Tag: SKINCARE

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Skincare routine for all types

A 60-seconds pause between each step helps in meticulous application and affords enough time for the skin to soak in the products…writes DR. GURJOT MARWAH

When we browse through any lifestyle magazine today, one noticeable change that we’ll observe is that skincare is finally getting its due. Earlier the conversations were all about make-up; we have finally progressed to understand that without good skin, make-up can do little. Hence, the Holy Grail we are chasing today is a skincare routine that’s a go-to for all skin types.

Getting the basics right

Ideally, we should tend to our skin at least twice every day, which is also known as the AM-PM skin routine.

In the morning, cleanse your skin of all the products from the previous night. This first layer is also known as an active layer which is based on what your skin care actually needs such as (pigmentation, dehydration of skin, anti-aging). Based on the concerns apply active, treatment based products such as (Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, Niacinamide).

Next step is applying a moisturiser on the basis of your skin-type. For Oily skin use a gel based moisturiser and for dry skin use a cream based moisturiser.

The final steps include applying sunscreen with SPF 30 and above. For people who apply make-up, sunscreens with foundation are also available.

In the evening, always start with cleansing your skin: You can use a cleanser that is soap free if you have sensitive or dry skin and a regular face wash if you have oily skin to wash your face.

Apply your active ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, Niacinamide, or Retinol. The final step includes applying a moisturiser. This is the best time to exfoliate your skin.


There are three key factors to remember here:

A 60-seconds pause between each step helps in meticulous application and affords enough time for the skin to soak in the products.

Try to stick to the steps as mentioned because there’s a science to it. The lighter products or ones that require deeper penetration are applied initially to be sealed in with the heavier products.

As it is said, less is more, absorption of anything beyond the 3 layers is not possible.

Personalising the routine

As of now, we have been discussing skincare regime at its most basic; when your skin needs more help, you need to do more. Hence, if you’re in your early 30s, you could add some anti-aging ingredients to your regime such as Hyaluronic acid (HA) or ceramides.

The former is a particularly strong contender and if you choose it in the form of a skin bio-remodelling treatment such as Profhilo, you’ll be looking at smooth, firm and youthful skin as a result. This is because this injectable form of pure HA aids your skin’s ability to generate elastin and collagen that’s critical to the elasticity of young skin. Profhilo is widely known to slow down the aging process. Skin boosters like this help immensely in retaining the moisture of the skin from within to give you a flawless appearance.

The basic go-to skincare routine is as simple as ‘abc…’ but to customize it to your skin’s requirement takes some work. Always remember to keep your skin’s health central when you customize your regime.

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Potential skincare trends to create a buzz in 2022

Skin minimalism, aka the skip-care trend, is all about using a handful of beauty products rather than investing in 10 different skincare steps and taking the time to apply them every day…reports Asian Lite News

The beauty industry witnessed a myriad of trends in the year 2021. While the recovery time for most trends is often short-lived, transparent skincare is a trend thats definitely making a comeback. As the founder of the D2C beauty and personal care brand Earth Rhythm, Harini Sivakumar, feels skincare trends for 2022 will follow an approach of “Less Is More” while embracing gentle ingredients and fewer products in skincare routines.

In the past, the beauty industry has been flexible, but the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted beauty stores globally. Many beauty and skincare companies now manufacture sanitizers, cleaning agents, and also provide free beauty consultations to customers. In the current scenario, consumers understand that good skin has the power to make any makeup product look well applied, and hence focus more on upping their skincare routines.

Sivakumar talks about skincare and beauty trends that have the solid potential to create a buzz in the coming months and provide a promise of clear and radiant skin without any hassle.

DIY Care:

With no scope for an appointment with a hairdresser, many people resorted to colouring and chopping their hair during the COVID days. There has been an increase in DIY skincare, with everything from aloe vera to eggs being put into the mixture or mask. While being at home during the lockdown, consumers had much more time available for self-care, and that’s definitely a good thing. The internet is now flooded with face exfoliating and masking tips and tricks. For obvious reasons, even our B-town celebrities took to their Instagram and Youtube handles to share their special kitchen ingredient mask recipes, and for obvious reasons, they were widely popular and accepted.

Skin Minimalism:

Skin minimalism, aka the skip-care trend, is all about using a handful of beauty products rather than investing in 10 different skincare steps and taking the time to apply them every day. It’s about enriching your skin with minimal products to strengthen the skin barrier while nourishing it. Skin Minimalism is a natural, minimal, and no-makeup beauty craze that highlights the pores, complexion, and texture of the skin while allowing your skin to breathe.

