Author: Sindhu Vinod Narayan

Ex IT professional. Now a freelance writer, editor, translator & influencer. My blog is a reflection of my thoughts on skincare, fashion, book reviews and wellness.
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F’s which help in skincare

F’s which help in skincare

Nature doesn’t fail to surprise be it with fruits or vegetables and the innumerable benefits they have to offer. And now since we are in F, lets see what ingredients in F help in skincare.

FIG

Fig



Fig or anjeer is loaded with antioxidants. When we say antioxidants we know that the major role is to combat skin ageing. FIg helps in rejuvenating skin, evenning the complexion, prevents wrinkles and cures boils and warts. Fig was cleopatra’s favourite fruit.



Prevents wrinkles

The antioxidant property help reduce the depth of the wrinkles. Figs help to decrease melanin production , water loss and sebum production.As a result it helps in increased hydration. Its effective in treating pigmentation, acne and wrinkles.



Rejuvenate skin
Figs help in rejuvenation. The benefit can be attained when you consume or apply them on skin.

DIY
Take fig cut in half, scoop of fresh and mash it up with yogurt or honey. Apply and wash of after 15 minutes. This mask offers instant freshness to skin.


Soft and supple skin
Loaded with vitamin C figs also contain a lot of anti oxidants which help in making the skin tone even.

DIYs
Blend figs with milk and oats and also add half a teaspoon fof dry ginger powder. Apply on to skin and wash off after 15 minutes to discover smooth skin.
Soak and blend figs. Add in 2-3 drops of almond oil. Apply on face and wash off after it dries.


Heal boils and warts
The anti inflammatory property in figs makes them beneficial in healing boils and warts. Figs can be cut and directly used on affected area to gain maximum benefit of reduced inflammation.

FLAX SEEDS

Flax seed


Omega 3 fatty acids have innumerable benefits majorly for health. But sadly vegetarian sources are very limited. But a small seed that gives you what you missed is something great. Flax seeds are enriched with omega 3 fatty acids which play major role in heart, skin and hair health.



When flax seeds are used in topical application, the oil in them helps in providing nourishment to skin, improve skin barrier,regulate sebum production and provide nutrients which are wiped off when skin is exposed to harsh chemicals in the name of exfoliation. The seeds help in replenishing vitamins and minerals there by giving you glowing skin.


Glowing skin: The omega 3 fatty acids in flax seeds help keep the skin hydrated and prevent drying as a result your skin glows.


Anti-ageing: The antioxidants in flax seed help in fighting against ageing thereby reducing fine lines, wrinkles and help in skin tightening and lessening of sagging skin.



Acne prevention: Flax seeds help in balanced production of estrogen thereby reducing chances of breakouts. Flax seeds also help regulate sebum production.



Skin rejuvenation: Flax seed when grounded and made powder can be incorporated into face packs due to its quality of being an excellent agent for exfoliation.



Soothes skin irritation: The anti inflammatory property in the seeds help provide a healing effect to the redness and irritation caused by UV rays and free radicals.


When consumed , flax seeds help in repairing skin from the inside. They help in curbing inflammation, balancing estrogen production and strengthening the skin cells from within thereby helping you achieve flawless and healthy glowing skin.


Consuming two spoons of flax seed each day helps in solving most of your skin care problems. It’s water retention abilities help the skin retain moisture so that your skin never gets dried.



Flax seeds are best absorbed when in grounded form. Always make them freshly ground and add them to smoothies or salads.

This post is written as part of Blogchatter’s A2Z challenge.

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E’s which help in skincare

E’s which help in skincare

Eggs

E for ‘egg’ stays right . So lets start with benefits of using egg in skincare. Eggs provide a good dose of nourishment to skin since they are protein packed. It is not wrong to call them as super foods. Hydration and elasticity to skin is provided by eggs since they are rich in lutin. They also play a big role in repairing skin tissues and making skin firm since they are protein rich.



Eggs help in improving the texture be it dry or oily skin. The protein rich yolk aids in moisturizing whereas the white that is rich in albumin helps in reducing open pores.



Eggs help in regulating oil production thereby also removing dead skin cells so they’re good ingredients for exfoliation.



1.DIY to reduce open pores
Take two egg whites, beat and mix with one tablespoon of lemon juice. Apply on to areas where pores are visible. Once it dries wash off with lukewarm water.

2.DIY for glowing skin
Take two eggs, add yogurt and beat. Apply this mask on to face and neck.
Wash off after it dries for discover glowing skin.


3.DIY for dry skin
Take one egg and mix in half a tablespoon of honey. Apply on to face and neck.
Wash off after it dries for discover hydrated skin.



4.DIY to reduce eye bags
Egg whites are known to bring in firmness to skin. Take two beaten egg whites and apply the paste beneath the eyes. Wash off after ten minutes.



