I am sharing my current nighttime skincare routine today.
Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil: It has Centella asiatica extracts, is super lightweight, non comedogenic, and melts makeup easily. Emulsifies well and leaves the skin soft and clean without any greasiness.
Youth To The People Kale + Green Tea Spinach Cleanser: This anti-oxidant rich cleanser also deep cleanses and removes your makeup, yet being gentle and non stripping. Foams well, vegan, love the pump dispenser, you can dispense the exact amount of product you need.
I do the 2nd cleanse with my Foreo LUNA, I have two and have been using them for over 5 years. Again thoroughly cleanses your pores, one charge of this lasts an entire year so it’s very handy plus it’s waterproof
Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot Serum: This works fabulously on post-acne scars or any hyperpigmentation. It has viniferine, a Caudalie patented ingredient that is 62x more powerful than Vitamin C.
Dab to Fab Spark Change Moisturiser: A lightweight, airy Moisturiser that works for all skin types, soothes any kind of irritation or inflammation, and repairs, and strengthens the barrier.
Aminu Eye Serum: Truly one of its kind, I haven’t tried an eye serum/product like this. Enriched with ceramides, peptides, glucosides, caffeine complex, and a number of ingredients that work really well together for all sorts of eye issues from dark circles to puffiness to under-eye bags. Love the thin formulation, it is tested for safety and irritation.
D’You In My Defence Moisturiser: On days when I feel my skin needs a little extra hydration, I add this moisturiser as well. It has 1% pure ceramides that repair and strengthen the skin barrier. Also don’t forget your neck.
Laneige Lip Glowy Balm Gummy Bear– Enriched with shea and murumuru butter, it makes the lips pillowy soft, and plump. Plus super yumm🫰
I use a lot of hydrating and barrier-strengthening products in my skincare routine generally, actives I only keep for certain days or when needed.
Have you tried any of these products? These are my absolute favourites! Let me know your thoughts/your favourites.
Loving using face mists throughout the day, and it’s important both in summers and winters because dehydration and dryness are two separate things. Dehydration is a lack of water and dryness is a lack of oil, in simple terms. And your skin needs both, hydration internally by drinking at least 2-3 litres of water daily and externally through soothing, calming mists. Of course, dryness is tacked with moisturisers.
Some of my current (and some long-time) favourites;
Revoir skincare Re-plenish Hydrate and Glow: It has Glycerin, Panthenol ( Pro-Vitamin B5), fermented rice water, fruit extracts, ceramides, and blue light protection. The mist on this is super fine and just amazing!
Avene Thermal Spring Water: As the name suggests, it is thermal spring water. I know some of you would wonder why water, thermal spring water has a unique mineral composition that calms, soothes, and softens the skin. It balances the pH and reduces skin sensitivity, and redness, and the postbiotic microflora help with that. The finest spray and this is always my first skincare step. I have been using it on and off for years. Another similar one is Uriage Spring Water.
Akind beauty (By Mira Kapoor) Bounce Back Soothing and Purifying Toner: It has glycerin, bamboo water, soothing Centella, and antioxidant-rich Japanese Yuzu extracts. Apart from these, it has floral extracts, Niacinamide, and a low % of lactic acid which helps in improving skin’s NMF (Natural Moisturising Factors)
Buy on Tira Beauty, out of stock currently.
Forest Essentials Rosewater Facial Tonic Mist: This again is an oldie but a goodie. Just pure steam-distilled rose water that soothes, calms, and softens the skin.
Moody Derma Soothe Gentle Dew Face Mist: This one again is a barrier-repairing toner and has Rice water, Panthenol, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, and Ceramides. However the mist on this is harsh and throws water directly, I wish it was smoother because the product is really good.
I get asked about skincare often and it’s not just about applying external products but also some internal changes and lifestyle changes required for good overall skin health.
Of course, you can’t control the hormonal changes during that time of the month but try to make some regular changes for the skin to improve and improve each day.
Some changes have worked well for me.
1. Excluding/limiting sugar
This will be the number one change required in your diet. Excess consumption of sugar leads to chronic inflammation which leads to acne and in the long term, loss of collagen and elastin which will make your skin dull and age the skin faster. This includes all forms of sugar, which are a part of ingredients in most processed/packaged foods. Read your labels, before buying anything. Check the quantity of sugar as a % and if it is more than 3-4% of the total, do not buy it. I know it is difficult to give up sugar altogether, so try and eliminate it slowly. First, from your tea or coffee which you consume daily, then restrict the sweets to once a week and limit the portion size. You can switch to natural alternatives like honey, maple syrup, or artificial sweeteners like stevia (nothing with aspartame) but again in limited quantities. Some other alternatives are coconut sugar and jaggery which are not exactly better in terms of calories but they at least have some nutrients, in case you crave something sweet and cannot resist.
2. Excluding/limiting dairy
Milk and milk products are highly processed these days and are loaded with hormones which lead to acne and breakouts. If you cannot stop having dairy products completely limit your intake. Yogurt and buttermilk are better since they are probiotic and are good for gut health. Limit the milk, cheese, and paneer intake, or try and switch to alternatives like tofu, soy milk, oat milk, or any nut milk.
