Apart from following a nutritious diet and timely application of herbal packs/masks, there is one more step, which if performed, will complete the entire regimen for getting healthy, radiant and gorgeous skin. It is none other than physical workout. Oh no, do not cower in fear or snap back while giving up. You might be wary of hitting the gym or enrolling in a strenuous workout regimen for a multitude of reasons be it-paucity of time, physical/financial constraints or plain lethargy but that shouldn’t deter you from enjoying the bounties of what physical workout can do to your skin 🙂
All you need is time, patience, grit and a mat. You’re done. How? Take a minute and think what is the West adopting to bring peace of mind while battling the hustle and bustle of their daily lives? Couldn’t surmise? Here you go with one more clue- It originated in India. Got the answer? It’s none other than Y-O- G-A.
Our ancient science of Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual practice that has been prevalent in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism for centuries. So, why practice Yoga and simple, doable asanas at that initially so that we aren’t daunted as we take our first step? On that note, let us have a look at the TOP 5 YOGA ASANAS TO GET GLOWING SKIN 🙂
Tadasana
1. TADA-ASANA- This asana works on one’s muscles so that one’s posture is not only better, but also pain-free while one is at their sedentary desk job. As indicated in the picture, if followed carefully and regularly, Tada-asana helps in improving one’s overall body posture, strengthens thighs and buttocks and improves skin’s texture. Hold this pose for 20-30 seconds each time you do it. Avoid it you have high blood pressure, suffer from insomnia, or have a low blood pressure.
Uktasana
2. UKTA-ASANA- All you have to do is sit on a chair. Easy? Ummm… not really. The chair is hypothetical. That’s it. Make sure your spine is perfectly straight else things go in for a toss. Avoid it if you have a low blood pressure, arthritis, insomnia, chronic knee ache or any issue with your ankle. Hold for 30 seconds each time you do it and then, relax. Begin with 5 sets daily and then, increase its frequency depending on your ease 🙂 It helps to strengthen spine, hips, torso, chest and legs besides toning your muscles in the legs. As a result, the skin look taut and youthful.
Halasana
3. HALA-ASANA- A little challenging but highly advantageous and relaxing (at least I find it so when I do it)if mastered, Hala-asana should be performed after your body has been acquainted with regular physical stretches. It helps to improve the digestive organs, and therefore, improves digestion and regulates appetite. It helps relieve the symptoms of menopause and stimulates the reproductive system. It also brings blood to one’s face thereby increasing oxygen intake thus, imparting radiance. Hold for 30-60 seconds in each set. Avoid it if you are menstruating, have a low blood pressure or any injury in your spine/neck.
Matsyasana
4. MATSYA-ASANA- Also known as the ‘fish pose’, Matsya-asana helps in relieving respiratory problems as it encourages the right kind of breathing. Moreover, it gives the hip flexors and the muscles between the ribs a good stretch. It enables the throat and the digestive organs get a good massage, which rids one off a double chin thus, improving one’s semblance 🙂 Hold on for 30-40 seconds in each set and avoid it if you have high or low blood pressure, suffer from insomnia or have a back injury.
Shirshasana
5. SHIRSH-ASANA- Unarguably, the most challenging asana of all, Shirsh-asana results in blood gushing down to one’s face thereby, increasing oxygen intake and imparting a prepossessing glow. However, please perform this asana under the guidance of a Yoga practitioner after you’ve acclimatised your body to stretches and are able to balance really well. It is small wonder that pimples and wrinkles are often caused by inadequate removal of waste materials and insufficient nourishment from the blood. Shirsh-asana directs an oxygen rich flow of blood to the facial skin thereby improving the facial complexion 🙂 Avoid it if you have back ache, neck injury, low blood pressure or a shoulder injury.
So I got these 4 body lotions from Nivea to try out and review for you guys, and I did so one by one, here are my thoughts on each.
