Global local beauty secrets

Ancient beauty secrets find a way of becoming a rage. At times discovered by beauty experts, at other, it’s self-discovery. Here are five picks from world over for a global glow 

RICE TO THE OCCASION China

If you have read pearl s buck’s peony, you will be aware that like the protagonist in the book, women in China used rice water to clean their face and finely-ground rice powder as a face powder.

Claims to fame: Since rice is loaded with antioxidants, it can take care of multiple skin issues, from premature aging of the skin to brightening. Here’s a quick DIY recipe: Soak half cup uncooked organic rice in 1 cup purified water for at least 2 hours (overnight, it possible). Strain the rice and dip a wash-cloth in it. Place this sheet to your face; leave for 10-15 minutes. This skincare ritual will reduce tanning and pigmentation and also heal blemishes.

MUD MATTERS Israel

Believed to have exceptionally cleansing and healing properties, Dead sea’s black mud is much sought after by beauty brands. If you are travelling to Israel, soak up the goodness of the minerals by floating in the rich muddy sea. But even if you are not, spas in your city will be offering dead sea deep cleansing facials and other skin treatments. Claim to fame: Besides being rich in minerals such as magnesium, sodium, potassium and calcium, this mud is an effective relaxant for sore muscles. It is also known for drawing out toxins and other impurities from the deepest layers of the skin. Oily and acne-prone skin types will benefit from a deep cleaning mud mask. 

Face polishing for the new age bride

While body polishing has been there for sometime now, face polishing is slowly catching on amongst the new brides-to-be. There are numerous treatments which are available in most salons. The purpose of this is to enhance the glow on a bride's face and also make her look radiant on the D-day.

What face polishing does
It basically done to ensure that the dirt and grime from your face is removed. It also keeps blackheads at bay. If combined with natural ingredients, it makes your face glow. Skin specialist Dr Nishi Hemnani says, "It is almost like getting a facial done. However, it is a much advanced therapy which deep cleanses your face and makes your facial skin look flawless on your wedding day."

How to get it done
If you are planning on getting face polishing done, it is advised that you do it with the help of a skin specialist. Normally, many salons in the city also help you do this treatment, however, a dermatologist will be able to assess the quality of your skin better and then perform the required face polishing.

When to get it done
Face polishing should be normally done two weeks before your wedding. In case, an eruption happens, it will slowly die down by the time your wedding day arrives. However, you must get it done at least twice or once in a month, depending on your skin quality and texture for at least six months until your wedding day.

Types of face polishing
This treatment is normally done at beauty parlours, but if you are short on time, you can use natural ingredients and do it at the comfort of your home. Here are few treatments that you can try out.

Almond and coconut oil: Make a thick paste of grounded almonds and coconut oil. Keep this mixture in the fridge for at least four hours so that it dissolves properly. Before you apply the pack on your face, take it out and keep it in room temperature for an hour so that you do not catch a cold. Apply it evenly on your face and keep it on for an hour. Wash your face using lukewarm water and apply rose water.

Grounded rice and coconut milk: This is a treatment which was used earlier by brides as a body pack before their wedding day. It brings shine and sheen to the body. Make a thick paste of the same and apply it evenly on your face. Keep it on for half an hour and wash it off with cold water. In case you want to take a steam, do that and then apply a moisturising lotion on your face to keep it soft and supple.

Oats and rose petals: Instead of using the usual honey and oats combo for your face, to make it glowing on your wedding day, apply a pack of oats and rose petals. The rose petals will give a glow on your face and will also brighten your complexion. Apply aloe vera lotion after you have washed your face with cold water. This will not let your skin dry up. 

Brown sugar and jojoba oil: Sugar is an excellent exfoliating agent and helps the skin get rid of blackheads and dead skin cells. Mix a fairly equal amount of brown sugar with a few drops of jojoba oil and apply it on your face. Using circular motion, massage this scrub onto your face and then wash it off with lukewarm water after an hour. Pat dry your face and then apply a few drops of jojoba oil. It will help keep your skin nourished and will retain moisture until your wedding day. To make the glow last longer, massage jojoba oil every alternate day.

