AROMATHERAPY FACIALS

AROMATHERAPY FACIALS -

The essential oils in an aromatherapy facial works wonder for skin. Understand aromatherapy better and make your own facial masks at home. Have you ever thought about how different smells have different effects on our mind? Passing by the cluttered drains or garbage dumps makes you feel sick. Remember as a child how much we loved the activity of plucking the flowers and smelling them for hours. The smell of moist earth when the first shower of rain pours tells us that rains have arrived. A person wearing the same perfume as your first crush used to brings back sweet and sour memories. It is so true that aromas have a deep effect on our minds. What is aromatherapy? Aromatherapy is basically a healing process which enhances psychological and physical wellness with the use of aromatic essential oils. The first use of aromatherapy was recorded back more than 3,500 years. At that time aromatic medicines were used to cure illnesses. This ancient therapy has the power to heal without any side-effects. Aromatherapy is being adopted by many people who are environment friendly. It is one of the best therapies of all natural therapies. Aromatherapy involves studying the entire medical history of a person before suggesting a treatment. Aromatherapy is also beneficial to children. Aromatherapy facials Massages, baths and steam inhalations are the common methods of taking the aromatherapy treatment. Facials help you to gain a clear complexion and glowing skin. Facials are a process that involves deep cleansing, toning and moisturizing. In an aromatherapy facial essential oils are used to carry out a facial. It is advisable to use only pure plant oils for aromatherapy facials. There are different facials techniques to be followed for different skin types. Skin types are broadly divided into oily skin, dry skin, normal skin and sensitive skin. Essential oils used in aromatherapy facials Aromatherapy is an art. Aroma oils are highly concentrated. Therefore, it is important to use essential oils in a proper combination while making use of this therapy. Skin absorbs the aroma molecules in these essential oils making you feel better from within. The facial hydrates skin and removes toxins. A small amount of essential oils can do wonders. Aromatherapy is used to cure simple as well as acute or chronic diseases. The essential oils when breathed deeply enter the lungs and then travel through bloodstream. They slowly spread throughout the body and start showing their healing benefits. Essential oils and their benefits Different oils have different healing purposes. Aromas affect our feelings, moods and emotions. Few essential oils such as Lemon, Jasmine, Rose, Lime, Sandalwood, Lavender, Geranium, Chamomile and Neroli are considered beneficial for skin. These oils are used to make aromatherapy facial mask. Essential oils which are used in aromatherapy facials are full of goodness. A pinch of aromatic oil in your facial mask purifies and softens skin, reduces depression, heals skin burns, restores moisture and detoxifies the skin, acts as a skin rejuvenator and uplifts mood. Aromatherapy facial at home It is not a compulsion to visit beauty parlors or salons for expensive aromatherapy facials done. You may purchase products such as moisturisers, cleansers and toners from market that have essential oils already added in them or you can make use of natural bases such as fuller's earth, gram flour, milk powder and honey to make your facial mask. You just need to add drops of essential oils in these bases according to your needs. Following are some combinations to make your own facial mask as per your skin type. Make a paste of 1 tsp milk, sandalwood powder and almond powder and apply all over the face and neck. Add two drops of chamomile oil. Massage gently and then wipe out using a cotton pad. This mask will make dull skin glow, calm your senses and give relief from stress. Make a paste using almond powder, 1/2 tsp honey and 1-drop rose oil. Apply it on the face and leave it to dry. Finally wipe it off with wet towel. Rose oil has antibacterial properties and this mask is right for the normal skin type. It makes skin glow. Take any good quality non -perfumed moisturising cream. Add 1 drop Rose oil and 1 drop lavender oil. Apply gently on skin. Add 4 drops lavender oil, 4 drops rose oil and 2 drops geranium oil to your facial mask to rejuvenate your dry skin. Add 2 teaspoons natural yogurt, 2 drops lemon oil and 2 drops cypress oil to your facial mask to treat normal or oily skin. Eye compress Aromatherapy facial also has a concept of an eye compress solution. Watching television or working long hours in front of a computer strain the eyes. You can de-stress eye strain with an aromatic eye compress. Here’s how to make your own eye compress solution. Put one drop of Chamomile essential oil into one liter of cold water. Soak two cotton pads in the solution Put these cotton pads on your eyes after applying facial masks Remove eye pads after a while and wash off the mask Aromatherapy facials are popular as they are natural and safe. There are almost no chances of developing allergies if the right directions are followed while using essential oils. Make your own collection of essential oils to enjoy aroma facial at home. Let your senses enjoy the aromas and you will see the results on your mind, body and soul. Have you ever tried aromatherapy facial? If NO then will you give it a try? Have you found it beneficial? To share your experiences, views, and tips, click here.

