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Diet & Lifestyle Changes for Better Skin Health

Diet & Lifestyle Changes for Better Skin Health

Skin care, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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.

My Current Favourite Skin Care Products Step by Step

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My Current Favourite Skin Care Products Step by Step

Hi guys,

So I did this skin care series on my Instagram, and if you follow me on Instagram you would know I am obsessed with skin care. I thought of sharing the same here on my blog as well.

I absolutely love skin care and I feel good skin is the base for any makeup look, you don’t need super heavy coverage foundations and concealers if you have good skin, the layers will only end up making your base look heavy and cakey. A major % of how your skin behaves depends on genetics and diet. You can only control the diet part of course and regular skin care with good diet can solve a lot of your skin concerns.

I have been super regular with my skin care since more than a year now and have noticed a huge difference in my pores, lines, texture, pigmentation around the mouth, etc. I do have a detailed skin care routine video on my channel, but the products keep on changing as I experiment and review new brands and as per how my skin is feeling, the order is the same though (Watch HERE)

Step 1: Double Cleanse


Starting with Step 1 which is Double Cleanse, as the name suggests it means cleansing twice. First cleanse with an oil/balm especially if you are wearing makeup/sunscreen. Oil or balm will melt all the makeup/dirt/grime from the pores. You need to massage the oil or balm well for 30-40 seconds and then emulsify it with water for 10-15 seconds. Then follow with the second cleanse, which will be a gentle foaming cleanser. It will wash off all the excess oil/dirt left, if any. You can also use a reusable cloth wipe to remove the makeup after first cleanse, only water also works for me.

I haven’t bought makeup wipes in years and would not recommend them at all, they are very harsh on the skin + not bio degradable. I do have a few bio degradable ones which I use, only when I am travelling.

Coming to micellar water, you can use it as a first cleanse but you absolutely need to do the second cleanse with it unlike the ‘no rinse’ marketing claim. Micellar water is made of small micelles which leave a surface residue on the skin. I am not a fan of micellar waters because oils/balms do the best job in removing makeup for me, plus some micellar waters sting my sensitive eyes.

Products shown:

1. Isadora Cleansing Oil
2. Pixi Beauty Hydrating Makeup Remover with coconut & probiotics
3. Heimish All Clean Balm
4. Pixi Double Cleanse Balm
5. Clinique Take The Day Off
6. Pond’s Cleansing Balm
7. DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
8. Simple Moisturizing Facial Wash (soap free)
9. Suganda Centella Green Tea Face Wash
10. Forest Essentials Kashmiri Saffron & Neem Delicate Facial Cleanser
11. Kama Ayurveda Sensitive Skin Cleansing Foam with Sandalwood & Aloe Vera

Step 2 is Tone/Treat, it’s CTTM now in place of CTM. Treat is a very essential step in skincare and all your actives, serums, essence are a part of Treat.

Toners and Serums can be exfoliating or hydrating. If you use an exfoliating toner, go for a hydrating/calming serum and vice versa. You can also use both hydrating (if you have exfoliation in your cleanser/moisturizer) but don’t use both exfoliating because we don’t want to sensitize our skin. I like actives (Vit C, Chemical Exfoliants, etc.) in the form of toners and serums. Things you should add in your skincare routine, if you haven’t already:

Vitamin C
AHA/BHA
Niacinamide (optional)

Vit C (Ascorbic Acid) increases production of collagen, reduces hyper pigmentation and evens out skin tone, brightens skin and protects against pollution and sun damage.
Best used in serum form (10-20%) Start with 10%, when used in the mornings before sunscreen, boosts the protection from sun damage.


Alpha Hydroxy Acids i.e. Glycolic, Lactic, Mandelic, etc are water soluble and work on surface layer of skin, works better for dry/dull skin.
Beta Hydroxy Acids i.e. Salicylic Acid is oil soluble and goes deep into the pores to unclog the pores and hence works well for oily, acne prone skin.

Both AHA/BHA unglue the bond holding dead skin on the surface and exfoliate the skin. Also help improve the texture, bumps, minimize the appearance of pores and uneven skin tone, etc. But you need to be regular to see results.

