LIGHTENING OF ACNE SCARS

Acne has become a problematic skin condition for many people. A pimple that comes from nowhere becomes very annoying and frustrating but the situation gets worse when it leaves behind a dark spot or scar. American Academy of dermatology considers acne scarring as a part of the healing process where skin tries to correct what has been damaged by the breakout. The process involves the production of collagen that enables the skin to be renewed.

Some of the people are lucky enough to have spots after the breakout that come and go without leaving a scar. But for most people, these scars become quite stubborn and lead to an emotional toll, and ultimately become the reason for self-consciousness and embarrassment.

Are you wondering how to regain your clear skin and get rid of these scars? Nothing to be worried about as there are several ways you can follow to lighten them. You just need to be consistent as all of these treatment options take time to work.

Let’s go through the process of lightening the acne scars!

Sunscreen is a Must

The very first rule of thumb is to get a good sunscreen to apply. Many dermatologists have agreed upon the fact that visible light and UV rays coming from the sun further darken the acne spots. Also, if you are on acne treatment that mostly involves ingredients likesalicylic acidand retinoid, your skin becomes more prone and vulnerable to UV rays and sunburns. Therefore, it is very necessary to wear sunscreen on daily basis. However, the sunscreen you are choosing for your acne-prone skinshould be non-greasy, lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic (do not clog pores). The wrong product can even aggravate the situation. Therefore, use a sunscreen recommended by your dermatologist.

Ingredients that can help lighten acne scars

There are some powerful ingredients you can use, that are proven to lighten the stubborn acne scars:

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidantthat neutralizes free radicals and reduces redness. Its healing properties accelerate the production of collagen and increase the cell turn over thus lightening the scars.

Retinol

Topical retinol or retinoid is very helpful in lightening acne scars as it blocks inflammation, lessens acne lesions, and speeds up cell regeneration. The production of new cells fades the acne marks and thus helps in preventing hyperpigmentation.

Azelaic acid

It is a natural acid found in grains like wheat and barley. It has been found very helpful in treating acne and its scars. It works by reducing inflammation, clearing pores, and increasing cell turnover so that your skin goes on the verge of quick healing reducing the acne marks

Niacinamide

Niacinamide is another ingredient you can look up to for fading your acne scars. It treats post-acne hyperpigmentation by obstructing the transfer of melanin to the surface of the skin. Unlike other products is very soothing and not affected by light, oxidizers, or moisture.

PIH or PIE

The time is taken and the effectiveness of the product also depends on the type and nature of scars. It can be post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) causing brown or black marks usually in people with dark skin tone and Post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) producing red marks in people with light skin tone. Identifying the right scar and treating it accordingly is very important. There is no shortcut to clearing acne scars but a long process, which depends upon the efficiency of serum you are applying, the current condition of your acne, and your age. Overall, for any good product, it takes a minimum of 3 to 6 months to heal your acne and fade the scars. So do not rush and be consistent!

Some people opt to go through a clinical process to treat their scars, which involves a laser, chemical peeling, fillers, micro-needling (collagen induction therapy), injections, surgery, etc. However, it may become unaffordable for many. A proper skincare routine including sunscreen and a good product with ingredients mentioned above can do the same and handle the acne effectively and affordably. It is worth mentioning here to avoid physical exfoliators rather than chemical exfoliators as mentioned above as physical exfoliation can worsen the marks by even darkening them, also it can be very harsh for the skin.

eSIMs: How to activate yours

If you’re the owner of a smartphone released in the last year or two, it’s likely that your phone is fitted with an eSIM. If you’re unsure what eSIMs are, don’t worry as you’re not alone. Millions of smartphone users around the world are holding a device that has its very own virtual SIM card built inside that helps them connect to cellular services – and they don’t even know it!

What are eSIMs?

eSIM is a chip embedded inside a range of devices that can either replace an existing SIM card, or act as a companion to it. A bit like a regular SIM, users can purchase cellular plans that activate the SIM with services like voice, SMS and data. And just like a regular SIM card, a user can choose from a whole host of network providers and deals.

However, an eSIM is activated in a totally different way to a regular SIM card. Unlike purchasing a physical SIM card from a network operator like Vodafone, users can download their mobile service over the internet and activate their eSIM at any time. The plan will even work concurrently with a user’s regular SIM card, meaning there’s no need to remove an existing SIM.

Although a user can only have one physical SIM card loaded into a phone at a time, they can actually store as many eSIM plans as they like within the single embedded SIM. They can switch easily between network providers and offerings, always making sure they have the best deal possible.

Why use an eSIM?

There are many uses for eSIMs, but the most common is to support cheap communication while traveling overseas. As an eSIM chip can be reprogrammed to any participating mobile network provider around the world, users are no longer tied to expensive roaming charges applied by their regular operator. Instead, those with an eSIM-enabled device can find and download a cost-effective plan for their chosen location – whether that be from a local operator or an eSIM designed for travel.

