Guardian Beauty

Iron it like Botox

2011-09-19T21:43:00.000-07:00

God! What to do with this ‘crow’s feet’ around my eyes! I look so old now with my fading complexion! Tavie Sachdeva, 48, company secretary lamented, until she got to know about Botox, one of the latest modalities in dermatological treatment. With Botox shots, she has been able to iron crow’s feet.

There are many more developments in derma care like chemical peel, micro-dermabrasion and , etc. But, do they really work in the long run without side effects? And, can it be afforded by a conventionally middle class person too! Various questions related to skin treatments keep haunting the minds of today’s fashion and beauty conscious masses; be it man or a woman. This issue Guardian beauty throws light on Botox treatment and clears al your queries reagrding this treatment. Keep reading...

Botox Gyan
Feel the change with a slight “pin prick”. The main attraction to Botox treatment is the reason that it's a simple, non-surgical process that takes only 10-minutes. With just a few tiny Botox injections you’ll experience a noticeable improvement that can last up to 6 months. Dr. Shelly Kapoor, consultant, Medanta-the-Medicity informs, “The injections only feel like a slight “pin prick” and since they only take about 10 minutes to administer, you can get your Botox treatment during a lunch break.”

Am I the right candidate? Age and cost wise: Usually, people in the age group of 40-60 years are keen to go for skin treatments like Botox and face lifts. But, the people in the age group of 40-55 years are the right candidates for a Botox treatment when there is good skin elasticity and relaxing the underlying muscles produces a good effect. The cost of treatment depends on the number of units injected. On an average, Rs 300-400 per unit is the amount charged by experts, informs Dr. Shelly Kapoor, Consultant, Dermatology, Medanta – The Medicity, Gurgaon.

Which wrinkle types can get ironed? Botox is mainly done for dynamic wrinkles on upper face; horizontal lines on forehead and on crow’s feet. Bunny lines on nose and platysmal bands are also covered under Botox treatment.
So, now will all doubts clear, you too can plan pressing the creaches to get that even youthful skin.

Customise Your Makeup

2011-09-19T21:36:00.000-07:00

We all put our lotions and creams, colours and glosses with the best of the intentions. However, at times when it’s all put together the result is just not right. Makeup is an art and like all applied arts, you got to learn it. When used with right tools and information, it can transform the look. Guardian beauty tells you how to avoid 10 such beauty bloopers.

1.Do you look older than your age? May be, your foundation is to blame. If you wear lots of foundation, your original skin doesn’t show and that’s not a good idea. And, if you are using mineral foundation on dry skin, chances are your foundation will accentuate your wrinkles too. Mineral foundation, though a rage is actually compressed powder and like all powders, it settles down in the creases of your skin.

2.Your lips are too pale. At times we all wear nude shades to get that professional look or to look natural, but we may end up looking washed out. Your lips need colour. There is no need to go for red or pink but dark shades like maroon, berry and brown also go well.

3.Do you wear too much mascara? Too much mascara makes lashes look hard as a rock. To prevent this beauty blooper, always work with mascaras that are new.
4. Blush went blotchy. Powder blush on dry skin will look blotchy. Use cream stains to get rid of it.

5.Is your makeup accentuating fine lines around your eyes? It will, if your eye makeup is powder based and you use shimmery colours like gold and silver. Powder eye shadow tends to settle down in the creases of the eye lids and it makes fine lines more visible.

6.Have you heard of reverse raccoon eyes? Dark shadows beneath the eyes call for the use of concealer. Make sure your concealer is not more than a shade lighter than your skin tone and do check if it contains zinc, which tends to leave white residue.

7. Your eyebrows are arched. If you’ve barely-there brows or have over-plucked then, you should leave them alone. Let them grow out and start again from scratch. If you feel like you need to touch them up, conceal the short regrowth hairs by plucking
them daily. If they are not growing back at all, semi-permanent make-up is an option.

8. Makeup cracking. However hard you try, it’s not possible to hide dry and dehydrated face beneath layers of makeup. Always wash, tone and moisturise your face, before you put on makeup.

9.Your eye makeup gave you panda eyes. Wearing eye makeup that runs at the signs of distress (read tears, rain) is responsible for it. Sometimes it may take trial and error, but finding quality mascara, eyeliner and eye pencils that do not smear, smudge, flake or run is the key.

10. Lipstick on your teeth. Crimson lips look dramatic, but traces of red colour on your teeth, can be a big put off. Makeup artists suggest a quick way to fix it. Apply lipstick, and blot. Next, rub a cotton swab across your teeth to remove any trace of pigment. Then dip the opposite end of the swab into petroleum jelly, and rub it over your front teeth. The barrier prevents color from sticking to your porous pearly whites.

Beat the Monsoon Blues

2011-06-20T01:32:00.000-07:00

High humidity levels in this wet and sultry weather makes our skin, especially oily, highly prone to various fungal and bacterial infections, as airborne and waterborne microbes (that cause these infections) let loose under these conditions.

Regular baths go a long way in reducing the chances of infection. As fungus thrives on moisture, ensure the body is dried properly and moisture is retained in the body folds —Sprinkle some talc in armpits, neck etc, as it absorbs moisture from the skin surface. Do not share your towels, caps, combs and shaving blades with anyone. If someone in your family is suffering from a fungal infection, make sure the clothes of the infected person are washed separately.

Toner touch
Use of good anti-bacterial toners on the body is a pre requisite. Toners make skin less sticky, help tighten up the pores and prevent skin infections and eruptions. Anti-fungal soap or preferably soap free cleansers help ward off infections.
Use a mild cleanser to remove the dead skin and dirt from skin. Try ripe papaya pulp, it makes a good mild exfoliant.

Hair often becomes limp and lifeless owing to damp weather. Regular oiling with olive oil and daily cleansing with a mild shampoo would keep your hair healthy.

If you are afraid of going for the rain dance and getting drenched, we have the solution. Keep your makeup to the minimal. Rub ice on your face before applying any makeup as it helps to reduce sweat and allows make-up to stay on longer. Go in for light, water-based moisturizers during monsoons to avoid oily skin, acne and water loss due to perspiration. Opt for a water proof makeup and completely avoid wearing kajal or use kajal pencil to avoid smudgy eyes. Semi –matted lipsticks are a better choice.

Apply sunscreen when moving out. “Sunscreen is as necessary to apply in monsoons as it is during summer. Sun rays can reach you through clouds and harm your soft skin. Application of sunblocks or suncreen helps prevent those merciless UV”, advises Dr. Soni Nanda Sood, Dermatologist, Vasundhra Enclave, Delhi

Wash your feet with lukewarm water twice a day and keep them absolutely dry. Keep your shoes open and dry to prevent fungus.
Drink lots of water to keep your body hydrated. Water helps flush out the toxins and keep the skin healthy.

Keeping yourself dry, exfoliating your facial skin twice every week with a scrub and applying a good, preferably oil free moisturiser after drying off yourself are a few simple basics to beat the monsoon blues.

Home Remedies for Fair Complexion

2011-05-17T01:59:00.000-07:00

All over the world dusky complexion has gained respect. But this isn’t true for India. May be it is the hangover of our colonial days, but we aspire to gain fair complexion and this sentiment resonates through out the country. Given the length and the breadth of the country, it is but natural that the complexion of the people will respond to the varied geographical conditions. You will find more fair skinned people towards the north and the complexion takes a lovely brown tan as you move towards the south. While it is impossible to change the skin colour there are many remedies available in your kitchen which help your skin tan fade, lighten hyper pigmentation of your skin and will improve your skin tone. We tell you more…..

1. You must have heard from your grand ma to clean your face with a cotton wool dipped in raw milk to brighten the complexion. The logic being that all remedies that work to remove tan will also lighten your complexion. Hence, sour yoghurt and cold milk used as face cleansers will lighten your complexion.

2. Apply mashed over ripe papaya pack on your face to fade away blemishes and to even out the skin tone.

3. Mix oatmeal with curd and tomato juice and apply on the face. Keep it on for 20 minutes and then wash it off with cold water. It helps remove the tan and lightens the skin.