FIGHTING AND LIVING WITH ACNE -

FIGHTING AND LIVING WITH ACNE -

Acne not only affects skin adversely but also dents self-confidence. Read on if you want to be confident while you get treated for acne. Swati had been suffering with an acne problem for months. Try as much her pimples would never go away completely. Especially on special days a new one would pop up in a place where it would be most visible. She received rude remarks and free tips wherever she went. She could not bear it anymore because it was more difficult fighting rude remarks than fighting her pimples. Finally she turned to a dermatologist for help and got rid of her acne. Till the time Swati was fighting her acne problem life was hell for her. If she had a little help on her side her journey to flawless skin would not be as painful. You have been fighting acne and everyday seems like a mountain. You do not feel like moving out of your house. Your dressing table is full of different acne solutions that you have tried. You are forever trying some or the other treatment in the hopes that something might just work. You prefer to remain indoors and are scared of attending any social events. You might even be worried if people think you are ugly. You keep craving for the radiant skin models and actresses who keep flaunting their skin in ads. Sometimes you feel like giving it all up and just let the situation be. Do you think your Acne is a menace? Your daily fight with acne simply drives you crazy. You are looking out for a solution everywhere and acne does not want to leave you. At such times you need to be very patient. Never pick and pop zits, this can spread infection and add to the problem. Acne takes time to heal and you must be kind to yourself till your acne gets cured. You must remember that there are other skin diseases that are far more difficult to combat. Skin problems like Psoriasis and Rosacea take time to heal and people suffering with them would find living with acne much easier. So think about it and seek medical help if your acne is difficult to deal with. Is Acne affecting your Self-Confidence? In a world where a lot of importance is laid on looks, a person with acne may find it difficult to cope with the social demands. You must never allow others to judge you or allow others to make you feel inferior because you have acne. You are fighting it and with help you will have clear skin. Never let your self confidence get affected because of a bunch of pimples on your face. Difficult it may and sound be, you are as unique as anyone else in the world. It is just a matter of a treatment and with care you can say bye-bye to pimples. Never get stressed with Acne Do not allow acne to stress you since it only adds to the stress that gives rise to pimples. The first rule for beautiful skin is rest and relaxation. Stressed skin ages faster and develops wrinkles earlier. Be happy for what you are and sometimes try taking your mind off pimples. Healthy skin Rules Being healthy is the first step towards being beautiful. If you are fighting acne you must learn to love your skin in and out. Have enough water, sleep well and eat healthy. These three things are very simple but if followed religiously, they can make a big difference to skin quality. Use products that are for acne prone skin. But avoid something that is too harsh. Always keep skin clean by washing your face with an anti-acne soap or face wash. Tone skin and keep it hydrated. If your pimple problem still persists then it is time you consulted a dermatologist. Consult a Dermatologist Consulting a dermatologist is the best thing to do for any kind of skin problems. Instead of spending on expensive cosmetic acne solutions, take medical help. The earlier you consult a dermatologist, the better. Taking help on the onset of acne can reduce the chances of it spreading all over. Find out a good MD and follow the treatment to a 'T'. It will surely lessen down the recurrence of pimples. Your pimple might not even return if you keep following the healthy skin rules. Tips to live with your Acne Acne is best treated with dermatological help. But till the time you take the journey from pimple prone skin to flawless radiant skin, read our tips to learn to live with your acne. Guard your self confidence to keep going through pimply times. Avoid being upset about acne Speak promptly to people who embarrass you Avoid judging people on their skin value. People with good skin may have other problems that you might never experience in your whole life. Read a book or listen to music if you are feeling blue Remove make-up before going to bed Wash your glasses often, if you wear any. Change your pillow cover every alternate day Avoid picking and popping pimples Use make-up to cover pimples and blemishes. Actors, celebrities, and many others use this technique Avoid exchanging cosmetics, towels and napkins Follow your dermatologist's advice Stay away from stress Avoid comparing yourself to others Avoid self-medication Take rude remarks in your stride. Even the most gorgeous looking people receive the rudest comments Be patient Live acne free Acne can affect your confidence and potential of achievement. If you are suffering with acne, fight it to overcome it. Always take help from a doctor. Medical help is the best if you are seeking relief from acne. Every acne problem is different and the same solutions do not apply to all. This makes medical support very important. Self-medication can be dangerous. A doctor identifies your skin type, lifestyle and the kind of acne and prescribes treatment accordingly. While you are on your way to live acne free, the biggest support you need is from yourself. Do not hide your acne behind strands of hair. Feel proud to be who you are. Do not miss out on life because your cheeks have bumps that are blocking your self-esteem. Show the world that a bunch of acne cannot stop you from living the life you want. Are you suffering with acne? Have you ever received any rude remarks from anyone due to your acne problem? Are you considering taking any medical help? To share your experiences, views, and tips, click here.

BEAUTY PRODUCT CHEMICALS THAT HARM - 2 -

BEAUTY PRODUCT CHEMICALS THAT HARM - 2 -

In our continuing article on chemicals in beauty products, here are some more ingredients for which you should look out. How do you know if that new shampoo is really as miraculous as it appears? Can it actually be that good or is there a hidden catch? The truth is that most of these products are full of harmful chemicals that may damage your skin irreparably. Read on to find out what chemicals should set off a warning bell when you see them listed as ingredients. Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) This compound may sometimes also be referred to as sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). This is a carbon compound that also has elements like sulphur and sodium in it. It is a surfactant i.e. it encourages the production of foam when mixed with water. It is a major ingredient in detergents and floor cleaners. Due to its foaming properties, SLS is included in products like toothpaste, soap, shampoo, bubble baths, etc. Since it is a detergent, SLS removes the natural oils from your skin. This leaves your skin dry and irritated, making you prone to skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, and acne. If you use a soap containing SLS and some of the foam accidentally gets into your eyes, it could lead to inflammation. The real danger though is that SLS can combine with other substances in beauty products and form potentially carcinogenic compounds. This could, in the long run, lead to cancer. Also, SLS may be sometimes contaminated by a substance called 1,4-dioxane that has been classified as a probable carcinogen. These statements have been highly contested by soap manufacturers however, who term these concerns as baseless. Formaldehyde Also called formalin, this chemical is more famous for its use as a preservative. It is used in laboratories and museums to preserve animal specimens. It is also used in morgues, as a constituent of embalming fluid. It is generally produced when carbon compounds are burnt as fuel. It is also a part of the smoke generated during forest fires, exhaust from automobiles, burning of tobacco, etc. Miniscule amounts of this compound are even produced in the human body, as a result of the various metabolic processes taking place. The burning sensation you experience if you are bitten by an ant is due to the formaldehyde in their saliva. Formaldehyde is often used as an ingredient in shampoos, nail polish, and some creams. It is acidic and is the chief cause of the irritation you may experience when you use these products. In some cases, coming into contact with this substance can trigger an allergic reaction. Studies have also been carried out linking formaldehyde to increased risk of asthma and cancer. Alcohol Alcohol can be chemically obtained from a variety of substances, most notably petroleum. Different varieties of alcohol are available for many purposes. Generally, isopropyl alcohol is used in most beauty products. These include perfumes, hair gels and sprays, body lotions, cologne, after-shave lotions, and hair colouring products. Alcohol dehydrates that area of your skin where it is applied or sprayed. Also, alcohol is toxic in nature. If inhaled in large amounts, constantly applied to the skin, or accidentally ingested, it can cause what is known as alcohol poisoning. This is a serious condition that manifests itself through a variety of symptoms. Symptoms include nausea, dizziness, headaches, reduced functionality of the central nervous system, coma, etc. In extreme cases, it can be fatal. Talc Talc is a mineral that is primarily composed of magnesium silicate. It is most commonly known as talcum powder. Talc is a constituent of powder foundations, blushes, baby powder, etc. If inhaled, talc causes irritation in the delicate tissue that lines your lungs. Researchers have also linked talc to cancers of the lungs, skin, and ovaries. Talc is also sometimes contaminated with asbestos particles, which is a known carcinogen. Make it a point to know what the products you use could do to your body. Something that claims to be natural need not always be a safer option. After all, it is your body at stake. How do you choose beauty products for yourself? Are you tempted by advertisements or do you check to see if they contain harmful ingredients? To share your tips, views, and experiences, click here.