Other uses for eSIM include:

Adding a second line to your handset and enjoying a personal and business line on one device
Being able to access multiple networks to enjoy stronger coverage in your area
Connecting other devices to the internet. i.e. tablets or wearables

Where do you buy eSIMs?

eSIMs can be bought through participating traditional Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) like Verizon, T&T or O2, or through Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) who own online eSIM stores. However, no two eSIM plans are the same and offerings will vary depending on whom you choose to purchase from.

MNO plans are popular for a number of reasons:

A user wishes to switch their regular plan over to an eSIM plan
A user wishes to add a second line to their device from the same operator
When overseas, they want to download an eSIM plan from a local MNO to benefit from local-rates
So, why is there a demand for stores that sell eSIMs online? What is the difference?

Instant download – customers buy online and can activate their plan immediately
Often cheaper than domestic MNOs, with the same level of coverage (or more)
Greater variety of plans and packages available – everything from data-only bundles to global plans with voice, SMS and data services
Generally less commitment and greater flexibility – no lengthy contracts
Regardless of where you choose to purchase your eSIM from, the plan is activated over-the-air and completed by scanning a provided QR code which is sent to you via email or in the post. Users scan the QR code using the guidelines provided and then follow the instructions given by your phone manufacturer. Set-up is done in a matter of seconds.

eSIM devices list

Not sure if your smartphone is eSIM enabled? Here is a list of compatible eSIM-enabled handsets and laptops/tablets:

Handsets:

Apple’s iPhone 10, 11 and SE (2020) series’
Huawei’s P40 series’
Samsung’s S20 and Z Flip series’, Note 20+ and Galaxy Fold
Motorola Razar
Google Pixel 3 and 4 series’
Tablets and PCs:

Apple’s iPad Mini (5th gen.), iPad (7th gen.), iPad Air (3rd gen.), 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd gen.), 11-inch iPad Pro
Windows 10 devices

In the coming years, it is expected that up to 60% of all smartphone sales will be eSIM-enabled, making it the norm to download your mobile service over the internet. If you already have an eSIM-compatible device in your hand, why not activate a plan today?

Naturopathic Medicine for the 21st Century

Human health influences every other aspect and area of human life; thus, it is essential to maintain human health. Over the years, several procedures, techniques, and ideas have been developed to maintain human health. These techniques, procedures, and ideas include therapy, surgeries, medicines, and more.

Human health consists of various aspects, including the mental, physical, and emotional aspects. The various health techniques and ideas that have evolved address these aspects of human health, with some of the techniques more focused on one aspect. The place where these health techniques and ideas are readily available is at hospitals.

In the 21st century, the evolution of techniques and ideas used in maintaining human health is classified into Conventional Medicine and Naturopathic Medicine. Conventional medicine involves using chemicals to maintain human health, while naturopathic medicine involves using natural materials to maintain human health.

However, naturopathic medicine is receiving more attention in the 21st century compared to conventional medicine. Various factors have contributed to the growth of naturopathic medicine, and this article will highlight them.

Brief History on Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic medicine cannot be said to have one origin; however, the use of naturopathic medicine was predominantly practiced in the East. This practice was born from the belief that the body has the innate ability to heal itself from any disease instead of conventional medicine that was predominant in the west. Naturopathic Medicine started gaining attention worldwide when people sought a form of treatment with little or no side effects.

Factors that Has Influenced the Growth of Naturopathic Medicine

The factors below highlight why naturopathic medicine is receiving more attention than conventional medicine in the 21st century. These factors are:

Side effects: The primary reason why conventional medicines have side effects is that most people react differently to a type of chemical treatment. However, naturopathic medicine eliminates these side effects by having a nutritionist therapist prescribe a form of natural treatment suitable for each person. The naturopathic therapist gets to know the patients to offer naturopathic consultation effectively.
Function: Yes, conventional and herbal medicine help maintain human health, but one of these medicines suppresses the symptoms. This means that these symptoms can reoccur if triggered. This is the case with conventional medicine, but naturopathic medicines function differently. Naturopathic medicines help the body build antibodies to combat any occurring symptoms. This makes the body overcome the disease with no trace of those symptoms recurring.
Safety: Naturopathic treatments follow three precepts to ensure patients’ safety. These precepts have formed the basis for any naturopathic medicine created. These precepts are low-risk procedures, healing compounds, dietary supplements and herbal extracts, and hygiene.
Principles that Guide Naturopathic Medicine

This form of medicine has been this effective because of specific principles. These principles are:

Self-healing: Naturopathic medicine understands that the body can heal itself; thus, it strives to remove any barriers to the body healing itself.
Habits: The body reacts to every activity or habit we engage in; hence, the need to be mindful of our habits.
Diet: Naturopathic medicine emphasizes eating healthy.
Conclusion

Naturopathic medicine is the only form of medicine that addresses all aspects of human health; thus, making it the most sought-after form of treatment. This article explained what naturopathic medicine is about.