Glares that care

If you thought that the harsh sun only affected your exposed skin, think again! It is not just your skin but also your eyes which suffer because of the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. The fancy stylish sun-glasses we use are absolutely of no use in protecting eyes. Too much exposure to sunlight increases the risks of eye diseases like cataract, growths on the eye, and cancer. Some of these diseases take many years to develop, but when they do surface, they often leave devastating effects on our eyesight.

The most common and obvious way of protecting your eyes from the sun are glasses. But these days’ glares are more about fashion and less about care. When we buy glares, we opt for the trendiest options, but without checking its UV protection factors.

Understand that UV radiation in sunlight - UVA and UVB - can cause harmful damage to human body in more than one way. According to researchers, UVA rays have deeper penetrating effect on your eyes. These rays may injure the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sight. On the other hand, exposure to UVB rays results in external growth or discoloration of the eye.  Cataracts are in fact opacity formed in the natural lens of the eye often caused by long term exposure to UV radiation. Chronic UV exposure may contribute to the aging processes in the retina, leading to macular degeneration and poor vision.

Pterygium is a fleshy growth on the white part of the eye that may extend onto the clear cornea where it can block vision. It presents most commonly in people who work outdoors in the sun and wind, and is correlated to the amount of UV exposure. And Photokeratitis is reversible sunburn of the cornea resulting from excessive UV-B exposure. It occurs from spending long hours on the beach without UV sun protection. It can be extremely painful for 1-2 days and can result in temporary loss of vision.

To avoid the above it is essential to follow some dos

• Do use Ultraviolet protecting sunglasses. Buy a wraparound design in glares so that your eyes are well protected
  

• Use wide brimmed hat when on excursions in the outdoors

• Buy sunglasses only if there is a UV label. Labels should be examined carefully to ensure that the lenses purchased absorb at least 99 per cent of UVA and UVB light 

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• Wear waterproof eye make-up as sweat may cause it to enter inside the eyes 

Don’ts

• It is not necessary that glares of darker tint provide more UV protection. Also, don't be misguided by the price -- higher priced sunglasses usually reflect fashion or durability, not UV protection   

• Don’t rub your eyes with unclean hands or when you are outdoors and in public places   

• Don’t splash water inside your eyes, as is a habit for some people. This washes away the tear film that is a protective layer and can cause dry eyes  

Effortless Ways to Look Good – even when traveling

Driving down for a family function or traveling by train to a weekend getaway or jet-setting halfway across the world, there is no doubt that traveling takes its toll.  It is stressful and when traveling what heightens this stress is trying to look good.  

However, these effortless and effective methods will show you that looking good and traveling can be done in conjunction.  Face your next travel with a smile knowing that you could run into someone special and not want to hide! Seriously though, remembering these uncomplicated and easy tips will ensure that you won’t stress about how you look the next time you travel.

•         This is probably the most clichéd yet often forgotten tip – hydrate.  It is everywhere because it is absolutely vital.  Your body will feel healthy and your skin and hair will remain refreshed and rejuvenated.  Drink up before and during your journey.  Carry reusable bottles that will save you money, not have you drink water that has been chemically treated and are also environmentally friendly.

•         Keep your face clean which means don’t wear heavy make-up.  The fact is that the skin absorbs dust and dirt during travel and if your pores are covered with make-up they would land up getting clogged from the dirt.  You will most surely have a breakout of some kind on your skin when you reach your destination.  Let your skin breathe – even if you ‘fear’ being seen without make-up, use a light water based one and keep fresh clean wipes handy.

•         Keep blotting tissues or rice paper handy to blot out the oil especially around the ‘T’ zone.  Dabbing up this unwanted ‘shine’ due to the excess oil will not only keep your skin’s moisture intact but let you reach your destination looking fresh and dewy as a rose.

•         If you are traveling on a plane, the air-conditioning will dry out your skin.  Keep a light moisturizer handy.  Use it on your face, neck and hands.  In case you must apply make-up, use a shaded moisturizer instead of heavy foundation.

•         Just like your skin, your lips are vulnerable too and develop fine cracks.  This is most certainly not the way to look good! You could opt for a sensually coloured lip balm or a medicated one to keep those lines and cracks away.  A quick dab of gloss over the medicated balm has the same sensory effect. 

•         It is not possible or feasible to keep running to the restroom each time you wish to put on make-up or touch it up.  On road trips it’s almost impossible! Also carrying your entire set of cosmetics would also be inconvenient, so how about investing in a multi-tasking beauty stick.  These are available at all leading cosmetic stores. 