RISKS OF TATTOOING -

RISKS OF TATTOOING -

Tattoos are multi-purpose. They can pep up your personality and provide permanent make-up. However, are they safe? Read on to find out. A tattoo is an image created on the skin by inserting pigment. Tattoos have been around for long, from Japanese and Polynesian tribes to modernists worldwide today. Tattoos can also be used to camouflage medical conditions or skin diseases like vitiligo and loss of eyebrows due to alopecia. Granted, having a dragon sweep across your belly or a talisman inscribed on your arm may enhance your exotic allure. Nevertheless, have you considered the complications that may arise from tattooing? Not Really Risky Most of the horror stories heard about tattoos arise when you visit a parlour that does not follow the prescribed rules. In a sterile environment, with infection-control procedures, there is very little chance of your tattoo going awry. You may wonder about the exact chances. In 2006, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported only 150 cases of 'adverse reactions' in the United States. When you consider that one in every four Americans aged 18 to 50 sports a tattoo, this statistic is quite heartening. If you planning to go in for a tattoo, choose a good parlour that has sufficient references. The tattoos that pose the highest hazards are the do-it-yourself ones. These are created using a pin and some India ink. Skin Infections Why do tattoos have so much potential to harm the skin? The answer lies in the very process of tattooing. Tattoos are imprinted using a tattoo gun, which operates like a sewing machine. There are many needles in this gun. Each needle pierces the epidermis, the first layer of the skin, to plant ink on the dermis, a more stable layer beneath. This means that it effectively breaches the skin's primary defence, which can lead to some problems. When the body encounters material that it considers foreign, such as tattoo pigment, painful nodules known as granulomas, which are inflammatory tumours, may form around the foreign particles. Another danger is keloids, red, raised formations of fibrous scar tissue. If you are prone to developing keloids, a tattoo may trigger them. These scars can injure or traumatise your skin. If the tattooing equipment is contaminated (which generally will not be the case in good centres), you are at risk of infections from staph bacteria or diseases like hepatitis C, hepatitis B, tetanus, TB, and HIV. However, no cases of HIV contraction from a tattoo needle have been reported in the United States so far. According to Dr. Anne Laumann, associate professor of dermatology at Northwestern University, tattoos do not seem to cause skin cancer so far. However, if a melanoma is located under a tattoo, it can make diagnosis difficult. Allergies Having an allergic reaction during the process of tattooing will not be the fault of the clinic or the equipment. It is just that some people are allergic to certain pigments. Allergies to red dyes are the most common. They can be painful and last for long periods. There have been mysterious cases of people developing allergies to tattoos they have had for long. Allergies can occur when illegal pigments such as printer's ink and automobile paint are used. This is however not likely in a professional parlour. Tattoo Tingles This is not actually a risk but it can cause you some discomfiture. Iron is often a constituent in black ink. During Magnetic Resonance Imaging test, the iron is magnetised. You may feel a strange but quite harmless tingling sensation under the skin due to this. In rare cases, it may cause swellings and burns. The FDA has also received reports of cases where the tattoo affected the quality of the scan image. This is possible with tattooed eyebrows or mascara. Nothing Endures But Change The brightness of tattoos can fade with time. If the tattoo artist inserts too much ink, you may end up with a blurred image. Cosmetic surgery and tattoos are not generally a good combination. Styles change with time and your tattoo may not compliment your skin tones or contours. Killjoys that are more serious include stretch marks, pregnancy, gravity, which may dimple the skin, and aging, all of which can make your tattoo less than attractive. Thankfully, there has been lot of advances in methods of tattoo removal, the main being laser treatments. Consult your healthcare provider about the best techniques for you. Unknown Devil 'A known devil is better than an unknown one.' New varieties of tattoos that have gained popularity are the UV or black light tattoos. The tattoos are made with inks that are only visible under a black light after healing. However, very little is known about their side effects. There are concerns as it employs radiant energy. The Alternative Temporary tattoos stave off many of the risks. They are not real tattoos. A closer comparison would be to body stickers. They are applied to the skin using a moistened wad of cotton. Temporary tattoos are waterproof but they can be removed using oil-based creams. They generally last only for a few days. Other types of temporary tattoos are henna and stains of silver nitrate. Both kinds fade in about two weeks. Do you have a tattoo? Do you plan to opt for one? What image would you choose? Do you think tattoos are risky? Do your children sport any? To share your views and experiences with us, click here.

