Beta Hydroxy Acid {Ingredient}

You might have already been aware of Alpha Hydroxy Acid so I decided to do a small post on Beta Hydroxy Acid first. In any case, I will be doing a post on Alpha Hydroxy Acids too for the benefit of people who are unaware of them. Now, a little overview of both these acids - these are two acid compounds which have become really famous in the skin care ranges in the recent decade. Both of them are used in all skin care products from cleansers to moisturizers but the main usage comes in the various peels which are performed by estheticians. These acids are helpful in exfoliation and keeping the skin healthy in a nutshell.  

So, now starting with Beta Hydroxy Acid, the only one form of this acid is used for cosmetic purposes which is called Salicylic Acid. Yes, I am pretty sure you have heard of it and many you must be even using the products which contain this acid. Now, Salicylic Acid is also very commonly known as Aspirin. You might have read quite a few DIY recipes using Aspirin. The main usage of Salicylic Acid is for people who suffer from Acne but it also useful for other skin disorders like warts, corns, calluses, etc. The acid has quite a lot of uses - it weakens the bonds of the dead skin cells, cleans the clogged pores, kills the bacteria in the pores and also reduces the size of the pores and helps in the growth of new cells. Sounds awesome, right??? But, there is a very big disadvantage of Salicylic Acid - it causes hyper pigmentation and makes your skin photo-sensitive (sensitive to sunlight). 

PS: In the next post, I shall be discussing how to overcome the problem of hyper pigmentation due to the acid.

READ MORE - Beta Hydroxy Acid {Ingredient}

Moisturizer Application Techniques {Skin Care}

Applying moisturizer properly is a very important part of the skin care ritual. The application technique affects the skin in the long run because of the regular movement of the skin which happens during the application. So, there are certain correct and wrong methods of application which we shall discuss for every part of the face and neck. 

• Circular Movements should be made with very light pressure applied on the skin
• Patting movement is also recommended but not very easy to get used to

For Eyes

Rubbing of the eyes is not recommend at all so only patting motion should be used to apply under-eye creams or any oil of choice. Circular Movement will cause movement of the thin skin around the eyes leading to early development of wrinkles. 

For Face

Short upward and outward strokes are recommended as very widely known. 

For Neck

Look at the ceiling while applying moisturizer on the neck and massage the neck in an upward stroke to prevent and smoothing of the neck lines. This does a double job - applies moisturizer evenly on the neck and stretches the skin of the neck as in the face exercise motion.

For Chest

Upward strokes and circular motion both are recommended for the chest and shoulder areas.

READ MORE - Moisturizer Application Techniques {Skin Care}

Salicylic Acid {Ingredient}

Yesterday, I talked about Salicylic Acid and its uses for people suffering from Acne and other skin disorders. But, I also mentioned its biggest disadvantage - hyper pigmentation. I am not sure if you have noticed but salicylic acid is always used int he concentration of 1-2% in the products available in the medical stores. The reason is that it acts best on the skin in those concentrations and any excess of usage of the acid causes many skin problems like sensitivity, irritation, peeling of the skin and likes of it. So, getting tempted to use it every day is really not a good idea unless a product has been recommended by a dermatologist.

Now, you might have read about the aspirin mask recipes and would have been tempted to try it. Many of you might have tried it too. But, these masks are concentrated and hence, harm the skin instead of helping. So, kindly refrain from that. Since 1-2% is the best concentration so we shall make the homemade Salicylic Acid solution for home remedies. Now, Salicylic Acid is not available commercially so we will make do with Acetyl Salicylic Acid which is a milder form of Salicylic Acid. As Aspirin was not available, I am using Disprin Tablets and they both are actually same,though, Disprin also has Calcium Carbonate and Citric Acid to enable to it to dissolve in water.