If you are a beginner at chemical exfoliation, start with Pixi Beauty Glow Tonic which has 5% Glycolic Acid and is gentle enough for everyday use as well.
Suganda AHA/BHA serums are also very gentle for beginners as they are balanced with Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) and Green Tea.
Paula’s Choice 8% AHA gel works well for dry skin and 2% BHA liquid exfoliant for oily/acne prone skin or those with enlarged pores.
Dr.Sheths Gulab Glycolic Toner is also very, very gentle for daily use. (You can use my coupon code ‘BHUMIKA’ to get 20% off on Dr.Sheths products)

Niacinamide (Vit B3) helps in reducing inflammation, redness, regulates oil production & minimizes the appearance of pores. Works best with Zinc, in serum form. (5-20%, can start with 5-10%) You can add it at a later stage.

Step 3 is Repair/ Hydrate which will again have serums and essences, now if you have used an active serum/toner, you can use an hydrating essence to balance and calm. This will include mostly calming, repairing and hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, cica, honey, propolis, ceramides, etc. Some repairing serums/essences may have little actives, so on some days you can skip actives all together and just use this.

The Paula’s Choice Azelaic Acid and the Olay Retinol24 Serum fall under actives but I use them on non active days or just with Niacinamide (not with AHA or BHA) and they have a cream gel and a serum like consistency + some hydrating ingredients.

Products shown:

Secret Key Multi Cell Night Repair
May Coop Raw Sauce
Guerlain Abeille Royale
Pixi Beauty Glow Tonic Serum
Dr.Sheths Cica & Ceramide Repair Serum
Nacific Fresh Herb Origin Serum

Step 4 Moisturize

Now you generally wouldn’t go wrong with a Moisturizer, it’s a pretty basic skincare product and most brands make a good one. The only rule you need to remember is keep it simple, less ingredients, and no fragrance if possible.
Moisturizer should have occlusives, humectants and emollients.


Occlusives (petrolatum and other oily substances) hold the water in. Humectants (glycerine, honey, panthenol, etc.) pull water both from the air and from deeper layers of skin. Hence occlusives and humectants are used together, to trap the moisture in, and to not let it pull from the skin. Emollients like some fatty alcohols fill the dry, flaky skin with fatty substances, called lipids, which make your skin smoother and softer.

Other ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, vitamins, etc. are added benefits.

Now you can use the same Moisturizer day and night if you like, but I would say use a night cream with a slightly heavy texture or a sleeping mask, which will help repair the skin. Also since most people now sleep in an air conditioned room, the added moisture and sealing helps.

Products shown:

1. Clinique Moisture Surge
2. Pixi Beauty Rose Ceramide Cream
3. Pixi Retinol Jasmine Lotion
4. Nellietier Face Cream
5. Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturizer
6. Etude India Soon Jung Hydro Barrier Cream
7. Etude Moistfull Collagen Cream

Night Creams:

1. Dr.Sheths Haldi Hyaluronic Sleeping mask
2. Iunik Propolis Vitamin Sleeping Mask
3. Cosrx Ultimate Nourishing Overnight Rice Mask
4. Pixi Vit C Caviar Balm
5. Dr.Dennis Gross C+ Collagen Deep Cream

Apart from these, I also really love Suganda White Lotus Moisturizer in summers and the Rosehip Moisturizer in winters.

Step 5 for daytime and the most important is Sunscreen.

You may spend thousands on skin treatments and expensive skin care products, but even few minutes of direct sun exposure without sunscreen can negate all the effects.

UVA and UVB rays can cause skin cancer and lead to premature aging, wrinkles and sun spots.
UVA (Aging) rays can cause tanning and aging and UVB (Burning) rays can cause burning, your sunscreen should be broad spectrum meaning protect against both rays.

Chemical exfoliation and actives make your skin photosensitive, so you cannot skip your sunscreen at all.
Sunscreen can be physical (with zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, etc.) Or chemical (with avobenzone, octisalate, oxybenzone, etc.) Earlier, physical sunscreens used to leave a strong, white cast but now you most physical sunscreens use nano technology and the nano particles blend in better. Physical ingredients block the UV rays and chemical absorb and scatter. I like a mix of both in my sunscreens, but if you are allergic to any chemical ingredient, make sure you check the ingredients before you buy.

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) denotes the time your skin can be protected from UVB rays i.e.burning. If your skin would normally burn after 10 minutes in the sun, applying an SPF 15 sunscreen would allow you to stay in the sun without burning for approximately 150 minutes.

