Tag Archives: bhumika thakkar

Acne Scars – Causes, Prevention Measures and Home Remedies, Indian Beauty Blog, skincare blog

Acne Scars – Causes, Prevention Measures and Home Remedies

Anti Acne, DIY, Home Remedies, How To, Skin care, Tips, Tips and Tricks, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Acne Scars – Causes, Prevention Measures and Home Remedies

By Archana

Hi all,

After many product reviews, I am back with an informative post today. Acne is one common skin condition that many people suffer from. Though it mostly occurs in teenagers, many adults too face it. In today’s post, I will explain the common causes for acne, prevention measures and some home remedies to cure acne scars.

What causes acne?

The four main reasons for acne are:

* Excessive oil production
* Dead skin cells
* Clogged pores
* Bacteria

When our body secretes excess sebum/oil, they build up in the hair follicles and form a soft plug, creating an environment where bacteria can thrive in. This bacterial infection causes inflammation eventually leading to pimples. Whiteheads and blackheads too are actually clogged pores with bacteria and oil.

Some factors like hormonal imbalance, certain foods, stress, etc can trigger or aggravate the acne conditions.

How to prevent the occurrence of acne?

It’s always better to prevent the occurrence of acne in the first place with some good skin care routine.

* Keep your face clean by washing your face atleast twice a day to remove impurities, dead skin cells and extra oil.
* Use a separate towel for your face.
* Change your pillow covers and bedsheets weekly.
* Avoid or limit the intake of deep-fried foods, dairy products, sugar, salty snacks and junk food.
* Avoid using oils, gels and fragrances on your hair.
* Wash your hair often as oily hair can add to the oil on your face.

Home remedies for acne scars:

When a pimple occurs, it can leave behind marks and scars. Though there are many pigmentation creams and anti-acne gels available in the market, home remedies are always more effective and with no side effects. Only thing, they need to be followed diligently for atleast two weeks to see improvement. Here is a list of easy remedies at home to cure acne scars:

Lemon mask for acne scars:

* Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
* Honey – 1tbsp
* Milk – 2 tbsp
* Rose water – 1 tbsp

Mix all the above together and using a cotton wool apply on the acne scars. Leave on for 15 minutes and wash off. Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent which helps lighten the scars. The rose water helps to soothe the tingling sensation caused due to lemon.

Aloe vera gel for acne scars:

Extract fresh aloe vera gel from the plant and apply on face. You can leave it overnight. Do it regularly for two weeks for the acne scars to fade. Aloe vera not only soothes inflammation but also helps in regenerating damaged tissues and speeds up the healing process.

Cucumber and gram flour face pack for acne scars:

* Half a cucumber
* Gram flour – 2 tbsp
* Turmeric powder – 1 tbsp

Blend the cucumber into a smooth paste. Add the gram flour and turmeric powder and apply as a face pack. Leave for 20-25 minutes and then wash off. This treatment is good for sensitive skin also to get rid of acne scars.

Potato and tomato mask for acne scars:

* Half a potato
* Half a tomato
* Honey – 1 tbsp

Grate the potato and extract the juice from it. Blend the tomato into a fine paste. Add the potato juice and a teaspoon of honey. Apply this mix all over your face and wash off after 15 minutes. Tomatoes contain the enzyme lycopene which help to lighten pimple marks. Potatoes also have skin lightening and bleaching properties.

Cinnamon and honey mask for acne scars:

Add half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder to one teaspoon of honey and apply on your acne scars. Leave it for an hour and then wash off. This mixture has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which is effective in treating the acne.

Tea tree oil for acne scars:

This is a proven remedy for reducing acne scars. Tea tree oil is an excellent antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral essential oil. Just dilute some tea tree essential oil in water and apply this solution on your acne scars everyday. Leave it overnight. Follow it regularly to see visible reduction in scars and blemishes.

Apple cider vinegar for acne scars:

ACV is a natural astringent and balances the pH level of your skin. It is effective in the treatment of acne too. Mix 1 part of apple cider vinegar with 1 part of water and 1 teaspoon of honey. Dip a cotton ball in the mixture and apply on scars. Leave it for 15 minutes and wash off. Do this once daily.

