Category Archives: Skin care

How To Get Rid of Wrinkles and Dark Spots

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How To Get Rid of Wrinkles and Dark Spots- Top 5 Ways

Yes, you may have a substitute for hair in the form of costume wigs but there is no way you can replace damaged skin. So, it is important that you take your skin care seriously.

If you are in field job and spend most of your time in the sun then you would surely notice freckles and brown spots on your face, sooner or later. This is result of the excess production of melanin, which is produced by the body naturally to shield the body against the harmful effects of UV rays. Without a doubt, sunscreen and regular exfoliation helps in preventing and fading out the dark spots and help you restore the original radiance. Read below to find out top 5 ways to fade out dark spots and freckles:

 1.  Home remedy: Mix the equal proportions of horseradish root, lemon juice and apple cider vinegar in a bowl. Then apply this mixture using the cotton swab on dark spots and freckles. This magical portion will fade the dark spots and enhance the natural turnover process of the skin cells.

2.   Spice: Turmeric, a magical Indian spiced widely used in cooking is well known to reduce hyper pigmentation. Look for a cream that is rich in turmeric content. For full and best results use the cream twice a day.

3.  Vitamin B3: Is known to increase the turnover of the skin cells and slow down the pigmentation process. Prefer the serums and cream that have this supervitamin as their ingredient.

4.   Tri-luma and Renova:  Consult your doctor about Tri-luma and Renova, the two well known lightening creams. Renova and Retin A contains the similar active ingredient. Retin A is well known for treating acne-prone skin type, Renova is an emollient cream that helps in treating fine lines, wrinkles, roughness, stretch marks and dark spots. A perfect combination of hydroquinone and Retin A makes Tri-Luma. It is best anti-inflammatory cream.

5.   Laser treatment: Laser treatment though very beneficial is very expensive method to treat wrinkles and dark spots. Only two laser processes are known for treating dark spots: Fraxel and Medilite C6. Each session of Fraxel costs almost $1,00 and 3-6 sessions are must for the best results whereas Medilite C6 costs roughly $400 per session.

With these 5 simple and easy steps it is now possible to bid adieu to wrinkles, freckles and dark spots. Start using these tips now as it is never too late to make an attempt to look younger and beautiful. Or, the sunscreen by Neutrogena has been known to be very effective to keep your skin protected. Surprise your partner by making him wonder what is making you glow and look beautiful with each passing day.

What tips do you suggest ?

Himalaya Gentle Refreshing Toner Review

Himalaya Herbals, Reviews, Skin care, Toners, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Himalaya Gentle Refreshing Toner Review
What the Company claims: A special blend of herbs that controls excess oil secretion and makes your skin oil-free. It is enriched with Lemon and Jasmine which refresh and cool your skin, Sensitive Plant extracts that control excess oil secretion, and Sweet Marjoram that nourishes the skin, to keep it healthy and radiant.Directions: After using Himalaya Herbals Deep Cleansing Milk, pour a few drops of Gentle Refreshing Toner on a cotton pad and wipe thoroughly over your face and neck.

Pack Size: Gentle Refreshing Toner is available in a pack size of 100ml.

Composition: Gentle Refreshing Toner contains the following ingredients:

Jasminum sambac (Jasmine, Jati) is cooling and valued in aiding the healing oily, sensitive and irritated skin.

Mimosa pudica (Sensitive Plant, Lajjalu) has styptic activity, anti-inflammatory and good for dry and injured skin.

Origanum majorana (Marjoram, Marubaka) has antibacterial, antifungal, soothing, refreshing and healing properties.

Citrus limon (Lemon, Nimbuka) has antibacterial, astringent and cell-regenerative properties. It helps to refresh the skin and improves toning.

MRP: Rs.70/- for 100ml

Its a transparent alcohol free toner..has a very light smell. It has this small nozzle like opening for the product to come out.

Pros:

1. Works nicely in keeping pores tightened and keeping skin oil free.
2. Handy to use and carry.
3. Economically priced.
4. Alcohol free.
5. Has herbal ingredients.
6. Gives a cooling effect.