They have an interesting concept of hydration, they have 1 to 5 range of hydration and each body lotion would fall in between 1 to 5 where 1 is light and 5 is the most rich lotion. Also each lotion also mentions if it is meant for ‘dry skin’, ‘very dry skin’ or ‘all skin types’. The smaller bottles comes in a curved shape, and the sizes vary from the smallest bottle to the huge 400ml pump bottle. The smaller ones are perfect for travel and the pump ones are handy and quick to use at home.
Nivea Smooth Milk Body Lotion
What the Company claims: The new non-greasy softening formula now with double amount of precious Shea Butter, repairs skin dryness to give deep moisturisation and long lasting smoothness.
The moisturising body milk for dry skin
Experience a unique care experience. NIVEA Smooth Milk Body Lotion with Hydra IQ and Shea Butter provides long-lasting moisture. The formula absorbs quickly and pampers your skin with a velvety feel. For an irresistibly beautiful skin: NIVEA Smooth Milk Body Lotion.
RESULT:
The formula with Hydra IQ technology provides long-lasting moisture.
Cares for the skin with a formula with valuable shea butter.
Velvety texture is quickly absorbed and gives a smooth feel.
Apply regularly to experience a smoother and softer skin for days
The formula with Hydra IQ, reactivates your skin’s own moisture network to give 24 hour moisturisation with just one use.
This Smooth Milk Body Lotion falls in the mid in the light to rich parameters, so it would be ideal for all skin types, especially in winters. In summers, would suggest it for dry skin. It is slightly runny but easy to blend and gets absorbed quickly.
It has shea butter and is quite moisturizing yet not super rich at the same time. If you are someone with very dry skin and use only body butters, you might feel the need to reapply at the end of the day, for me it gives just enough hydration and I do not feel the need to reapply.
I love the soft floral smell and definitely recommend this to everyone.
Nivea Oil in Lotion Cocoa Nourish Body Lotion
What the Company claims: Enriched with coconut oil and cocoa butter. The formula with Hydra IQ, reactivates your skin’s own moisture network to give 24 hour moisturisation with just one use. It provides deep moisture and smoothes away dullness
MRP: Rs.215/- for 200ml, Rs.330/- for 400ml (BUY HERE for 264)
Ingredients & Claims:
It has coconut oil and cocoa butter, as the name goes ‘Oil in Lotion’, it has actual oil and is obviously on the richer side. It is 4th in their light to rich parameter. It’s a little thicker and not like a lotion, but like a liquidy body butter. It takes some time to blend and has a cocoa smell. Quite moisturising and perfect for the current winters and for people with dry skin. Even dry skin will not feel the need of reapplication, skin stays hydrated, moist and supple throughout the day. Perfect for people with dry, itchy, flaky skin, you should give this a try.
Nivea Body Milk Nourishing Lotion
What the Company claims:The formula with Almond oil softens the skin. Give your very dry skin intensive care. Long-lasting softness and protection
This comes in the rich category and is 5th in their hydration parameters, so it is one of the richest (or the most rich) Nivea body lotion. Surprisingly it is quite runny and not as gooey and thick and blends easily too. It has a soft floral smell. Going by the texture and the way it blends easily, you will not expect it to be that hydrating or rich. But the skin feels super soft and smooth in an instant, I think it is all thanks to the almond oil in it. Though I would recommend this for dry to very dry skin and people who have itchy, flaky dry skin, this would be the perfect post shaving body lotion for everyone. As it rich but not sticky and greasy and is super easy to apply. Definitely recommend this!