3. Exercise
Try and get some body movement every day, at least 20 minutes a day. Walking, jogging, running, stretching, home workout, yoga, whatever is comfortable for you. Blood circulation and muscle movement during exercise are important for both your body and skin.
4. Massaging/Dry Brushing
Body massage, facial massage, or just dry brushing at home, works the same way as exercise and is even better post-exercise. Again it helps with blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, i.e. it removes the toxins from your lymph nodes. Try to include some sort of massage in your routine at least once a week, if not more.
5. Cleansing the skin
It is equally important to cleanse your skin thoroughly each night and apply some moisturizer for your skin to work on, while you sleep. Your skin regenerates at night and that is the most important time for your skin to be nourished. That is the main reason why everyone advises not to sleep with makeup on 😀 But again, just removing it with a face wash and not cleansing properly will be of no use as some makeup could still be clogged in pores. Start with an oil or balm to melt all your makeup at first emulsify it with water and wash it off. Then go ahead with a face wash, again use a cleansing tool is preferable as your fingers cannot remove the makeup in your pores thoroughly. But the cleansing tool shouldn’t be harsh as that will, in turn, break your capillaries and lead to excessive dryness and irritation. I love using the Foreo LUNA 2 as it is super gentle and removes my makeup thoroughly. I can even see some leftover makeup on the device after a good first cleanse! The opposite side can be used for light massaging which helps absorb skincare products better. You can also try the LUNA Play which is a smaller version and perfect for travel.
6. Sleep
It is important to get 6-8 hours of sleep (depending on the body and physical work during the day) every day. And also to have an approximate fixed time range for your sleep, if not exact, as the body gets used to going into sleep mode around that time. As mentioned earlier, your skin regenerates when you sleep and if the body and skin don’t get the required sleep, your body will be tired and lethargic and your skin dull and lackluster. It will first be visible through your eyes, leading to dark circles, puffy eyes, under-eye bags, etc. Along with good sleep, massaging the eye area also helps in increasing the blood circulation around the eyes which means fewer dark circles and under-eye bags and delays in wrinkles. 😀 I love using a good eye cream and massaging the eye area with the Foreo IRIS every night before sleeping. I wake up to fresher-looking skin and eyes, with no bags or puffiness 🙂
7. Supplements
Your body does not receive all the nutrition from food and with the changing lifestyle and highly processed foods (including chemical-laden fruits and vegetables). It is important to supplement the body externally with nutrients. Even though all vitamins and minerals are equally important for your body, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin D, Omega 3, Iron, and Zinc will keep your oil and hydration levels in place, and in turn will help with acne and breakouts and overall health of your skin and hair. Try and include foods that have more of these vitamins or a daily supplement orally. (get it prescribed by your physician)
8. Water
This has been spoken about quite a lot already, having 8 glasses of water a day is the standard we have read for everything since the time we were kids 😀 But it’s true, water helps in flushing out all the toxins and waste from your body. If you have acne-prone skin and break out a lot, just add one additional litre of water to your daily intake and you will see a major difference in your skin in 10-12 days. In case you are already having enough water, you need not increase it. If you have too much water and not enough salts/sodium, that would do more harm than good with low blood pressure, etc. Everybody is different and try and figure out what works for your body. Ideally, between 2-3 litres is good but it also depends on your exercise/physical activity (how much you sweat, etc) and if you have more water, make sure you include some salts in your body.
And goes without saying, sunscreen is the most important and without that, anything else you do is of no point.
These are some of the changes required for good, healthy, glowing, plump skin. If you try and incorporate these changes, you will surely see a huge difference in your skin health.
I am sure all of you have heard about the brand ‘Cetaphil’ but did you know how the name was derived?
About Cetaphil
‘Cet’ comes from the hydrating agent of Cetearyl alcohol and ‘Phil’ means love. Cetaphil, therefore, is the love of moisturising and soothing skin.
Cetaphil is a Globally renowned brand with 75 years of heritage and is the No. 1 Dermatologist prescribed brand across many countries. Cetaphil is scientifically formulated and clinically proven to nourish even the most sensitive skin. Their products contain natural ingredients that offer gentle, yet effective care making skin soft, smooth, and beautiful.
Cetaphil Cleansing Lotion which was the original product at that time was invented by a pharmacist in 1947 specifically for dermatological needs. It quickly became popular, and today, generations later is called Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. While the name has changed, the formula has remained essentially the same—and Gentle Skin Cleanser remains a worldwide favorite and their best-selling product.
Event/Panel Discussion
Last week we had a panel discussion with dermatologists and a few creators for Skincare Awareness Month. We had Dr.Suraj Shetty and Dr.Kaleem Khan on the panel who shared some very insightful thoughts. They spoke about different skin types and how to identify our skin type. How our skin changes as per seasons and the Circadian rhythm, how it is important to always take care of our skin and use sunscreen, even though we may have good skin now as the effect shows even much later. We should not take our skin for granted, if it is good now, as the skin keeps on changing.
