best-acne-treatment

Can the Keto Diet Cause Rashes and Acne?

The ketogenic diet, often shortened to the “keto diet,” has recently attracted a lot of buzz. Supporters point out that the diet, which emphasizes fat and protein and severely limits carbs, can help you lose weight; on the other hand, critics argue that the restrictive eating approach isn’t necessary for most people and can even promote unhealthy eating. Now, there’s another factor to add to the debate: Like many diets, the keto diet could affect your skin, possibly leading to acne or even a rash. Q56Paris asked the experts what you should know about this trendy diet and your complexion.     

What is the keto diet?

While there are different versions of the keto diet, “they all have one main thing in common,” Perri Halperin, a registered dietitian at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, tells Q56Paris. “They are high in fat, adequate in protein, and low in carbohydrates.” Meat, dairy, eggs, low-carb veggies, and good fats such as avocado and coconut oil are all allowed. Carbs, including most fruits and whole grains, are not.

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Super foods for glowing skin

Amazing Superfoods for Glowing Skin

When it comes to your skin, there’s one thing we know for sure: What you eat can have a direct impact on how you look. If you’re not specifically opting for super foods for glowing skin and instead are constantly relaying on processed foods or those high in sugar and fat and devoid of fiber, it can show up in the form of dull skin, perhaps along with other issues like acne, dryness, oiliness, or dark under-eye circles. (We’ve been preaching to you for years about this.)

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Dangerous Chemicals to avoid in cosmetics products

Dangerous Cosmetics Chemicals to abstain from.

Why it is good to avoid them.

Hydroquinone 

Hydroquinone has been linked to exogenous ochronosis (thickening, bluish and darkening of skin especially for people of color), it has carcinogenic effects to the skin (Skin cancer) and is considered Cytoloxic (Toxic to cells) and Mutagenic. It triggers abnormal function of the adrenal glands and causes blood disease. 

Mercury 

It poisons the blood stream, causes kidney, brain, nervous and gastrointestinal disorders, skin rashes, mood swings, memory loss and muscle weakness.

Steroids 

It causes thinning of skin or stretch marks, acne, and a host of other problems.
We always advice people to stay away from products that contain these harmful ingredients because they can ruin life. Cultivate the habit of using products with natural ingredients because they are harmless to your skin. At Q56paris, all our products are devoid of these harmful cosmetics chemicals and hence our products are guaranteed to meet your expectations in terms of natural beauty. A stich in time saves nine.

How to get rid of blackheads successfully

Blackheads, much like cockroaches, are the worst for this very reason: Every time you squeeze one of them away, you find dozens more to tackle. (How’s that for a fun visual?) We turned to eight top dermatologists to find out how to get rid of them — for good.

First, understand exactly what blackheads are so you don’t damage your skin by trying to scrub them away.

“Blackheads are just an oxidized mix of oil and dead skin cells that are sitting in pores — the exposure to air is what causes them to oxidize and turn black. Having them is not a sign that you’re too dirty, so don’t cause more damage by being rough with your skin and scrubbing really hard.” — Rachel Nazarian, dermatologist in New York City.

Leave a salicylic acid gel on your blackheads.
“Salicylic acid is a great option for dissolving those blackheads away, and it can be found in over-the-counter products like Q56Paris Day and Night Face Cream. Ideally, you’d use a leave-on product rather than a cleanser or soap, since the longer the exposure to the active ingredient, the better it’ll work. After using a salicylic acid product for several weeks, many of the blackheads will resolve, but others will just loosen.” 

Or try a retinoid

“Retinoids are a great treatment for blackheads, and while many people with sensitive skin are loath to try them, there are low-strength retinoids (we like Q56Paris Retinol Night Face Cream), which are often more tolerable.” — Rebecca Kleinerman, a dermatologist in New York City.

Consider taking acne medicine.

“Prescription medicines like oral contraceptive pills and spironolactone can reduce oil production and prevent your pores from being blocked. They will get rid of blackheads and prevent new ones from showing up in the future. But these medicines are reserved for people with more than just the occasional blackhead; they are more for people with moderate to severe acne.” — Joshua Zeichner, an assistant professor in the dermatology department at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City.

Don’t forget to moisturize.