Nivea Extra Whitening Cell Repair & UV Protect Body Lotion
What the Company claims:
Formulated with super fruit extracts of camu camu and acerola cherry, this lotion offers 50 times higher Vitamin C*, and helps to repair the years of dullness and damage on skin
The formula with SPF 15 is free of Paraben, Mineral Oil, Colorants and Bleaching, proven to protect the skin from sun effectively without leaving harmful residues
NIVEA Extra Whitening Cell Repair and UV Protect Lotion with SPF 15 helps repair: Accumulated dull damaged skin, dark spots, uneven skin tone, rough skin, flaky skin, cracked skin, itchy skin
It is the one of the most expensive of all Nivea Body Lotions, but I would say rightly so. One of my friend never gets tanned during summers even when she wears sleeveless and when I asked, she said she swears by the Nivea Extra Whitening Body Lotion. You know those tan lines of sleeves, shorts, necklines, etc, they are the most irritating. And although we have a lot of DIY’s to remove tan (Read HERE), admit it we are too lazy most of the times and if a body lotion moisturizes our skin and removes our tan at the same time plus gives SPF, then why not! We all need such good things 😀
It is quite runny and super light, it falls 2nd in their hydration parameter, I would not recommend it for winters as you would need to reapply quite a few times but for summers, this is an absolute must have! Get SPF, get rid of your tan plus moisturise your skin, this is all in one and more. It has 50 x Vitamin C and will also work on spots and uneven skin tone, we do work on our face and use all the Vitamin E and C for it, but hardly ever for our body, and body obviously needs equal care and attention.
I would highly recommend this one for summers.
L-R: Nivea Smooth Milk, Cocoa Nourish, Body Milk, Extra Whitening
Overall I would say I love the fact that all Nivea Body Lotions come in different sizes from the smallest to the biggest and different price points, each one is meant for different skin type and use, and can be used accordingly. I suggest Smooth Milk & Extra Whitening for Summers and Cocoa Nourish and Body Milk for winters.
Have you tried Nivea Body Lotions? Which one is your favourite?
Scrubbing is extremely essential in winters as the development of dry skin needs to exfoliate to preserve then natural radiance of the skin itself. Honestly speaking, I prefer my winters with oversized sweatshirt, hot chocolate, a warm bed to snuggle in and reading a soul touching book. Yes, I am one of those lazy girls who like to keep the skin well-scrubbed of dead cells and yet do nothing about it. This is when a dear friend of mine told me to make a ‘scrub bar’ that would clean and exfoliate at the same time. My heart leaped with just with the thought of such multipurpose body care product and I immediately thought of making it. So it’s time, my dear readers of NLM, to let you know how to DIY this amazing thing!
Things you need:
Crushed soap bar. (a gel based one works better and easier to deal with)
Olive oil.
Glycerin.
Ground coffee. (not the instant one which blends in but the grounded beans for filter)
Empty container.
Steps:
Step 1
1. In a double boiler or on top of a boiling water, place the cut out pieces of the soap. Do not put it directly under the flames which would lead to burning.
Step 2
2. Once the soap melts in heat, simmer it down and add 2 tbsp. of olive oil and glycerin each. Then, mix it well with the liquid soap.
Step 3
3. Now add the coffee in it and again use a spoon to mix it well.
Step 4
4. Remove the mixture from the heat and pour in it the container. Now, this has to be done very quickly as the soap has the tendency to get sticky.
Step 5
5. Keep it in the refrigerator for 1-2hours. It also depends upon the soap on how much time it requires to solidify. Mine was done in 1hour.
Final
6. And you homemade scrub bar is ready to use!
P.S: You can also add big granules of sugar to exfoliate. Sugar is slightly coarser when solidified and hence I generally feel it is too rough for my normal skin but if you have dry skin, you can incorporate that. Also, you can make a separate scrub bar with sugar and walnut particles for feet as well.
As we all know, soaps are excellent in washing the dirt and therefore I added it to cleanse the skin. Olive oil and glycerin is extremely hydrating and hence, while scrubbing you will get the desired moisture to be restored. Lastly, the coffee particles are coarse and semi-fine milled which helps in exfoliation- gently and effectively. It stimulates the blood flow while scrubbing and tighten the skin thereby reduces cellulite and great for anti-ageing.
Overall, this has been a lifesaver for me. I imply invest less time for skin care yet get the best of it. Do let me how you liked my DIY.
Editor’s Note: This sounds amazing Sanchita and I love the coffee smell, definitely trying it out.