4. Pound raw turmeric and add drops of lime juice to it. They act as natural bleaching agents.

5. This summer grate tomato and cucumber. Extract juice and make a pack with fullers earth powder. Add drops of rose oil and put the paste on your face. Put slices of cucumber on your eyes. Rest for a while and wash your face later. Do it at least thrice a week. Your complexion will improve for sure.

6. Orange peel powder is an excellent product to enhance your complexion. Orange peel has volatile oil in it hence dry it in shade. When the peel gets crumb like structure pound it and add it to an cleaning agent, like gram flour, oatmeal powder or fuller’s earth. Keep the ratio 1:1. Make a face pack with sour yoghurt, tomato juice or rosewater. Orange peel has grainy structure and you have to scrub your face to get the pack away. This will help remove your black heads and even out the inconsistencies of your complexion.

Lifestyle Factors:

Diet–what you eat reflects in the status of your health and your complexion. Although there are no particular foods that will lighten your skin instantly, a balanced diet definitely helps by giving your skin a healthy glow. Emphasise on fruits and vegetables for a radiant complexion. Drinking 8-10 glasses of water to hydrate your skin and keep it blemish free.
Sunscreen—Wear sunscreen when you go out, minimum of SPF 15 to protect your skin from the unforgiving rays of the sun.

Keep Your Skin & Hair Healthy after a Colourful Splash of Holi

2011-03-15T22:15:00.000-07:00

Planning to make a colourful splash on Holi, and also little scared assuming the ill-effects of colours on your skin and hair!! No need to worry. By taking little precautions while selecting the right colour and by following some beneficial skin care and hair care recommendations of derma experts, you can enjoy Holi, submerged in different shades of gulals, water colours and pastes of your choice.

Holi can be enjoyed in a most lively manner with great vigour and fervent only if we remain cautious towards post Holi effects on skin and hair, in advance, says Dr. Sachin Dhawan, Director, Clinical & Aesthetic Dermatology (Artemis Health Institute, Gurgaon).
On the request note, Dr. Dhawan has suggested some of the most effective skin care and hair care tips to enjoy a safe Holi.

In a questionnaire organized by us, Dr. Dhawan gave his expert overview on the below mentioned queries.

We asked: ‘What precautionary steps should be taken to protect skin & hair on Holi?
Dr. Dhawan stated: “Protect your hair by applying oil before playing Holi. For skin care, apply a thick coat of vaseline petroleum jelly or coconut oil all over your body to avoid harsh effect of Holi colours. Also, use good sunscreen to safeguard your face and hands, as Holi is mostly played in open. Avoid use of highly toxic permanent colours which contain heavy metals like lead, arsenic and mercury that have tendency to cause allergies. Instead, use natural colours made out of flowers, turmeric, and indigo.

Along with skin and hair, we must also take proper care of our eyes and nails. For protecting nails, Dr. Dhawan suggested, “Coat your nails properly with nail enamel before playing Holi.” For eyes, he recommended, “Be cautious that colour does not get into your eyes and cause problem. If, in any case, colour does get into your eyes, wash them repeatedly with clean water and if the irritation still persists, see a doctor.”

On our query regarding, ‘How to pamper our skin & hair after Holi?’ Dr. Dhawan suggested some easy steps to revitalize skin and hair after Holi. He added, “Using natural home based skin care remedies helps a lot in removing Holi colours from skin. While for cleaning hair, we should select some mild shampoo followed by a good conditioner.”

A step-wise ways to make your skin supple and smooth & your hair shiny and healthy is detailed below:

Wash the Holi colour off using besan and malai instead of strong soaps and detergents.
Apply paste of besan and yoghurt pack as it is also highly effective in removing colour and revitalizing skin.
Follow it up by a deep moisturizing agent like almond oil or a moisturizing cream.
Use a mild shampoo to wash off hair colours and condition them using a pH balanced conditioner.
A hydrating and detanning facial is also a good option to pamper the damaged skin, post Holi.
Go in for a manicure and pedicure to cleanse the colours off the nails.
If possible visit a dermatologist post Holi to get a microdermabrasion or a peel treatment done to strip off the damaged layers followed by a hydrating mask to make the skin soft and supple.
Mesothreapy (Mesoglow) is another option to regain the lost charm of skin. In this therapy superficial injections of vitamins and other skin brightening agents are imbibed in the skin with a gunshot.

As Holi ushers during severe climatic change so this is another major reason it is recommended to be extra careful towards skin and hair in Holi. With emerging dry season, the skin and scalp faces excessive dryness which leads to conditions like dandruff in hair, dry skin problems, etc. So, use of adequate moisture and sunscreen for skin and proper conditioning of hair using mild natural oil like olive oil or almond oil is suggested to keep both skin and hair healthy during Holi season.

Be little conscious and get on colourful water, pastes and gulals to enjoy a memorable Holi this season.

10 Must Have Beauty Essentials for Summer

2011-03-14T22:12:00.000-07:00

Summers are back and will stay for the next couple of months. As we simplify our wardrobe and strip away extra layers of clothing, summer calls for a stronger focus on fabulous skin. Guardian Health Chronicle suggests 10 must have products in your beauty kit.

Tame Your Skin with Toners. In winter, we didn’t have to bother about the greasy look on our face. It stayed well behaved, spotless most of the times and shine free. But your skin saga will be changing in the coming months and you better equip yourself with an alcohol free toner to keep your face hydrated and shine free. Dr. Shehla Agarwal imparts a bit of knowledge on toners and astringents. Astringents should be swiped on the oily areas of your face with a cotton ball, never with finger tips. It helps close pores and controls acne. On the other hand toners are to be used with fingers on your face for a quick swipe after cleaning it (with a mild face cleanser of course) to help it return to its natural pH state. Rose water is a good toner.
Don’t Go Out Without Sunscreen. Ideally, you should not go out in the sun without a sunscreen. Dermatologists concur that almost all age-related damage on your skin results from the UV rays of the sun. For Indian skin tone a minimum protection of SPF 15-20 is required and you should wear sunscreen at least half an hour before you go out. Buy sunscreens that offer broad spectrum protection and check the label to see if it has zinc and titanium-di-oxide as ingredients. Stay indoors between 11 am to 3 pm when the rays of the sun are the harshest. If you plan to go to hilly areas then get sunscreens with higher SPF. The golden rule with sunscreens is reapply, hence tote a bottle with you when you go out.
Resolve Skin Woes With Aloe Vera Gel. It’s normal for your skin to develop rashes, zits, acne and sun tan. Aloe Vera gel works well to soothe the inflamed skin. Venturing out in the sun without a sunscreen will give you sun tan, which is nature’s way of increasing melanin production to protect your skin. Apply Aloe Vera gel on the tanned skin for instant relief.
Polish off Your Skin With Body Scrubs. There is more of skin show in summer. Buff your body with body scrubs and show off the smooth skin with panache. You could also use orange- peel powder with ‘good-old’ besan and milk to get a homemade body scrub to exfoliate your skin.
Get Home Oil Free Moisturisers. Many of us think that our skin doesn’t need moisturizer in summer because it’s already greasy. This isn’t true. When the skin feels dry and parched, the oil glands go on overdrive to produce oil in order to keep the skin moist which can make it greasy. You need to provide nourishment to your skin with oil-free moisturisers that don’t clog your pores. In fact, many sunscreens and moisturisers are rolled in one and help you seal in the moisture and ban the tan at the same time.
Feel Fresh With Fragrances. While deodorants are good for banishing body odour perfumes and EDTs move a step ahead in helping you smell fresh throughout the day. You could even try the good old atar (perfume) available at select stores in old Delhi to the get the old-world feel.
A Quick Swipe With Wet Wipes Does a Miracle. Wet wipes are a must have ingredient in your vanity kit, purse or even in the office drawer. The makeup worn in the morning begins to melt in humid summers. Just before an important meeting wet wipes can be used to refresh your face or repair smudged makeup. Keep it handy and you’ll never have a bad-makeup day.
Invest in a Good Quality Shampoo and Conditioner. You sweat a lot in summer, which means you’ll wash your hair more frequently. Then you go and take a dip in the chlorinated pool water. Moreover, rays of the sun can deprive your precious tresses of moisture and fade your hair colour. Naturally, you need to buy a good quality shampoo and conditioner for your hair. You could also buy conditioners that come with UV protectant features. Hair masks become kind of mandatory in summer. Use it once a fortnight or after you’ve coloured your hair or touched the roots. Yves Rocher offers hair products suited for every hair type. Go ahead and try these.
Beat Prickly Heat with Calamine. Prickly heat is a painful summer ailment which happens because of excessive sweating and clogged pores. To keep prickly heat at bay you should bathe twice a day and put baking soda in your bath water. This will soothe the skin inflammation. Apply calamine on the affected area to control the itch.
Exfoliate Feet with Foot Scrub. Until now our feet were covered inside socks, but as the socks come off, your feet face the world. Cracked heels, unruly nails will spoil your style statement. Use foot scrubs especially designed for your feet to get rid of dead cells. Book yourself for a pedicure at least once a month. While soaking your feet in warm water drop a couple of aspirins in it. The salicylic acid in aspirin will soften the dead cells. Now use the foot scrub to get ultra soft feet.