Gender-Neutral Products:

The gender-neutral movement in the skincare industry has helped brands to build an inclusive community for people from all walks of life. And with a brand as big as Fenty Beauty, the conversation for genderless beauty took a brilliant note. In today’s time, men aren’t averse to the idea of applying skincare or wearing makeup, and social media (especially Instagram) is helping them build confidence. As a brand, we too are evolving and diversifying product strategies based on the ethos that we stand for: sustainability, inclusivity, and efficacy.

Blue Light Protection:

Our screen timing can sometimes be alarming! People are turning to products that help to protect their skin from the harmful effects of screens (as most of the time we’re on our phones and laptops). And SPF is one such product that has the utmost importance in our lives as it protects us from UV rays and blue light as well. The blue light emitted from screens can be harmful to skin cell regeneration and can affect our skin’s natural radiance and accentuate fine lines and wrinkles.

Personalized/Customized Skincare:

Who doesn’t love a skincare product curated personally just for them? Bespoke skin and beauty products have been trending since last year, and customers’ desire to have products that are tailored to their skin types and concerns has been strong. Customization is the new face of skincare! For personalised skincare, the customer has to describe their skincare type and concerns, and you’ll be treated with a new product. Accordingly, brands would formulate a skincare product that specifically caters to their skincare needs. We think this trend is here to stay a bit longer as consumers look for a product that works for them, and this option ticks all the boxes since it is more promising, innovative, and works according to their skin type and concerns.

Artificial Intelligence:

In the near future, AI will make things easier for consumers! With the help of AI, consumers can try skincare and makeup in a digital environment. Potentially, in the future, we may get to a stage where the physical and digital experience will be absolutely seamless. With virtual reality (VR) or virtual goggles, customers can experience physical retail. Ultimately, this will elevate the shopping experience and will improve the sales conversion, keeping in mind the ongoing pandemic.

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Monsoon tips to combat dullness

Choosing a lightweight gel or water-based moisturizer would be key in such cases. This will help maintain the balance between the varied regions on your skin…writes N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe.

Monsoon is a favourite season for people it is surely a welcome change after the scorching summer heat but it comes with its own set of challenges. Increased humidity causes breakouts, dullness, and greasiness on one’s skin. Increased use of face masks to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus also leads to moisture being trapped under the mask thus giving way to acne-causing bacteria and fungal infections.

A change in season calls for a change in skincare to adapt basis the new weather conditions. Making small, quick customisations would be key in ensuring healthy, glowing skin. Plabita Sharma, National Training Manager, The Body Shop India, shares tips to care your skin during rainy season.


Cleansing: Due to the increased humidity there is a great chance that the skin will produce more oil thus attracting more dust, grime which in turn will lead to clogged pores that cause the breakouts. Choose a gentle, effective cleanser that suits your skin type always limit the washing to twice in a day — this will help avoid over washing and stripping away the natural oils and compromising the skin’s natural moisture barrier.


Moisturizing: Monsoon season tends to confuse the skin which changes the skin’s type to the combination — this can be easily identified with an oily T-zone but dry or normal cheeks, chin and jaw. Choosing a lightweight gel or water-based moisturizer would be key in such cases. This will help maintain the balance between the varied regions on your skin. Check for ingredients that have antioxidant properties like vitamin C, aloe, vitamin E etc. That will help fight free radicals while also soothing the skin. Hydrating the skin regularly can be a game-changer that helps to achieve plump and supple skin.

Weekly care: Take out a little extra time for your skin and care for it by following a weekly routine of exfoliating and masking the skin to get a healthy glow. Exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells and adds life back into the skin. A clean and fresh layer of skin also absorbs products much more easily thus making them much more effective. Choose a mask based on your skin types like clay, peel off or sheet masks and you are set to welcome the change in season.

Sunscreen: Though the weather looks pleasant and cloudy one must not avoid the protective shield. Modern sunscreen comes with a variety of textures and spray formats ranging from SPF 15-50. Ensure to opt for one that prevents the skin from harmful effects of the sun because skincare is always incomplete without SPF. It is a must-have despite the season or your exposure to the sun.

Minimal Makeup: Different seasons may come and go — but less is more always. Keep your makeup to the minimal and still look presentable with a dash of kohl and lip balms. Opt for subtle colours and just the right kind of texture that helps to enhance your features without the addition of extra ingredients that can react poorly with the environmental conditions.

And that’s it, now you are well equipped to handle the comings and goings of the rainy season. Skincare in this season is simply dependent on balancing the pH levels of your skin and switching products as required. Follow these simple rules and ensure healthy, happy skin all year round!

