Master the Art of Selecting Toners for Sensitive Skin
Skin sensitivity is mostly an acquired skin problem. A five to ten steps skin regime is not for every skin type. As a matter of fact it’s not required.
Our Indian Skin type is either Fitzpatrick type 4 or 5
| Skin color before sun exposure | Eye color & Hair color | Skin reacts on sun exposure | |
| Type 4 | Olive or Light brown | Dark brown | Tans often and rarely gets a sun burn |
| Type 5 | Dark brown | Dark brown to black | Always tans and never gets a sun burn |
So we fall in either of the above 2 skin types.
These skin types develop pigmentation (skin darkening) quickly not just due to sun exposure but also to skin irritating or sensitizing products.
In majority of cases, it’s an acquired sensitivity which means you don’t have a sensitive skin but you make it sensitive following a long skincare regime having different several products.
Every other skincare youtube channel or beauty influencer iterates on following a regime of double cleansing then toners followed by back to back serums and then sealing off with a heavy moisturiser.
Take a step back and question if you really need all these products? Well, for now I can help you out figuring out whether your sensitive Indian skin type needs a toner or not.
If yes, then how do you select one. Here’s an interactive presentation on toners for sensitive Indian skin.
Low pH Facial Cleansers: What works, What won’t- Trending to Underrated picks
Low pH facial cleansers can be a game changer in your Skin care goals. No matter your skin type, your skin pH holds the reins for a healthy vibrant look.
You may follow a 10 step skincare routine or limit it to 1 step unless you maintain your skin pH you can’t see the results.
Interestingly, if you care to maintain your skin pH to its natural level of 4.5-5.5, then it may even reduce irritancy experienced with Retinol and Vitamin C serums.
This perhaps, decreases your chances of throwing away the newly bought serum. Also, you may no longer feel guilty for splurging on trending skincare products.
Whatever I have said above will make more sense to you if you read my previous post on balancing skin pH
Click the Image below to read
Furthermore, of all the products you use, cleansers hold a prime place in managing your pH.
As much as I obsess over maintaining skin pH, I have come to realize that just because a cleanser claims pH balanced doesn’t imply it works as expected.
How to pick a low pH Facial Cleanser: General tips
It goes without saying the first and foremost to check is whether or not the cleanser tube reads pH balanced.
“Low pH” or “pH balanced” adds value to the cleanser so most of the brands make it a point to advertise the added advantage in buying their cleanser.
However, there are can be few exceptions. For example, I never expected Himalaya’s Neem face wash to be a low pH balanced cleanser but it turns out to be one.
Secondly, the shorter the ingredients list the better. Don’t get tempted by those fanciful names of herbs on cleanser bottles the marketers use to lure you into buying them.
Update 2021:What if I say, skincare science has come a long way and now you can not only have a low pH cleansing but also benefit from the goodness of clinically studied herbs?
-
Power of Leaf – Super Charged Anti-Oxidant: Masque & Powder Cleanser-50gms₹700.00 – ₹730.00 incl. GST
Sebamed Clear Face Cleansing Foam Ph5.5:
So that is why my favorite remains Sebamed. Just look at the ingredients- they are just to the point and no nonsense.
Water, Cocamidopropylalbetainamide MEA Chloride, Cocotrimonium Mthosulfate, Sodium Lactate, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Fragrance (Parfum), Phenoxyethanol.
Don’t get scared by the two lengthy names mentioned next to water. (Highlighted in bold)
The former one is a very gentle cleansing compound that has mild anti bacterial properties.
But, it imparts even mild foaming properties to the cleanser which may be the reason for dryness experienced when used in dry weathers.
The latter one- Cocotrimonium Methosulphate conditions the skin.
Your takeaway: Irrespective of your skin type this cleanser is best for maintaining your skin pH in humid weathers.
In dry weathers, I mix two of my favorite oils and cleanser then use the mix for cleansing.
Low pH Facial Cleansers may or may not be mild:
It doesn’t matter what your facial cleanser claims about mildness. Unless the label reads “pH balanced”, the claims of mildness can be overlooked in many cases.
Although mild cleansing agent was used to formulate the cleanser, if the final pH exceeds the skin’s normal pH then the cleanser cannot fully show its mildness towards the skin.
On the other hand, low pH of facial cleanser doesn’t guarantee having mild cleansing agents.
For example the Himalaya neem face wash is pH balanced. But if you look at the ingredients the main cleansing agent of the face wash is Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate, younger brother of SLS (Sodium lauryl Sulphate) known for harshness and drying out the skin.
Although the other supporting ingredient, Cocamidopropyl betaine imparts mildness to a cleanser, it can’t fully protect the skin from harshness of main cleansing agent within a cleanser.
Recently, I came across Dermavive Hydra cleanser (Now available in India)- One of the best low pH facial cleansers.
It is a pH balanced Cleanser with 3 mild cleansing agents (Disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate ,Sodium cococyl isothionate and Cocoamidapropyl betaine).
However, presence of Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate may cause dryness after washing. Therefore, to balance the dryness it has colloidal oatmeal.
I am pretty impressed with the thoughtfulness of makers of this cleanser. But, the strong medicinal smell though fades away quickly, it puts me off.
What makes a Cleanser mild?
Oils and fatty alcohols (not denatured alcohol) such as Cetearyl Alcohol, Paraffin, Octyldodecanol, Lanolin alcohol when present in a cleanser minimize the harsh and drying nature of cleansing agents aka surfactants.
Cleansers that have oils and fatty alcohols reduce the moisture loss from skin experienced after cleansing.
Furthermore, they replenish the lipids lost due to washing the skin.
For example the First Aid Beauty Cleanser– Not only pH balanced but also has fatty alcohols that maintain the moisture levels of skin.
Ingredients of First Aid Beauty Cleanser:
Water, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Stearyl Alcohol, Allantoin, Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Tocopherol, etc
All the ingredients highlighted in bold work towards replenishing the lipids lost due to cleansing.
Also, the best part of this cleanser: Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate – very gentle mild cleansing agent used even in baby products.
Look beyond the packaging of the bottle:
The beautiful green color of green tea cleanser and lavender color of lavender cleanser doesn’t complement the same in the ingredients. In reality, botanical extracts usually have dirty brownish kind of mud color.
In many instances, the amount of botanicals present is negligible to show any benefits to your skin. Also, when it comes to rinse –off products, it just goes down the drain.
In simple words, look beyond the aesthetic appeal of the bottle and ditch it if you stifle a yawn while checking the never ending list of ingredients on the bottle.
