you can inherent acne on your face or in other parts of your body you can inherent acne on your back. 

Lastly is not cleaning your back enough/not cleaning it properly. As mentioned before sweat and dead skin cells are a big cause of acne. This is why washing your skin can help prevent bacne. It is especially important to wash your skin after exercising. 

So how can you prevent and cure bacne? Luckily bacne can be treated and there are a few things you can do to prevent it. To prevent bacne it’s important that you don’t leave on sweaty clothes/shower after doing something that could cause sweat. Wearing breathable clothing especially when exercising is another simple way to prevent your bacne. Much like clothing backpack straps can also cause bacne, when possible avoid backpacks or anything that can cause friction in that area. Another thing to avoid when it comes to bacne is tanning. It may seem like a tan can improve your acne and make it less noticeable however tanning can increase the pigment and leave the scars longer. 

There’s also a couple of treatments for bacne, one of the best treatments recommended by dermatologists is acne medicated face/body wash. Some ingredients to look for in these cleansers are salicylic acid/benzoyl peroxide. Both salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are great treatments for any type of acne. You can also use a treatment with these ingredients if the body wash isn’t for you. 

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Beauty

What is fungal acne, and how to treat it?

Fungal acne is a struggle for many because it’s hard to not only diagnose but also treat. The challenge with fungal acne is that it looks very similar to regular acne. Fungal acne is caused by an overgrowth of yeast also known as pityrosporum folliculitis. This shows on the skin in a form of small bumps similar to pimples. 

So what exactly is fungal acne? Fungal acne is a specific type of papular acne. Although fungal acne can seem very similar to regular acne luckily there are a few ways you can differentiate the two. Firstly fungal acne typically shows up in clusters rather than on its own as well as this typically regular acne shows up in different shapes and sizes while fungal acne typically appears as small uniform red bumps. Fungal acne typically shows up on the back or chest but it can appear on the face. When it is on the face it is typically on the forehead or near the mouth area. It is also typically itchy even more so than regular acne. 

So what exactly causes fungal acne and how do you prevent it? Luckily it’s once you know how it’s quite easy to avoid fungal acne. One of the number one causes of fungal acne is heat and humidity. People who live in hotter climates are more likely to have fungal acne, this is because the yeast that causes fungal acne thrives in humid environments. 

Another big cause of fungal acne is sweat. It’s pretty common knowledge to shower after a workout but your sweat isn’t just making you feel gross it could also be causing fungal acne. Since yeast can be contagious, contact with others who have fungal acne can also cause you to gain it.


Unfortunately, normal acne treatments don’t typically work on fungal acne. The good news is that once you spot it there are a couple of different ways you can treat it. One of the most popular treatments for fungal acne is actually dandruff shampoo. As surprising as it is many people have actually had great results treating their fungal acne by using anti-dandruff shampoo on their faces. This is because most anti-dandruff shampoo includes an ingredient called selenium sulfide. Selenium sulfide has antifungal properties. Another somewhat odd treatment for fungal acne is honey. Honey also has strong anti-fungal properties, putting straight honey on your face in areas with acne is a super-easy way to help fungal acne. Showering/washing your face more regularly can also help to prevent the yeast build-up that causes fungal acne. Other over the counter antifungal treatments are also a great way to treat fungal acne.

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Beauty Lifestyle Nutrition

A Complete Guide To Almond Oil In Skincare.

Almond oil as it seems is an amazing ingredient made from almonds. It is a great ingredient not just for skincare but also for general health. Almond oil has been used for centuries in ancient Chinese culture, primarily for skin care. Almond oil can treat dry skin/soothe skin and clear scars and imperfections in the skin. There are two types of Almond oil, sweet almond oil and bitter almond oil. Sweet Almond oil is the type that is advised for skincare. The difference between the two almond oils is that sweet almond oil is considered to be a fixed oil, meanwhile bitter almond oil is considered an essential oil. 

Almond oil is a great soothing product for the skin. It reduces things like itchiness, scarring, swelling, or even clinical issues such as eczema. Almond oil also contains anti-inflammatory and immunity boosting properties almond oil can also benefit your body’s cholesterol. Cosmetically almond oil can also reduce puffiness, improve complexion/give your skin a glowing look, clear up and prevent acne and reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks. It can also even be used as a cleanser. This is because almond oil breaks up dirt and makeup and also gets rid of toxins in the skin and opens the pores. 