You can use SPF 30 or 50, but the key is reapplication every two hours!
PA denotes protection from UVA rays and PA+++ is the best and highest level (some countries have researched and included PA++++ in certain products)

So SPF 30 PA+++ should be good enough, but make sure you reapply. You can reapply in spray or powder form if you have makeup on through the day. Also you need one teaspoon qty for face and one shot glass qty for entire body in one application (especially the exposed skin)

Products shown:

1. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 50+ PA+++
2. Brinton UV Doux Silicone Sunscreen Gel SPF50 PA+++
3. Biotique Bio Aloe Vera SPF30 (good for indoors or entire body)
4. Skin & Lab FreC Sun Lotion SPF 50+ PA+++ (with Vit C)
5. Organic Harvest SPF 60 PA+++
6. Avene Very High Protection Emulsion SPF

Weekly Treatments

Apart from my daily skincare routine, I also use some masks and additional exfoliation products once a week or once in 10-11 days.

You can increase Retinol to once in 2-3 days once your skin is past the ‘Retinization’ phase, I am using it once a week currently. I use the @deciem Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2%. Granactive Retinoid has hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR), a retinoic acid ester with a similar action on the skin as Retin-A. It is not the same as Retinol, and hence 2% of that is actually equal to very less retinol comparatively but there is no exact proven measurement.

Also once your skin gets used to regular acids, you can try the 30% AHA, 2% BHA from Ordinary which is an amazing at home exfoliating peel. But do not try it if you have very sensitive skin or your skin barrier is compromised or you can’t tolerate acids. There are a lot of precautions you need to take like skin should be dry, not to keep longer than 10mins, follow with a rich Moisturizer and loads of sunscreen, etc.

For beginner level, I would recommend the Secret Key lemon sparkling peeling gel, Pixi Peel & Polish.

My favourite masks when my skin is feeling dry are Fresh Rose Mask, Biossance Squalane + Vit C Rose Mask and Glamglow Thirsty Mud. For breakouts, Glamglow Supermud, Raw Nature Dead Sea Mud & Charcoal, Pixi T zone Peel off mask.

Also apart from these, pretty much all of The Body Shop Masks. I am not a fan of sheet masks, I haven’t bought a sheet mask in years (also most are not bio degradable). But I do have a lot of them from PR which I am trying to finish.

Let me know your skincare routine and your current favourite skin care products in the comments below 🙂

5 Effective Skincare Products for Women in their 30’s | Current Skin Care Routine

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5 Effective Skincare Products for Women in their 30’s | Current Skin Care Routine

Hi guys,

While skincare has always been a constant change for me, I have realised that moving from the 20’s to the 30’s your skin is also diversifying through age. So I have decided to share my skincare routine that has worked for me during my 30’s. While I am testing products that suit my skin I have a few constants that I maintain on regular basis, here are some to try for starters.

Let’s begin with the eyes, a rich night cream and an eye cream are products that are absolutely necessary for your 30’s. While I suggest that these products can be used at 25-26 for early preventive measures for anti aging. For instance, whenever I skip an eye cream for some weeks in between, I instantly notice dryness around my eyes and it also accentuates the lines more when I apply makeup/concealer.

Second most important thing to add is a serum, especially a hyaluronic acid based one. It’s a powerful humectant that retains the moisture and plumps up the skin. I also use a Vitamin C based one during night time.

Now coming to acne, there is no such thing as ‘You break out only in your teens’. It’s a myth, break outs occur anytime due to hormonal imbalance (that time of the month) or your skin/pores are clogged and not cleansed/exfoliated well. Yes, now coming to cleansing, which is the most important step in skincare. While you can skip a serum or moisturizer but never for daily skin cleansing! Especially when you wear makeup, be it little or more. Even sunscreen needs to be cleansed/taken off completely. I use oil to take off my makeup, it melts the makeup completely and most of it comes off with water. And then I double cleanse with a gentle face wash.

I realised that, I was breaking out a lot around my chin and on the sides close to ears. The break outs near the ears could be due to lymphatic fluids but I know that it was time to make a change in my cleansing routine.

After much research I decided to invest in the Foreo LUNA2 which is by far the best skin cleansing device I have bought online. When I say investment, it is because the device is on the expensive side. However, after much anticipation and watching several review videos online plus a 4.5 star rating, I knew it had to become mine. So I waited for Sephora India online which is known as nnnow.com to have a sale. The minute I saw a 10% sale I quickly got mine.