Cons:

1. Skin comes back to normal in a few hours..so the effect does not stay for long.
2. Has parabens.
3. Would not bring in any much of a change in the skin.

Overall its a decent toner..good for keeping skin toned and matte for a few hours..but does not show any much of a change in the skin.

Rating:

Quality: 3.25/5
Value for money: 3.75/5
Availability: 4/5

Overall Rating: 3.75/5

Would I buy it again: May be

P.S: Product sent by brand for review but it has not affected my opinion.

L’Occitane Lavender Hand Cream Review

Hand Creams, L'Occitane, Reviews, Skin care, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

L’Occitane Lavender Hand Cream Review

I had shared my experience about 99labels.com and that I got the L’occitane Lavender hand cream…I am using it from these many days..and read on to know more 😉

What the Company clams: A signature L’Occitane essential. A worldwide best-seller. Blends the nourishing benefits of Shea Butter with soothing A.O.C. lavender essential oil and rosemary extract. Contains vitamin E, shown to help encourage cell renewal, and–for sheer pleasure–bestows the subtle fragrances of the Mediterranean upon your senses. Feel transported to Provence with every application.


Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Isononyl Isononanoate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Propylene Glycol, Cetyl Alcohol, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Cyclomethicone, Honey Extract, Polyacrylamide, Ceteareth-33, Phenoxyethanol, Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Fragrance, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Beeswax, Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum, Methylparaben, Laureth-7, Linalool, Menthol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Limonene, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Coumarin, Citral, Benzyl Alcohol, Geraniol.

MRP: Rs. 495/- for 30ml

I never used a hand cream before…my hands are soft and any normal cream worked for me just as fine..But I had heard so much about it that I wanted to try..and when I saw this on offer I could not resist myself 😉 I am glad coz I am loving the experience..

Its a normal white colored cream..not too thick or greasy neither runny..normal consistency..spreads easily and gets absorbed in a jiffy ! It smells DIVINE !!
Seriously I am so in love with the lavender smell now..and the smell stays on for 3-4 hours…and I like keep smelling my hands :p I am so addicted to it now 🙂 Its so small..it fits in the palms..

Pros:

1. Smells super awesome.
2. The smell stays on for 3-4 hours.
3. Hands stay super soft..especially when used over night..you wake up to soft hands having amazing lavender smell 🙂
4. It gets absorbed in a jiffy…and its not at all greasy kinds..so you would not have that sticky greasy feeling..I hate those thick greasy creams :/
5. I like the packaging..its kinda different but a trademark L’occitane of course
6. Has shea butter,sunflower oil,lavender oil,rosemary oil,honey,coconut oil, xanthum gum and other ingredients..does feel great on the skin.
7. I use a little for cuticles and nails too..and like how they feel 🙂
8. Travel friendly.

Cons:

1. Expensive…you get only 30 ml for 495..you can get double qty at the same price from The Body Shop.
2. No SPF.
3. Has parabens and alcohol.

Overall I am in love with it…but its a splurge surely..and not an economical buy..but sometimes you can pamper yourself 😉

Rating:

Quality: 5/5
Value for money: 3.5/5
Availability: 4/5

Overall Rating: 4/5

Would I buy it again: Yes… 🙂

Have you tried the L’occitane hand creams yet ? 

Problems and Solutions : Ingrown Hair

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Problems and Solutions : Ingrown Hair

 Hi,

I am starting a series of problems and solutions. I have covered Dandruff problem before here. Now I am dealing with the problem of Ingrown Hair today which most of us face…even I do sometimes if I do not exfoliate skin well…or post waxing for few days..till hair completely grows out.

What is Ingrown hair?

 Ingrown hair, or razor bumps, occur when the shaved or waxed hair gets trapped inside the hair follicle and curls or  grows back sideways into the skin in the follicle or fails to grow outwards and stays embedded into the skin.

 What causes it?