Sandalwood and orange face pack for acne scars:

* Sandalwood powder – 2 tbsp
* Orange peel powder – 2 tbsp
* Rose water – 2 tbsp

Mix all the above into a fine paste and apply as a face pack. Leave it for 30 minutes and wash off. According to Ayurveda, sandalwood is a effective soothing and cooling agent to treat skin inflammations. Orange peel powder helps to lighten the marks.

So these are some of the home remedies you can follow to cure acne scars, pimple marks and blemishes.

Editor’s Note: This was a really well written post Archana and the remedies are fab. I think I always stick to Aloe Vera Gel and the fuller’s earth, sandalwood mix. I will surely try the other home remedies mentioned by you.

Which ones have you tried? Share your experiences below.

P.S: Pics from Google

Curatio Fash Anti-Acne Face Wash Review

Anti Acne, Face Wash, Lifestyle, Reviews, Skin care, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Curatio Fash Anti-Acne Face Wash Review

By Archana

Winters are almost getting over and sunny days have started. I can feel my skin which suffered from excessive dryness during winters is going to back to its usual oily-combination self. When it comes to face washes, I was using more of creamy cleansers during winters. But now I have to change them to a more deep-cleansing face wash which can control oil for a longer time. Thanks to Bhumika, I got to try this Fash Face Wash from Curatio at the right time. Read to know whether it is a hit or a miss.

Product Claims: Fash Face Cleanser is an innovative approach to healthy skin, which regulates the skin ecosystem. With its specially developed formulation, Fash helps remove dirt, dead cells and excessive oil without leaving skin feeling dry. Regular use of Fash cleanser helps maintain clean, youthful and radiant skin.

Ingredients:

Directions to use: Wet face with water, pour sufficient quantity of Fash face cleanser on palm, develop a rich lather, and gently massage on face for 2 minutes. Rinse off. Repeat if skin is very oily. Use 1-3 times a day.

Packaging:

The face wash comes in a sturdy plastic tube with a flip-open cap. The blue and white color graphics of the tube looks fresh and energizing. I have carried around the tube in my handbag and there has been no leakage or spillage. So packaging wise, the face wash looks good as well as convenient and travel friendly.

Texture and fragrance:

The face wash is blue colored with a mild, fresh, menthol-kind of fragrance. The texture of the face wash is one of the weirdest I have ever come across. It is gel-like and sticky.

My experience:

I have been using the face wash for the past two weeks and have been pretty satisfied with it. Except for the weird, sticky texture that I have mentioned above. When I squeeze the face wash into my hands, the gel just sticks to my hands. I have a hard time spreading it on my face as it just sticks to the skin, even though my face is wet. I need to massage well for it to work. It doesn’t create any lather as such. But on massaging for some time, the blue gel texture turns into bluish-white paste like a face pack. On the directions, it is mentioned that the face wash has to be massaged for 2 minutes. And I felt, it works well only when used that way.

Initially, I was using it in the usual quick way of applying and washing off like any other face wash and it didn’t work well. Also, owing to the sticky consistency, it becomes difficult to wash off as well and takes time to remove it completely. Even I have a hard time washing it off from my hands. While washing, if any gel accidentally drips into your wash basin, it sticks there as well and you have to scrub to get rid of it.

But for all this hard work in using a face wash, the results are very satisfactory. It deep cleanses the skin and removes all oil, dirt and gives a fresh look. Am not sure if it contains menthol or not, but it gives a nice cooling and fresh feeling just like a menthol-based face wash. It doesn’t dry out skin much and I don’t feel the need to immediately reach for a moisturiser, though that might not be the case with dry skin people. It keeps my face fresh and oil-free for around 4-5 hours which is pretty good. Also, as mentioned in the product claims, I feel that it removes dead cells too and the whiteheads which I used to get frequently are more in control now.

Pros:
* Deep cleanses skin and gets rid of all dirt and oil.
* Gives a nice cooling effect.
* Keeps face oil-free for 4-5 hours.
* Removes dead cells.
* Controls whiteheads.
* Doesn’t dry out skin.
* Mild fragrance which is not bothersome.
* Nice and travel-friendly packaging.
* Free from SLS and parabens.

