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Diet & Lifestyle Changes for Better Skin Health

Diet & Lifestyle Changes for Better Skin Health

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Diet & Lifestyle Changes for Better Skin Health

Hi guys,

Diet & Lifestyle Changes for Better Skin Health

I get asked about skincare often and it’s not just about applying external products but also some internal changes and lifestyle changes required for good overall skin health.

Of course, you can’t control the hormonal changes during that time of the month but try to make some regular changes for the skin to improve and improve each day.

Some changes have worked well for me.

1. Excluding/limiting sugar

This will be the number one change required in your diet. Excess consumption of sugar leads to chronic inflammation which leads to acne and in the long term, loss of collagen and elastin which will make your skin dull and age the skin faster. This includes all forms of sugar, which are a part of ingredients in most processed/packaged foods. Read your labels, before buying anything. Check the quantity of sugar as a % and if it is more than 3-4% of the total, do not buy it. I know it is difficult to give up sugar altogether, so try and eliminate it slowly. First, from your tea or coffee which you consume daily, then restrict the sweets to once a week and limit the portion size. You can switch to natural alternatives like honey, maple syrup, or artificial sweeteners like stevia (nothing with aspartame) but again in limited quantities. Some other alternatives are coconut sugar and jaggery which are not exactly better in terms of calories but they at least have some nutrients, in case you crave something sweet and cannot resist.

2. Excluding/limiting dairy

Milk and milk products are highly processed these days and are loaded with hormones which lead to acne and breakouts. If you cannot stop having dairy products completely limit your intake. Yogurt and buttermilk are better since they are probiotic and are good for gut health. Limit the milk, cheese, and paneer intake, or try and switch to alternatives like tofu, soy milk, oat milk, or any nut milk.

3. Exercise

Try and get some body movement every day, at least 20 minutes a day. Walking, jogging, running, stretching, home workout, yoga, whatever is comfortable for you. Blood circulation and muscle movement during exercise are important for both your body and skin.

4. Massaging/Dry Brushing

Body massage, facial massage, or just dry brushing at home, works the same way as exercise and is even better post-exercise. Again it helps with blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, i.e. it removes the toxins from your lymph nodes. Try to include some sort of massage in your routine at least once a week, if not more.

5. Cleansing the skin

It is equally important to cleanse your skin thoroughly each night and apply some moisturizer for your skin to work on, while you sleep. Your skin regenerates at night and that is the most important time for your skin to be nourished. That is the main reason why everyone advises not to sleep with makeup on 😀 But again, just removing it with a face wash and not cleansing properly will be of no use as some makeup could still be clogged in pores. Start with an oil or balm to melt all your makeup at first emulsify it with water and wash it off. Then go ahead with a face wash, again use a cleansing tool is preferable as your fingers cannot remove the makeup in your pores thoroughly. But the cleansing tool shouldn’t be harsh as that will, in turn, break your capillaries and lead to excessive dryness and irritation. I love using the Foreo LUNA 2 as it is super gentle and removes my makeup thoroughly. I can even see some leftover makeup on the device after a good first cleanse! The opposite side can be used for light massaging which helps absorb skincare products better. You can also try the LUNA Play which is a smaller version and perfect for travel.

6. Sleep

It is important to get 6-8 hours of sleep (depending on the body and physical work during the day) every day. And also to have an approximate fixed time range for your sleep, if not exact, as the body gets used to going into sleep mode around that time. As mentioned earlier, your skin regenerates when you sleep and if the body and skin don’t get the required sleep, your body will be tired and lethargic and your skin dull and lackluster. It will first be visible through your eyes, leading to dark circles, puffy eyes, under-eye bags, etc. Along with good sleep, massaging the eye area also helps in increasing the blood circulation around the eyes which means fewer dark circles and under-eye bags and delays in wrinkles. 😀 I love using a good eye cream and massaging the eye area with the Foreo IRIS every night before sleeping. I wake up to fresher-looking skin and eyes, with no bags or puffiness 🙂

7. Supplements

Your body does not receive all the nutrition from food and with the changing lifestyle and highly processed foods (including chemical-laden fruits and vegetables). It is important to supplement the body externally with nutrients. Even though all vitamins and minerals are equally important for your body, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin D, Omega 3, Iron, and Zinc will keep your oil and hydration levels in place, and in turn will help with acne and breakouts and overall health of your skin and hair. Try and include foods that have more of these vitamins or a daily supplement orally. (get it prescribed by your physician)

8. Water

This has been spoken about quite a lot already, having 8 glasses of water a day is the standard we have read for everything since the time we were kids 😀 But it’s true, water helps in flushing out all the toxins and waste from your body. If you have acne-prone skin and break out a lot, just add one additional litre of water to your daily intake and you will see a major difference in your skin in 10-12 days. In case you are already having enough water, you need not increase it. If you have too much water and not enough salts/sodium, that would do more harm than good with low blood pressure, etc. Everybody is different and try and figure out what works for your body. Ideally, between 2-3 litres is good but it also depends on your exercise/physical activity (how much you sweat, etc) and if you have more water, make sure you include some salts in your body.

And goes without saying, sunscreen is the most important and without that, anything else you do is of no point.

These are some of the changes required for good, healthy, glowing, plump skin. If you try and incorporate these changes, you will surely see a huge difference in your skin health.

Charmis Deep Radiance Vitamin C Face Serum Review

Serums, Skin care, , , , , , , , , ,

Hi guys,

With the slight change in weather, my skin has borne the brunt. From dry patches on my T-zone to my using products that make my skin feel super oily, I’ve been on the lookout, this festive season, for a product that can keep my skin in check. Upon my research, I realised for my skin type, face serums are the way to go. They are a game-changer in terms of skincare, and my favourite part of my skincare routine.

But what exactly is a serum?
It is a skincare product that is lightweight and quick-absorbing because it contains concentrated active ingredients. They are made of smaller molecules and hence are much more effective in terms of absorption and penetration. 