Strawberry and olive oil: Mash at least eight pieces of strawberry and and mix it with a good amount of olive oil. Keep the mixture out for a while until the berries soak in the oil. Apply this mixture on your face and keep it on for half an hour. You can clean it using a cloth dipped in lukewarm water and then apply a generous amount of moisturising lotion on your face. However, make sure to pat your face dry.

Bridal Beauty Planning Timeline (and how to do it on a budget!)

You've got the dress, but there's still tons to do before walking down the aisle. Since you've got enough to worry about (like invitations and florals!), we've mapped out your pre-wedding beauty bootcamp.

Wedding beauty timelines ...we know, they're everywhere. A quick search on Pinterest will bring you hundreds (if not thousands!) of timelines at your disposal. But what you may not realize yet is how quickly those recommended beauty treatments can add up! Don't worry, that's where we come in.

We've gathered all the steps you need to look and feel great on your big day. Not only that, but we're telling you when to do them and how to save money on these expensive treatments. Because let's face it - most pre-wedding beauty treatments can be done at home, right? After all, you've got more important things to spend your money on (You know, like on overpriced florals and splurge-worthy wedding shoes). From a bright smile to natural glowing skin, we've got all the bases covered.

6 MONTHS BEFORE THE BIG DAY

Splurge: Hire a trainer.

The Everygirl Way: Start exercising and eating well in moderation. (Please don’t feel like you need to do any extreme dieting or exercising!) Aim to get at least 20 minutes of cardio in daily and try to reduce the amount of processed foods in your diet. We love the Tone it Up series on YouTube, which is filled with great workouts and eating plans! 

Splurge: Visit your dermatologist and set up a daily skincare routine.

The Everygirl Way: Take an online skin quiz to learn the best active ingredients for your skin type. Then, purchase a skincare routine that has been formulated and specifically curated by a dermatologist. We love the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Dermatological Acne System, which will help clear and brighten the skin. We're also obsessed with the new premium skincare collection at Target.

2-4 MONTHS BEFORE THE BIG DAY

Splurge: Make an appointment for a hair and makeup trial.

The Everygirl Way: Start practicing the various hair and makeup tutorials we’ve posted in the past! These three red carpet-worthy hairstyles would be gorgeous on any bride and here are two makeup looks for you to try! Or use any of the hair tutorial videos from yesterday's Bridesmaid Beauty feature!  We recommend going to Sephora to get a Color IQ test, which will pull up foundations that are your exactmatch. Never wear the wrong foundation color ever again ...we like the sounds of that!

Splurge: Schedule a professional teeth bleaching treatment.

The Everygirl Way: Crest 3D White Luxe Whitestrips Professional Effects work incredibly well and they are literally a fraction of the cost of an in-office treatment. All you have to do is apply them for 30 minutes daily for 20 days. And guess what? This means sparkling white teeth for up to 12 months! We recommend following up with a whitening toothpaste andmouthwash if you really want to maintain those pearly whites.

Splurge: Start getting monthly facials from your preferred esthetician.

The Everygirl Way: Try Stephanie’s homemade honey and lemon face mask! Lemons are filled with AHA’s and BHA’s which remove dead skin cells and help clear up blackheads, acne, and discoloration, while honey is a natural antioxidant and antibacterial. The Queen Helene Masque is also pretty genius at clearing out the pores (and it's less than $4! ).

>2 MONTHS BEFORE THE BIG DAY

Splurge: Get a professional body scrub treatment.

The Everygirl Way: Scrubbing the skin is an effective way to cleanse and smooth your skin, while stimulating the flow of energy throughout. We are loving the RITUALS Ayurveda Himalayan Wisdom Deep Cleansing Scrub. Don’t forget to follow up with a warm bath and a rich body cream! In other words, you’re totally bringing the spa to your own bathroom.