•         While skin care is crucial, don’t forget to care for your lovely tresses.  Invest in and carry a good quality wooden brush.  This will prevent your hair from being caught in a storm of static electricity. If the ride includes harsh sun and weather conditions, it would be wise to wrap your locks in a scarf or stylish cap.  Protect your hair and look ravishing!

As an added favour to yourself, wear a wrinkle-proof outfit in a colour that will match any shade of make-up.  Keep your cool, smile a lot and don’t forget to eat right!  There you have it – easy tips to keep you looking smashing and feeling great.

The difference between ageing skin and dehydrated skin

The largest organ of the body- skin, like all other organs shows signs of degradation with time and the natural ageing process. The top layer of the skin also known as Stratum Corneum protects the skin and is formed from water based cells and an acidic mix of waxes(sebum and sweat) and oily lipids. When this top layer of skin gets damaged, the underlying muscles, bones, ligaments and other internal organs get harmed.

So what damages the top layer of the skin?

Natural Ageing:

After a certain age the physical changes in our body becomes normal. The Sebaceous gland that secrete an oily, waxy matter called sebum which lubricates and makes the skin waterproof decreases with age. Thus reducing the amount of natural hydrators making the skin(and hair) rough and dull, and the production of collagen and elastic deteriorate making the skin slack. With age the skin also steadily loses it’s ability to renew and restore the fats in the protective layer of the Stratum Corneum. And as the person grows older the blood flow to the skin also reduces. All these age related factors contribute to the drying of the skin. Although there are products that can stall this ageing for a while, the physical changes to the skin are inevitable as the person gets older. 

The most sought-after skin is that which looks and feels young. However, I urge you not to go in for any medical or anti-ageing surgical procedures without consulting an expert. All these procedures have their innate risks and it would be prudent to weigh these against the benefits. Constance persistence and a healthy lifestyle with a detailed skincare routine will help minimize the signs of premature and natural ageing skin.

Dehydrated Skin:

Dehydrated skin of all skin types be it dry, oily, or a combination of the two is a temporary and treatable condition. Dehydrated skin by its very definition is skin that lacks moisture and has low water content which happens due to a loss or reduction in bodily fluids. It feels taut, flaky and itchy, and can be aggravated by too much exfoliation, poor diet, an increased intake of caffeine and alcohol, smoking, and exposure to the sun.Replacing the lost fluids by drinking water, eating vegetables and fruits rich in water, and taking precautions for your skin in harsh conditions will help restore the smoothness and elasticity of the skin. Including exercise in your daily routine will help with blood circulation in the body and in turn help the skin detox and stay hydrated. Even though the natural ageing of skin is unavoidable, you can still prevent damage to it- prevention after all is a lifetime process.

You can protect your skin by:

•    Using sunscreen on a daily basis, even during the winter months

•    Having balanced nutritional meals

•    Staying hydrated- Lack of which can lead to rashes, abrasions and other inexplicable skin changes

•    Limiting the use of harsh soaps- the ones that are heavily perfumed

•    Lavishly pampering your skin with lotions and boy butters - Moist skin looks healthier and also heals a lot quicker.

With frenzied working hours and hectic schedules, we tend to ignore some vital bodily signs- skin included. The crucial thing is to ‘listen’ to your skin and body and work with them rather than fighting against the inherent nature. Establish for yourself a high moisture yet gentle skin care regime and give your skin time to heal. Your skin may feel oily but may still needs to be hydrated as it lacks water. Healthy skin goes beyond appearance- it keeps you from getting sick and damaging your bones, muscles and internal organs.

Healthy skin means a healthier you !

 

Detox for all-round benefits

Detoxing is about cleansing your body and mind from the inside out.  Toxins from food and the environment build up in our system affecting not just our physical wellness but also mental health too.  With the fast paced environment and frenzied work hours, everyone is looking for convenience and foods to match their pace.  The result is the increasing dependence on processed foods loaded with fats, calories and health depleting chemicals and preservatives.  Fruits and vegetables are being excessively treated with pesticides and livestock are being fed hormones and steroids in a bid to fatten them up to make them more appealing.  The truth is that none of these can be completely done away with but eliminating or reducing processed foods, alcohol, caffeine from your daily diet is a start.  Switch to organic products and buy meat and dairy where you are sure the livestock has been raised on grains alone.  Detoxification leads to the removal of the toxins leading to healthier mind and body.  Why should one detox once in a while at least?