SUNSCREEN SAGA - by Editor

Everyone advises you to wear sunscreen in the summers. Others tell you to wear it throughout the year. However, is it enough to just wear sunscreen? Find out the actual essentials of sunscreen use. What is it? A sunscreen is a formulation that protects the skin from the damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. Always applied on the skin, it mainly protects those parts of your body that are exposed to the sun. Skin damage The first visible effect that the sun has on your skin is a deep browning called tanning. Sunburns progress naturally from tanning and are quite common in people with fair or sensitive skin. Long, unprotected hours in the sun have been found to cause premature wrinkles, allergic reactions and other skin problems, even skin cancer. And this damage happens all year through. Therefore, protection is required every time you go out. Types of sunscreen Two types of sunscreen lotions are available in the market. One type seeps into the outermost layer of your skin and absorbs harmful UV rays. The other coats the skin surface to physically block the UV rays from damaging the skin. What is SPF? The effectiveness of all sunscreens is rated on the sun-protection factor (SPF). The SPF tells you the extent of protection against UVB (ultraviolet B) rays the product is designed to provide. It is the ratio of the time required for sunlight to burn your sunscreen-wearing skin to the time it would take for unprotected skin. Hence, if your unprotected skin would begin to burn in ten minutes, using a product marked as SPF20 you can safely stay in the sun 15 times longer before it is tanned. Remember that the SPF rating on a sunscreen indicates protection only against UVB rays. There are other types of UV rays that you need protection from and research on this is in progress. So advanced products that shield you from all types of UV rays may be available soon. In the meanwhile, broad-spectrum (coverage from UV rays than UVB) sunscreen may also be a good choice. Choice Today sunscreen lotion makers cater to highly specific populations. Hence, do not be surprised to find different products for the office-going crowd, the beach-combers and swimmers, athletes and, even for, children. These products usually hold good to their claims. Sunscreens for children take special care of the very sensitive nature of their outer skin, while products for athletes are usually sweat-proof. Users can now choose between different products based on the added scent or extracts of natural ingredients found in them. Sunscreens with the goodness of aloe vera, vitamin E, or the scent of mint are quite popular. Use To get the best out of your sunscreen, like most other formulations, you have to use it correctly. Most importantly, you have to wear it in adequate amounts and be sure it remains on you. The SPF value range that works adequately for most skin types is 15-25. Ingredients in sunscreens require a while to be absorbed by your skin, and then protect it effectively from the sun. Hence, it is best to apply your sunscreen half an hour before you want to venture outdoors. Do not be stingy in the application of the product. Only adequate amounts of the lotion can shield you, so use it as per the package instructions. A thumb rule suggests that application of about two tablespoons sunscreen lotion is enough for an average adult to protect his face and exposed parts of his arms. Also, it is advisable to combine the use of sunscreen with the kind of clothes you wear. For example, if you wear fabrics with very loosely woven fibres, like kota, you may need to go in for a higher SPF sunscreen, since these clothes may not shield the skin adequately. In humid or tropical climates, or while playing sports, especially water sports and swimming, sweat and water may wash off the sunscreen from your skin. Re-application of the lotion then becomes very important. All sunscreens are effective only for a few hours. Always re-apply the sunscreen after it has completed its service cycle. If you wear a moisturiser with your sunscreen, it may be best to wear the sunscreen before you apply the moisturiser. Alternatively, you may want to pick a product that combines qualities of both the products. How do you take care of your skin when in the sun? Do you apply sunscreen only on your face and hands or all over? Are there any home remedies or nani ke nuske that you would like to share with us? To share your experiences, views and tips with us.

THE NOSE JOB -

THE NOSE JOB -

On a hunt for the perfect nose? If you have been toying with the idea of going in for a nose job, here�s what you should know. Your nose sits pretty (or not so pretty) at the centre of your face, and one that is too large, bumpy or bulbous can take away from otherwise attractive features. Here�s how you can tell if you are a good candidate for a rhinoplasty - or a nose job. Do you really need a nose job? Firstly, understand that you are by no means the best person to answer this question. Not only have you seen your reflection in the mirror millions of times, but you have also mentally magnified every imperfection in your face and body. That bump on the nose that seems so glaring to you may be invisible to most others, including your closest friends. So take a few honest opinions before committing yourself to surgery and remember, what you consider as ugly often passes unnoticed by others. After all, those minor imperfections in your nose could be your sex appeal! If you have been upset about your nose for many years, if it makes you self-conscious and affects your confidence, you could perhaps consider going in for a nose job. Are you in good health? Needless to say, persons with certain health problems may not be able to withstand the demands surgery places on their bodies. You need to be fairly fit and healthy before going in for surgery. Are you psychologically stable? A nose job can have emotional ramifications. Results from the surgery will not be immediate. You will have swelling, and may develop blotches on the face. This swelling will go down after a few weeks. Thus, you will definitely come out looking worse for wear in the weeks following the surgery. It can take anywhere from a month to two for you to fully recover and enjoy your new nose! A person who is not mentally strong may go into depression when their reflection in the mirror day after day seems to only get worse. Do you have realistic expectations? Often, a person undergoes a nose job after years of debating whether or not he should have one. As such, his expectations tend to be extremely high. Remember, your life is not going to change after you get a nose job. In fact, chances are, people may not even realise you have had plastic surgery! Add this to the fact that recovery time is slow, painful and uncomfortable, and you have a huge chance of being disappointed and depressed after the surgery. Will the benefits outweigh the risks in your case? Surgery is not a matter to be taken lightly. Risks associated with rhinoplasty are very few, but make sure the benefits outweigh these risks. You are likely to develop redness on your face, and at times, although not often, these red spots can be permanent. However, they can easily be concealed with makeup. A lot of people swear that they prefer a little redness to an ugly nose. Others report increase in allergies, nosebleeds and side effects to the anaesthesia.