Now that you know about Serums, it is important to know when to use them. Serums are usually recommended to be used after cleansing (and toning, which I highly recommend you add a step if you don’t already!) and before a moisturizer, if using water or gel-based serum. Skincare products as a part of our skincare routine are usually applied light to thick in terms of consistency. 

Serums have been created in a way such that active ingredients can help treat your specific skin concerns. For example, Hyaluronic Acid helps dry/dehydrated skin, Salicylic Acid works for oily/acne-prone skin & get rid of acne marks, etc. and Vitamin C, the king of all ingredients and works for all skin types and helps in light exfoliation and brightening the skin.

Vitamin C has always played an important role in our lives at large but it has become important for our skin now more than ever. The anti-oxidants in Vitamin C are a saviour for our skin, since the recycled air in our surroundings are known to clog skin pores.

So, you must be wondering why am I giving you so much detail on Vitamin C and serums. I have recently been testing out the Charmis Deep Radiance Vitamin C Face Serum for the past two weeks and here are my thoughts on it.

Charmis Face Serum in my opinion, has a lightweight, non-sticky formula which works wonders for my skin. It penetrates 15 layers deep (15 stripping layers of stratum corneum) in the skin to give you a Hydrated Clear Radiance which for me started showing results in in 7 days!

Something that really stood out to me is that the Charmis Deep Radiance Face Serum has a Dermatologist & Clinically tested formula proven to moisturize & hydrate, reduce dullness, acne & acne spots to give Hydrated, Clear Radiant Skin. The product is suitable for all skin types- oily, 

HOW TO USE: Apply sufficient amount and massage onto the skin until absorbed. Use Daily

Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Salicylic Acid and Vitamin C! (Details on each ingredient is
listed above!)

MRP: Rs.210/- for 30ml (Buy HERE)

It comes in a white and pink pump packaging with a secure cap. You need about 1-2 pumps per application, a very little amount dispenses per pump so you do not pump excess anytime.

It is a milky, off white serum and blends easily and absorbs instantly on the skin. Gently dab all over the face and neck. There is no stickiness or residue left behind. It has a soft floral fragrance. (If you are allergic to fragrance or have sensitive skin, please do a patch test first)

It can be used morning or night and will work for all skin types. I would recommend using Vitamin C serums in the morning as it is full of anti-oxidants and help protect the skin from free radicals. Always use a sunscreen after, as the last step of skin care routine.

It leaves the skin refreshed, hydrated and radiant. Skin feels soft and plump after each use. Hyaluronic Acid hydrates skin and reduces dullness. 

Non sticky and quick absorbing, it also has Hyaluronic Acid and Salicylic Acid. It uses Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate which is an affordable derivative of Vit C and is also shown to help fight P.acnes which is the acne causing bacteria, along with other Vit C benefits like increasing collagen, brightening and evening out the skin and fading acne spots over a period of time.

It also has Niacinamide, Glycerin, Aloe Vera extracts, Allantoin and other beneficial ingredients. 

So it’s the perfect all in one serum with all ingredients in one and hence, you do not need separate serums for Hyaluronic and Salicylic Acid, also saves time and cost. At this price, it’s definitely an amazing option and I do recommend it.

P.S.: This post is in collaboration with Charmis

Dermafique Bio Cellulose Face Masque Review

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Dermafique Bio Cellulose Face Masque Review

Hi guys,

Don’t we all love a good pampering session every now and then? I love masking, especially on weekends while the weather is changing outdoors.  Currently I am loving this new launch by Dermafique, which is their range of Bio Cellulose Face Masques. Why, you ask? Because it’s a perfect burst of hydration for the dry and dehydrated skin when the weather is changing and the skin definitely needs that added moisture burst. 

Why is the Dermafique Bio Cellulose Masque better than the regular Tissue based sheet masks?

The Dermafique Bio Cellulose Masque delivers superior hydration and efficacy, as compared to other masks. The range is made of biodegradable Bio Cellulose fibers, and are Made of 100% Natural Coconut Water. Bio Cellulose fibers have great absorbency and penetration. They don’t dry out on the skin. Ordinary tissue masks don’t adhere very well on the face and tend to fall off or slip and even tear off at places when trying to adjust. Bio Cellulose Masks are thicker comparatively, never tear off, and adhere to the skin perfectly and do not fall off or slide!

Dermafique Bio Cellulose Masques are derived from 100% Natural Coconut Water, they use patented technology and are dermatologically tested on Indian Skin as well!

Dermafique has launched 3 Bio Cellulose Face Masques,

  • Charcoal – For Anti Pollution
  • Pore Tightening –  For tightening pores and providing hydration
  • Tone Perfecting – To reduce uneven skin tone

The Dermafique Bio Cellulose Charcoal Face Masque offers deep pore cleansing which helps unclog pores and removes dead skin, leaving it cleaner, brighter and healthier. Charcoal sucks out the toxins and pollutants from the skin and the hydrating ingredients like glycerin, honey, green tea, etc. give that added moisture boost to the skin.

The Dermafique Bio Cellulose Pore Tightening Masque tightens skin pores and provides deep hydration to the skin. It detoxifies and purifies skin, making it look smoother, softer and firmer. The second ingredient here is Niacinamide which helps in reducing the appearance of pores, controlling the sebum/oil production and calming irritated/inflammed skin.

The Dermafique Bio Cellulose Tone Perfecting Masque leaves skin appearing more even toned. It improves skin complexion by reducing the appearance of blemishes and dark spots, making it look more youthful and radiant. The second ingredient here again is Niacinamide, and additionally it has Aloe Vera, Glycerin, Chamomile and Grapefruit extracts as primary ingredients that help nourish and hydrate the skin and add that needed moisture back to the skin making it soft and plump.

They are priced at Rs.299/- each and are meant for all skin types.