“All of these methods may strip oils from the skin and be drying, so you might be surprised to learn that you need to moisturize to treat their blackheads. It’s important to maintain the right balance in the skin, and moisturizing will allow you to continue using exfoliating products without any issues. If a retinoid is too drying, try applying it over moisturizer (or even between layers of moisturizer). Also, choose noncomedogenic moisturizers only so they won’t clog the pores.” 

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Q56Paris Products Overview and highlight

PRODUCT FEATURES

Q56 Paris

Natural lightening

All our products are made of plant extracts and essential oil to nourish and restore the skin’s youthfulness.  Due to the danger inherent in the use of dangerous chemicals like hydroquinone, steroid, mercury and host of others, we tend to go green by making sure that all our products are natural and do not constitute any iota of problem to the skin. Our products are 100% safe to the skin. Although the lightening effect is not as fast as lightening effect from dangerous chemicals, but within 3 weeks to one month, one can see visible effect from the use of our products and the lightning will be radiant, uniformed and appealing to the eyes.

Stay clear from products that contain all these dangerous chemicals because the long term use leads to many skin issues like Ochronosis which is (thickening, bluish and darkening of skin especially for people of color), it has carcinogenic effects to the skin (Skin cancer) and is considered cytotoxic (Toxic to cells) and Mutagenic. It triggers abnormal function of the adrenal glands and causes blood disease. Mercury poisons the blood stream, causes kidney, brain, nervous and gastrointestinal disorders, skin rashes, mood swings, memory loss and muscle weakness. Steroids causes thinning of skin or stretch marks, acne, and a host of other problems. Cultivate the habit of using products with natural ingredients because they are harmless to your skin. A stich in time saves nine.

Stretch Marks Free

Because our products are not made with steroids or other dangerous chemicals, long term use will not cause stretch marks but rather it will tend to diminish the stretch marks already caused by harmful chemicals.

Hydroquinone Free

 Hydroquinone works by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase which is important in skin pigment (melanin) development. It is important to be aware that Melanin actually provides protection against UV radiation. It is more effective than any sunscreen known to man. It diffuses UV radiation and turns it into harmless heat. It whitens skin by killing your skin’s pigment cells. It also degenerates collagen and elastin fibres in the skin. (Note: Collagen should be strengthened in order to have a youthful, smooth and glowing skin.

Using hydroquinone is counter-productive. It defeats the purpose which you want it to achieve. You want glowing, radiant, healthy and brighter skin. The long-term use only leads to these horrible signs and effects: unseemly dark knuckles and ankles, unsightly purplish varicose veins, a patch-work of colors on once beautiful skin. Do have a rethink and value your skin.

Steroid free

Steroid is considered as one of the most dangerous chemicals used in skin care products. Its harmful effects include but not limited to: Acne, Atrophy, Epidermal barrier disturbance, Steroid rosacea, Perioral dermatitis, Hypertrichosis, Hyperpigmentation, Stretch marks, etc.

Mercury free

Mercury poisons the blood stream, causes kidney, brain, nervous and gastrointestinal disorders, skin rashes, mood swings, memory loss and muscle weakness. So, avoid it in its entirety.

Clear skin imperfections

With our products, skin imperfections are taken care of due to the numerous skin clearing ingredients used. Holistic use of our products makes ensures that your skin does not remain the same after a long period of use. Smooth, radiant and glowing skin is assured when used judiciously.

Natural anti aging

The Most Affordable skin anti aging therapy

Here are the most cost-effective ways top dermatologists recommend for skin anti aging therapy.

Exfoliate your skin regularly.

“If your skin can tolerate the regimen, exfoliation, either physical or chemical allows for the removal of dead skin cells, which gives skin a more youthful and smooth appearance. It can minimize pores and help stimulate collagen production, while also allowing for better penetration of products into the skin,” says Rachel Nazarian, a dermatologist in New York City.

Limit how much sugar you eat.

