Wednesday, August 24, 2016

My Favorite Top 5 Ways - Getting Rid of Scalp Acne




Today, I want to talk about a subject that no one likes to talk about but a subject nonetheless that needs to be talked about. That subject being scalp acne! Even as a teenager I was very fortunate. I hardly had any acne, and up until now rarely had breakouts. 

For those that do not know, I have a condition called Crohn's Disease. To learn more about Crohn's Disease click here to read about it. With my Crohn's (and the medicines they have me on currently) I get really bad patches of acne, and most of the time they are in my scalp. The first thing I did once it happened was research! There are so many theories and ideas out there about how to get rid of it. However, I found the following five ways below the most interesting, as well as helpful... (credit goes to Kristen Jackson, hairbudda.net, and Bustle) 




Tea Tree Oil

"This powerful essential oil has some serious anti-inflammatory properties. Purchasing shampoos with tea tree oil in it is a great way to prevent for pimples on your scalp. If you're looking to get rid of a blemish covered in hair, apply ice on the site for about 7 minutes (or as long as it takes for the ice to completely melt) and then apply tea tree oil to continue keeping the inflammation down. This is a great method for one-off pimples on the scalp."

I have personally used Tea Tree Oil, and I have found so far for me this is the best way to get rid of it (or at least "calm it down").

Brush/Comb Your Hair Daily

"One great way to avoid acne is by removing dead skin cells that are clogging your pores. Combing (several times) not only does that, it also boosts scalp circulation, bringing with it more oxygen and nutrients. And this boost of vitamins helps heal acne as well as improve the overall condition of your hair."
"Every night before going to bed make a habit to comb your scalp several times. Be gentle on the areas that hurt, as you don’t want to injure the pimple."
It is suggested that you should either use a wide-tooth wood comb or a bamboo pin hair brush. It really does make a difference, and I have found this tip to be part of daily routine.

Apple Cider Vinegar

"With an innate ability to restore pH levels and all those antioxidants, Apple Cider Vinegar is defiantly one of the easiest and more popular ways to treat scalp acne naturally. Not only will a simple rinse of one part apple cider vinegar and two parts water give your hair a healthy boost, you'll also give your scalp astringent properties that can alleviate painful blemishes."

I especially like using Apple Cider Vinegar for painful blemishes and outbreaks. It is another one of the few things that has helped me, and the best part is most of us have this in our cabinet at home!


Change Your Pillowcase Weekly!

"All of the sweat, oil and dirt from your head is seeping into your pillow case every night. So if you don’t wash them regularly you’re basically putting your head on a pillow of sweat and dirt f0r 6-8 hours. Not a good idea, as unclean dirty pillow clovers and towels is perfect ground for bacteria to grow and thrive – leading to more breakout. So it makes sense to wash your pillow covers and towels at least weekly."
Since I have started doing this I have significantly noticed a difference. It is amazing what accumulates on your covers and sheets in a week. Wanna have fun? Turn off the lights and scan a black light over your bed, you will totally be surprised!
Ditch The Conditioner!
"Conditioners coat the hair and scalp and may cause too much oil/grease to be trapped against the scalp. So, give them a break. If you are worried about how your hair will look after shampoo, try using a hair rinse – which won’t clog your pores, but make your hair look beautiful."
If you would of told me this a month ago, I would of said you were crazy. However, when I have outbreaks this is the one thing that significantly cuts down how long the outbreak lasts. I like using a leave in spray conditioner such as Davines Oi All in One Milk or Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Cream. I prefer these particular ones, because they not only condition but they prevent frizz as well.


I hope that you will find these tips useful if you are struggling with hair acne like I am. Also, feel free to share any tips you may have below! :)

Until Next Time,
Stay Beautiful by Staying You!
XOXO,



Monday, August 15, 2016

Beauty Tip Monday! - #1

Hello Everyone...

I thought today would be a great day to get things started off on the right track, by having Beauty Tip Monday! Each Monday I will post some of the best tips right here on Allure By Amy.

Want to contribute? Have some great ideas of your own? Submit them here, and you may just see your tip next Monday!


Monday Beauty Tip #1: Avoid SPF at Night

"While wearing a suncreen or a moisturizer with SPF in essential in summer it can be important to wash it off in the evening.  While it might not be necessary to use a separate night cream to moisturize, one of the reasons why you would is because you might be using one with SPF protection."


"A moisturizer or lotion with SPF should only be used in the day for obvious reasons. If you apply a moisturizer with SPF in it at nigh you risk having your pores clogged in the long term. Remember that your skin is repairing itself at night so it’s better to use a moisturizer formulated to improve the skin’s function."


- Credit to Hanne S.

Until Next Time - Stay Beautiful!

XOXO,


Friday, August 12, 2016

Glossybox, My Life, and More...

For all wondering...Allure By Amy is back! We haven't gone anywhere. I have had a recent decline in my health, however that being said I should have more time to spend on the computer with you all. School starts back on the 22nd, but I have online classes this semester. I am excited to bring back subscription box reviews, and just random beauty reviews as well. I miss all of my readers, and thanks to the ones who stayed and are still supporting me.


I just had to let you all know about an awesome recent deal I came across, that I am pretty sure will not last long! If those of you remember way back when I use to sign up to Glossybox, it was a subscription I hated letting go. However, with the income I am on I had to pick my subscriptions wisely. I couldn't pass up this deal though. For a limited time, you buy this month's box (August) and you get two previous glossyboxes free!!! That's 15 products, which is pretty much like a $1 or so a product. I couldn't pass it up, so I have those reviews on the way. 



If you wish to sign up, and follow along with me use this link: SIGN UP FOR GLOSSYBOX and then when it ask for a promo code use the code "DUSK." It should automatically apply. It won't be on there when you check out, but from what I hear this is common and your boxes will show up.