Splurge: Get your eyebrows professionally shaped. 

The Everygirl Way: We all know that well groomed brows are the key to a gorgeous look. Instead of shelling out the bucks for a professional to do it, why not groom your brows yourself at home? Try our guide to flawless brows in five easy steps! After you've done away with those stray hairs, you can't go wrong with the Anastasia Brow Wiz, which makes perfecting brows easier than you could imagine.

Splurge: Get a professional spray tan.

The Everygirl Way: While a good can of spray tanner might cost almost the same as one professional treatment, one can will give you many treatments, which will end up saving you major dollars! This way, you can practice a few times before the big day and use it on your honeymoon, as well! Our current favorite is the Brownberry NYC Clear Sunless Tanning Spray (it smells amazing and is enriched with Vitamin D3!). The St. Tropez Self Tan Starter Kit is also a great way to create a beautiful, natural glow.

Splurge: Schedule a manicure and pedicure at your local nail salon.

The Everygirl Way: While getting a professional mani/pedi can be ultra relaxing, you can do it yourself and get the same results! Try this tutorial for an at-home manicure and pedicure. Although we recommend sticking with neutral nail colors for your wedding day, a fun polish color is a great way to show off your personality on your big day! Prefer gel nails? TheGelshine At Home Gel Colour System is worth the investment! 

Say hello to good skin with charcoal!

When it comes to beauty , there's always confusion between what you need, what you want and what really works. Charcoal beauty products have been there for a while but showed great effects only recently . Sure, a lot of people are intimidated by the colour of a skin product, but trust us to say that it can make a huge difference to your look.

If you are looking for an excuse to lay off the chemicals in skin products available in the market, charcoal is the best option. We find out what's there to love about it.

THE SECRET OF BLACK MAGIC

If you think charcoal has made it to the beauty and the health market recently , you cannot be more wrong! This ingredient first started doing the rounds in the 19th century as a cure for hangovers and flatulence. Beautician Nishi Anand explains, “Charcoal has come back to the beauty market again because of its ability to absorb toxins and cleanse the system. Whether it is in the form of capsules, beauty masks or otherwise -this product is nowadays used for a number of beauty and health purposes.“

CHARCOAL AVAILABLE IN VARIOUS FORMS

Face wash: These days, markets are flooded with face washes that contain charcoal for both men and women. Formulated for all skin types, it prevents acne and pigmented skin.Soaps: While there is an abundance of face washes and toothpastes that contain charcoal, soaps are easily available online. Apart from taking care of your facial skin, charcoal soaps ensure that if you have any skin problems on your hands, legs and other parts of the body , it prevents skin ailments like rashes, body odour etc.

DIY wintercare wonders

With the onset of winter, come beauty essentials to cope with the dry chilly weather. Chapped lips and dry skin are only two of the travails of winter but why spend on expensive products to counter them when you can create wintercare wonders at home at a fraction of the cost you would normally incur? Says DIY beauty specialist Shalini Rao," Making skin care products for myself and for my friends gives me a lot of satisfaction and happiness as it fuels my creative instincts while assuring me of the purity and richness of the products. They are good for the skin than store-bought ones since they are free of any adulterants and harmful chemicals like paraben and sulphur," Have a carefree winter by making your own wintercare essentials with ingredients freely available.

Did you know these unusual benefits of henna?

Henna can be wondrous. Here's the proof:

Cures baldness In a small pan, boil some mustard oil and put in some henna leaves in it; let it boil for a while till the nutrients in the leaves are mixed in the oil. strain out the oil once it cools downa nd then apply it on your scalp to prevent balding.

Cures heat boils While we all are approaching towards summer, heat boils are something that are most common among most men and women, due to sweat and the soaring temperatures. Boil a few henna leaves in plain water and wash the infected part, when the water turns luke warm. This helps to cure disturbing heat boils and also leaves a soothing and cooling effect.

