Tag Archives: natural skincare

Homemade Haircare For Sensitive Scalps

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Many shampoos and conditioners contain harsh chemicals and unpronounceable ingredients that can be bothersome to sensitive scalps, especially for those who have scalp conditions such as psoriasis. Treating yourself to natural spa-like ingredients every now and then can really help revitalize your hair and scalp. There are plenty of homemade shampoo ingredients just sitting on your pantry shelves waiting to be used – some may seem strange, but your hair will thank you for the break from synthetic concoctions.

Coconut Oil

Just as coconuts contain beneficial fatty acids, vitamins and minerals for your nutrition, they can also help fortify your hair. Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that can help reinvigorate dry hair and has also made headway in reducing discomfort from such scalp and skin disorders as eczema. You should check with your doctor before trying this if you have eczema just to make sure it is right for your particular condition. Massaging some warm liquid coconut oil into your scalp and hair helps those vitamins and minerals penetrate the scalp. You can leave the oil on for however long you wish before rinsing (use caution as it can stain materials and is slippery when spilled on the floor).

Avocado Hair Mask

Avocado is a great natural moisturizer, and can even help prevent or slow hair loss. A suggested method of application to get the full effects of avocados is to make a homemade hair mask. To do this, you can thoroughly mash one peeled avocado with either one egg or 1/4th a cup of olive oil (some squeeze in some citrus for good measure). Apply this mixture to your hair and scalp, and leave it on for 30-60 minutes. Once you wash it out, viola! Shiny, strong, conditioned hair!

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar boasts quite an impressive haircare resume. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, it can be used to help ease symptoms of psoriasis such as itching or burning sensations. Apple cider vinegar also acts as a natural disinfectant and helps remove residue left in your hair from years of product use. It is also a natural detangler! Mix equal parts water and vinegar and apply it to your hair and scalp using a spray bottle. Leave the mixture on for a few minutes then rinse it out. For best results, use this treatment every week for shiny, soft, clean hair. Apple cider vinegar works as a natural skincare product as well.

General Haircare Tips:

  • Peppermint and eucalyptis oil are also natural products used for hair health.
  • A list of scalp-friendly haircare products is available here for those who are bothered by standard shampoos and conditioners.
  • Use warm as opposed to hot water to wash your hair. Hot water strips not only your hair’s natural healthy oils, but can also strip color much quicker.
  • Unless your hair is very oily, you don’t need to wash it everyday because over-washing strips your hair of natural, healthy oils as well.
  • Many shampoos have harsh make-ups that gradually sap your hair of its lustre and strength. Tip? The fewer ingredients, the better. Use gentle shampoos such as baby shampoo, which is about as gentle as you can get in stores.
  • Try to refrain from using straighteners and hairdryers too frequently, it is best for your hair to let it dry naturally whenever you can do so.
  • It may seem cliché, but get a trim every month and a half or so.
  • Let your hair breathe, try to resist the urge to always stick it up in a knot as elastics can also damage your hair when used too often. If you have to put it up, use a silk tie.
  • When you swim in chlorinated water, protect your hair with a swimming cap.

We hope you enjoyed our peek into natural haircare. It is always great to catch the occasional break from complex synthetic treatments and do something natural for yourself! Thanks for visiting DocChat.

Winter Skincare – Tips to Ditch Those Itches

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Dry Winter Skin

According to the American Skin Association, xerosis (excessively dry skin) is a very common condition that afflicts people of all ages. Dry winter air is notorious for causing xerosis, as well as exacerbating pre-existing skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and dandruff. All of these skin conditions can cause discomfort and intense itchiness.

Tips for Keeping Control

There are various measures you can take to relieve your irritated epidermis. Taking showers or baths with cooler water (or more brief hot ones) can help, as hot water sucks the moisture from your skin. You can apply light, non-alcohol moisturizers several times daily, and try to avoid harsh chemical irritants such as cleaners or scented soaps. When outside, don’t forget to protect your skin from the winter elements with warm scarves, mittens and hats. For psoriasis, try an oatmeal bath. You can also add a humidifier to your home to help replenish moisture during the dry winter months.

Natural Moisture Locking Remedies

There are a number of natural remedies for parched winter skin:

  • An olive, lemon and salt scrub – mix a whole lemon’s juice with 1 tbsp olive oil and 5 tbsp sea salt for a beautifully moisturizing facial (or body) scrub
  • Honey softens and moisturizes problem skin
  • Coconut oil is a gentle way to replace moisture in your dry, cracked hands
  • Aloe vera has amazing healing powers and can help replenish and rejuvenate your tired winter skin. You can buy your own aloe plant, and remove a tentacle to squeeze onto your skin

What’s Your Winter Culprit?

Dry skin can be just that, or it can be an indication of another dermatological issue. According to WebMD, some skin conditions that similarly present as dry, red, itchy skin are:

Psoriasis: an autoimmune condition which creates skin ‘plaques’ by overproducing skin cells. Psoriasis can range from mild, causing dry, cracked, red and itchy skin, to a severe systemic form which can be debilitating.

Eczema: A skin condition characterized by inflamed, red, cracked, blistered and itchy skin, often much worse in dry air (especially harsh winter air).

Dandruff: Causes your scalp to produce extra skin cells which become inflamed and flake off, sometimes causing immense itchiness. In severe cases, prescription shampoo may be necessary.

Rosacea: A condition causing small blood vessels across the cheeks and bridge of the nose to be inflamed, creating an uncomfortable, raised rash that can resemble acne. Rosacea can be a symptom of a larger autoimmune condition such as scleroderma or lupus.

When to Consult a Doctor or Specialist

If you’ve tried home remedies and over-the-counter creams to no avail, it is time to seek medical attention. It is important to consult a dermatologist if your symptoms are particularly severe, because a specialist is trained to distinguish which skin condition you may be suffering from and provide you with a diagnosis and treatment plan. Some of these conditions, such as psoriasis, can become very troublesome if unchecked. Be sure to make an appointment with your doctor, or see one of our certified DocChat physicians today.