For example the Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Cleanser:
Sadly, this cleanser didn’t live up to the hype created by other Cosrx products. Many said that it not only dried their skin but also gave terrible acne breakouts to some. This may be because it didn’t confer to below three checkpoints:
- Shorter Ingredients list
- Oils or Fatty alcohols
- Few botanical extracts (It has lot many extracts than needed)
Though it has 2 mild cleansing agents, the hell lot of extracts in the cleanser needs emulsifier and other chemicals to mix well and remain stable.
You’ll find polysorbate 20 (emulsifier with cleansing nature often found in cleansing oils for deeper cleansing) within the first 4 ingredients. This could possibly be the reason for excessive drying effect of Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Cleanser.
Instead, the PURITO DEFENCE BARRIER PH CLEANSER – has balanced amounts of botanical extracts (just 2) with hydrating ingredients such as Allantoin, collagen and Royal Jelly.
Not to forget, the 2 mild cleansing agents present with no added emulsifiers and other surfactants – Cocamidopropyl Betaine and Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate.
Not-so-surprisingly, Purito defence barrier pH cleanser receives rave reviews and vouched by many.
Just because the bottle says “For oily skin” it doesn’t really work that way:
I have observed that whenever a skincare product (not make-up) specifies “for oily skin” it either dries out the skin or triggers breakout.
Time and again I stress on the fact if you have oily skin, you need to balance the oil production by the oil factories present in your skin, not get rid of it.
For example, the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin though a low pH facial cleanser has more than necessary dehydrating cleansing and foaming agents with emphasis on ingredients that enhance the skin feel.
On the other hand, CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser for Dry to Normal Skin has not only the skin conditioning ingredients but also has a mild cleansing action which in fact suits even oily skin.
Be your best judge while considering reviews:
Be critical while considering the highest and lowest ratings of the product. It could be that the ratings given are too good to be true.
Therefore, give importance to those reviews where the customers have detailed their skin type, skin concern and changes they have seen after some time of using the product.
This may sound funny to you as I am a blogger too but as a matter of fact, don’t blindly go by what your favorite beauty blogger has to say about a certain product. Instead do your own study.
Your Takeaways:
Go for it if the cleanser bottle reads “pH balanced”. Much better if it even specifies the pH of 5/5.5
Read the ingredients’ label and see if the list is short. Don’t bother going for it if it has way too many fanciful sounding extracts.
Mild cleansing agents could be 1 or combination of any of these – Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
If the names look unfamiliar then google the top 4 ingredients and the chemicals should fall under the category of “non-ionic surfactants” or “amphoteric surfactants”
Foaming doesn’t mean better cleaning, truth to be told highly foaming cleansers dries out the skin for example- Heimish PH 5.5 Green Cleansing Foam. Remember this and prefer non-foaming cleansers.
Does Your Day/Night Face Cream Really Works for Skin-care?
Or does it just acts as a makeup base or coat over your skin? So, what exactly should you consider before choosing your face cream?
A simple question that changed my Skin – Is My Day/Night Face Cream Really Working for Skin-care? Or does it just acts as a makeup base or coat over my skin?
Do you know what started to bring about the improvement in my skin texture and concerns for which I tried countless remedies and products?
Firstly, I want to brief you on what exactly were my skin concerns-
- Dull skin with poor texture
- Acne prone
- Pigmented areas on face
- Makeup foundation & BB creams, which now very well enhance my look used to aggravate my skin concerns.
Now to the secret that helped me not only drastically improve my skin but also saved me from wasting bucks on skincare products-
Before making a purchase of any product marketed as a Skin-care, I started analyzing the ingredients’ list to understand if it’s more of a skin care product that truly cares for my skin concerns or a make-up product that gives a temporary solution. By doing so, I could understand if my face Cream Really Works for Skin
I spent my time jotting down the skincare product claims and their respective ingredients. For this, I choose Facial Moisturizers which are often sold as Day and night creams.
Why specifically I choose to inspect face moisturizers?
As face moisturizers occupy the last step in skincare, in many the formula focuses on the feel and more on giving instant results.
Let’s get started on selecting facial moisturizers by looking beyond the claims.
Basic expectations from a Facial Moisturizer: Day/Night Cream
Let’s first talk about the reason we go for day creams.
Irrespective of the skin type, we use day creams mostly to fulfill the basic needs of moisturizing the skin and protect it from harmful UV rays.
Beyond this basic needs, we desire to have an even skin tone and lighten the blemishes/dark spots
Additional needs: We expect our day cream to offer anti oxidant protection from the pollutants.
Expectations from Night creams: Anti-aging and skin rejuvenation (Includes healing of dark spots and hyper pigmentation) and waking up to a healthy radiating skin
What ingredients in a Facial Day/Night cream Face Cream Really Works for Skin?
Moisturizing Ingredients:
If you need a real skincare kind of moisturizing effect then this is what you need to look for in your moisturizer’s ingredients: Humectants such as Hyaluronic acid and Sodium hyaluronate, Panthenol (vitamin B5)
Moderate humectants: Glycerine, Honey, Sorbitol, Propylene glycol, Butylene Glycol
Humectants attract and retain moisture in your skin.
Sadly, I couldn’t locate the cornerstone humectant Hyaluronic acid in either of the below mentioned popular day creams:
L’Oreal White perfect fairness control moisturizing day cream SPF17 PA++
L’Oreal White perfect clinical day cream SPF 19 PA++
Olay Natural White Natural Day SPF 24 Glowing Fairness Cream
Olay Total Effects 7 In One Anti-Ageing Day Cream Normal SPF 15
Pond’s Age Miracle Cell ReGEN Day Cream SPF 15PA++
Himalaya Clear Complexion Whitening Day Cream
However, Olay day and night creams seems to have decent amounts of panthenol. Decent amount because it was not listed towards the end of the ingredients.
Note: Ingredients are listed in descending order of their concentrations in the product.
Also, Olay Total Effects 7 In One Anti-Ageing Day Cream Normal SPF 15 seems have Panthenol in good enough amounts as you can spot it at the second row of ingredients.
Panthenol:
For panthenol aka pro-vitamn B5 to show significant long term hydrating benefits to the skin, the skin care product needs to have at least 1% of it.
But, in many cases skincare products include panthenol for the sake of making claims.
Therefore, when you see a skincare product cashing on pro-vitamin B5 make sure to check if you can locate panthenol at least in the second row of ingredients.
If it is somewhere by the side of fragrance ingredients such as benzyl alcohol then the skincare product probably contains 0.5% or less than 0.5% of Panthenol.
Below mentioned are the ingredients when present in good amounts can help you give radiant glowing skin:
These actives even counter hyper pigmentation and sun induced skin damage:
Niacinamide:
To even out the skin tone and reduce dark spots due to sun damage or acne our skin needs certain actives known as de-pigmenting or skin lightening ingredients.
