How to deal with Acne Scars

Hi,

Disclaimer: This post is only aimed at the reducing dark brown pigmented scars which are left behind after a pimple or even after mosquito bite. I follow this regime and find it effective. Please consult a doctor.

I get a lot of queries regarding reducing dark pigmentation marks left behind from acne. Here I share my regime. I get occasional acne which leave marks. Even mosquito bites gives me acne sort of cysts which leave dark brown marks behind.

Why do acne cause these marks? Because skin gets hurt because of chemicals produced during the acne healing process. Production of melanin is just a way by which our skin protects itself from getting hurt and heal itself. For the same reason we get sun tan.

Steps to deal with Acne Scars: 

Product Review - Ponds Complete Solution Pimple Clear Face Wash

Hi,

I have a combination skin which gets very oily around nose. I also have issues of  blackheads and whiteheads. Blackheads are not that frequent are under control but Whiteheads are frequent.

Treating combination skin is frustrating. Esp. in humid climate or after workouts.  I like using products which control oil and help me control whiteheads.

Recently Ponds launched a face wash with long list of benefits attached to it.

Ponds Complete Solution Pimple Clear White Multi - Action Facial Wash 

(whats with such a long name??)

A guide to at- home Body Polishing

Hi,

One of my favorite at home rituals to deal with Sun Tan, Dullness and/ or Scaly Dry skin.
Here I share my process and products that can be used for effective skin polishing at home.

Lakme Youth Infinity Skin Firming Serum - Product Review

Hi,

Fine lines, wrinkles and open pores are considered to be demons old older ages. As we approach our 30's, they start terrifying us and get worse with every passing day. But one step, when taken at the correct time, can delay these signs of aging and help to maintain the youthful firm skin for a longer time. 

Dermatologists, worldwide, suggest to start using mild anti wrinkle creams at the age of 23 to delay the signs of aging. 

Why Women Love their 20's sculpted look ? Read Here  

Mid twenties is perfect time to start with an anti aging regime. Not that the people of higher ages don't reap the benefits from anti aging creams. But its always better to take preventive steps as soon as possible.

Why serum are good ? Read Here - SERUM 

Makeup with sunscreen - are they really effective?

Hi Friends,

Combination products are extremely helpful, I love using Moisturizers with SPF, Tinted sunscreens, Lip Balm with SPF, Foundations with SPF. These generally lower the layers of products to be layered onto the skin, reduce the time of application, cutting the overall expenditure, fewer number of products to carry around , etc.

Ponds White Beauty Tan Removal Scrub - Product Review

Hi Friends,

Scrubs are an important part of my daily routine. I have reviewed few scrubs earlier and explained my opinion over them. Here is one more, a scrub which claims to be tan removing.

What Pond says about the product :

Ingredients: 

Price : 50 gms for Rs. 85 and 100 gms for Rs. 150

Packaging : A sturdy white tube with flip open cap. The squeeze tube is sturdy and safe for travelling.

Product : This product has a white creamy base with tiny pink and white granules. The consistency is like that of a thick face wash rather than the usual cream based face scrubs. The granules are generously packed but not dense. They are smooth and tiny and not at all harsh on skin. The fragrance is mild and floral (remember Ponds talcum powder), which does not stays after the wash.

My experience with the product :

The very first thing I noticed is that this product is not exactly a face scrub with a cream base, this is more like a FACE WASH with scrub particles. It lathers like a soap wash rather than a traditional scrub which is mostly cream based.It has very mild scrubbing granules which don't give intense scrubbing.

Although it controls oil, it DOES NOT dries out the skin. It maintains a perfect moisture level in skin. Even in the humid climate, it delays shine pretty well. 

The formula leaves the skin very soft, oil-free and clean. It mattifies the skin and give a freshly powdered look (umm, I mean it looks like a powder has been applied on face). It stops shine and controls oil for a long time. 

