Archive for December, 2011

Remove Acne Scars with Tamarind

How to Reduce Acne Scars and Dark Spots

Scars caused by common acne or chickenpox can be very annoying. We are very often asked whether Tamarind can reduce scars on the face and other parts of the body, or even completely remove them. Since generations tamarind extract is used to treat various health disorders, such as burns, common cold, digestion problems, fever and even more uncommon diseases such as scurvy and dysentery. Tamarind extract contains different enzymes, fibers, Vitamin B & C and is especially high in alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) which is well-known for removing dead skin cells. And it is also proven that the AHAs from the Tamarind can reduce acne scars and remove dark spots.

Natural Fruit Acids from the Tamarind fruit

Alpha Hydroxy Acids are natural fruit acids. Whether retrieved from Tamarind or other sources, AHA can be found in various skin care products including, body lotions, facial masks, creams, body scrubs, moisturizers, cleansers and peels. AHA-containing products come in various concentrations. Products sold to consumers do usually contains less than 10% AHA, while trained cosmetologists are able to handle up to 30% and doctors even 50-70%. However, the higher the acid concentration, the more skin irritations can occur, up to severe redness and flaking skin.

How do the Tamarind Natural Acids reduce the Acne Scars?

When skin is injured (e.g. due to acne spots or chickenpox), the fibroblasts generate a fiber-like protein called “collagen” in order to close the wound. This collagen fibers, more numerous than in normal skin and haphazardly arranged, make up most part of the scar tissue and give it its appearance. Like the normal skin, scars change over time, for instance some simply fade, while others gradually change colour or shape.

As mentioned earlier, AHA can be used to remove dead skin cells. Used in combination with a peel or scrub, it is similar to microdermabrasion, i.e. the top layer of skin is peeled off, making scars less noticeable and improve the appearance. Usually these products have to be used continuously for several months before a real difference can be noticed.
Whether the acne scars can only be reduced or even completely removed depends mainly on the kind of acne scars and their age. Dermatologists classify depressed acne scars into different categories and names, such as “Ice Pick” or “Pock Marks” scars (saucer-shaped depression, usually with indentation in the skin’s surface) or “Box Car” scars (angular scars, either superficial or deep, similar to chickenpox). AHA products generally only treat these kinds of depressed acne scars. However, it usually works for both new and old scars, though older scars may take longer to improve. Important: New scars can only be treated if the wound is completely healed, i.e. no open area, oozing or scabs.
That AHA-containing creams can effectively treat acne scarring is also scientifically proven and backed by
different medial researches (e.g. study of the journal “Dermatology” in 2007 or the “International Journal of Dermatology” in 2000).

Reduce Dark Spots with Tamarind

Dark spots (also known as age spots or sun spots) are areas where the skin produces more pigments than the rest. Similar to scars, they influence the looking of a person but are usually not of a health concern. Here the natural acids in Tamarind can also help to fade darkened areas working as a natural skin peel. If used continuously the process removes the darkened skin until new light skin emerges.

We at Body Delights are aware of the benefits of natural Tamarind extract and use it in our facial skin care products (Tamarind Herbal Foam Facial Scrub) and body scrubs ( Tamarind and Honey Herbal Body Scrub and Tamarind Salt Body Scrub). Visit our website www.bsc-teknik.com for a full range of Tamarind and other herbal containing skin care products.

Tamarind homemade face mask recipe

This simple Tamarind facial can be done daily:
- take a handful of tamarind pulp, add 100 ml of water and knead until thick
- rub gently on the scarred section and let dry, then rinse with water
or
- take some mashed turmeric and mix with tamarind pulp/wate.
- apply a mask, let stand for 20 minutes, then rinse with water

What is tamarind?

Tamarind, indigenous to tropical areas, is a bushy tree with evergreen leaves. The Tamarind fruit is about 10-15cm in length and has a juicy and fleshy pulp which is sweet and slightly sour in taste. The fruit contains protein, minerals, fats, fibre plus carbohydrates, and is high in acids (incl. Alpha Hydroxy Acids), vitamin B & C and even calcium. It is also used cook jams, syrups, barbecue and the famous Worcestershire sauces.

Fact: AHA and sunscreen

we are often asked for Tamarind and AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) in sunscreen products. AHA is only effective at a certain certain pH value (e.g. in a 6-8% concentration at pH of 3-4), where in contrast sunscreen is not stable. Therefore AHA and sunscreen do not work well together. Moreover, because alpha hydroxy acid increases sensitivity to the sun, sunscreen has to be applied when using AHA products, or better do not expose to the sun at all.

What is SLS? SLS is “Sodium Lauryl Sulfate”, a chemical foaming agent and one of the most common ingredients in soaps, toothpastes and especially shampoos that give us all the foam that we associate with clean. It is thought by many to be harmless, but in fact it is not! It can irritate eyes and skin, and it is proven, for instance, that SLS in toothpaste can cause damage to gums and mouth. If used in shampoo, SLS dries the scalp and can cause damage to the hair follicles. Consequence: dandruff and possible loss of hair. But there are alternatives to SLS, e.g. glycerin, a natural by-product of the soapmaking process, offers a sensitivity free alternative which is safe and good for your skin and hair.
Our Shampoos are free of SLS. In addition they do contain different natural extracts to nourish the hair. The red and brown Henna extracts in our Henna Herbal Shampoo nourishes the hair root cells and helps lightening the hair naturally while softly invigorating its color.
The anthocyanin in the Khao Si Nin Shampoo has been formulated to strengthen the blood vessels, stimulate blood circulation at the root of the hair, while providing a useful layer of protection against UV rays.
And if you want to eliminate dandruff naturally and effectively, try the Kaffir Lime Shampoo. This product contains extracts of kaffir lime to aid in the prevention of dandruff and itchiness of the scalp.