5 DIY for skin lightening
Take one egg white mix with one teaspoon of orange juice and half a teaspoon of turmeric. Apply onto face and neck. Wash off once it dries.



6.DIY for sensitive skin
Take one egg white, mix with a teaspoon of honey, yogurt and cucumber juice. Apply on to face and neck. Wash with lukewarm water.



7. DIY anti ageing eye mask
Mix one egg white with grated carrot and a teaspoon of aloe vera gel. Apply under the eyes and around. Do not apply on to eyelids.



8.DIY to remove black heads
Apply beaten egg white on to nose. Take a strip of paper towel and place over the area. Apply one more layer of egg white. Leave it to dry for about 30 minutes. Peel off.



When using masks containing egg whites make sure you do not put them into eyes and mouth. Eggs have salmonella which could cause an infection.

Eucalyptus


Originally native to australia eucalyptus is now grown all over the world. The eucalyptus oil is derived from the tree’s oval shaped leaves.


An ingredient that cannot be directly applied on to skkin but can be found in many of personal care products. It’s uses in skincare would mostly include healing of skin.


Soothes insect bites
A natural anti septic ingredient, eucalyptus helps in healing of bug bites,cuts and burns. The additional anti microbial property helps in prevention of new germ infestation. Makes an easy application too. Just dab a cotton ball in 2-3 drops of oil and apply on the affected area.



Heals cuts and scrapes
Eucalyptus oil helps make an easy anti-septic spray. Be it a cut or a burn you can now make your very own anti-septic spray at the comfort of your home. Combine 10-12 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to two cups of water and store in a spray bottle. Tada!! so easy isn’t it.



Heals sunburns

Sunburns are really painful and irritating. A refreshing spray that helps heal the burns and also makes your skin fresh is what everyone needs. The pain relieving properties and anti inflammatory properties help in healing sunburns. Combine two ounces of water, a teaspoon of aloe vera gel and 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil and your spray to heal sunburns and to deal with a hot day is ready.


Eucalyptus is usually diluted with a carrier oil when making lotions, moisturizers. Eucalyptus also finds its place in soaps, shower gels and handwashes because of its ability to soothe the skin and heal.



DIY SHOWER SPRAY

Mix 15-20 drops of eucalytus oil( 2 caps) to 4 ounces of distilled water and store in spray bottle. This makes a great rejuvenating shower spray. Make sure you store this only in glass bottles since eucalyptus is known to break plastics. This shower sure does calm down the muscles and gives a relaxed effect to the whole body and mind.

This post is written as part of Blogchatter’s A2Z challenge.

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D’s which help in skincare

D is for dates. Lets start with this little brown powerhouse of nutrients and what it has to offer for skincare. These brown treasures are beauty balms of skin illumination.

Dates is an excellent source of vitamin C and D which helps in maintaining the elasticity of skin. It also helps in keeping skin buttery smooth. Dates play a major part in being one of the main foods which have anti ageing properties and also helps in reducing melanin supply.

Packed with vitamin B5, the highly nutritious dates also helps deal skin frustrations. B5 also known as pantothenic acid is a water soluble vitamin that finds its place in most lotions and creams. This helps in healing the skin.

Dates help in treating skin allergies that occur in the form of breakouts.

Tannin in dates helps in cell damage and reduces inflammation since it is rich in antioxidants.

Softer and smoother skin is definitely guaranteed since its rich in nutrients which strengthen the skin tissues from within resulting in smoother skin.

The vitamin A helps reduce black heads and dark spots and help you in getting healthier skin.

Dates in paste form when applied on skin is a natural moisturizer.

Daily in take of dates can help treat dry lips. Try taking date with milk post dinner to see the difference.

Dates mixed with lemon and orange juice can help heal insect bites and itching caused by it.

DATE FACIAL MASK

FOR RADIANT SKIN:
5-6 dates
One cup of boiled milk
One tablespoon each of semolina and honey.


Blend dates( soaked in milk for an hour)( and milk initially followed by honey and semolina.
Apply the grainy textures paste over face and neck, leave for about 30 minutes. Wash off to discover buttery smooth glowing skin. Repeat this once a week to see visible difference in skin.

FOR FIRM SKIN

5-6 dates
Half a cup of boiled milk
One tablespoon of oats
One tablespoon of honey

Blend dates(soaked in milk ) with milk, oats and honey.
Apply on to face and leave on for 30 minutes. Wash off to discover firm hydrated skin.

Drumstick leaves (moringa)

Drumstick leaves or moringa as it’s commonly known is definitely one of the hidden gems that nature had to offer for skincare. It recently gained more limelight as a magical ingredient for almost certain number of ailments including being beneficial for good looking skin.

Moringa is enriched with vitamin A which is responsible for building up collagen which forms the major part of your skin. Vitamin C which helps fight signs of ageing and vitamin E which is anti inflammatory.