Cons:
* Sticky texture.
* Difficult to wash off.

Price and quantity: Rs.190 for 100g.

Rating: 4.3/5

Verdict: Overall, Curatio Fash Face Wash is a good face wash for oily-combination skin especially in summers. It gives a nice cooling feeling, deep cleanses skin and keeps it oil-free for a long time. Only con is the sticky texture which takes a while to spread and then wash off.

Editor’s Note: Oo..this is something quite unique and interesting. I have never tried something like that, but since this is specially meant for acne prone skin and controls that, it will be a boon for acne prone people. Nice review Archana 🙂

Have you heard of Fash Face Wash from Curatio yet?

My Envy Box Designer Jewelery Box Unboxing

Accessories, Fashion, Jewellery, Lifestyle, New Launches, Reviews, Shopping, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

My Envy Box Designer Jewelery Box Unboxing

Hi guys,

So My Envy Box in association with NIMAI have launched this designer jewellery subscription box and I am amongst the 4 lucky bloggers for whom My Envy Box curated this special box this month.

MRP: Rs.2450/- per month- Buy HERE (Less for 3, 6 and 12 months susbcriptions)

About the Designer Jewelery Box: Get a surprise box of 2-3 curated items of designer jewelry typically worth well over twice the cost of the box!

  • Semi-Precious & Fashion Jewelry from established/up & coming Indian Designers
  • Jewelry curated by our partners at NIMAI
  • 1% of revenue from Jewelry Box donated to Made By Survivors.

Some of the brands they would have are Zariin, Eesha Zaveri, Dang, etc and all the pieces of jewellery are pretty expensive, worth much more than the price of the box. Also every person would get a different box with different pieces.

The value of the 2-3 designer jewellery pieces every month would be in the total range of Rs.7000-12000/- and the price of the box is Rs.2450/- Also there is 10% off for this month of Feb using ‘JEWEL10′

To start with the box, it’s a beautiful navy blue colored velvet box with a mirror inside, the entire interior part is also velvet and the box itself is amazing. Perfect to store all your jewellery in the future too and makes a nice trousseau box for the brides-to-be.

Let me show you what I got in my box:

Pair of black and gold earrings from Zariin, my favourite gold and mint pair of earrings from Dang and a beautiful blue stone cocktail ring from Eesha Zaveri

I love each and every piece in the box, all the designs are totally my style. I don’t like chunky diamante pieces and I love stones and gems, also delicate and minute work is what I completely love. Both the set of earrings are something that would work with many different outfits from Indian to western, loved both of them!

I definitely suggest checking the My Envy Box designer jewelery box and also with the 10% off this month, it would be around Rs.2200/- and you will get 3 designer jewellery pieces, worth a try! Highly recommended.

Have you checked out the new My Envy Box Designer Jewelery Box yet?

The Body Shop Black Musk EDP Review & Valentine’s Day Makeup Tutorial

EDP, How To, Makeup, Makeup Breakdown, Makeup Tutorials, New Launches, Perfumes, Reviews, The Body Shop, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Body Shop Black Musk EDP Review & Valentine’s Day Makeup Tutorial

Hi guys,

So The Body Shop recently launched their Black Musk Range and the theme for that is #NaughtyAndNice. It’s a combination of strong musk with the sweet vanilla and licorice notes, hence naughty and nice.

While the naughty side would be more of a smokey eye, this is the softer ‘Nice’ shade. And this soft pink makeup tutorial is also perfect for the Valentine’s Day, win win! All the Body Shop products I use in this video are mentioned at all Body Shop stores in the ‘Nice’ makeup look face chart. Similarly, if you prefer a smokey look, you can check out the ‘Naughty’ Face chart. Here is the face chart for reference or to buy the products online.

So here is the my ‘Nice’ version and this soft pink Valentine’s makeup look..

Talking about the Body Shop Black Musk Range, they have a EDP, EDT and the Perfume Oil. I have been using the EDP since the past few days and getting lots of compliments on it.

I am more of a woody, musky smell lover and I don’t like over sweet perfumes, the Black Musk is a perfect balance of the two coz the sweet vanilla and licorice notes are balanced with the more woody musk smell. At the initial sniff, you will find it very sweet but soon as it settles, you will love the mid and base notes of this.