As I always mention skin care is a lifelong journey and not a destination, we have to always do our regular skincare routine day and night. And it need not be elaborate, a simple Cleanse, Moisturising, and Sunscreen routine is enough for the day and the same for the night, you can replace the Sunscreen with a good night cream.
I absolutely love Cetaphil as a brand and the fact that it is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic. My favourite range from the brand is the Bright Healthy Radiance range where the star ingredient is Niacinamide which is my favourite. Also, the Gentle Skin Cleanser is a classic and something I always go back to.
Cetaphil has recently changed its packaging and now it has a New Look and an Even Better Formula, they have upgraded their formulation by adding the goodness of Glycerin to improve Hydration, Niacinamide for Brightening, and Panthenol for soothing and moisturizing.
Cetaphil Recommendations as per Skin Type
You can have oily skin and still have sensitive skin, and you can have dry and sensitive skin as well. Skin types can be more than one. If you have oily skin, I would recommend the Oily Skin Cleanser, Ultra Hydrating Daily Advanced Lotion, and Cetaphil Sun. And if you have dry skin, I would recommend the Gentle Skin Cleanser, Moisturising Cream, and Cetaphil SunSPF50+
For nighttime, you can try the Cetaphil BHR Night Cream which has Sea Daffodil extracts and Niacinamide.
Did you know Galderma also has a brand name Biluma, apart from Cetaphil?
About Biluma
Well, Biluma is the brand for you if you have hyperpigmentation issues and it works for all skin types.
The skin has its own rhythm – The skin’s circadian rhythm for healthy and glowing skin. The skin functions differ between daytime and nighttime. During the day, the skin functions to brighten and protect the skin, and, during the night it functions to rejuvenate and nourish the skin. An imbalance in this day & night skin cycle due to internal & external factors leads to early signs of aging including hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, wrinkles, laxity, and dull, dry skin.
Biluma stands for Be illuminated (Luma – Means light)
This range has Rumex occidentalis which is a very effective inhibitor of tyrosinase and helps to reduce the formation of unwanted pigmentation and age spots. This range works really well for melasma, post-acne scars, uneven skin tone, or any form of hyperpigmentation on the skin. Biluma claims to visibly brighten and even out skin tone in 3 weeks.
Biluma consists of Advance Skin Brightening Face Wash, Advance Day Cream, and Advance Night Cream, apart from Advance Lotion for the Body and Advance Cream for sensitive areas like underarms, inner thighs, neck, etc.
About Biluma Advance Face Wash: Washes away dullness for vibrant, radiant and moisturized skin. ● BILUMA ADVANCE SKIN BRIGHTENING FACEWASH: Gently washes away dullness and impurities to reveal bright and radiant skin ● GEL LIKE TEXTURE: Transforms into a comforting cocooning lather that leaves skin feeling soft and smooth ● CLEANSES AND ILLUMINATES: Cleanses and purifies your skin to prepare it for moisturizing ● SKIN FRIENDLY PH: Gentle formula that rinses easily without leaving skin feeling greasy or sticky
Biluma Advance Skin brightening Lotion gently brightens the skin and evens the skin tone
● Reduces dark spots and evens skin tone in 3 weeks without irritating or weakening the skin barrier ● ILLUMINATES AND HYDRATES: Reveals skin’s inner radiance and nourishes with the goodness of Rumex occidentalis and Vitamin E ● MICROEMULSION LUMINOUS TECHNOLOGY: Reduced particle size of the active ingredients, helps the brightening and moisturizing agents penetrate better and provide a better spreadabilty, leaving the skin non greasy ● NON-GREASY: Gentle formula that quickly absorbs without leaving skin feeling greasy or sticky
Biluma Advance day cream protects, brightens, and nourishes the skin from sun damage
● Reduces dark spots and evens skin tone while nourishing the skin ● DAILY Sun PROTECTION: Helps protect against the damaging effects of sun exposure with a UV filter called escalol ● ILLUMINATES AND HYDRATES: Reveals skin’s inner radiance and protects against dryness ● BRIGHTENS SKIN: with natural brightening agent like rumex occidentalis
BILUMA advance Night cream:
● Brightens and evens skin tone along with reducing wrinkles and fine lines ● REDUCES DARK SPOTS IN 3 WEEKS: Visibly decreases the appearance of dark spots after just 3 weeks of daily use ● INSTANTLY ILLUMINATES AND HYDRATES: Improves skin hydration and provides hydration all night long with a blend of almond oil, macadamia nut oil, and shea butter ● REDUCES WRINKLES: with the goodness of Kakadu plum (world richest source of Vit C) and hyaluronic acid ● GENTLE and SOOTHING FEEL: Gentle formula with lecigel and heliofeel that makes the skin soft and supple.