LIP CARE

Moringa is known to have moisturizing properties which is why it could be found as an ingredient in lip balms and cream. Makes lips soft and supple.



ANTI AGEING
The vitamin C present in moringa helps fight signs of ageing. The antioxidants help fight against free radical damage which play a major role in wrinkle formation. The cytokinins present help in increasing cellular growth and prevent cell destruction. It is beneficial in both the powder and oil form. So with moringa you could wave goodbye to dull sagging skin and say hello to firm and healthy skin.



REDUCE DARK SPOT AND PREVENT ACNE
Moringa powder when taken helps in purifying blood and flush out toxins from the body.Toxin buildup is one of the major reasons for breakouts and acne. Flushing them out helps prevent acne.



REDUCE OPEN PORES

Moringa helps in firming up the skin by boosting collagen production, hence also helps in reducing open pores in the skin.

DIYS



For problematic skin
A tablespoon of moringa, honey, rose water and lemon juice.
Adjust consistency and apply on to face.
Wash off after ten minutes.



MORINGA WITH AVOCADO for refreshed skin
One tablespoon of moringa powder, honey and lemon juice to be mixed with 1/2 mashed avocado

Adjust consistency , apply and leave on for about 10-20 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water.



BLEMISH REMOVER MORINGA PACK
One tablespoon of moringa powder and honey mixed with one teaspoon of lemon juice.

Mix all these with 1/2 mashed banana. Apply this paste on to the blemishes and wash off after 20 minutes.
Repeat to see best results.

MORINGA BODY SCRUB
Mix one cup rolled oats(powdered into flour) with 2 tablespoon of moringa powder, one cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of coconut oil.
This exfoliating scrub gives best results for both face and body. It has a shelf life of about a month.


Moringa has become a superfood in addition to being applied externally over the skin. With its re-entry into the skincare industry matcha and turmeric have taken a back seat.

This post is written as part of Blogchatter’s A2Z challenge.

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C’s which help in skincare

We are surrounded by a lot of C’s that can be incorporated into your skincare habits to get you the healthy glowing skin.

Coconut oil:


Coconut oil with its combination of natural fats makes it one of the staple in the kitchen. The fats present like the linolic and lauric acids makes it a good skincare ingredient. But do keep in mind that only pure coconut oil or extra virgin coconut oil will yield you the benefits.



HELPS IN LESSENING PIGMENTATION AND DARK CIRCLES
Coconut oil helps in lessening of dark spots or pigmentation under the eyes when massaged generously. It also helps in reducing the puffiness or eye bags as commonly known due to its anti-inflammatory properties.



ALLEVIATES STRESS
Stress can be induced any time and for people at any age. A calming coconut oil massage is all what you need to soothe your senses. The subtle fragrance also helps you calm your mind and make you relaxed.



HIGHLIGHTER
A highlighter is what elevates the beauty in your makeup especially at the cheeks. Just a squeak line of coconut oil over the cheeks sure does give you a glow that reflects light. This is one of the major reasons coconut oil is one of the major ingredients in base makeup products.



REMOVING EYE MAKEUP AND A GOOD EYECREAM
Though we generally prefer using waterproof kajal or mascara for their long lasting smudge free looks, it is highly a tiresome job to take them out. Coconut oil works like a wonder in such cases and makes removal of kajal and mascara pretty much easier. If your skin under the eyes is dry due to weather or dehydration all you need to do is to dab a light layer of coconut oil under the eyes and pat gently. This sure does help in eye relaxing and also improving complexion of the darker areas.



LIP BALM OR LIP SCRUB
Coconut oil can be used as an ingredient in lip balm and also lip scrub.

If u mix it in with brown sugar and honey and apply foe a gentle exfoliation it works great as a scrub.
For a lip balm mix in coconut oil, bees wax and cocoa butter and heat using double boil method. Once melted you could add them to lip balm containers and if needed also include essential oils.

You could play with the ingredients in terms of quantities so that you get the desired consistency.



GREAT USAGE AS CLEANSER
As a first step to face wash, you could apply coconut oil on your face and massage with circular motions and wash off with your regular face wash. Due to its anti bacterial, anti fungal and moisturizing nature its the best nighttime skincare product that most women could vouch for.

COFFEE GROUNDS


Next time after making coffee if you are left with coffee grounds that you decide to trash, you may rethink and pause. The caffeine in coffee grounds has antioxidants that help prevent sun damage. They can be repurposed into excellent exfoliators for both the body and the face.
But if you have sensitive skin this might not be great for you as coffee grounds could be harsh on your skin.



EXFOLIATION
Mix in coffee grounds with a spoon of yoghurt and apply on to face and neck. Once dry rinse with warm water for glowing skin. Make sure you use this only once a week.