Notes are sweet pear infused with pink pepper and bergamot on top. Intense aroma of heliotrope, which varies between marzipan and almond, is interspersed with ylang-ylang and aphrodisiac notes of licorice, in the middle. Hot black vanilla,black musk ,earthy patchouli, vetiver and chocolate at the end.

Few people have mentioned that it did not stay that long on them, fortunately on me this EDP lasted really long, also the EDP is the strongest of the three and if you wish to buy any one, I would definitely suggest getting the EDP.

Both the EDP and EDT contain Community Fair Trade Organic Alcohol crafted from sugarcane that is harvested by co-operatives in South America.

It is priced at Rs.3295/- for 50ml which is pretty decent for a 50ml bottle. I quite like the black and pink packaging too, only thing is I cannot see the exact qty through the bottle.

Overall, I would say, definitely take a whiff of this Black Musk EDP the next time you are at The Body Shop store, coz I am sure you will love it 🙂

Earrings are from Accessorize India.

Did you like the Valentine’s Day Makeup Look? Have you tried The Body Shop Black Musk Perfume yet?

Create #StatementFurniture Pieces at Asian Paints Signature Store

Home Decor, Lifestyle, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Create #StatementFurniture Pieces at Asian Paints Signature Store

Hi guys,

I attended Asian Paints Blogger’s Meet last week where we visited the Asian Paints Signature Store in Bandra and got the entire experience of how one can customise their wooden furniture to make it a statement piece.

The basic idea here is to transform furniture that we have in our homes so that they become statement pieces that express our style and personality.

When it comes to colour, there are infinite possibilities and Asian Paints brings them all on wood for us. You can choose whatever colour you like and give it a completely different look. ‘Colour On Wood‘ can make a piece of furniture completely your own which reflects your personality and everyone wants their home and/or at least their rooms to reflect their personality.

I definitely suggest heading to the Asian Paints Signature store to experience it all first hand and you can select any colour you want and you can see how the final outcome would be within a second, no longer imagining how it would turn out to be and many a times people end up not liking the final product. Here you see first, select, change and only then it would be worked upon.

We also had some activities where we divided into teams of 3 at first and then it teams of 4. We had to scan our favourite pieces from the store and then later we had to design a piece of furniture on paper using sketch pens.

How would you express your style with a Statement piece you ask, you can rework and redesign your old furniture piece or buy a new one designed exclusively by you. Change the color, vinyl, laminate, etc. You can even add a color coated glass on top of your furniture. Or the new Asian Paints Woodtech Polyster which looks and feels like a glass with the high shine glossiness and finish. There are different finishes you can work with like PU, PU Palette, Emporio, Emporio PU Palette, etc. My favourite has to be the marble finish vinyl/laminate, so you have your wooden furniture but with a marble look 🙂

I had submitted my old wooden side table and look how Asian Paints used their ‘Colour on Wood’ and gave so many different ideas in which I can refurbish this piece.

Deepa also took us around the entire store and showed us different parts of home that were done using ‘Colour on Wood’ and how each piece in that made a statement. From the bedroom to the dining area to the kids’ room, all was fabulously done. One can take some of these ideas and customize according to their preferences to create something totally new.

Asian Paints is now taking one city at a time and creating statement pieces that reflect that city’s culture & traditions so that people who have migrated feel ‘at home’ away from home. It’s a beautiful concept and we saw the Kerala inspired ‘Ormacheppu‘ which is all ready and done. Next they are working on Tamil Nadu and soon you will see furniture inspired from every city in India.

You can get more information here https://www.asianpaints.com/woodtechstudio

Do visit the #ColourStoreAsianPaints at Bandra and check out for yourself 🙂

Top 5 Patanjali Products in India

Best, Hair Care, Lifestyle, Patanjali, Reviews, Shampoos, Skin care, Top 10, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Top 5 Patanjali Products in India

By Sanchita

Ayurvedic medicines have its roots in India and no matter how much we rave about luxury cosmetics, we always find our way back to herbal skincare. Patanjali have reached out everywhere in India and has been acknowledged as one of the most popular herbal brand. The range is wide and covers everything – from skincare, cosmetics, haircare and even health issues. Their availability is good if you have a store nearby and they are also expanding. Thankfully, there is a store near my place and I got to try several products from the brand. There are such products I always repurchase as it is beyond commendable.