OILY SKIN -

OILY SKIN -

Is your skin oily If so, here's what you can do to combat two of the most common problems that accompany oily skin: pimples, and shine. If you have oily skin, we have some good news and some bad news for you. First, the bad news. People with oily skin have more of a tendency to develop pimples, blackheads and whiteheads, as you probably already know. In addition, your face starts shining due to the oil, making it look dull and dirty. Now for the good news. The excessive oil keeps your skin more elastic, so you will develop wrinkles at a later age than your friends with dry skin will. This is a basic guide to what you can do to combat two of the most common problems that accompany oily skin. Pimples One of the most common causes for the formation of pimples is blocked pores. People with oily skin are more likely to have blocked pores, and so, are more likely to have pimples. Your best bet in this case would be simply to wash your face often, with a face wash for oily skin. Clean and Clear by Johnson and Johnson is fairly effective in this regard. How often you should wash your face differs from person to person. A good rule of thumb would be to wash it with a face wash at least 2 times a day once in the morning, and once at night, before turning in. If you are in an air-conditioned cabin the entire day, then you need not wash your face more than required, and stick to the once in the morning and once at night rule. If you exercise, whether your face is oily or not, wash your face also as soon as you are done with your workout. Wash it at the gym itself, and don't wait until you get home, because the perspiration will dry on your face, causing pimples. Similarly, if you travel by public transport and are exposed to a lot of dirt, pollution and warm, humid air, try and wash your face during mid-day as well, bringing it to a total of 3 to 4 times a day. Remember though, if you wash your face more than three times a day, use a gentler face wash like Dove, or wash it just with water. Shine How should you get rid of the shine that accompanies an oily face. The best thing would be to splash water on your face as soon as it starts looking oily, and wipe it gently with a towel or tissue. You could also wash your face with a gentle face wash when it starts looking oily, but, once again, don't use a face wash more than 4 times a day, as this may cause your skin to produce more oil. However, washing your face during the day may not be very convenient, since you may not have ready access to a washroom. Or, you may have applied make up, and would not want go through the procedure of re-applying all the make-up after washing your face. In this case, consider simply wiping your face with an absorbent face tissue. Carry tissue with you in your bag at all times it always comes in handy. If you are satisfied with the lack of shine after wiping your face with tissue, great! If not, then consider carrying a compact powder case with you. Dab on the compact powder lightly, making sure it blends well. The compact powder should not be visible as your face will then look caked, and you will look older, and may even look a little haggard. Your compact powder may cause pimples too at times, so if you find your pimples increasing after applying compact, stop using your current brand, and try another brand after a few weeks. To avoid any problems with compact powder usage, the best thing to do would be to remove the compact powder as soon as you get home with the help of a face wash or a cleanser. Also, never apply old compact powder on your face. Use oil-free cosmetics as far as possible. Also, apply an oil-free moisturizer even if you have oily skin, as long as your skin is problem free. Although many beauticians feel that moisturizer is a must at all times, I would recommend that you lay off the moisturizer if you have pimples, until your face is clear.

SINGLE LASER SESSION

SINGLE LASER SESSION

If you have a lot of hair on your face, concealing it is not very easy. Laser therapy is effective, and need not be expensive. For many women, hair removal is a big issue. Some have excessive hair on their arms and legs. Others want to know how they can get rid of hair on their stomachs, while still others have dark underarms, often caused by shaving their armpits. However, none of these issues generally cause as much concern as a hairy face does. If you have a lot of hair on your face, concealing this hair is not easy. Some bleach their faces, but the hair is still visible. And for women with dark skin, bleaching may not seem to be the ideal solution because the light hair is clearly visible against a darker skin tone. They then try threading, waxing, hair removal creams or home remedies. Now more and more women are turning to laser treatments, but there is one constraint that prevents it from being very popular � the cost. Call ahead It may seem surprising, but people often believe that laser therapy is more expensive than it actually is. Different clinics offer different deals, so before coming to any conclusions, call various clinics in your city and ask them their prices. It is however best to opt for a tried and tested clinic. Go somewhere your friends have been to, or a clinic that you have heard about and know to be reputable. Get a patch test Always ask for a patch test. In the patch test, a small patch of hair will be removed from an area on your body. Although the purpose of patch tests is essentially to see how your body reacts to the laser, this is really not an accurate indicator since often the strength of the laser when conducting a patch test is much lower than the strength of the laser used when actually removing hair during the treatment. What you can judge from a patch test though is how much of your hair grows back after one laser session. Consider opting for a single session As you may be aware, a single session is not enough to fully remove all hair. But, you may be surprised to know that many people have found one laser session to be enough to radically reduce hair growth. The thicker and darker your hair, the higher the chances a single session of laser therapy will be effective. If you have a lot of hair on your face, consider going in for a single laser session. First, get a patch test done on that area of your face that has the most hair, like your chin. In this manner, your chin will be getting two laser sessions. (However, they may do just a small section of your chin in a patch test). Find out about package deals Where do you have the most hair on your face? On your sideburns? Do you have a lot of hair on your chin? Or, is your upperlip turning green? If your entire lower face seems to be hairy, consider going in for a single session of a lower-face package. Your hair will not completely go away, but the growth will certainly reduce substantially � which is indeed a blessing for people with a lot of hair on the face. You may then need to continue with other hair removal treatments, for example, you may need to continue threading your upperlip, but no longer will it be green, and no longer will you have to thread it as often. Similarly, you can continue bleaching your side locks, but they will now be almost invisible. Remember, if budget is a constraint, and a single session of laser therapy cuts down even fifty percent of your hair growth, it will be well worth the investment.