10 Must Have Winter Essentials

2010-11-24T21:45:00.000-08:00

Winter has announced its arrival. The weather has turned nippy and your skin is the first one to bear the brunt of elements (read cold winds). The basics of skin care remain the same for winter too: cleansing, toning and moisturising but you need to tweak these products a bit. In summer, a foaming face wash was good but as the temperature dips you should switch to a mild cleanser, preferably a lotion. Similarly your toner should be non-drying types and your moisturiser should be a richer version of the one that you used in the summer. Archana Jha Darshan enlists ten must have beauty essentials that every girl should keep in her vanity kit.
1. Heavy duty moisturizer with SPF protection: Cold winds can strip moisture from your skin, particularly your facial skin. Wear moisturisers diligently after cleaning your face. Switch to oil based moisturisers in place of water as they form a barrier on your skin and look for "nonclogging" oils, like avocado oil, mineral oil, primrose oil, or almond oil. Do not avoid sunscreen protection just because it’s winter. The rays of the sun will wreak damage on your skin nevertheless. Sunscreen Protection Factor 15 is good for Indian skin tones.
2. Gentle exfoliating agents: In these months our skin’s turnover rate goes down, hence you should add a gentle exfoliating agent in your skin care ritual to remove the dead cells from your skin. Any scrub which has AHA agents will be a good exfoliator. Lactic acid (sour yoghurt) is a wonderful exfoliator that removes dead cells without being harsh. Gentle peeling creams are better than the regular scrubs. Remember to tone (rose water) your skin after exfoliating it and follow it up with a good moisturiser.
3. Switch your face masks. Give hydrating face masks a chance now. Avoid face masks that have clay in them as these can absorb extra oil from your skin. Now, your masks should have ingredients like glycerine, honey which can nourish your skin.
4. How about hand creams? Your hands bear the brunt of cold weather more than your face. Shower these with some TLC and you’ll be rewarded with a soft and smooth pair of hands. Exfoliate your hands and apply a good hand cream later. Wear cotton gloves later to seal in the moisture.
5. Put your best foot forward. Winter means dry, dehydrated and cracked heels for many. Not only this is painful but embarrassing too. Dip your heels in a basin of warm salted water in which baking soda and shampoo has been added. Scrub the topmost layer gently with a good quality pumice stone. Refrain from buying the cheaper version available at your local kirana store. Follow it up with a generous massage by a rich, hydrating foot cream.
6. Have you splurged on hair masks? The cold winds and the dipping temperature steal moisture and lustre from your precious strands. Protect your hair by wearing nourishing hair masks. Make it once-a-week affair and your hair will bounce with health.
7. Lip balms. Your lips don’t have any oil glands. Naturally they dry out faster than your skin. Hence buy a good quality lip balm to keep your lips hydrated and well moisturised. You can also switch to creamy lipsticks in place of the long lasting ones to keep your lips happy.
8. Eye cream: The delicate skin around your eyes can get really damaged by cold air and harsh winds. Even though you might apply in the AM, applying eye cream mid-day when you leave your office will keep the skin around the eyes protected.
9. Oil massage. This sounds delicious and feels heavenly. At least once a month treat yourself to a whole body oil massage. You can use coconut or olive oil for the massage and your skin will definitely feel better and more hydrated later.

10. Body butter: This is thicker than a regular lotion and provides much needed nourishment to the dry and dehydrated skin.

Though you may not feel thirsty but you should have ten glasses of water to keep your skin hydrated. If you use room heaters then place a bowl of water in the room so that your skin doesn’t feel parched when you wake up. Hot water bath may feel heavenly, but you should avoid it as it can dry your skin. Instead prefer tepid water and put a capful of baking soda in it to keep your skin moist. Emphasise on healthy foods and be regular with exercise and the result will reflect in a healthy glow on your face.

Ten Easy Age Erasers

2010-10-27T00:03:00.000-07:00

Age makes you sage and brings a lot of experience along with wisdom but that doesn’t mean you should look old too. What about the heart which is forever young? Should the young-at-heart look old or are there ways to thwart the effects of time without spending a bomb? Ask us. There are ten such ‘easy-to-do’ age erasers that will help you look young and glowing. Find more with Archana Jha Darshan

1. Pay attention to your posture. Your mom must have told you a hundred times when you were young that you should sit straight. Follow her advice. Do not slouch on the chair while working on the desktop. Your perennially stiff shoulders will begin to fade and your double chin will make a disappearing act too. Sit straight.
2. Get a haircut. A well done haircut can make a world of difference to your looks. Go for soft layers and bangs that frame your face to look young. Almost all of us colour our grey strands to reverse the clock, you don’t need to pick the jet-black shade that will make you stand out as a ‘dyed’ matron. Go for highlights on your tresses and pick warm shades that complement Indian skin tone. For this season khaki brown highlights are popular, honey caramel shade looks cool too, suggests Shanti from Hair n Shanti.
3. Take care of your teeth. Stained teeth add years to your face. Get your teeth bleached and your pearly whites are going to shine like never before. As an added bonus point you’ll smile with greater confidence.
4. Work out. What separates dainty girls from matronly looking women? A big chunk of the answer is weight. Losing weight will make you look younger. Don’t go on crash diets rather eat balanced meals and work out. Exercise not only releases feel good hormones which will make you relaxed and less cranky but also tones your butt and belly. The moment you begin to shape up your confidence begins to soar.
5. Skin care. Your face reflects the status of your health. Add a gentle exfoliating cleanser to your regular cleanse-tone-moisturise routine. Use hydrating creams generously. Rose water and glycerine put together make a good hydrating cream. Invest in a quality night repair cream and use it before you hit the sack.
6. Tweak your makeup. While mineral makeup is great it’s basically compressed powder. Go for creamy foundation because it will camouflage the fine lines of your face. Similarly prefer creamy lip colours to matte lip stains. Go for earthy tones for your eye makeup and wear lip gloss.
7. Beef up your brows. Our mind tends to associate thick eyebrows with youthful looks. As you age do not go for pencil thin eyebrows because such brows can give you vampish look. Maintain the natural arch of your eyebrows and tweeze out wayward strands. Now is the time that you should stop getting your eyebrows done by a novice in your neighbourhood parlour. Be finicky about who is doing your eyebrows because they define your face. You can use thin, feathery pencil strokes to beef it up too.
8. How about pampering neglected body parts? You don’t need to be surprised at hearing this. In the humdrum of life most of us tend to overlook our hands, feet and neck. Our hands tell a lot about our age. Cracked heels denote the lack of attention and care given to the feet. Book yourself for a session of manicure and pedicure. Stop using your face cream on your hands. Buy products that are especially made to cater to the needs of hands and feet. During winters you can massage your hands and feet with olive oil and wear cotton socks over it. Gently massaging exposed parts of your hands with a lemon peel will help you get rid of the dark blemishes. As for your neck any product that goes on your face must cross the territory of your chin and reach to your neck.
9. Buy a quality bra. You need it. The shape of breasts changes with time. You know why? Motherhood, breastfeeding and gaining weight affect the size of our breasts. Moreover, as we age our chest sags. A quality bra will give the breasts much needed support. Almost all malls retailing lingerie these days have a trial section. Try bras before you buy. Seek the help of a sales assistant. Chances are you must be wearing the wrong size!
10. Smile. That’s the easiest and cheapest makeover available to all. Use it often and its going to change your attitude to life.