Coming onto the claims:

Brightens, Radiant, Fresh Skin - To an extend its True, It takes away all the oiliness leaving skin fresh and clean. 

Removes tan and makes skin looks fairer - False, It is a face wash with a soapy consistency , I dont think its possible to keep it more than 50-60 secs on skin. And in that time frame its practically not possible to scrub the face well. PLUS, with the kind of scrubbing beads it has (very tiny and which can hardly be felt along with the thick foam) removing a deep layer of pigmentation is not possible.Skin looks fairer ... I really don't think that it is faintly possible .. 

Do You Know ??

Tanning means the increase in pigmentation of the skin (melanin). It is caused by over exposure to UVA and UVB rays. Although Melanin is present in the Epidermis (outermost layer of skin), but is in its deepest part. So its no possible to remove/ reduce the "TAN" with a wash or scrub that too in one usage. The Tan can be reduced by exfoliating the dead skin cells on surface of the skin. This exfoliation increases the cell renovation process so the effected layer (where increased melanin is present) is surfaced sooner and can be removed by exfoliation. But in this process precaution needs to be exerted that the skin doesn't further gets damaged by sun rays and gets tanned. Hence use of sunscreen is a must.      

Pros: 

• Control Oils,
• Cleans and removes dirt and debris,
• Removes makeup,
• Doesn't breaks me out,
• Mattifies yet is not drying,
• Polyethylene granules adds to the efficiency of the wash,
• Mild floral fragrance,
• Will be suitable for humid climate,
• Will be suitable for Oily, normal to combination skin,
• Sturdy packaging

Cons:

• Does not removes tan,
• Does not makes skin fairer,
• Might not be good for dry skin,
• Might not be liked for the powdery residue feeling after the wash,
• Its a SOAP based scrub which cannot be used as an exfoliant.

My Advise to the Ponds as a Consumer:

Please market it as what it is - Oil Control Face Wash with Scrubbing Granules - rather than claiming it to be a "Tan Removal Scrub". PERIOD

Last Words:

Ponds White Beauty Tan Removal Scrub is product which is a prey to wrongful marketing claims- Tan Removal . 

Though it is a great product in itself - an oil control face wash. It cleans and control oils better than most of face washes in the category.

Stay Beautiful,
Shweta

PR Sample, Honest Review.

Vaseline Healthy White Lightening Visible Fairness Lotion - Review

Hi Friends,

Recently, Vaseline has reintroduced the Healthy White Lotion with an improved formula.

Vaseline Healthy White Lightening Visible Fairness Lotion which claims to tame the sun tan and save the skin from further damage.

Vaseline Healthy White Lightening Visible Fairness Lotion

New Vaseline Healthy White with skin illuminating minerals makes your skin 4 times fairer instantly, and with the repairing power of Vaseline skin keeps getting fairer. 

Key Ingredients of Vaseline Healthy White Lightening Visible Fairness Lotion

    • Vitamin B3 – known to enhance skin’s natural lightening process to help bring

      out its natural fairness

    • Yogurt serum – Helps provide moisturization and nourishment to skin

    • Triple sunscreen  - to help prevent further darkening caused by damaging UVA and UVB rays.

Price : INR 75 for 100ml

Vaseline Healthy White Lightening Visible Fairness Lotion: 

A light, skin tinted lotion. It has a very pleasant fragrance. The texture is very very light and creamy, but its not oily.    

Packaging : 

A cream colored, sturdy plastic bottle with a flip open cap.

My Experience with Vaseline Healthy White Body Lotion :

I use this only on my hands and body not on my face. My review is based on the stated usage of the product. 

Texture : 

This is a very light textured lotion, gets instantly absorbed into the skin leaving skin soft and supple. It is non oily so might not be something for people looking for intense moisturisation. It is good for summer season but quite not enough for winters. Actually, I like the texture of this product. It moisturizes the skin without making it oily. 

Fragrance: 

Fragrance of this slightly strong but is pleasant, it fades away in few minutes.