 Anything which causes the hair to be broken off short with a sharp tip can cause ingrown hair. Shaving is the leading cause, followed by waxing and tight clothing.

Symptoms:

  • Rashes
  • Itching skin
  • Bumps
  • Sometimes pus and infection
  • Inflammation

How to prevent it ?

The best way to  prevent it is by letting it grow..and not bothering it or cutting it in between. Exfoliate regularly so that the dead cells go away from the surface of the skin..and my dermat had recommended me to moisturise my skin well…as even dry skin can cause the in growth of hair. Wear loose clothes and give the skin some space.

 How to treat the already ingrown hair?

 1. Use a warm moist cloth and press it several times against the ingrown area…to soften the skin and let the hair come up on the surface…this is the most basic method. But if your ingrown hair does not come up you need to follow other methods as some grown inside are a little stubborn.

 2. Regular use of salt and sugar scrubs over that area..but if you have broken skin do not use salt scrub even anywhere  near that area.

 3.  Use of acne medication like salicylic acid benzoyl peroxide over the affected area…what you can do is make an aspirin mask..by dissolving it in little water and apply on the affected area.

 4. Last resort would be physically plucking it with tweezers..but be careful that you do not harm your skin or bleed in the process..though you do need to sanitize properly before doing it…stay away from alcohol based products as they would further dry the area making it worser.

 If you suffer from this problem too much..you can even go for permanent laser hair removal or electrolysis.

Lotus Herbals Intensive Sun Block Spray SPF 50 Review

Lotus Herbals, Reviews, Skin care, Sunscreens, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Lotus Herbals Intensive Sun Block Spray SPF 50 Review
Lotus Herbals is very good with their sunscreens..I have tried two of them and loving them..I tried the Nomarks sunscreen before but it used to sweat me out..so I use to stay away from sunscreens but then I have realised the importance of sunscreens and how they are important to protect skin in the long term too..

I thought of giving the Lotus one a try..and I am so glad I did…It has SPF 50 and UVA Index 16

What the Company claims : This easy to use fine mist spray offers quick protection from UVA & UVB rays. It contains natural actives of chamomile, sage and thyme. Use on all exposed parts of the body, reapply frequently.

Directions for use : Spray directly on all exposed parts of the body (neck, arms, legs etc.) before exposure to sun. For face, spray into hand and apply to face. Re-apply frequently.

Active Ingredients: Extracts of sage as a natural sunscreen, chamomile for moisturising & thyme to protect from environmental damage.

MRP: Rs 195/- for 80 ml

Its a spray bottle…but its not a watery spray if you think so..Its a white liquid..spreads easily..and gets absorbed very fast..and is not at all greasy..it has no smell as such.

Pros:

1. Its the best sunscreen I have used till now.
2. Absorbs super easily and not at all greasy.
3. Claims to be sweat and water proof and it sure is.
4. Easy to carry and nice spray packaging.
5. Economical compared to other sunscreens.
6. Has no weird smells.
7. Did not break me out and neither sweats me out.
8. Does not give a whitish cast like other SPF products.
9. Its available at all supermarkets mostly.

Cons:

1. Dry skinned people may need a moisturiser beneath.

Rating:

Quality: 5/5
Value for money: 5/5
Availability: 5/5

Would I buy it again: Yes for sure..Its my HG sunscreen for now.

Have you used Lotus sunscreens ? Which one is your HG ?

Oriflame Soothing Foot Cream Review

Foot Cream, Reviews, Skin care, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Oriflame Soothing Foot Cream Review

I am not much into foot creams but when I saw this in the Oriflame catalog..I thought of giving it a try and I am happy I did..read on..

What the Company claims: With a unique blend of moisturisers, chamomile and primrose to soften and soothe. For best results, remove hard skin with the Footfile and massage into feet.

