healthy skin – That Madras Mom

April 27, 2021April 27, 2021

W’s which help in skincare

We’re almost at the final leg. Today’s post is on W. The same time last year, I went into labour last year as I was typing my post for W. Brings back nostalgic memories.

Today lets look at the ingredients in W that help maintaining great skin. For a bonus I’m also giving you all winter skincare DIYs from ingredients at home. Thank me later.

WATERMELON

High water content in watermelon can help in hydrating skin from within and make it smooth and supple. It’s a boon for people with dry and flaky skin.

Watermelon is a natural toner that can help in shrinking of body tissues.

The presence of antioxidants like lycopene , vitamin A and C help in fighting against free radical damage. Hence watermelon has great benefits for anti ageing.

Watermelon also encourages boosting production of collagen and elastin which help in making skin look young and firm.

Vitamin A in watermelon helps in shrinking pore size thereby reducing the oil storing capabilities. Hence this results in reduction of acne.

The lycopene and beta carotene help in protecting against sunburns.

DIYS:

ACNE PRONE SKIN: Mix a tablespoon of watermelon juice to one mashed banana. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

OILY SKIN:Blend half a cup of watermelon with a tablespoon of honey. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

DRY SKIN:
Blend a teaspoon of yogurt with 4-5 slices of watermelon. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

ANTI AGEING:
Mix in a tablespoon of watermelon juice to half a mashed avocado. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

BRIGHTENING PACK: Blend two tablespoons of curd with 4-5 slices of watermelon. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

GLOW MASK: Mix in a tablespoon of watermelon juice and raw milk. Dab a cotton pad in this mixture and apply on to face. Wash off after 15 minutes.

WATER

Adequate amount of water consumption is essential to maintain well hydrated healthy skin.

Only if enough water is consumed the essential nutrients get circulated around the body.

It will also help in improving skin elasticity and make it supple so you do not age prematurely.

Water helps in flushing out toxins and keep skin clear from any infection.Helps in keeping acne and breakouts at bay.

Drinking enough water helps in tightening the skin and therefore makes skin look more firm.

Water helps in maintaining the natural pH of the skin.

Water helps in reducing dehydration therefore makes eyes look sparkly and also reduce the puffiness around the eyes.

Intake of adequate water helps in maintaining healthy gut and thereby aids good digestion.

HOW TO INCLUDE WATER?

LEMON:You could squeeze in lemon juice on your salads or even infuse lemon in drinking water.

GINGER: Adding ginger to tea concoction can aid in digestion and reducing inflammation.

CINNAMON: Infuse cinnamon sticks in water. Helps cut down on sugar craving and also regulate blood sugar levels.

HONEY OR ACV: Adding few drops of honey or ACV will help in clearing out acne.

MINT: Mint aids digestion and is great for detox. Infuse few mint leaves in water overnight for a refreshing day ahead.

What kind of water for skin? It is always best to use lukewarm water on skin.

WINTER SKIN DIYS

Winter is known to be harsh over the skin. And if you already have dry skin then winter is definitely a season that you don’t wish for.

DIYs

MILK AND ALMOND: Mix in 3 teaspoon of almond powder to two tablespoons of milk. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

YOGURT AND HONEY: Mix in a tablespoon of honey to half a cup of yogurt. Apply on to face and wash off after 10 minutes.

COCONUT OIL: Coconut oil is a great moisturizer. Apply a light layer to see smooth skin.

STRAWBERRY: Blend 2-4 strawberries with two teaspoon of fresh cream and a teaspoon of honey. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

BANANA AND MILK: Add in a tablespoon of milk to mashed banana. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

ALOE VERA AND SESAME OIL: Mix in a tablespoon of aloe vera gel to a teaspoon of sesame oil. Apply on to face and wash off after 10 minutes.

CARROT AND HONEY: Mix in a tablespoon of honey to one pureed carrot. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

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

April 26, 2021

I’ve already written a lot about ingredients be it spice, fruits or even condiments. So for V I decided to write about two of my favourite vegetables that help in maintaining good skin. Given that I’ve already stated benefits of tomato and cucumber let’s see what potato and carrot give us. There is also one surprise ingredient for which you will have to read till the end.

