The antiseptic and antibiotic properties of tea tree oils were always known and traditionally used by the locals for the treatment of skin infections and eruptions. However,  further research into its uses and methods of applications have led to its worldwide acceptance and inclusion in a wide array of medicinal, skin care and cosmetic products.

Beauty product manufacturers big and small, branded and unbranded, are all adding tea tree oil in their list of ingrediends for a plethora of products ranging from scrubs, foams, cleansers, after shave lotions, moisturisers foot creams, shampoos, anti- acne and blackhead removal products.

But the question still remains— whether tea tree oil is a natural beauty product that will help you with a clearer skin, or a fairer complexion, or make it more nourished and soft. None of the above.

Just by itself, it is nothing more than a toxic substance that will kill bacteria, micro-organisms and pests. That bacteria may be thriving on a pimple, or an infectious skin eruption, or as fungus on toe nail or vaginal yeasts. That bacteria may have infested on fish living in stale water or even on plants.

Tea tree oil is an effective pesticide for head lice and dandruff. Then again, it wil not help you grow thicker , longer and healthier hair.

The effectiveness of tea tree oil is limited to its properties of breaking down some of the most difficult and easily propagated bacteria and micro-organisms some of which that are not easily killed by antibiotics.

At this point of time, it is important to note that acne, blackheads and dark spot are also, actualy a result of accumulation of dirt, sebum and thriving microorganisms.

Tea Tree oil is capable of tackling such shady bacterias, but then again, direct application onto your skin (without precautionary measures) can be dangerous. Firstly, your skin needs to be tested for any allergic reaction or irritation towards the oil. Secondly, topical application of the oil should mean the oil is applied neatly only on the acne and blemishes. Concentrated oils should not be be used on unblemished skin.

A better way to use tea tree oil is to dissolve it in carrier oils in prescribed concentrations (@5% or less). Then they need to be mixed with suitable acids that will breakdown the dirt and lastly, the melaleuca oils will fight the germs to prevent them from spreading.

Then why has it become one of the most marketable and popularised natural product in the beauty industry?

A: It is natural

B: It need not be consumed as antibiotic pills that have an adverse effect   on the liver

C: It is most effective as a cure to many skin ailments

D: It is useful as a preventive medicine to help stop the spread of germs and infections even before they can adversely harm the skin

E: Because nothing else can match its usefulness in its areas of activity

Tea tree oil is a top notch skin care product, which can cure many types of skin diseases and infections including MRSA, toe nail fungus, athelets foot, warts, ring worms, sunburns and rashes.

Its main use is to become beautiful by clearing the skin of all its imperfections caused due to dirt, fungus and bacteria. But it is not a skin cleanser like fresh cream,  that you can keep appliyng it again and again to make the skin fairer, softer or more nouirished.

Tea tree oil is a strong antiseptic that should be used intelligently and sparingly to quickly do away with your skin problems.

We know human beings have tiny hair follicles almost all over their bodies. These follicles are present on our faces as well. In male human beings,due to hormonal changes at the time of puberty or adoloscence tiny hair start growing out of these follicles resulting in facial hair. This process generally starts at the age of around 14-16 and continues throughout the lifetime.

What is shaving?

The literal meaning of shaving is scraping of very thin and little pieces from a larger block in order to obtain a smooth and regular surface.

Shaving of facial hair is generally practised by men to slice off the hair to the level of the skin surface. Whether you shave daily for a clean shaven look or support a trimmed beard look by occassional shaving and trimming, we know that no man can do without shaving. It is generally done with the help of a bladed equipment known as a razor.

Methods of shaving:

Shaving can be done in 2 ways.

1. Manual shaving or wet shaving i.e. with a manual razor.
2. Dry shaving done with the help of an electronic razor.

1.Wet shaving:

What is wet shaving?

Wet shaving involves the use of a lubricating agent such as shaving creams, soaps, oils, foams and gels that is first applied onto the area to be shaven and then the actual shaving is done with the help of a manual razor. Generally a lot of water is used in this method hence the name-wet shaving.

Procedure:

• First and foremost cleanse your face thoroughly with warm water. This helps in softening the beard and opening up the pores resulting in a smoother shave.
• Applying a pre-shave moisturising cream or oil is also a good step in order to avoid dry skin caused by shaving.
• Massage a good quality shaving cream, oil, gel or foam onto your face. This should be done with the help of a shaving brush. Working up a rich lather before shave not only lubricates the area, but also helps in lifting the hair thus preparing them for a close shave.
• Now glide your razor smoothly in the direction of hair growth to gently cut off the hair and get a smooth surface beneath.
• Rinse off with cold water and pat dry.
• Finish by applying a moisturising aftershave lotion or balm.

2.Dry shaving:

What is dry shaving?

Dry shaving is done with the help of an electronic razor. A number of tiny blades are attached to a razor-like machine which is operated on batteries. When turned on, these blades start oscillating thereby cutting the hair strand that comes in its way.  It can be done while the skin is dry as the machine is capable of shaving without any lubricating agent.

In dry shaving, the skin is required to be prepared in a manner that is just the opposite of traditional wet shaving. Here the hair needs to be dry and stiff so that it becomes easier for the shaver to cut the hair as near to the skin as possible. Therefore it is not advised to wet your hair before shaving, rather an alchohol based  pre-shave lotion is recommended, which dries up and stiffens your hair for a better result.