How to use:

Open the pack and unfold the masque, discard the non-woven film and place the mask on the face, remove the white plastic film and adjust the mask. Keep it for 30 minutes and then take off, gently massage/pat your skin or wash with water, if required.

My experience:

Dermafique Bio Cellulose Masque is definitely one of the best masks I have used. It fit the contours of my face perfectly and did not slide off even once. There was absolutely no issue in using it, no messiness or serum dripping everywhere as the masque holds the serum well.

I used the Tone Perfecting Masque and my skin felt soft, plump and hydrated immediately. Also there was no stickiness after removing the mask and the serum got absorbed into the skin. The masque was cooling and refreshing, and for summers if you store it in a refrigerator, it will be all the more refreshing. It’s perfect for a chilled weekend at home, where you do nothing and still get a facial like glow in 30 minutes.

Overall, I am pretty happy with the Tone Perfecting Masque and how my skin looked after. I would highly recommend the Dermafique Bio Cellulose Face Masques. You can buy them HERE

Himalaya For Moms Intimate Care Range Review

Himalaya Herbals, New Launches, Reviews, Skin care, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Himalaya For Moms Intimate Care Range Review

Hi guys,

Himalaya had launched For Moms range about a year ago and I had reviewed a few products from the range, see HERE.

Starting with the Intimate Wash,

Claims: During pregnancy, due to hormonal changes, the intimate area is prone to excessive vaginal discharge, irritation, and itching which increases discomfort. Pregnancy hormones cause acidic changes in the vaginal area. To maintain the acidic pH balance of the intimate area, it is essential to include an intimate wash in your personal hygiene routine.

Maintaining vaginal hygiene is an important task for women during and after pregnancy. Soap and water are not ideal as soap, which is alkaline, disturbs the vaginal pH balance and can be too harsh. Water alone will not suffice as it has a neutral pH. Himalaya FOR MOMS Intimate Wash is specially formulated for women during and after pregnancy to gently cleanse the intimate area, maintaining freshness throughout the day.

Benefits of using Himalaya Intimate Wash FOR MOMS:

  • To cleanse excessive vaginal discharge
  • To maintain normal vaginal pH balance between 3.5 and 4.5
  • To help control itching
  • To help control odor and irritation
  • To feel fresh and confident

MRP: Rs.125 for 100ml, Rs.220 for 200ml

An intimate wash is something which should be a part of your daily routine, whether pregnant or not. I have been using this since the past few days and I quite like it. It’s very gentle on the skin and cleans the area well. It doesn’t dry out the skin and it claims to be safe to use during and post pregnancy.

It has a simple, no fuss packaging with a flip cap top and dispenses the required product. It has tea tree oil and pongamia oil which are anti bacterial and help prevent itching and odour.

Coming to Intimate Wipes,

Claims: Himalaya FOR MOMS Intimate Wipes is specially formulated for gentle cleansing of the vaginal area to maintain freshness throughout the day.

Ingredients:

MRP: Rs. 47 for 10 sheets and Rs. 104 for 25 sheets

When you are on the go, you cannot use an intimate wash and that is when intimate wipes come into picture. These are perfect for travelling, a pack of 10 sheets is something you can easily carry along in your bag.

These would be really beneficial for mothers post pregnancy, especially if you have had a normal delivery, because the discharge doesn’t leave you months, at times.

It has lavender oil and pongamia oil which again helps in controlling odour and keeping the area dry, clean and fresh.

Finally for all you moms out there who are breast feeding, Himalaya has launched Nursing Wipes

Claims: Taking care of nipples is important for lactating mothers – both during travel and while at home. These wipes gently clean and remove any milk or sweat remnants on the breast and help prepare you for breastfeeding.

Regular breastfeeding can increase the sensitivity of the nipple skin, leading to sore, cracked nipples. Cleansing with soaps can remove natural moisture, further irritating sensitive skin. The use of wipes before and after nursing improves breast hygiene and ensures comfortable breastfeeding.

Himalaya FOR MOMS Nursing Wipes help maintain breast hygiene naturally. Free from mineral oil, our Nursing Wipes contain the goodness of 100% edible grade coconut oil.

Coconut Oil

  • Hydrates and softens dry nipples
  • Protects skin from chapping
  • Reduces dryness and soreness

Ingredients:

Directions: Pull out one wipe and gently cleanse the nipple and areola before and after breastfeeding. Dispose after one use. Reseal the package to keep the wipes fresh.

MRP: Rs.70 for 24 sheets, Rs.190 for 72 sheets

I gave this to a friend who delivered a baby boy 2 months ago and is breast feeding. She does use a nipple cream when the baby is not feeding and has to clean and dry the area often.

She found these wipes really helpful, especially when she is out with the baby because you cannot carry everything with you when going out of the house. These are really useful for lactating mothers during the breast feeding period.

I am glad Himalaya made a separate category For Moms and is adding new products time and again.

Aspirin in Skin Care, Benefits, Uses | Aspirin Face Packs for Various Skin Types

Anti Acne, DIY, Face Mask, Skin care, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Aspirin in Skin Care, Benefits, Uses | Aspirin Face Packs for Various Skin Types

By Sanchita

When it comes to homemade face masks for acne prone, dry, oily, combination, pigmented, normal and various other skin types, we go for the kitchen ingredients like Honey, Milk, Besan, Lemon, etc. But have you ever wondered that Aspirin which is a common medicine for headache and fever can be an excellent remedy for skin problems which will work on all the skin types? Today’s post is all about Aspirin in Skin care and it’s benefits and uses. Also Aspirin Face Masks for various skin types

WHY ASPIRIN?

Aspirin contains the compound acetyl salicylic acid, a derivative of the salicin- naturally found in plants such as the willow tree. As we are all aware of the fact that Salicylic acid is an essential ingredient for treating acne and most of the acne control products has this Salicylic acid. It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties which reduces acne effectively. Thus, for oily & acne prone skin and to remove the impurities from the pores, aspirin face masks work as a wonder. The various benefits of aspirin are listed down below.

