Business

HOME REMEDY FOR SKIN BREAKOUT BY AANUOLUWAPO OLAJUMOKE

Published

9 years ago

November 2, 2015

I got several mails over the past week from people asking me to talk more about breakout and dealing with it. Well, It’s practically inevitable that you’ll get a bad breakout at some point in your life. While acne is common with teenagers, adults can experience skin problems that are brought on by stress, hormones, or makeup irritation. While a breakout won’t disappear overnight, you can learn how to gently treat and conceal most mild and moderate breakouts.

Treating Breakouts

Wash your face. Use your hands instead of a washcloth, which can irritate your skin and wash with a gentle cleanser. Use lukewarm water, since hot water can dry out and irritate your skin. You should wash your face twice a day, probably once in the morning and once at night to remove makeup. Avoid washing your breakout too much, since this can irritate your skin and actually make it worse.

Gently towel dry and moisturize your face. Use a very soft towel and carefully pat your face dry. Do not rub the towel over your skin. Then, softly apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer, so that your pores won’t clog.

Give a home remedy a try. Look to your kitchen before purchasing acne treatments. While many of these lack scientific backing, many people claim they help clear up breakouts. As with any acne treatment, watch your skin for signs of irritation after trying a new treatment.

Lemon juice is a popular at home treatment. Simply dab your blemishes with a cotton ball soaked in lemon juice. Let sit for thirty minutes, then rinse with cold water. Lemon juice is a disinfectant that can kill the bacteria causing acne. It’s also a natural exfoliant and can lighten the skin which can hide inflammation from blemishes.
Honey is well known for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. While you can apply it directly to the skin, let sit, and then rinse off with water, you can also make an herbal honey mask. Combine honey with milk, applesauce, yogurt, aloe vera, or egg white and apply to your skin. Let sit and then rinse off with water.
Avoid using toothpaste, which can actually trigger pimples and cause allergic reactions.Likewise, you should avoid applying crushed aspirin, since it could also irritate your skin.

Apply a topical treatment. Find an acne treatment product that works well with your skin. Common ingredients include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and tea tree oil.^[7] Pay attention to how your skin reacts and stop using if you notice inflammation, irritation, or dryness.

Benzoyl Peroxide is used to kill bacteria that can cause acne, but it may take up to four weeks to notice results. Salicylic Acid can unclog pores and reduce redness or swelling. It too requires time and constant use. Tea Tree Oil is also a milder way to kill bacteria that causes acne.Be sure to dilute it before applying.
Most moderate acne will require a combination of treatments. If your acne doesn’t start clearing up after about six weeks, you may need to get a prescription for a systemic treatment.

Start a systemic treatment. These oral treatments are often prescribed by a dermatologist and include antibiotics, retinoids or vitamin A derivatives, and oral contraceptives. Oral treatments are used for moderate to severe acne and may have noticeable side effects.

Antibiotics are usually prescribed to treat the inflammation of severe acne. Most oral antibiotics are used for less than six months, since your they will gradually lose effectiveness. For this reason, oral antibiotics are often used in addition to other treatments that focus on the cause of your acne. Examples of oral antibiotics include tetracycline, minocycline, and doxycycline.
Oral retinoids or vitamin A derivatives are reserved for the most severe acne that hasn’t responded to other treatment. Side effects of Isotretinoin include increased risk of depression, suicide, and inflammatory bowel disease. Pregnant, nursing, or women not using contraception should never take Isotretinoin due to the risk of severe birth defects.
Oral contraceptives can only be used by women since they contain female hormones that counteract male hormones that can trigger acne. The side effects can be noticeable and in some cases, treatment must be agreed to by your gynecologist. Like oral antibiotics, oral contraceptives will only be effective for several months before gradually losing potency.

Concealing the Breakout and Caring for your Skin

Rub ice cubes over blemishes to reduce swelling and redness. Be sure to hold ice in a soft paper towel to avoid a mess and hold it in place for just a minute or two.