Although electronic shaving does not give as close a shave as in wet shaving, it is known to give lesser cuts and burns. It also comes in handy when one is in a hurry and also while travelling. Many men find it more convinient as it is less messy and gives a faster shave.

Full facial hair or beard

A man is said to support a beard if he chooses to opt for no or partial shaving. A well kept beard is often considered as a token of wisdom, manliness and virility. Many men prefer to style their facial hair into moustaches, sideburns, french beards, goatees and various other forms. But the decision to support full facial hair is not as easy as it seems. It takes a lot of patience and perseverance to grow your facial hair in a desired style. One cannot simply let the facial hair grow in whichever direction and manner it chooses to. It needs proper maintainence and care on a regular basis.

The most important step in maintaining a beard is the regular trimming of any undesireable growth. For this purpose it is always recommended to keep a small pair of scissors handy in your bathroom.

Another important step in maintaining a beard is cleaning and moisturising the area covered by the hair. Since the skin of this area is always covered with thick hair, it needs proper cleaning. Also the dryness can cause itching and irritation similar to that of a dandruff.  Hence daily moisturising becomes a must.

Moreover one must also take care to run a comb through your beard to detangle the beard. This will give a clean and  well-kept look enhancing your personality.

We know that, sometimes, we would look so much better with a sharper nose, or do so well with a more defined chin. But most of the millions inhabiting the Earth, contend with the body and looks they have been naturally gifted with.

Cosmetic Surgery gives us an opportunity to defy both genetics and ageing. It alters the contours of the skin, cartilages and adipose tissues using surgical methods to change the looks and features of a person.

Ever since we are born, we grow up in an environment of unconditional love and unbiased support of our family and friends. However, when we step out into the world, and look at our peers, colleges, competitors and even our audience, we want to look smarter than them, be more elegant than them and feel more comfortable under our skin.

Cosmetic surgery gives us an opportunity to love ourselves more by enhancing our looks and personality so that we can take on the world with confidence and self-esteem. At the same time, it helps in creating an image of ourselves and building a personality, that people in our surroundings can easily associate with and feel more comfortable with.

Cosmetic surgery has come as a boon for those born with physical deformities, who are striving to lead a normal life like their fellow citizens. Even until a century ago, it was impossible for such people to walk straight, sit straight or look straight.

Cosmetic surgery, more popularly known as Plastic Surgery is basically a branch of medicine. The methods of surgery and treatment of severe burns, cuts, scars, and organ transplants were perfected to an art form, leading to a growth in the demand for plastic surgeons in the beauty industry.

Considering the high cost of operation and post operative care and maintenance, plastic surgery has become more popular with the well-to-do, those who have to maintain a public profile, those who aspire to make a mark in the glamor industry and those who wish to find a place in the hearts of their fans and followers.

As all good things in life come with a fair share of difficulties and hazards, so is the case with plastic surgery. Hence,  anybody wanting to take the plunge will have to do a lot of research with respect to :-

the right surgeon –  its important to check upon the surgeon’s credentials and experience in handling such cases.

1. the part that one would like to transform – it helps to be very precise about exactly which part to change into what, so that the body looks balanced, in shape and further surgeries are not required.
2. the after effects of the operation – make repeated inquiries about the recuperation time, post operation care, and the duration for which we have to take off from work. One needs the time and support of near and dear ones during this period.
3. cost – do not hesitate to scout for the best deal. There may be great differences in the cost structure at different places in the world. You may also find centers that offer to do the surgery at half the price! It always pays well to take opinion from ex patients about their experiences. We must not get into the trap of well advertised but cheap clinics that do not have expertise or good manpower to execute the task properly or give proper advice.

Please discuss all the pre-operative and post operative procedures with your surgeon because you will need a lot of psychological support not only from your family and friends but a helluva lot from your surgeon too!

In any case, cosmetic surgery has been transforming lives for many since the past number of decades. Whether we use it to better our life or as a shortcut to stardom, just make sure it does not lead to your ruin. That is simply Look before you Leap.

Sun burns are reddish/brownish patches formed due to excessive inflammation of the skin, normally from the overhead sun. Sun Burns may also be in the form of boils or blisters with fluid or pus filled inside. Symptoms of burns include redness, pain, swelling or itching.

The UVB (Ultra Violet Burning) rays that are maximum at midday are the major cause for sun burns. Staying in the water, or standing in the shade will also offer no respite as most UV rays are reflected from water, sand and concrete. Even if you are going in for a tan, make sure to protect yourself from Sun burns as they are not only painful, but can cause serious health hazards.

Precautionary measures a must.

Application of a UVB protecting sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going out, and maintaining adequate water and Vitamin – C levels in the body is a prerequisite for shielding against sun burns. But if you have chosen to ignore the fuss, and braved the heat like a true warrior, take some steps to protect yourself, otherwise, you may be in for serious trouble.

Sun burns are more lethal in character. The body and the skin needs to be cooled from inside to increase blood supply to the burnt areas and minimise damage. Intake of Vitamin C enriched juices and cooling drinks becomes a must. If you can get hold of any of these such as aloe vera juice, cucumber juice, coconut water, raw potato juice, lemonade , Electral water, sweet lime juice etc, they will offer instant relief.