  • Aspirin deep cleanses the skin when you gently scrub it, it helps to remove the whiteheads and blackheads.
  • It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that clams down the acne prone skin and prevents itchiness and redness.
  • It is also anti-aging that helps you to tighten the skin, fills in fine lines and smoothens wrinkles.
  • Aspirin helps in renewing dead skin cells & regeneration of skin, that makes it ideal for pigmentation problems such as age spots, sun tan and dark circles.

ASPIRIN FACE MASKS FOR VARIOUS SKIN TYPES

1. FOR OILY SKIN

Take a tablespoonful of aspirin powder (crush and make the powder of 5-6 aspirin tablets) and add half a tablespoon of activated charcoal powder. Add 1tbsp of rose water and form a smooth paste. Apply with the help of a brush even of the face and wash off after 20 minutes with cold water. The aspirin along with activated charcoal powder will absorb the excess oil from the skin without drying it out.

2. FOR DRY SKIN

Take two tablespoon of curd and one tablespoon of aspirin powder and form a smooth paste. Curd works excellent for dry skin and thus apply the face pack onto the skin and leave it for 10-15 mins. Wash off with normal water and pat the skin dry. Do this on alternate days to get smooth, hydrated and glowing skin.

3. FOR COMBINATION SKIN

Combination skin type can use the aspirin face pack alone. Simply crush and make the powder of 5-6 aspirin tablets or drop them into the water to form a smooth paste. Apply on face and rinse after 15-20 minutes. Do it at least twice a week for the best results.

4. FOR ACNE PRONE SKIN

Simply crush and make the powder of 5-6 aspirin tablets, add 2 drops of tea tree oil and one table spoon of water to form a smooth paste. Apply only on the affected areas. Wash off after 15-20 minutes and do it at least thrice a week for best results. Slowly the acne will fade away. Both aspirin and tea tree oil works like magic on acne prone skin.

More skincare DIY posts: Clear, Glowing Skin | Remove Tan & Dead Skin Cells | DIY Natural Skincare, Try This Overnight DIY Serum For a Translucent Glow, A Daily DIY Ubtan That Will Transform Your Skin Forever!

5. FOR AGING SKIN

Crush a bunch of aspirin tablets and add it to egg white to form a smooth paste. With the help of a brush, apply on the face evenly and wait for it to get dry. Once it starts to get dry it helps to firm up the skin, fill in wrinkles and smooth out fine lines on the face. Rinse off with warm water, pat dry and moisturize instantly. Do it at least twice a week for best results.

6. FOR PIGMENTED SKIN

Take 8-9 crushed aspirin tablets and add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Form a smooth paste and apply evenly on the face. Leave it on for 20 mins and wash off with cold water. Pat dry and moisturize. Doing this three times a week will give you a glowing, even toned skin

7. FOR SUN BURNT SKIN

Take 8-9 crushed aspirin tablets and add one tablespoon of raw Aloe Vera Gel (use natural one preferably) and apply the paste onto the skin evenly with the help of a brush. The Aloe Vera along with the aspirin will soothe the sun burnt skin. Rinse off with cold water after 15-20 mins and apply any serum or gel on the face.

These are the amazing and easiest aspirin face packs for various skin types. I hope you try them out.

Have you tried Aspirin Face Masks before? Your experience?

Himalaya Youth Eternity Range Launch, Review

Anti Ageing, Eye Cream, Himalaya Herbals, New Launches, Night Creams, Reviews, Skin care, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Himalaya Youth Eternity Range Launch, Review

Hi guys,

I attended the launch of Himalaya Youth Eternity Range last week and I have been using the products since a week now. The range consists of the Himalaya Youth Eternity Day Cream, Youth Eternity Night Cream and Youth Eternity Under Eye Cream. I had mentioned about these in all the new launches in India post.

The products have been specially formulated using stem cells from the Edelweiss Plant. The stem cells are combined with herbal active extracts of flowers like Rose Myrtle, Fire Flame Bush, Woodfordia and Cipadessia Baccifera, to hydrate and regenerate your skin.

Day Cream

Claims: The Himalaya Youth Eternity Day Cream is a breakthrough formulation based on Plant Stem Cell Research and exotic Herbal Actives. The Day Cream is light, non-greasy, fast- absorbing and consists of a powerful blend of botanical extracts that reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and re-plump your skin, leaving it looking healthier and younger. SPF15

MRP: 10ml Rs.99/-
20ml Rs.249/-
50ml Rs.499/- (Buy HERE for Rs.374/-)

Ingredients:

Night Cream

Claims: The Himalaya Youth Eternity Night Cream is a special blend of Edelweiss Plant Stem Cells, Woodfordia, Rose Myrtle, Cipadessa and Apple, rich in powerful antioxidants and polyphenols. The Night Cream works overnight to provide intense hydration, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, leaving skin even-toned, healthy and visibly youthful.

MRP: 50ml Rs.499/- (Buy HERE for Rs.374/-)

Ingredients:

Under Eye Cream

Claims: The Himalaya Youth Eternity Under Eye Cream is rich in anti-inflammatory properties and is a superior blend of ingredients like Edelweiss Plant Stem Cells, Woodfordia, Rose Myrtle, Cipadessa and Amla. The under-eye cream gently nourishes and hydrates the tender skin around your eyes, leaving it remarkably bright, healthy and youthful. 

  • Reduces crow’s feet, wrinkles and fine lines in 4 weeks
  • Antioxidants treat puffy, morning eyes
  • Visible reduction in under eye pigmentation and dark circles in 4 weeks

MRP: 15ml Rs.525/- (Buy HERE for Rs.393/-)

Ingredients:

For best results, use all three products in a routinely manner.

The plant stem cells technology is being used for the first time in skin care, and also all the other ingredients sound pretty promising. We also had a Q and A session with Dr.Harsha Bijlani, and the research and development person.