Ingredients

• 3-6 Disprin Tablets (3 is for 1% and 6 is for 2% concentration)


• 100ml Water (go for mineral water or distilled water)

Method 

Mix the tablets in the water and store the solution. Use the solution to make face masks or mix your cleanser with the bit of a solution and wash your face with it. Mixing your makeup remover with the solution and then applying on the face for a few minutes would be most beneficial in cleaning the skin.Or, the simplest way to use the solution is to apply the solution on your face with cotton and keep it on for 5-10 minutes and then wash off the face with cleanser or face wash. 

People suffering from acne and breakouts should do it daily till they see some difference. And, oily skin people should use it twice or thrice a week. Rest with normal to dry skin and sensitive skin can use the solution not more than once a week for proper exfoliation. 

Caution (Very Very Important)

Ok, so this is something everyone needs to pay attention to. When I say anything not to be done on the blog, please take it very very seriously coz its very easy to get carried away and trust me, I am saying this from my personal experience. For example, I have used concentrated disprin mask twice on my face (as if once wasn't enough) and trust me, my complexion became dark instantly!!! So dark that the person who said I had become fair a day before had commented about my complexion the very next day and this has happened both the times I used the mask. And, even my parents complained about it. So, it causes hyper pigmentation very easily and it takes some days to get back to your original complexion so please, please do not overdo these treatments. They are supposed to be done only under strict control. And, please take my cautions about anything very seriously in my past or future posts also coz maximum of the times, I speak from personal experiences or otherwise from proper research.

How I have calculated the ratio?

10mg/1ml = 1%

thus, 350mg/x(ml) = 1%

thus, 10mg /1ml= 350mg/x

thus, x = 350/10 = 35ml

thus, 1 Disprin tablet is 1% of 35ml water so calculating in the same proportion, 3 disprin tablets would make up 1% of 100ml water (approx. coz 35*3 = 105ml).

Thus, if you want to make the concentration 2%, use 6 Disprin tablets.

I hope the calculation is clear :)

READ MORE - Salicylic Acid {Ingredient}

Marie Veronique Goodies

Sunscreen

samples

Hey All!! I just wanted to share with you that I had won the Vivawoman MVO giveaway and recently received their goodies which came with 3 samples of course. Marie Veronique Organics is one of the rare organic brands which makes physical sunscreen and I had since long wanted to try it so I am extremely happy to have got these products and their reviews will be coming in time.

READ MORE - Marie Veronique Goodies

Mineral Makeup Brands in India {Readers Query}

This is a question to all those who know about makeup. I would be really grateful if anyone can tell me which mineral makeup brands are available in India? I need to buy a compact but I don't want to go for normal brands available. Suggestions would be highly appreciated.

READ MORE - Mineral Makeup Brands in India {Readers Query}

More about me and my skin care regime

About Me

• Name : Swati Murti


• Age : 25


• Hobbies : Reading


• Skin Type : Combination Skin tending towards dry


• Skin Color : Wheat Brown

What made me start "Perfect Skin Care for you"?

I have very thin hair and in consequence, I started searching for hair care remedies online. That was back in July - August 2009 and it had become an obsession. That was when I came across the concept of beauty blogs and websites. The obsession continued till November of the same year to a very high measure. And, then, in December, it struck me that it would be helpful if I could share all the extensive knowledge I had gained in the past couple of months and "Perfect Skin Care for you" was born.

When did I start "Perfect Skin Care for you" and what it is about?

I started blogging on 14th December, 2009. I had started with the intention of writing about natural skin and hair care topics and health was a subject closely related. And, very recently in January 2011, I have started doing product reviews.

What do I think is most important step in skin care regime?

Hydration. Keeping skin hydrated and supple makes it look young and healthy. So, hydrating the skin at every step is very important. 

My Skin Care Regime in a Nutshell

I don't have a very elaborated routine. I stick to the basics most of the time because of my laziness. Cleansing out the sunscreen is what I believe most essential. Then, I hydrate my skin with the toner. I take the toner in my palm and pat it onto my skin instead of using cotton pads or squirting it on my face. This helps in increasing the blood circulation.And, follow it with oil. Any facial oil or almond or coconut oil would do for me because my skin loves oils.