Consuming such juices at regular intervals alongwith other fruits such as apple, banana, limes, grapes, strawberries, plums and peaches will regulate the body temperature and blood pressure.

The importance of fruits and drinks while you are in the sun, and when you are straight out of the sun cannot be over emphasised. They also inhibit any inflamation of the liver, will check against headache and dizziness, increase the oxygen supply in the blood and prevent your skin from drying excessively.I

What to do after a Sun Burn?

Sun Burn marks may not show on your skin before 24 hours, but headache, nausea or dizziness from the sun, pain and itching on the sun burnt areas  and mild fever may start immediately. You must take cue, to take a cool shower,  sprinkle some cooling talcum powder and have non alcoholic drinks to minimise the effects of burns.  If you are going into the shower while your body is still hot, remember not to put your head into the cold water.  It might lead to cold and high temperatures.

There are some good After Sun Lotions available in the market, that that can be applied topically onto the sunburnt areas to minimise the harmful effects of the ultra violet rays on the dermise.

The UV rays from the overhead sun can penetrate deep into the middle and lower layers of the skin, burning the skin  tissues, nerve endings, blood capiullaries and even interfering with the DNA structure.

After Sun Lotions or anti biotic creams containing compounds such as Allantoin, Vitamin E and B, organic aleovera, seaweed or tea leaves extracts or other flower seed oils help in regeneration of the epithelial cells, reducing inflamation and healing wounds.

Re-Apply the cream a number of times for the next couple of days for maximum benefit and to alleviate any aggravation of the burn.

If you do not have the after sun lotion at your disposal, or until the time they arrive, you can make do with some homemade remedies to sooth the skin and relieve the pain.

Enter kitchen for the first aid box. Yogurt is a good cooling agent. At the same time, it soothes, moisturises and makes the skin soft. In case there is not yogurt in the fridge, a lot people profess that vinegar does the trick. Simply soak a hand towel in a mug of vinegar and dab or cover on the burns. Do not wipe as it may cause irritation. Honey too, is very effective. After some time, a light coat of honey can be smeared over the burns to reduce redness and prevent infection.

Topical application of aleo vera based gel or cream that may be present at the moment, will also help in soothing the skin.  Its natural cooling properties makes it an excellent antidote to sun burns.  If you’ve got calamine lotion, apply that to reduce redness, itching, burning and swelling.

What to do for Blisters?

In case of swelling and blistering, that will show up only after the next day, remember never to  pierce them, peel or attempt to scratch them. No matter how bad they might look, they actually form a protective coating over the tender, deeper layers of the skin. Once the underneath skin  matures, the blistered dead cells are shed away as a natural process.  However, creams that are anti bacterial, anti fungal and can penetrate deep into skin to reduce scarring can be used to accelerate the healing process.

Blisters can be pretty painful and itchy. It may be filled with serum, pus or blood. It is better to show it to a doctor for proper treatment and advice.  However, warm  fomentation with borax or baking soda or tea tree oil can be done twice a  day to reduce the swelling. They are also antiseptic and will eliminate any onset of infection. Hydrocortisone cream or calamine can be applied after fomentation to control itching.

Ageing can neither be defied nor denied but still humans from time immemorial are always on the lookout for the elusive elixir of youth. From the time we are conceived in our mother’s womb, we age. This ageing continues till we are alive. The skin covering our body is the mirror which reflects our age. The skin performs multiple functions   -

1. It provides a cover for the body
2. It acts as a barrier against the invasion of microorganisms
3. It prevents excessive loss of fluids from our body
4. It regulates our body temperature

The skin is made up of three layers namely

• epidermis(the outermost layer),

• the dermis(middle layer)

• the subcutaneous layer.

The epidermis is the outermost layer which is made up of flat dead cells and three types of interwoven cells – keratinocytes (protein keratins), the melanocytes (which produces the sun tanning pigment melanin) and the Langarhans cells which are part of the immune system . The epidermis is also made up of a number of nerve endings which make us sensitive to the various senses of touch, pain, warmth, cold etc.

The dermis is the middle layer which is a network of collagen and elastin fibres. These are a network of connecting proteins which give the skin a firm look and a supple and young feel.  It is in this layer that the sebaceous and the sweat glands are found. These two form a protective , natural  acid covering which give a healthy look to the skin and prevent unwanted substances from entering the skin.

The subcutaneous is  the deepest layer and is made up of fatty cells which act as cushions for the tissues against any mechanical injury, provide energy and regulate the body temperature (since it is here that the sweat glands originate) and make the skin resilient.

How does it lead to ageing?

So we can see how our skin structure is made and how it functions to keep us looking great. Collagen and Elastin are the two main proteins which form the structural network of our skin, provide elasticity and toning. Now as we age the production of these proteins deteriorate and our skin begins to sag. There are also many sugars like GAGS and proteoglycans that have water holding properties which keep the skin hydrated and moisturized. As ageing continues these sugars break down and make the skin dry.

It is generally believed that our skin starts ageing from 25. The skin begins to replace old cells more slowly. After the age of 45, with hormonal changes the skin begins to loose its youthfulness and glow. It becomes thinner and fragile, vulnerable to various environmental factors, allergens and internal disturbances. The network of collagen and elastin loose their tenacity, loosening the skin and making it sag. The moisture holding the GAGS and proteoglycans also start decreasing making the skin drier. The skin looses fat, looks less plump, and the number of blood vessels also decrease. Thus we lose our youth and glow!