The most appreciable and conspicuous benefits of detoxing are the ones related to the physical being of a person.  Toxins tend to get deposited in the major organs like the liver and stomach.  Detoxing relieves these organs of this ‘weight’ and allows them to work more effectively.  You are left feeling lighter and having a lot more energy.   Detoxing clears away obstructions in the body’s immune system too allowing it become stronger and fighting off illnesses that a weak body would otherwise contract.  Most people, women in particular, are worried about how their skin looks and being the largest organ detoxing has benefits for it too.  Smoother, clearer and softer skin is discernible at the end of a detox plan and some claim that acne gets visibly better too. 

The other major benefit of detoxing is healthier, stronger and shinier hair.  When toxins are released from the body, the hair is able to grow uninhibited.  As toxins are released through a detox program the circulation of blood increases and nourishes the scalp too.  The absorption of vital like calcium and iron increases too lending strength to bones and nails as well.  

Not just physical well-being, a person’s mental health improves as well through detoxification.  Accumulation of toxins can affect brain functions as well – often people notice that they may feel chronically tired, have trouble remembering and or concentrating and even have trouble sleeping.  A proper and well-managed detox program will go a long way in clearing these symptoms changing the outlook of a person completely.  There are a number of methods, diets and foods said to detox the body and one must choose that which is most suitable and doable for them.  We provide you with a list of foods that have been proven to ‘kick out’ the toxins and ‘pack a punch’ towards a healthier you.

-         Cucumber, Garlic, Broccoli, Lentils, Turnip Greens, Sunflower Seeds, Walnuts, Turmeric, Red Peppers, Citrus Fruits, Grapefruit, Watercress, Moong Beans, Artichokes and Whole Grains

This list in only indicative and not exhaustive so make your choices carefully!  The most important thing to remember in a detox program is to drink enough water – this will remove the released toxins out.  Add green tea to the program – it helps to flush out impurities better and is great on taste too.  Happy Detoxing!

Let the radiance of your skin remain even in winter

Having dewy, gossamer and soft skin should not remain just a dream in winter.  It is distressing to have dryness on the skin of the face, hands and even feet and leaves people with a tight and stretched feeling that is unpleasant and even embarrassing.  Enjoy compliments and be the centre of attention not just for the rosy glow on the cheeks but also for the satiny feel of your skin.

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It may sound clichéd or even obvious, but moisturising is by far the most vital care for your skin to counter the frigid and icy winds of the winter season. Use oil based moisturisers for winter as the oil constructs a protective layer over the skin and locks the skin’s moisture in leaving it looking soft and supple. The best oil based moisturisers are those that are light and do not clog the pores of the skin on the face. Almond, Avocado, Mineral or Primrose oils are most suitable for this delicate skin. Avoid butter or Shea oil on this region. Also extremely beneficial are moisturising products that have humectants (substances that attract moisture from the air) and include glycerine, honey, ethanol, methanol and others.

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Make no mistake – sunscreen is a must not just for the harsh summer sun but also the winter climate. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen – which means that it protects the skin from both UVA and UVB rays of the sun – and should be applied 30 minutes before stepping outdoors. It is a good idea to carry it along with you and re-apply if you are out for an extended period. 

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If your skin is prone to dryness, be extremely wary of harsh face peels, masks and facials.  Alcohol-based astringents and or toners strip the skin of vital oil and moistness leaving it feeling like sandpaper! A mild cleansing milk or foaming cleanser and toners with no alcohol are best for deeply hydrating your skin.

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 Use glycerine or petroleum jelly based products for the skin on other parts of your body.  Exfoliate the skin periodically especially on the feet to allow deeper and quicker penetration of these products. 

A steaming hot bath seems heavenly after being out in the cold. 

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This is a gross injustice to your skin. The intensity of the hot water will break down the natural oil and fat in the skin leading to a high loss in the moisture of the skin.  It is advisable to use lukewarm water to bathe and also stay in this water for the least possible time. Rejuvenate dry and flaky skin by adding baking soda or oatmeal to your bathing water.  Moisturize soon after using the product types mentioned - your skin will thank you for it!

Our tip:  Give your neck and chest the same attentive care as your face.  These are often exposed areas in winter and caring for them will give your skin an even tone right across.

Celebrity tip: Drink lot of water with slices of cucumber added.  Your skin will glow and your cheeks will have a soft blush!