Here’s my top 5 Patanjali Products for you all.

1. Patanjali Aloe Vera Gel – (75 INR for 150ml)

This is the product which grabbed my attention on the brand. I have used a lot of moisturizer for oily skin, but this is one exceptional products that worked wonder for my skin. it has a refreshing fragrance and gives a soothing sensation to the skin. The absorption takes no time at all and makes the skin hydrated yet matte. I also face some discoloration issue around the mouth due to threading but this one has eliminated a lot after a prolonged usage. You require a very tiny amount for face and neck and makes the skin smooth, supple and hydrated. It is a must-have for oily and acne prone skin.

2. Patanjali Divya Kanti Lep – (60 INR for 50 gm)

This is sort of face pack powder that needs to be applied as a paste mixed with rose water. The Ayurvedic blend of ingredients helps to rid of skin problems like removing dark spots, pimples, acne and other signs of ageing and giving your skin a natural and healthy glow. It contains the goodness of Haldi, Manjeeth, Chandan, Aloe Vera, Jalphal, Kapoor, etc. My stubborn acne marks starting fading off when I had diligently used this product thrice a week. The results are surely effective and it is another praiseworthy product from this brand I have used.

3. Patanjali Divya Badam Rogan Almond Oil – (100 INR for 60 ml)

I must have exhausted 10-12 bottles of this one and so you can imagine my love for this. From skin care to hair care, I incorporate the product literally everywhere. I have dark circles and extremely dehydrated eye area and I use the almond oil regular before bedtime. During winter months, I apply this on my dry patches to sooth and rejuvenate them. For hair, I sometimes used it with a concoction of coconut oil or sometimes alone. It can also be used as makeup remover and highly effective for eyes. The price is reasonably price and also one of the bets almond oil I have used.

4. Patanjali Kesh Kanti Milk Protein Hair Cleanser – (95 INR for 200ml)

Shampoos often dry out the hair but this one is exceptional. It has the goodness of bhringraj, mehendi, neem, tulsi and aloe Vera which works magically on my heat-damaged lifeless mane. It effectively cleanses the scalp of any layer of dirt, grime, oil and sweat and makes the hair nourished and soft. It lathers well and has a pleasant aroma to it. It works great for normal to dry hair and meritoriously balances the moisture level of the hair.

5. Patanjali Amla Juice – (100 INR for 1litre)

Sometimes you have to take care of the skin from inside. Living in a world of delicious junk food, our digestive system often takes a toll and results in various skin problems like acne, pigmentation, dehydration, dullness, etc. Patanjali Amla Juice, 20ml per day, is an excellent choice for a healthy juice which is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. From healthy skin to hair – Amla can improve the health in every way. It also boosts my metabolism and keeps the weight in control and has cured my hair loss problem completely. The taste is a slight put-off but the product will do miracle for your health.

So, which is your favorite Patanjali product?

Editor’s Note: My husband swears by Patanjali products, Aloe vera juice and jams being his favourites. I haven’t tried any of their beauty or skincare products but the Aloe Vera gel is definitely on my list, will check these out too. Nice compilation Sanchita 🙂

Mantra Herbals Holy Basil & Lily Revitalizer Face Cream Review

Creams, Mantra Herbals, Moisturizers, New Launches, Reviews, Skin care, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mantra Herbals Holy Basil & Lily Revitalizer Face Cream Review

Hi guys,

I have always loved natural, ayurvedic based products which are free of chemicals, parabens, etc. and also the more natural the product is, the results have been better.

Mantra Herbals is a nice all natural brand and is launched by Baidyanath Group.

MANTRA PROMISE:
All Our products are free from harmful chemicals, Silicone, Paraben, Paraffin, SLES, SLS, Glycols, Formaldehyde, PEG & Soap. No Artificial Colours & Fragrance. pH balanced.
100% Vegetarian. Not tested on Animals. Dermatological tested on Human Volunteers.
Products manufactured under GMP approved facility.
Mantra packaging is recyclable.
Voluntarily registered (VCRP) with the USFDA.