BODY POLISH
Make a mixture of granulated sugar, almond oil and coffee grounds. Apply on your body and gently scrub especially the dry areas like the knees and elbows. Say hello to shiny skin.



FOOT SCRUB
Coffee grounds can also play a good role in making them one of the best foot scrub. Mix in coffee grounds with epsom salt and olive oil. Apply on to feet and heels. Scrub gently and wash off to discover feet with baby soft skin.



REDUCE CELLULITE APPEARANCE

As we age one other major concerns are the cellulite marks that make you embarrassed.Worry not when you have coffee grounds. Mix in coffee grounds with water or coconut oil apply on areas where cellulite marks are visible. Wash off after a gentle massage. Do this twice a week to see the marks making slow disappearance. The scrub breaks down the fat and increases blood flow to the area thereby visibly reducing the cellulite marks.

CUCUMBER


Cucumber is packed with skin loving nutrients . They particularly contain vitamin C which is an antioxidant and caffeic and folic acid which help in boosting collagen production and help fight signs of ageing.


KEEPS SKIN HYDRATED
When skin is well hydrated it has good elasticity and firmness. When its not the skin becomes dry and flaky. Include a lot of cucumbers in diet to keep skin hydrated. The 96% of water present in cucumber is the main reason cucumber provides superior hydration to skin.


GREAT ASTRINGENT
Astringents help to tighten pores in skin and is especially beneficial to acne prone skin. Cucumber is a mild astringent that works great for acne prone skin.


HELPS TREAT PUFFY EYES
Cucumbers are perfect to treat puffy eyes. Just cut few slices of chilled cucumber and place over eyes for a cooling effect.


DETAN AND SOOTHE SUNBURN

Cucumber juice when applied on affected area can help in removing tan and also provide soothing sensation to areas of sunburn.

DIY



FOR DRY SKIN: Mix in equal parts of cucumber juice to aloe vera gel to boost hydration to dry skin. Let this sit for 15 minutes and then wash off.


ACNE PRONE SKIN: Mix in cucumber juice to oatmeal one table spoon and honey one tablespoon. Apply and wash of after 15 minutes. Cucumber juice helps in soothing, honey provides anti bacterial goodness and oatmeal helps in removing excess oil.

This post is written as part of Blogchatter’s A2Z challenge.

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B’s which help in skincare #blogchatterA2Z


Let’s take a look at the B’s which help in skincare today.

BEESWAX:


Prominent ingredient in lip balms but did you know that this ingredient has innumerable benefits to skin as well. One of the best ingredients that people with dry skin would be thankful for, since it helps soothe dry skin.


A humectant in itself which means that it helps retain the skin’s moisture. Which is why beeswax is a prominent ingredient in moisture lock skincare products like lotions and body butters.


Unlike petroleum jelly that’s most commonly used, beeswax doesn’t suffocate your skin but still provides the protective barrier and helps seal moisture.


The vitamin A in beeswax helps improve hydration and also regeneration of skin. Which is why now you know that this marvel ingredient is present in many skincare products.


Beeswax also help in attracting water molecules, hence it also aids in your skin getting the extra moisture it needs.


Beeswax has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which help keep the skin away from bacterial, fungal infections and also inflammations. As a result the skin is clean and clear of impurities.


Makeup products which contain beeswax stay on your skin for longer duration naturally in place of pore blocking primers which have silicone in them.


Beeswax helps in the thickening of many homemade skincare products. If you are someone who makes your own lotions, lip balms or body butters you know that this magical ingredient helps in blending the other ingredients and maintains consistency of the end product.

Especially if you use ingredients like coconut oil, beeswax helps in keeping the thickness since coconut oil has low melting point.


Since it forms a protective barrier on the skin, it does not let sweat stains on the clothes so makes a great ingredient for homemade deodorant .


HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE DEODORANT
Take equal parts of arrow root, baking soda and mix with coconut oil ,essential oil , beeswax, Mix well so that they blend with each other. Freeze.
If you would want a variant you could also add shea butter to half the quantity of coconut oil.

BANANAS


B is for banana can not only be taught to kids but also for skincare enthusiasts.

The nutrient rich fruit is not only a energy powerhouse for the body but also a powerhouse of magical benefits for the skin.


Anti-ageing– Bananas are known as nature’s botox since they contains antioxidants which help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
DIY: Mash a small banana, one tablespoon of orange juice and a tablespoon of yoghurt. Apply and rinse of after ten minutes in cold water.


Anti-acne – Acne causing bacteria and resultant blemishes would vanish off if you massage with a banana peel since they are loaded with Vitamin A , zinc and manganese.
DIY: Mash with a fork a small ripe banana, half a spoon of baking soda and half a spoon of turmeric. Apply and wash off after ten minutes in cold water.


Oil control: Bananas are boon for people with oily skin. They act as excellent exfoliator to remove the excess oil(sebum) from the skin.