PUFFY FACE -

PUFFY FACE -

Does your face tend to look puffy every now and again Here are some possible reasons, and what you can do to get rid of the puffiness. Do you ever wake up in the morning and wonder what happened to your face? It looks bloated and puffy, and you have no idea what went wrong. You just put it down to a bad face day, do whatever makeup you can to look a little better, and continue with your day believing that whatever went wrong will just correct itself eventually. There's nothing you can do about it, right Wrong. First, think about this. Did you exercise today? If not, why not Perhaps because there is no real sense of urgency. If we don't exercise 3 times a week, we don't fall sick on the weekend. But, if our bodies did indeed tell us what we are doing wrong regularly, we would definitely pay more heed. However, what most of us don't realize, is that our bodies do let us know, in various ways, that something we are doing is wrong, but most of us either don't notice, or ignore it until it goes away and we feel the full effects only years later, Our face is an accurate indicator of our health. When our bodies are undergoing hormonal changes, we know because we start developing pimples, or thicker facial hair. When we are very stressed, we start experiencing hairfall. When we smoke too much, our lips go black much before our lungs collapse. Similarly, the effects of unhealthy habits such as an improper diet or lack of exercise are only visible years later. When we start putting on weight, develop high blood pressure, problems with our kidneys or lungs due to excessive smoking or drinking, heart problems, or when we develop any other of the numerous lifestyle related problems, we start getting more conscious about our health and habits. Our faces are thus telling us what we did wrong recently. We drank too much Coke or alcohol, ate too many burgers, or exercised too little. Similarly our faces get puffy when: We are dehydrated. If we haven't had enough water to drink, our bodies tend to absorb whatever water it can, and as a result blood vessels enlarge, leading to a puffy face. To prevent this, make sure you drink a glass of water every night before going to bed. Keep a bottle of water by your bedside table so you never forget to take that last glass of water. If you wake up and see that your face is puffy, reach for some water immediately and drink up. Avoid tea or coffee, since these are diuretics and will flush even more water out of your system. Keep drinking water through the day, and the puffiness, if caused by dehydration, should reduce. Our diet is inadequate. We need to take in some fat, so that our skin stays supple. In addition, if your body lacks in beta-carotene or vitamin C, it will show in your face. One of the best things you can have to instantly nourish you and your skin is watermelon juice. Put a large piece of the fruit, along with the seeds, in a blender, extract the juice and drink up.

FACE MASSAGE -

FACE MASSAGE -

There are numerous benefits to a face massage. If you have easy access to an inexpensive parlour, get a regular facial done. Alternatively, here's how you can give yourself a great face massage at home. Glowing skin Healthy and glowing skin is one of the most important beauty assets. It doesn't matter how light your skin if it looks sallow and pale. You will only look drawn, tired out and sickly. Most of us concentrate on trying to get our complexions pimple-free, or on lightening our skin. However, just a light, pimple-free complexion does not ensure good looks. Enhancing features with make-up does help, but nothing looks as good as healthy, glowing skin. Puffiness Some women have a tendency to develop puffiness on their faces. One of the best ways to counter puffiness is to massage your face regularly. Wrinkles Massage stimulates circulation and brings more oxygen to the face. It also stimulates the production of collagen and tightens the skin. It also delays the onset of wrinkles. In addition, wrinkles on the forehead are often caused due to involuntary tightening of the muscles. Massage relaxes the muscles, and delays the formation of forehead wrinkles. Double chin Do you have a tendency to get a double chin Even some extremely thin people develop double chins. Regular face massage tightens the loose flesh under the chin so it doesn't hang down. Massage Technique You will need face cream, and a bowl of cold water. Remove your top so you can massage your neck as well, without getting cream all over your clothes. Wash your hands and cleanse your face. Sit back on a chair, and apply a generous amount of cream on your face and neck. Massage it gently into your skin. Take some cold water from the bowl, and apply it to your face as well. You could start from the neck. Lift your chin up and massage your neck using upward strokes. Then massage the area just under your skin. Use firm strokes. Start from the center, move your hands under your jaw, outwards to the ear. Do this around 20 times or more, depending on how much time you have, and then using small upward strokes, work the entire under-chin area from side to side. Massage the rest of your face, using upward and outward strokes, and circular motions. Keep reapplying water and cream on your face. Circle your eyes, pressing down on the temples. Similarly, use upward and outward strokes on your forehead. Make a V with two fingers of one hand and put it on your face. Using the index finger of the other hand, massage the skin inside the V area. Move this 'V' all around your face. Use quick, sharp slapping strokes on your cheeks. 'Slap' yourself for at least 2-3 minutes. Remember that your entire massage session should consist of upward and outward strokes. Never massage the skin on your face in a downward direction, because your constant endeavour is to fight gravity. In addition to a face massage, make sure you exercise regularly and drink at least 10 to 12 glasses of water a day. Some people may develop pimples after a massage. If you develop a few pimples, wait until the pimples go, and use another cream the next time. Wash your face with cold water after a massage.

EXFOLIATE YOUR FACE!

EXFOLIATE YOUR FACE!