Learn to go with the flow because life itself is a beautiful journey and you should enjoy the ride. That’s what matters!

Learn to Waterproof Your Makeup

2010-07-17T02:00:00.000-07:00

Let’s admit monsoon and makeup do not go along well. Yet, a girl deserves to look her best in all times. During monsoons keep your makeup to minimum. Keep reading to learn more tricks to thwart skin concerns like oily skin, smudged makeup, specific to monsoon.

Listen to your skin–With humidity reaching an all time high, you need to tweak your makeup routine and give that good old foundation a skip. Go for skin care products that are oil free and will not clog your pores. Use tinted moisturisers to even out the skin tone. Loose powders will help you dab the excess oil and keep your skin looking fresh and grease free. This is the time when you need to emphasise on skin cleanliness because humidity can wreak havoc with your skin, which might make your otherwise blemish free skin breakout. Wash your face at least twice a day with an oil free face wash. Dab an alcohol free toner on your face after cleaning it. In response to increased humidity your oil glands become overactive, which enlarges the pores of the face to release the oil. Keep toners handy and splash it on your face to counter the shine effect. If you’re a ‘woman-on-the-go’ tote facial wipes.

Accentuate your eyes—Forget the drama attached to eye makeup and keep the look simple. Line your eyes with kohl and use water-resistant eye liner for your upper eye lids. If you must wear mascara, wear just one coat and go for ones that can withstand drizzle.

Tame your tresses—Getting caught in unpredictable showers damage your hair. Try to wash your hair with a mild shampoo after you have danced in the rain. Pay special attention to hygiene so that your hair stays clean and dandruff stays at bay. Invest in some good quality serum to keep your mane smooth, silky and lustrous. Keep it stylish in neat, pulled-back dos. High ponytails and chignons look fetching any time of the day and you can always throw in some accessories to glam them up for an evening out. If you have short or medium length hair, dress it up with a funky or a sporty headband.

Lip service—Following the rule less is more, forget for the time being dramatic shades like berry, red, chocolate and stick to neutral lip-shades. Say no to gooey lip glosses and keep your lips happy with tinted balm.

Foot fundamentals—Your feet bear a lot during monsoons. Buy bright coloured foot wears suited for rainy season. Get pedicure done once a month or do it yourself at home. Wash your feet carefully after coming home to keep infections at bay.

Bare essentials
Here’s a checklist of bare essentials that you must carry with you always for looking fresh ‘n’ pretty all through the monsoon:

Non-alcoholic face wipes to wipe away grime
Toner
Oil-free moisturizing sunscreen
Water proof kohl or eyeliner
Sheer lip tint
Hair serum to tame that frizz
Scrunchies and headbands

Most importantly send to exile cool cottons in neutral shades. Pull out chiffons and crepes in bright shades like sunny yellows, hot pinks, lime greens, lively oranges from your wardrobe. Go wild with hues, mix and match and enjoy the rains.

Infuse Life in Your Colour Treated Hair

2010-06-14T23:07:00.000-07:00

Given the trend and people getting grey strands much before the official announcement of middle age, it’s hard to find ‘virgin’ hair. ‘Virgin’ hair is one which has not been permed, straightened, rebonded or touched by hair colour. If you’ve ‘virgin’ hair stop reading further, and if you’re like million others who colour their hair we recommend you to read ahead. Believe it or not the cheapest and the easiest way to turn back the clock of time is to colour your hair. However, so many questions come in your mind when you colour your hair—Are you damaging your hair? What should be the hair care routine now?

Put your worries to rest as we tell you how to take care of your coloured hair. Mostly Indians believe that henna is good for hair and hair colour damages your precious tresses. This is not true. Harish working as hair stylist with Ambika Pillai says, “Almost all men and women who are tired of the orange hue that henna gives and come to me for hair colour complain that their scalp itch after applying henna. Henna makes your hair dry and brittle.”

How to make your hair colour last longer

Each time you colour your hair the chemicals in the colour penetrate deep down the core of each strand so that the colour stays on your hair. All hair colours cause cuticle damage. Hence, you need to be gentle with your hair and protect if from bright sun light. Shower your coloured hair with TLC.

Shampoo Right. Irrespective of the brand, all hair colours fade with time. If you wish to make your hair colour last longer you should use a shampoo which is meant for coloured hair as it is more hydrating. When you shampoo your hair concentrate on the scalp to wash off oil and grease and stop struggling with your tresses.

Condition Well. Coloured hair becomes weak and dry. Hence, after you shampoo it you need to condition it especially on the tips with conditioners meant for coloured hair.

Use a Mask. Wear a hair repair mask once a week to nourish your strands. Use a mask that is fortified with pro Vitamin B5 to improve the protein structure of your hair.

Apply Serum. When your colour treated hair is partially dry wear a leave on serum on the tips and the top of your head to nourish your hair.

Be Gentle. Colour treated hair becomes fragile. Hence, do not comb when it’s damp. Also avoid using hot dryers on your hair. Just like your nails your hair is made of keratin. If keratin gets too hot, its components get damaged, causing its structure to break down. The result: your hair looks dull and lifeless.

Hair stylists recommend that before you colour your hair go for a hair spa at least three four days in advance. Hair spa consists of deep conditioning treatment for the hair which will improve the texture of your hair. At home you can also do hot oil massage as a substitute for hair spa. In warm olive oil puncture vitamin E capsule and massage your hair gently with it in circular motion. Wear a damp hot towel over it for fifteen minutes and then wash off the oil of your hair.

How often should you retouch your roots

Since hair grows on average 1/2 inch a month, it’s safe to assume that hair should have at least an inch of growth before getting a touch-up. For some people, that could mean 6 weeks and for some people that could mean 10 weeks.

For Flawless Skin in Summer

2010-04-21T22:28:00.000-07:00

Combat the shine and grime of summer skin with the Sebo Specific Range from Yves Rocher, which has anti shine technology to reduce the imperfections of combination and oily skin and ensures perfect matte effect.

1. CLEANSE

Cleanses the skin without drying it.
Non-aggressive scrubbing micro particles clean the skin without drying it.

2. MOISTURISE

For a superb matt complexion from morning to night
This emulsion gel moisturizes combination to oily skin and controls shine, even when it’s hot.

TREAT

Tightens dilated pores and conceals imperfections

The skin is smooth and flawless.

NATURAL INGREDIENTS

The anti-shine technology of Sebo Specific Range owes its attributes to Scutellaria Root. The root of the Scutellaria plant contains molecules known as flavonoids which enable it to resist external aggressions. This root has an exceptional ability to control shine at its source. The skin is cleansed, the complexion is fresh and perfectly even.

Summer Hair Care

2010-04-15T22:52:00.000-07:00

Summers are here to stay. In the coming months the sun will become harsher and the mercury is going to soar higher. Needless, to say you need to take extra measures to protect yourself from the unrelenting heat. Somehow, summer and sunscreens are spelt in the same breath and our crowning glory gets relegated to the sidelines.

In this post, Beauty Basics focuses spotlight on your tresses and tells you simple doable steps which will add bounce and shine in your hair.

Summer is harsh for your hair. The sun, heat, humidity and chlorinated pool water strip moisture from the hair and lighten its colour, more so if you colour your hair. Your hair becomes brittle, gets split ends and looks stressed. It is screaming for attention.