Earlier hydroquinone was very popular in facial creams for skin lightening. After its controversial findings came to light, no longer brands incorporate hydroquinone in their products.
In the past few years Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), has replaced the hydroquinone and wide research backs up the potency of this vitamin in skincare.
You’ll locate Niacinamide in almost every day and night cream in the first row of ingredients itself. Of course, lowest its number in the list of ingredients, better the results.
Again, Olay Total Effects 7 In One Anti-Ageing cream seems to be the winner both for Niacinamide and Panthenol content within the creams. Not-so-surprisingly they cost more compared to their counter parts.
Disappointing is L’Oreal Paris White Perfect Day Cream SPF17++ with no trace of Niacinamide or Panthenol.
Correlate claims with ingredients to understand if your face cream really works for skin
Let’s just look at the promises made by L’Oreal Paris White Perfect Day Cream SPF17++: Transparent Rosy Radiance
Further description reads: Contains a breakthrough ingredient – Melanin Vanish, 1 drop 50X more powerful, (“More powerful” than what? Ermm…!) which helps to inhibit melanin production at the source. With SPF 17/PA ++, it effectively helps protect skin from UVA and UVB.
Let us check what the ingredients’ speak.
Aqua / Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (UVB Sunscreen), Glycerin, Isohexadecane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Ammonium Polyacryldimethyltauramide / Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate (Occlusive, Viscosity Increasing Agent), Titanium Dioxide (sun block), Peg-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate,(Absorbs UVA Radiation) Synthetic Wax, Aluminum Hydroxide, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetyl Alcohol, Ci 77891 / Titanium Dioxide, Citric Acid, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract / Lemon Fruit Extract, Ethylparaben, Manganese Gluconate, Methylparaben, Octyldodecanol, Palmitic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Phenylethyl Resorcinol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Silica, Stearic Acid, Tetrasodium Edta, Tourmaline, Parfum / Fragrance Etc..
From whatever I could decipher, I couldn’t locate anything in the ingredients that gives a transparent rosy radiance to the skin.
As for Ascorbyl Glucoside, a stable derivative of Vitamin C has very few studies that support its skin lightening claim.
Nevertheless, cosmetic formulators say it works provided it is present in specified %s for example, The Ordrinary Ascorbyl Glucoside 12% solution.
The ingredient highlighted in red- Phenyletheyl Resorcinol is a skin whitening agent. However, only independent research conducted by the makers of this chemical claim that its 0.5% is as good as 1%Kojic acid (Acclaimed skin lightening agent).
Also, there have been reports of allergic contact dermatitis due to Phenylethyl Resorcinol.
The only good thing of this cream is presence of Caproyl Salicylic acid which treats the rough dry patches of skin. But, I’d rather look for other options than buy a facial cream for one good ingredient.
Other Skin De-pigmenting ingredients to look for in your face creams to get radiant glow:
Vitamin C, vitamin E, retinols, arbutin, azelaic acid, kojic acid, ellagic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid.
Vitamin C and Vitamin E relevant in popular Day and Night facial moisturizing creams- Does their presence in face cream really works for skin?
Vitamin C
From clinical point of view dermatologists often recommend using Vitamin C after being under the Sun.
Because, UV rays decrease vitamin C levels in the skin, applying the vitamin C after being under the sun combats the free radicals produced by the UV rays as well as refills the depleted vitamin C from skin.
Additionally, Vitamin C promotes collagen formation (skin’s structural protein)
Different forms of Vitamin C derivatives available for skincare: Ascorbic acid, Ascorbyl glucoside, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ethylated Ascorbic Acid (has high potency).
[south_custom_ads]
L’Oreal White Perfect Clinical Overnight Treatment Cream has ethylated ascorbic acid as well as Niacinamide. Now that it has these ingredients somewhere in a pile of other ingredients it’s priced nearly double to that of the L’Oreal’s white perfect fairness control moisturizing day cream🤨
It also has PROCYSTIN which according to L’Oreal neutralizes free radicals and acts to reduce melanin formation. But, from whatever I could find about Procystin, it’s just a skin bleaching agent.
But, when it comes to getting lucky with Vitamin C, the skin care product needs to have a good enough % of vitamin C.
Therefore, to reap the benefits of Vitamin C look for Vitamin C serums that specifies the % of vitamin C. Add few drops of this serum to your day/night facial creams.
For instance, this high end product from Clinique- Fresh Pressed Daily Booster with Pure Vitamin C 10% offers vitamin C in emulsion form. You can add a drop or two to your moisturizer.
Liquid Vitamin C serums are often very unstable. They may even darken the skin as they are prone to oxidation.
Therefore, my Beauty Spring’s Skin Clearing Luminous Facial Mask provides the goodness of natural vitamin C (Concentrated arose hips tested for Vitamin C ) in a stable powder form in combination with other skin soothing natural ingredients.
Vitamin E:
Almost every cream out there in the mark incorporates vitamin E. All thanks to its easy availability and cost.
Nonetheless, if you locate Vitamin E in ingredients’ list next to preservatives such as Phenoxyethanol or fragrance then it means it was added in quantities to act as preservative but not to benefit the skin.
Retinol (Vitamin A) derivatives:
Retinol derivatives have innumerable benefits ranging from treating acne prone skin, excessive oiliness to anti aging.
But, it’s a powerful ingredient that causes dryness, redness, flaking of skin till the skin gets over the purging phase. After 4-6 weeks skin starts responding well to retinol based products.
From the day/night creams I choose for checking if these face creams really work for Skin, I found retinol derivatives in anti-aging range of Pond’s.
Pond’s anti aging day and night creams have almost same ingredients with the only difference of added sunscreens for day time cream.
Furthermore, as low as 0.03% of retinol shows great skin benefits. Therefore, I didn’t bother guessing the quantity of retinol in these creams.
Not to mention, retinol degrades in sun. Sunscreen within your moisturizer protects you from UV rays but may or may not save the liable retinol.
Therefore use your retinol based products during PM for best results.
Also, I stumbled upon the so-called luxury anti aging range from Pond’s.
Deceptive claims promising youthful glow?
Let’s check what these luxury range of skincare products from Pond’s have to offer:
Tag line: Recapture the radiant glow of youthful skin.
Ponds Gold Radiance Youthful Glow Day Cream SPF 15PA++
Ponds Gold Radiance Youthful Night Cream
*Again, both are the same with the presence and absence of sunscreen being the only difference.
The product description reads:
Infused with real precious gold – It takes touch of gold to reduce age
Infused with goodness of Vitamin A and vitamin B3
As for the gold there’s very little research to support its anti-aging, “brings back youth” claims. In fact, there have been more of negative reports on usage of gold for skincare.