How often do you exfoliate your skin? Is it enough? How should you exfoliate? Read on for information on exfoliation and a great homemade scrub recipe. The older you grow, the more often you need to exfoliate your skin. As we all know, skin cells die and new cells keep getting regenerated. These dead cells come to rest on the top layer of our skin, making our skin look dull, and, in some cases, patchy. Although dead skin is replaced naturally by new cells, this process takes longer as we age, making our skin look duller and patchier for greater lengths of time. This is why regular exfoliation becomes a must. How often should I exfoliate? In your twenties, exfoliate skin twice a week with a granular face scrub. These are gentle on the skin. In your thirties, exfoliate skin every alternate day, or on a daily basis. You can do this by adding exfoliation to your 3-step routine. So your routine can be cleansing, toning and moisturizing once a day, and cleansing, exfoliating, toning and moisturizing the second time around. You can cut down the process by simply using an exfoliating face wash. Once you enter your forties, you can consider going in for a few microdermabrasion treatments. This treatment entails the use of an abrasive crystal that removes dry, dead tissue and encourages rejuvenation. It is non-surgical, does not require anesthesia, and you can be back at work the same day. Around five to eight treatments should suffice through your forties, and when you reach the age of fifty, go in for a chemical peel. How should I exfoliate? Apply face scrub on wet skin after cleansing, and scrub using gentle, circular motions. Wash off with cool or tepid water. Follow up with toner and moisturizer. Once a week, go in for a deep cleansing treatment. Steam your face and then scrub it well with a face scrub. Apply a mud mask to your face and leave on for ten minutes. The properties of the mask will get well and truly absorbed by the skin. Then, wash off the mask � make sure you use cool or tepid water, never hot water � and follow up with toner and moisturizer. Do this once a week, or once a fortnight, no matter what your age. Will regular exfoliation help get rid of blackheads? Yes, exfoliation helps keep a check on blackheads. If an area is prone to blackheads, pay special attention to the area while exfoliating. For example, if you have blackheads on your nose, and even if you do not exfoliate daily, try scrubbing just your nose with your face scrub daily. Over time the blackheads will vanish. Any homemade recipes? Here�s how you can make your own all-natural exfoliating mask at home. 1 tsp sugar (granulated, not powdered) � tsp honey 1 tsp plain yogurt Mix the ingredients together and apply it to your face. Leave it on for ten minutes, and rinse with water, scrubbing gently. Your face will feel dewy and soft. And finally� Remember that exfoliation dries out skin, so always apply moisturizer after exfoliating. If you apply moisturizer after exfoliation, not only will the dryness vanish, but the moisturizer will also be able to penetrate the skin deeper, since dead cells are not blocking its path. As a result, your daily moisturizer will become doubly effective!

SKIN CARE AT 30

SKIN CARE AT 30

You've probably spent most of your teenage and early twenties trying to get oil off your skin. But now that you've reached your thirties and your skin is fabulous, here's what you can do to ensure it stays the same another thirty years. Hydrate At thirty your face needs moisture and hydration throughout the day. If thick, expensive creams are not for you, here's how you can make your own facial hydrator at home. You will need: Distilled water, available at grocery stores 3-4 drops of rose or chamomile essential oil Mix the above ingredients and pour the mixture into a small spray bottle. Carry this along with you in your bag, and keep spraying your face throughout the day, especially if you will be spending time in an air-conditioned environment. Always shake the bottle before use. Your face will feel refreshed and re-hydrated. If distilled water is not easily available where you live, try and make your own by collecting steam by boiling water and condensing the steam. Ms. Shanta Bhandari, a 62-year-old woman with shiny, supple skin, looks years younger than she is. She swears by the importance of never pulling your skin when cleaning it, or when applying moisturizer or makeup. All through my life, I have never cleaned my face with soap. When I was younger, face washes were not available, so I would apply cold cream to my face and neck as soon as I would wake up in the morning, leave it on while I took a shower, and GENTLY, VERY GENTLY, wipe it off with damp cotton before applying make-up. Her skin, to this day, glows. She was however fortunate to have flawless skin, so the lack of deep cleansing and toning never resulted in pimples. Nourish Masks are undoubtedly excellent for your skin, as they provide much needed nourishment. Think about it. Your face is exposed to the elements throughout the day, and the only form of nourishment it gets is a smattering of moisturizer every now and again. Although we should be applying face masks regularly, how many of us do so Some of us apply facemasks once a month, while others do so no more than 2-3 times a year. Ideally we should apply a nourishing (as opposed to deep cleansing) facemask weekly, even daily if possible. Can you imagine the difference applying a face mask daily will make to your skin ten years down the line You don't need to invest hundreds of rupees to do this. Make your own facemasks by using ingredients from your kitchen shelf. Egg yolk, honey, bananas, day old yogurt� all are excellent for the skin, so just splat on whatever is handy. Don't stick to the same face mask all the time. Keep applying something different. Diet Diet too plays an important part in your skin's health. Always eat fresh foods, and opt for tanned food only in times of emergency. Your diet mantra should be: Vegetables Fruits Nuts Water If you make sure you eat enough of these in abundance and lay off fried, greasy and junk food, you�re all set and on the right path to fabulous skin at 60, and, who knows, maybe seventy! Just don�t forget to write in and tell us how you did it!

IS TONING NECESSARY -

IS TONING NECESSARY -

It is universally accepted that we need to cleanse and moisturize our skin regularly, but do we really need to use a toner? To tone or not to tone? Although it is universally accepted that we need to cleanse and moisturize our skin regularly, opinion is divided on whether we really need to use a toner on our skin. Most women simply skip applying a toner because they don�t understand what it does. Does it clean the skin? You use a cleanser, why do you need a toner? Does it remove traces of cleansing lotion? You clean your face with a face wash� Why do you need a toner? The first and most important job of a toner is to restore the skin�s natural pH balance. The skin has a pH balance of 5.5, while water can have a pH balance as high as 9.5 depending on where you live and on how hard the water is. After washing your skin, your skin�s pH balance is completely distorted and your skin starts working overtime to restore pH levels; a process which may take up to half an hour. On the other hand, if you use toner, pH levels are restored in an instant. Your skin is now prepared for the moisturizer. What toner should I use? Certain toners clarify and exfoliate the skin, leaving it completely oil and dirt free and removing all dead skin cells. Such toners are strong and tend to contain alcohol, which is ultra-drying. If your skin is very oily using a stronger alcohol-based toner like Clean and Clear should help reduce the oiliness, but there is a possibility that it could also cause more break-outs. The over-drying action of stronger toners causes skin to react by producing excessive oil to combat the dryness, leading to more breakouts. It is thus safer to use an alcohol-free toner. Different skins react differently though, so it is important that you stick with a regime for a couple of weeks before you can tell whether a particular product suits your skin or not. If your skin is normal to dry go in for a gentle toner that doesn�t exfoliate the skin but moisturizes it such as Nivea Alcohol-Free Moisturising Toner. Or you could go in for a toner with anti-ageing properties. Natural option: One of the gentlest toners is natural rosewater. Splash it on your face to keep face moisturized, fresh and to balance pH levels. This may not be ideal if you have oily skin, but since it is so gentle, it may provide you with just the right amount of moisturizing level you need. How should you apply toner? If you apply the toner directly on your face without using cotton, your bottle will last longer. Exfoliating toners do need to be applied with cotton wool, but moisturizing toners can be just splashed on your face. Apply toner to a cotton ball and sweep it GENTLY across your face. The cotton wool should come out relatively clean when toning. If it doesn�t, you need to change your cleanser; it�s not doing its job. There is also the temptation to scrub your face clean with toner every time it feels dirty, which should be avoided. This is why you should use these toners only after cleansing, when your skin is already clean so your toner functions as a toner, not as a cleanser.

