Tag Archives: anti ageing skin care

Vichy Liftactiv Supreme Cream Normal to Combination Skin Review

Vichy Liftactiv Supreme Cream Normal to Combination Skin Review

Anti Ageing, Creams, Moisturizers, Reviews, Skin care, Vichy, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Vichy Liftactiv Supreme Cream Normal to Combination Skin Review

Vichy LiftActiv Supreme Progressive Anti-wrinkle and Firmness Correcting Care Cream For Normal to Combination Skin is the complete name. Phew, quite a mouthful it is!

What it claims: New scientific discovery: OVERDAY AGING – it is a biological and clinical reality that the skin ages during the day. In fact, from morning to evening, we can look up to 4 months older, with skin that looks less radiant, saggy and more acentuated wrinkles. These signs of daily aging settle over the years.

Liftactiv Supreme, our 1st overday and long term anti-aging corrector that fights wrinkles and lack of firmness at every moment they appear:

IMMEDIATELY, UNTIL EVENING and IN THE LONG TERM.

– INSTANT 3D OPTICAL TECHNOLOGY:
Offers mattifying and blurring finish, with illuminating effect
– OVER-DAY AGING PREVENTION:
CAFFEINE AND RETINOL-LIKE ADENOSINE promotes cellular energy and responsiveness, so that skin remains smooth, firm and rested all day long.
– FIGHT LONG-TERM AGING EFFECTS:
RHAMNOSE 5%: helps reduce the look of wrinkles and increase skin firmness
NEOHESPERIDINE: a potent anti-oxidant, it boosts the effects of rhamnose, for cellular renewal and global protection.

In 1 month:
Wrinkles look reduced by up to 33%
Skin feels firmer for 93% of women

Efficacy:

Immediately: Blur – Instantly smooth’s the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Brightens complexion.

Until Evening: Stimulate – Skin looks plumped. Features appear younger and more rested.

Over Time: Correct – Deep wrinkles are visibly smoothed. Skin looks firmer.  Illuminated skinwith increased tonicity.

For better results, it is advised to use Lift Activ Supreme in addition with Serum 10.

Key ingredients and their benefits include:

Rhamnose – 5% – long term benefits include increased tonicity and firmness.
Neohesperidine – 0.2% – long term benefits include reinforced long term correction of wrinkles
Caffeine – 0.2% – fights against tiredness and puffiness
Adenosine – 0.1% – rapid anti-wrinkle efficacy

– Tested on sensitive skin under dermatological control.
– Paraben-free and hypoallergenic
– Suitable for all skin types
– Enriched with Vichy Thermal Spa Water

Supreme sensoriality, in 2 distinct texture for all skin types:
– Normaderm to combination skin texture: with glycerin, this cream procures a wonderfully refreshing and comfortable sensation on the skin.
– Dry skin texture: with apricot kernel butter and shea butter. Highly nourishing, the texture quickly melts into the skin.

How to apply: 1. Spread a touch of cream all over the face, the decolleté and the neck, avoiding the eye area.
2. Spread with upward smoothing strokes, from inside to outside. Smooth on gently until thoroughly absorbed.

MRP: Rs.2350/- for 50ml

It comes in a white jar with a mirror cap. I like that, you can apply it anytime,anywhere you are with the help of the mirror and it can help you in emergency touch-ups too 😀 Though it does not have an inner lid or seal and I would have preferred if it came with a small spatula.

I like the face that it comes in two different variants: for normal to combination skin and for dry skin.

I have combination skin and I have been using this normal to combination one for a little more than 2 weeks now. Its a white colored cream, not too thick but neither runny. It has a very mild floral scent and blends easily into the skin.

It moisturises and hydrates the dry patches and cheeks,it does not feel heavy or greasy and gets absorbed quickly. Though for summers and humid areas, oily skin would find this a bit rich and I would advise using this in winters.

I do see firmness and tightness in the skin. A thing called overday ageing does exist, how many of you have observed dull skin at the end of the day? I have quite a few times. Skin remains brighter and firmer with this and over time, I saw reduced dullness at the end of the day and also the pores look much reduced in size,maybe coz of the rhamnose,adenosine and the 3D technology.