Cover up the blemishes. Use an oil-free and non-comedogenic concealer that will provide enough coverage to hide the breakout.^[15] You may be able to find a concealer with salicylic acid. Very gently blend the concealer into the area surrounding the blemish so that the makeup isn’t noticeable.

If you can, try to avoid using makeup during a breakout. This can help your skin heal faster and can prevent further irritation from the fragrance, oil, and chemicals in makeup.

Use a powder to set the concealer. This should be applied evenly all over your face to create a uniform tone. Avoid using heavy foundation with powder and blush, as these can be harsh on your already sensitive skin.^[16] Keep your makeup minimal during a breakout.

Clean items that come into contact with your face. Makeup brushes should be washed and air dried weekly to prevent bacteria from growing. Wash your pillowcases once a week since oil from your face and hair will build up. Frequently wipe down your cell phone with disinfecting wipes since it comes into direct contact with your skin.

Wash off your makeup. Be gentle when washing your face with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser, but be sure to remove every last trace of the day’s makeup. Do this every day to help your skin heal. Be sure to rinse off every bit of cleanser too.

Preventing Breakouts

Freshen up your diet. You may have heard that eating greasy food causes breakouts, but that’s just a myth. On the other hand, eating fresh fruits and vegetables containing lots vitamin A can improve your complexion.

Some foods that are high in vitamin A include sweet potatoes, carrots, dark leafy greens, dried apricots, melons, and tuna.

Cut out or reduce the sugar and simple carbohydrates in your diet. These make your blood sugar spike which triggers insulin production. Insulin production also leads to oil production which can clog up your pores.

Don’t stress. While stress itself isn’t the initial cause of acne, it can lead to a more noticeable breakout. Find relaxing things to do on a regular basis. Meditation, exercise, reading, or learning a new skill are great things to add to your schedule and might keep the breakouts at bay.

If you take on a new sport or like to exercise, be sure to wear loose fitting clothing so that your skin doesn’t come into prolonged contact with sweat. Also, shower immediately after so that the oil and bacteria doesn’t sit on your skin.

Warnings

Avoid using an acne treatment right before a big event. Most acne medications need several weeks to really work and your skin might have a reaction to a new product.
Use benzoyl peroxide with discretion. It’s harsh, so using too much too often can lead to dry skin. It can also fade your fabrics, so use caution when applying.
If you have severe acne, nodules, or cysts, you should go to a dermatologist. They’ll might need to write a prescription to treat the breakout. (to be continued)

For Consultation, Makeup training and skin products,Visit our Beauty Studio in Lagos at No 28, Commercial Avenue, Sabo,Yaba and No 18,Seidu Ajibowu str, Off Toyin str, Ikeja. or ww‎w.maiworldmakeup.blogspot.com for more information

Business

ATMs empty as banks ration withdrawals

Published

1 day ago

November 14, 2024

Sahara Weekly

ATMs empty as banks ration withdrawals

The Automated Teller Machines of Deposit Money Banks have consistently remained empty in recent months as banks grapple with a sustained low cash supply.

It was also gathered on Wednesday that some DMBs, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory, have begun another round of cash rationing, restricting maximum over-the-counter withdrawals to a daily limit between N5,000 and N20,000.

While banks struggle to get cash, Point-of-Sales operators have been fulfilling the cash needs of customers.

Speaking at the Facts Behind the Rights Issue Presentation of FBN Holdings at the Nigerian Exchange Limited recently, the Executive Director/Chief Financial Officer of First Bank, Patrick Iyamabo, said that the matter was an industry-wide one and not peculiar to a specific bank.

He said, “It is an industry problem. Most customers after exhausting the options available in other banks, tend to settle at FirstBank to address their cash needs. The challenge differs by location but we know it is a challenge that the regulator is looking into to address. But as we speak of physical cash, we must appreciate that the direction of the industry is to go digital.