But fortunately a revolution is taking place in the cosmetics world. Various anti ageing creams and facelifts, injections etc. are being discovered to make one look ageless.

Anti wrinkling skin care products are storming the market, revolutionizing the domain of women’s skin care. Every woman wants to put her best foot forward when she goes out into the world. This makes them major buyers of these products.  These products compared to the various surgical procedures for correcting  wrinkles are not only safe and cost effective but also time saving means to stave off or reverse ageing.

How does an anti-wrinkle skin care cream/product work?

With improvement in technology, collagen and elastin are being administered externally in various anti ageing creams. These creams also may contain antioxidant compounds  like Vitamin A derivatives. Vitamin A corrects the functioning of the outer layer lifeless epithelial cells of our skin thus rejuvenating them. Vitamin A compounds contain retinol which protect the skin from the damage caused by free radicals and environmental influences.

Again some anti wrinkle skin care products contain alpha-hydroxyl acids which cause a peeling effect on the skin thus removing the dead /lifeless layers of the skin and giving it  a rejuvenated look. Some products contain collagen which hydrate the skin giving it a moisturized and supple look. Anti wrinkle products contain ingredients which act as facial muscle relaxant that work against wrinkles. One such ingredient is GABA or Gama Amino Byutric acid which has the property to counter wrinkles on the face. Another ingredient used in the skin care products is Idebenone. It is an antioxidant defending the metabolism against free radicals.

Many anti wrinkling skin care products contain Shea butter derived from Shea or Mangifolia trees found in the western African nations. Shea is an exceptional natural moisturizer which is extremely gentle on the skin. Some products contain copper peptides which claim to have proteins that help in the healing mechanism of the body.

Thus we can see there are a  host of anti wrinkle skin care products in the market. But while buying these products one must administer some caution. One should be careful while choosing the right product as per one’s skin’s requirement and not get carried away by the promises made by these products because only a dermatologist can judge whether the product could be beneficial for the skin or not. There have been instances where some allergies and side effects have been reported as a result of these applications!  Hence please go through the compositions of these products, and the recommended skin type, before investing in them.

• Botox
• Collagen fillers
• Chemical peels
• Laser Treatment
• Microdermabrasion

Botox:

A very popular treatment for anti ageing is Botox which is  actually the short form for Botulinum Toxin. This is a favourite treatment among all celebrities and the elite class.

It is a neurotoxic protein synthesized by the bacterium Clostridinum Botulinum. It has been found to be very effective in smoothing and reducing facial wrinkles and fine lines. In 2002 Dr. Richard Clark,  a plastic surgeon from California was the first one to bring to light the usage of Botox as anti ageing treatment.  It is administered through injections. The area to  be injected is first cleaned with Betadine. Then a local anaesthasia is applied on the area before the injections are given. Botox weakens the muscles and  relaxes them, limiting their contractions. Botox injections restricts neural transmissions between muscle fibers and the nerve endings as a result of which muscles look relaxed. The effect of botox is temporary and lasts maximum for a period of 4 to 6 months.

Cost of Botox :

Botox treatment is definitely a costly affair which only the well-heeled can afford. Botox is administered in small doses/units. So the cost depends on the number of units to be given and the area to be injected. It may vary from USD 10 to USD 15 per unit of Botox. The number of units required depends on the area to be injected. Hence the the total expenditure per session could be between USD300 to USD 350. However, different professionals charge different fees and the cost to some extent depends on locational factors too.

Besides burning a hole in your pocket, there are some side effects to this treatment which one must be aware of before going for this treatment. They are inflammation, localized pain, swelling, tenderness, redness at the site of injections, nausea, drooping of eyelids and flu like symptoms!

Collagen fillers :

Another wrinkle smoothening treatment is Collagen Fillers. As we know, we have a protein network of collagen and elastin fibres below our skin  in the dermis which gives our skin the necessary framework and structure. Over a period of time this network looses its suppleness and elasticity . So dermatologists these days inject bovine derived collagen called Zyderm and Zyplast in the areas of wrinkles which replenishes the skin’s natural collagen. The wrinkles, frown lines and crow’s feet are reduced to a great extent. By this the skin regains its contour, elasticity  and the support  network is restored. But again this procedure is not permanent and the process might have to be repeated periodically. Other than Zyderm and Zyplast various synthetic collagen are being discovered and used in many anti ageing products which if used gives our skin a supple and plump look.

Bovine derivatives may sometimes lead to some health concerns and hence it is advisable to take the doctor’s advice before taking the plunge.

Chemical peels :

Chemical peels help in removing /peeling off the dead cells layer of the skin, giving it a rejuvenated look. The chemical agents in the peels help in generating new cells.

Laser Treatment :

Here a high intensity light is passed on the affected area on the skin to remove wrinkles and scars. As a result the wrinkles and scars diminish. But the negative part of this procedure is that sometimes these lights sometimes burn/scald the area where this is done.

Microdermabrasion :

Microdermabrasion is the mechanical exfoliation of the skin. In this process, a powerful device is used to spray very fine aluminum crystals on the skin. It blasts away the dead layers from the skin’s surface. The treatment costs between 100$ to 150$ and takes about 20-30 minutes. This treatment should be undertaken in conjunction with anti ageing skin care products. This procedure leaves the skin refreshed and young, removes the lines and wrinkles and allows nourishing skin care products to penetrate faster into the skin. As in all skin invasive procedures one should make a thorough inquiry about the expertise of the person who will perform this. Although the procedure is not painful, it causes redness in sensitive skins.