What are the 5 most important things in my bag?

I don't use makeup so you will find only skin care products in my bag. First will always be a lip balm, of course. Others include an all-purpose moisturizer, sunscreen, a face wash and a face spray.  

My favorite DIY 

Since I am a big fan of DIY remedies, I would like to end this post with my favorite DIY recipe. Its a homemade scrub which improves the hydration levels of the skin - sugar + salt + honey in equal quantities.

PS: This post is a part of the "Dove Diaries" section on 2threads.com which is sponsored by Dove.

READ MORE - More about me and my skin care regime

Water for Lips {Lip Care}

Ok, so summers are gone and monsoons are already raging down on us. And, places which are cooler and highly humid come with another disadvantage. You forget to drink water because the thirst is not felt so much as much as in scorching heat. So, it is very important that you keep on sipping water little by little every one hour so that you don't go dry because it will affect your health first and then the skin, hair and lips show the signs of dryness. Lip becomes dry very easily when you don't drink enough water so make sure before applying your favorite lip balms or lip treatments, you are drinking enough water.

READ MORE - Water for Lips {Lip Care}

Almond Oil for Neck Wrinkles {DIY}

I have always felt that neck lines can't be got rid of except for doing face exercises daily and keeping the neck straight so that there is no crease. But, sometime back, I used almond oil for moisturizing my face and neck and observed that my neck lines were gone in probably 3-4 days. So, if you have the same problem you could give the almond oil a try!!! If you are afraid that the oil might break you out, then you could try using the oil only on the neck. I had been using the Rogan Badam oil which I had talked about quite a long back.

READ MORE - Almond Oil for Neck Wrinkles {DIY}

Dry Skin around Lips {Lip Care}

Today only I noticed white spots on the skin around my lips. The skin around my lips has becomes extremely dry and is starting to flake off. I suddenly remembered that this is a sign of deficiency of Vitamin B complex in the body. So, in case you have dry skin around your lips, increase your intake of Vitamin B - either get supplements ny consulting a doctor or eat Vitamin B rich foods like bananas, pulses and lentils, all unprocessed foods including vegetables and fruits, potatoes and beans. This biotin drink also helps in fulfilling the vitamin B deficiency so check it out. Also, increase your consumption of yogurt in general.

READ MORE - Dry Skin around Lips {Lip Care}

Masks on wet skin {Tip of the Day}

Hey All!!! 

Today I want to share a tip which I have been trying out since quite some time. As you are already aware that moisturizer should be applied on damp skin for better results, I tried applying masks on damp skin too. Damp skin is more absorbent and this way, I suppose, skin is able to retain more moisture than otherwise. So, next time you apply a mask, try it out on wet skin and don't forget to remove the mask before it dries up completely. As I have already mentioned this point in one of my previous posts, face masks (clay ones and ones which completely dry out) should be removed befre they completely dry out. The reason is that they suck moisture due to the reverse osmosis if they lose their moisture. So, try applying masks on a damp skin and remove them before they completely dry out and do share your experiences :)

READ MORE - Masks on wet skin {Tip of the Day}

Dried Rose Petals {Ingredient}

We all know the beauty uses of rose. I had even published a post on how to make Rose Milk at home which was a failed experiment but the result was great. Shall post the one which I was trying actually when I succeed. So, I just wanted to share this little thing. 

My mother has a very old habit of collecting the withered roses from the plant and dry them so I have a huge amount of dried rose petals. You could also try that out next time your garden is full of roses. My mom collects only red and maroon roses, btw, and sometimes pink. Well, you might be aware that only red roses are used for extracting rose oil or preparing its essential oil or even while making fragrances. So, collecting and storing dried rose petals are really beneficial coz you can use them in any DIY's and since these are dehydrated, you can also make oils and your own fragrances with rose infusions. Roses are among the very few flowers you can store otherwise most of them just rot if you try to dry them :( And, I love pressing roses in between the books. That seems romantic though it might be cruel for the flowers but the flowers look best in the garden and no where else.So, next time you see a withered rose, you might think of using it for your beauty routines.