Biluma Advance Cream for sensitive areas
Packed with effective ingredients to brighten and even out skin tone while reducing pigmentation and soothing sensitive areas in 21 days*
● Brightens and evens skin tone for areas like underarms, inner thighs, and neck ● REDUCES DARK SPOTS IN 3 WEEKS: Visibly decreases the appearance of dark spots and soothes sensitive skin after just 3 weeks of daily use ● INSTANTLY CALMS REACTIVE SKIN: Tasmannia lanceolata soothes sensitive skin areas ● GENTLY EXFOLIATES: with the benefit of lime pearl ● BRIGHTENS: with Beta white, a peptide-based ingredient
So if you have any hyperpigmentation issues, definitely recommend trying out the Biluma range or the Cetaphil range if you have normal/sensitive skin.
Have you tried Cetaphil or Biluma before? Do let me know your thoughts.
If you ask me the most important step in your skincare routine, it would without a doubt be sunscreen! Protecting your skin is of primary importance because you don’t want to further ruin and aggravate your skin while treating/healing it nor do you want to get back all the skin concerns/issues once you have healed them.
Always cover up and lather a generous amount of sunscreen when you are stepping out in the sun, especially between 9 AM and 4 PM. UVA rays also pass through windows, so you need sunscreen indoors as well.
UVA rays cause skin aging and UVB rays cause skin burning. About 10% of solar radiation is UV, 40% is visible light, and 50% is infrared light
Infrared light is the one that at high intensity causes skin pigmentation i.e. melasma, age spots, freckles, etc., and also breaks down collagen in the skin which is the protein in the skin that keeps the skin looking young, supple, and bouncy, ultimately leading to aging.
Infrared rays also come from less obvious sources within the house i.e. electronic devices, tube lights, bulbs, gas burners, etc.
SPF i.e Sun Protection Factor only denotes the time we can spend exposed to the sun. Eg: If a person gets tanned in 10 minutes in the sun without sunscreen, SPF 30 would protect him for 30*10=300 minutes and SPF 50 for 50*10=500 minutes, after which he would need to reapply the sunscreen.
So a higher SPF does not guarantee higher protection, also for broad-spectrum protection you need to check PA ratings. But most sunscreens do not offer protection against infrared light and visible light.
Dermafique Soleil Defense Range is powered by the revolutionary Full Light Technology, designed to protect your skin from the entire Sun Spectrum with RSF 90, PA++, and SPF 50, targets 360° Sun Spectrum to shield the skin from the solar aggression of Visible light, Infrared, UVA, and UVB.
· Dermafique Soleil Defense (All Matte), 90 gm for INR 979 – It is a fragrance-free sun protection formula that protects skin from harmful effects of the Full Sun Spectrum i.e. Visible Light, Infrared (IR), UVA, and UVB. Works best on normal to oily skin
· Soleil Defense (Gel Creme), 50 gm for INR 749 – it is a gel-based sun protection formula that targets 360° Sun Spectrum and shields skin from the solar aggression of Visible Light + Infrared (IR) + UVA + UVB. Works best on all skin types.
Soleil Defense All Matte is an oil-in-water emulsion that is lightweight, fragrance-free, non-oily, non-patchy, and incredibly comfortable to wear even in tropical weather conditions. It has a matte finish and is dermatologically tested on Indian skin, it is perfect for all skin types, especially oily to combination skin.
The All Matte sunscreen comes in this sleek pump packaging, you need about 1-1.5 pumps for the entire face and neck. It absorbs and blends quickly, leaves behind no white cast, and is very comfortable on the skin, even for wearing underneath makeup.
Both the sunscreens are a blend of physical and chemical. They also have Niacinamide, Vitamin E, and Licorice Root extract.
Dermafique Soleil Defense Gel Crème SPF 30 is meant for all skin types and is a super lightweight, gel formula. It blends in a jiffy, has a very soft fragrance, and is super comfortable to use. I wear it every day indoors and reach for the SPF50 one when I have to step out.
If you have sensitive skin and prefer fragrance-free skincare, I would recommend the All Matte.
Of course, both the sunscreens are unisex and can be used by both men and women.
Absolutely loving both the sunscreens and using them for the past two weeks now, highly recommend them!
With the slight change in weather, my skin has borne the brunt. From dry patches on my T-zone to my using products that make my skin feel super oily, I’ve been on the lookout, this festive season, for a product that can keep my skin in check. Upon my research, I realised for my skin type, face serums are the way to go. They are a game-changer in terms of skincare, and my favourite part of my skincare routine.
But what exactly is a serum? It is a skincare product that is lightweight and quick-absorbing because it contains concentrated active ingredients. They are made of smaller molecules and hence are much more effective in terms of absorption and penetration.
Now that you know about Serums, it is important to know when to use them. Serums are usually recommended to be used after cleansing (and toning, which I highly recommend you add a step if you don’t already!) and before a moisturizer, if using water or gel-based serum. Skincare products as a part of our skincare routine are usually applied light to thick in terms of consistency.
Serums have been created in a way such that active ingredients can help treat your specific skin concerns. For example, Hyaluronic Acid helps dry/dehydrated skin, Salicylic Acid works for oily/acne-prone skin & get rid of acne marks, etc. and Vitamin C, the king of all ingredients and works for all skin types and helps in light exfoliation and brightening the skin.