POTATO

Potatoes help in brightening and even out the skin. The catacholase enzyme in potato help in lightening the skin.

The above said is the very reason that potatoes help in reducing dark circles.

Potatoes also are beneficial to provide anti ageing effects.

Potatoes help in reducing inflammation.

Potatoes help fight against free radical damage.

Potato when made as juice is a hydrating ingredient for skincare and is best when used by people who have dry skin.

DIYS:

BRIGHTENING: Take two teaspoons of potato juice and mix with a teaspoon of honey. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

BUGBITE: Take a slice of potato and apply on affected area. After 3-5 minutes remove the slice. Repeat if needed. This would help in lessening itching.

REDUCE PUFFY EYES: Refrigerate potato slices. Apply on the eyes and take off after 10-15 minutes.

FOR ACNE: Mix a tablespoon of potato pulp, tomato pulp and honey. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

FOR PIGMENTATION: Mix in a teaspoon of potato juice, rice flour, honey and lemon juice. Apply on to face and leave to dry. Gently scrub and wash off.

ANTI AGEING: 1. Blend one potato and two strawberries along with half a teaspoon of honey. Apply on to face and wash off in 15 minutes.
Mix 2/3 grated potato with yogurt. Adjust consistency and apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

SKIN TIGHTENING: Mix one eggs white with juice of half a potato. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

REDUCE SPOTS: Mix one tablespoon of multani mitti to two tablespoons of potato juice. Adjust consistency and apply on to face. Wash off after 15 minutes.

CARROT

Carrots prove greatly beneficial to skin health. Vitamin C and beta carotene are the best of anti oxidants that can fight ageing skin.

Vitamin C helps protect against free radical damage. Beta carotene helps fight against harmful UV radiation.

Carrots are great for flushing out toxins from body when consumed. Carrots also have abundance of Vitamin A which help in flushing the free radicals.

Beta carotene in carrots also helps in healing scars and blemishes.

Including carrots in diet can help form a protective barrier against harmful UV rays and also help in hydrating dry skin.

Vitamin A in carrots is responsible for firmer and healthy skin. The beta carotene is converted to vitamin A in the body.

The vitamin A that carrot offers helps in dealing with oily skin from inside out.

DIYS:

EXFOLIATION: Mix in equal quantities of carrot juice, egg white and yogurt. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

MOISTURE PACK: Mix in a teaspoon of milk cream, honey to two teaspoons of grated carrot and few drops of olive oil. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

FACE MIST: Mix in some orange juice to rose water which is the base. Fill in to spray bottle and use when you need to refresh skin.

OILY SKIN: Mix in a cup of orange juice and a tablespoon of curd, besan and lemon juice. Apply on to face and wash off after 30 minutes.

DRY SKIN: Mix two tablespoons of grated carrot to a teaspoon of honey and milk. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

Mix equal parts of carrot juice to aloe vera gel. Apply on to face and wash off after 15 minutes.

VODKA

This was the secret ingredient I was talking about. Vodka is generally prepared from potatoes, cereals and grapes upon fermentation. Contains 40% methanol and preferred more by women in social gatherings.

WHY VODKA?

Vodka is a great anti ageing serum that helps in skin tightening and reduces wrinkles.

Vodka works as an anti septic. Helps in reducing the acne spots and also reduce dark circles.

Vodka helps in reducing pores due to its astringent properties.

Vodka is a great ingredient to remove odour from feet.

Vodka makes it easy to remove blackheads and whiteheads.

Vodka as a cleansing agent is great for removing makeup.

DIYS

TONER: Mix in two to three teaspoons of vodka to two cups of water. Add lavendar or orange essential oil if needed two to three drops. Transfer to spray bottle.

CLEAR SKIN: Add in a teaspoon of vodka to freshly brewed green tea one cup. Apply this solution with a cotton pad and leave in for 5-10 minutes. Wash off.