Truth to be told, gold in skincare sounds more or less a marketing gimmick to increase the price tag. (Pond’s gold range costs around 3000Rs for 50 ml of each day and night cream)
Not to forget, you’ll find mica and calcium aluminium boroasilicate in the ingredients’ list of both day and night creams.
Mica and Calcium Aluminium Boroasilicate gives you the gold shimmery makeup look.
However, what bothered me was presence of these ingredients in even night cream. Night creams should help in rejuvenating the skin not give a false sense of radiance.
There’s no point in removing makeup before going to bed if the night creams we apply act as a makeup coat.
For night time skincare:
While selecting night time creams you need to be more vary of the list of ingredients.
Most of the night creams that go by the claims of “repair” have ingredients that give a sense of temporary plump look by filling in fine lines.
For example,Olay Natural White 7 IN ONE Night Nourishing Repair Cream has dimethiconol which serves the purpose of giving a fake temporary plump look.
Other ingredients such as Nylon-12 and Polyacrylamide which form a coat like film, found in many night creams may not be necessary for someone who has no aging related skin concerns.
Therefore, go for serums that address your concerns and then apply a simple moisturizer with short list of ingredients.
Your Takeway from Does Your Day/Night Face Cream Really Works for Skin-care?
A facial moisturizing cream essentially comprises of different ingredients with different purposes. For example,
Skin conditioning ingredients: Softens and smooths skin by giving a temporary moisturizing benefit to the skin.
The Good: Glycerine, Hyaluronic acid, Fatty alcohols ( Eg: Cetyl alcohol, Stearyl alcohol, Cetearyl alcohol)
The Not-so-good : Oils and Butters- Especially in skin prone to clogged pores, oily and sensitive.
Film forming ingredients: These are responsible for the silky non-greasy feel of the creams and forms a good makeup base.
These congest the skin making it dull textured with time. For all skin types except dry skin, the products having high amount of film forming ingredients work less as skin-care but more as make-up.
Eg: Silicones – Dimethicone , Polydimethylsiloxane , Dimethiconol.
So, you cannot simply buy a face cream for the highlighted active ingredients. In most cases the film forming ingredients don’t let the active ingredients benefit the skin.
Does that mean should you avoid using the popularly advertised day and night creams?
These popular day creams have the advantage of easy availability so, use them mainly for the sun protection they offer.
Focus on SPF and texture of cream that suits your skin rather than any other claims.
If you need goodness of vitamin C and E then go for serums such as St.Botanica Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin C, E Facial Serum.
For improving your skin’s texture and glow with added healthy radiance use products that specify the % of important brightening ingredients
Furthermore, the essence has these active ingredients formulated such that it reaches the skin layers to revive the skin from within
So, this was my round up of popular day and night moisturizer creams. Hope this be of help to you.🤗
If you wish to discuss a particular product feel free to drop in a comment.
[south_custom_ads]
Tired of Skincare Products Giving You Temporary Results? Master how to fix it…
How often does your holy grail skincare product finds its place in a stash even though you were vouching by it just weeks ago?
This happens even with skincare products formulated with effective ingredients present in clinically proven concentrations- you start feeling the results have reached a stagnant point.
Furthermore, the results with your skincare product seem temporary.
Much worse scenario – the skincare product you once vouched for and never got tired of writing reviews over it seems no longer for your skin type and concerns.
Earlier even I used to be highly impatient with skincare products and pretty quick to switch to new ones displayed in beauty counters.
Ever since the science of skincare became my passion, my approach towards skincare products giving temporary results changed.
To understand why skincare products give temporary results let’s first delve into science of skincare.
Before you use any skincare product, you need to equip yourself with an understanding of your skin and correlate the product’s role in your skincare.
Therefore, here’s something very important you should know about your skin:
Solid form of our skin lipids is what protects skin from losing its moisture content. Serums and even moisturizers we use have liquids (solvents) that cause fluidity in solid oily layer of skin. (lipid layer)
This temporarily induced fluidity helps the actives present in serums and, moisturizers to enter the skin to show their activity rather than staying on the top of skin.
Skin Actives are ingredients that show activity on skin: Exfoliating acids(lactic acid, salicyclic acid, glycolic acid, madelic acid), Niacinamide, Retinols and, Extracts
As much as I love actives showing their action on the skin, I am wary of the cons. The biggest con that’s likely to happen is that our favorite serum or moisturizer stops working with time.
The skincare product for which you have spend thousands of bucks makes you feel that you have wasted your money.
The reason why even thoughtfully formulated skincare products stop showing results: The loss of Ceramides.
The loss of Ceramides increases moisture loss. And a dehydrated skin either turns very sensitive to actives or stops responding to them.
Sensitivity to actives triggers inflammatory responses such as acne, pesky spots or red blotches
Why specifically ceramides?
Making of ceramides by skin needs proper balanced skin pH. When skin pH falters the recovery of ceramides is also stalled. Furthermore, the skin is able to recover Ceramides only after gaining back its lost cholesterol and other fatty acids.
In simple words, you need to support and assist skin in gaining back its lost Ceramides.
How to gain back lost Ceramides from Skin:
Applying skincare products that have ingredients that resemble skin lipids help in replenishing the skin.
The google’s top picks for getting the goodness of ceramides and skin lipds are:
CERAVE’s PM Face Moisturizer for Nighttime Use
Cerave’s Ultra-Light Face Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
FIRST AID BEAUTY Ultra Repair Cream
The downside of using moisturizers having ceramides and cholesterol:
But, the problem with ceramide and cholesterol containing moisturizers is that they are aimed at dry skin people with little or no-breakout issues.
Therefore, you tend to find more than 1 pore clogging ingredient within the list.
For instances, the Glyceryl Stearate SE found 3rd in ingredients list of Cerave’s Ultra-Light Face Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 is a potential comedogenic ingredient. (Pore clogging)
You can check the number of comedogenic ingredients in each of the above three moisturizers on this site: http://www.cosdna.com
Not just pore clogging but they also feel heavy on the skin making them highly unsuitable for people living in hot&humid areas and also to those with normal-oily skintype.
How to meet the needs of skin for Cermides during Acne treatments:
Your skin needs ceramides if you are using acne treatments that dry out your skin. In such cases, you can opt for one of the above three ceramide containing light weight moisturizers provided you make sure the ingredients’ list suits your skin type.
In case you fear increased greasiness or breakouts with moisturizers having cholesterol and ceramides then below mentioned are two ways which works for even oily skin beauties.
Not just oily but basically any skin type that uses serums and other skincare products.
- Home Remedy
- Make your skin replenish its Ceramide stores by applying this magic essence (scroll down to read)
1)Home Remedy: Although this simple DIY was written for winter acne remedy, it helps in making your skincare products work again for your skin.