Vitamin C has always played an important role in our lives at large but it has become important for our skin now more than ever. The anti-oxidants in Vitamin C are a saviour for our skin, since the recycled air in our surroundings are known to clog skin pores.
So, you must be wondering why am I giving you so much detail on Vitamin C and serums. I have recently been testing out the Charmis Deep Radiance Vitamin C Face Serum for the past two weeks and here are my thoughts on it.
Charmis Face Serum in my opinion, has a lightweight, non-sticky formula which works wonders for my skin. It penetrates 15 layers deep (15 stripping layers of stratum corneum) in the skin to give you a Hydrated Clear Radiance which for me started showing results in in 7 days!
Something that really stood out to me is that the Charmis Deep Radiance Face Serum has a Dermatologist & Clinically tested formula proven to moisturize & hydrate, reduce dullness, acne & acne spots to give Hydrated, Clear Radiant Skin. The product is suitable for all skin types- oily,
HOW TO USE: Apply sufficient amount and massage onto the skin until absorbed. Use Daily
Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Salicylic Acid and Vitamin C! (Details on each ingredient is listed above!)
It comes in a white and pink pump packaging with a secure cap. You need about 1-2 pumps per application, a very little amount dispenses per pump so you do not pump excess anytime.
It is a milky, off white serum and blends easily and absorbs instantly on the skin. Gently dab all over the face and neck. There is no stickiness or residue left behind. It has a soft floral fragrance. (If you are allergic to fragrance or have sensitive skin, please do a patch test first)
It can be used morning or night and will work for all skin types. I would recommend using Vitamin C serums in the morning as it is full of anti-oxidants and help protect the skin from free radicals. Always use a sunscreen after, as the last step of skin care routine.
It leaves the skin refreshed, hydrated and radiant. Skin feels soft and plump after each use. Hyaluronic Acid hydrates skin and reduces dullness.
Non sticky and quick absorbing, it also has Hyaluronic Acid and Salicylic Acid. It uses Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate which is an affordable derivative of Vit C and is also shown to help fight P.acnes which is the acne causing bacteria, along with other Vit C benefits like increasing collagen, brightening and evening out the skin and fading acne spots over a period of time.
It also has Niacinamide, Glycerin, Aloe Vera extracts, Allantoin and other beneficial ingredients.
So it’s the perfect all in one serum with all ingredients in one and hence, you do not need separate serums for Hyaluronic and Salicylic Acid, also saves time and cost. At this price, it’s definitely an amazing option and I do recommend it.
Today we are talking about face washes and I have put together a list of the best face washes in India currently, all under Rs.500/-
With so many face washes in the market, it becomes difficult to choose one as per our needs, I hope this list helps you.
A good face wash will gently cleanse without abrupting your skin’s natural oils and skin barrier, it should be suitable for your skin type, should not have harsh ingredients and should not leave your skin squeaky clean or stretchy.
Also only cleanse your face twice a day, over-cleansing can strip all the necessary moisture and oils from the skin and disrupt your skin’s oil and pH balance.
It is fortified with unique components like Earth Marine Water, Vanilla Oil, Tejpatra Oil that aids to provide nutrient-rich balanced hydration to the skin. It accelerates the skin-cell turnover process and helps the skin achieve a radiant and illuminated appearance. This face wash also combats free radicals that attack healthy skin cells while leaving skin clarified, supple, and healthy. It does not strip the skin of all hydration unlike some foaming face washes and leaves it soft, bouncy, and moisturized. It also minimizes the appearance of pores. Infusion of Earth Marine Water works to add minerals & vitamins into the skin and nourishes the skin. Suitable for all skin types
This is an oil-free, alcohol-free cleanser that removes dead skin cells and has a tiny amount of BHA which exfoliates the skin and deep cleans the pores. It is non-comedogenic and leaves skin clean, soft, and fresh. This face wash is perfect for normal to oily skin.
Price: Rs.299/- for 150ml
3. Himalaya Herbals Purifying Neem Face Wash
It has neem and turmeric extracts and is anti-microbial and anti-bacterial. This will be perfect for oily, acne-prone skin and even sensitive skin. It is very gentle on the skin and doesn’t strip all the moisture from the face. It also comes in small, tiny tubes which are travel-friendly.
Price: Rs.155/- for 150ml
4. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
This face wash is very mild, gentle, and is soap-free, it’s a non-drying formula and perfect for dry and sensitive skin. It is clinically tested hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic and works for even very sensitive and irritated skin. It does not strip the skin of its natural oils and cleanses gently. This face wash is free of artificial fragrance and can be used both on the face and body.
Price: Rs.280/- for 125ml
5. Plum Green Tea Pore Cleansing Wash
This face wash will work for normal to oily skin. It has glycolic acid and soft cellulose beads that gently exfoliate skin and brighten the skin. It is parabens, phthalates, and SLS free. Gentle and soap-free, it is also rich in antioxidant green tea that will combat acne. It helps excess oil and cleanses the pores, preventing blockage of pores.