It gives a smooth,velvety finish to the skin and the foundation glides on really well. It works equally well as a night cream too. I prefer using it at night or on colder days. I would be using it more in winters.

I don’t have wrinkles, so can’t really judge the anti-wrinkle claim.

It is expensive but this jar will last you a long,long time. I guess it would easily last 5-6 months, so turns out reasonable.

Overall I would say it actually gives a firmer,smoother appearance to the skin and is a nice, hydrating, day cream. Though I would not recommend it for oily skin unless in winters. Dry skin variant has apricot kernel oil which again would be perfect for dry skin with all the same basic ingredients and quality. Recommended.

Rating:

Quality: 3.75/5
Value for money : 3.75/5
Availability: 3.5/5

Overall rating: 3.75/5

Have you tried the new Vichy Liftactiv Supreme Cream?

P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review

Herbalife Skin 7 Day Challenge Review

Anti Ageing, Creams, Herbalife Skin, Moisturizers, Night Creams, Reviews, Serums, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Herbalife Skin 7 Day Challenge Review

Herbalife SKIN Launched in India around Mid October 2014

•Solution-based skin care nutrition for younger and healthier-looking skin
•Fast results in just 7 days*
•Heena Sidhu, ace Indian pistol shooter & “Fresh face” of Herbalife is the brand ambassador for Herbalife SKIN

Solution-based skin care nutrition with optimized Formula, Feel and Fast Results. Herbalife SKIN products have been formulated with an optimum blend of Vitamin B3 and antioxidant Vitamins C and E, and Aloe Vera to get softer, smoother, more radiant skin and diminish fine lines and wrinkles. Created to replenish and rejuvenate the skin with fast results, Herbalife SKIN has been clinically proven to produce visible results in just 7 days*. The Herbalife SKIN range is paraben-free, sulfate-free** and dermatologist tested.

Made with fruit extracts, essential oils, plant enzymes, chamomile, and antioxidant vitamins, the SKIN line is unisex and is suitable for all skin types.

The Line Minimizing Serum, Daily Glow Moisturizer and Night Replenishing Cream have been clinically proven to improve the skin softness, smoothness, radiance, glow and luminosity in 7 days. The Firming Eye Gel and Hydrating Eye Cream, Line Minimizing Serum, Daily Glow Moisturizer and Night Replenishing Cream reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles significantly in 7 days.

So I was asked to take this 7 Day challenge comprising these 5 products mentioned above. And I was up for it. I like natural products which are paraben and chemical free.

About the products:

Firming Eye Gel: Helps improve the appearance of the delicate eye area by increasing your skin’s elasticity.*
Helps improve the appearance of firmness to the eye area.*
Contains revitalizing cucumber extract.
Suitable for all skin types.
Ophthalmologist tested.
Paraben-free. Dermatologist tested.

Exclusively formulated with: Vitamins B3, antioxidant Vitamins C and E and Aloe Vera, Cucumber extract

MRP: Rs.2240/- for 15 mL airless pump

Hydrating Eye Cream: Minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, an area which has a lower amount of both sweat and oil glands, making it highly susceptible to dehydration.
Clinically tested to show a significant increase in the skin’s moisture over eight hours.*
Suitable for all skin types.
Ophthalmologist tested.
Paraben-free. Dermatologist tested.

Exclusively formulated with: Vitamins B3, antioxidant Vitamins C and E and Aloe Vera, Macadamia nut oil, Cucumber extract, Peptide

MRP: Rs.2240/- for 15 mL airless pump

Line Minimizing Serum: This multi-functional serum helps diminish the visible signs of aging.*
AM/PM use helps maximize your results.
Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Clinically tested to show remarkable improvement in skin softness, smoothness, radiance, glow and luminosity in just seven days.*
Suitable for all skin types.
Paraben-free. Dermatologist tested.

Exclusively formulated with: Vitamin B3, antioxidant Vitamins C and E and Aloe Vera, Chestnut seed extract, Peptide

MRP: Rs.3205/- for 30 mL airless pump

Daily Glow Moisturizer: All-purpose hydrating lotion with illuminating properties to give your face a healthy glow. Skin looks radiant, even without makeup.
Clinically tested to show that skin looks more glowing and feels softer and smoother in just seven days.†
Clinically shown to double skin’s moisture for eight hours.‡
This product is ideal for any occasion where you want your skin to look fresh and silky soft or when you just want some light-weight moisture.
Perfect for men and women and suitable for all skin types.
Paraben free. Dermatologist tested.