Thus we can see there are various options available to treat ageing skin but  it is up to us to make a well informed choice. Personally, I would always recommend non invasive techniques, that are safer and easy on the pocket. In any case, ageing should be accepted gracefully as part of life. It is only with age, that we can enrich our lives with numerous experiences and become a lot wiser !

Excess of anything is bad. Apart from the little amounts of Vitamin D required from sunlight, excessive exposure to the overhead sun beams is extremely harmful both aesthetically and clinically.

1. It dries the skin irreparably, leading to faster aging of skin
2. Hyper pigmentation, sun tan and sun burns in the exposed areas.
3. The darker skin tone is acquired in bands…proportionate to the frequency of the different parts of the body being exposed to the sun. It looks rather unseemly.
4. Slowly, when the tan wears of, it leaves shades of dark and fair skin tones which are all the more unacceptable.
5. The UVB rays are a major cause of Melanoma (skin cancer) that is causing deaths worldwide.

What to do to lighten a sun tanned skin?

What do you do when you have rust on an iron window frame?

You SCRUB off the rust (using chemicals + muscles!) and then repaint the frame to prevent further rusting.

Sun Tans are excessive deposits of melanin on the skin’s surface that need to be scrubbed off (not scratched off) to restore the original skin color.

Fruit scrub, herbal scrub, chemical scrub, facial scrub, body scrub, anti-oxidant based cleanser and skin tone lightener, all will help you in removing/lightening the tan.

Things required for complete sun tan removal program:

• Exfoliating scrub for the face (suitable for your skin type)
• Exfoliating scrub for the body
• Loofah or pumic stone
• Bleaching agent such as hydrogen peroxide or 1/2 tsp washing powder for the body
• Natural homemade remedies such as lemon/ yogurt/aloe vera gel/ cucumber/ raw potato juice/ fresh cream/ gram flour/ bread/ raw milk etc.
• A cleansing and toning face pack suitable for your skin( if you have oily or sensitive skin, don’t use facials, go with a fruit peel instead)
• Moisturizing cream and body lotion
• Patience
• Proactive approach

Day 1:

Massage your face, hands, legs or rest of body with appropriate exfoliating scrubs for face and body. Give 3-5 minutes of massage on each body part. There is a variety of good quality and effective fruit based scrubs available today. These scrubs unclog the skin’s pores; remove the upper layer of dirt, sebum and dead cells; and work great on tans. The skin feels soft and supple like a new born skin.

Do not apply anything immediately after exfoliating. As the pores are open, they absorb everything that is applied onto the skin.

However, one should not scrub everyday as it is abrasive in nature and enlarges the pores.

Day 2:

After normal cleansing and moisturizing in the morning, apply a mixture of lemon and yogurt on the tanned surfaces. They are very good anti-oxidants and natural bleaches. Lightly massage and keep for 15 minutes before washing off. Sometimes sensitive skins do not respond very well to lemon and yogurt. Then other ingredients such as aloe vera gel  mixed with a few drops of lemon, or any combination of cucumber paste with raw potato juice can be applied. Pat another coat of these cooling juices once they are dry. Wash off after half an hour. These substances work deep into the skin to reduce the tan.

Day 3:

Add 1tsps of Hydrogen Peroxide and ½ tsp of washing powder in a tub of water.  Soak parts of the tanned body like hands and legs (except face and hair) for 15 minutes gently massaging with a loofah or stone in circular motions while soaking. Rinse well. It works wonders in lightening the complexion.

Two words of caution: If there are bands of tanned and untanned skin in an area, this procedure may further accentuate the difference in the skin tones as it works evenly on both portions of the skin.

It is important to massage thoroughly with a cream over the submerged parts to smoothen the skin.

Day 4:

Rub yourself with a homemade scrub of gram flour + fresh cream + lemon juice + drops of water. Massage it tightly on the tanned arms and legs until the dirt along with the paste starts peeling off by itself.  It requires a bit of efforts. Take help from someone if you like. It is very effective in reducing the tan lines and creating an even skin tone. You can selectively work more on the darker areas. It’s great for tropical tans.

Use plain flour/bread with raw milk or fresh cream + lemon juice if you do not have the above ingredients.  Milk and cream are excellent cleansers and moiturisers. They remove the dirt, make you fairer, and provide nourishment and a natural glow to the skin.

Day 5:

Treat your face to a good cleansing and toning face pack. After an exfoliating program toning becomes a must. People with oily or sensitive skin can opt for fruit peels. Toning helps in firming the skin, closing the pores and avoids sagging.

Repeat the processes of exfoliation on alternate days. Intermediate it with the homemade remedies and toning for maximum benefit. You will see a marked difference within the first week, and the tan almost gone within a couple of weeks.

Tanning has its origins in the word tan, which is a particular shade of light brown. White skinned men and women looked attractive when their skin put on a deeper hue from staying out in the sun. Tanning has become a cult with the pale skinned, staying out in the sun for hours on end, exposing maximum part of their body to acquire an even wholesome tan.