This range claims to not only reduce fine lines and wrinkles, but give a radiant, even toned, plump and healthy skin. I guess we all want that, don’t we. 

I love the packaging, it is very convenient and travel friendly. Both the day and night cream round pumps and the eye cream dispense the exact amount of product you need.

The eye cream is very light weight and gets absorbed in a minute. I start with the eye cream first and then use the day cream/night cream morning and night respectively. The day cream is slightly thick but blends in well and again gets absorbed in a minute. It does not leave the skin shiny or greasy but in fact gives a matte look. This works great under makeup too. Also it has SPF 15, so it is good enough to use indoors, if you are not stepping out.

Night cream is slightly richer and thicker, it moisturizes and hydrates the skin really well. Skin is completely matte and softer, plumper in the morning after.

Since the weather has gotten cooler and drier in the past week in Mumbai, I am really liking this range and it has kept my skin hydrated and moisturized. I will keep using it for 4 weeks and update you guys on the range. Untill now, my skin really likes the Himalaya Youth Eternity Range. I just wish the range was fragrance free, as that’s how I prefer my skin care to be.

I highly recommend trying out this range, and it’s available for a very decent price on Amazon.

Have you guys tried the Himalaya Youth Eternity Range yet?

P.S: This post is in collaboration with Himalaya

Kara Facial Wipes Review

Facial Wipes, Kara, Makeup Remover, New Launches, Reviews, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Kara Facial Wipes Review

Hi guys,

If you remember last week I reviewed the new Kara Nail Polish Remover wipes, see HERE. Today I am reviewing all of their facial wipes.

About Kara: Kara is a quality product brought to you by Future Consumer Enterprise Limited. Each Kara wipe is made from Viscose fibres, a 100% natural bio-degradable fibre. It is pure, soft and has high moisture absorption capacity.

Kara wipes are dermatologically tested. They are hygienic, skin-friendly and do not leave lint on the skin. Each formulation is a selective blend of aqua, skin-friendly ingredients and herbal actives with a precise functionality that results in a distinctly superior product experience on application. These are free from harsh chemicals like alcohol.

Enliven and revitalize your face with Kara Refreshing Facial wipes.

Made from 100% viscose, these refreshing wipes won’t leave behind residues of lint. These bio-degradable wipes from Kara are eco-friendly and perfect for boosting freshness.

You can use these alcohol-free wipes for cleaning excess dirt and oil from face and neck.

The wipes are packed in a resealable label making it easy for you to pull a wipe and later reseal the pack.

The unique packing system of Kara Refreshing Facial Wipes help in locking the moisture of the wipes for a long time, thus avoiding dry-up till the pack lasts.

Variants & Price:

  • Refreshing with Mint Oil & Aloe Vera (Rs.40 for 10, Rs.75 for 20, Rs.95 for 30)
  • Refreshing with Cucumber & Aloe Vera (Rs.40 for 10, Rs.75 for 20, Rs.95 for 30)
  • Moisturizing with Honey & Almond (Rs.75 for 10)
  • Deep Pore Cleansing with Jojoba & Avocado (Rs.75 for 10)
  • Sunscreen with Plum & Aloe Vera (Rs.175 for 25)
  • Makeup Removal with Seaweed & Lavender (Rs.75 for 10)
  • Toning with Rose & Thyme (Rs.75 for 10)
  • Cleansing & Refreshing with Neem & Tea Tree (Rs.75 for 10)

Availability: Available online on Nykaa.com and offline at Big Bazaar, Health & Glow, Star Bazaar, Hypercity, Beauty stores, etc.

First of all I absolutely love the fact that they come in a pack of 1,5,10,20 and 30 so that one can buy according to their needs at a particular time. We all buy the big bulk wipes pack and then most of them dry quickly and not work as well.

You can carry the 1 and 5 pack ones for everyday use or when you are travelling for a few days and keep the 30 pack for use at home. Though I am highly impressed that they did not dry as much as other wipes and still worked well even after 7-8 days of opening the pack.

Each wipe is meant for different use and has different ingredients and properties. Here are the main ingredients and their benefits in each wipe:

Deep Pore Cleansing: Enriched with goodness of Avocado extracts, these tissues are known to be rich in essential nutrients that soothe and moisturize the skin.Infused with jojoba, it unclogs pores, detoxes, and thoroughly exfoliates the dead skin cells.

Refreshing: Kara Refreshing Facial wipes are enriched with the goodness of Aloevera and Mint, Aloevera & Cucumber. Aloe Vera is a natural leaf juice of Aloe Vera plant that keeps skin hydrated and nourished. Cucumber is known to soothe and soften the skin which can get you relaxed in no time. Mint is known for strengthening the skin tissue and helps reduce oily skin.

Toning: Thyme is a great herb for treating acne prone skin and has astringent properties, whereas Rose imparts a fresh and nourishing feel.

Moisturizing: Loaded with goodness of honey, these moisturizing tissues protect and soften your skin. Almond enrichments are great for reducing signs of ageing like wrinkles and fine lines.

Sunscreen: The sunscreen face tissue comes with SPF 20 that protects your skin from harmful UVB rays 20 times more than the usual.Enriched with Aloe Vera, Kara Sunscreen Face Tissue protects your skin from sunburns and rashes and keeps it hydrated.Infused with goodness of plum and Vitamin E, these wipes are known to clear lifeless pores, dead skin cells and slow down skin ageing.

Makeup Removal: The facial wipes from Kara contain Lavender and Seaweed extracts that exfoliates the skin in a gentle manner and helps in keeping your skin youthful.

Although these are thin and long and cover the face well, the quality is really good and these don’t tear apart easily unlike a few cheaper brands. Each variant smells really good!

The refreshing ones are perfect to carry in your bag in a humid city like Mumbai where you sweat all the time, this will instantly refresh you, take care of all the sweat and also cleanse your face by getting rid of the top layer of dust and grime.