De-stress your tresses
1) Accessorize. Wear hats, scarves, or carry umbrellas when you go out in the sun. The hot rays of the sun are harsh on your hair. Provide shade to your hair when you can and save it from the damage caused by the UV rays.
2) Condition your hair. Since, your hair loses moisture in the hot summer you need to replenish it with the help of conditioners. Conditioners add bounce and life to your hair.
3) Choose leave on UV protectant products. For great looking hair you need to do some research. Investigate about hair care products that provide UV protection. Shampoos and conditioners with UV protection get washed away, hence, you can’t be sure how much of it will stick on to your precious tresses and fight the damaging effects of UV rays. You can make your own UV protection leave on hair serum too. Dilute two table spoons of SPF 25 lotion in a cup of water on spritz on your hair before you go out in the sun.
4) Invest in a good quality clarifying and moisturising shampoos. If you are using a lot of ‘leave on’ hair protection serums you need to wash it off with a clarifying shampoo to retrieve its natural looks. Otherwise a good moisturizing shampoo is the order of the day.
5) Save water and shampoo. As it is summer dries your hair and you don’t want to aggravate dryness by shampooing your hair every day. Twice a week is just fine. But, if you got to wash it every day you have to hunt for the mildest shampoo in the town.
6) Deep condition your hair. Dry hair is starving for moisture. Buy a good quality hair repair cream and use it after the shampoo session. Leave it as directed. For better results you can wear a shower cap as long as you are wearing the hair mask. While, there are natural methods, like honey and mayonnaise to nourish your hair but professional products work well too.
7) Massage your hair once a week with warm oil. Gentle massage with warm oil on your scalp is a perfect antidote to stress and helps your hair stay happy. If you have time let the oil stay overnight or at least for two hours.
Wet your hair well before you dive in the pool. Dry hair acts like sponge and pool water is chlorinated. But, when you wet your hair you lower the chances of damage. Don’t forget to shampoo your hair with a clarifying shampoo after your swimming session. Your hair will thank you if you condition it too.

With these simple steps your crowning glory will be your source of pride and envy of others.

Banish Blackheads

2010-04-07T03:56:00.000-07:00

Blackheads are hard to get rid of and they keep appearing, somehow on oily and combination skin। Greasy skin is inclined to be shiny, with open pores and blackheads that are a result of over-activity of the sebaceous glands. Blackheads are small “plugs” that develop in the pores of your skin. Dermatologists consider it as a kind of acne. Dr.Charulata Bose, consultant dermatologist at Artemis Health Institute, Gurgaon says, “These are the starting stage of acne and are the result of excess oil excreted by the sebaceous glands.” When the pore is open, the oil is exposed to oxygen, which reacts and turns it a dark colour, resulting in a blackhead.

Why blackheads trouble teenagers more?

Dr. Bose answers, “At puberty, there are hormonal changes. These hormonal changes along with a genetic influence increase the oil gland secretion.” The next big culprit in blackhead formation is the use of skin-care products or make-up. These products will mix with your body’s natural oil and add to the build-up that can block pores.

Risky zones

T-zone. The T-zone of your face is mostly prone to blackheads for the simple reason that it’s oily. It is the part of your face consisting of the forehead, nose and the area around your mouth, including the chin

Dr. Blossom Kochhar, well-known aroma therapist and beauty expert advises following DIY tips to get rid of blackheads.

1. Treat your skin to a cleansing treatment by using a friction wash that cleans clogged pores with abrasive action. Moisten your face and hands with warm water. Put a teaspoon of cleansing granules in the palm, work them into a rich lather and apply to the face. Massage gently for few seconds. Concentrate on clogged pores and blackhead areas. Rinse off thoroughly with warm water.
2. Instead of soap use gram flour (equal quantities of gram and Bengal gram) mixed in milk or rice water. Scrub the paste on the body and rinse with clear water. This improves skin’s clarity.
3. Make a fine paste of turmeric and mustard seeds and apply on the spots each night. Keep them for a while and wash with water. The blackheads and acne spots fade away gradually day by day.
4. Mix some Milk of Magnesia (they are easily available in the market) and some water. Also add one drop of Lemon essential oil. Apply on the face and leave it for 10 minutes. Rinse off.
5. Dissolve a teaspoon of Epsom salts (Magnesium Sulphate) in a cup of hot water. Apply to the blackhead areas with cotton oil. A papaya-mint tea bag dissolved in a cup of hot water and applied on the blackhead areas also acts as a disencrusting lotion.

Beauty Basics: Body wash or soap

2010-03-10T02:19:00.000-08:00

Beauty Basics: Body wash or soap

Body wash or soap

2010-03-10T01:40:00.000-08:00

What should I use? Body wash or soap. Well, you can use any depending on your choice and comfort. What you pick depends entirely on what your skin demands. It is just a matter of matching your skin’s requirements with the right product. Seeing a plethora of skin cleansers flooding the stores one really gets confused regarding the effectiveness of one over the other. Up till now it was just bar soaps coming in a variety of flavours and tempting colors. Body washes have made their foray recently. It’s not easy to give away something you have been using everyday for decades and accept what appeared on the shelves just lately. But something, which promises to make your daily ritual a joyful indulgence, certainly deserves a try. For many, soap and body wash are pretty much the same thing. Are they?
Lets get into the nuances of soaps and body wash to understand their effectiveness.
The creamy and sensual feel of the soap between the hands, and its rich lather brings a soothing effect. And rubbing the bar along the skin gives a kind of a relaxing massage to the overall body. It cleanses, it exfoliates, it lathers and even smells good. It solves all the purposes of a good skin cleanser. Plus a bar of soap doesn’t fall and spill everywhere; you can actually save tons of money. Agreed, but our skin demands much more than just cleaning and sweet fragrance.

What makes a body wash more effective?

Natural ingredients
Extra moisture
Ultra deep cleaning properties
Mesmerizing fragrances
Price- value for money

Body wash helps maintain the skin’s natural balance. Its moisturizing effect improves the rough, flaky and dry skin and keeps it hydrated. It doesn’t make the skin flaky and doesn’t leave any residue. The ingredients that it is prepared with, cleanses the body thoroughly without robbing the skin’s natural moisture. Its mild and gentle texture suits even the babies, as it is a lot easier and convenient to use than a bar of soap. Encased in a container, it not only is saved from the germs but is also handy to use. Most importantly, it ensures no wastage. A drop does all. You can even share it with the entire family and still be away from the fear of infections. Coming in heavenly aromas of mandarins and limes, do you think bar soaps can relax and energize you better than these liquid washes?
Go ahead, give bar soaps a break and ease into the fragrant, uplifting world of body washes।

When buying a body wash, make sure it - comes with all the moisturizing benefits and contains shea butter or aloe -vera extracts, to keep your skin soft as well as to keep it hydrated. The other features to look for are--

Lathers well

Gives soothing fragrances that will help you relax while in the shower.

Contains essential oils

Has long shelf life of at least 18 months

Doesn’t contain ultra-violet irritants or petrochemicals.

If you wish to go for something scented-

Make sure that it is not intense
If you are looking for something soothing and comforting go for something with lavender or sandalwood.
If want something refreshing and invigorating pick up something with mint or rosemary.

Sunscreen shopping

2010-02-08T00:20:00.000-08:00

If winter comes can spring be far behind………….. And with spring follow the hot sunny days…but you cannot stay indoors all the time to shun sun. So let’s face it.

Hot facts• Spending some time, say about 10 to 15 minutes a day, in the sun, helps the body produce vitamin D, which might protect against various illnesses.
• An over dose of the harsh ultra-violet (UV) rays can trigger serious skin problems, like sunburn, hyper-pigmentation, wrinkles, premature skin aging, and skin cancer, especially melanoma, the most virulent and the fastest growing cancer.
• A sigh of relief for the darker skinned- People with darker skin have higher levels of melanin, which absorbs ultra-violet rays and acts as a natural sunscreen. But, though this does reduce the risk of skin damage, it does not offer full protection.
That makes the application of sun block every time you step outdoors, a must.

Why sunblock and not sunscreen?

Sunscreens absorb UV rays and are also inconspicuous on the skin. The chemicals that are most often found in sunscreens include PABA, Benzophenones, Cinnamates, and Salicylates. Sunblocks act as barrier against the solar radiation. They reflect rather than absorb UV rays. They appear white on the skin and usually contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Highly effective for the sensitive skin, sunblocks do not contain any of the chemical irritants present in other products. It is believed to be stronger than sunscreen as it cannot be broken down by sunlight and also because of its two important compounds, Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide, which are quite safe for the skin. People with skin diseases such as lupus erythematosus, rosacea, or other sun-sensitive conditions benefit a lot from sunblock preparations.

What to look for when buying sunblockTitanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide, the two essential ingredients, protect the skin from both UVA and UVB radiation by preventing the sun from penetrating and burning the skin through their light refracting properties, basically by reflecting and scattering light back, away from the skin. Mineral powders are ideal and are an added bonus and the best way to protect your face from further sun damage.
Always look at the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) when deciding what level of sunblock is going to meet your needs. The higher the SPF, the more protection it offers against the UVB and UVA rays. You have the option of choosing sunblock with an SPF anywhere from 5 to 50, sometimes higher. Usually an SPF of 15 is recommended.