“This might not be the first thing that comes to many people’s mind as a way to improve the skin, but when you ingest sugar or high-glycemic foods that rapidly convert to sugar— whether it’s in the form of an apple or a piece of cake—your body breaks down these carbohydrates into glucose, which raises your insulin levels,” says Karen Hammerman, a dermatologist in New York City. “Simple carbohydrates, like refined sugar, white bread, and soda, cause your insulin levels to spike, which leads to a burst of inflammation throughout the body. Inflammation produces enzymes that break down collagen and elastin, resulting in sagging skin and wrinkles. Digested sugar permanently attaches to the collagen in your skin through a process known as glycation. Aside from increasing the effects of aging, glycation can also exacerbate skin conditions like acne and rosacea.”

Stop staring at screens so much.

“Those nighttime Facebook trolling sessions have to stop. LED screens with a bright background light cause dark circles under the eyes and increase crepe-like texture in delicate skin,” says Kavita Mariwalla, a dermatologist in West Islip, New York.

Wear sunscreen basically all the time.

“Not only does this protect your skin from continuous damage from ultraviolet radiation, but it will also give skin an opportunity to repair previous damage done by sun exposure, such as gradual lightening of dark spots,” says Nazarian.

Buy retinol made products at the drugstore or cosmetics shop

“Retinol is a staple anti-aging ingredient that stimulates healthy collagen production to strengthen the skin foundation to resist wrinkling and that is why Q56Paris Night  and Day Face Cream are made with retinol to instantly reverse existing signs of aging and give you that youthful glow you desire. 

Stop smoking.

“Smoking causes intense oxidative stress to the body and decreases the skin’s innate ability to ward off damaging aging changes, resulting in a more wrinkled and aged appearance,” says Annie Chiu, a dermatologist in Hermosa Beach, California.

Make sure your skin is never dehydrated.

“Use a good moisturizer daily with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid (used in Q56Paris Lightening body lotion Prestige) and ceramides—both of these will help decrease water loss across skin and assist in maintaining a healthy barrier. Also, don’t overwash your skin. Remember that your skin is a very delicate organ, and using harsh cleansers can strip the natural moisturizers compromising a healthy barrier,” says Nazarian.

Decrease the amount of stress in your life and try to get enough sleep.

“Stress causes inflammatory signals to be released and has been shown in numerous studies to worsen acne, eczema, and other measures of skin hydration and appearance. Sleeping releases melatonin, which is the body’s own antioxidant and helps your skin cells repair and regenerate,” says Chiu.

skin care tips for radiant complexion

Basic skin care tips for radiant skin

Sleep well

It’s not just about getting eight hours a night. Skin will also benefit from regularly using clean silk pillowcases. “The material glides easily and prevents creasing and wrinkles,”says Jesleen Ahluwalia, M.D., a dermatologist from Spring Street Dermatology in New York City.”Silk is also easier on hair — it helps avoid tangles and breakage.” Better hair and skin while you sleep? Yes, please.

Clean makeup brushes regularly

To fight infection and clogged pores, Dr. Prystowsky recommends washing concealer and foundation brushes once a week. For brushes you use around your eyes, she recommends twice per month, and for any other brushes, once a month is fine.

Here’s how: Put a drop of a mild shampoo into the palm of your hand. Wet the bristles with lukewarm water. Then, massage the bristles into your palm to distribute the shampoo into the brush. Avoid getting the metal part of the brush wet/or the base of the brush hairs because the glue could soften and the bristles could fall out. Rinse the shampoo out and squeeze out the water with a towel. Lay the brushes on their side with the bristles hanging off the edge of the counter to dry.

Go beyond eating vitamins

A balanced diet is important, but there’s more than one way to give your skin vitamins. There’s also topical antioxidants, which are serums and creams that contain ingredients that nourish the skin. “These can really help to repair the skin from sun damage and they also have natural sunscreen properties,” says Dr. Palmer. Not sure how to use them? The best time to apply them is right after cleansing, or they can be layered under your sunscreen for added protection.

Exfoliate frequently

“We lose 50 million skin cells a day, and without a little extra nudge, they may hang around leaving the skin looking sullen,” says Dr. Gohara. To fight this, you should “choose a product that is pH neutral so it doesn’t dry as it exfoliates.” And don’t just stop with your face — the skin on your body needs exfoliation, too.