If you travel a lot whole day, use the Deep Pore Cleansing wipe at the end of the day and you will be astonished by all the dirt and grime that comes out. I really love the Deep Pore Cleansing one, it does it job of cleaning the pores from deep within.

If you have acne prone skin and do not like to use a toner, the Toning ones will do the job of toning plus are really handy to use. Moisturizing ones are good for dry skin. Cleansing & Refreshing with Neem & Tea Tree are perfect for oily skin. I am not personally a fan of Sunscreen wipes as I feel it can never compensate the use of sunscreen, but if in case you have forgotten to use a sunscreen and have these, you can use them.

Makeup Removal ones are an absolute must have if you wear makeup on a daily basis or for a makeup artist/makeup professional. These are so moisturizing and remove every bit of your makeup without irritating your skin or eyes or stripping off any moisture from your skin.

My favourites are the Deep Pore Cleansing ones and Makeup Removal ones for night, the Refreshing ones and Cleansing & Refreshing one for travel and day time.

Have you tried the Kara Facial Wipes?

P.S: PR Samples. Honest Review

How To Do A Simple Face Clean-Up At Home

Himalaya Herbals, How To, Skin care, Tips, Tips and Tricks, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

How To Do A Simple Face Clean-Up At Home

Hi guys,

I don’t generally go to salons for facials and clean ups, I prefer taking care of my skin at home and follow the basic skin care routine regularly. If you spend even 5-10 minutes on your skin daily and the scrub/mask routine once/twice a week, you won’t need any fancy or expensive salon facials/clean ups.

Now a clean-up is important coz sometimes the blackheads and whiteheads are not really visible but they do develop when the pores are blocked or there is dirt in the pores which is not cleaned regularly.

Here is how I do a mini clean-up at home:

1. Wash your face with a face wash. My Holy Grail is the Himalaya Herbals Purifying Neem face wash.

2. Cleanse your face with a milk based cleanser. Now there are quite a few options available, you can also try the Himalaya Herbals Refreshing Cleansing Milk. Massage for a minute to two and wipe it off with a damp cotton ball

3. Take steam on the face. If you don’t have a steam machine, just boil some water and bend your face over it covering with a towel. It will do the job equally well.

4. Extract comedones, either use cotton on both of your hands to press the skin and extract it or use a blackhead extractor for deep rooted blackheads. You get it for about 50-60 rupees. Just sanitise and clean it before using and even after using.

5. Scrub your face. I use the Himalaya Herbals Purifying Neem Scrub when I am breaking out or have 1-2 acne or the Himalaya Herbals Gentle Exfoliating Walnut Scrub if my skin is a little dry or in winters. Scrub for a good 2-3 minutes concentrating more on nose, forehead, chin, sides of nose, etc. Wipe it all off with a damp cotton ball.

6. Toner. You can either use rose water or cucumber water or any alcohol free toner to close the pores. It is very important to close the pores which have opened with the steam.

7. Follow it up with a face pack. Now again I would go with either the Himalaya Herbals Purifying Neem Face Pack if I have acne or the Himalaya Herbals Fairness Kesar Face Pack if I want to get rid of tan. Keep it for 10-15 minutes and also use cotton balls soaked in rose water over the eyes and just relax. Take it all off with a damp cotton ball. Wash your face with water if you feel like.

8. Moisturize your face with your regular moisturizer.

9. Apply a sunscreen/sunblock

That’s it, you are done. This whole procedure will take about 30 minutes including the face pack. You can do it once a week on a Saturday or Sunday, you can spend at least 30 minutes in a week over your skin, if not, once in two weeks is a must! Also if you do not do it regularly, the whiteheads and blackheads will not be extracted, the skin won’t be exfoliated. Dead skin cells will form a layer and the blackheads will turn to acne.

Regular skin care is important even if you have good skin, to maintain it. Do not take your skin for granted. Your skin gets regenerated every 21 days, so at least follow this simple clean-up at home once every 2 weeks i.e. 14 days.

Few points to remember:

1. Always use products according to your skin type or how your skin is behaving during that time.

2. Do not be harsh on your skin, do not scrub vigorously or over exfoliate.

3. Always end with a sun block/sunscreen even if you are not stepping out

There are a lot of products available in the market if you do not have extra time to DIY at home. I like Himalaya Herbals products and have been using them since my college days. They are affordable and easily available.

You can check out Himalaya Herbals on Facebook HERE and on twitter HERE and also more from their Face Care Range HERE

How do you do a clean-up at home?

DIY At Home Facial with R.K’s Aroma Moringa Facial Kit

DIY, Facials, How To, R.K's Aroma, Reviews, Skin care, Tips, Tips and Tricks, Women, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

DIY At Home Facial with R.K’s Aroma Moringa Facial Kit

Hi guys,

So I did a facial yesterday at home and recorded it for my YouTube channel, I used this R.K’s Aroma Moringa Facial Kit and hence I thought of reviewing it here too and showing you guys the video..

What is Moringa? The super plant Moringa is native to Africa and Asia, and is widespread among the lush, green foothills of the Himalayas. It belongs to the Moringaceae family, and derives its name from the Malayalam word, ‘Muringa’. Its leaves, pods, fruits, flowers and bark are all abundant in restoratory and healing properties, making it a powerhouse of nutrients and anti-oxidants; a bounteous natural agent, generous with its benefits, truly worthy of the moniker ‘miracle tree’.

Benefits of Moringa: Moringa is rich in vitamins C and E, and contains over 30 different natural anti-oxidants, minerals, phytonutrients and natural anti-inflammatory agents that gently soothe the skin. Perfect for everyday use, Moringa prevents the onset of blackheads, acne, fine lines and wrinkles, and protects from sun burn and minor skin infections. It softly cleanses the skin without robbing it of its natural radiance, while its anti-ageing properties rejuvenate and bring it to life.

