Every woman is beautiful in her own way and this blog respects the beauty inherent in each of us.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Body wash or soap
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--
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.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Sunscreen shopping
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.
Friday, November 20, 2009
For a satin smooth skin
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.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Bash Beauty Myths
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.”
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.”
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