Almond oil has tons of different nutrients that make it so wonderful for the skin. Almond oil contains Vitamin A which contains retinol helps skin regeneration and production of new skin cells, Vitamin E which helps protect skin against harmful UV rays and prevents skin cell damage, zinc which is great for clearing acne and acne scars which is great because it is less harsh than most acne treatments, and lastly Omega 3- fatty acids which prevent sun damage and premature aging. Although almond oil has little disadvantages it is important to avoid almond oil if you have a nut allergy as putting it on your skin is just as bad as consuming it.  

Along with being good for the skin almond oil also has many benefits for the hair. Much like the skin almond oil has great hydrating benefits for the hair. This helps the hair look shiny and feel soft. It can also help hair grow stronger, become less likely to break and become less prone to split ends. 

Another great thing about almond oil is that it works for all skin types. Almond oil is even good for oily skin. This is because not only is almond oil lighter than most oils but also as stated before almond oil can clean out clogged pores. It is also amazing for dry skin because it is so hydrating and soothing. But that’s not all almond oil is also great for acne prone and normal skin.

Using sweet almond oil is also super easy. Almond oil is great because you can just use it on its own rather than buying a product with the ingredient in it. Using almond oil is as simple as dropping some on your hands and rubbing it on your face when you would use the moisturizer in your routine once or twice a day.

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Beauty

Everything You Need To Know About Benzoyl Peroxide

If you struggle with acne you’ve probably heard of the ingredient benzoyl peroxide before. Benzoyl peroxide is supposed to be a great product for not only getting rid of acne but also preventing breakouts before they even come. In fact benzoyl peroxide works so well that it has become the top skincare product for preventing and removing acne. 

So what exactly is benzoyl peroxide? Benzoyl peroxide is an organic acid in the peroxide family. Benzoyl peroxide can work on all types of acne but it specifically targets inflammatory and cystic acne. These are the more pussy and big types of acne. Although benzoyl peroxide also works to clear acne scars and dark spots on the skin, by peeling away the layer of skin that shows the scaring. Benzoyl peroxide works so well because it contains keratolytic, moderate comedolytic, and antibacterial properties these properties help to fight P.acnes. However if you are struggling from only whiteheads and blackheads benzoyl peroxide may not be the best ingredient for your skin, because it can be drying and irritating.  

The way benzoyl peroxide works is by killing and preventing bacteria from growing, works similarly to an exfoliator by removing dead skin cells and removes excess oil and shrinks your oil glands. Now benzoyl peroxide may seem great however there are some downfalls. Firstly benzoyl peroxide can be very drying especially to people with sensitive or dry skin. This is why its recommended only to use one form of benzoyl peroxide twice a day, although for some it may be better to use it only a few times a week. Benzoyl peroxide can also decrease the effect of Vitamin C in your skincare routine. 

Benzoyl peroxide comes in many different products and forms. The most popular form is in a face wash. Benzoyl peroxide face wash can also be used on other places on the body and not just the face. You can use benzoyl peroxide face wash on your back, arms, bottom or basically anywhere else you have acne. 

Another popular form of benzoyl peroxide is a spot treatment. As mentioned before benzoyl peroxide removes bacteria and excess oil from the skin. Things like oil and bacteria are what feeds acne so removing these can stop acne from getting worse. Aswell as this it also works to unclog pores removing the cause of the acne.  

Benzoyl peroxide also comes in a toner form. One of the plus sides of a benzoyl peroxide toner is that you have more control over where you apply it. You can apply it everywhere which is great  for preventing acne and breakouts before it comes however if you have sensitive or dry skin you can apply similar to a spot treatment only in areas that already have acne. 

You can also apply benzoyl peroxide in a lotion or moisturizer form. The lotion similar to the toner is nice because it can be applied everywhere both preventing and getting rid of acne. This can also be helpful for people with dry skin if the benzoyl peroxide is combined with a moisturizing lotion to help keep moisturized while still removing excess oil. 