Treats headaches Did you know henna flowers can also be put to use. Soak a few henna leaves and flowers in vinegar for an hour and apply it on to your temples and massage it thoroughly; it instantly relieves you of headache and makes sure you feel refreshed.

Cures dandruff Forget those chemical-based dandruff shampoos and creams, try this natural element to get rid of dandruff. Mix some henna with fenugreek seeds and mustard oil. Boil these ingredients together and then strain it out. Apply it on your scalp regularly to help get rid of dandruff.

All you need to know about face serums

With a booming beauty industry that is valued at billions and a staggering number of beauty products available to choose from, it isn't surprising that a large number of women are at a loss at what to buy and use.

This often results in the trial and error method — use a product and see whether it works for you or not. Recent times have seen a phenomenal rise in the popularity of face serums that claim to turn back the hands of time by targeting specific problems to leave you with firmer and smoother skin, diminish pores and improve your skin's moisture levels.

Dermatologist Dr Soma Sarkar says, "The beauty of a serum is that most of the fluid is eliminated, so what you're left with is a high concentration of active ingredients. Serums contain the most potent dose of anti-ageing ingredients — antioxidants peptides and skin brighteners. Just a few drops work wonders because serums comprise tiny molecules, which are easy for your skin to absorb. On the other hand, creams are heavier, which makes them difficult to penetrate your skin as easily as face serums. While that is effective for locking moisture in the skin, it can also lock active ingredients out. Without these hindrances, the active ingredients in a serum penetrate your skin faster and more effectively."

Adds consultant dermatologist Dr Shefali Trasi Nerurkar, "A face serum can also be beneficial because of its moisturising characteristics. Some serums contain hydrating essential oils that help regulate the skin's natural oil production. Others could contain hyaluronic acid, a hydrating ingredient common in skin care products that helps moisturise your skin and improve its suppleness and elasticity. Simply put, serums have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties that are great for your skin." Serums contain active ingredients, which makes them costlier than other skin care products. A small vial though can last you for a long time because you need to use only a very small quantity everyday. The only time when you need to be careful about using serums is if you suffer from a skin condition like eczema or rosacea. Talk to your dermat before using a serum because the concentrated formula may cause nasty flare ups.

"The variation between a serum and a cream/ lotion is that the former contains fewer lubricating and thickening agents. They are also water-based, which means there are no oils in serums. Thus, they work well on people who suffer from oily skin or those who prefer to apply extremely lightweight skin products. Serums should be avoided if you have acne. For mature or dry skin one needs to ask their dermat for a serum along with a barrier cream to restore their skin hydration," explains Dr Sarkar.

"The advantage of using a serum over a regular moisturiser that contains essential oils or hyaluronic acid, is the fact that serums absorb into the skin quickly and are able to reach deeper into the lower layers of skin that creams and gels can miss. Some people may find that a face serum alone provides enough moisture for their skin. However, in cases of very dry skin, a serum can be applied before a moisturiser," ends Dr Shefali.

Spirulina Best Benefits For Skin, Hair And Health

What is Spirulina? If you’re looking for a plant that can nourish your body by providing most of its protein requirements, can prevent allergies and reinforce your immune system, then spirulina is what you need. Spirulina is a natural algae (cyanobacteria) that are incredibly high in protein and nutrients. It is obtained primarily from two species of cyanobacteria: Arthrospira platensis and Arthrospira maxima. Unlike other plants that grow in the soil, Spirulina grows in the form of blue-green algae in both fresh water and salt water in the wild. It is also commercially cultivated in Spirulina farms. The name originates from the Latin word for ‘helix’, or ‘spiral’, because of its spring like physical characteristics. This plant is consumed as food as well as a dietary supplement. It’s available in tablet, powder and flake form. Besides being consumed by humans, it is also used as a feed supplement in aquaculture, aquarium and poultry industries. Spirulina is largely composed of proteins and amino acids and hence, is beneficial for vegetarians. The high content of protein and iron makes it beneficial during pregnancy, after surgery, and for boosting the immune system. Since it is a concentrated whole food, it is easily incorporated in various dishes, particularly for children who do not like vegetables.