“A lot of our customers do most of their transactions digitally, and you heard the GMD speak to this, very often people don’t want to transact in cash. In terms of this new order, your bank, FirstBank is very well positioned so if you look at the statistics and I’m speaking to independent statistics, just pick up your NIBSS report, the bank with the most stable platform meaning availability to always transact digitally is FirstBank. So, all our customers have the benefits of having their cash in First Bank and having access to this cash anytime anywhere and as necessary. It’s a huge advantage.”

Speaking anonymously with The PUNCH, a banker at a tier-1 bank put the blame on the Central Bank of Nigeria.

As a result, many people have turned to Point-of-Sale operators, who have become the primary channel for cash withdrawals, albeit often at higher transaction fees.

Major commercial banks visited by one of our correspondents on Wednesday claimed not to have sufficient cash allocation hence the ration withdrawals to serve more customers.

The banks visited include Guaranty Trust Bank, Zenith Bank along Airport Road, and EcoBank at Jabi in Abuja.

A bank customer at EcoBank, who spoke without mentioning her name, said she was only allowed to withdraw N5,000 from N20,000 previously allowed.

“I was just informed that I can only withdraw N5,000 from my account. Can you imagine? The amount will can’t even take me home.”

Our correspondent received the same answer when he attempted to obtain cash.

At GTBank and Zenith Bank along the airport road, customers were permitted a maximum withdrawal of N20,000 from N100,000 previously disbursed as a daily limit.

A customer, Mr Faith, who visited the bank expressed shock about the new limit. He said the banks didn’t give any cogent reason for reducing the withdrawal limit.

“I just visited these banks, and I was informed that I can only withdraw N20,000 from N100,000, which was the previous limit. They didn’t even give any reason for reducing, now I have to start looking for cash elsewhere. This country is just so annoying,” He vented.

Cash scarcity became a recurring and widespread issue across Nigeria after the Central Bank of Nigeria introduced a controversial policy in January 2023, which significantly reduced the daily and weekly cash withdrawal limits to N100,000 daily, N500,000 weekly for individuals, and N5m for business entities.

This decision, aimed at encouraging a cashless economy, led to long queues at ATMs, increased difficulty in accessing physical cash, and a general disruption of daily financial transactions for millions of Nigerians.

The policy’s impact was felt particularly by those in rural areas and lower-income groups, who rely heavily on cash for their day-to-day needs, exacerbating economic hardships across the country.

Last week, data from the CBN showed that currency in circulation climbed 56.1 per cent year-on-year to reach N4.31tn, up from N2.76tn in September 2023, reflecting an increase of N1.55tn.

This is just as currency outside banks surged by 66.2 per cent in September 2024, reaching N4.02tn compared to N2.42tn in September 2023, a notable rise of N1.60tn in just one year.

This indicates that the volume of currency retained outside the banking sector outpaced the total released for circulation within the past year.

Compared to August 2024, currency in circulation rose by 4.0 per cent month-on-month, adding N166.2bn from the previous figure of N4.14tn.

The CIC is the amount of cash–in the form of paper notes or coins–within a country that is physically used to conduct transactions between consumers and businesses. It represents the money that has been issued by the country’s monetary authority, minus cash that has been removed from the system.

Earlier in September, the CBN announced plans to sanction banks that fail to dispense cash through their automated teller machines, as part of efforts to improve cash availability in circulation.

The CBN also revealed plans to release an additional N1.4tn into circulation over the next three months to ease cash flow within the banking system.

This strategy aims to ensure that ATMs and bank branches have sufficient cash, addressing ongoing challenges faced by customers over cash shortages.

Efforts to get a reaction from the apex bank on the new situation proved abortive as the acting Director, Corporate Communications, Sidi Ali Hakama, did not respond to enquiries sent to her phone number.

Business

NNPCL Makes New Leadership Appointments

Published

1 day ago

November 14, 2024

Sahara Weekly

NNPCL Makes New Leadership Appointments

The Board of Directors of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has just made fresh leadership appointments.

A communication by Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the nation’s oil company, announcing the development reads…

The Board of Directors of NNPC Limited is pleased to announce a series of strategic leadership appointments. These changes
reflect our continued dedication to enhancing corporate governance, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring long-term success in Nigeria’s energy sector.