DIY: Mash one ripe banana with a spoon of honey and half a spoon of lemon for an oil control face mask. Wash off after 10 minutes with cold water.


Moisturizer:
Bananas act as good moisturizers to skin, by keeping them well nourished and hydrated. They also add nourishment to dry skin. Vitamin A present helps even out skin texture of flaky skin and nourishes skin by restoring moisture.


Lessen dark spots: Whether its pigmentation or spots post acne, bananas help in lessening the dark spots. Applying mashed banana as a face mask twice a week indeed helps in this aspect.

DIY: Mash a banana with one tablespoon of honey and one table spoon of lemon juice. Apply and rinse after ten minutes with cold water.


RELIEF FROM CRACKED HEELS:
If you’re someone who has cracked feet, a banana foot mask is all you need to get it fixed. Soak foot in warm lemon water for about 2-3 minutes. Mash bananas into paste and apply on to the feet. Leave the mask on for about 10 minutes and wash off. The banana pulp gives you a soft supple crack free feet by penetrating into the skin and cracked heels.


RELIEF FROM PUFFED EYES:
The blood vessels under the eyes need to be calmed in order to not puff up the eyes. The nutrients in bananas help in this case. The potassium present in banana also helps in drawing out excess fluid and helps relieve tired eyes. A banana mask made of mashed bananas that’s generously applied helps relieve from puffed eyes. You could alternatively use the peel as well for the same benefits.


BASED ON SKIN TYPE:
OILY: Mash banana with honey and lemon juice. Apply and rinse after ten minutes.
DRY: Mash banana with one tablespoon of olive oil and one tablespoon avocado puree.

BESAN:


Besan or gram flour is an ancestral magic ingredient that has been handed down to generations as the secret to healthy glowing skin. An easily available ingredient in every household has a place in major DIY face packs.


EXFOLIATE SKIN: Besan works great as a scrub for the face and body. Mix besan, oats and corn starch in the ratio 3:2:1 with rose water or milk. Apply and then scrub off to remove excess oil, dead skin and impurities.


DECREASE OILNESS IN SKIN: Besan with raw milk mask helps in cleansing the skin and reducing oiliness.


FACIAL HAIR REMOVAL: Those tiny fine facial hairs are always a concern. No worries when you have besan at home.

DIY: Mix equal quantities of besan and methi powder/ fenugreek powder with water. Apply the paste and wash off when it dries. You will see a gradual decrease in facial hair.



ANTI -ACNE: Besan helps in preventing acne. The zinc present in besan helps fight against acne causing bacteria. The fibre present helps stabilize the sugar levels in our body. The skin experiences breakouts and acne when the sugar levels are not well balanced leading to stressed hormones.
DIY: Mix a spoon each of besan, lemon juice, honey and turmeric powder. Apply on face and neck, wash off after ten minutes.


TAN REMOVAL: Besan is good ingredient to remove tan and impurities from skin. Mix a tablespoon of besan, yoghurt and lemon juice. Apply and rinse after ten minutes. This can be done on a daily basis before taking a bath for better results.



So I hope you will start using these B’s into your skincare regimen. Do let me know your feed-backs.

This post is written as part of Blogchatter’s A2Z challenge.

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A’s which help in skincare #blogchatterA2Z

Like they say in alphabets A is for apple let’s start with Apple cider Vinegar shall we?

Apple cider vinegar (ACV)



A staple in pantries, ACV is not used as salad dressing but a widely popularity gaining skin care ingredient. It isn’t innocuous to incorporate this darling ingredient in skincare regimen for a clearer and brighter skin. Most importantly it has to be used the right way. It is rightly agreeable to smell like a salad dressing if it promises you flawless skin. Don’t you all agree with me?

WHAT DOES ACV HELP IN?

Balances skin PH
The pH of the outer skin layer can be made to be balanced by making use of ACV. It helps the skin to maintain pH at the right value so that it secretes only necessary amount of oil. It also helps fighting against acne causing bacteria.


Exfoliates
ACV is an excellent chemical exfoliation. The malic acid present is ACV is almost similar to the AHAs. They work effectively against acne causing bacteria by unclogging pores and eliminating them.


Helps in fighting blackheads
The anti-bacterial property of ACV when mixed with baking soda and water helps exfoliate and reduce blackhead formation.


Improves hyperpigmentation.
The malic acid in ACV helps decrease the production of melanin which is responsible for the skin getting its pigment. So once melanin production is reduced gradually there is also considerable reduction in dark spots.

How to use?

FOR ACNE


Mix raw unfiltered ACV with water in a bowl. Soak cotton ball in this mixture and apply on affected area. Wash after 10 minutes.

SUNBURN


Mix half a cup ACV to four cups water. Dab a cotton cloth and apply on affected area. Gently massage. Repeat to see results.