Exclusively formulated with: Vitamin B3, antioxidant Vitamins C and E and Aloe Vera, Sunflower seed oil, Spilanthes Acmella Flower Extract, Macadamia nut oil, Olive oil, Sesame seed oil

MRP: Rs.2414/- for 30 mL airless pump

Replenishing Night Cream: This rich, luxurious cream helps deliver much needed moisture to the skin at night. Long-term hydration allows you to awaken with softer, smoother skin.
Clinically tested to show skin looks smoother and feels softer in just seven days.*
Provides noticeable improvement of overall skin complexion and luminosity in just one week.*
Clinically tested to show skin’s moisture is doubled for eight hours.†
Suitable for all skin types.
Paraben free. Dermatologist tested.

Exclusively formulated with: Vitamins B3, antioxidant Vitamins C and E and Aloe Vera, Sunflower seed oil, Macadamia seed oil, Olive fruit oil, Sesame seed oil, Spilanthes Acmella Flower Extract

MRP: Rs.2414/- for 30 mL airless pump

To start with, I loved the packaging and the three layers. Very well protected, small and handy, travel friendly. All have Step No. written on them like these have 3,4 and 5 for Eye Cream, Serum and Moisturiser/Night Cream.

Since it was a 7 day challenge, I used it continuously for 7 days. Then again took a break for 2-3 days to see the changes in the skin, and then was using it again. Sometimes of late, I have been using 1-2 out of all and such and not following the entire regime since I have already tested.

My review would be based on using all the 5 products together for 7 days as a challenge, and I will also add some points for the product individually.

Starting with the Firming Eye Gel, its a clear transparent gel which needs to be applied delicately on the entire eye area up and down including the sides. You can feel the cooling effect and the firming too within a minute or two. Sometimes it burnt slightly, not sure if the skin was too dry or for what reason.

The Firming Eye Gel is followed by the Hydrating Eye Cream. Its a nice creamy formula and again lightly applied all over the eye.

Of the 2 products together, few things I would like to mention: Use very very little quantity like the minutest pump on your ring finger. Blend both the ring fingers and very lightly dab or massage the eye area. DO NOT take a pea sized amount of this! I did this mistake in the first 1-2 days. The product used was too much and whenever too much eye product is used, your eyes get a little swollen the next day like you get the under bags coz the product seeps in. Also it does not really require too much qty, the minutest is enough.

I would say one can skip the Firming Gel and go only for the Hydrating Cream. Even if you compare the formulation mentioned above, both have the same, in fact Hydrating Cream has extra and I really like the creamy Hydrating Cream.

One thing I noticed is, whenever I stopped using the eye creams, the inside corner of my upper eye became very very dry and that has never been so before! I am not really sure if the skin got used to the cream or the cream has that effect that it needs to be used continuously. If its the later, I am a little scared, coz I do not want my skin to get used to a particular thing forever.

Coming to the Line Minimizing Serum which is the next step after the eye creams. I used this twice in a day along with the eye creams. So these 3 products were fixed at both times, followed by a Daily Moisturizer or a Night Cream for AM/PM. I do not have wrinkles, so I did not see a major difference which I can talk about. Its a white colored light water based cream.But its very light in texture and got absorbed nicely. Skin did feel softer and smoother eventually.

The Daily Glow Moisturizer was white colored thick cream like in texture and the Replenishing Night Cream had similar texture but its light yellow in color. You need a tiny quantity of both here again. Since these are rich and heavy, even a tiny quantity is more than enough for moisturization. I never felt the need for any other moisturiser.

In fact, I am not a fan of layering products, so using 4 products at a time was a little heavy for my skin and it left a little sheen, for which I used to dab a tissue at the end. But never once did it broke me out or anything.

When you check the ingredients, you would find all nice and pure stuff good for the skin from Walnut Oil, Rosemary Oil to Olive Oil, Sunflower Oil and eye creams have Cucumber extracts.