The following key appointments have been made:
1. Mr. Adedapo A. Segun has been appointed as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Mr. Segun previously served as the Executive Vice President, Downstream, where he made significant contributions to the company’s downstream operations.
2. Mr. Isiyaku Abdullahi has been named Executive Vice President (EVP), Downstream.
3. Mr. Udobong Ntia has been appointed Executive Vice President (EVP), Upstream.

These appointments align with NNPC Limited’s commitment to building a unified and competent leadership team to drive operational excellence and support the organization’s strategic objectives.

The Board and Management also extend their deepest appreciation to Mr. Umar Ajiya and Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa A. Eyesan for their outstanding dedication and service to NNPC Limited.

NNPC Limited remains committed to achieving operational excellence, enhancing global competitiveness, and ensuring financial sustainability, while prioritizing the interests of the Nigerian public in the petroleum industry.

Olufemi Soneye
Chief Corporate Communications Officer
NNPC Limited
November 13, 2024S

Business

Oil Cabals crippled Govt Refineries, now working against Dangote Refinery – Pastor Adeboye

Published

2 days ago

November 13, 2024

Sahara Weekly

How Prophet Kingsley Predicted The Rumble In Pastor Adeboye Led RCCG

Oil Cabals crippled Govt Refineries, now working against Dangote Refinery – Pastor Adeboye

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has urged Nigerians to pray for divine intervention in the face of efforts by unscrupulous oil marketers to thwart the operations of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, following the previous sabotage of Nigeria’s four state-owned refineries.

The respected clergyman made the call for nationwide prayers during the November 2024 Abuja Special Holy Ghost Service themed ‘Total Restoration’, which held in the capital city. While Adeboye did not explicitly name the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, his remarks echoed the ongoing attempts by oil marketers to prevent the refinery from functioning as it was designed to.

The Dangote Refinery based in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos is the only facility currently refining petrol in Nigeria, and Adeboye’s comments reflected the dispute between the refinery and oil marketers, who seek to continue importing fuel for personal gain.

Pastor Adeboye reminded the congregation that it was God who raised Aliko Dangote to establish a refinery after years of failed attempts to revive Nigeria’s four public refineries, which had consumed billions of Naira with little result. He questioned the persistence of fuel imports despite Nigeria’s status as a major crude oil producer.

“Are we under a curse?” he asked. “We have four refineries, we poured all kinds of money into them, none of them is working. But God raised someone to build a refinery that works. He is not my relative, he is not from my village. He is not even a Christian, but he is a Nigerian who says, ‘Why should my people suffer when I have the means to build a refinery that can work?’ Now he is refining petrol, and some people want to stop him from selling it, so they can keep importing.”

Adeboye also pointed out the damage caused by the fuel subsidy, describing it as a significant drain on Nigeria’s resources, contributing to the country’s mounting debts and corruption. He stressed that when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the end of the subsidy in 2023, Nigerians largely welcomed the decision, but oil marketers, who benefitted from the subsidy regime, were furious.

These marketers, the renowned pastor claimed, have formed alliances with some International Oil Companies (IOCs) and other powerful interests to obstruct the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. This includes restricting access to crude oil, forcing Dangote to import crude from countries like the United States, among others.

He called for prayer for the total restoration of the country, noting that the Nigerian people are suffering the consequences, as the prices of essential goods have soared, pushing many items beyond the reach of ordinary citizens. “The masses are the ones suffering because these marketers, who are bent on keeping imports alive, already have more money than they can ever spend,” he said.

Despite the Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s capacity to meet Nigeria’s entire demand for petroleum products – and even to export surplus fuel – oil marketers continue to pressurise the government to allow ongoing petrol imports. This has placed additional strain on the Naira, which has continued to depreciate.

Recently, the Crude Oil Refineries Owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) urged the government to protect local refineries from unfair competition posed by importers and international petroleum traders, in line with provisions in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).