Choosing the number that will be most effective for you depends on the skin type, the quantity that is to be applied and how frequently you will apply it, what kind of activities you will be doing outdoors, the time of the day and certainly the season and of course the amount of sunblock that the skin has absorbed.
Go for a water resistant sunblock if plan to go for swimming. But do check the label to see whether it is water-resistant sunblock or very water-resistant. Water-Resistant sunblock maintains the SPF level after 40 minutes of water immersion and Very Water-Resistant sunblock maintains the SPF level after 80 minutes of water immersion
Follow this and nothing can stop you from basking.

A few tips to remember.

Avoid sun between 10 am and 5 pm, hours when sun radiation is strongest.
Always apply sunblock 20 minutes before stepping out, so that it gets absorbed well in the body and dosen’t get washed away due to sweating.
As their effect lasts only for 2 to 3 hours , one must reapply it frequently throughout the course of the day.
Do not stick to the same bottle of sunblock for more than a year. Pick up a new one every year for maximum effectiveness. Also keep it out of the sun and away from heat as this can further degrade the product.

For a satin smooth skin

2009-11-20T00:11:00.000-08:00

For decades now, women have been removing unwanted body hair, using different techniques. Not only does it add to the woman's beauty but it is better for her personal hygiene as well. Even in ancient times, women used hot honey and tree saps to remove hair from the jaw line, upper lip, eyebrows and chin. The practice of hair removal for women became a trend after a famous fashion magazine published for the first time in the history of print media, a picture of a model wearing a sleeveless evening gown, showing off her bare shoulders and underarms. It came as a shock at first but eventually became a trend when women came to realize that underarm hair was unhygienic and unfeminine.

Today men and women alike are spending increasing amounts of money to take out unwanted body hair. Read ahead to know about different techniques available for you.

Shaving
Shaving is an easy to do, inexpensive body hair removal method. For men and women, hair removal with shaving lasts approximately four to five days. Areas commonly shaved are the face for men and the legs, underarms, and bikini or pubic areas for women. You should shave along the direction of the hair growth, not against it. Dr. Rishi Kumar Parashar, consultant dermatologist, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital reveals, “Shaving does not make the hair of your skin shaft thicker or darker. It should be done after applying some type of moisturizer to the skin to help the razor glide over your skin”
Threading
This quick and cheap body hair removal technique involves the use of a cotton thread. The procedure is painful and results in skin reddening. Facial areas such as the upper lip, eyebrows, chin, sideburns, and cheeks are normally treated with this method. These areas can remain free of significant amounts of hair for at least two to four weeks.
Laser
This summer, you can experiment with laser therapy to get relief from the unwanted hair. Dr Dhruv Gupta, consultant dermatologist, Paras Hospital suggests, “Laser permanently damages the hair follicles. There may be a little redness after the procedure which goes away in a day or two.” He adds, “Before going for laser treatments enquire about the machine and the cooling methods used. Ask for the treatment to be done by the doctor himself and not the technician. Laser helps you reduce hair up to 80-85%.” “The cost of laser hair reduction for underarms (both) is approximately Rs. 2500-3500 per sitting,” he concludes.

Waxing
Though this method is a little painful, it is good to remove hair from the arms, legs and bikini line. Hair re-growth after waxing is slow and may take as much as two months. It is best to do a patch test for waxing as well. For best results one should continue waxing on a regular basis. Dr Parashar suggests, “Wax that is still left on the skin must be peeled or scratched off. Caution must be used when heating wax so as not to burn the skin.”
Dr Gupta also shares some tips -
• See that the person doing the treatment is qualified and using a good wax.
• Avoid sun exposure immediately after waxing and apply a good sunscreen (SPF >20).
• Use a good antibacterial soap or body wash to prevent infection.
Hair remover creams
Dr. Parashar again expresses, “A depilatory (hair remover cream) is applied to the area with unwanted hair and left on for 3 to 15 minutes. The chemical should be tested first on a small skin area at least 48 hours before applying it to a large area.” He again adds, “Applying a hydrocortisone cream after hair removal may help decrease skin irritation.”
DIY tips
• Apply a mixture of besan and haldi with a little water to face. When it dries, gently rub off. It will remove excessive facial hair.
• Lemon is natural bleach. Apply it with an equal amount of honey and leave on for ten to fifteen minutes. Do this everyday.
• Apply a mask of a paste made of sugar, lemon and water in the direction of hair growth. Rinse after 10-15 minutes. Apply twice a week.

Bash Beauty Myths

2009-11-19T21:58:00.000-08:00

Beauty myths are often no more than old sayings that are handed down to each generation. Some of these misconceptions are centuries old and just plain silly. While logic doesn't seem to play a big factor in beauty myths, they're still abundant. These common beauty myths are pure fiction. Sujaya Guha talks to well-known dermatologists of the city to bash these beauty myths.

Myth: Wearing cream at night will not allow your skin to breathe.

Myth bashed: There is no such fact that applying cream in the night prevents the skin from breathing. Dr. Dhruv Gupta, consultant dermatologist and cosmo laser surgeon with Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon says, “Using cream at night nourishes your skin. When you apply any moisturizing cream it helps the skin from inside and does not block anything on the surface.” In fact it is necessary to slap on plenty of moisturizer before going to sleep, especially if you are in an air-conditioned room.

Myth: Washing hair frequently is harmful.

Myth bashed: Your scalp sweats like the rest of your body plus it produces oil. If you don’t wash your scalp, bacteria will thrive in the warm and cozy atmosphere. So if your hair is oily and you exercise a lot, washing your hair with good quality shampoos and conditioner will not only clean your hair, but also improve its condition.

Myth: Fairness cream can alter the skin colour of a person.

Myth bashed: Your skin colour is largely genetic and fairness products can make a difference of a few shades. Be realistic in your expectations. Dr Rishi Kumar Parashar, consultant dermatologist at Ganga Ram Hospital reveals, “The complexion of the skin is primarily the result of melanin content—pigments that decide your skin colour, in your body. Yes, with intensive skin improvement, under a dermatologist's supervision, your skin can definitely become more even toned, less patchy, healthier and up to 30 to 35 per cent lighter -- but nothing can change the skin colour you were born with.”

Myth: The higher the SPF in your sunscreen, the longer you’ll be protected from the sun.

Myth bashed: A higher SPF number is not necessarily better. The most important thing is that your sunscreen is broad-spectrum, meaning it protects against both the UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays of the sun. If you reapply often, a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen is just as effective as an SPF 50 one; “Your skin protection depends on the ingredients used in the cream and not on the level of SPF,” informs Dr. Dhruv. You can make your sunscreen work for longer hours by reapplying it.

Myth 4: Dandruff is caused by dry scalp

Myth bashed: Dry scalps can flake but the worst cases of dandruff are usually found on oily scalps. Yes, it’s true. Large flakes form in certain areas of the scalp (not all over). It’s a natural condition so can’t be eliminated; it can be only controlled or managed using special anti dandruff shampoos and treatments.

Myth: It is not necessary to wear sunscreen during winter.

Busted: Just because you don’t feel the sun’s rays pounding down on you during winter, doesn’t mean its harmful UVA and UVB rays are not penetrating your skin, causing significant damage. The fact remains that UV-A and B rays are the same the year round, even on a cloudy day. These rays can cause ageing and pigmentation. “Keep sunscreen in your bag, as sunscreens are chemical blocks that require repeated applications” advises Dr. Charulata Bose, cosmetic dermatologist with Artemis Health Institute, Gurgaon.

Myth: Eating chocolate and fried foods cause acne.

Busted: Studies have shown that pimples are caused from factors such as extreme stress or dead skin cells blocking pores. Dr. Dhruv shares, “Food on a large basis has nothing to do with the pimples. There is no need to restrict any kind of foodstuff if a person has acne. However, eating fresh fruits and raw vegetables does promote a healthier complexion.”