I have been trying out their new Holy Basil and Lily Face Cream everyday since the past one month and here is my review on it.

What the Company claims: A timeless blend of extracts of Holy Basil, Dandelion, White Lily & Lavender in Sesame Oil. Nourishes and protects skin from the elements, resulting in soft and radiant skin. Holy Basil naturally clarifies the skin while White Lily soothes it. Dandelion is naturally rejuvenating & revitalizing. Lavender supports healthy skin while imparting a soothing scent. Ideal for reviving a dull & sallow complexion. Excellent for blemish-prone skin.

Authentic Ayurveda Product

Direction to Use: Apply on freshly cleansed face. Repeat whenever required. For best results use morning & night after cleansing with Holy Basil Toner.

Ingredients: Aqua, Dermofeel Sensolv (Isoamyl Laurate), Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Beeswax acid, Stearic acid, Glycerol Stearate, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Emulsifying Wax , Lilium Polyphyllum (White Lily) Flower Oil, Lavandula Angustilfolia (Lavender) Oil, Taraxacum Officinale (Dandelion) Leaf Extract, Sodium Borate, Ocimum Bisilicum (Basil) Leaf Extract, Triethanolamine, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate.

MRP: Rs.700/- for 100ml (Buy HERE)

It comes in this white and pink tube with a flip cap packaging. The cream is white in color and quite thick in texture. It needs to be blended well but does not leave any cast as such.

It has a strong herbal smell but not bothersome, pleasant kinds. It feels slightly sticky but needs some time to settle down. It gives a complete matte finish and would work for oily skin too. Dry skin might need a heavier moisturizer, but only for winters.

I have been using this since a month and I also had some break outs and this cream did help me fade the acne scars quicker.  The blend of holy basil, lavender and white lily is quite good for the skin being anti-inflammatory and helps renew the cells and fade scars, though one has to use it continuously to see results. The beeswax and sesame oil make it quite rich and moisturizing. I love using it beneath my foundation too, coz it leaves no dry patches on the skin and moisturizes well but giving a matte finish.

Being all natural and chemical, paraben free is always a plus. I agree it’s priced on the higher side but same goes for brands like Forest Essentials and Kama Ayurveda and this is equally good and comparable.

I do not like the fact that it does not have SPF, I do not prefer using 2-3 different products and like my moisturizers to have SPF in them. Also these are not easily available yet, currently I believe only on their online site. I hope they are soon available on all websites and in stores coz they have an amazing range of bath, body, hair, pain management products and also products for men.

Overall I really like this cream and still using it daily. Definitely recommend this, would work for all skin types.

Rating:

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

Overall rating: 3.75/5

Have you tried anything from Mantra Herbals yet?

1000 Subs on YouTube Giveaway: Swatch Watch

Giveaway, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

1000 Subs on YouTube Giveaway: Swatch Watch

Hi guys,

I know many of you have already joined this giveaway, but for those of you who follow my blog and are not very active on YouTube, I have a giveaway going on, on my YouTube channel 🙂

So I just crossed 1000 subscribers and I am really overwhelmed by all the love and support from you guys! Thank you so much.

I am giving away this Swatch watch worth Rs.4600/- to one winner. The giveaway is ON for a month and all the rules of the giveaway are mentioned in the video’s description bar. The usual subscribe, like, comment, share.

The giveaway is open to only Indian residents this time.

I hope you enjoy the giveaway, good luck 🙂

Clean & Clear Blackhead Clearing Daily Scrub Review

Clean & Clear, Cleanser, Face Scrubs, Face Wash, Reviews, Skin care, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Clean & Clear Blackhead Clearing Daily Scrub Review

Hi guys,

I have reviewed the Clean & Clear Morning Energy face washes before HERE and the Foaming Facial Wash HERE. Today I am reviewing the Clean & Clear Blackhead Clearing Daily Scrub.

What the Company claims:  Apple extracts that visibly reduce blackheads in just 3 days!

Recommended For: Those with blackheads, and those who don’t want them. For normal, dry, oily, and combination skin types.