Have you tried making something like before? A DIY Scrub Bar? Will you try this? It’s easy peasy.
I love using natural, organic products but nothing beats the ayurvedic products following the age old recipes and made with pure plant extracts and oils. For any of your skin, hair or body problems with which you have been struggling for days and tried it all, go back to the ‘Dadime Ke Nushke’ and you will see the results guaranteed!
Today we face a lot of problems due to our current modern lifestyle. Late working hours, meeting deadlines, being on our computers and cell phones almost 18 hours a day, it all takes a toll on the body. The results being hair loss, premature hair greying, dark circles, head aches, shoulder pain, back pain, water retention, lack of stamina, etc.
I am glad brands are going back to ayurvedic formulations and bringing products which are all natural and ayurveda has never failed in showing results. We have ayurvedic solutions for our skin/hair problems and pain management now. One such brand being Lever Ayush.
About Lever Ayush: Rapid urbanization, booming economy, new job opportunities and high disposable incomes in India have paved way for an affluent lifestyle. But they also put you at the risk of lifestyle diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, heart diseases etc. Through Ayush, this new generation of Indians can rediscover everyday health and vitality through customized Ayurvedic solutions.
LEVER Ayush Therapy range comes with some of nature’s healing secrets discovered by Ayurveda, almost 5000 years ago!
Lever Ayush range consists of products for skin, hair and pain management. They are based on authentic Ayurvedic formulations, where the rarest natural ingredients are distilled into the most effective Ayurvedic recipes. Lever Ayush introduces a range of personal care products that are specifically designed to solve skin and hair problems borne by the pressures of a modern day lifestyle.
Products Available:
HAIRCARE
Lever Ayush Bhringamalakadi Tailam
The oil serves the purpose of preventing premature greying and ensures that your hair grows long and strong for years to come. With carefully selected ingredients such as cow’s milk, Yashtimadhu, Bhringaraj, Til oil and amla juice, the oil not only prevents premature greying but assures that your hair gets its natural colour back.
Price: Rs. 599
Lever Ayush Hair Poshak Oil
When an individual is stressed, the body produces increased levels of testosterone which gets converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This DHT will interrupt the hair growth cycle because it restricts the blood supply to your hair follicles which means the amount of nutritional intake reduces, leading to the weakening of hair and therefore breakage. The Lever Ayush Hair Poshak Oil is a unique combination of Ayurvedic ingredients like amla, rosemary, til oil and neem. Designed to fight and reduce hair fall in three weeks, this oil comes with dual advantages. It prevents breakage and simultaneously fights dandruff, keeping your hair well-nourished.
Price: Rs. 249
Lever Ayush Keyur Poshak Shampoo
The word ‘Keyur’ is used in religious books to describe the lustrous, thick hair of various deities. ‘Keshya’ means that which gives bountiful, black and lustrous hair. The best ‘Keshya’ herbs have been selected to formulate Keyur Poshak Shampoo. It helps to get back the lost shine in your hair and simultaneously nourishes, strengthens and conditions your hair too. The ingredients that make up this shampoo include Amla, Bhringaraj, Yashtimadhu and Henna – all helping to keep your hair shiny, bouncy and strong.
Price: Rs. 310/-
Lever Ayush Dandruff Naashak Shampoo
Consisting of ingredients such as amla, neem, tulsi, rosemary, henna and shikakai, the shampoo cleanses and conditions your hair with its anti-microbial and cooling properties. With its triple benefits of being anti-dandruff, cleansing and strengthening, Lever Ayush Dandruff Nashak shampoo is all you need to fight this problem without going in for any expensive treatments.
Price: Rs. 325/-
PAIN RELIEF
Lever Ayush Pain Naashak Cream
Lever Ayush Pain Naashak cream has been created on the lines of Ayurveda which recognizes that pain can occur in different parts of the body. This can be broadly categorized as ‘Sandhishool’ (joint pain) and ‘Katigraha’ (backache). This cream contains carefully chosen ingredients such as ‘shulahar dravyas’ like lavang, pudinah and gandhapura, which effectively relieve pain, tenderness and swelling, in case of sprains, strains and even in cases of osteoarthritis. Lever Ayush Pain Naashak cream is an effective analgesic cream that will give a soothing relief from different physical pains.