Directions:

1. Clean the face with Moringa Cleansing Lotion to cleanse and minimize the pores.

2. Apply Exfoliating Scrub and gently massage for 5-7 minutes for skin exfoliation. Clean the face with wet cotton. Steam your face for 2-5 minutes.

3. Now take Moringa Cream approximately 3-4gms and add 2-3 drops of Moringa oil and massage for 10-15 minutes. Wipe off the excessive cream with cotton or tissue.

4. Apply Moringa Gel and massage for 5-8 minutes and wipe off the excess.

5. Apply Moringa Mask by mixing it with required amount of water, keep it for 5-10 minutes until it dries off and then wash it off with lukewarm water.

6. Complete your facial by applying Moringa moisturizing lotion.

MRP: Rs. 210/- (Buy HERE)

More R.K’s Aroma Products on Amazon HERE

First off this range smells absolutely amazing, Moringa skincare range is available in many brands and you have must have seen/heard of it before. Even The Body Shop has a Moringa Range.

This pack contains 7 sachets of Cleanser, Scrub, Massage Cream, Oil, Gel, Mask and Moisturizing Lotion. Though it’s a one time use kit, the quantity is enough for two people to use together but you have to use it at the same time since once opened, it is difficult to store sachets.

You can do it with your BFF or your mom or sibling, you can do the facial on each other. Make sure you have no rings, watches, etc., and your hands are bare.

The cleanser is milky white and takes off your basic makeup and cleanses your pores. The scrub is super creamy and glides on the skin really well, the exfoliating beads are not that gritty and feel very comfortable. This scrub would work even for sensitive skin.

I took a steam for about 3-4 minutes and then went ahead with the massage.

You have to mix the massage cream and moringa oil together and then massage it all over your face for about 10-15 minutes. Now this is the main part in any facial. Concentrating on pressure points and going with outward strokes to drain lymphatic fluids from your face and skin. If you are someone who has a bloated face, under eye bags, etc., you have a lot of lymphatic fluids which are not drained properly and a good massage definitely helps in draining those out. Plus boosts your circulation and gives your skin a nice flush and glow.

This is followed by the moringa gel which is again massaged for about 5 minutes. It’s a semi-transparent gel and again glides on the skin really well for a good massage.

Then comes the face mask. It’s in powder form, so needs to be mixed with water and applied evenly all over the face. I kept it for about 10-15 minutes and washed it off.

At last, the moisturizing lotion to complete the facial.

I absolutely loved the results! My skin was so soft, smooth, supple and hydrated. The redness I had before the facial, was all gone in 2-3 hours and it was soothed. Facial results are best seen the next day and my skin is glowing today! If you follow me on Snapchat (bhumika_t), you must have already seen my #NoFilter #NoMakeup bare face selfies and how I am loving my skin!

It also did help in getting rid of a little tan. Overall skin is more brighter and glowing. I definitely suggest checking R.K’s Aroma products and especially this new launch, the Moringa Facial Kit. Many of their products are available on Amazon and I have linked them above.

Pic the next morning..

Usually the skin is a little red on the same day of the facial, but the actual results are seen the next day. I am so loving my skin right now!

Few pointers before any facial:

  • If you have undergone bleach or any face treatment, do not try this for at least 4-5 days
  • Use a sunscreen if you are stepping out after this facial, as your skin might be a little photo sensitive
  • Do not use a face wash for one day, you can wash your face with normal water. You can use a face wash the next day
  • Since all essential oils do not suit everyone, it’s better if you do a patch test on your chin or jaw line first.

All R.K’s Aroma products are pH tested and suitable for sensitive skin. I am a big fan of aromatherapy oils and products and having talked to the owner, I am so curious to try more of their products. They have about 30000 products and the owner Mr. Prakash Shivdasani himself is a chemist and makes these formulations.

Also I am giving away two of these kits to two winners on my YouTube channel, so join HERE.

Have you tried any R.K’s Aroma products/facial kits?

Cheryl’s Cosmeceuticals Facial Experiential & Home Care Kit Review

Cheryl's Cosmeceuticals, Experientals, Facials, Reviews, Skin care, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Cheryl’s Cosmeceuticals Facial Experiential & Home Care Kit Review

Hi guys,

So on the 10th of June, I went for a skin analysis and facial experiential of Cheryl’s Cosmecueticals at L’Oreal India office.

Let me tell you a little more about Cheryl’s Cosmeceuticals first.

Gunjan Jain, National Education Manager, who has been working with Cheryl’s Cosmecueticals for more than 9 years attended to me. She started by giving me a background about the brand and skin diagnosis with various advanced technologies introduced by Cheryl’s. They have a special Skin Scan App for salon experts that helps them understand the client’s skin and suggests a treatment accordingly. Not only that, the Skin Scan App also stores the client’s data. She did my skin scan test where I was asked a few basic questions about my skin type and concern, age, etc. and I had to register with my name, number and email id and if I did like to book an appointment now or later. This is the exact same app which Cheryl’s has at all salons where they provide Cheryl’s services. We went through it like they do with the clients at the salon.

Then they also had a magnifying glass with a light which has both 5x and 7x magnification to see those deep rooted, pesky blackheads which are not visible to the naked eye.

Cheryl’s Hydrameter

The most interesting tool was the Hydrameter which is used to test the moisture and oil levels. It shows the exact moisture and oil present in your skin and if it is below the required 35 to 50%, then it denotes that the skin is dehydrated.

So all these gadgets help scan the skin and zero down on which facial or treatment is needed by the client. There are normal facials and there are specific treatments for particular skin concerns.

I just had dryness and a little redness due to sensitivity, so we went ahead with the Sensiglow Facial. Now each facial kit comes with pre-measured sachets used at different steps.