Today, tanning is akin to the darkening of skin complexion due to exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. People with wheatish complexion living in the tropical and sub-tropical region, have a tendency to turn dark and tanned, due to grater exposure to the UVA and UVB rays through most parts of the day.

Melanin is the pigment responsible for skin color. It is nature’s sunscreen that protects the body from the harmful rays of the sun. Exposure to the sun increases the production of melanin, which leads to a deepened skin tone resulting in sun tan.

How to protect yourself from sun tan?

The skin can get tanned in a couple of days, but it can take months for it to restore its original color, thereby making it all the more important to protect it from the hot sun.

The UVA rays that are present in sunlight through out the day can penetrate the deeper layers of the skin to alter your skin color, apart from affecting the immune system. Adequate amount of protection from the harmful affects of the UV rays becomes necessary, despite your yearning for a beautifully tinted skin tone.

The best way to protect oneself from the ill effects of sun is to avoid direct exposure to the sun rays. Walk and lounge in the shade, use an umbrella, or a broad rimmed hat when out on the field.

Cover yourself with clothes from top to bottom, to provide maximum protection! Do you remember Arab women with burkhas? Well, the beautiful Arab women, managed to maintain their fairness, because of the black cloth acting as sunscreens covering their entire body from the face to the toes. North Indian women covered their hands with different sized bangles from the sleeves till the wrist, to keep the hands in shade and guard it in extreme weather conditions.

So sunscreen it is, the ultimate solution for protection against the sun. Now, it is a matter of choice as to what kind of sunscreen you would like to use. It is very impractical as well as uncomfortable to wear too many clothes, leggings, socks, gloves, shoes and scarves in the scorching heat. It’s much better to apply cream based sunscreens (with SPF 15 or more) over the face, neck, hands and feet everyday, to stop UV rays from damaging the skin.

It is advisable to use sunscreen along with a moisturizer 20-30 min before going out. This locks in the moisture on your skin, and prepares it to brave the heat. Remember to apply an even coat of sunscreen on the neck, shoulders, ears, exposed back area, and feet, along with the face and hands that you tend to care more about. Do not forget an SPF rated lip balm.

Another important preventive measure against the sun is to keep the skin nourished and hydrated. Drinking plenty of water and increasing fluid intake in the form of fruit juice, vegetable juice, herbal juice, protein drink, lemonade, energy drink etc. cools your body, regulates digestion, strengthens the immune system and increases blood supply to the minute capillaries of the skin. Taking a vitamin rich diet will nourish the skin, and prepare it better to fight the onslaught of the sun.

UV rays easily penetrate the clouds. So it’s not that you are exactly free of Ultraviolet radiation in the atmosphere on a cloudy day. Wearing day creams, moisturizers or make up packs that have some SPF will always help. It is okay to wear an SPF below the make up. It will still ward off the UV rays.

How to choose a suitable sunscreen?

No sunscreen gives 100% protection from the sun and its tanning effects. So you might as well go in for sunbathing with a sunscreen on, in order to get tanned in the controlled manner without any side effects.

The sun is stronger between the tropics, and the radiation higher on the altitudes and on snow, sand or water. It is recommended to use SPF 30+ for trekking expeditions, sports activities and lounging on the tropical beaches.

Water proof creams are the order of the day, because otherwise they’ll run down sweat, but even then they are not 100 % water resistant. 2-3 hours into the water, and its advisable to apply another coat, just to save your skin.

A broad spectrum sunscreen shields both UVA and UVB light. Some chemicals such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, Mexoryl, Sulisobenzone, Salicylates, Zinc oxide, Titanium dioxide, Avobenzone, menthyl anthranilate and others can shield UV light to  good extent.

There is a notion that oxibenzone found in sunscreen lotions are harmful. It is true that this chemical quickly penerates the epidermal layers, but there is no research till now, on the harmful effects of oxibenzone on the human body. However, its contribution towards protection from tanning is accepted. Therefore, it only makes sense to use sunscreens without hesitation when you have to go out in the sun, even if, you do not want to use it on a regular basis while at home or office.

Always make it a point to read the ingredients, warnings, methods of application, and the skin type for which this particular sun cream is recommended to avoid heartbreak. There might be preservatives, aromas or ingredients you might be allergic towards. Its better to consult your doctor regarding the ingredients and frequency of application if you are on medication or suffering from any ailment. You can always get another sun block that is devoid of such allergens. Higher SPF points towards the duration or length of time it will work on your skin. But no matter how high the SPF value is, it is always subject to being rub off from touch as well as sweat. Ultimately, a reapplication after 2-3 hours in the sun becomes necessary. So it is advisable to use a medium range SPF and re-apply after a couple of hours for complete protection.

Either from the fear of side effects, or from the cost point of view, but people have a tendency to use sun creams very sparingly, to the extent that its sun protection factor actually goes down dramatically, despite using a higher SPF cream. Now what do you call that? When an application of sun block is not ultimately helping you, it is pointless to buy it, and take the pains in applying it. Rather, purchase a product after complete research and satisfaction that it’s the right product for your skin type. Then use it sufficiently, in the recommended doses for it to work the way you want it to work.

There are numerous sunscreens in the market, with different compounds beneficial for oily skin, dry skin, facial use and body application. Water based, gel based or alcohol based creams and sprays are more suited for oily and acne prone skin. On the other hand, cream or oil based lotions are better for dry skin. If you have eczema or any other skin disease, beware of alcohol.