Price: Rs.349/- for 75ml
6. Jovees Papaya Face Wash
It is enriched with papaya fruit enzymes and gently exfoliates dead skin cells and dry, flaky skin. It also has mulberry and cranberry extracts which brighten the skin, it is paraben and alcohol free.
Price: Rs.185 for 120ml
7. St.Botanica Vitamin C Face Wash
Kashmiri saffron, lemon, neem, and turmeric extracts in this face wash gently purify the skin and help with pigmentation. It is free from parabens, silicones, mineral oil, and sulfates and suitable for all skin types.
Price: Rs.399/- for 100ml
Few tips to keep in mind while washing your face:
Always clean your hands first before touching your skin
Use a small coin-sized amount of face wash, not too much nor too less
Don’t use too hot or too cold water
Be very gentle on the skin and don’t rub vigorously
Gently pat your skin dry with a towel instead of rubbing it on your skin
You can apply your serum/moisturizer when the skin is a little damp, as it helps in better absorption
So these were some of my tips for facial cleansing and some of my favourite face washes under Rs.500/- Have you tried any of these? Let me know your favourite face wash.
Baby skincare products are of utmost importance as babies have very soft and delicate skin and we have to make sure we use the best ingredients on them so that there is no irritation to their skin.
#Babywipes are something that is most used when it comes to baby skincare. They are a must-have in the diaper bag as diaper needs changing every 3-4 hours. Since baby wipes are used very frequently to clean, we must make sure to use the ones that are meant for sensitive skin, clean well, and do not irritate the baby’s bottom.
Let us talk about the best baby wipes in India currently.
#MotherSparsh Baby Wipes are on the top in the baby wipes category, they tick mark all the boxes. They have no added scent i.e. are fragrance-free and are 3 times thicker with prolonged moisture. They are made especially for normal to sensitive skin using medical-grade fabric which is 100% biodegradable. Their wipes clean the skin properly and also soothe any irritation or rashes. They are very soft on the skin, yet every wipe is thick and durable, dermatologically tested & clinically examined for infections and rashes. Mother Sparsh Wipes are as good as cotton and water and are priced at Rs.299/- for a pack of 72 wipes.
They are also travel-friendly and suitable for use on the face, hands, and body.
I have personally also used these to remove my makeup and they work well. They are very handy for my everyday use and I have been using them for 9-10 days now. Also, help with cleaning makeup mistakes or brushes while using them during makeup and for lipstick swatches. They sit on my everyday vanity table as I keep reaching for them now and then.
Himalaya Baby Wipes are free of alcohol, parabens, silicones, lanolin. They have lotus and aloe vera extracts and act as a natural moisturizer, priced at Rs.175/- for a pack of 72 wipes.
3. MamyPoko Anti Bacterial Wipes
MamyPoko is a very popular Japanese brand and they make budget baby care products. They are alcohol-free and are good for daily use but they do have fragrances. Priced at Rs.99/- for 50 wipes.
4. Johnson’s Baby Wipes
Johnson’s is the oldest and the most trusted brand in India for baby products. Their wipes are made of advanced fiber technology and contain a moisturizing lotion that is gentle on the skin. They are soap-free and alcohol-free, priced at Rs.220/- for 80 wipes.
5. Mee Mee Baby Wipes
Mee Mee is also a popular baby care brand, Mee Mee wipes are dermatologically tested and are made of spun lace, non-woven fabric. They also have aloe vera extracts that keep the skin cool and hydrated. Priced at Rs.99/- for 72 wipes.
6. Baby Dove Rich Moisture Baby Wipes
Dove has recently launched ‘Baby Dove’ in India, their wipes are dermatologically and periodically tested, hypoallergenic and alcohol-free formula. They are created with no parabens, no dyes, and no phthalates. They have glycerin which moisturizes and soothes the skin. Priced at Rs.135/- for 50 wipes.
These were the Top 6 Baby wipes in India, all are gentle and safe for the baby’s sensitive skin. I would prefer and recommend the biodegradable ones though, as we use a lot of wipes and the non-biodegradable ones stay in the environment forever and even cause blockages while the biodegradable ones would degrade in about 42 days. Also, fragrance-free as fragrance can irritate a baby’s delicate skin, hence my pick would be the Mother Sparsh 99% Pure Water Unscented Baby Wipes.
Have you tried Mother Sparsh 99% Pure Water Baby Wipes before?
P.S.: This blog is in collaboration with Mother Sparsh
Minimalist Alpha Arbutin, Vitamin C and Niacinamide Serums Review
Hi guys,
I am sure you have heard of Minimalist by now, and how it’s an Indian version of the famous ‘The Ordinary’. I picked 3 serums from Minimalist and have been using them since the past 2 months.
The packaging and the products do remind you of The Ordinary for sure, they were planning to change the packaging and I hope they do that soon.