How It Works: CLEAN & CLEAR® BLACKHEAD CLEARING Daily Scrub is a fast and effective solution for skin that is prone to blackheads. It has effective micro-scrubbing beads that break down trapped oil, dirt, and dead skin. The natural apple extract formula penetrates deep into pores to help soften stubborn blackheads, and prevents new ones from forming. Its gentle exfoliating action leaves your skin smooth and clean!

Directions: Squeeze a small amount on wet palm. As you work into a rich lather, gently massage the product all over your face, avoiding the eye area. Rinse off thoroughly. Use daily for skin that’s beautifully clean and clear!

Ingredients: Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Disodium Lauroamphodiacetate, Propylene Glycol, Lauryl Methyl Gluceth-10 Hydroxypropyldimonium Chloride, Polyethylene, Glycoldistearate, Laureth-4, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Carbomer, Salicylic Acid, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, CI 77289, Fragrance, Sodium Hydroxide, Tetrasodium EDTA, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Malic Acid, Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Fruit Juice, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Juice, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Juice, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Juice, Trideceth-9, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Seed Extract

MRP: Rs.110/- for 80g (BUY HERE)

I was a regular user of this scrub and have gone through a lot of tubes, I am glad I got to try it again. It comes in a ombre blue tube with a navy blue flip cap packaging. Packaging is convenient and travel friendly, it also comes in smaller sizes which are perfect for travel.

It is gel like in texture and off white in color with tiny, white exfoliating beads and small green granules in between. It also foams a bit and can be used as a face wash. You do not need separate face wash and face scrub as it does the job of both beautifully.

It takes off the dirt and oil and skin feels squeaky clean post washing. Concentrate more on the nose area and the chin i.e. the area between the lip and chin while scrubbing, coz those areas are prone to blackheads the most.

Coming to the ingredients, it has Salicylic Acid which helps clear acne and blemishes and also acts as a mild exfoliator. Witch Hazel water makes for an excellent astringent/toner. Malic Acid helps in brightening & smoothing the skin. Aloe vera hydrates the skin. Kiwi & Orange juice are both loaded with Vitamin C and help you in clear, glowing skin. Grapefruit juice has retinol and has anti-aging benefits. It is also anti-bacterial. Apple Juice is amazing for oily skin as it helps treat acne and is full of Vitamin C. It helps uproot the blackheads which then come off easily with the scrubbing motion. It does have Alcohol which is a bit drying but the Sweet Almond Oil would balance the dryness.

This scrub as the name suggests is perfect and gentle for daily use. It will not harm the skin as the scrub granules are very mild and won’t tear your pores.

I don’t have a lot of blackheads but I do have a lot of whiteheads and this scrub has helped me in getting rid of all the whiteheads with a week of regular use. I think it will need longer and continuous use for blackheads though. You can also use it post makeup removal, to get rid of any makeup left in pores and cleanse the skin thoroughly.

I am using it daily right now and absolutely love it. Highly recommend it. It is economical and works for all skin types.

Rating:

Quality: 4.5/5
Value for money : 4.5/5
Availability: 4.5/5

Overall rating: 4.5/5

Have you tried the Clean & Clear Blackhead Clearing Daily Scrub?

Acetone v/s Non-Acetone Nail Polish Removers

DIY, Nail Paints, Nail Polish Removers, Nails, Tips, Tips and Tricks, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Acetone v/s Non-Acetone Nail Polish Removers

By Ishleen

Why are acetone nail polish removers so much better for you!

Acetone or Non-acetone—that is the question?

We have been asked times innumerable about the safest way to remove nail polishes, are acetone based removers safe and whether or not non-acetone removers are better for the nails? So here we have a short post which hopefully will appease your queries.

The pondering over the question in regards to the safety of acetone removers is as intense as the heated debate on the health benefits of chocolate. But you do not need to drown in the frenzy of arguments, as we have planned to bring forward some logical set of reasonings.

What exactly is acetone?

Acetone is the second safest solvent in the nail industry, after water. And clearly, we cannot use water to remove nail polishes, because if we could, the nail industries would have never established. Ok, enough on that. Undoubtedly there are many other solvents in the world, but none are as safe as compared to acetone.

Does acetone have any health hazards?