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Monsoon skincare routine for babies

Avoid rigorous massaging, instead, do it gently with upward strokes and circular motions in the front and back…writes Puja Gupta.

Baby care is always a matter of anxiety to most parents. The rainy season has already begun and parents need to alter their baby care practices and routine to ensure the baby’s skin is looked after well. A newborn baby’s skin is 40-60 times thinner than an adult and hence needs the gentlest care and nourishment.

Pradeep Suryawanshi, Professor and Head, Department of Neonatology, BVU Medical College, Pune and Member of Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), shares a guide for the best skincare practices for babies during monsoon:

Massaging

Massaging the baby with oil is an age-old technique followed by almost every Indian household and has various benefits. According to the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), massaging when done systematically with the right baby oil results in less stress behaviour, lower cortisol levels and improved cognitive performance in the baby.

The ideal time to massage is when a child is relaxed and not hungry. Ensure the room is warm and begin with a small amount of oil by pouring it into the hands and gently glide over the skin. One should use light and non-sticky mineral oil with enriched vitamin E.

Avoid rigorous massaging, instead, do it gently with upward strokes and circular motions in the front and back. The process when done with the gentlest touch will improve the parent-child bond and add warmth to the baby’s skin which is beneficial during the changing temperatures of monsoon.

Bathing with ease

Bath time like massaging is a good opportunity to engage with the child. During monsoons, a daily bath is not necessary, two to three times a week is ideal. Bathing should be done in a warm room with lukewarm water. Parents can choose to use a baby cleanser or baby soap for bathing the baby. One needs to ensure the products are free from parabens, dyes and phthalates, clinically proven mild and suitable for a child’s skin. Baby soap enriched with milk protein and vitamin E is best as it will gently wash away germs and leave behind soft and smooth skin. Like the soap, baby wash with ingredients like natural milk extracts, rice bran protein and 24 hours moisturizing are also easily available in the market.

After bathing, the baby should be dried with a soft and warm towel. The creases should be dried properly to avoid rashes.

Moisturizing is important

As per research, 2 out of 3 babies in India have dry skin. Using a good moisturizing cream or lotion will help to retain moisture in the baby’s skin. A good product will not only nourish but also protect the baby’s skin. A lotion having a 24-hour locking system with glycerin or milk extracts and rice bran protein can be used, especially after bath time.

While applying the moisturizer, squirt a little on both hands and apply in a heart shape on the child’s front and back. A baby cream with vitamin E and milk extracts can be used on the face and the lotion on the rest of the body.

Diaper care

Taking care of the diaper area is important. Baby in a wet and tight diaper, especially during humid weather can cause increased sweating leading to diaper dermatitis and infection in the perianal area.

Frequently change the diapers or keep the baby diaper-free whenever possible. Use alcohol-free wipes with moisturizing content to clean the diaper area. Keeping the diaper area clean and dry will avoid rashes. If the problem with rashes persists, consult a doctor.

Comfortable clothing

During the monsoon, full-length cotton clothes will allow the passage of fresh air to the skin, avoid rashes and prevent mosquito bites. Make the child wear a soft woolen sweater if the temperature decreases due to heavy rains.

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Say goodbye to dark spots

Dark spots are sometimes caused by lack of hydration, so consuming an adequate amount of water can do wonders for your skin…writes Arthi Raguram.

If you are someone prone to pigmentation, then you might know the struggle of getting rid of dark spots. Recurring and stubborn dark spots can take a toll on self-confidence, and get worse with time without proper treatment.

While many over-the-counter creams claim to fade away dark spots within a matter of days, there is no such magical potion to clear your skin instantly unless you eliminate the cause behind it. Pigmentation occurs due to an excess amount of melanin production in the skin cells, triggered from sun exposure, hormonal changes, poor diet, medical conditions, use of certain products, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or environmental conditions.

Here are seven tips to easily treat dark spots on your body for a bright and clear complexion.
Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen

UV radiation coming from the sun induces the production of melanin, which results in tanning. However, sun exposure can also exaggerate post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, resulting in the darkening of the brown spots. Therefore, make sure to add sunscreen to your skincare routine 365 days a year to prevent intensifying pigmented marks. Also, physical protection is more effective than using sunscreen, so make sure to wear a hat, scarf, or even use an umbrella when you are outdoors. Try to limit spending hours in the sun for long hours to prevent exacerbating the skin issue.

Include antioxidants in the diet

Consume antioxidant-rich foods such as coloured fruit, vegetables, berries, dark chocolate, etc. to even out your skin complexion. Antioxidants promote collagen production, repair acne marks faster, increase cell turnover, and lead to a brighter complexion.