I know there are diverse opinions on this, but honestly how many people have credit cards or shop internationally. Even though I used to shop a lot internationally, the customs duty + shipping has made it hard in the past 2-3 years. So if I get similar products here in India which work equally well and are priced similarly, why would I not buy from here! But do they work as well as The Ordinary products? Read on to find out..
First of all, I love the fact that they teach their consumers so much about ingredients and how they work and the science behind it. They have a separate ‘Knowledge’ section on the website which is like a blog and has some amazing, detailed articles about different skincare ingredients with backed up research.
All Minimalist products are fragrance, paraben, silicone, sulphate, dye, essential oil free and are non comedogenic which means they will not clog your pores.
Packaging wise, all the serums come in a glass bottle with a dropper.
Their Formula has Ethyl Ascorbic Acid 10% + Acetyl Glucosamine 1%. Now Vitamin C is one of the most powerful anti-oxidants in skincare, anti-oxidants basically mean they negate oxidation i.e. they fight the free radicals and damage caused by oxidation through the environmental factors like stress/pollution/sun damage, etc. Just as consuming Vitamin C helps you fight viruses by boosting your immunity and strength to fit, the same way when applied on skin it fights the damage being done to the skin through environmental, external factors.
It also helps in brightening and evening out the skin tone, helps fade dark spots over time and also helps in boosting collagen, so with regular long time use helps prevent/delay fine lines and wrinkles.
Consuming citrus fruits, such as oranges, lime, and peppers, strawberries, blackcurrants, broccoli, brussels sprouts, etc. is amazing for both your body and skin as they have a lot of Vitamin C in them.
When combined with topical application on skin along with consuming a good diet, it is all the more beneficial for the skin.
But Vitamin C is extremely sensitive to light and air, so every time you open a bottle of Vitamin C, you are reducing a little bit of anti oxidants as you are allowing the process of oxidation. Hence, Vitamin C bottles are always dark and tinted, and I store them in a refrigerator and would recommend you do the same.
I love the fact that are also using a dark, tinted bottle. One bottle will last you 2-3 months depending on the usage, whether once a day or twice a day. I use it only in the mornings and it will last me one more month. Once opened, it is best to use up your Vitamin C within 2-3 months as it oxidizes.
Minimalist uses Vitamin C derivative “Ethyl Ascorbic Acid” that has 86% pure Vitamin C content. That is much higher than 40-50% content present in other Vitamin C derivatives. At a pH ~ 4.0 it is highly stable and effective. Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is the most stable form of Vitamin C currently and is both oil and water soluble. They have also added 1% Acetyl Glucosamine (AG), an amino acid sugar and a precursor of hyaluronic acid, that provides skin moisturization, boosts natural Hyaluronic Acid formation on the skin, and is a Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF). A recent study has also shown visible improvement in fine lines around eyes with 2% AG.
I am absolutely in love with the ingredients and formula, they source their base ingredients from leading global suppliers who supply to most of these famous skincare brands globally.
They have used Centella Asiatice Leaf water as the base instead of just water, which is Gotu Kola and it very calming and soothing on the skin.
The formula is runny and watery, it is slightly tacky but absorbs quickly. I follow it up with my moisturizer and sunscreen during day time.
When used in the morning followed by a sunscreen, it increases the damage protection from sun exposure as it fights free radicals and oxidants.
I have been using both Vitamin C and Alpha Arbutin since 2 months and I can definitely see a change in my skin tone and a few post acne marks. A recent breakout in December post my travel, has already faded because of regular use of these two, otherwise my post acne marks take about 3-5 months to fade.
I love using Vitamin C serums but many of them oxidize before I can finish the bottle and that breaks my heart. I have been using this every morning since 2 months and I store it in the refrigerator and it hasn’t oxidized and I will finish it in another month. Definitely repurchasing this, at a price of Rs.695/-, if one bottle lasts 3 months, it is definitely worth it! Highly recommend this!
Let’s talk about the Alpha Arbutin 2% + Hyaluronic Acid 1%
What is Alpha Arbutin you ask? Alpha Arbutin is extracted from plants such as bearberries, blueberries, and cranberries, it is a skin brightening and lightening ingredient. If you have post acne marks, melasma, pigmentation around your mouth or on the sides of the face, you should definitely include Alpha Arbutin in your skincare regime.
Alpa Arbutin reduces skin’s pigment production by suppressing the enzymes that stimulate melanin. It also slows down the process by which UV light causes pigmentation, so it both prevents and treats pigmentation issues. But keep in mind it is not a whitening or fairness product and don’t expect it to change your skin colour/tone. It is meant to even out the skin and help in fading marks.
It is much safer and gentler unlike Kojic Acid or Hydroquinone which are known to have some side effects and can irritate skin.
They have also added 1% Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate), HA is found in our skin already and it acts as a sponge helping the skin to hold onto water, being plump and elastic. Sometimes our skin doesn’t produce enough HA and it looks dry, dehyrated, wrinkly, HA is famous for its crazy water holding capacity as it can bind up to 1000 times its own weight in water.