2) Replenish your skin’s Ceramides by applying this magic essence:
I formulated this magic essence in a way that each and every ingredient present in it caters to the skin’s needs. Here, I present to you the magic essence – Beauty Spring’s Skin luminous Gel Essence– that’s going to naturally boost your skin’s Ceramides content.
My best selling Handcrafted Gel Essence devoid of silicones and oils. Customized for reviving dull skin
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide): Beauty Spring’s Skin luminous Gel Essence has clinically proven effective concentration of Vitamin B3- 4%. It works
- supports and assists the skin to naturally produce ceramides (loss of ceramides in skin makes it dry and also acne prone)
- by enhancing the skin’s radiance
- reverses sun damage and tan
- reduces excess oil production by oil factories of skin
- calms active acne
- reduces the frequency of acne breakouts
Amino Sugars: This fabulous group of molecules derived from nature stimulates skin to produce its own moisturizing molecules- Hyaluronic acid. In our essence, we have combined amino sugars with Vitamin B3 to enhance the brightening and luminosity of the skin.
Beta-Glucan: It is a polysaccharide that protects the skin barrier, prevents water loss, increases moisture level of skin, protects and repair damaged skin, and increases collagen (skin protein) production for healing acne scars.
Sodium Hyaluronate: Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in our skin, joints and eyes. This molecule can absorb water and hydrate your skin. It helps in having a plump look. Also acts as anti oxidant. So using our essence infused with hyaluronic acid provides the skin the needed moisture boost.
Sea-Buckthorn Extract: Countless studies have proven the efficacy of sea buckthorn in balancing the skin’s oiliness. It also counteracts inflammation due to acne. Most importantly, it even aids in reducing pigmentation.
Royal Jelly: Royal Jelly is a honey bee secretion fed by worker bees to honey larvae and queen bees for nourishment. In skincare industry ,this royal jelly is considered as fountain of youth for skin.
Directions for Use: Cleanse your face with a pH balanced cleanser and apply the gel on slightly damp face if your skin is of dry skin type. For oily skin, apply on clean and dry face. Use twice or thrice a day.
Remember to cleanse and exfoliate your oily areas of your face before using the Gel Essence. This avoids any film forming due to the beta glucans present in the Gel Essence.
For consultation on skincare reach me out at lubna.khatoon@outlook.com
Blemish Healing, Skin Brightening Face Mask – Acne, Open pores and Blackheads
Recently, I came across a skincare brand, Brown and Coconut. Impressed by the brand name and the relatable story of the founders Letisha & Zeena Brown, I started checking all their products.
Needless to say, I was pretty impressed with their skincare line. What caught my attention was their Kale mask for clarifying, healing and toning the skin. Then and there, I decided to do a spin-off mask of the same till I get my hands on the original.
Best part of this entire story is that it’s working for my otherwise stubborn skin. So here we go making our own – Blemish Healing, Skin Brightening Face Mask.
Brown and Coconut’s Kale Mask:
Ingredients of Brown and Coconut’s Kale Mask:
Montmorillonite (French Green Clay), Brassica Oleracea (Kale), Aloysia Citriodora (Lemon Verbena) Powder, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flowers, Azadirachta Indica (Neem Leaf) Powder, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme Leaf)
Here, I believe Honeysuckle flowers were added for the sake of fragrance.
And even Lemon verbena powder was used for its aromatic scent. However, the Brown and Coconut site says Lemon verbena can diminish puffiness while clearing and toning the skin. Nevertheless, I couldn’t find enough literature supporting the claim.
So, I gave these two a miss in my spin-off version.
My Spin-off Version- Blemish healing, Skin Brightening Face Mask:
The cornerstone of this mask- French Green Clay
French Green Clay differs from Bentonite clay in having higher amounts of iron oxides along with decomposed kelp seaweed.
Combination of decomposed plant material with iron oxides gives the clay a beautiful pleasant green color with added skin soothing properties.
Not to mentions its mineral content: Montmorillonite, as well as dolomite, magnesium, calcium, potassium, manganese, phosphorus, zinc, aluminum, silicon, copper, selenium, and cobalt.
The minerals highlighted in bold hold a prime place in skin and hair care. Also, the mineral content makes it perfect clay for a mineral bath relieving stress and insomnia.
For mineral bath all you have to do is prepare a mix of clay and sea salts then add it to your hot bath. Soak in bath for 15-20 minutes.
How does French Green Clay work for skin concerns?
It raises your skin’s activity by stimulating it. As a matter of fact, you can feel this effect. You’ll feel your skin has become warmer after you rinse off the clay.
This skin stimulation by French green Clay encourages the natural exfoliation of skin.
Furthermore, the chemical structure of clay is such that it can hold large amounts of water. Therefore, the drying of clay shrinks the enlarged pores and helps reduce excess oil aka sebum production.
Where to buy French Green Clay:
I bought mine from a brand named Vedenic Ayurveda. You can check here
Purple Cabbage also known as Red Cabbage: Brassica oleracea
In my version of mask, I substituted Kale with its closest relative, purple cabbage😇.
Both Kale and Purple Cabbage have more or less same vitamin content. So, I didn’t feel the need to look for Kale which by the way is difficult to find in Indian markets.
The only probable difference could be the final color of the mask. Using kale will enhance the beautiful rich green color of French green Clay.
Besides, Purple Cabbage is not only rich source of Vitamin A but also Vitamin C which helps in healing blemishes and acne scars. Therefore, even if you skip your face masks routine don’t forget to have raw Purple Cabbage as salad.
I planned this mask last month itself but alas, the cabbage, I sun dried got soaked under unexpected rain. I decided to leave this and work on other project but mom chided me for being so dramatic 😛
Lesson learned: Stop complaining about things which are not under your control and start again without wasting time over spilled milk
Anyways, I started again and surprisingly even the weather turned hot and dry and my herbs dried within no time.
Freshly chopped purple Cabbage for mask. Don’t forget to have it in your salad for added benefits
Sun Dried Purple Cabbage
Beautiful Sun dried Cabbage Powder
Azadirachta Indica (Neem Leaf) Powder:
Neem leaf, flowers, barks every part of this tree has one or other anti bacterial, anti protozoa, anti viral, anti-inflammatory properties.
In this Blemish healing mask, the Neem leaf powder serves to reduce skin redness due to active acne as well as treats active acne.
In India you’ll find Neem and its products throughout the year. But, if you wish to make your own Neem leaf powder, the best season to collect leaves is summer.
I collected Neem leaves, sundried and powdered them in summer itself. So, the powder came handy for making this mask.
But, if you wish to buy you’ll find innumerable sellers. One of the best: here
Thymus Vulgaris – Thyme leaf Powder:
Thyme serves to act as anti-oxidant. It even helps to reverse the sun damaged skin.