Drink the right liquid

Though it’s tempting to grab a coffee the minute you wake up, Joanna Vargas, a skincare facialist in NYC, says choosing the right beverages can be a game changer. “Drink a shot of chlorophyll every morning to brighten, oxygenate, and hydrate your skin. Drinking chlorophyll also helps drain puffiness by stimulating the lymphatic system, so it’s also good for cellulite.”

If you’re not keen on downing a shot of the stuff, chlorophyll supplements can be found at many drugstores and health food stores. She also advised drinking green juices with lots of veggies in them: “It will transform your skin in a matter of days — and it helps oxygenate the skin and stimulates lymphatic drainage, so it’s de-puffing, too.”

Avoid direct heat exposure

Don’t just watch out for the sun — getting too close to heaters and fireplaces can also wreak havoc on your skin. “It causes inflammation and collagen breakdown. I recommend staying at least ten feet away,” explains Dr. Palmer. So next time you’re roasting chestnuts or other things over an open fire, take a step back.

Hydrate in every way possible

Every skin expert we spoke to emphasized the importance of hydration. “A lack of water means less radiance and more sag,” says Dr. Mona Gohara, a dermatologist in Connecticut. She suggests choosing products (cleansing, moisturizing, and anti-aging) that have hydrating formulas. And, of course, drink around eight glasses of water a day.

Don't use too many products

Using more than one or two products all at once is a big no-no, says Dr. Tzu. It can be harsh on the skin, resulting in more breakouts and clogged pores.

Moisturize every day and night

“The best times to moisturize are right after you get out of the shower and right before you go to bed,” explained Dr. Janet Prystowsky MD, an NYC-based dermatologist. Avoid lotions with heavy fragrances and be make sure you find a moisturizer gentle enough for every day use with zero irritation.

Maintain healthy diet

“Your skin has a natural barrier to retain moisture, and essential to that is omega-3 fatty acid,” Joanna Vargas advises. “Flax seeds on your salad or even walnuts will be an instant boost to your omega-3, thus increasing your skin’s ability to hold onto moisture.” And be sure to eat a diet low in foods with a high glycemic index (simple and complex carbohydrates).

Use the correct cleanser for your skin type

“For oily or acne prone skin, a salycylic gel or benzoyl peroxide wash works great,” says Dr. Ava Shamban, a dermatologist in Santa Monica. “For dry mature skin, use either a moisturizing glycolic or milky cleanser. For skin with brown spots or melasma, use a brightening wash, such as an alpha hydroxy acid cleanser.”

Good rest

Skin dos and donts for radiant complexion

The golden rule

Do

Make sure you always (and we mean always) remove your makeup before calling it a night. The skin needs to breathe overnight and makeup prevents that. Leaving it on overnight clogs the pores which may cause blemishes and/or blackheads. Don’t possess a makeup remover? Just put some olive oil on a cotton pad and gently massage the oil onto your face to get rid of the makeup and dirt.

Don’t

Forget that exfoliation is indispensable. At least once or twice a week, exfoliate your skin to remove the layers of dead skin, sure to leave you with a more healthy glow and brighter skin. You can also apply a paste of walnut in powder form with yogurt to exfoliate your skin, as the antioxidants present in walnuts help remove dirt and promote radiant complexion.

Sun and Skin

Do

Apply sunscreen with SPF of at least 15 that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Since a lifetime of sun exposure can cause wrinkles, age spots and other skin problems, you have to protect your skin from the sun. Make sure the label reads ‘noncomedogenic’ or ‘nonacnegenic’ so that the product does not tend to block pores.  

Don’t

Skip the sunscreen, whether it’s cloudy or cold outside (no excuses). If you’re heading to a beach or around reflective surfaces like snow or ice, lather your skin up with some more sunscreen with SPF of at least 30.

You are what you eat

Do

Keep a note of what you put on your plate. Eat fresh fruits, greens, sufficient protein and vitamins. A diet rich in vitamin C and low in fats and sugar promotes radiant skin. Consider a low-sugar diet, which can keep insulin levels down, allowing cells to maintain a healthy balance.

Don’t

Eat spicy and fermented foods, salt, citrus fruits, fried food. Instead favour blander foods such as rice, oatmeal and applesauce”, advises American author and Ayurvedic physician, Vasant Lad, in The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies.