Spirulina Health Benefits:  Spirulina is a “superfood” which possesses tremendous nutritional value. Being rich in vital nutrients, this plant offers the following health benefits:

1. Treatment of Allergies: According to research, Spirulina can help in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Consumption of Spirulina helps in reducing symptoms like nasal discharge, sneezing, congestion and itching.

2. Lowers Blood Cholesterol Levels: Spirulina reduces the blood cholesterol levels naturally and boosts the absorption of vital minerals. Consumption of several grams of Spirulina daily can reduce LDL or bad cholesterol and improve the cholesterol ratio. This normalization of cholesterol plays a great role in weight reduction.

3. Beneficial in Diabetes: In a study it was observed that taking Spirulina as a dietary supplement for 12 weeks results in a significant reduction in blood-fat levels. It is particularly beneficial for diabetics as it decreases inflammation and helps reduce blood pressure and cholesterol.

4. Aids in Weight Loss: Spirulina is rich in beta-carotene, chlorophyll, fatty-acid GLA and other nutrients which are particularly beneficial for overweight people. Taking this supplement is beneficial while fasting, as it supplies the nutrients that are needed to cleanse and heal your system, while curbing your appetite.

5. Prevents Cancer: Several studies have proven that Spirulina can arrest the development of cancer progression, reduce the risk of cancer initiation and boost your immune system.  It is a great substitute for animal products as it contains a special form of protein that assimilates well. Unlike animal proteins, it does not burden your body with waste products. It is also rich in phycocyanin, a pigment with anti-cancer properties. It strengthens immunity and inhibits excess cell division. Spirulina also offers some protection against oral cancers.

6. Improves Brain/Cognitive Function: Folate and vitamin B-12 play an important role in the healthy functioning of the brain and nervous system. Being rich in these nutrients, Spirulina helps in protecting cognitive function as one starts to age. This nutritional supplement helps maintain brain function.

7. Cures Depression: Spirulina is a good source of folic acid which provides nourishment for the brain and supports the production of energy and blood cells. This makes it beneficial in the treatment of depression.

8. Eye Health: Research has shown that Spirulina is beneficial for the eyes. It is proven to be effective in treating eye diseases such as geriatric cataracts, diabetic retinal damage (retinitis), nephritic retinal damage and hardening of retinal blood vessels (angiosclerosis).

9. Treatment of Ulcers: Spirulina acts as a good treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers, thanks to the presence of amino acids, cysteine and a high content of high quality protein. Being rich in chlorophyll, it is great for retaining and restoring a good digestion.

10. Treatment of Hepatitis and Cirrhosis: Clinical reports have indicated that Spirulina prevents, as well as cures, fatty liver and hepato-cirrhosis. This supplement should be taken for at least one month to notice beneficial results.

11. Promotes Sexual Vitality: The high content of protein in Spirulina, as well as the presence of other vitamins, minerals and enzymes, makes it beneficial for improving sexual vigor.

12. Dental Health: Spirulina has a high content of phosphorus and helps improve your teeth.

13. Antibacterial Properties: Chronic candida yeast is responsible for worsening symptoms of various autoimmune diseases. Spirulina keeps candida overgrowth under control by encouraging and supporting the growth of healthy bacteria in your stomach.

14. HIV and AIDS: Spirulina can cure the symptoms that are a side-effect of HIV and AIDS treatment. It also helps inactivate the human immunodeficiency virus associated with HIV and AIDS.

15. Beneficial during Pregnancy: Spirulina has a high content of iron which is required during pregnancy, particularly for those with anemia. It also prevents constipation. 

