Pigmentation , melasma on face

DEFINITION: Melasma is a type of pigmentation appearing as brownish patches on the forehead, cheeks under the bridge of the nose, near the jaws usually in a butterfly shape. It is a condition of the skin where the pigment, melanin is unevenly distributed in the skin.

CAUSES: Anyone from teenage to oldage can get pigmentation, melasma or chloasma. The main cause in women is harmonal imbalance and aggravates due to even little sun-exposure.
Many women get pigmentation marks in pregnancy, called mask of pregnancy; these fade away slowly. It may also occur when a woman is on birth control pills or after HRT.
Men may also suffer with this problem due to hereditary reasons or diabetes and it triggers with stress and overexposure in sun.

REMEDIES:
1. First and foremost consult a  doctor for the exact cause of melasma before going for any remedy.
2. Application of creams with Hydroquinone and Tretonoin. They contain bleaching agents which reduce the production of melanin, responsible for the brown colour of the skin. The results may start coming after 3-4 weeks. These can be irritable to the skin and can have adverse effects with the slightest increase in concentration. 
3. Laser treatment in removing brown pigment, melasma.
4. Use sun screen lotions daily.

HOME REMEDIES:
All Skin lightners like vinegar, lime, papaya(unripe) are useful remedies in the treatment of melasma. Although these things are very good for the entire face, but apply them only on the affected parts as a treatment. If any sort of irritation occurs by applying any of the products, discontinue its usage:
1. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water and clean the pigmented parts of the face. Vinegar has acetic acid which helps to burn old skin cells and form new light ones. Apple cider vinegar can be used.
2. An excellent remedy : Mix equal parts of vinegar and onion juice and apply with a cotton ball twice daily. Wash after some time, say 20 minutes,
3. Application of papaya juice or 'papaya + yoghurt' a wonderful remedy. This is an exfoliant too. Here also unripe papaya is used. Grate a piece of papaya, squeeze out the juice and mix with curd. Apply and wash with warm water after sometime. It will not be tedious if made into a habit.
4. Lemon slice(contains citric acid which lightens skin) can also be rubbed on the area twice daily.
5. Similarly, juice of mint leaves/onion juice/piece of raw papaya/aloe vera gel (massaged gently in circular motion for 15 minutes and left overnight)/turmeric+milk/milk+oatmeal(uncooked)/almond and honey paste /whichever suits your time and skin, can be massaged gently over the patches and washed after 20 minutes.
Stick to one or two remedies that suit the skin and be regular. Make it into a habit until the pigmentation disappears.
6. Kapalbhati pranayam is a great yogic breathing exercise which helps to fade away melasma completely. High BP and heart patients must do it slowly, otherwise there is no harm at all. Learn properly from an expert.

Protection from sun is extremely important. You will have to apply a sunscreen daily.
Drink plenty of water to flush off toxins.
Wash your face with mild soap and let dry it on its own.
Diet can also effect melasma. Consult your doctor about the intake of calcium/iron. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables will improve the skin overall.
Start the home remedies now and they will really work. The pigmentation is quite stubborn, so it takes time. Remember ROME was not built in a day.

Apple and pear body shapes-compared

Apple shaped body

1.The fat is distributed in the upper body above the waist.

2.Apples have large amounts of deep fat stored around the waist/abdomen(surrounding the internal organs) called visceral fat.

3.There is no defined waist.

4.There is relatively higher level of androgen present in apples and rectangles therefore, more of a masculine bone structure.

5.Eat fiber filled foods which keep sugar, cholostrol, heart problems at bay.

6.Because large amount of fat is around the tummy, regular exercise and diet control is a must to avoid any type of problems or diseases.

7.Apples become rectangles when they lose weight, they cannot become pears.

Pear shaped body

1. The fat is distributed in the lower body below the waist.

2.Most fat is stored in the hips, buttocks and thighs called subcutaneous fat(under the skin).
3.The waist is defined.

4.Lesser levels of androgen therefore, more of a feminine bone structure.

5.Must eat low fat foods. Pear fat cells are 'magnet cells', the bottom part attracts all the fat you consume.

6.Physical activity is necessary for everyone to keep healthy.

7.Pears remain pears only when they lose weight(top smaller than bottom). They can become apples when they put on too much weight.

Proteins minus stress for good hair

Normally the body sheds 100 hair per day and 100 take their place. But if the body sheds more hair than it produces, it is hairloss.

The hair is comprised mostly of protein, so to encourage hairgrowth take a diet rich in proteins especially soy proteins. Soy proteins can be consumed in any of the forms:
*tofu
*soy milk
*soy chunks/granules/ flakes
*soyabeans (soaked overnight, steamed & can be eaten with other sprouts in breakfast). Grind soaked soyabean, mix water, and strain. Consume this milk which also protects against osteoporisis.
*soy flour mixed in wheatflour in the proportion 1:10 i.e. 1 kg soy flour mixed in 10 kg of wheatflour.

Other good sources of proteins are low-fat cheese, eggs, beans and yoghurt.

A diet rich in iron, calcium and silica found in green leafy vegetables, oats, dried fruits, beet root is also beneficial.

Avoid fatty foods, cold drinks, animal protein and go for amla(Indian gooseberry),nuts, seeds,raisins, coconut, olive oil on a regular basis.

In this 24/7 world, there is lot of stress; indulge yourself in hobbies, outings and exercise to keep away petty worries, tension and stress.

Dietary Habits

Follow the rule: "EAT LIQUIDS, DRINK SOLIDS"

    How can u Drink solids ? I'll tell u ... Chew your food so well and then swallow.. this way you are drinking solids.Well chewed food is digested properly.

    How can u Eat liquids ? Whatever liquid u drink, say water, keep in your mouth for a while and then take in..quench the thirst of the salivary glands first.