EXFOLIATION


Mix ACV in your bathing water specifically bathing in tubs. Let it soak your skin. This is to maintain the pH.

TONER


Mix ACV with three parts water and essential oil if you wish to. Apply on to skin with a cotton ball. Leave to dry and wash off after ten minutes or massage gently with moisturizer.

ALOE VERA


Known as the “universal panacea” by Greek scientists and “Plant of immortality” by the Egyptians, Aloe vera is one of the most widely used topical ingredient in skincare. This thorny plant in your backyard can make you go awe for its innumerable benefits it has to offer. Though not many have this plant at home in that case people resort to getting the OTC variants. But if you are someone who uses the OTC variant make sure that the main ingredient is aloe vera gel.
The plant by nature gives you a transparent gel which helps heal sunburns, frost bites, psoriasis. But some of the OTC variants are green in colour which is where you need to be conscious of the other ingredients that go in.
Whatever may be your skin type, this miracle ingredients does wonders is a blessing for skincare woes.

WHAT DOES ALOE VERA HELP IN?

  • Helps to cleanse the skin.Mild exfoliation
  • Fights acne and helps reduce blemishes.
  • Soothes sunburn
  • Reduces skin irritation
  • Helps treat mouth sores
  • Delays signs of ageing
  • Good moisturizer

DIY PACKS WITH ALOE VERA

CUCUMBER PACK


If you’re a person with dry skin, this pack is for you. Blend cucumber slices in a blender. Mix in aloe vera gel and honey. Can be applied all over the face and on neck. Wash off after 30 mins.

BANANA PACK


This pack works for almost all skin types especially the normal and sensitive skin. Mash banana in a bowl. Add in aloe vera gel and rose water. Apply on to face and neck. Wash off upon drying.

ESSENTIAL OIL SLEEPING PACK


This is especially if your skin type is oily. This is a sleeping mask that can be applied in the night and washed off in the morning. Mix in tea tree oil into aloe vera gel. Apply evenly and massage until it gets absorbed. In the morning wash of with warm water. Oily skin is prone to acne. Anti-bacterial properties in tea tree oil and the soothing effect of aloe vera help lessen the acne formation and oil secretion in skin and help heal acne prone skin.



Aloe vera shouldn’t be used on infected skin since it hinders with the healing process of the wound though it is said to anti-microbial properties.



I’m sure most of you have ACV in your pantries and aloe vera in backyard or balcony. If not I’d suggest you to get this wonder plant ant thank me later for the innumerable benefits it has to offer to you.


These are two most commonly used “A” ingredients in skincare. I have some more but I think I’d make a part 2 of this post to bring out more ingredients in A that help in maintaining good skin.

This post is written as part of Blogchatter’s A2Z challenge.

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Do structured meals help achieve growth parameters?

Picture source pexels


Gone are the days where a chubby kid was termed to be healthy. We were all once brought up with the notion that a kid was healthy and was of the right growth for his/her age if they are chubby. On the contrary, a lean child was thought to be sick or ill.



We are now in the time wherein the child’s growth is tracked with Growth Parameters. These parameters are the weight, height, head circumference, and now with the inclusion of BMI. I wasn’t aware of any instances where my parent or my pediatrician mentioned BMI. But yes, today it is also one of the growth parameters. Welcome to the world of Millennial parenting.

Picture source: pexels



The worry about growth parameters doesn’t start when your kid starts eating by self, but when you conceive. The ideal weight for the fetus, the length of the thigh bone, and the head circumference for each week is already there on the charts, anything less than that is something of a worry that your doctor lets you know.



The concept of structured meals is not only when the kid is out but starts from when they’re inside you. An ideal weight gain is a parameter that is fixed for pregnant mothers and her diet varies whether or not she is providing enough for the fetus. So, a healthy baby comes from a healthy mom.


Growth parameters and structured meals for kids in India are interconnected. Structured meals or proper meal planning must begin when you start solids. This not only helps the kid achieve the right growth parameters but also brings in a good eating discipline. Failing here in the first step slowly molds a fussy eater or a picky eater.


The child achieving the age-appropriate milestones also quite has a dependency on the growth parameters. Nowadays, visits to the doctor involve a mandatory graph plot against the WHO standards and a question on the milestone being attained age-appropriate.



This not only happens during the doctor visits but also since information is now available on our hands all the time, you also check instantly by making a google search or making it much easier you even have apps to plot them for you and give you a comparison report. The Grow Right Tracker from PediaSure is one such option. Just enter the data and download the report. It helps you identify the gaps and plan ways to ensure your kids #GrowRight. Sounds easy, doesn’t it? If you still have questions you can take the report along whenever you visit your child’s doctor. It reduces stress for the mothers. Try it now!



