Words of Anu

Sun damage is a very common problem during this season. Our skin gets burned and tanned due to over exposure to sun. For people with sensitive skin, this may also lead to rashes, allergy or pesky pimples which  are very painful. Also, we sweat a lot in summers which causes itchy irritated skin.

Since this season is also the best for a vacation or a day out at the pool, it is extremely important to take care of your skin to treat the overly sun exposed skin. So, if you are also struggling with sun burns, do try out the following DIY recipes and heal your sun damaged skin. These are extremely easy recipes which you can make in just no time.

1. Aloe Mint Skin Coolant – This skin coolant will help to calm down the irritation and itchiness on the skin. Needless to mention the benefits of aloevera for skincare, the mint extracts will help to provide a cooling sensation and help to heal the sun damage.

How to prepare & use – Take 1-2 teaspoons of Aloevera gel and add to it, a few drops of Peppermint essential oil. Mix it well and apply it generously all over the face. Wipe it off with a wet towel or cotton pad.

Ingredients Recommended – WOW AloeVera Multipurpose Gel and Aroma Magic Peppermint oil

2. Aloe Cucumber Vitamin E Mask – A skin soothing mask will not only help in cooling it down but also help to improve its texture. With the goodness of vitamin e, this mask will help in fading out the marks caused by sun damage and the aloe cucumber extracts will provide the hydration and glow lost in the damage.

How to prepare & use – Mix equal amounts of aloevera and cucumber gel and to it, squeeze 1 or 2 vitamin E capsules depending upon the mixture of gels. Mix it well and refrigerate for around 30 minutes. Once it gets cold, apply a nice thick layer of this mask. Wait for it to dry out and wash it off with cold water.

Ingredients Recommended – Green Leaf Aloe Cucumber Gel

3. Aloe Cucumber Rose water Toner & Ice Cubes – Rose water is considered to be a great skin toner but if mixed with aloevera and cucumber, its benefits get doubled. If you feel your skin is getting dehydrated due to the scorching summer heat, you may use it as a face mist by spraying it all over the face. This will calm down the skin and leave it fresh and glowing. It will also help to close the open skin pores and keep acne and pimples at bay.

How to prepare & use – Grate half a cucumber and squeeze out the cucumber juice.You may use ready made cucumber water or gel. Add 1 teaspoon of aloevera gel and 1-2 tea spoons of rose water to it. You may fill this mixture in a spray bottle to use as a face mist or freeze it in an ice cube tray. You may rub the ice cubes all over your face to calm down the sun damaged skin.

Ingredients Recommended – Biotique Bio Cucumber Toner and VLCC Rose Water Toner.

I hope these DIY skincare hacks will help you to reduce the sun damage and pain caused by them. If they did, do let me know in the comment section below.

 

 

Sunscreen is the most important product which we often tend to ignore and must be at the top of our skincare essentials list. We can avoid a lot of skincare problems just by applying a sunscreen before stepping out in the sun. They not only prevent sun tanning but also prevents ageing and skin damage due to harmful sun rays.

There are a lot of options available ranging from matte gel based sunscreens to hydrating and water resistant ones. From a variety of sunscreens available these days, here are some of the best and affordable ones which are suitable for different skin types.

1. Lakme Sun Expert SPF 24 PA UV Sunscreen Lotion – This sunblock is good for people with normal to oily skin, though it says it is for all skin types. Since, it has a light weight formula, it blends into your skin very easily. It has SPF 24 which is great for those who are not that much exposed to sun. Click Here To Buy.
   Price – 190/-
   
2. Ayorma SPF 40 Sun Block – If you have very sensitive skin and use of a sunscreen leads to rashes and small bumps on your face, then this is a must try product. It is free from preservatives and apart from providing sun protection, it helps in reducing dark spots and uneven skin tone. Click Here To Buy.
   Price – 399/-
   
3. Nivea Sun Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 – For people with dry skin, sun screens with enough moisture are really important. This lotion from Nivea is also water resistant, so if you are planning for a day out at the pool or a swimming class, don’t forget to slip it in your bag. Also, it helps in preventing wrinkles with its collagen protection formula. Click Here To Buy.
   Price – 250/-
   
4. Biotique Bio Morning Nectar Ultra Soothing Face Lotion – If you are not sure of what your skin type is, then this product is definitely to your rescue. It is suitable for all skin types as it has optimum moisture and it is an ayurvedic recipe, so a great pick for people with sensitive skin. It is a  dual purpose product : works as a moisturizer as well as a sunblock. Click Here To Buy.
   Price – 199/-
   
5. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 50+ – Last but not the least, the product which I cannot help but mention in every sun protection post of mine is this one from neutrogena. I have already mentioned about it in many of my posts already. This sunblock has enough moisture that helps dry skin and at the same, it is non-comedogenic , i.e, it doesn’t clog pores, that is great for oily skin. This is another product which is suitable for people with all skin types. Click Here To Buy.
   Price – 199/-
   

Also, picking up the right sunscreen is just half way through sun protection, the other half is to apply it the right way. So, always remember to:
1. Apply a sunscreen 20-30 minutes before stepping out.
2. Reapply the sunscreen every 2-3 hours for optimal sun protection.
3. Apply a generous amount of sunscreen before applying makeup.