MRP – Rs. 198/- for 75 ml (I got it for Rs. 158/-)

Ingredients : AQUA, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, UREA, GLYCERIN, PARAFFINUM LIQUIDUM, SODIUM CETEARYL SULFATE, CETEARETH-12, DIMETHICONE, IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA, PARFUM, METHYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, LIMONENE, HEXYL CINNAMAL, SORBITOL, CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA EXTRACT, PRIMULA VULGARIS, LINALOOL

It is a white colored light cream with a pleasant minty smell. I apply it at night and leave them overnight..the feet are so soft and smooth to touch the next day. I do not have cracks but my mom has..she used it and found a lot of relief in her cracked heels too.

Pros:

1. It moisturises feet amazingly well and leaves them all soft to touch.
2. I love the minty smell.
3. Economical at 198 plus there are always discounts coming up every month..I would suggest to stock it up at a discount.
4. It heals cracked heels in about a week.
5. Fulfills what it claims.
6. Tube packaging which is hygienic.

Cons:

1. Availability..as for all Oriflame products..through consultants. They do have an online option. Check out the Oriflame India site.
2. If you apply a bit too much you would feel greasy and have to wait for it to sink in.
3. It has parabens.

Overall rating- 4/5

Would I buy it again- Yes..its a very nice foot cream…and I think everyone should try it atleast once.

Have you tried it ? Which is your favorite foot cream ?

The Body Shop Bath Gloves Review and a Dupe

Reviews, Skin care, The Body Shop, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
The Body Shop Bath Gloves Review and a Dupe
I think the Body Shop Bath Gloves are the best thing ever made…they are simply awesome. And I know all my fellow bloggers wouldnt agree more..I am in love with them..And  they are my HG for body exfoliation.

As I had said earlier about the benefits of exfoliation that it helps remoce the dead skin cells from the skin’s topmost layer i.e the epidermis so that the new cells formed can form up the topmost layer.What the Company claims : Best if you want to remove dead skin cells and increase the lather of your body wash with exfoliating mitts.

Source

How it works:
Textured mitts are elasticized to stretch to fit any size hands.
Available in a variety of colors. (White, Yellow,Orange,Green,Pink,Off White,Lavender,etc)
Particularly for use on dry skin that needs intense exfoliation on a regular basis
Elasticated and woven nylon material – provides intense exfoliation.
An elasticated wrist band on each glove – stops the gloves from slipping off the hands during use.
A loop on each glove – enables you to hang them in your bathroom for ease.

Recommended use: Use the gloves two to three times a week for maximum effect. Pour a small amount of body wash onto gloves and rub in circular motion over body. Rinse after use and hang to dry. Regular exfoliation and massage can help to tone and firm skin. For extra exfoliation, use with one of The Body Shop® scrubs.

Instructions :  Pour a small amount of body wash onto the gloves and rub over the body in circular movements. (You need to wet the gloves before pouring body wash on it.)

Price : Rs 245/- for a pair. (Increased to Rs.395 now)

Pros:

1. It is the best for exfoliation and no loofah can beat this.
2. Lathers all body washes well.
3. Easy to use.
4. Fits all sizes of hands coz of its elasticity
5. Shrinks back to its own size after drying.
6. Long lasting. I am using it from 6 months and they still have the same effect.I think you can change them after a year for hygiene purposes.
7. I have them in PINK..!!
8. I also use them lightly on my nose for exfoliation and it works fine but be gentle.
9. Leaves my skin super duper soft and smooth even with using it twice a week.
10.Lightened my dark elbows a bit.(I am habituated to keep elbows on the table from the start 🙁 )
11.Reduces bathing time to half as this hardly takes only 10 mins.

Cons:

1. They are a bit rough and abrasive at the start for 3-4 washes but then the texture is perfect and fine enough for exfoliation.

Overall rating- 5/5

Would I buy this again : Yes..forever..they are full value for money..!!

P.S : There is a similar product in the market called Fenny Bath Gloves and those are for Rs 110/-. I dunno about the quality but they look exactly similar. Check them at Suma’s blog here

Have you used these ? Do you like them or should I say love them ?? 

Update: These need to be changed after 7-8 months as they loose their elasticity later.