5 natural ways to lose your acne scars

Ditch those expensive chemical treatments for your scars – try natural, effective remedies instead.

If there’s one thing you absolutely detest, it is acne scars! It is bad enough developing ugly acne, without the added strain of having your skin marked with scars. But acne normally leaves its marks behind, and most times, the skin heals on its own over a matter of days. However, acne scars can become problematic if they cause discolouration or pitting on the skin.

Acne scar removal thus becomes a subject of importance for the person who suffers from them. Most women try skin creams and serums that promise a clear complexion, but most of them don’t work. Hence, many women seek a doctor’s help in eliminating their acne scars. 

But before you hit the panic button and splurge on expensive products and medical treatments, try a few simple acne scar removal tips at home, such as:

1. Potato juice. Potatoes possess several healing vitamins and nutrients that promote skin healing. Potato juice also helps lighten acne scars and effects hydration in the skin’s cells. Grate a fresh potato and apply the juice evenly all over the skin. Let it dry before wiping with a damp cloth. You can also rub tender potato mash on the face and let it sit for 30 minutes. Using this remedy regularly will lighten your acne scars gradually.

2. Aloe vera. This plant has many benefits for the skin. You can use aloe vera in gel or juice form. Cut a piece of aloe vera leaf and squeeze out the gel. Apply it evenly on the skin and allow it to dry for 30 minutes before rinsing with cold water. Not only will it lighten the skin and give it a fresh glow, it also soothes irritated skin and reduces the incidence of acne.

3. Coconut milk. Coconut is another skin healing agent that you can use to great effect on your acne scars. Apply fresh coconut milk on your acne scars before going to bed. Wash your skin with cold water on waking up. You will notice that this cure imparts radiance and freshness to your complexion, while also improving tonality and reducing acne. 

4. Honey. Acne caused by dryness or clogged pores requires cleaning and moisturising. Honey provides both in a mild way, helping to reduce acne and also eliminating acne scars. Apply raw honey on the acne scars and leave it on for at least 30 minutes. Wash off with cold water. To make a soothing honey mask, mix one teaspoon of honey with half a teaspoon of milk and apply on the skin. Rinse off with cool water after one hour. 

5. Lemon. Lemon exhibits mild bleaching properties that help fade away acne scars and lighten the skin. Use one teaspoon lemon juice and apply it on the acne scars. Leave on for an hour, then wash with cold water. Follow this routine every day for best results. However, do not apply on irritated or broken skin.

How Does the Gulf Impact the Price of Oil the World Over?

The Middle East economy is dominated by the countries comprising the Gulf Cooperation Council, or GCC. The GCC nations include Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain. The Gulf not only has a sizable economy, but also a high average GDP per capita of USD 36,000. In fact, Qatar has the highest GDP per capita in the world. The Gulf nations control almost 40% of the world’s oil reserves, and oil and natural gas is the biggest sector in the Gulf economy. Qatar has another distinction of being the largest natural gas producer in the world. Clearly, the Middle East economy is awash in oil and money!

How does the Gulf impact Oil Prices?

Saudi Arabia, the largest of the GCC nations, accounts for one tenth of the world’s oil production. Even with dwindling oil reserves, the Gulf region controls over 40% of the world’s oil reserves. This combination of factors is the reason why the Gulf region has a large impact on oil prices. Saudi Arabia is the de facto leader of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, or OPEC. OPEC makes decisions on oil production, which in turn impacts the price of oil. 

Oil and gas is the largest sector of the GCC economy. However, all the nations in the GCC are attempting to diversify their economies, given the aspirations of their relatively young populations, finite oil reserves, and plenty of financial resources from selling oil. Therefore, in Saudi Arabia, the non-oil sector accounts for 60% of the economy. Saudi Arabia’s economy is dominated by petrochemicals and manufacturing. 

In Qatar, while the hydrocarbons segment accounts for 38% of the economy, financial, insurance, real estate and business services constitute the next largest segment, accounting for 13% of GDP. Construction adds another 13%, and manufacturing 9%. Kuwait may be small, but it accounts for 8.6% of the world’s proven oil reserves. Nevertheless, the Kuwaiti government is committed to diversification of the economy, through privatization of state assets and a large development plan for the economy.

The Middle East economy not only impacts oil prices, but also plays a large role as an international investor. The sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) in the region have invested in government debt worldwide, particularly in emerging market sovereign debt. In fact, the SWFs of UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait rank in the top ten SWFs of the world, according to the Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute.  

Is Bahrain a Business Friendly Place for an Entrepreneur?

Bahrain is a very business friendly country. The nation has a good ranking on the various competition and business-related indices, a no-tax regime and a supportive government. Bahrain also benefits from its location in the Gulf, with most of the major Gulf cities only an hour away, and major European cities seven to eight hours away.

Factors which make Bahrain a Business Friendly Country

1.       Track record of being a regional pioneer

Bahrain was the first nation in the Gulf to start male and female education, and now has 95% literacy. Bahrain also was the first Gulf nation to set up a banking sector, and the first to establish a Chamber of Commerce. Bahrain’s government had foresight, when it began the process of diversification of the economy in favour of non-oil industries from 1960 onwards, before any of the other Gulf nations. Bahrain has been the first nation in the Gulf to initiate democratic reforms, embark on a program of privatization, and sign a FTA, or free trade agreement, with the US.

2.       Supportive legal framework

a)      Bahrain has no corporate income tax, no personal income tax, no wealth tax on capital gains, and no withholding tax. There are only a few indirect taxes. In addition, free repatriation of capital, profits and dividends is allowed.

b)      The whole of Bahrain is open to business, with no restrictive “free zones”. Bahrain is the only nation in the Gulf offering 100% foreign ownership of business assets and real estate across most sectors.

c)       The Bahrain Chamber of Dispute Resolution provides best in class arbitration and dispute resolution facilities.

3.       Supportive government

The government provides free and valuable assistance to new businesses, helping them to analyze all the aspects of setting up a business. This support continues even after the business is up and running.

4.       Diverse economy

Bahrain offers business opportunities in a wide variety of sectors, such as oil, construction, telecom, retail, banking, and other financial services. Bahrain has the highest FDI to nominal GDP ratio of 3% among the Gulf Cooperation Council, or GCC nations,

5.       Ease of doing business

Bahrain has had a stable rank of 53 in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Survey. Bahrain continues to be the freest economy in the Middle East/North Africa (MENA) region, as per the 2015 Index of Economic Freedom. The 2015 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index ranks Bahrain 3^rd in the region and 60^th overall.