The Luna 2 cleansing device comes in four variants i.e. for each skin type – Normal, Combination, Sensitive, Oily. I bought the Normal skin type which came in pink. The cleansing device has two sides to it, one side is meant for cleansing and the other side for massaging, which makes it the perfect device to invest in, for your 30s.

The LUNA2 gently exfoliates dead skin cells, unclogs pores and removes 99.5% of dirt, oil and any
remnants of makeup. So after wiping my skin with oil, I double cleanse with my Luna 2 with a gentle face wash on it and go over for about a minute. You won't believe the amount of makeup that still comes off after cleansing, which would never come off otherwise just with your hands.

Then I go over the other massaging side for a minute, which uses lower frequency pulsations to massage the face and reduce fine lines around the eyes and mouth, giving the skin a firmer, lifted appearance over time. It helps in blood circulation and lymphatic drainage too. Your skin care penetrates deeply, making it more effective.

Touchwood, I haven’t broken out even once since the time I have started using my LUNA2 cleansing device and super content with this investment. Just one hour of charging lasts 100+ uses, so almost over 4 to 5 months. It is made of medical grade silicone which is non porous and naturally resistant to bacterial build up, hardly needs any cleaning and looks almost as new even after months or years.It is super soft and very gentle, compared to the brush based cleansing devices. The latter also needs frequent cleansing and changing brush heads, adding to the cost later.

After cleansing and massaging, I use a mild, exfoliating toner on alternate days to get rid of dead skin build-up and smoothen the texture of the skin. Every now and then I do use very gentle and mild toners which can be used daily for sensitive skin as well. Since my LUNA2 is a good exfoliator I only keep alternating toners as over exfoliation can make your skin dehydrated over a long time. I am currently switching between Dr.Sheths Gulab and Glycolic Toner & Pixi Glow Tonic.

For my serum, I am using the Skindeva Matrixyl Synthe ‘6 Serum with Hyaluronic Acid which helps in deeply hydrating the skin and preventing wrinkles, for day time. And for night time, I am using Skindeva Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Acid serum or the Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop

I follow it up with an eye cream and a moisturizing sunscreen during day time and a night cream + eye cream at night. Currently using Avene SPF 50 High Protection Sunscreen for day, Dr.Sheths Multitasking Miracle Cream for night and Dr.Sheths Date & Quinoa Eye cream.

To sum up, if you are touching 30s or in your 30s you need to definitely add these things in your skin
care routine –

• A cleansing device and a massaging device or both in one, like in Foreo LUNA 2
• Serum, preferably Hyaluronic Acid based one for day and Vitamin C based one for night
• Mild Exfoliating Toner, alternate days
• Eye Cream
• Rich Night Cream

Apart from these regular for all ages..

• Sunscreen
• Face Mask, once a week

Are you in your 30s and doing something specific for your skin? Have you tried any of these products? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below or ask any queries/doubts about any of these products or skin care in general.

Konjac Sponge Company Angel Cloth Bamboo Charcoal Review

Reviews, Skin care, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Konjac Sponge Company Angel Cloth Bamboo Charcoal Review

Hi guys,

This review was long pending, I had used the Konjac sponge cloth for quite some time and had written this review, it was in my drafts. Finally posting this 🙂 I really like the idea of konjac sponge and cloth, and was glad I could try it.

About the Konjac Sponge Company: The Konjac Sponge Company is the original and leading supplier of premium Konjac Sponges to stores all over the world. You can find us in luxury stores such as Selfridges, Harvey Nichols and Fenwick. Our sponges originate in South Korea and are a staple feature in Korean beauty regimes – the gentle exfoliation and deep cleansing is their secret to silky smooth skin! 100% natural and mineral rich, our Konjac Collection is certified Vegan and Cruelty Free. Not only are they perfect for even the most sensitive skin (including babies); they contain different French clays so you can be sure there is a sponge that will suit your skin type.

As the original Konjac Sponge Company, we take pride in the quality of our products. All of our sponges are handmade and tested for authenticity and purity, unlike mass-produced Chinese copy brands. We only produce sponges free from chemicals, colouring and additives for a nourishing, skin-friendly exfoliation. Always check for our logo to ensure you have the genuine product!

About Konjac: The Konjac Potato or Konnyaku is a perennial plant native to Asia, and can be found growing wild at very high altitudes. A totally natural food source, Konjac is 97% water, rich in mineral goodness and low in calories. Naturally alkaline, Konjac is pH neutral which leaves skin perfectly balanced.