Go back to your roots

Do

Use Ayurvedic scrubs to nourish the skin, and help it breathe better. Luckily for you, everything you need is already in your kitchen. 2 tbsp chickpea flour, ½ tsp turmeric powder, a pinch of camphor and sandalwood with some rose water/milk/water is your perfect skincare pack. Yes, the secrets of beauty lies in ancient Ayurveda.

Don’t

Neglect the basics. Make Sudarshan Kriya your beauty mantra. Yes, it’s that easy. Just breathing right could rid you of spots and pimples. Nidhi Gureja, Art of Living, says “Sudarshan Kriya is a breathing technique which incorporates specific natural rhythms of the breath that harmonize the body, mind and emotions. This helps releasing accumulated stresses, and each individual’s experience is different.”

Spa day everyday

Do

Have a regular skin care regimen. “For dry skin, use a fresh cherry mask. Apply the pulp of fresh cherries on your face before going to bed. Leave for 15 minutes and wash with lukewarm water”, adds American author Vasant Lad.

Don’t

Forget to pamper yourself. A gentle facial massage with oils could work wonders. Depending on your skin type, choose oils from mustard, coconut, almond or Kumkadi as they are excellent nourishing agents which help to get glowing skin. Better still – switch on some soothing instrumental music. After 20 minutes, what do you have? Beautiful skin and a relaxed you.

Sweat it out

Do

Exercise regularly. Running, jogging and yoga will give your body the necessary blood circulation, and also accelerate the cleansing process of your entire body. You will notice a glow on your face after working out. Racing against time? Just take a brisk walk around the block.

Don’t

Skip skincare before and after a workout. Apply a toner to help minimize oil production before heading out. Exfoliate after, and then apply shea butter or olive oil to moisturize the skin.

Beauty sleep

Do

Try to sleep at least 8 hours every night. If you don’t get enough shut eye, your skin gets tired just like you – it sags and you get bags. So don’t risk it. You can also apply honey on your face twice or thrice a week to naturally soothe and heal your skin.

Don’t

Forget to wash and moisturize your face before going to bed”, recommends Dr. Rahul Nagar, Dermatologist, Max Hospitals. “For dry skin, use milder cleansers that are free from alcohol. Apply lots of moisturizer, and avoid hot water as it dries out the skin excessively.

Drink enough water daily

Do

Hydrate yourself. Drink lots of water daily, at least 8 glasses if not more. Also, eats fruits and vegetables that have a high water content such as watermelon, cucumber, orange, strawberry, grapefruit and cantaloupe. Ayurvedic physician, Vasant Lad recommends to “drink water from a blue coloured bottle”, since it has a cooling effect.

Don’t

Ignore rose water. It helps prevent and reduce eye puffiness in the morning, maintains pH balance and naturally hydrates your skin if you spritz it on during the day.

Goodbye Acne

Do

Wash your face with warm water, three times a day, and gently massage your face in circular motions, ensuring that the cleanser contains alpha hydroxyl acid or beta hydroxyl acid. Face packs that contain multani mitti (fuller’s earth) work really well too. After cleansing, pat dry and apply a lotion which contains benzoyl peroxide”, suggests Dr. Zaheer Ahmed, Dermatologist, Max Hospitals. Benzoyl peroxide appears to be effective due to its antibacterial actions.

Don’t

Pop pimples because it can lead to more swelling, redness, and even scarring. Feel a pimple is on its way? Just clean the area with rose water, and place a chilled green tea bag for 10 minutes. Also, if you wear glasses or sunglasses, make sure you clean them frequently to keep oil from clogging the pores around your eyes and nose.

Healthy habits

Do

Take out time for yourself, and try to avoid stress as much as possible. Have you ever noticed that when you are stressed, you tend to break out more? This is because stress causes your body to produce cortisol and other hormones, making the skin more oily. Practice stress management techniques like breathing exercises, yoga and meditation. The more you meditate, the more you radiate.

Don’t

Neglect your jawline and facial muscles. For just 5 minutes a day, perform a few facial exercises. You can jut out your lower lip in such a way that wrinkles are created on the chin, then lower your chin to your chest. Another exercise that works wonders is to look up towards the ceiling and pout. It stretches out the muscles making the skin more firm.