Instant Fairness: 

This lotion has skin tinted which gives slightest coverage to skin ( So called INSTANT FAIRNESS). The color of this quite light, most of it gets blended into the skin, but if the skin is dark then some effort will be require to blend it in. 

Skin Lightening:

I have used it for about two weeks, but I didn't notice any change or reduction in sun tan.

Sunscreen: 

It mentions the presence of "Triple sunscreen". No SPF is mentioned on the package, so i don't trust it for being an effective sunscreen. I use it above my sunscreen for a bit a extra protection and moisturisation. 

  

Pros:

• Nice light texture esp good for oily to normal skin people.
• Best used in summer season.
• Tinted, so provides a tad bit of coverage to the skin.

Cons:

• Not for Dry skin people.
• Instant fairness is because it is tinted.
• No SPF mentioned.
• Skin lightening claims might be fallible. Needs to be tested with time.

 Last Words:

 If we overlook the tall claims made by the company this is a good moisturizer for normal to oily skin. I like to wear it on top the sunscreen for light moisturisation and slightly evening out my skin tone. 

Stay Beautiful :)

Shweta

PR Sample. Honest Review.

Product Review - Nivea Total Face Cleanup

Hi,

A Long busy tiring day, which never seemed to end, didn’t even get a chance to touchup my makeup and when in evening I thought to call off the day hubby comes up with a late night party plan. A coffee can boost me up, but what about my skin!! It’s looking dull, tired and needs a facial which I planned for the coming weekend …

Well I put on my best party shoes and say “Just 5 mins” …

Problem sounds familiar ??? Okay may be not a full-fledged party but a mid week friends get together or a coffee hangout or maybe You just didn’t get the time for that clean up. Going out with a tired looking skin with blackheads and open pores popping here and there is strict NO NO.. And that’s why either you cancel the program or wish the lights at the restaurant are dim enough so your friend cannot see what you wanna hide.

Product Review - Vedic Line Papaya Scrub

Hello,

Scrubbing is second most important step in my skin care regime. First being the sunscreen. I always swear by these two products. Scrub helps to exfoliate physically. They remove dirt and debris, dry and dead cells and even promote the growth of the healthy skin cells.

Today I am reviewing Vedic Line Papaya Scrub.

What Vedic Line says about it:

Ingredients: 

Packaging : 

A Sturdy Plastic Double Tub Packaging. It has a lid inside to cover up the inside tub. The packaging is decent and sticks to the theme of being Papaya infused as its Papaya orange and white colored.

Product: 

Creamy base with crushed walnut shell. The cream is thick and Fuller's earth colored. The walnut particles are  big, coarse and scarce. Fragrance is strong and is mixture of clay and papaya...  in short, not pleasant. 

Price : Rs. 210 for 100 ml.

My thoughts over the product:  I personally prefer my scrub to be densely packed with small granules.  These kind of scrub give intense exfoliation. I use them twice or thrice a week to keep dull and dead skin at bay. For everyday use, I like using something mild but that doesn't change how I like my scrub - granulated and densely packed. A good scrub must have granules which are smooth edged and face must feel fresh after the the product is washed off. 

Vedic line Papaya scrub couldn't make on my list of good scrubs, neither as a intense nor as mild scrub. The granules are large, coarse very loosely packed. They are rough, harsh, angular  and can scratch the skin. They are so loosely packed that while scrubbing you need to bring the particles from other parts of face to concentrate on a particular point.

The cream is very heavy. It leaves a oily feeling after it is washed off. It doesn't gives that clean feeling of a freshly scrubbed face.

Fragrance is strong and bothers me a lot. It stays for some time even after I wash it off. 

Left : Vedic Line Papaya Scrub, Center : ST. Ives Apricot Scrub (intense use),
Right : Neutrogena Deep Cleen Gentle Scrub (gentle use)

Pros:

• Packaging, definitely a plus point for the product. Its cute and sturdy. The colors chosen are fresh and close to the theme of product.
• Can be better used as a body scrub or for knees and elbows. 
• All natural product.
• Non - Animal Testing.
• 100% Veg

Cons:

• Angular and harsh granules.
• Cream base is oily.
• Fragrance is overpowering.