READ MORE - Dried Rose Petals {Ingredient}

Why Besan works? {DIY}

Have you ever wondered how besan is able to clean the skin? The answer is very simple. It has high content of saponins - the same thing present in reetha or soapnuts. The very reason makes the mung dal or green gram dal which is a major ingredient of sunnipindi equally or even more effective than besan in cleaning the skin. So, washing skin with besan or sunnipindi regularly ensures your skin is receiving no harmful or harsh chemicals and the skin is cleansed effectively too. Mixing it with milk which has lactic acid makes the cleansing process even more effective ensuring your skin is on the same time getting AHA (very famously known as Alpha-Hydroxy Acids) which is mild enough to be used on the skin everyday and protects the skin from free radicals and other skin-damaging agents. 

READ MORE - Why Besan works? {DIY}

Turmeric for Acne {DIY}

A long time back I had done a post on home remedies for acne. So, I had a recent outbreak of cystic acne (I suppose coz it was painful and had a white head) and I decided it was better to suppress it before it became a fully blown acne which has to treated properly by a dermatologist. So, consequently, I tried the first remedy which came to my head - Turmeric. 

Ingredients

• Turmeric
• Water / Mineral Water

Method 

Mix them both so that it forms a smooth lotion and apply a layer on the spot of acne. Keep it on for a minimum time of 10 - 15 minutes or as long as you can. Wash it off. 

Results 

Well, I used this remedy once in a day before having bath. I kept it on for 10 - 15 minutes usually and then washed it off with face wash. I did this for around 2 days before it started showing any difference and after that, the acne started to dry up and subsided completely within a week. I used this as a spot treatment and the results were pretty good so next time you get an outbreak, you might want to test this one. Since turmeric has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, it helps with problem skin.  

READ MORE - Turmeric for Acne {DIY}

Himalaya Herbals Natural Moisturizing Lip Butter {Product Review}

Price: 125 INR for 10 gms

Ingredients

Well, I am really sorry that I threw away my pack but I remember reading the list and admiring few things in it. It has cocoa and sal and kokum butter. In fact the list was full of oils and butters and it also has beeswax and it is free from petroleum which is a huge plus for this product. 

My Experience

I have been using this since quite a long while (probably around 3 weeks). My biggest complain with this one is its packaging. I would have enjoyed this lip balm had it been in the tube or packaged just like Nivea lip balms because of hygiene and also because of the ease of use of the product. It pretty easy to use the tube on the lips as compared to digging into the tub and scooping it out and then smoothing it on the lips. Apart from this, I would say that the lip balm delivers what it promises. I use this on my lips on the days when I am at home or at night and it keeps my lips soft. Ok, there is probably another thing. The product is moisturizing but it sits on the lips. Well, this is a problem I face with every other lip balm I have tried (including Vaseline, Nivea and Baviphat) so I wouldn't say this lip balm fails on this point. And, of course, you have to apply it every time you eat or drink anything otherwise it stays for minimum of 3-4 hours. But, this lip balm doesn't dry the lips like some others do. And, this smells really awesome. But, the smells lingers on for a long time after you have applied so if you have a sensitive nose then it might irritate you after a certain while. And, regarding the quantity, it will last a long time.        

 

My Recommendation

Yes, it is a good lip balm to keep the lips soft and to prevent chapped lips problem.

PS: Product sent by brand for consideration.