Price: Rs. 119/-
Lever Ayush Narayana Tailam
The best medicine for ‘Vata’ disorders according to Ayurveda is regular ‘Abhyanga’ (external application) with oil. The Lever Ayush Narayana Tailam has 32 ingredients known for its pain relief solutions. The oil is made solely of Ayurvedic solutions using taila pak vidhi (method of processing medicated oils) that can cure muscle and joint aches even in the case of osteoarthritis.
Price: Rs. 599/-
Ayush Headache Naashak Roll-On
It includes wintergreen oil, lemongrass oil, eucalyptus oil, menthol, clove oil and camphor. A combination of these products works on relieving congestion which is often the reason for headaches. It also works towards easing out respiratory issues and colds. The product works effortlessly against headaches, whether they are caused due to congestion, sinusitis or stress on the eyes – within 15 minutes. A must have in your daily bag.
Price: Rs. 199/-
SKINCARE
Lever Ayush Suvarna Poshak Cream
The Lever Ayush Suvarna Poshak Cream is an excellent supplement for your skin. Ayurveda recommends ‘Varnya Dravyas’ (promoters of complexion) for enhancing natural complexion and providing glow. Brimming with natural ingredients, the cream is concocted with healthy skin in mind. With herbs like ‘Rasayani’ and ‘Tirit’, it restores the lustre in your skin, enhances your natural complexion, smoothens out wrinkles and makes your skin young and healthy from within. The cream also helps fight blemishes and dullness and keeps your skin soft and deeply nourished.
Price: Rs. 210/-
The products are divided into Doshas i.e. Vata/Pitta/Kapha and Gunas/Karmas i.e Poshak (Grow), Nashak (Destroy) and Rakshak (Protect). Each and every product has Dosha and Guna mentioned on it. For e.g. these three hair products here, the Bhringamalakadi Tailam is Rakshak i.e. it prevents hair from greying, Hair Poshak Oil is obviously Poshak i.e it helps in growth and reduces hair fall and breakage and Dandruff Naashak Shampoo is again as the name suggests Nashak i.e destroy dandruff.
I like how they come in a cloth bag packaging. I have used the Hair Poshak oil twice yet and really liked it, I will use it a few more times before reviewing it. It has a blend of amla, rosemary, til oil and neem which helps in reducing hair fall and dandruff and also strengthens the hair follicles. Amla and sesame oil also help in conditioning hair and reduce split ends. When I used the Hair Poshak Oil before shampooing, hair was much more softer and there was reduction in hair fall while washing them too.
I loved the Headache Nashak Roll-On, if you follow me on twitter or Snapchat (@bhumika_t), you know I am suffering from terrible cold from the past few days and every night I get this unbearable headache, I tried this roll-on and I felt so much better. This is definitely going to be a part of my hand bag now. If you suffer from congestion, cold or frequent headaches coz of that, this is a must buy for you!
I tried the Dandruff Nashak Shampoo too, I use it once a week and have used it twice till now and already see the difference. It has rosemary oil as one of the ingredients which is anti fungal and anti bacterial and one of the few essential oils which help combat dandruff.
The pricing is pretty reasonable for Ayurvedic products coz all the natural and organic products are priced a little higher these days as they can’t and do not generally use the cheaper ingredients and all the blend of herbs and oils turns out to be a little expensive. All the Lever Ayush products are available online on Amazon India
I only did not like the fact that the complete ingredient list is missing, except for the Headache Nashak Roll-On, other products do not have ingredients mentioned.
Overall, I would say I am glad Lever Ayush has come up with products with age-old ayurvedic formulations. I am really looking forward to try the Narayana Tailam for my back aches and Suvarna Poshak cream.
Have you heard of Lever Ayush products? Tried any?