Last Words: 

In all I am not impressed by this scrub for facial use. I would rather use it as a body scrub.

Stay Beautiful :)
Shweta

PR Sample. Honest Opinion.

Product Review - Vedic Line + SensiTone Face Wash For Sensitive Skin

Hi,

Reviewing a Face Wash for Sensitive Skin.

Vedic Line offers aesthetic solutions such as whitening, anti - aging, moisturizing, aroma for mental & physical relaxation, acne treatment etc.  Read more about the brand and the products they offer HERE.

Facial Cleansing Techniques

Hi,

Basic Facial Cleansing Technique:

• Make sure your hands are clean before you begin. If they’re not, wash them first.
• Wrap your hair in a towel or use elastics, barrettes, or a headband to keep your hair out of your face while cleansing.
• Use lukewarm water and a good facial cleanser to wash your face.
• Gently rub the cleanser into your face using circular motions.
• Massage your face with your fingers to promote good circulation.
• Use a washcloth or loofah to help gently scrub and exfoliate your skin.
• Rinse well with lukewarm water. Make sure all the soap is off your neck and ears, and has been cleaned from around your eyes and nose, and your hairline.
• Splash cool water on your face to refresh your skin and close your pores.
• Pat your skin dry with a towel, but leave some moisture on the skin.
• Moisturize immediately so that your moisturizer can seal the moisture into your skin.

Read Here To Know all About Moisturizing 

Stay Beautiful :)
Shweta

Rough knees and elbows?

How to heal rough dry knees and elbows 

Hi,

Rough and flaking skin on knees and elbows is not necessarily dry skin. It can be result of many different process like inflammation on the skin and thickening of the skin.

Explanation

This is because when skin is injured, it either darkens or thickens or both. Knees and elbows get injured by normal kneeling and rubbing on daily basis. This causes the skin in these areas to thicken and darken. And that thickened skin develops these flakes, which we tend to think as dry skin.

Solution

The solution is an exfoliant, which will remove the thickened skin. Try using a pumice stone on to the problem area. Just gently rub it onto the knees and elbows (try bending the joint so the skin is stretched) along with some gentle soap. And after washing it off with water, apply a thick moisturizer or petroleum jelly. Do this every alternate day.

Once a while, a homemade scrub can also be applied. Raw potatoes ar
e even good as they have bleaching properties. Soon you will have clean and soft skin. This is same as pedicure, but for knees and elbows. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen when you go out with these areas exposed.

Products

 Pumice Stone

These are available in all shapes and sizes. I love using Faces pumice with brush, Just for the fact that it has a handle and is soft to use.

Petroleum Jelly

What other than Vaseline.

Homemade Scrub

1. 1 tbsp Besan (gram flour),
2. a pinch of turmeric,
3. Milk Cream to bind.

This scrub can be applied. When dry, rub gently with moist fingers. Rinse. 

There are many more packs to choose from - read more about  Home-Made Packs

Do you like doing Body Polishing at home?? try my method of Body Polishing this winter season.

And if winter is giving you bad dry patchy skin, You just might like the Avocado at home scrub  too.  

For face I have just the perfect Face Pack-cum- Scrub recipe 

Stay beautiful J

Shweta

Winter skin and Hot water bath

      Hi,    

Winter is approaching, weather has already started changing. And everyone loves to have a hot water bath to get rid of the chilliness in the air. Relaxing right? Relaxing yes! But is it good for our skin no!  Dry flaky skin is a penalty we pay for the having beautiful winters and hot water baths.