READ MORE - Himalaya Herbals Natural Moisturizing Lip Butter {Product Review}

Update on Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic {Product Review}

I was sent a small sample of this tonic some time back and I had reviewed it here. At that time, I had mentioned that the toner was heavy for my skin and probably a spray bottle would be helpful in controlling the amount of the product applied. So, consequently, Louise sent me the spritzer to try out. I have been using the spritzer since almost a month and I would like to update my experience accordingly. Before I write the review, I would like to mention this review is not for the benefit of the brand. Instead, I had missed out on certain salient points of the product in my earlier review so including them and sharing my experience with the spritzer. Check out the toner at the website.    

Ingredients

My Experience

Ok, so I have never used a toner before except for rose water. So, using this toner was very new for me and since I used it from the bottle directly, it always resulted in usage of more product and consequently it became very heavy for my skin. Using the spritzer was also a challenge for me in the starting coz I always used to spray it more thinking this little amount wouldn't be enough for the skin. But, controlling my urge, I gradually found out that only 3 sprays are more than enough for my face. And, after letting it dry for 2-3 minutes and following with Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturizer, my skin was extremely soft and looked radiant. I then used the toner with other products like Himalaya Revitalizing Night Cream and Varnya and the result was equally good.

Now, coming to other aspects of the toner. The toner is alcohol free and is full of natural ingredients like aloevera and natural Vitamin E. The consistency of this toner is almost like water and gets absorbed into the skin very quickly and keeps the skin supple. So, if I compare the ingredients of this toner with others available in the market, I would definitely go for this one even though the price is a bit on the higher side. Also, the toner would last quite a long while coz you need just 3-5 sprays at a time. One can use the spritzer during hot summer months to keep the face fresh and radiant or during air travel where moisture is sucked out due to the air conditioning. I had found other reviews about this toner and found them to be quite favorable and one lady had recommended this one for air travels specially. The toner fulfills the need for hydration of the skin without making it sticky if used int he right quantity. 

My Recommendation

Yes, absolutely!!! I know its costly but it is worth it and lasts quite a long time. 

PS: Product sent by brand for consideration. 

READ MORE - Update on Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic {Product Review}

Face Pack for glowing skin {Reader's Tips}

Hey All!!! I thought I would be doing an MIA silently but it seems I can't stay away from this platform long enough :) So, today, I am posting a recipe for glowing skin from Puspendu from Kolkata.

Use 2tbsp full of ata(wheat flour)+ 1-2tsp full of lemon juice + raw milk (as much required to make a paste) and 2tsp beetroot paste (boil the beetroot and smash it) now make a fine paste using all these ingredients and apply it on your face and neck, keep it for 5-10 minutes and wash off...do it everyday...after 7 days you will feel the difference....hope to hear from you guys......see you!!!

Thanks a lot Puspendu for your kind words. They have made my really bad day and trust me, bad was worse than horrible today :) So, thanks a lot!!! And, I would try to try out this recipe soon.

READ MORE - Face Pack for glowing skin {Reader's Tips}

Scrub for the Back {DIY}

Have someone definitely help you with this :) Back is not very easily accessible and it needs to be cleaned now and then. So, here is a simple scrub to keep the back soft. 

Ingredients

• Masoor Dal (Red Lentil)
• Almond Oil

Method

Grind masoor dal till it is fine. Pass it through a sieve and separate out the bigger granules and softer ones. Mix the softer ones with almond oil and apply it to your back for 15 minutes. Scrub with a light hand and wash off. 

Results

The skin will be extra soft and clean. This will also prevent back acne.

READ MORE - Scrub for the Back {DIY}

Classic Face Pack Remembered {DIY}

Ok, so, I am not sharing anything new today. But, just reminding you all of the classic face pack which costs a zilch and the results are far better than any pricy product and this one has the simplest of the ingredients and is an answer to almost all the skin problems. 

Ingredients

• Multani Mitti
• Curd / Yogurt

Method

Mix them both and apply the pack on the face. Wait for it to dry. It might take long time, though but the wait is worth it. So, try this on a day when you can laze around. In the mean time, keep two chilled tea bags with you and apply them to your eyes and relax. After the mask gets dry, wash it off and rinse your face with green tea (warm or cold, anything). 