When all 5 products used together, I would say, my skin never felt so moisturized and hydrated, which is amazing for the winters too. Skin is softer, smoother with less visible lines and pores and there is no redness with a very very even skin tone. In my previous OOTD, I mentioned about how I am loving my skin these days and I have those pictures with no makeup on but just this regime and a lipstick.

Also these days I step out without any ounce of makeup on most of the days, not even a tinted moisturizer coz I don’t even feel the need to. I think I got to try this range at the perfect moment as my skin is more than ready for the wedding now 😀 I would definitely recommend this for brides-to-be. Also since I took a break in between, I can tell your skin would still remain soft and plump and would not return to how it was, as with most creams. Only the eye cream I am not sure of, if my skin has got used to,or if its the weather.

But the issues are its only available via a representative and also its super expensive! I think the reps might be having a good deal on the entire kit though, not really sure, would check on that. (I saw the entire Herbalife combo on Snapdeal once for Rs.13,500/-) One may skip the Firming Eye gel though, and maybe the Line Minimizing Serum if it is not really required.

Highly recommended! This stuff works.

Currently I am testing new products, but I might switch back to these just before the wedding 😀

Rating: 4.25/5

Have you ever tried Herbalife Skin products? What do you think?

P.S: PR Samples. Honest Review.

Modern Women Experience Skin Ageing Faster ?

Anti Ageing, OLay, Skin care, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Modern Women Experience Skin Ageing Faster ?

A recent global study conducted on ageing skin proves that women today are ageing faster than the past generations. Indian dermatologist Dr. Nina Madnani, renowned Consultant in Dermatology and Aesthetic Medicine talks about it here keeping the Indian women skin in picture.

Women today experience skin ageing faster than women in past generations!

Modern women today face a myriad of increasing stresses that not only have an impact on their health and overall well-being, but can take its toll on skin. From physical stress arising from less sleep, an increasing amount of sugar in our diets and rising pollution levels; to emotional and mental stress faced in everyday life; these stresses shift the optimal balance that enables us to look and feel our best.

Rising emotional stress

With the rise of globalization, increasing urbanization and economic pressures, comes an upsurge in stress levels. A recent study conducted by Olay reveals, Emotional stress from work, finance or relationships, have recently been found to have significant physiological effects on skin. The increasing amount of stress faced is so prevalent that an emerging specialty known as psychodermatology, which focuses on the psychological components of what causes skin to look poorly has arisen.

It was found that psychological stress can go as far as to weaken one’s skin barrier function allowing more irritants, allergens and infectious agents to penetrate the skin and cause problems, as well as shortens the molecular countdown mechanism in our cells and may explain how stress causes us to age more quickly.

According to Dr. Nina Madnani P&G Dermatologist says, “A modern day life with its multitude of stresses has a significant role to play in the rapid ageing of the skin. There is a presence of Properdin or factor P which is stress induced and often occurs during anxiety or a stressful situation. Properdin is known to play a role in tissue inflammation which can be caused due to rising levels of stress. Not many people are aware but your stress levels have a direct impact on your skin.

Early signs of aging such as dark circles, dull, blotchy skin with freckles or lentigenes, are evident as early as the late teens and early twenties. Hence skin care as a preventive measure should start in the 20s with products which contain Vit C, anti-inflammatory agents like niacinamide, sunscreens. Products such as Olay total effects include Vitaniacin which is a key ingredient that fights the changing skin needs. Products containing retinol, CoQ10, Alfa-hydroxy acids, etc can be added, followed by peptides, and introduction of procedures. It’s no use waking up in your 40 s and expecting products to work miracles after all the damage is done. Olay Total Effects simple to follow regimen is a one stop solution for women who are constantly on the go without being able to give any time to their skin.”

Changing lifestyles and increased physical stress

On top of mental and emotional stress, the impact of physical stress in the form of UV exposure, cigarette smoke, pollution and poor dietary choices have all long been proven to have a direct biological impact on our skin. And changing lifestyle trends are contributing to an increase in physical stress in modern society.