Konjac vegetable fibre is blended with the following clays and powders to target specific complexions:

  • 100% Pure Konjac: All skin types/ normal
  • Charcoal powder: Oily and spot-prone
  • Green French clay: Oily t-zone and combination
  • Red French clay: Dry, damaged and mature (also, eczema & rosacea)
  • Pink French clay: Tired and devitalised
  • Chamomile powder: Soothes angry, irritated skin
  • Green Tea powder: Antioxidant-rich to purify and calm skin

*How to use – Soak in warm water for a few minutes until the dry sponge becomes squishy and soft like jelly. Massage on the skin in a circular motion to reap the full exfoliation and cleansing benefits.

*After use – Gently but thoroughly squeeze out the excess water from your Konjac Sponge and hang by its string in an airy, dry place (eg. Radiator or heated towel rail.) It is important not to leave it in a pool of water or hanging from a tap, as this will cause the sponge to go mouldy or even disintegrate. With correct care, our Konjac Sponges can last from anywhere between 1-3 months.

They have normal konjac sponges and recently they have launched angel cloth which is shaped like an angel but is in cloth form and is kind of like a muslin cloth on the skin. They had the basic white one it which won many awards, and now they have launched the Bamboo Charcoal one in the angel cloth. Bamboo Charcoal making it ideal  for oily and spot prone skin.

About Konjac Angel Cloth:  Our amazing innovative facial cloth. Shaped just like an angel.

But once wet, the angel cloth unfolds to a soft exfoliating cleansing cloth. Perfect for cleansing with both hot and cold cleansing systems or to simply to replace using a muslin or flannel. Also ideal for removing face masks.

The angel cloth is kinder than muslin or flannel which can be too harsh and over exfoliate the skin. Our angel simply exfoliates and leaves the newly formed skin conditioned, fresh and undamaged, so no tightness or dry patches. After use, skin is refined, looks radiant and has benefited from the deep yet gentle kiss of our Konjac angel. The wafer like cloth made of 100% pure konjac fibre should be hydrated under warm water and then gently squeezed out. Simply add a small amount of your favourite cleansing products, to remove your make up. If you are wearing water soluble make up, or no make-up at all, no additional cleansers will be needed. The cloth should then be rinsed out before being hung on a towel rail to dry.

The cloth is delivered in dry form, hydrate in water before use.

The black bamboo and charcoal one is specifically meant for oily and acne prone/spot prone skin. You can use this either with a cleanser or even directly, also if you use a cleanser, you need very little amount with this. I have tried it both ways.

Dry
Wet

It is not at all harsh like other facial brushes or exfoliators, it feels just like a cloth and exfoliates very, very gently. You would not notice a major difference or it doing anything on your skin initially. It takes about 7 to 10 days of regular usage and you start noticing a difference. Initially you might even break out, just as I had explained in the cleansing brush video HERE, since all the dirt comes out from the pores on the upper layer, one tends to break out when skin starts clearing up!

It is a little expensive but you can use it everyday for about 3 months if maintained well and the results are astonishing! You are not using any external product or applying anything on your skin and yet just by cleansing with a cloth, you see difference in your skin! It is 100% natural and recyclable and does not have any chemicals or does not harm the skin in any way.

You have to use it regularly though to see visible results, but I am sure you will when you see the noticeable results. If you have oily, acne prone/spot prone skin and it starts clearing up completely, you will absolutely love using this every single day!

I love it and highly recommend it!

Have you tried Konjac sponge or cloth before?

4 DIY Powders For All your Skin Care Needs

DIY, Skin care, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

4 DIY Powders For All your Skin Care Needs

By Aakriti

Hey Guys,

With all the focus on natural skin care now-a- days, natural skin care brands are cropping up everywhere. Everything from natural powdered face washes to body scrubs is being presented in fancy little jars. Our grandmas are not the only ones promoting these now!

Although these brands do feature promising deals, they do come with a hefty price tag. What if you could make the same concoctions in the comfort of your home without the ugly hole in your precious pair of denims? I am here sharing 4 do-it- yourself miracle powders which you can add to your multani mittis (fullers earth) and besan (bengal gram) and be assured of the purity of it.

I say it’ll do half the good to your skin just because of the psychology (in that being it is 100% pure without any preservatives and additives)

So here we go.