I hope this article will help you in finding the perfect sunscreen lotion and staying away from sun tan and other skincare problems caused in the absence of a sunscreen. Don’t forget to check the discounts available on these products that makes them all the way more affordable.
Do share your reviews in the comment section below and also, if you have other great options in this price range, please do share.

Every season brings with it a new set of skincare problems and so does the summer season. We have to deal with humidity, sun tan, body odour, dry frizzy hair, excess facial oil, etc. It is that time of the year when we look for products which can help us keep our skin and hair healthy.

To help you deal with the scorching summer heat, I have curated a list of 10 products that can solve all your skin and hair care problems without digging a hole in your pocket. These products are all that you will need this summer to get a glowing tan free skin and healthy hair.

1. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 50+ – This is an extremely important product which we all often ignore but to get rid of tan and all other skin problems, using a sunscreen is a MUST. This sunblock from neutrogena is suitable for all skin types, doesn’t leave a white cast and helps in maintaining oil balance. Click Here To Buy.
   Price – 199/-
   
2. Aroma Magic White Tea and Chamomile Face Wash – This face wash helps to deeply cleanse the skin to get rid of oil, dirt, sweat and pollution while maintaining the skin moisture. For such an affordable price, this face wash is really a must have for all skin types. Click Here To Buy.
   Price – 155/-
   
3. Kronokare Flower Power Face Toner – This flower based, chemical free toner will help to cleanse the skin pores as the sweat and excess oil tends to clog our pores during summers. This toner is free from all harmful chemicals, has a nice lavender fragrance and this compact spray bottle can be easily carried in your bags to spray anytime you feel like. Click Here To Buy.
   Price – 245/-
4. Biotique Bio Papaya Revitalizing Tan-Removal Scrub – Tanning is the major problem that we face in summers and we all look for options to deal with uneven skin tone. This scrub is just perfect to be used not only on your face but all over the body. It unclogs the pores, removes dead skin and helps to regain the original skin tone. Click Here To Buy.
   Price – 199/-
5. Biotique Bio Fruit Whitening and Depigmentation Face Pack – This face pack is filled with the goodness of fruits which calms down the skin from the scorching heat and helps to even out the skin tone. It has multani mitti to get rid of excess oil and tomato and lemon extracts to reduce tanning. Click Here To Buy.
   Price – 199/-
   
6. Biotique Bio Morning Nectar Flawless Skin Moisturizer – We sweat a lot and our skin gets extremely oily during summers. But that doesn’t mean we should skip a moisturizer because doing so will activate our oil glands which in turn will produce more oil leading to acne. This moisturizer from biotique is an all natural nourishing lotion that helps to maintain oil balance and also have sun protection. Click Here To Buy.
   Price – 199/-
   
7. Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Lip Moisturizer SPF 15 – Just like our skin, our lips also need sun protection to keep them smooth, soft and supple. This lip balm is fragrance free and colorless, so it can be worn before applying lipstick or before going to bed. Click Here To Buy.
   Price – 164/-
8. Kaya Refreshing Mattifying Wipes – Acne Free (Pack of 30) – If you have combination to oily skin and wet wipes do not suit your skin or their perfume causes irritation, then you must definitely try these wipes. You can carry them in your bag to wipe out any excess oil, makeup, dirt or pollution from your face. Also, they are mattifying, helps in reducing acne and extremely affordable. Click Here To Buy.
   Price – 120/-
   
9. Nivea Body Deodorizer Fresh Petal and Care Gas Free Spray – Another major issue during winters is body odour. We tend to sweat a lot more in summers which makes us very conscious of how we smell. Even if we apply a deo, it fades away in a few hours. If that’s the case with you, do try this one from Nivea. You may pick up any fragrance of the three choices they have launched and stay odour free for almost 7-8 hours. Click Here To Buy.
   Price – 220/-
   
10. Livon Moroccan Silk Serum – Last but not the least, we need protection for our hair as well as they get dry, lifeless and frizzy in the heat. This hair serum contains UV filters to protect the hair from sun rays and the moroccan argon oil keeps them strong, healthy and frizz free. Always apply a small amount of this serum to the hair length after shampoo. Click Here To Buy.
    Price – 149/-
    
    I hope you find the solutions to all your summer related problems after using all these products. Also, all of these products are easily available on discounts which makes them all the more pocket friendly.If you found this post useful, do let me know your in the comment section below.