TOMATO ME -

TOMATO ME -

Not many of us relish getting pelted on the face with tomatoes, but believe it or not, tomatoes are excellent for the skin. The humble tomato is one item no kitchen shelf is ever without, no matter what the season or location. Perhaps this is why most of us take the tomato for granted and do not appreciate the tremendous health and beauty benefits it brings. Not many of us relish getting pelted on the face with tomatoes, but believe it or not, tomatoes are excellent for the skin. In fact, as far as anti-ageing products go, tomatoes rank high on the list. Tomatoes are rich in anti-oxidants and so they counter the ageing effects on the skin, by cutting out the number of free radicals in your body. Free radicals break down the support system for your hair and skin, so it makes sense to eat a tomato a day. In addition, tomatoes help preserve moisture levels in the body. In the summer or winter, when our skin is exposed to artificial heating or cooling, moisture levels in our body fall. We need to constantly replenish this water supply, or our body will start sucking moisture from the skin and the hair. In addition to eating a tomato a day, it makes sense to drink no less than 10 to 12 glasses of water daily. If your skin is oily, you can apply tomatoes to your face. It counters oily skin by absorbing surplus oil and also helps get rid of pimples and acne. Apply undiluted tomato paste to your face and leave on for 15 minutes. Wash off with warm, not hot, water. In addition, tomatoes also help lighten the complexion, especially if mixed with cucumber juice. This makes a great face mask for oily skin. Place a cucumber slice on each eyelid and cover the rest of your face with the mask, taking care to avoid the delicate under-eye area. If your skin is dry, you can add some day-old curd to the tomato paste and then apply to your skin. Tomato masks have excellent anti-ageing properties, so start applying them once you cross the age of 25. If your skin starts burning when you apply to tomato mask, wash it off. You should feel a gentle tingling sensation after applying the tomato but if it stings too much, you could wash it off and add curd before applying the mask. Do you have a boil or a pimple? Apply tomato paste to it. The acids from the tomato will soothe the pain of a boil and will also speed its recovery. Slightly red cheeks looks healthy and very appealing. Eating tomatoes regularly gives you a pink and glowing complexion, so eat up! Hair Tip If ever your hair has absorbed foul odour which you are not able to lose despite shampooing it, a great way to neutralize this odour and get rid of the smell would be to apply undiluted tomato paste to your scalp. Leave on for fifteen minutes and then wash it off. Your hair should be odour-free, and dandruff free.

WRINKLE PREVENTION

WRINKLE PREVENTION

If you thought it was impossible to look 25-30 when you are in your fifties, think again. With care, a smooth, wrinkle-free complexion can be yours for years to come. Fruits Face masks refresh and rejuvenate the skin. They provide intensive nourishment to the skin � nourishment that your skin is thrusting for, so make sure you use face masks regularly on your skin. Almost every seasonal fruit can be applied on the skin. Some fruits like peaches and avocadoes are rich in moisturizers and can be applied to dry skin, while other fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, strawberries, apples, are good for oily skin. Bananas too nourish and soften the skin. So the next time you sit down with a fruit, take out a small piece, mash it and apply it to your face. When you start looking a decade younger than your real age, you will be glad you persevered. For some serious skin firming and nourishment, mash a banana, add honey, and apply this on your skin, and all over your body. Egg Egg white tones the skin, while egg yolk nourishes it and prevents wrinkles. If your daughter has an oily complexion, she can put egg white on her skin, while you use the egg yolk on yours. Once you cross the age of 35, start applying egg yolk regularly to your skin. Whole egg mayonnaise too is excellent for the skin, since it is rich in skin nutrients like egg, vinegar and oil. Essential oils Essential oils too are excellent for the skin, and they have therapeutic benefits as well. When you are using two oils on your skin, you should make sure you mix them together a while before applying them, to give them time to energise each other. Jasmine, Lavender, Myrrh, Patchouli, Sandalwood and Ylang-Ylang all have effective anti-wrinkle properties and work very well when mixed with a moisturizer. Massage Every day and night, while you apply your moisturizer, massage your face for at least ten minutes. Massage it from the neck upwards, because you don�t want a clear, wrinkle-free face to rest on a wrinkled neck as you age, do you? Regular facials too help keep your skin looking young till a later age, but if you cannot afford to spend so much time or money at the parlour, even giving yourself a regular massage at home will help. The correct massage strokes would be upwards and backwards toward your hairline. Don�t pull your skin too hard. In fact, one of the great ways to massage your face would be to slap it quickly and hard, once again, in an upward and backward direction. This stimulates blood flow and increases circulation, which in turn ensures that a rich supply of nutrients are carried to the skin through the blood. Splashing your face with ice-cold water has a similar effect. Some people have the tendency to develop puffiness in the face. Regular massage and skin slapping reduces puffiness and leaves skin tight and smooth. If you feel the beginnings of a double chin, when applying your daily moisturizer slap your double chin area with rapid strokes. Your double chin will vanish. When you apply under-eye cream, tap the under-eye area rapidly with your fingertips, to pimp up circulation and reduce under-eye puffiness.