DIY Neem Powder

Grab a handful of neem leaves from a tree near you (they are easy to find, practically planted all over India). Or, if you’d rather not , than you can buy neem leaves easily. Wash them thoroughly with water and pat dry with a kitchen towel. Lay them out in a single file out in the sun for 1-2 days. They will crisp up (meaning all moisture will be soaked out). Now all you need to do is powder them in a food blender and store in an airtight jar.

This one wont get spoiled for years and years (provided you had been patient enough to let the sun do its magic)

Recipe for neem powder face mask:

You will need- 1 tsp besan (powdered bengal gram), 1 tsp neem powder, 1 tsp multani mitti (fuller’s earth) , a pinch of turmeric , 1 tbsp milk, a few drops of rose water

Mix all ingredients thoroughly for a glowing face mask

2. DIY Orange Peel Powder

Eat 3 oranges to get your dose of Vitamin C. Save the peel 😀 Lay them out in the sun to crisp up and shrink ( for all the moisture to be soaked out). Powder them in a food blender and store in an airtight jar.

This too will not get spoiled for years and years. (provided you had been patient enough to let the sun do its magic)

Recipe for orange peel face mask:

You will need- 1 tsp orange peel powder, 1 tsp neem powder, 1 tsp besan/ multani mitti, 1 tbsp
milk, a few drops of rose water

Mix all ingredients together for a weekend face mask.

3. DIY Cinnamon Powder

You will need : 4-5 cinnamon sticks, 1 pan

Warm up the pan on a medium flame. Toss in the cinnamon stick and roast them for one to two minutes. Remove pan from heat and let the cinnamon sticks cool down completely. Once cooled completely, powder them in a food blender. Store in an airtight container.

Recipe for cinnamon powder spot treatment

You will need- 1 small pinch cinnamon powder and 1-2 drops honey.

Simply mix the honey and the cinnamon and apply overnight on any upcoming pimples.

4. DIY Oats Powder

You will need a cup of quick cooking oats (I use Quakers quick cooking oats). Roughly blend the oats in a food processor and store in an airtight container.

Recipe for a skin softening and nourishing body soak/ foot soak :

Add a cup of oats to your warm your bath for a body soak. Add a couple of drops of an essential oil. For a foot soak, add 3 tablespoons to warm water and soak feet for 15 minutes. Powdered oats can also be used to replace your face wash. Simply use a tablespoon of powdered oats and work them in a circular motion on your face. Helps to keep skin clear of acne.

Hope you guys find some useful tips and use these homemade powders to create your own luxurious concoctions.

P.S: I do not own the images

5 ways to use Onions for Skin and Hair

DIY, Hair Care, Skin care, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

5 ways to use Onions for Skin and Hair

By Aakriti

Hey Guys,

As odd as it may sound, onions are very beneficial for skin and hair treatments. These sweetly pungent dumplings are extremely effective for treating various skin and hair conditions if used in the right manner.

Onions are a rich source of vitamins A, C and E; sulphur and B-complex, thereby helping to improve blood circulation which in turn helps in rejuvenating a dull complexion and protects the skin from free radicals. Onions also contain a plant pigment known as quercetin which is known to be one of the most powerful antioxidants found in nature. Quercetin helps to fight free radicals which in turns protects our bodies from diseases. Onions also help fight acne since they are antiseptic and contain anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. Onion juice helps in unclogging blocked pores which can help treat various skin and scalp conditions.

The best part about using onions for your beauty care is that they are a kitchen staple in most households and are easily available. They are also most likely to be organically grown unlike most other vegetables.

Below mentioned are some of the ways in which you can incorporate these pungent little beauties for your skin and hair care needs –

1. Acne Face Mask -Onion Juice + Neem Oil + Tomato Juice

Make a blend of 1 teaspoon onion juice with 1 teaspoon tomato juice and 2-3 drops of neem oil. Cleanse skin with a mild cleanser and apply this concoction directly all over the affected areas. Regular application will help to reduce inflammation as well as reduce acne scarring. Onion juice helps to kill the germs in the pimples thereby treating acne.

Also read: Benefits of Onion Juice for Hair

2. Anti-hairfall Hair root treatment- Onion juice + coconut oil or olive oil

Add 2-3 tablespoons of onion juice to 1/4th cup coconut oil or olive oil. Apply this in circular motion all over the scalp avoiding the length of the hair. Keep this mixture for 20 minutes before rinsing off with your regular shampoo followed by conditioner. This pack helps to strengthen hair follicles and stimulate healthy hair growth. Onion juice also helps to reduce and treat dandruff and promotes hair growth since it revives the hair follicles.