If you are tired of using the same old body lotion and still unable to get rid of skin dryness, then you must definitely switch to a good body butter. Body butters are thick and dense in texture as compared to a body lotion, so they provide better moisture to the body. They also create a protection layer which helps to lock in the moisture, keeping the skin soft and supple for a longer time. Since they are dense, it helps to heal cracks, dry patches and even stretch marks.

I have already written about the importance of body scrubbing (Get Rid Of Skin Tan and Ingrown Hair : Effective Body Scrubs For Your Skin) post which a nice massage with any body butter will be too effective in dealing with skin problems. So, I have listed down some effective body butters you may try.

1. Himalaya Rich Cocoa Butter Body Cream – Cocoa butter is a highly effective ingredient in treating dryness, so this one from Himalaya is a nice option to try. It soaks into the skin very well, is extremely moisturizing and leaves a mild cocoa fragrance. Overall, a nice budget friendly option to treat your skin. Click Here To Buy.
   Price – 270/-
   
2. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula With Vitamin E – I find Palmer’s product perfect for people with extremely dry skin. They contain ingredients which help to heal the skin, prevent skin ageing, promote cell generation, nourish the skin and fight stretch marks. So, this is the perfect product to try if you have dry skin problems. Click Here To Buy.
   Price – 545/-
   
3. Plum Feel The Fudge Body Butter, Vanilla And Fig – This body butter is a nice option with the benefits and soothing fragrance of vanilla and fig. Vanilla and Shea butter provides nourishment to the skin with the anti-oxidant property of fig. To top it all, this product is paraben free and vegan which makes it altogether a perfect buy. Click Here To Buy.
   Price – 450/-
   
4. Mcaffeine Smooth Jazz Caffeine Body Butter – When we are talking about paraben free products, then we should have a look at this product too. This contains caffeine which helps in skin tightening, avocado which has anti oxidants to heal your skin and almonds for overall nourishment. This is another must try product for smooth skin. Click Here To Buy.
   Price – 399/-
   
5. Biotique Bio Coco Butter – This body butter from biotique also helps in healing stretched skin, pigmentation and dryness. Since it is an ayurvedic recipe, so it is suitable to sensitive skin as well. It is completely safe, ayurvedic and affordable body cream to get the long lasting moisturizing effect. Click Here To Buy.
   Price – 180/-
   
   I hope this list helps you in finding your perfect body butter and may help you in getting rid of all your dry skin problems. Do share your views in the comment section below.

 

We all want to look our best everyday, have a nice spotless skin, get rid of wrinkles and dark circles, have healthy hair and the list of our wishes is endless. We look for the best available skincare products in the market and try different DIY recipes. Sometimes they work but sometimes they don’t. Reason behind this is that there are a lot of small yet crucial things which we ignore that can make a huge difference to our skin.