1. Less sleep

Firstly, the lack of sufficient sleep as a result of an ‘always-on’ culture can affect one’s appearance. A poll conducted in the US found that 95% of respondents use some type of electronics at least a few nights a week in the hour before bed. This ‘always-on’ culture that comes with the proliferation of digital screens in our daily lives has a tangible effect on our bodies: The light exposure has the effect of suppressing melatonin, the hormone which helps promote sleep.

This can result in people getting less sleep than they need. A study in the US found that sleep duration in adults adolescents had decreased by 1-2 hours per night. But how does this affect our appearance and skin? It’s intuitive that sleep deprivation affects our appearance. Studies have shown that sleep-deprived people are in fact perceived as less healthy and less attractive. Further research has revealed sleep deprivation can weaken the skin barrier and slow its ability to renew itself.

Dr. Nina Madnani adds perspective on the research, “Modern lifestyles have deprived women of sleep. The sleep patterns have been altered, further leading to hormonal imbalance. Your skin needs certain amount of sleep because sleep acts as a recovery phase from all the stress during the day. The “pores” on the skin are actually the openings of pilo-sebaceous follicles which self-cleanse. In order to de-stress the skin, there are specialized creams which work at different levels, and need to be in contact with the skin for several hours without being affected with sweating etc. hence at night when the application is done on a cleansed face, the cream serves to be more effective.”

2. More sugar

“A healthy intake of food definitely shows its effects on the skin, but today healthy food has been taken over by food with high glycemic index, genetic modification, and fraught with chemicals. Excessive intake of sugar gives a rise to the insulin in the body which is a direct cause for inflation on the skin,” says Dr. Madnani

Against this backdrop of increasing mental stress and decreasing sleep comes a third phenomenon: an increasing consumption of sugar due to the proliferation of processed foods and beverages. To understand what sugar does to our skin, we need look no further than coffee and the process of caramelization. Coffee beans start off fresh and green, but when heat is applied, they gradually turn brown and take on complex aromas. This is due to the small amounts of sugar present in the coffee beans are being transformed in a chemical process known as glycation.

Glycation also takes place in our skin, although in ways that do not require heat. As a result of the reaction between sugar and the proteins in our skin, Advanced Glycosylation End products (AGEs) are formed. The more sugar is present, the more AGEs are formed. Unlike the flavor enriching process that chefs strive to achieve with food, AGEs are largely unwelcome: They cause our skin to stiffen and even take on a yellowish hue. In other words, glycation is a significant cause of skin ageing.

3. Higher levels of pollution

It is well known that air pollution is a source of free radicals that damage our skin cells and ultimately age our skin. While reports suggest that air pollution in North America and Europe is either declining or leveling out, thanks to stringent government regulations on emissions, emissions in Asia have been climbing steeply, due to its rapid economic growth, and appear to have surpassed the levels in North America and Europe. This rise in air pollution is yet another worrying stressor that can cause signs of ageing to appear earlier than they should.

The quest for youthful skin in an increasingly stressful world

The relationship between stress and skin is clear and while both emotional and physical stress have plagued us since time memorial, increased stressors are not making it any easier to maintain young, healthy looking skin in the 21st century. These stresses can take its toll on women’s skin – by weakening skin’s renewal power, lose its elasticity, or take on an unflattering yellowish hue, ultimately causing it to age more quickly.

In an age where we are fighting an uphill battle for fair and youthful skin, the question that begs is, is your current skincare powerful enough to fight these extra stressors?

Pioneering research on skin aging in Indian women has brought to light new evidence that gives reason to rethink what skin aging looks like, and at what age it may appear. It was revealed that caring for your skin at an early age can make a significant difference in keeping the signs of aging at bay. According to Dr. Nina Madnani, women who took followed an effective skincare regimen at an early age to overcome the effects on the skin due to a hectic lifestyle have significantly less fine lines and wrinkles than women who overlooked their skin amid chaotic schedules. Hence early skincare helps to reduce the signs of aging.

To effectively address skin ageing concerns, women should be aware of not just fine lines and wrinkles, but all 7 signs of ageing which are:

1. Rough/uneven skin texture
2. Age/dark spots
3. Uneven skin tone
4. Sagging skin
5. Dry/dull skin
6. Increased pore size/Open Pores
7. Lines and Wrinkles

I am 26 and soon would be turning 27 in one and a half month. I think its better to start taking care of your skin and include an anti-ageing regime also in your skincare as soon as possible. These factors stated above are definitely more rampant these days, and were not much of an issue in the previous days. Women are surely ageing faster and I believe prevention is better than cure. In terms of ageing skin, there is no cure as such except for botox or those chemical treatments. I would be including Olay regime in my skincare soon.