How can I get a flawless complexion

2009-11-19T21:51:00.000-08:00

“A thing of beauty is joy for ever”, wrote Keats. And, a flawless, glowing complexion forms the basic ingredient of beauty. This makes skin care a fascinating subject on which we all have something to share—home remedies, to-do tips or precious nuggets of advice. A flawless complexion is every woman’s dream—just like a solitaire diamond. However, the path to attain one is riddled with age spots, zits, wrinkles and freckles. Skin is the largest organ you have and it withstands elements-wind, sun, rain and cold. Naturally, it needs your tender love and care and a dedicated skin care routine.

 Cleansing. Be careful not to cleanse your face too often. Washing at night should do. Always remove makeup off your face before you hit the sack. “Use a remover without chemicals,” says Kat James, author of “The Truth About Beauty: Transform Your Looks and Your Life From the Inside Out.” “The point is to purify your face, not add harsh synthetics”, says she in the book. While there are several options to clean face—soaps, face wash, cleansing lotions and creams, the ideal option for you depends on your skin type. “Normally, soaps are good for skin below your neck”, say experts because they have harsh detergents. “However, a superfatted soap like Dove or Pears is gentle for your skin”, believes Dr. Simal Soin, consultant dermatologist Indraprastha Apollo hospitals.

 Hard water is harsh on the skin. Spritzing your face with mineral water will make it dewy and supple. Often we prefer cleansing lotions to soap for cleaning our face. Cleansing lotions are useful for removing heavy makeup. Excessive use may cause acne and skin cysts.
• Toning. Toners tighten skin pores. “You can use it, if you have oily skin, as they remove oil, but be careful if you use them on a dry or sensitive skin, as it may burn, itch or leave you with a tingling sensation,” advises Dr. Simal. Going the natural way is a better option for toning skin and rosewater makes an excellent toner.
• Moisturising. Moisturizing ensures that the skin is smooth and supple. The skin on the face dries easily because of the weather. Moisturizing forms a film over the skin and helps in containing the natural moisture of the skin.
• Exfoliate. As our skin grows it casts off dead skin. This dead cell blocks the pores, causes blackheads and makes skin surface look dull. Exfoliation gently removes these dead cells and reveals new softer, clearer and glowing skin. It also helps in boosting the blood circulation. Regular exfoliation helps to offset some the damage caused by sun exposure—uneven pigmentation and wrinkles.
Hot Tip—Always wear sunscreen of SPF 15 to 20 at least twenty minutes before you go out in the sun and reapply it after two to three hours.

Sailing across the beauty maze
You see them on the beauty aisles, stock your bathroom cabinet with these and pack them without fail even for an overnight trip. Yet, you are intrigued at the wide range and names of beauty care products. Below is a simple guide to clear your doubts.
 Cleansing lotions—These are solutions of detergent in water. Some contain oil but in small amounts and some contain antibacterial agents.
 Cleansing bars—they look and feel like soaps but are usually compressed blocks of cleansing creams containing a soapless detergent.
 Cleansing gels—They are quick and easy to use and are generally recommended for all skin types.
 Soap—It is a detergent with alkaline pH. It strips the skin of the grease thereby drying it.
 Moisturising creams—Creams contain approximately 60 percent water. Their relatively high proportion of oil or wax prevents natural moisture from escaping the skin surface.
 Nourishing creams—Often described as night creams these products are heavy moisturizers and they help to soften, balance and refine the skin texture and help to offset the effects of ageing and dehydration.
 Facial scrubs—These products are basically cleansing creams or milks containing grains such as finely ground nuts, oatmeal or tiny synthetic micro beads. Facial scrubs combine a detergent cleansing action with gentle abrasion.
Five must dos for a healthy skin
 Drink water
 Eat a balanced healthy diet complete with fibre, fruits and vegetables.
 Quit cigarettes.
 Bid adieu to alcohol
 Remember—cleansing, toning and moisturizing everyday, twice preferably.

Keep pimples at bay

2009-11-19T21:36:00.000-08:00

It’s everyone's worst nightmare! Pimples, zits or acne, whatever name you give it can adversely affect your personality. They pop up when you least expect them or want them. They wreck your social life and cause embarrassment. Whether it's the day of a date you've been dying to go, a party you must attend, an interview you have, or the day you were having an important picture taken – these unwanted guests pick to visit.

Although commonly known as a teenage malady, they are not infrequent in adults. A thorough survey indicates that almost 80 per cent of teenagers suffer from acne. As soon as one crosses childhood and enters the threshold of adolescence, different parts of our body start developing. The oil glands underneath the skin become over-active and ooze grease. This often blocks the pores and pimples sprout.

Causes

• Oily skin
• Constipation
• Not cleansing the face thoroughly
• Too much consumption of soda, tea, coffee
• Less consumption of water
• Late nights
• Hormonal imbalance
• Hereditary
• Stress factor
• Reaction to medicines

The oilier your skin is, the more chance you have of getting pimples. Each hair follicle is connected to sebaceous glands. These glands secrete an oily substance known as sebum to lubricate your hair and skin. When your body produces an excess amount of sebum and dead skin cells, the two can build up in the hair follicle and form together pimples.

Symptoms

• Itching
• Swelling and discomfort
• Redness, etc.

Zap zits

How is it treated?
Treatment of acne depends whether it is mild, moderate or severe.
For mild acne-regular cleansing and topical applications like clindamycin, benzoyl peroxide, suffice.
For moderate acne-oral antibiotics are required in addition to the above
In severe acne- oral retinoids like isotretinoin are required.

Risk of scarring-in mild and moderate acne risk of scarring is minimal
In severe nodulocystic acne pitted or hypertrophic scars can form causing considerable psychological trauma.

For mild and moderate acne chemical peels, in addition to other modalities, give faster response and minimize scarring and improve the texture of skin.

When someone is tormented by acne, please consult a dermatologist to ensure there is no underlying endocrinal cause for acne and also to suggest appropriate treatment. In cases of acne associated with hirsutism and irregular periods and weight gain in females hormonal profile becomes mandatory.

Dos and don’ts

Some do’s and don’ts
• Cleanse your skin regularly with a mild cleanser
• Tone with an alcohol free toner
• Use a gel based sunscreen
• Use an oil free moisturizer
• Drink 2 litres of water daily
• Avoid junk food and caffienated beverages
• Regular exercise goes a long way in maintaining the health of skin in all age groups
• Eat plenty of fresh fruits and salads which are natural source of vitamins and antioxidants
• Avoid injudicious use of cosmetics and beauty procedures from untrained professionals
All the above treatments for both pimples and scars are available at Moolchand Medcity.

There is no use crying over the matter or sitting in gloom over the pimple problem. You have to do something about it. So, why not start today?

Do not pop
Popping your pimples can cause infections and even permanent skin scarring. So unless you really have no choice (see below), try to resist the urge to squeeze, pick, prod or poke.

Pop right
Sometimes, it's just not possible to leave a pimple alone. So if you are going to pop, make sure you pop it right. Thoroughly wash your hands and then lightly squeeze the top of the pimple with a tissue or cotton swab. And remember to gently clean the area when you're done.

Keep patience
Unfortunately, most spots or pimples don't disappear quickly. Sometimes the little blighters can take several weeks to fully leave your face.

Take a break.

Stress tends to trigger acne outbreaks. Does your skin act up more before an exam or a stressful event? Learn to relax. Watch a funny movie. Read a favourite magazine. Feel your skin glow with inner joy.

Swab it
Wash acne-prone areas only twice a day. Washing removes excess oil and dead skin cells. But too much washing can irritate the skin. Wash areas daily with a gentle cleanser and use oil-free, water-based skin-care products.

Pimple control cream
Use an over-the-counter acne cream or gel to help dry excess oil. Look for anti bacterial products containing benzyl peroxide or salicylic acid as the active ingredient.

Hot tip
Wear sun block while out in the sun, as pimples are raw skin and prone to sunburn. Use a facial mud mask. It shrinks the pimples and controls the oiliness. You never use scrub because it can cause breakouts.

Sleep well

Get your beauty sleep of 8 hours daily. Without enough sleep, even your skin acts up. Better ways would be to exercise in the day so you can sleep better at night.

Light makeup
Avoid heavy foundation makeup. Choose powder cosmetics over cream products because they're less irritating. Wash properly after every makeup.