1. Remove your makeup : The most important rule for flawless skin if you wear makeup ( be it light or heavy), is do not sleep with makeup on your face. This is can create more damage than you can even imagine. Makeup will clog your pores leading to acne and will not allow the skin to recover leading to ageing. If you are too lazy to wash your face post a long day at work or a party, the least you could do is to either use a makeup remover or a wet wipe.
2. Clean your pillow cover :If you wake up with a zit on your face despite washing your face the last night, then probably your pillow is the culprit. Be it a cotton, satin, silk or any other pillow cover fabric, make sure to clean it every 3-4 days.
3. Use a Separate face towel : This one is something we all must have done,using the same towel to wipe our face and body. Your body towel might get bacteria from any missed unclean spot and that can easily transfer to your face, if you use the same towel. So, always use a separate towel for your face and make sure to clean it every 2-3 days.
4. Do Drink Enough Water : If you complain of flaky skin, dark circles, acne, pigmentation, wrinkles, dull skin, dry scalp etc etc, then please check how many glasses of water you had. Almost every skin and hair problem can be solved to a large extent if you keep yourself hydrated. Go and grab a glass of water right now. 😉
5. Do wear Sunscreen : I can’t stress this enough but NEVER EVER step outside without a sunblock. You may not realize but one of the major factors behind your acne, pigmentation, ageing and dark spots is an absence of sun protection. Be it summer, winter, spring or any season, don’t skip using a sunscreen. You may pick any one suitable to your skin or else you can find one in my articles I have written lately. (Oily Skin Care Routine and Dry Skin Care Routine).
6. Don’t Touch your face : Most of us have a habit of touching our face quite frequently. Have you ever realized how many bacteria you welcome to your face by doing this? Throughout the day, at home, office, college or anywhere, we touch so many things which have bacteria in abundance (Door handles, lift buttons, Staircase handrail,etc) and now imagine using the same hands on your face, one major culprit for your skin problems.
7. Don’t Share makeup – I know it is good to be generous, but if it is at the cost of your hygiene, then its a big NO NO. Sharing your makeup stuff especially kajal, lipstick, makeup sponge and brushes will not only damage your skin but also of the one whom you are trying to help. This may lead to eye infections, cold sores and other skin problems.
8. Always wash makeup sponge and brushes – Makeup tools also gather a lot of bacteria, dirt, oil, pollution, dead cells, etc and using them without washing may clog your pores and cause infections. So, it is highly recommended to wash them from time to time.
9. Wrong way of applying eye cream – Even after using an eye cream regularly, your dark circles are getting worse then, one major reason could be the way you apply the cream. If we put too much pressure, the blood vessels gets damaged and leak blood which makes the skin around the eyes look dark. Always use your ring finger to apply an eye cream because it gives a gentle pressure and does not damage the delicate skin around the eyes.
10. Use of Cellphone – If you have acne along the sides of your cheek near the hairline, then you know whom to blame for it. 😉 Our cellphone carries bacteria and its heat helps them to breed which when comes in contact with your face causes acne. Not only this, the overheating might be a cause of your dark spots, the visible light can cause dark circles and collagen damage which ultimately causes wrinkles. So, its better to clean your phone screen daily and reduce your phone usage.

 

You might be familiar with a lot of things mentioned above but what is more important is how often do we follow this. So, to get the perfect looking skin, stop the wrong habits and start the good ones and see the difference in a few days.

I would be glad to know about your experience, so please do share your opinion in the comments section below.

As much as our face needs regular scrubbing so does our body, especially in winters. During this season, our skin gets more dry and patchy and when we skip scrubbing, it gets thick and uneven.
The dead skin clogs the pores of the body which doesn’t let the moisturizer sink into it. Also, scrubbing will help to remove ingrown hair. So, it is important to include a body scrub in your regime.

Make sure not to use very harsh scrub as it may damage the dry skin. Always use a moisturizer post using a scrub or else use an oil/cream based scrub. This will not only scrub off the dead skin but also make keep it soft and moisturized. If you are looking out for some effective products to try, then I have listed down some of them.

1. Biotique Bio Papaya Revitalizing Tan Removal Scrub – This is actually a face scrub but its granules are gritty which can be used as a body scrub too. It has a creamy base which gently makes the skin smooth and papaya helps to remove dead skin cells and tan. Also, biotique products are ayurvedic recipes, so this product is safe for sensitive skin too. Click Here To Buy.
Price – 199/-
2. Bio Care Shea Butter Body Scrub – Shea butter is a treat for dry flaky skin and the perfect ingredient to lock in the moisture in such a cold weather. Having a scrub with Shea butter base would be the perfect combination. This is one of the most affordable scrub which will deeply cleanse and moisturize the skin. Click Here To Buy.
Price – 207/-

3. Patanjali Apricot Scrub – Once again, I am recommending a face scrub but I find it more suitable for body as its granules are not that soft for the face. Apricot and Aloe Vera are very good for the skin and the best thing I like about this product is that it is very effective in getting rid of the ingrown hair. Click Here To Buy.
Price – 60/-
4. Vaadi Herbals Face & Body Scrub – If you are looking for some herbal and Ayurvedic formula based scrub, then I would recommend this body scrub. It has walnut extracts to remove dead skin and contains vitamin E oil to give a soft texture to the skin. It is also one of the inexpensive scrubs which I have found. Click Here To Buy.
Price – 350/-

5. FabIndia Neem Tulsi Gel Scrub for Face and Body – If the  ingrown hair have caused inflammation and redness on your body, you may use this scrub. It contains Neem and Tulsi to reduce the inflammation and prevent any further infections.It has a gel base which is very gentle in removing the dead skin. Click Here To Buy.
Price – 390/-

Since, the skin on the other body parts is not as sensitive as that of the face, one can do body scrubbing quite frequently. You may do it once a week or on alternate days depending upon your skin sensitivity. Also, do exfoliate your body a day before waxing that will also help to get rid of ingrown hair.

If you find this post useful, do let me know in the comment section below.