So is benzoyl peroxide the best acne ingredient? Benzoyl peroxide has always been a popular ingredient along with salicylic acid. Which one is better is still a debate and the truth is it really just depends on your skin to know which one works best. While benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are similar they work differently. Salicylic acid exfoliates components that can lead to acne-causing bacteria. Benzoyl peroxide works by killing bacteria that are already there and preventing bacteria from forming. In the end, it is best to experiment with both products and discover which works best for you.

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Lifestyle Wellness

Benefits Of Lavander Essential Oil.

Essential oils have been used since around 4500 BC but they have been trending more recently, because of their many different health benefits. Lavender essential oil is one of the more popular essential oils. Lavender not only smells amazing but has many different benefits too. 

  1. Promotes good sleep

Sleep is super important to a healthy lifestyle. Some people find it hard to fall asleep at night, no matter what they do. If you’re one of those people or anyone having a hard time falling asleep at night try lavender oil before bed.This happens because lavender communicates with the neurotransmitter to help induce calm and quiet in the brain. Helps ease headaches and migraines

Lavender is a super easy and quick way to ease headaches and migraines. Studies show that just a few quick whiffs of lavender oil can put headaches at ease.

  1. Reduces stress/treats anxiety

Lavender has been mainly known for its anxiety easing benefits. Similar to how it increases sleep quality, smelling lavender actually stimulates the nose to send a message to your brain to calm down. Lavender is a great way to calm down when you’re feeling stressed.

  1. Treats fungal infections

Lavender had antioxidant, antimicrobial and antispasmodic properties all in which are good for treating fungus and fungal infections. Lavender oil and other essential oils like it damage the cell membrane of the fungus. 

  1. Wound healing

If you have a burn, bite, cut or scrape lavender is a great way to treat it. Lavender has anti-inflammatory properties as well as this it promotes growth of skin tissue. However keep in mind when using lavender on the skin and especially on wounds, be sure to dilute it with a carrier oil.

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Lifestyle Movement

15 Minute Ab Workout

When it comes to doing ab workouts there are so many different exercises and moves you can do to work your core. This is great because it means everyone can find a way they like to get their core workout in, but the downside is it’s hard to know which moves are best and come up with a routine. Although everyone is different this is my favorite ab workout. 

My tip every ab workout is to engage your core, so that you’re really working your muscles. While this sounds complicated or maybe even confusing, it’s quite simple. All you have to do is suck in your stomach. This is a similar motion to what happens when you laugh, so if you’re confused next time you laugh take note of how your stomach feels. 

15 minute ab workout routine

  • High plank 30 sec
  • Low plank 30 sec
  • Spiderman plank/knee to elbow plank 10rep on each side
  • Standard crunch 20 rep
  • Russian twist 10 rep 
  • Bicycle crunch 10 rep
  • Standard crunch 20 rep
  • In and out 10 rep
  • Bicycle crunch 10 rep
  • Hip dips 20 rep
Categories
Lifestyle

8 Things You May Not Realize Are Causing You Stress

Stress is unfortunately very common for most people. Sometimes getting rid of stress feels impossible so before you try to release stress, try changing or removing these 8 things that may be causing you extra stress without you even noticing or realizing it. 

  1. Lack of movement

Working out has more benefits than just getting in shape. It can actually decrease feelings of stress and anxiety by producing endorphins in the brain, which act as natural pain killers. When you’re feeling anxious it may be a sign to get in a workout or even just go for a walk.

  1. Caffeine 

Unfortunately your daily cup of morning coffee may be doing more harm than good. Studies have shown that caffeine increases cortisol, the stress hormone.

  1. Too much time of a computer or phone

It’s not news that social media can cause tons of extra stress and anxiety but this isn’t the only down to online time the blue lights in phones and computers can even add extra stress.

  1. Dehydration

This one is probably not a surprise for most. Water is super important for all kinds of bodily function and too little of it causes the body to produce extra cortisol. 

  1. Lack of sleep

Sleep is extremely important, studies have shown that even the slightest bit of sleep deprivation and bad quality sleep can cause extra stress.  

  1. An unclean work space

A clutter and mess especially in your work space leads to many issues. Clutter makes it hard to relax and focus on what we need to be working on. 