If you are unsure about which sunscreen to buy, do a patch test on your wrist. The effects of tan or burns are seen only after 24 hours. If you are unsatisfied, try another brand with different compositions. With so many different combinations to suit different purposes, you will surely get one that serve your purpose.

Actually, there are so many natural remedies for prevention of wrinkles, sagging skin, age spots, dull skin etc. right in our own house– on our kitchen shelf. The great array of natural products which are found in the kitchen are not only easily available and reliable (as you have full knowledge about the composition of the product you are using) but are free from  harmful chemicals and are also cheap. There is no heavy investment either! Let us see some natural remedies of aging which are not only safe but show immediate results on the skin.

Honey: Honey is an excellent moisturizer. Mix one or two teaspoons honey with rose water , leave it on your face, neck and those areas which are dry for 15-20 minutes and wash off with tepid water. Regularly done, this will provide firmness to your facial skin and keep away the wrinkles. This pack if applied regularly will cleanse, tone and moisturize your skin and keep it glowing and young.

Goji berries/wolf berries:  Goji berries contain 8 essential amino acids(proteins). They are devoid of carbohydrates but contain polysaccharides. These berries have certain substances in them which prevent the loss of cells from our body. They help in the development of new cells and hence used against aging. This fruit has 21 trace minerals and 19 amino acids, Zn, selenium, phosphorous, Ca, germanium and also the very important Vitamin E. This fruit is also rich in Vitamin C and has carcinogenic properties. So we can see what a powerhouse it is. If  taken regularly can help us to maintain our youthfulness.

Olive Oil: It is rich in Vitamin E which is very good for our skin. It is generally believed that dry skin hastens aging. Thus drying of the skin can be controlled by regular use of olive oil. This oil can be taken both internally as well as externally. Olive oil can be used as cooking oil which if used regularly helps control weight and cholesterol.  This can be used as bath oil too which will rejuvenate our skin. It can be used as a moisturizer/cream. It replenishes natural oils in our skin. It can be used in beauty masks. We should take 1 tsp. orange juice, some rose water, 1 tsp. olive oil, drops of lemon juice; mix them in a batter of egg yolk. Apply this on your skin and stay so for 15-20 minutes and wash away with cold water. This treatment if done regularly will make the skin supple, smooth and firm thus ironing out the wrinkles.

Carrots : Carrots contain Vitamin A,  anti oxidants , minerals etc.  They  are fibrous so help in general health. Since carrots have so many properties they are included in our diet  to control diseases and also help against aging.

Limes : Limes contain Vitamin C which help in slowing down the aging process. It is a natural antibiotic. If  consumed  regularly, limes can rejuvenate our skin.

Potatoes :  The lovable potato also comes to our rescue for erasing wrinkles. Cut two slices of potato and keep them on your eyes. Done regularly, the dark circles under the  eyes can be lightened. Again, if we grind raw potato and mix it with apple sauce and apply the same regularly on our face for 15-20 minutes, we will see a noticeable change on our face in a few months time. This will lift our sagging skin and give it a youthful glow.

Tomatoes : Mix tomato puree, lentil flour, ½ tsp. of lemon juice, turmeric paste and apply on your face for 15-20 minutes regularly. This is an anti-aging remedy. Again, you can add tomatoes, lentils, lemons etc. in your daily diet to maintain a good health. The Lycopene in tomatoes also lightens and helps in erasing age spots, blemishes on our skin.

Papaya/banana : Mash papaya or banana and apply the mixture on your face. This is a wonderful facial for tightening the skin.

Thus we can see that if we maintain a healthy diet and a certain discipline in our life we can maintain our youthfulness, facial glow and be healthy with the help of  natural products without fear of any side effects.

What are anti-oxidants and how do they help in anti ageing?

Anti oxidant is a molecule which prevents oxidation of other molecules. How do the anti oxidants really help? These anti oxidants stand like mountains in the path of free radicals. Now, what are free radicals? Free radicals are radicals that are charged and enter the body by pollution, smoking, eating certain foodstuffs and want an electron from our cells to stabilize themselves. These are oxygen free radicals and try to take an electron from the cells in our body. Now if this process continues, there will be oxidation damage to our body which can lead to a number of conditions like premature aging and a host of health concerns like cancer. This can be prevented by the presence of anti oxidants.

Anti oxidants are very important to keep not only our skin healthy but also for overall health. They are good anti aging properties. They keep diseases at bay. Therefore, we should  always include foods rich in anti-oxidants like vegetables, fruits, nuts, fish, meat etc. in our  diet. One of the antioxidants is Vitamin C which is found in plenty in oranges, lemons, Indian gooseberries, fish, beef, cereals, green tea etc. Another anti oxidant is Vitamin A which again is of 3 types. They are Vit A1, Vit A2 and Vit A3. These are readily found in green tea, sweet potatoes, egg yolks, milk, carrot, mozzarella cheese etc.  Another antioxidant enzyme is selenium which is found in rice and wheat. Lutein is another anti-oxidant which again is very good for the eyes and is found in carrots, spinach, kale etc.