Talking about information available to us, imagine the kids, their exposure to media, peers, and the influence that can have on their eating habits. Healthy eating through properly structured meals must be practiced right from a young age. Providing kids with healthier options in a tastier and much appetizing way sure will make an impact on their food habits. By structured meal plan, I would like to stress upon planning their meal in such a way that it has all the nutrients in a right, balanced way.



But if you still do have a picky eater, don’t worry you could supplement their eating and make them achieve the right growth parameters.


Post eight months a child should have a meal pattern which should comprise three proper meals and two snacks in between them. A snack should be something wholesome and made at home. Say fruit bowl, popsicles, multigrain, or dry fruit-based snack which is all the more, healthy.


Also, make sure you observe the patterns and intervene if you see any distractions or deviations. No mood swings, tantrums during mealtime. Most importantly no gadgets or bribing with sweets to finish a meal.



Right from birth or even before that is when the body gets into rapid growth mode, both physically and mentally so make sure that the child gets what he/she needs necessarily from the beginning. Like I mentioned above your picky eater could also have proper growth with a supplement. A supplement that offers proper growth, immunity, and brain development. PediaSure could be your adequate nutrition provider supplement that helps merge the nutritional gaps of your fussy eater. Along with nutrition you also get to keep track of your child’s growth and achieve the necessary parameters.

Image source: PediaSure website



Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this post are the personal views of the author. They do not reflect the views of any brand. Any omissions or errors at the author’s end does not assume any liability or responsibility on any party mentioned in the blog.

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Gender stereotyping what needs to be changed #causeachatter



When I was young, the word gender was seen or heard only once a year. I hope I would bring back nostalgic memories to all of you. That was a filed in DATA SHEET in school diary. I really could not understand whatsoever was the reason to have the field, cause can’t we identify them with the names? Do we specifically require a field? This was way back in the 90s when we did not know there was something termed “gender stereotyping”.

UNISEX NAMES


But now are the times when people say we have chosen a unisex name. I was like “What the hell is that?”. I thought the term “unisex” was used only for dresses, shoes or salon. May be this is why schools had the field on their forms procrastinating such a situation that both genders can use the names. Don’t get me wrong that I have a wrong opinion about unisex names, I am all okay with it, but just that it was something new to me and discrimination based on gender with regards to naming was so very new.

Where does it all start?


At home is definitely the straight answer most people would give you. And why would that be? It’s because we were brought up that way.We I mean the previous generation But during the course of us growing up and getting exposure to information of all kinds, somewhere down the lane we realized that this is not how it should be.


We as humans have evolved a lot and especially with concepts like gender stereotyping, sustainability, saying no to patriarchy. But we still have a long way to go in making our parents or grandparents understand the same. We have to be patient and understanding to make them absorb the concept on why we do not agree upon gender based discrimination. Making them understand that it has to be corrected from the roots I.e. home is another herculean task.


The Millennial parents, may be I’d say a 50% of us depend on our parents to help raise kids. Most parental conflicts arise here where our methodologies of thinking with respect to bringing up kids differs.


We believe in gentle parenting, no gender bias however that might sound weird to them because them and their forefathers had an entirely different way of parenting.


Our ways of treating kids, bringing them up to understand that a boy playing dolls and girl playing with a car is totally acceptable is kind of hard for them to process. But in a slow pace they would understand that in today’s way of life it is more necessary that both man and wife contribute and take up roles that are not looked down based on gender bias.


In a nuclear set up a man doing laundry and helping with chores around is totally acceptable, Their way of lifestyle of being there for each other taking up or swapping each others role is definitely making them good role models for their kids and a bad portrayal for the elders who still aren’t aware of the gender stereotyping.



Gender stereotyping could have adverse negative effects on children because of early environmental influences in their life. Any kind of genetic bias could be termed as insignificant and can be overcome by positive environmental influences.



Recently I came across books that support gender stereotyping. As a parent I would never opt to do something like that. But in this case my daughter received this as a birthday gift. Drawing book for girls with bright pinks all over. I was dumbstruck looking at the level of how even books try to thrust such notions. Shouldn’t girls colour dinosaurs or vehicles and only stick to princesses and flowers. I was totally not okay with her getting this book having been raised in a gender neutral environment.


Leave alone books, if you look at toy section in most outlets you do have separate sections based on gender. Where house keeping and cooking ranges are placed for girls; boys will conquer the world with scientific experiments and robotics. Why can’t girls play with robots and boys with kitchen sets? It sad to know that parents and kids these days don’t bring in gender discrimination but that feeling creeps when you enter the toy stores. This should definitely change.

How to handle kids and raise them in a gender neutral environment?


Support the choices they make –Let kids take up what might interest them and not discourage them from playing with toys and activities they show interest. On another note, if your kid is following stereotypical choices by nature, do not intervene. In order to prove gender evenness do not offer different stuff to girls who love to cook and boys who love to ride. Offering them cross-gender alternatives is a definite must. Do not influence them in a gender stereotypical manner be it a toy, dress, activity, friends or making choices in career. Asking them to evaluate their strengths, encouraging and respecting their choices is definitely a good way of upbringing.