You can make your own or place an order from Amazon. Check here
Blemish Healing, Skin Brightening Face Mask – Works for Acne, Open pores and Blackheads
Blemishes, acne scars, large pores and black heads all these skin problems needs a mask infused with ingredients that addresses each concern without any breakouts. Blemish Healing Mask inspired from Brown and Coconut's Kale mask has goodness of all the essential ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp French Green Clay
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Purple Cabbage powder
- 1/2 tsp Neem leaf powder
- 1/4 tsp Thyme leaf powder
Instructions
-
French Green Clay has a pH of 7.75. Our skin has a pH in the range of 4.5 to 5.5. When you use alkaline products either it be masks, soaps or non-pH balanced face washes the skin's acid mantle disrupts. So, you need to add an acidic substance such as lemon or apple cider vinegar to neutralize and bring the pH to 5. In my mask I have used lemon. Lemon juice has a pH of 2 and therefore you don't require more than 1 tsp for neutralizing 1 tbsp of French Green Clay.
To know more on balancing skin pH - Why maintain your Skin pH – The often Neglected part in Skin Care (Unravel Few Amazing Insights)
-
In general, you'll notice bubbles when acid reacts with alkali. However, with French Green clay you'll observe slight sizzling. And with Bentonite and Aztech Indian healing clays, which are more basic the bubbles formed are more prominent.
-
Then, add other ingredients one after one and thoroughly mix them up.
-
Because, the clay is wet you'll get a lumpy mix. So sun dry it for a free flowing powder. You can even store it after sun drying for later use.
-
While using add sufficient water depending on the consistency you prefer.
How to use this mask for black heads:
Prior to using this mask, use a Salicylic acid containing toner or Stridex pads such as check here
Then after 20-30 minutes apply the mask, Let it dry and then wipe off the mask with a wash cloth. Then rinse with water.
Don’t forget to apply your moisturizer after pat drying your face.
Reminders for sensitive skin: (Applies even to all skin types)
As, I mentioned above the chemical structure of Montmorillonite is such that it can hold great amounts of water. So when you leave the mask to dry on your skin, the moisture from your skin too is lost along with the water adsorbed by the clay.
You get the tight feeling of skin after washing your face. Therefore, don’t wait till the mask fully dries. You can wipe it off when it is 65-70% dry.
If you feel excessive tingling rinse if off immediately.
Don’t follow up with lemon juice or any other harsh “natural ingredients” for astringent effect. The mask itself is enough for toning your skin. All you need is to moisturize your skin.
Before you leave, would you like to try a skin quiz to understand your skin better?👇
Skin Quiz
Your quiz result will be sent to your mail.
Based on your Quiz results you will be directed to the post that will be of help to you.
Listen to your skin it has lots to say to you. This quiz will take you one step closer in knowing your skin.
If you didn’t get the mail in inbox then please check your spam folder.
Why maintain your Skin pH – The often Neglected part in Skin Care (Unravel Few Amazing Insights)
Do you know why new born babies have a very sensitive skin?
It is because the “acid mantle” of their skin hasn’t developed yet. It takes some time for their skin’s acid mantle to develop.
Until then their skin is liable to dryness, irritation and rashes.
Normally, our skin has slightly acidic pH of 4.5 to 5.5 known as acid mantle whereas our body’s interior environment is alkaline, having a pH of 7.4.
This pH gradient provides an amazing defense system against viruses and pathogens.
However, using Soaps and Cleansers which are not pH specific disrupts this natural acid mantle. Read on to know how and why maintain your skin pH
Our Wrong Priorities While Choosing Facial Cleansers:
You may be using the best available cleanser or an aesthetically beautiful looking soap promising you the goodness of Aloe-vera, the anti-oxidant rich Chamomile and Green tea extracts, the soothing lavender and many more botanicals, the names of which you have never heard.
Yet, you don’t get that yippee feeling on looking at your bare face in the mirror.
Truth to be told, the botanical extracts in your cleansers gets rinsed down the drain, giving little to nothing benefit to your skin.
Funnily, most of the skincare brands cash on the added botanicals in their cleansers.
So, what matters in a Cleanser?
You may be using a certain facial foam/cleanser/soap because it claims mildness and has the goodness of all the popular trending oils- Olive, Jojoba, Sunflower seed, Tea tree etc..,
No doubt, oils in cleansers have an added advantage compared to botanical extracts.
They reduce the drying effect of cleansing agents aka surfactants present in your cleanser.
In spite of that, in reducing your skin concerns the pH of the cleanser takes the precedence.
Even Cleansers get rinsed with water then how does their pHs affect skin?
When Cleansers and Soaps high in pH come in contact with the skin they cause swelling of skin cells, something like hyper hydration of cells.
This swelling of cells facilitates entry of cleansing agents which upon their entry into skin barrier act as irritants.
Once you are done rinsing the hyper hydrated cells lose moisture pretty quickly. Does this ring a bell for the skin tightness after using certain cleansers and soaps?
Additionally, the cleansing agents aka surfactant molecules now attached to the skin cells prevent restoration of moisture.
For your skin to regain its original moisture it takes around 40 minutes.
Most importantly, even your skin pH changes to the pH of your cleanser. It takes from 20mins to 2 hours for the skin pH to get back to the normal pH of 4.5-5.5.
Besides, if hard water (pH 6.5-8.5) is used then skin may take even longer up to 6 hours to reset to its normal pH.
What could go wrong during brief periods of increased Skin pH?
Fat waxes aka Ceramides form cement like structure between the outer layers of the cells of skin.
They are important for maintaining the integrity and structure of skin barrier.
Frequent increase in skin’s pH reduces the Ceramide content of the skin. Not-so-Surprisingly, skin liable to acne and allergies has lesser amount of Ceramides.
Also, the irritants entering during the brief period of elevated skin pH impair the natural exfoliation process of skin that reflects by dry and dull textured skin. Hence, this is one of the main reasons why maintain your skin pH.
Correlation between skin pH and a certain skin type – Oily and Acne prone.
For better understanding you can refer to my short instagram post on skin types.
It goes without saying Oily skin has over-active oil producing glands, the Sebaceous glands.
The excess oil produced in Oily-sensitive skin type has a lot of hormonal play at the background with oil glands frequently activated by the circulating free hormones.
This alters even the fatty acids produced by the oil glands thereby increasing the skin pH. Furthermore, in women with PCOS the circulating higher levels of male hormones off sets skin’s pH balance.
Click to read The 2 Simple Ways to Regulate the Major Hormones Involved in PCOS
The internal factors in oily-sensitive skin push the skin’s pH towards alkaline scale.