Do you guys believe women age faster these days ? What do you do to prevent your skin from ageing ?

Kaya AntOx Vit-C Formula Serum Review

Serums, Skin care, , , , , , , , , ,
Kaya AntOx Vit-C Formula Serum Review
 
What the Company claims: It is a non-oily, easily absorbing anti-oxidants gel based on Vitamin C. Vitamin C is known to counteract free radicals responsible for premature skin ageing, protect the skin against environmental assault and delay the appearance of dark spot, fine lines and wrinkles and gives you softer, smoother skin.
 
How to use: It is a non-oily, easily absorbing anti-oxidants gel based on Vitamin C. Vitamin C is known to counteract free radicals responsible for premature skin ageing, protect the skin against environmental assault and delay the appearance of dark spot, fine lines and wrinkles and gives you softer, smoother skin.

 

Ingredients: Water, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Cellulose Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
 
MRP: Rs.1790/- for 30ml
 
It comes in a small glass bottle pump packaging with a cap to cover that shuts perfectly tight..and had a seal at the start..for authenticity.
 
Its a transparent watery gel in texture..not too runny..and does’nt give any strong Vitamin C smell which is normally found in Vit C products..also it blends in well and is quiet light weight and non greasy.

 

But it does not moisturise and definitely need a separate moisturiser. And also what I noticed is, it sits on the face like a layer and does not get absorbed..and when you wash your face, you notice the slippery layer going away.
 
As far as the effect goes, I saw minor reduction and fading in 2-3 spots after continued usage. And cannot comment on lines or wrinkles coz I don’t have them. But there is not brightening as such.
 
Actually, Vitamin C serums have never worked that great on my skin..had the same experience with Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Concentrate..it did not do anything much for me..Instead Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate worked better for me..and skin was brighter and glowing whenever I used that..same with this..the Kaya Brightening Serum which I reviewed HERE worked great for me than this.

 

So, I would recommend this to people on whom Vitamin C works or may be try it out at the clinic first. For me, if I had to choose one, I would go with the Kaya Brightening Serum.

Pros:
 
1. Non greasy.
2. Light in texture.
3. Easy to use day or night.
4. Good pump packaging.
5. Continued usage helps in fading spots..and might help in wrinkles and lines too.
 
Cons:
 
1. Expensive.
2. Sits like a layer on the face.
3. Results were pretty ok.
 
Overall I would say its a nice serum and more suitable for people searching an anti-aging serum but who do not need an anti aging one..should go for the Brightening one.
Rating: 
 
Quality: 3.5/5 
Value for money: 3.5/5 
Availability: 3.5/5 
 
Overall rating: 3.5/5 
 
Would I buy it again: I don’t think so..coz Vitamin C does’nt help my skin much.
 
Have you tried the Kaya AntOx Vit-C Formula ?
 
P.S: PR Sample. Honest Review.

Skin care for 40 + people during winters

Uncategorized, , , , , , , ,
Skin care for 40 + people during winters

Dr. Ranjan Upadhyay, Dermatologist, Desmoderm Skin Clinic, Delhi, writes about the special needs of skin in people over 40

As they say age brings wisdom and bliss. But this wisdom never comes without some unwanted wrinkles, fine lines and signs of ageing. If you have lived over four decades, you have certainly gone through some ravages of time and environment. Once you hit your 40s, you can no longer bank on your youthful beauty. In absolute terms, however, beauty is not a variant of age. You might be a little less radiant and a little less smooth than you were ten years back, but beautiful you can still be.

As we age, so does our skin. After a certain point of time, your skin will not produce enough natural oil to keep your dermis hydrated and supple. It will also experience a decrease in production of collagen and elastin, the two proteins responsible for firmness in younger skin. The reserves of hyaluronic acid, the natural water binding element in the skin also decreases, leading to a more dry and dull looking skin that carries fine lines and wrinkles.