Results

A really fresh, hydrated and supple skin is revealed. It brightens the complexion in an instant, controls oil production and removes the dead skin cells. Multani mitti is great for oily skin and curd is great for troubled skin. But, this mask doesn't dry the skin at all. But, if you have dry skin, make sure to include honey as a precaution. But, even dry skin people should use clay masks once in a while coz it detoxifies the skin. So, a face pack which answers all the troubles of your skin and this can be done every alternate day by oily, combination and normal skin people and once in a week by dry skin gals (or guys!!!).

READ MORE - Classic Face Pack Remembered {DIY}

Kat Burki’s Natural Body Cremes and Organic Soaps {Product Information}

After a long day perfecting our tans at the beach, our sun-kissed skin can often become sensitive, dry and damaged.  Even simple tasks such as taking a shower or wearing tight fitting clothes can suddenly become extremely uncomfortable or even painful. But, thankfully, you can achieve gorgeous golden-brown without the dry, flaky skin. Kat Burki’s organic soaps and moisturizers use the finest all-natural ingredients to soothe, moisturize and ease the effects on the skin from a day spent baking in the sun. 

Skin exposed to the sun in the summer needs all of the therapy it can get, so make sure to start in the shower with a natural therapeutic soap and continue through the day with soothing moisturizers for preventative and soothing effects.  And what better way to treat your skin than to let it seep in all of the natural benefits of these 3 soothing flavors by Kat Burki, custom designed to bring maximum benefits to just about every skin type:

1) Indulge in the soothing benefits of White Tea Soap and Body Crème with its subtle, soft fragrance incorporating soothing scents of pine, mandarin, palmarosa, white-tea extract and oils of olive, coconut, and palm. White tea is packed with even more anti-oxidants than green tea to keep skin healthy and youthful while the delicious scent will soothe the senses leaving you feeling refreshed and relaxed.      

White Tea Organic Soap ($18.00)
White Tea Body Crème (6oz. $52.00 or 2oz. $15.00)

2) Ignite your skin’s freshness with Freesia and Pink Grapefruit, another delicious summery scent which will leave you feeling clean, fresh and smelling delicious for those lovely, long summer nights. Grapefruit is renowned for its anti-oxidant properties and its scent is known to invigorate the mind and awaken the senses. The perfect pick-me up after a hot summer day.

Freesia and Pink Grapefruit Organic Soap ($18.00)
Freesia and Pink Grapefruit Crème (6oz. $52.00 or 2oz. $15.00)

3) The airy combination of Avocado and Cucumber is the perfect scent for skin suffering from sunburn or heat rash. Cucumber has long been recognized for its incredible cooling effects while avocado is a rich moisturizer. The combination will instantly cool down and moisturize skin while its enchantingly elegantly crisp and clean scent will have you so relaxed you’ll quickly forget about any discomfort you were once in!

Avocado and Cucumber Body Creme (6oz. $52.00 or 2oz. $15.00) 

Avocado and Cucumber Organic Soap ($18.00)

No matter how minimal or extreme your skin is suffering from sun damage this summer, Kat Burki organic soaps and body crèmes are the perfect remedy to leave skin feeling refreshed and moisturized during these hot, hazy summer months.

About Kat Burki: Kat Burki products are designed for the chic individual to relax and unwind with her clean, soothing and sophisticated scents of candles, soaps and cream’s made from the finest natural ingredients which are carefully selected and fine-tuned by Kat Burki herself. The full Kat Burki Collection is available online at www.katburki.com.

PS: Information sent by PR.

READ MORE - Kat Burki’s Natural Body Cremes and Organic Soaps {Product Information}

Dermalogica Skin Renewal Booster {Product Launch}

Dermalogica launches Skin Renewal Booster

PS: Information sent by the brand.

READ MORE - Dermalogica Skin Renewal Booster {Product Launch}