There is a tendency to buy readily available anti oxidants and vitamin supplements from the market. But it is always better to consume natural vegetables and fruits which are rich in these as our body absorbs these natural ingredients more easily. So from this we can conclude that to look evergreen we have to follow a very simple but disciplined life. Some of the tips for a happy skin are :

1. Try to catch a minimum of 7 hrs. sleep every night.
2. Drink 3-4 liters of water daily.
3. Abstain from such vices like smoking, alcoholism, staying awake late into the night etc.
4. Eat healthy. Include lots of green salads, vegetables, fruits, nuts, milk, egg, fish etc. in your daily diet.
5. Exercise regularly. Walking, jogging, swimming etc. help in blood circulation and hence rejuvenate our skin making us look young and agile.
6. Avoid spicy, oily food as much as possible.
7. Last but not the least please protect your skin from the harsh rays of the sun by using sun glasses, sun tan cream, umbrellas because exposure to sun can cause a lot of damage to your skin depleting the skin of its natural oils and moisture  leading to dryness and premature ageing.

So you see it is not really tough to have a great looking skin!

Rather than ignoring your skin for long, and suddenly waking up to a ghost in the mrror, it does very well to give a little attention to yourself on a daily basis for a smooth and glowing skin.

Gone are the days when the terrritory of beauty and skincare was dominated by women only. Nowadays, men too have become equally conscious of how they can look more presentable by having a glowing and younger looking skin. For this purpose men need to take care of their skin on a daily basis.

Like female skin, mens daily skincare routine also comprises of regular cleansing and moisturising.

As we know mens skin is more oily in nature, cleansing the excessive oil from your face becomes a must.  Too much oil secretion also leads to acne. To check this, it is recommended to wash your face twice daily. Gentle facial cleansers should be used instead of soaps which are harsh on your skin and do more harm than good. Products which are especially formulated for men should be used. Products designed for women should NOT be used by men. Using a cleanser that contains salicylic acid helps as it penetrates through dirt, oil and dead skin cells to unplug blocked pores. It also helps to improve skin texture by removing dead skin and revealing fresh skin underneath. Specialised cleansers containing benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil or sulphur can also be used as these are known for their anti-ance properties. Proper cleansing prevents oil and dirt from clogging the pores hence resulting in a healthier looking skin.

Exfoliating your skin once in a while also helps in maintaining a healthy and clean look. It will deep cleanse your face as well as remove dead cells from the surface of your skin. It is done best with the help of a facial scrub. Gently massage in a little amount of the scrub on to your face with circular motions of your hands. Do not be too hard or it may damage the skin cells. Wash  off with cold water and pat dry your face. However, exessive use of scrubs may cause the pores to further open up and hike up oil production leading to serious skin hazards.

Toning your skin after cleansing should be an important step in your skincare routine. Toners cool the skin and are believed to reduce the size of the pores. This results in a firmer and more youthful skin texture. It also helps in preventing acne and acne- related problems.

Staying outdoors for long dries your skin. Sitting in an air-conditioned office for the whole day also robs your skin of its moisture. Hence the result-a dry skin. Men who are more prone to sweating also suffer from a dry skin. Thus, moisturising becomes essential. Just apply a few drops of a men’s moisturiser on to your skin every day for a soft and supple skin. For best results moisturise while your skin is still damp i.e.-after taking a bath. Ingredients like pro-vitamin B5, glycerine and lecithin are capable of attracting moisture from the atmosphere and keep the skin moist. When used in  moisturisers these humectants provide continued hydration and increase protection, nourishment and regeneration of the skin. Men with excessive dry skin can use a serum for better results. Serums are packed with highly active ingredients that are chemically formulated into small molecules to provide intense hydration. Choose a serum according to your skin type. Now, apply just a few drops of the serum on clean and slightly damp skin. You can also apply tiny drops of the serum all over your face with light strokes and then apply a moisturiser.

No moisturisers, day creams or suncreens work with the same effectiveness for 12 hours at a stretch. It is a good practice to wipe your face/ hands with a damp cloth once during lunchtime and apply a suitable cream.

While being on their fieldwork or commuting from one place to another, men are regularly exposed to the harmful sunbeams. This results in a tanned, blemished and dull complexion. To combat this, you should use a sunscreen lotion before going out in the sun. Always wear a UVA and UVB protecting sunscreen with an SPF of 50 at least 15 minutes before stepping out. If you are out for more than three hours,it is better to re-apply your sunscreen.

Shaving is an integral part of a man’s life. As shaving roughens your skin and also has a dehydrating effect, proper care, precautionary measures and recomemnded shaving procedures should be followed. Splash the face with hot water and apply a shaving cream with the help of a brush, working-up a rich lather before you start with the razor. Be careful while using the razor and try not to be too hard. Splash with cold water once you have finished. Lastly, add some after shave lotion or an after shave balm which moiturises your skin.

In addition to a proper daily skincare routine, a healthy lifestyle also contributes to a healthy and glowing skin. Drink plenty of water throughout the day as it replenishes the cells of its moisture  -loss. Eat healthy and nutritional diet as it improves the internal metabolism and gives inner nourishment to the skin.Regular excercise helps in improved blood circulation thus bringing a natural glow to your skin. Also check on the intake of alchohol,caffaine,aerated drinks and smoking as they pose harmful hazards not only to your skin but your health as well.

We see how devoting a few minutes every day for yor skin care goes a long way in improving your personality which in turn boosts up your confidence to excel in all aspects of  life!