While a number of factors are responsible for causing skin changes over the years including genetic and related to nutrition, sun exposure is one of the most prominent causes. So is loss of moisture from the skin.

During winter the major skin issue we face is that of dryness and loss of moisture. Cracked lips, heals and dry skin is a major problem. Every time you wash your hands or face, you feel extreme dryness. All these characteristics increase as we age. At 25 you might be able to carry on a day without a moisturizer but at 40 you certainly cannot.

Hence while basic skincare requirements in the winter season remain largely the same, revolving most of the time around the need for moisturizing, for people in their 40s they are a little more pronounced and need to be combined with some anti ageing practices and products.

A good routine of moisturizing and hydrating is required. You can also do well by going in for a session with Restylane Vital skinboosters, a hyaluronic acid based gel that when injected into the upper layers of the skin, deeply hydrates and nourishes it.

Let’s have a look at the required skincare practices:

Cleansing, toning, moisturizing and sunblock:

These are certain basic skincare elements that need to be a part of your daily lives no matter what your age is. Cleansing and toning help you protect your skin against the daily ravages of pollution and dust. They help keep your pores clean. In winters especially when you wear thick moisturizers the need for cleansing is all the more. It is very important to keep your skin hydrated. However, if you have oily skin, you better use water based moisturizer rather than cream based. Equally important is wearing a Sunblock with 30 SPF at least. It is a misconception that you do not need to wear a sunblock under a winter sun. Moreover the sunblock has to be reapplied every 3-4 hours as it loses its impact in this time. Sunblock also protects against pigmentation, a phenomenon which is very common in older skin.

Night creams’ applications are quite important for people in this age bracket as they help the skin remain firmer and toned.

The needs for the neck, hands and heals?
Normally we all take care of our faces, but seldom do we pay similar attention to the neck and hands. Unsurprisingly, these areas become the biggest giveaways of your age. In winters, the skin in these areas is dry, flaky and scaly. Make sure your daily skincare regime is extended beyond your face to include your neck and hands. This includes cleaning, toning, moisturizing and sunscreen. Every time you wash your hands, make sure you apply a moisturizer. If you are washing clothes, make sure you wear gloves so as not to expose your hands to the ravages of the detergent and water.

Cracked heals are another area that becomes problematic in this age, particularly in winters. Keep a foot cream at hand and use it daily before going to bed. It will help keep the feet smooth and beautiful.

— Hydrating masks: Winters is a time when we extensively use central heating systems that can suck up all the indoor moisture and cause sensitive skin to be dry and rashy. To undo the effects of dryness, some hydrating face masks can have valuable results. Honey based face packs, milk cream, banana pulp as well as yoghurt  can be applied on the skin as hydrating face masks. Apply these items on the skin in an even spread and leave for 15-20 minutes before you wash them off. These hydrating items have a softening effect that makes skin supple.

— Replenishing Hyaluronic Acid cosmetically can enrich the skin during winters
Today, skincare products and procedures are based on scientific knowledge. Through extensive research, experts today know the reasons why skin ages and why its need for hydration increases with age. Hyaluronic acid is an important component of the skin and helps keep the levels of hydration in the dermis as being a hydrophilic substance it binds water. However, with age, our skin’s natural reserves of hyaluronic acid diminish and hence the skin starts appearing dull and dry.

Restylane Vital Skinboosters is a new age therapy that moisturizes the skin from within and replenishes the lost reserves of moisture as it is a hyaluronic acid based product. Using microinjections, stabilized hyaluronic acid gel is implanted into the outer layers of the skin and works naturally to hydrate the skin from within.  This not only makes the skin look more youthful by filling up the finer lines on the outer layers of the skin, but also plays a crucial role in hydrating the skin and in a way taking care of its need for moisture that is so needed in winters.

— Vitamins are important as we age Vitamins are crucial in fighting oxidative stress that is a normal part of ageing. As winters approach, it would do well to increase your vitamin intake. Make sure citrus fruits are a part of your diet, so are vegetables. Topical application of vitamin C as available in serums is also very effective.

— Release stress and exercise– If you have to look good, you should look good from inside out. Regular routine of exercise or including yoga in your life helps release stress and helps make your skin beautiful and youthful. It also builds immunity.