16. Other Uses Of Spirulina: Spirulina possesses antimicrobial properties that can destroy bacteria and viruses such as HIV-1, enterovirus, cytomegalovirus, measles, mumps, influenza A and herpes simplex. It also boosts the immune system by making it produce more monocytes, natural killer cells and macrophages, all of which destroy invading pathogens in the body.

Skin Benefits of Spirulina: Being loaded with proteins, vitamins, minerals and fatty acids, Spirulina has a lot to offer in terms of skincare. It is beneficial for your skin in the following ways:

17. Skin Toner: Spirulina has a high content of vitamin A, vitamin B-12, vitamin E, calcium, iron and phosphorus, all of which are vital for your skin’s health. Free radicals make your skin look tired, limp and flabby. Taking Spirulina supplements on a regular basis works wonders for your skin, making it look toned, youthful and vital. It also treats flabby skin by eliminating the body’s metabolic waste products and strengthening the body as a whole.

18. Treatment of Dark Circles: Spirulina is effective in treating dark circles and dry eye symptoms. Its detoxifying effects give your eyes new energy and power, removing dark shadows and dryness.

19. Anti-ageing Benefits: Spirulina contains tyrosine, vitamin E or tocopherol, and selenium, all of which are known for their anti-ageing effects. Tyrosine slows down the ageing of skin cells. The antioxidants present in it eliminate free radicals which are responsible for skin ageing. Try this facial mask to prevent premature ageing of skin and fight acne. Make a paste by mixing some Spirulina with water and apply it on your face. Keep on for 20 minutes and wash off. This will make your skin amazingly soft and smooth as well as prevent signs of ageing like wrinkles.

20. Detoxifies Skin: Spirulina facilitates faster cell turnover that helps skin heal faster. It wards off free radicals and eliminates toxins from the skin to increase skin metabolism. It also prevents candida overgrowth that can cause acne breakouts.

21. Healthy Nails: Regular use of Spirulina treats fingernail ridges and other nail problems. Spirulina contains 70% high-value protein which is required by the body. Consuming it for about 4 weeks can cure nail problems and warts.

Hair Benefits of Spirulina:

Spirulina is being widely used for promoting hair growth and to combat hair problems like thinning hair and baldness. Spirulina contains amino acids, essential fatty acids, vitamin A and beta-carotene, all of which are great for hair. Some of its hair benefits are as follows:

22. Promotes Hair Growth: External use of Spirulina can speed up hair growth. Besides consumption, this algae is used as an ingredient in shampoos and conditioning treatments. It also helps in hair re-growth.

23. Treatment of Hair Loss: Alopecia is an autoimmune disease characterized by hair loss at an alarming rate. It is not just confined to the scalp alone but also leads to hair loss across the body and face. This can result in bald spots, even in women, and even complete baldness. Spirulina acts as an alternative medicine to deter further loss of hair and facilitate hair renewal.

24. Treatment of Dandruff: Spirulina acts as an antioxidant compound and taking it for 4 weeks makes your hair completely dandruff-free, glossy and stronger.

Kitchen route to beauty

Spice up your looks with easy-to-make masks and cleansers

Indian spices are world famous and a quintessential part of our cuisine. But did you know that they are good for the skin too?

Spices combined together in the form of a wrap or a scrub can help the skin look brighter and softer. They also firm up the skin by draining excessive fluids and toxins from the body.

Cinnamon and clove Powder helps to dry out pimples and plump the skin. It reduces the signs of aging by increasing the collagen level.

Ginger Helps in blood perfusion of the skin surface and can accelerate cell metabolism.

Turmeric Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodelling of damaged skin.

Rice powder Is a good natural exfoliate. 

Indian Spice Scrub

Ingredients:

Four tablespoons rice powder (used as a scrubbing agent)

2/4 teaspoon turmeric powder

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder

1/4 teaspoon of ground clove powder.

For oily skin

1/4 cup plain yoghurt and a few drops of lemon juice

For dry skin

Two tablespoons olive oil, almond oil or coconut oil.