It’s slightly runny but not as watery and runny as the Vitamin C serum. The base they have used here is Aloe Vera Juice instead of Water which again is soothing and calming
The added hydration benefit from Sodium Hyaluronate along with Alpha Arbutin is amazing. Both Vitamin C and Alpha Arbutin help in fading acne scars and reducing hyperpigmentation, so both when used together are a super powerful combination. Like I mentioned, my post acne mark faded within 2-3 weeks when I used both of these together which takes at least a few months otherwise.
I am really happy with the results overall, also the HA helped me in cold and dry Dubai weather in December when my skin was super dry.
At Rs.549/– it’s a total value for money and I am definitely repurchasing it again. Highly recommend this as well!
Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3, it is a water soluble vitamin that works with the natural substances in your skin to help visibly minimize enlarged pores, improve uneven skin tone, diminish dullness, and strengthen a weakened skin barrier.
It also helps in balancing the sebum production, so works really well for oily skin. It reduces the appearance of fine lines and blemishes over time
The vitamin B3 and mineral zinc duo are potent enough to reduce visible blemishes and clear congested pores. Also, they have used aloe juice instead of water which makes it more calming and soothing.
The formula is little thicker and slightly tacky, compared to the other two. But the stickiness is gone after a few seconds on the skin and it’s absorbed. Also I found the dropper for this little inconvenient or may be because it’s slightly thicker, it doesn’t drop off easily.
Most of the research for Niacinamide is done at 5%, so it works equally well at a lower % too. Minimalist also has a 5% Niacinamide Serum and if you are new to actives, you can maybe start at 5% if you feel your skin won’t be able to handle 10%
Compared to Alpha Arbutin and Vitamin C, Niacinamide works slow and over a long period of time, so you might not notice visible difference and since I don’t have oily skin and already use other skin care products in my regime which have a little bit of Niacinamide in them, the results for me weren’t miraculous. But I do like adding Niacinamide in my regime for improving my skin barrier and for long term effectiveness.
I won’t say this is a must have, I do like the other two serums more but I am still going to repurchase and continue using it since Niacinamide is overall beneficial for the skin.
But if you have oily skin, I do recommend giving this a try.
Overall, I am pretty happy with Minimalist products and I am planning to try the Multi Peptide Serum, 2% Retinoid and Sepicalm Moisturizer next.
I would love to see more launches from Minimalist, hoping to see some lip balms and Azelaic Acid this year.
You can follow me on Instagram HERE for more skincare reviews and updates.
Have you tried any Minimalist products yet? Let me know your thoughts.
Let’s talk about exfoliation today and why it is essential for your skin. So many people still don’t exfoliate this date and that basically adds layers and layers of dead skin. Our skin goes through a natural shedding process every 30 days or so and if we don’t exfoliate, it would take a long time to shed on it’s own and it also leads to ingrown hair, rough patches, debris and dead skin sitting on the skin’s surface.
Exfoliating regularly helps get rid of the dead skin cells and also helps in faster regeneration of the new layer of skin.
Let’s see some benefits of exfoliation:
Unclogs pores
Removes dead skin cells
Makes skin smooth and supple
Helps get rid of ingrown hair
Helps get rid of uneven tan
Removes the dirt and debris sitting on the skin
Helps in blood circulation
Helps loosen and remove the blackheads
In the long term, also helps in producing collagen keeping skin softer, smoother and wrinkle free
Helps reduce cellulite
So there are numerous benefits of exfoliation and it is the key to a soft, smooth skin.
I have been using and loving the mCaffeine Coffee Body Scrub currently. Coffee is the best ingredient when it comes to body scrubbing/exfoliation.
About mCaffeine: mCaffeine is India’s 1st Caffeinated Personal Care Brand. All of mCaffeine’s products are infused with caffeine. Caffeine being a superfood for hair and skin, it’s an extension to the hyperactive lifestyle and individualistic identity.
All mCaffeine products are SLS-Paraben Free, Vegan, Clinically tested, cruelty free, Made Safe Certified
This scrub has the goodness of both coffee and coconut. Coffee polishes skin, exfoliates, removes tan, dead cells and reduces cellulite. The caffeine in coffee tones the skin and coconut moisturizes and nourishes the skin.
The texture is very fine and not at all harsh, so it is even safe for sensitive skin. It comes with a wooden spoon which helps you scoop out the product. Take some product in your palms, mix with a little bit of water and exfoliate all of your body parts, especially the parts where we tend to get rougher, drier skin like elbows and knees.
It smells absolutely amazing, if you love coffee, the entire bath experience when using the scrub is sensorial and the whole bathroom smells like the Coorg coffee plantation.
I love the ingredients and it leaves the skin super soft post exfoliation, and because of the coconut oil skin feels moisturized and hydrated.
Coffee Body scrubs are gender neutral and this can be used by both men and women. Men need to keep their skin soft too 😀
How often should you exfoliate? I would say once a week is good enough. You will need about 4 spoons of this scrub for exfoliating the entire body, so this tub will last you quite long.
It’s a total value for money at Rs.449/-
Overall, I really like this mCaffeine Coffee Body Scrub and would recommend it.