Hot water overdries the skin. It does that by opening the pores of the skin. By opening the pores you loose more moisture that makes your skin dry. Hot water may relive itching that you already have, but is really bad.  After 15 mins or so, after u bath with hot water there is a reflex release of a compound, Histamine ( as when a mosquito bite causes your body to release more histamine in the area of the bite, making your skin red and itchy), and this makes your skin itch even more. Solution- Use warm water.

If you have an option of choosing between having a bath and shower, chose to bath. This way the skin absorbs more moisture.

And remember the grandma’s way of adding oil to the bath. Please don’t do that. This way oil will coat the skin and prevent moisture being absorbed into the skin.

Always Pat dry, don’t rub dry. Rubbing the skin with towel irritate the skin even more.

Use a rich moisturizer right away on the body after the bath. This will help to “lock in” whatever moisture the skin picked up in the bath. Like Lakme Fruit Moisture Winter Care Lotion Honey and Avacado, Oilatum lotion, Dove Indulgent Nourishment etc. 

Hope winter treats you well

Stay beautiful J

Shweta 

How Moisturizing helps Skin

Hi,

A moisturizer nourishes the skin and hydrates it. A well hydrate skin is soft, supple and glowing. Moisturizer not only prevents dryness by locking moisture into your skin, it’ll also help plump up fine lines and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Moisturizing generally should follow the two major step of C-T-M Routine , which are Cleansing and Toning.

Process  of Moisturizing

Apply Moisturizer on damp skin. Use it immediately after you shower. Carry a small bottle in your purse and apply it as and when needed. In evening, once you washed away the makeup and used a toner (this one is optional) apply the moisturizer once again. This time you can even go for heavier formulas or a repair night cream. This is the thumb rule for all skin types, normal, dry as well as oily.

Explanation

Moisturizers help the skin retain its own moisture by “locking” moisture in. And applying it on damp skin makes it easy to get absorbed. People with oily skin tend to avoid this step, which is wrong. Oily skin can be dehydrated as well. Light oil free, water/gel based moisturizers must be used.

Products

There is overwhelming number of product available in the market suitable for each skin type.

Dry skin

People with dry skin should choose an oil based product. But still go lighter in day time and use generously in night. Product I love using is Lakme peach milk moisturizer, Biotique's Bio Morning Nectar in day and Oilatum lotion at night. Dove body lotions are my favorite for winter time use. And Vaseline body lotions for summer. I even use mix glycerine in rose water and apply at night when my skin is extremely dry and flaky.

Read winter-skin-and-hot-water-bath

Oily skin

People with oily skin should use water based moisturizers. Plus they should use it sparingly. Products like Lotus Herbals alpha moist oil free moisturizer, Neutrogena Oil free moisturizer, Olay Complete All Day Moisture Lotion, Lotus Herbal's ALOEHYDRA™ - Aloe Vera Moisturising Gel, Biotique's BIO CHLOROPHYLL for Oily & Acne Prone Skin and Lacto Calemine Classic (this one is my mom’s favorite) are good options to be considered.

Serums are also a good product to consider if you are looking for a cream which instantly gets absorbed into skin without leaving any residue behind and hydrates the skin from deep with in.

Read about Lakme Youth Infinity Serum, which is one very good serum for hydration for all skin types.

Do you know how to deal with Rough - Dry knees and Elbows?

Suffering with Dry Cracked Heels ? well here is the Solution .

Stay Beautiful J

Shweta

How to Cleanse and Tone Face Skin

Hi,

Normally people don't understand the proper process of cleansing and toning. They just mindlessly smear the products on their face.There is a proper process to reap the maximum benefit of the products.

Process of Cleansing and Toning

Start with wetting the face with warm water. Then take some cleanser on your finger tips and massage into your face for 20-30 sec, carefully rubbing the face wash onto the problem areas like sides of the nose, the temples, under the lower lip and even the ears. Rinse with warm water and pat dry. 

Then take some toner onto a cotton pad and gently wipe your face 5-6 times. You’ll notice hues of yellow, brown or even gray coming onto the cotton pad. This is residual of debris which cleanser not able to remove or even residue of cleanser which water was not able to remove. Leave the toner to dry (or wash it with plain water) and then pat your skin dry.