Additionally, when you use non-pH balanced cleansers or Soaps then these two factors offers a breeding ground for the acne causing bacteria Propionibacterium acnes.
This acne causing bacteria cannot thrive in a pH balanced skin. But, alterations in pH due to alkaline cleansers, soaps and hard water gives a friendly environment for Propionibacterium acnes.
So, now you know what you need to do to reduce the frequency of your acne breakouts. Just go and get your hands on a pH balanced cleanser. (pH 5.5) as well as install a shower head if your supplied with hard water.
Correlation between skin pH and Dry Skin Type:
Even if acne and oily skin are not your concerns, you should still care about your skin cleansers and maintain your skin pH.
This is because even dry skin and itchy skin was found to have higher than the normal range of pH.
Also, when the areas of skin affected with eczema, contact dermatitis, Athlete’s foot and Candida infections were tested even they had higher levels of pH.
What role does Cleanser of pH 5-5.5 has in addressing your Skin concerns?
Balances and controls the oil factories of your skin:
Tired of trying everything under the sun to control the oil? Well, most of the hacks or remedies you come across more or less focus on getting rid of oily skin.
You need to balance the oil production on your face not get rid of it. One of the perks of oily skin is that it combats premature aging of skin.
So to balance and control the oil slick on your face start using a pH balanced cleanser and also cut down on sugar.
Yes, diet factors are equally important in controlling oil. You can’t really expect external skincare solely to solve deep rooted problems.
And regarding pH balanced cleansers, from my own experience I can vouch that Sebamed pH 5.5 Cleanser is godsent gift for balancing oil on my face.
Helps in reducing pore size:
Enlarged pores are a result of excessive oil aka sebum pumped out of pores, causing the pores to stretch.
So, again it comes down to balancing your skin’s oil factories by maintaining your skin pH with pH balanced cleansers.
Greatly reduces the frequency of Acne breakouts:
Regular use of pH 5-5.5 cleansers lowers your skin pH as well as the Propionibacterium acnes count in your skin pores.
By the way do know that Propionibacterium acnes bacteria exist even in individuals with clear flawless skin. To know more and choose better treatment options for Adult acne read my post on
Adult Acne facts to shut cringe worthy advice from others.
Besides, skin pH lowered to normal range of 4.5-5.5 aids in proper exfoliation of skin that prevents clogging of pores.
Restores anti-bacterial properties of your Sweat:
Sweat has an antimicrobial peptide known as Dermicidin. It has maximum activity when our skin’s pH is within the normal range.
Any deviation from the normal range reduces the activity of this natural antibiotic. Hence, a pH balanced cleanser boosts the natural defense system of our body.
Reduces the side effects observed with usage of topical anti-acne medications:
Benzoyl peroxide and Retinoids applied on acne prone areas often act as irritants as well as have drying, itching and peeling effects on skin.
These side effects are prominent in disturbed skin barriers. When some one says disturbed skin barrier, it means a skin that gets easily irritated.
Restore the integrity of your skin by using low pH products. Doing so benefits your anti-acne treatments. You may most likely continue using your anti acne topicals without discarding them.
Therefore, whether you use OTC acne medications or cosmetic Retinoid serums include pH 5.5 Cleansers in your daily skincare regime.
pH Balanced Cleansers are as good as tea tree-oil and you can even stop using tea-tree oil:
You may have tried countless DIY remedies with tea tree oil for acne spot treatment. Although it works I stay away from essential oils given their high potential to act as irritants.
As an alternative to spot treatment with strong essential oils, I cleanse specifically those spots on my face (not my entire face though).
Not to forget, dermatologists recommend limiting the number of face washes in 24 hours to 2 times.
My top picks for pH balanced Cleansers:
In my next post, I’ll give a detailed review of my top picks. But for now I am just going mention my top picks.
Sebamed pH 5.5 Foaming Cleanser
From Korean Brands:
CosRX Low-pH Good Morning Cleanser
PURITO Defence Barrier Ph Cleanser
As much as I obsess over maintaining skin pH, I have come to realize that just because a cleanser claims pH balanced doesn’t imply it works as expected😲. Click the below image to know how to choose a pH balanced cleanser:
Just because your cleanser bottle reads pH balanced it doesn’t guarantee you results. So, here’s what you ought to know before you spend on skincare cleansers. #MinimalistSkinCare
Update: So, here’s the post-
Adult-Acne Facts You Should Know to Shut the Cringe-Worthy Advice from Others
From people who never faced acne breakouts to skincare brands, everyone has an opinion on do’s and don’ts for acne.
Their half-witted knowledge does no-good, instead adds up to the misery of an acne sufferer.
They try to make us feel conscious about our own skin with their cringe-worthy advice.
Anyhow, from now on, you’ll have few savage responses up your sleeve.
Adult Acne Fact 1- Acne may persist even after teenage years and not just on face:
I have come across people sharing their adolescent acne stories in an attempt to offer their oh-so valuable skin expertise.
Sadly, they don’t bother to comprehend the fact that something called hormonal acne can exist even in adult hood.
Some even go on to explain how a paste of turmeric cleared their face for life.
If only they use their expertise in knowing the fact that it wasn’t turmeric that offered them forever clear skin but their genetic makeup.
Genetic makeup of an individual dictates:
Sensitivity of skin to hormones produced in the body,
Sensitivity of skin to hardness/softness of water used for cleansing,
Weather and also air quality.
In short it determines the persistence of acne even after teenage years.
Furthermore, acne is even classified as pre-adolescent acne, adolescent acne and post-adolescent acne.
Of all the adult-acne sufferers, women in their twenties are most likely to have Adult acne. Also, 70% suffer from it because it runs in their genes.
Not to mention, the shocked expressions from these wannabe skin experts on knowing that some women may even have to deal with acne on their back, chest and shoulders.
After their newly found revelation, they rake their brains to offer their next humiliating and cringe-worthy advice by making acne all about hygiene.
Adult Acne Fact 2- Whether Acne-prone or Clear Skin Everyone Has the Bacteria Named Propionibacterium Acnes in their Skin:
From changing pillow covers everyday to keeping greasy hair miles away from the face, under the pretext of advice you get to hear all that claptrap.
Many have the misconception about the presence of the bacteria, P.acnes only in skin of oily-acne prone individuals. Paving the way for tips on hygiene and cleansing to acne sufferers.
Often such advice takes a toll on acne sufferers. If only people know how hard women with acne take their hygiene seriously.
Truth to be told, frequent cleansing irritates and dries out the skin which leads to increased production of sebum. (Sebum- The natural oil produced by the skin).
At the same time even kills skin’s natural flora.
Henceforth, you can take delight by debunking their lame suggestions.