Preparation:

Mix the rice, cardamom, clove and turmeric powders. If you have oily skin, add lemon juice and stir. Slowly mix in the yoghurt until a creamy paste is formed. Use more or less yoghurt to your liking.

If you have dry skin, add the oil slowly and stir until a paste is formed. Add more for creaminess.

Apply to wet face, massage thoroughly in circular motions and rinse off with water.

Using a warm, wet washcloth rinse off the mask.

Note: Turmeric powder can stain skin. However, it will fade away after a few hours.

Shamana Spa, Grand Hyatt, Goa

Green Tea

Many of us have used green tea only as a healthy drink and did not know that it also serves as a beauty enhancer with many detoxifying properties. Green tea may be bitter to taste but it is sweet to the skin.

Green tea has a natural astringent that makes it both soothing and healing. Studies in green tea have proven that it is linked to great-looking skin and can help alleviate allergy symptoms by reducing inflammation, inhibiting the release of histamine from cells, and lessening the release of other allergy-mediated chemicals in the body. There are many hidden beauty benefits in green tea; you can now take advantage of them at home.

Green tea cleanser

Ingredients:

Two bags of green tea

Half-boiled water

Process: Dip the two bags of tea into the water. Wait for 15 minutes. The water’s colour will change. Let it cool down. Keep it in the refrigerator for a few minutes and then wash your face with it. A better way to use this cleaner is to use the tea when it is slightly hot. It works as steam for the face and fills the skin pores.

Green tea toner

Ingredients:

2 Green tea bags (left over)

Process: When you make the green tea cleanser, save the green tea bags and use them as a toner for the face. Rub the mix on the face and leave it for 10 minutes before washing it off.

Honey green tea mask

Ingredients:

2 tbsp of honey

2 tbsp of green tea cleanser

Process: Mix honey with the green tea cleanser. Apply this mix on the face and wash when it is dry. Honey is filled with antioxidants and makes your face glow.

Curd green tea mask

Ingredients

Curd 1 cup

2 tbsp green tea cleanser

1 tbsp lemon juice

Process: Take fresh curd and add green tea and lemon juice to it. Apply this paste on the face. Curd is good for sensitive skin and lemon works as a deep cleanser. This mask helps brighten the face.

Innisfree, a South Korean cosmetic brand, has a dedicated range of green tea-based products

Oatmeal

A hot steaming bowl of oatmeal for breakfast is becoming increasingly popular. But oats can also be very effective in skin and hair care when used as baths, face packs or as hair packs.

 Oats have high amounts of polysaccharides which when dissolved in water make it gelatinous. This oat milk can then be used for cleansing, toning and moisturising. Oats also have saponins which function as natural and effective skin cleansers. Oats are rich in zinc, iron and other minor nutrients and can be absorbed directly by the skin when used on the face or other body parts.

Cleansing, toning and moisturising: Oatmilk can be applied on the face with a cotton pad. It effectively cleanses and tones the skin. Colloidal oats (oats blended into a powder) can be mixed in a tub of water. This cleanses the entire body without irritating the skin and is often used by people with dry skin conditions and eczemas.

Face pack: A teaspoon of ground oatmeal can be dissolved in milk to get a paste. This paste then can be applied as a face pack. It cleanses, tones and moisturises the skin. Oats also have skin-lightening property. Incorporating this face pack into your skin regime 2-3 times a week can, over a period of time, soothe the skin and reduce pigmentation.

Treatment of dandruff, itchy scalp conditions: Oatmeal blended into a powder and mixed with lukewarm water can be applied directly on the scalp and left for a few hours. It relieves itching of the scalp and can also help heal the scalp of dandruff.

Promote hair growth: Oats are rich in zinc, iron, magnesium and other minor nutrients. Very often marginal deficiency of these nutrients can cause significant hair fall. Deficiency of some of these minor nutrients is very difficult to diagnose. A regular consumption of oatmeal breakfast can combat this deficiency and promote hair growth. Dr. Sirisha Singh, The Skin Center, Delhi