MAKEUP REMOVER: Mix in a teaspoon of vodka to two teaspoons of water. Dab a cotton pad in this solution and apply on face. Wash off.

SMOOTH SHAVE: Immersing your razor in vodka helps to keep it rust free and keeps skin smooth after shave.

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

April 6, 2021

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.

January 6, 2021January 6, 2021

Five habits of people with good skin

Some people when you look at them, the immediate thought that strikes up your mind is “my my, how clear is the skin?” . Sit down and think if you have asked this question at least once.

For some people, they are blessed with genes who have clear luminous skin. But if you still want to have that beautiful skin that would make eyeballs roll, you need to make sure the below pointers are what you follow. You need to religiously take good care and simple steps to maintain skin. Glowing skin doesn’t appear in a jiffy. It needs your dedication to keep you devoted to follow that regimen.

Here are five most common habits which people who have good skin follow.

1. Hydration

The key and the foremost habit that you need to cultivate if you aren’t doing. At least two liters of water a day. Drinking plain water is the natural way to flush out toxins. If you still don’t drink enough water, you would probably making way for the toxins to pile up and result in clogged pores. Your skin needs to have proper elasticity, be supple enough and free of any wrinkles. For this, drinking water is the first and easiest habit that you can cultivate. Not only good for your skin and great for your body too. Not drinking enough water makes skin dry and lose its shine. The skin deserves its dose of nutrition every day and no better simple food that giving it enough water.

Therefore hydration is the most easiest and first step to good skin.

2. A goodnight’s sleep

Have you ever wondered why the term is coined as ‘beauty sleep’. The repair process of the body needs sleep to be a most important factor. An essential routine that boosts blood circulation and takes care of skin repair. So make sure you have a goodnight’s sleep and sleep like a baby.

3. Sunscreen or SPFs for the rescue

Photo aging refers to skin damage caused to longer exposure to sunlight and UVA /UVB rays. Invest in a good sunscreen and your skin will thank you later. Fine lines, pigmentation showing up as blemishes are often result of sun exposure leading to premature ageing. So make sure before you take your wallet next time you step out, apply a generous amount of sunscreen on face, neck and other exposed parts of body.

4. CTM- Cleanse, Tone and moisturize

Cleanse– Washing off impurities and thereby unclogging the pores.

Tone – Toner removes last trace of dirt or impurities from skin post face wash. When done regularly you could see a visible difference in skin tightening due to lesser pores.

Moisturize– A gentle way to keep your skin hydrated and not becoming dry. You could avoid using soaps often and go on to opt for a humidifier.

Above in short in known as CTM routine and is predominantly carries out before bedtime. Doing this religiously helps skin heal of any skin related problems and provides a routine for it to run the repair and regeneration process during the night time.

Also one important point to keep in mind is to choose products for CTM according to your skin type. This will not only prove beneficial but also prevent any side effects by using products which don’t suit your skin type.

5. Eating a healthy and a balanced meal

A proper meal that has all vital nutrients aids a lot of benefits to your body. So when your body feels good, it immediately shows up on your skin. Not only eating nutrient food, eating right food in the right way is what I’d want to suggest. Foods rich in anti-oxidants like oranges, tomatoes and berries provide a lot of skin benefits. These foods help delay skin ageing and improve collagen building. Avoid foods having excess oil, sugar, preservatives and foods that are processed to flaunt that healthy skin.

As mentioned above, these are five most common habits that are followed by people around the world to maintain good skin. The priority or importance is not strictly based on the order that I have mentioned.

Make sure you do a patch test every time you try out a new product. Do not go by blind recommendations. Make sure to check the ingredients and suitability to skin type before purchasing a new skincare product.

If you experience or suffer from a skin problem do not hesitate to reach out to a dermatologist. Do not go by following everyone’s advice. Until and unless they have experience in the field, do not reach out to random people on social media asking for skincare advice.

Not all highly priced products give you good results and those which are priced less result in failures. Keep that in mind and start taking care of your skin.

This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla, and happily SPONSORED BY RRE Studios and SHOWCASE Events.