About Sensiglow: Cheryl’s SensiGlow is a harmonizing facial to address sensitive skin concerns ,

Main Actives in the facial:

1. Sodium PCA, a key water soluble natural ingredient in the epidermis that keeps the skin well hydrated and radiant and

2. Sea Buckthorn Oil, a natural plant ingredient that plays a vital restorative and revitalizing action on the skin. It is very useful in combating and reducing redness on the skin as it is an effective anti-inflammatory agent that reduces the inflammation of blood capillaries.

Cheryl’s SensiGlow is an instant glow treatment that makes the skin lighter and radiant by eliminating dead skin cells. It also contains active herbal ingredients that uncover lighter glowing skin and is suitable for all skin types that are sensitive. It is specially formulated for calming and soothing sensitive skin. Itchiness and sensitivity are drastically reduced and the skin becomes less irritable.

Cheryl’s SensiGlow is a 6 step process which involves cleansing, deep cleansing, toning, massaging, packing and refreshing. The products used in this treatment are enriched with power-packed ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile oil, lactic acid, shiso extract that are specifically formulated to avoid irritations and provide instant glow that makes the skin lighter and radiant by eliminating dead skin cells.

Steps:

1. Cleansing: It’s like a basic cleansing milk, massaged on the skin for a minute and wiped with a cotton ball.

2. Double Cleansing: There is another cleansing step where the cream is massaged on the skin for 2-3 minutes. It is followed by steam. Now since only my nose had a few blackheads/whiteheads, Gunjan covered the rest of the face with tissue while giving steam so that the other parts of the skin don’t get irritated. It is followed by extraction of blackheads, which again were just a few on the nose. And lastly she cleanses again, so that any residue left after the steam and opening of pores is cleansed.

3. Toner: A toner is dabbed with a cotton ball all over the face to close the pores.

4. Massage: It is followed by a massage cream and Gunjan thoroughly massaged the face and neck for a good 10 minutes. It was very relaxing and I could feel the blood circulation.

5. Face Pack: Later a face pack is applied with a brush which is kept for about 10 minutes, until it dries.

6. Refresher with Anti-oxidants: A moisturizing lotion, little thicker than a toner, is applied after the face pack. Again dabbed with a cotton ball, similar to the toner.

7. Last but not the least, sun block is applied to the skin. They have two sun blocks, one for normal to dry skin i.e. cream form and one for oily skin i.e. spray form. She used the cream one for me.

Price: Rs.1200/- on an average, though varies from salon to salon

Duration: 1 hour + 10-15 minutes for skin scan

Want to know how it felt on my skin?

Before – After

I absolutely loved the results. My skin felt hydrated and fresh. The redness was reduced a lot and the skin was glowing. I noticed even more difference the next day. Since the facial was SensiGlow, it takes care of the redness of sensitive skin and gives a nice glow to the face. It did both of these things for me.

I also got three products as a part of my home care kit and I have been using them since the next day of the facial.

Cheryl’s Dermalite Facewash: A clinically proven gentle and effective cleanser that cleanses and lightens skin. Cheryl’s Dermalite is a powerpacked product with ingredients that exfoliate, hydrate, moisturize resulting in cleansed, brightened and lightened skin.

Price: Rs. 275/-

It comes in a tube form and is light blue in color with gel like texture, you just need one pea sized amount in every wash, so you need very little product. It doesn’t foam too much and that is what I like about it. It doesn’t dry out the skin and yet cleanses it really well. I use it on my cleansing brush for deep cleansing at times and my skin is super soft, smooth and completely cleansed.

I love the minty and cooling smell and effect, skin is definitely cleansed, brighter and smoother with this.

O2C2 Radiance Lotion: Inspired by gene science and stem cells research, a product that is specially formulated with ingredients like:

• Sodium Cocoyl Alaninate that is a potent anti-ageing agent
• Actinidia Polygama Fruit Extract that improves the transparency of the skin
• Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract which is known to enhance the radiance and luminosity of the skin. This is formulated to draw out and enhance the natural radiance and shine of the skin that is more associated with young, youthful and glowing skin.

Price: Rs. 1050/-

So Gunjan told me that O2C2 is her favourite product, but the product specifically mentions not for sensitive and acne prone skin and since she saw a little redness and sensitivity on my face, she told me to try this for 1-2 days and use it only if no redness or irritation.

I was a little apprehensive but I went ahead and tried it and I absolutely love it. Since the face wash exfoliates the skin a bit, using this post cleansing, does feel a little tingly at certain areas, but it subsides in a minute. It is a thick and rich lotion, but quite runny and not like a cream. It does feel hydrating and rich on the skin, and a little sticky, I believe it has glycerine.

It does not sweat the skin or make it greasy though, the stickiness settles in some time. I mostly use it at night and wake up to super soft, smooth and bright skin! I love my skin every morning, post using this.

DermaShade SPF 30 spray – Cheryl’s Dermashade Sunblock:  Cheryl’s DermaShade Sunblock is formulated to offer complete sun protection, backed by the latest sun care technology and SPF boosters. It provides the highest protection against UV, lock in moisture so that the skin doesn’t dry out and also provides complete protection against sun damage.

Price: Rs. 600/-

Cheryl’s has two sunblocks, one in a cream format for normal to dry skin and one is in a spray format for oily skin. It is super light and easy to blend on the face. It does not leave the face with a greasy or a whitish cast. Since the lotion is quite runny, I like to pat in on the face. I use about 3 sprays for the face and neck. It is the most light weight facial sunscreen I have used. I have used lighter spray ones for the body, but none for the face yet.

L-R: O2C2, Sunblock,Face Wash

It’s been about 12-13 days post the facial and using the home care kit, and my skin is back to normal! I had a few breakouts in between, and if you follow me on Snapchat, you know about the pimples on the lips too. My skin is soft, smooth and much more even since the time I began using this range.

I absolutely recommend trying out Cheryl’s facials and treatments plus their home care kits! I love the blend of natural and scientific ingredients they have, to get that perfect product.

Have you ever tried Cheryl’s Cosmeceuticals? If not, you can avail these customised treatments at a Cheryl’s salon near you!