Erase wrinkles away

2009-11-19T21:32:00.000-08:00

Skin is a wonderful organ. It can reveal the world a lot about how we are feeling. As you age, your skin changes in response to the elements that assail it, particularly the sun. On the inside, you may feel as good as ever, but the toll of years on your skin may send a different message. Like death and taxes wrinkles are for sure. However, hard we try to evade them, they always manage to catch up with us, making us wonder, if age is more than a number! With every birthday we seem to get a wrinkle here and a fine line there. However, the only saving grace is that help is available in abundance. Scores of age defying lotions and wrinkle erasing creams hit the market every other day.

Know That Wrinkle

Sometimes no matter how much of anti-ageing cream you apply, those wrinkles remain. Well, may be it is because is a static wrinkle. As the name suggests, these are deeper wrinkles that have already formed a groove on the skin and are present at rest. Dynamic wrinkles are those, which are present on movement. Dynamic wrinkles are treated by Botox and static wrinkles by hyaluronic acid injections. Tissue fillers too help in erasing wrinkles. Simple, safe, and effective, clear gel tissue fillers work by returning volume to the facial fat and muscles deflated by gravity, sun damage and time.
Wrinkles result from the loss of three skin components: collagen, hyaluronic acid, and elastin.Today, we can replace two of these components [collagen and hyaluronic acid] that we lose as skin ages. While there are no elastin fillers, some products are being developed that may stimulate elastin.

Anti-ageing creams work well for wrinkles that are just setting in skin and affect only the top layer of the skin.

Self care tips to reduce wrinkles
1. Limit the time you spend in the sun. You should limit yourself from exposing your skin towards the sun. The more you expose your skin to ultra violet (UV) light, the higher are the chances of the ageing of your skin, leading to wrinkles. Avoid sun between 10 AM to 3 PM when sun can be merciless to your skin.
2. Fine-tune your facial expressions. Some people have a tendency to knot their eyebrows, frown, glare, or crease their brow, and they've got the wrinkles to show for it.
3. Avoid smoking. Smoking can bring damage to the outermost layers of your skin. Also, skin will loose its strength and this will lead to sagging and creating of wrinkles of the skin.
4. Use moisturizer. A moisturizer can temporarily improve the appearance of wrinkles by plumping up your skin, but it won't have a long-lasting effect. Moisturizers work by locking in moisture on the surface of the skin. The optimal way to use a moisturizer is to apply it to wet skin and then pat your skin dry.
5. Choose the right product. Anti-wrinkle cream helps to reduce the present wrinkles and delays the appearance of new wrinkles. However, it is advisable to see your dermatologist who will evaluate your skin condition and recommend products accordingly.

Hot Tip—Wear sunscreens, one with SPF 15 through out the year. At higher altitudes wear sunscreen with higher SPF. Wear sunscreen 20 minutes before you go out in sun and reapply every three to four hours.

Fight winter blues with these easy steps

2009-11-15T21:09:00.000-08:00

Dressing up and looking good comes easy in winter but the season has it minor glitches, like dry skin, rough hair and chapped lips. You can easily tide over these winter time blues.

Don’t say bye to Sunscreen

Though it seems that the sun is very mild in winter but on the contrary during this period sun is most brutal. So, continue using your sunscreen lotion. Look for formulations with SPF of 15 and higher. Ideal would be to use foundation or moisturizer with an in-built sunscreen, everyday.

Moisturize daily
Massage your body at least twice a week. It’s excellent for good circulation and keeping your skin warm, soft and glowing. Coconut oil acts as a natural moisturizer. Due to harsh winds and heating on full blast, your skin is already low on essential oil and if you use soap, the condition gets worsen. So, avoid using soap and instead use a mild hydrating cleanser. Add a few drops of oil to the water that you are using for bath. This will help retain the moisture lost when bathing. Keep baths and showers short and avoid using very hot water during winter as it can sap the natural oils of your skin.

Care for your eyes

Excessive exposure to the biting whether can cause itchiness and redness in the under-eye area. Tiny lines can also appear under your eyes if you neglect your eyes. Guardian offers …………which is a rehydrant under-eye treatment and ……..Under-eye Day Lotion .

Cracked heels

No matter how much you protect, heels tend to become dry and flaky. Try this;

Immerse your feet in a mixture of warm water, salt and baking soda for 15 – 20 minutes. After soaking, rub a pumice stone to scrub off the dead skin.
Use generous amount of moisturizer and put on a pair of socks.

Keep yourself well-hydrated

Water plays a vital role in keeping your skin alive. Drink lots of water, though you may not feel like drinking every now and then like summers but to keep your skin well hydrated, make sure that you drink at least eight glasses of water per day. If your soft ‘n’ supple lips have given way to chapped, flaky lips apply a soothing and quality lip balm.. Besides, make sure that whatever lip gloss you use, it should have moisturizing features.

Be under wraps

Keep your self properly wrapped up in warm clothes before moving out in the cold, socks and scarfs are musts, and before you slip your hands inside your mittens or gloves apply some sort of easily absorbed light hand lotions.

Pamper your hair
Before the chilly winds take a toll on your hair, condition them well. Since the cold weather causes to dry your hair, pamper them with good aloe vera juice or olive oil massage for a few minutes. This will restore its sheen and softness. Olive oil can work wonders in reinforcing moisture to your hair. Heat the oil before using and allow it to soak for just for a few minutes. Avoid exposing your hair to frequent coloring, streaking, or ironing as they can strip your hair off its moisture. Let your hair dry naturally and Keep away from blow dryers. Always cover your hair with a silk scarf to guard it from the chill winds.

Yves Rocher is now in India

2009-11-15T21:04:00.000-08:00

DANCE IN THE RAIN

2009-07-27T03:53:00.000-07:00

Monsoon uplifts your mood and dampens your look. Makeup melts, hair turns limp and you feel so sticky all over. Relax! As Beauty Basics has brought solutions to all your skin woes.

High humidity levels in this wet and sultry weather makes our skin, especially oily, highly prone to various fungal and bacterial infections, as airborne and waterborne microbes (that cause these infections) let loose under these conditions.

Regular baths go a long way in reducing the chances of infection. As fungus thrives on moisture, ensure the body is dried properly and moisture is retained in the body folds —Sprinkle some talc in armpits, neck etc, as it absorbs moisture from the skin surface. Do not share your towels, caps, combs and shaving blades with anyone. If someone in your family is suffering from a fungal infection, make sure the clothes of the infected person are washed separately.

Toner touch
Use of good anti-bacterial toners on the body is a pre requisite. Toners make skin less sticky, help tighten up the pores and prevent skin infections and eruptions.

Anti-fungal soap or preferably soap free cleansers help ward off infections
Use a mild cleanser to remove the dead skin and dirt from skin. Try ripe papaya pulp, it makes a good mild exfoliant.

Hair often becomes limp and lifeless owing to damp weather. Regular oiling with olive oil and daily cleansing with a mild shampoo would keep your hair healthy.
Yves Rocher has a wonderful shampoo that combats sticky hair long after you have washed it.

If you are afraid of going for the rain dance and getting drenched, we have the solution. Keep your makeup to the minimal. Rub ice on your face before applying any makeup as it helps to reduce sweat and allows make-up to stay on longer. Go in for light, water-based moisturizers during monsoons to avoid oily skin, acne and water loss due to perspiration. Opt for a water proof makeup and completely avoid wearing kajal or use kajal pencil to avoid smudgy eyes. Semi –matted lipsticks are a better choice.

Apply sunscreen when moving out. “Sunscreen is as necessary to apply in monsoons as it is during summer. Sun rays can reach you through clouds and harm your soft skin. Application of sunblocks or suncreen helps prevent those merciless UV”, advises Dr. Soni Nanda Sood, Dermatologist, Vasundhra Enclave, Delhi
Wash your feet with lukewarm water twice a day and keep them absolutely dry. Keep your shoes open and dry to prevent fungus.
Drink lots of water to keep your body hydrated. Water helps flush out the toxins and keep the skin healthy.

Keeping yourself dry, exfoliating your facial skin twice every week with a scrub and applying a good, preferably oil free moisturiser after drying off yourself are a few simple basics to beat the monsoon blues.