Drink adequate amount of water

Dark spots are sometimes caused by a lack of hydration, so consuming an adequate amount of water can do wonders for your skin. Drinking water can provide a natural barrier for skin from pollutants and heal the skin faster, resulting in a flawless complexion.

Exfoliate

Make sure to gently exfoliate your skin at least twice a week to diminish the appearance of dark spots. Choose alpha-hydroxy acids-based exfoliators that work to improve skin by removing top layers of the skin and remove dead cells to reveal healthy and glowing skin.

Use turmeric on your dark spots

Packed with anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial benefits, turmeric has been shown to inhibit the skin’s melanin production. Topical application of turmeric on dark spots can help to lighten hyperpigmentation and prevent the occurrence of acne.

Apply night cream

The skin repairs and rejuvenates while you take your beauty sleep. So, make sure to apply a night cream with a high concentration of antioxidants, Vitamin E, Kojic acid, Azelaic acid, Glycolic When your body has the right vitamins in the right quantities, the health of the skin cells improves rapidly and it radiates from within. Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin E are some of the best vitamins for lightening dark spots. Generally, vitamin skin treatment starts showing results but to know the right vitamins as per your skin type, take advice from a certified dermatologist.

Develop healthy skincare habits

Make sure to cleanse your skin twice a day to remove dirt and dead skin layer. Get at least 6-8 hours of sleep so that your skin has ample time to heal. Quit bad habits like excessive drinking and smoking for glowing skin.

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Shield your skin from UV rays

Regardless of the extended stay at home’ and limited outdoor gatherings, the radiation from the lights, TVs, cell phone screens, and even lights from different indoor lighting(s) might add to skin problems…writes Siddhi Jain.

Even the pandemic spread has indirectly helped people to escape from the scorching sun for some days, UV rays always stayas the strongest reason for skin allergies. Too much balcony time, exposure to the sun and gadgets may increase skin-related problems.

With the temperatures soaring high, sunscreens find their way out of boxes. Follow the advice of a good dermatologist to protect your skin against UV and infrared damage while you stay indoors and continue to apply sunscreen at home.

Skin care (ANI)

When it comes to protecting the skin, the choice of the right sunscreen is extremely important. Besides the sun, infrared rays can also come from less obvious places like the computer screens, mobiles, hair dryers etc. which then travel deep into the skin releasing free radicals that damage the skin.

Here are three reasons listed by Cetaphil India on why the use of sunscreen is imperative at all times. The newly-launched Cetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance Range also offers a range of daily essentials, curated and formulated to offer complete day and night protection.

Prolonged use of gadgets can be damaging

Regardless of the extended stay at home’ and limited outdoor gatherings, the radiation from the lights, TVs, cell phone screens, and even lights from different indoor lighting(s) might add to skin problems. Moreover glass windows, do not filter the harmful rays from reaching you. Daily use of sunscreen will shield your skin from the harm brought by exposure to any kind of harmful UV and infrared rays.

Offering proven protection against harmful UV and infrared rays

Your sunscreen must contain broad spectrum filters to help protect from the sun’s harmful radiation on your skin. A lightweight sunscreen that is easily absorbed, is hydrating and nourishing, water and sweat resistant, and non-greasy – like the Cetaphil Sun SPF50+ / SPF 30+ Light Gel. It is a dermatologically tested, fragrance free sunscreen that can be used even in sensitive skin.

Results in skin aging and skin worries

The harmful UV and infrared rays not only cause skin tanning but also penetrates the skin causing premature skin aging, pigmentation or dark spots and other skin related problems. Hence choosing a sunscreen which offers proven protection against UV and infrared radiation is important.

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Be fresh and stylish in summer

Summer is a good time to keep you hair off the neck and shoulders. Short hair for the summer is a trend that’s here to stay….writes N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe.

Some people not at all love the summer season only due to the skin allergies that accompany with it. Bang in the middle of summer we need to remind ourselves that our self-care routine needs a revamp. Swati Gupta, Director and Head of Creative Development — Bodycraft Salon & Spa, shares some of the major trends that we’re going to see this summer which will be rooted in wellness and style.

Dewy Skin is in! : With all the dehydration and oil build-up that one normally experiences in the summer, it only makes sense to go easy on the makeup and focus on skin care. On and off the runway, dewy skin with minimal make up and lots of glow is what we’ll see. Fresh interventions like the Hydra Medi Facial or Caviar Facial will help the skin glow from within.

The beauty ritual of exfoliating.

Shorter is better: Summer is a good time to keep you hair off the neck and shoulders. Short hair for the summer is a trend that’s here to stay. If you do not wish to part with your hair, go for light layers and hairstyles that incorporate braids.