Health hazards? No, not any that we have heard of. Some people tend to believe that acetone has the potency to aggravate carcinogens and thereby cause cancer. This is NOT THE TRUTH. No scientific institution or research has ever proved this.

Secondly, the market hype about non-acetone nail polish removers has made people believe that acetone can get absorbed by your skin and in the process can get mixed with your blood stream. Girls, acetone CAN NOT pass through the dermis level of your nail bed. Acetone gets evaporated a bit too fast to get absorbed into your nail plate. So, it’s safe.

Why should you choose acetone removers over non-acetone polish removers?

Markets today have very strategically created the image of non-acetone removers to be the better version of acetone removers. In reality this is not true. Acetone based nail polish removers are slightly safer than non acetone removers, which basically constitute methyl ethyl ketone and ethyl acetate. Both of which are harmful for the healthy growth of nails. Surprised much?

Coming to the argument that acetone removers are drying, we could not contest it. But so are non- acetone removers, undoubtedly. In fact non-acetone removers are much more drying than acetone removers as they are not as effective as acetone removers when it comes to removing nail polishes.

Non-acetone removers were made to work basically with acrylic nails, as they used to get dissolved when tampered with acetone removers. Thus they are less effective than acetone removers, there by leaving us with no other choice than to let it be in contact with the nail and nearby skin for longer periods of time. This causes much more dryness than any ordinary acetone remover.

What to do in order to avoid dryness caused by acetone based removers?

The basic question is why do your nails feel dry after setting in contact with acetone removers? Remember when I told you that acetone was a good solvent and it dissolves all the polish very effectively. Similarly, acetone being a solvent also dissolves the natural oil and moisture from the skin surrounding your nail bed. Simple enough, eh?

Talking about the solution, it is a complete no brainer. Feed the skin with what the acetone could rip it off of. Oil! I mean if the acetone tends to strip off natural oils from your skin, slather some olive or almond oil on to the skin (not the nails, just the surrounding skin) which will be getting affected by oil.

By doing this one simple step, the acetone will be dissolving the oils applied externally, safeguarding most of your natural oils and moisture in the skin. Easy peasy!

Ok, so I am in a good mood today. Let me just throw in a bonus trick for you gorgeous girls to enjoy.

BONUS TRICK: Gel nails are beautiful and they are all the rage in the nail industry nowadays. But let us accept it, they can be expensive; and the additional expense to get them removed at the salon can be too overwhelming for some. Now, that we know that acetone is far better than non-acetone removers, let us try a simple trick here. Dab some oil on to the skin surrounding your nails. Taking a cotton swab completely doused in acetone nail polish remover place it onto the nail and cover the nail with a foil paper (the one sitting handy in your kitchen) and let it be for about 3-5 minutes. Do not unwrap the foil; just pull it straight off the tip along with the cotton.

The same trick can be used to remove chunky glitter polishes, but the acetone dipped cotton covered with foil should not be left on the fingernails for more than 3-5 minutes. It can damage your natural nail bed.

After all the heated debates and settled arguments, I have finally come to the conclusion that acetone removers are all the much better than non-acetone nail polish removers for your skin.

The only problem that acetone can cause is drying and to avoid the unquenchable-nail feeling, you can try the following acetone based DIY recipe for gorgeously nourished nails. Just take:

1. Ten parts acetone (any kind of pure acetone will do)

2. Two parts of water (normal or tap water)

3. 10-15 drops of any oil of your choice (I personally prefer using olive oil)

4. 5-8 drops of vitamin E (you can even use one or two vitamin E capsules for this purpose)

Just add these four simple ingredients into any old nail polish remover bottle and voila! You have a customized acetone based nail lacquer remover which will remove the most stubborn of nail polishes without ever drying your nails. I swear your friends will be jealous of your beautiful nails 🙂

Editor’s Note: That’s quite an interesting post Ishleen, also loved the last DIY recipe and would be trying that out. I have tried acetone free ones thinking they are all good, but the nail paint just won’t come off :/ I usually love using this oil based nail polish remover pads. This DIY thing sounds quite good and economical.

Have you tried non-acetone nail polish removers? Don’t you find them drying plus they do not take off the nail paint at all! Will you try this DIY recipe?

P.S: Images from Google