3. Face pack for rejuvenating dull skin- Onion juice + gram flour + milk + rose water

Mix 1 teaspoon of onion juice with 2 teaspoon of besan (gram flour). Add enough milk to make a thick paste. Optionally, you can add a few drops of rose water. Apply this pack all over the face and neck. Relax and lay back for 15- 20 minutes before rinsing away the pack with cold water. This mask works as an excellent homemade and natural skin exfoliator, thereby helping to rejuvenate dull skin.

4. Lip pack- Onion Juice + vitamin E oil

Mix a drops of freshly squeezed onion juice with a few drops of vitamin E oil. Apply this mixture on the lips and let it sit for 10 minutes. Regular application of this pack will make the lips soft and pink.

5. To treat insect stings and bites

Insect stings and bites can be very painful. Onions are very effective in treating insect bites and bug stings. In case of such an event, simply slice an onion and apply it on the affected area. This will reduce the inflammation, sting, pain swelling and itchiness caused due to insect bites or bug stings and calm the affected area.

TIP- To make onion juice, grind or mash one onion. Take this onion pulp and strain it through a tight wire
mesh to obtain onion juice.

SpectraBan Sunscreen [STIEFEL] for Sensitive Skin SPF 30 Review

Reviews, Skin care, Sunscreens, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

SpectraBan Sunscreen [STIEFEL] for Sensitive Skin SPF 30 Review

By Linda

Hello Ladies,

Today I’m presenting an essential product that has become a necessity, in fact a must in my CTM routine. The product I’m talking about is a sunscreen cream known as SpectraBan Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin SPF 30 [a product by STIEFEL]. Let me brief you up as to how I got to know about this product. My skin is supersensitive and often I suffer from eczema (a skin condition) during fluctuating weathers. I live in the middle-east, where the weathers conditions are from extreme summers and to chilly winter. During summers, even after sunset the temperatures are up to 39 -41 degrees. I did not realize that such weather conditions would affect me skin. My dermatologist suggested using this sunscreen along with other body lotions and hydrocortisone creams. He also insisted me to use this cream throughout the day. Believe me I had excellent results from this product. It was a complete life saver for me. Let’s get into the details of this product.

Product Claims:

• Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin ANTI-UVA & UVB – SPF 30, PA++
• Broad spectrum UV protection
• Double moisturizing factors
• Non-comedogenic
• Hypoallergenic
• Water resistant

Ingredients:

Packaging and Texture

This product is dispensed in a plastic tube packaging. Travel friendly size. Various sizes are available. The product is fragrance free. Spreads smoothly over the skin on application and absorbed into the skin in seconds. The texture is not thick enough like other creams and not too runny like lotions.

Cost: 260 /-INR for 30gms

My take on SpectraBan Sunscreen [STIEFEL] for Sensitive Skin SPF 30:

I always begin with moisturizing my skin well, wait for few seconds for the moisturizer to seep in and then the dot my face,neck and other exposed areas with this sunscreen and gently massage it. I noticed it did not grease my skin at all and did not form a white cast over my skin that normally tends to happen with other sunscreen creams. My dermatologist instructed to go outdoors 20 minutes after application of sunscreen.

Also Read: 10 Best Sunscreens for Different Skin Types in India, Prices, Buy Online

The cream is so soft and smooth over the skin that most of the time that I skip the step of a moisturizer. I have also applied this sunscreen while I go for swimming, believe me I had no tan at all, maybe it really worked for my skin. I have also used this sunscreen below foundation and this did not grease for atleast good 2-3 hours outdoors, in spite of layering several products. But later it does turn out to be greasy depending on the quality of your foundation.
So this was my experience with this product, I hope you all try it and let me know how it worked for you all.

Pros:

  • Budget friendly
  • Water resistant (can be used while swimming)
  • Can be used on sensitive skin
  • Fragrance free
  • No skin irritations
  • Travel friendly
  • Available in various sizes

Cons:

  • Can’t find of any

Rating: 5/5

Would I recommend SpectraBan Sunscreen [STIEFEL] for Sensitive Skin SPF 30 ? Definitely Yes!!! For super sensitive skin it is a good product.

Editor’s Note: Wow, this sounds amazing Linda. Especially for swimmers, and so affordable. I will surely check this out.

Have you tried SpectraBan Sunscreen?

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