Battling Social and Peer pressure – Kids often make mistakes in making choices at schools or more based on what their peers choose and even if that is something that doesn’t make them happy, they make the choice for the sake of making them feel accepted. Teach them how to be true to themselves by making choices that make them content rather than pleasing others.


Encouraging positive traits which the kids have irrespective of the gender something like being fearless or nurturing. Boys being of a nurtured nature and girls going out to conquer is totally acceptable.


Being okay with dressing practically – A girl needn’t be in skirts and frocks all throughout her life. Dressing up in shorts and pants when practical or when she needs is acceptable. And for boys hot pinks and reds are definitely must wear colors. If not they’re definitely missing out on something.


Say no to – toys and activities that are openly sexist. Take to social media to influence your vision so that brands realize that changes should be made.

‘This post is part of #CauseAChatter with Blogchatter’.

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Theme reveal – A to Z of natural skincare #blogchatterA2Z



Skin is one of the most important organs of our body. We have seen people often saying that “ I have good skin or my skin is healthy” ; nobody says “ I have a healthy heart or healthy liver”. So now you know the importance.
Your inner health reflects in your skin. If you are hale and healthy you have glowing skin but if you’re prone to breakouts, acne, dry skin, flakes and cracking up you also need to pay attention to your health.
Your skin is divine and the organ that needs utmost care. Be it sensitive or no, it isn’t a laboratory to keep trying on new chemicals or stuff from shiny bottles, tubes or tubs. Most important point when you plan to choose a new skincare product is to check the ingredients on the label for presence of harsh chemicals that could harm your skin. Next on the list would be to confirm if the product would suit your skin type.
Most of the chemicals that you apply on skin can enter your bloodstream.Skin being the largest organ can absorb toxins and lead to skincare problems like irritation, allergies and sensitivities. If we dare not drink crude oil, why would we put it on skin. Whatever you use is typically food for the skin and the body.
Identifying skin type is one of the mandatory checks one has to do. Whether you use high range or low range knowing skin type is definitely a must in order to choose products that suit your skin.
Brands nowadays make it clear on their labels the skin type the product suits and warnings on who shouldn’t use.
Leaving aside everything, ‘Did you know that your kitchen, pantry or your house is the biggest warehouse of skincare ingredients?” When you have so many options that are easily accessible at home, why should we fall prey to tubs and tubes.
Almost every ingredient in our kitchen has a unique skincare property. Our ancestors knew this from the very beginning. And it is all coming back into trend with companies bringing in products based on ubtan, sandalwood, besan and aloe vera. People are hesitant to use it from kitchens but are happy when the same is bottled and given in brightly labeled packs.
This April I bring you ingredients from home and their skincare purpose so that you could make the switch sooner. Say goodbye to chemicals and hello to skincare from in-home ingredients.

This post is for the theme reveal as part of Blogchatter’s A2Z this April.

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BYJU’S Review- IS BYJU’S Good for Kerala Department of Higher Secondary Education


BYJU’S for Kerala DHSE (Department of higher secondary education), is it good or bad? But before we answer this question, you need to know more about the DHSE. The DHSE conducts exams for Plus 1 (grade 11) and Plus 2 (grade 12) every year. But according to recent statistics, the number of students who appear for the DHSE board exams have dropped significantly. This trend seems to be happening over the years. It could also be attributed to less access to quality study materials.

With the competition getting tougher each day and students not taking a liking towards rote learning, it is high time educators implemented new and innovative modes of learning. This is where BYJU’S steps in by providing a practical and holistic approach to learning.

BYJU’S for Kerala DHSE



BYJU’S offers world-class learning resources for KSHE starting from kindergarten to grade 12th and beyond. The lessons can be accessed by using mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and desktops. They are available in offline and online modes.

5 Reasons Why BYJU’S is good for Kerala DHSE

BYJU’S courses are available in Malayalam as well.
BYJU’S study materials are prepared by subject matter experts by analyzing the syllabus, previous years’ trends, and weightage of each chapter. The study materials also teach students the best way of presenting answers in the exam, which will help them score better marks.
BYJU’S courses are loaded with e-textbooks, previous year question papers, important questions, and model papers that allows students to revise and practice well for the exam.




BYJU’S movie-like videos and game-like interactions enables students to grasp the concept easily.
Individual attention is one of the star features of all BYJU’S courses, which makes them the best learning platform for online education. For example, the doubt clearance sessions by BYJU’S mentors help students to clear all their doubts at any time.

BYJU’s makes learning more interesting for students with their unique and innovative approach. It is one of the most reliable learning partners for students. To know more about BYJU’S for Kerala DHSE visit https://byjus.com/kbpe/