Explanation

Warm water

Use warm water to moisten your face, warm water helps to loosen the debris, not hot not cold use warm water.

Cotton pad

Use cotton pad , thin and flat cotton pad, not round fluffy cotton ball. cotton ball absorbs lot of product which is not necessary. Plus, pad is easier to use. 

Products

Cleanser

Cleansers are freely available in market, my personal favorite are from Neutrogena and Garnier. Use a face wash which is according to your skin type.

Read about Face Cleansing Techniques

Read the Face Washes I have reviewed for most skin type.

Toner

Hands down Rose Water is the winner in this category. Dabur and Ayur are the market leaders for this product. Witch Hazel is a good option for oily skin. These are available in bark form at local herb stores, boil the bark with water and store in refrigerator. Should be good for a week.  

Read the Face Toner I have reviewed.

Stay Beautiful :)

Shweta

Secrets to a Healthy and Glowing Skin

Hi,

Everyone wants a healthy glowing skin, but how to we get it? Pigmentation, Tanning, Acne or Pimples, Acne Scars, Dry skin, Oily skin  are only few things to mention. Healthy, Clear, Glowing skin starts with the basic steps of CTM i.e. Cleansing, Toning and Moisturizing.

Lets start with three basic steps of a clean fresh skin.

• Cleansing,
• Toning,
• Moisturizing.

Everyone knows these steps by heart. But, why are they necessary?  Simple, it removes the dullness and brings back life to the face. 

Cleansing

Washing face with a mild wash removes dirt, leftover makeup, and pollution. Exfoliation can be part of cleansing process, but that's better done 2-3 times a week. All types of skin benefit from cleansing process. Face can be cleansed twice or thrice a day. Oily skin shouldn't be over-washed, it won't impact the oil you produce. Acne- prone skin should be washed with a antibacterial wash. Cleansing is most important step, it MUST be done esp. at night. Before bed time, skin must be clean and free from any makeup and impurities. 

Read More about Cleansing Routine

Toning

Okay, this is the old school way. I don't specifically believe in this step. Theoretically, toning helps to freshen and rejuvenate skin. Toner removes any sort of residue on the skin. I like applying  rose water with cotton and leaving for few seconds, then clean it up ( i use it because of I love the fragrance). Alcohol based toners should be avoided, even for oily skin. Something natural like Tomato, cucumber and potatoes are good as toners. Even witch hazel is useful for oily skin. 

Moisturizing 

I better like calling it Nourishing. Skin needs to be hydrated and nourished. Pollution and makeup takes away the glow, so we need to put it back. Moisturizer works by sealing in skin’s natural moisture. It is best done right after you shower, when skin has moisture in it. Basic rule is that dry skin needs a heavy formula, but people tend to forget that oily skin need nourishment too. A gel based moisturizer is a good option for oily skin. At night, after cleansing, a night cream or a moisturizer must be applied.You can maximize the time you spend sleeping to deliver moisture, correct existing problems, and help prevent future damage to your skin.

Read More about Moisturizing
Read winter-skin-and-hot-water-bath

The Fourth Step for me is Protection

It can’t be stressed enough. Sun protection is vital for every skin type, every complexion, and every day because, sun causes skin to age and causes skin cancer. Wearing a hat, avoiding peak sun hours, and applying sunscreen is crucial to avoid skin discoloration and wrinkles over time. Look for cosmetics, from moisturizer to your foundation, that include SPF. Use a sunscreen that offers UVA and UVB protection (at an SPF of at least 15) to guard against sun exposure and sunburns as well as skin cancer. And don't forget to reapply often. The only correct way is that it should be the very first thing that goes onto the skin after face is washed, even before moisturizer. 

I will elaborate more on each topic in upcoming posts.

Stay Beautiful :)

Shweta. 

Follow my blog with Bloglovin