Colour and more colour: Bold colours are the biggest trend of summer 2021. Bright eyeliner with minimal makeup gives you the perfect opportunity to play with colour and keep the make-up light. Nails are a fun, non-committal way to experiment with colour. Neon shades hot off the runway and to everyday style with bright nails making the perfect colour statement. Or you could go with something slightly more adventurous like a bold hair colour to be cool in the hot months.

Skincare tips for busy brides.

Spa days: With the year that has been, a spa day might be more of a necessity than a trend. Treatments with light ingredients olive oil, wine or chocolate are ideal for the summer. Choose a scrub to get rid of dead skin. Mani-Pedi’s with a summer touch are all the rage right now. We’re talking mango and avocado treatments, Vitamin C rich treatments like cherry and sugarcane spa are trending.

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How PCOS affects your glowing skin?

Females with persistent acne since teens or with acne presenting for the first time after 25 must be evaluated for PCOS…writes Puja Gupta.

PCOS is a common very among women in the modern period. It is a complex disorder or rather a spectral disorder with no uniform clinic or laboratory diagnostic criteria. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disturbances affecting women all over the world.

Dr. Vidushi Jain, Dermatologist Trichologist, Medical head of Dermalinks says: “It has an unknown etiology and is recognized as a heterogeneous disorder that results in overproduction of male hormone primarily from the ovary, and is associated with insulin resistance.”

The journey, the struggles and the treatment approach to each patient is different. As contrary to the popular belief, the manifestations are more severe in obese individuals with pcos but there is another phenotype known as lean PCOS.

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“PCOS women can be sub grouped based on clinical features suggestive of endocrinological malfunctions and can be investigated accordingly for selection of appropriate treatment modalities,” the doctor points out.

“The cornerstone to PCOS pathology is insulin resistance meaning that the body doesn’t respond normally to insulin and thereby increasing insulin secretion from pancreas, which triggers inflammation and weight gain. High insulin level is both diagnostic criteria and also the underlying physiological driver. High insulin causes anovulation and also promotes testosterone secretion from ovaries (hyper androgenism).”

Dr Jain adds: “The skin features in PCOS sometimes present earlier as compared to irregular periods or investigations for infertility and a high degree of suspicion can help in early detection and prevention of disease progression.”

She further explains:

1. Acanthosis nigricans is a skin disorder characterised by darkening and thickening of the skin, occurring mainly in the folds of the skin in the armpit (axilla), groin and back of the neck. Often treated as dirt, this condition is synonymous with insulin resistance and obesity. Sometimes it can be drug and malignancy induced too. The treatment approach is weight reduction and decreasing the insulin resistance with low glycemic diet and regular workouts. Skin lightening agents like retinoids, glycolic acid and treatments like TCA peels also play a role in cosmetic improvement.

2. Hirsutism or unwanted facial hair is a result of hyperandrogenism or excess male hormone secretion. Mostly affects chin, sidelocks, chest, thighs and even the nipple area . Treatment needs weight reduction to control the serum sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) which in turn controls the free testosterone levels, androgen lowering medication like spironolactone, OCPs and laser hair reduction.

3. Acne or pimples: Females with persistent acne since teens or with acne presenting for the first time after 25 must be evaluated for PCOS. Acne in PCOS is generally resistant to standard acne treatments, affects mainly the lower one third of face , is associated with extremely tender eruptions suggesting more inflammation and shows premenstrual flare. Treatment results take longer to respond at least 3 months and best approach is to add combined oral contraceptives with anti androgen progesterone like drospirenone and cyproterone acetate as well as spironolactone to control the hyperandrogenic state. The role of supplements like inositol, magnesium, zinc and Vitamin D play an important role in controlling the inflammatory state.

4. Seborrhoeic dermatitis often presenting as oily scalp and dandruff, when severe can affect the oily areas of the skin like around nose, between eyebrows and behind ears. Associated with more androgens and hence more oil secretion promoting the growth of a fungus named malaseezia needs treatment and daily cleansing of the scalp with a salicylic acid or ketoconazole shampoo.

5. Female patterned hair loss or hair thinning presenting mainly in the crown and frontal area is often ignored until a major portion of the scalp becomes visible. Frequent changing of hairstyles to cover it up without seeking medical treatments leads to progression and greater damage. Starting minoxidil as a preventive therapy and doing platelet rich plasma sessions may be helpful. PCOS is a disorder which affects the body not only at a hormonal level thereby affecting metabolism and fertility but also it has far reaching effects on a person’s confidence when it has negative influence on appearance.

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