  1. Uneven diet

Food is another key component in a healthy lifestyle. Eating too much junk food or cortisol increasing foods such as sugar and caffeine can increase stress. 

  1. Not enough time outside

Similar to working out getting time outside releases endorphins and can immediately put stress at ease.

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Lifestyle Wellness

15 Things You Can Do To Decrease Stress

Everyone gets stressed every once and awhile, it’s almost impossible not to. However, it’s best to diffuse stress as soon as possible before it gets worse. While at the moment it might seem impossible to ease your stress however, luckily there are so many things you can do to decrease the feeling of stress. Below are some of my personal favorite things to do when I’m feeling stressed and anxious.

  1. Exercise

Exercise and just moving your body in general is great to just reset your focus on something else. Exercising also releases endorphins that reduce your perception of pain, these endorphins also trigger a positive feeling. Exercising can also be super easy, even a ten minute workout video can help!

  1. Meditate

Meditation has been known to diffuse stress and clear the mind. Meditation is another thing that can be super simple and easy. There are tons of apps and videos for guided meditation which are super great for beginners, meditation can also be super quick but the more time you meditate the better!

  1. Journal

Journaling can reduce stress by getting rid of negative thoughts. Writing your thoughts down on paper is a great way to clear your mind. When using journaling to reduce stress there are many different methods you can use, personally my favorite is to just start writing what I feel on a page. Although you can also do things such using prompts or state things you’re grateful for. 

  1. Deep breathing

While doing breathwork a message is sent to your brain to relax, this happens because you are doing what your body does when it is already in a relaxed state. There are tons of different types of breathwork but you can do something as simply as a few long breaths in and out. 

  1. Get a full night of sleep

Sleep is super important for almost every bodily function. When you’re feeling stressed it’s best to make time to get as much rest as possible. When you’re asleep your brain regulates and lowers negative emotions such as stress and anxiety. 

  1. Read

Reading is another great way to distract your mind from whatever is causing you stress. Reading is also a very calming and stress free activity. My blog about my favorite books will be linked here. 

  1. Take a bath

Taking a warm bath doesn’t just feel great but it also relieves stress in the brain. Being in a bath can reduce levels of pain and inflammation as well as calming your nervous system. Bonus points if you put essential oils in your bath, essential oils also have different stress relieving properties. My blog on my favorite stress relieving oils will be linked here, just be sure to dilute them with a carrier oil.

  1. Practice some self care

Self care can be something such as taking a bath or doing a face mask but it can also go so much further than that. There are tons of ways to do self care you can practice meditation, read or talk to a friend.

  1. Do a creative activity

Being creative is another one of those things that is great for just taking your mind away from whatever is worrying you. There are so many ways to be creative such as painting, dancing, writing and so much more which means everyone can find something creative they like to do. 

  1. Yoga

Yoga can reduce anxiety immediately as it combines exercise and breathwork, as well as this the poses and stances involved in yoga can stimulate power in the brain. If you don’t want to go to a studio to do yoga there are tons of yoga videos on youtube that you can do from home!

  1. Listen to music

Music is so effective to our minds, especially soothing slower music. There are lots of music playlists made specifically for stress reduction and some even include songs that are scientifically proven to have an effect of relaxation on the mind which is super cool!

  1. Laughter

Laughter has been scientifically proven to reduce the feeling of stress. Laughter can relax your muscles, improve your mood, soothe tension and so much more. So when you’re not feeling your best it may be a good idea to throw on a funny video or TV show. 

  1. Eat healthy

Eating foods such as vegetables, fruits and grains increase the release of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical that regulates your mood, happiness and anxiety. So eating healthy foods can basically make you happier. 

  1. Go outside

Personally, whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed or stressed going outside for even just a few minutes completely clears my mind and makes me feel so much better almost instantly. Going outside reduces levels of cortisol in one’s brain (cortisol is the chemical that produces stress). I would recommend going on a walk or simply sitting outside if you are feeling stressed.

  1. Talk to friends or a loved one

Talking through why you feel stress with someone you trust is a great way to relieve feelings of anxiety. Talking to friends boosts your executive function which is what makes us better problem solvers.