A study published in Journal of Investigative dermatology reported that even individuals with clear skin have P.acnes bacteria.
But, the strain of these bacteria differs from those present in individuals with acne in providing protective help to the skin.
In clear skin individuals they exist commensally.
However, in acne prone individuals build up of sebum under the clogged skin pores, provides a breeding ground for P.acnes.
When this happens, body’s immune system assumes P.acnes as foreign invaders, leading to an inflammatory response.
In addition, natural deficiency of certain skin lipids known as the Sphingolipids makes acne sufferers vulnerable to acne.
As for the clogged pores you got to read further.
Adult Acne Fact 3 – Blackheads are Not Dirt Filled Pores of the Skin:
Skin care brands take the trophy in blatantly labeling blackheads and acne as a mere problem of dirt and excess oil.
They first ingrain such half-witted notions in people and then cash on it.
Blackhead being black has nothing to do with dirt or so called impurities.
The skin pigment melanin present in plugged pores changes its color to black on exposure to atmospheric oxygen.
As for the plug, it constitutes skin debris and sebum. Skin debris forms and sheds naturally every few days even in people with clear skin. Understanding natural shedding of skin debris (click here)
But, in acne prone people skin debris tends to congeal. Furthermore, the oil producing glands in their skin have high sensitivity to the hormones in the body.
Adult Acne Fact 4 – Oily foods don’t make you oily:
This tops the list of unsolicited advice.
I try hard to hold back a snarky response whenever I come across people who relate oily skin to oily food and makeup as the reason for acne.
Except for cutting down sugars, every acne-alleviating nutritional trend has pot holes.
Going off certain foods for treating acne if found beneficial to some may not work for others.
As for make-up, I have encountered a lady who doesn’t do (or say doesn’t know how to do) makeup asking others to stop using makeup cosmetics to get rid of acne.
Makeup is an art and if you love doing it you should never give up what you love. Moreover, we have many makeup brands offering non-pore clogging make up cosmetics.
Adult Acne Fact 5- Often Women with Acne put more efforts than any else out there:
Often aestheticians at salons assume that we don’t make enough efforts to get clear skin.
Well, you can mostly ignore them as they try to manipulate our perceptions to sell their skin treatments.
You know the efforts you put into your skin care. Don’t let them make you think otherwise.
Conclusion:
I believe these facts have given you a broader insight on Acne.
Most importantly, I hope these facts piques your interest in understanding the root cause of skin problems.
As for Adult acne, regulating hormones can play a major role. Give the below article a read if you are dealing with PCOS
2 simple ways to regulate the hormones involved in PCOS
For more on factual Skin Care, please take a moment to follow me here :
What your skin needs to prevent premature aging
Your skin reflects your inner health:
We often come across several brand endorsements of anti aging creams and serums by celebrities. In real, the celebrities we look up to take to botox treatments.
But that doesn’t implicate anti-aging creams don’t work, as research has proved that hyaluronic-acid containing anti-wrinkle creams when used over a period of three months showed clear and positive effects on wrinkle-depth and skin-tightness.
That being said the biggest indispensable fact is our skin reflects our general inner health and aging.
Intrinsic skin aging is a natural process where skin ages in the same pattern as all internal organs do.
Whereas extrinsic aging is result of several external factors like pollution, sleep deprivation, prolonged periods of exposure to sun and poor nutrition.
Your skin needs micro minerals:
Combating free radicals with anti oxidants for anti-aging and other benefits is widespread knowledge. However what very few of us know is that our body naturally synthesizes antioxidants that work by breaking down and removing free radicals. This process requires micro minerals like copper, zinc, manganese, and iron.
Zinc deficiency results in skin, nail and hair problems.
Manganese deficiency causes raises glucose levels in blood, low immunity and hormonal imbalances.
Best natural sources: Milk and cheese are the best foods for zinc and manganese deficiencies.
Your skin needs micro nutrients:
Vitamin C and E:
Your skin needs micro nutrients
In human beings brain, pituitary and adrenal glands, skeletal muscle and liver have the highest concentrations of Vitamin C. Deficiencies of vitamin C leads to decreased natural detox mechanisms of the body.
Natural sources: Citrus fruits, blackcurrant, rose hip, guava, chili pepper or parsley.
Does external application of Vitamin C help in preventing skin aging:
Vitamin C degrades very fast in presence of air even before it is applied onto the skin and hence contrary to the popular belief of using topical creams of vitamin C for its anti-aging, anti-oxidative properties, it may not be of much use compared to daily intake.
Topical and oral intake of Vitamin E prevents premature aging of skin
Vitamin E:
Skin exposed to sun rays accelerates cell damage. Vitamin E acts by stopping the bio-chemical reactions involved in cell damage. However, in this process Vitamin E gets oxidized and therefore requires presence of Vitamin C for its regeneration.
Does external application of Vitamin E help in preventing skin aging:
Unlike Vitamin C, Vitamin E when applied topically has more beneficial results. It reduces erythema, the redness of the skin. It heals sunburned skin areas and prevents skin cancers.
Vitamin E intake sustains the natural and healthy aging of skin:
Collagen protein present in skin imparts elasticity and firmness to it. In a healthy naturally aging skin the cross linking between collagen molecules occurs naturally and that sustains the elasticity of the skin. Whereas exposure to sun’s harmful UV rays induces forced cross linking of collagen molecules which causes premature aging of skin. Therefore, topical and oral intake of natural vitamin E helps against collagen cross linking induced due to external factors
Natural 400 IU Vitamin E- D-Alpha Tocopherol
Aloe Vera & Vitamin E FACIAL oil
Carotenoids: Vitamin A derivatives are carotenoids. Lycopene and β-carotene, the Vitamin A derivatives found in skin protect against sun burn.
Sources of β-carotene: Carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, mangos and papaya
Sources of lycopene: Tomatoes, red carrots, watermelons and papayas
Retinol, the carotenoid that can’t be synthesized by the body plays a major role in skin tissues regeneration.
Sources of retinol: milk, egg yolk, cheese and fatty fish.
Your skin needs polyphenols:
Green Tea:
Polyphenols present in green tea protects skin from signs of photo aging. These polyphenols also known have anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties.
Best way for enhancing skin protection from free radical damage is to support the inherent antioxidant system of our body, with antioxidants containing products that are normally present in the skin.
At the same time our skin needs to be infused with natural oils to balance the sebum production. Head on to read:
Applying natural oils to skin fortifies it with useful fatty acids with anti oxidant properties.
The above mentioned needs of skin covers the micro nutrients, micro minerals but our body needs even the right measure of macro nutrients. Read our easy- to- follow guide to healthy eating and mindless snacking. to make the right choices for your meal plans.
To receive newsletters from Mywellspring fill in the form below.
