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Skin Care

Can aloevera be used as sunscreen? {Sunscreen}

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I was checking out my analytics page and saw this in the query section. And, then, I remembered many people had asked me this particular question earlier. So, I thought I would make a post of this.

Aloevera and Sun Protection
Aloevera, in itself, doesn’t provide any sun protection of its own. It, in fact, cures the damages caused by sun’s rays.So, you can call it more a after-sun treatment than calling it a sunscreen. Aloevera is a very versatile plant which can treat sunburns as easily as it can slow down the aging of the skin. The gel has healing properties instead of protection properties.
Sunscreen
There is a reason for the existence of wide variety of sunscreens in the market. And, I have time and again asserted their importance in skin care. As a personal opinion, I would always assert that it is better to rely on products available in the market for such a product than trying out your own remedies without proper research.My personal favourites are Zinc Oxide sunscreens but a stable chemical sunscreen also does a good job. Choose one according to your budget and be regular and diligent in its application, specially, in the summers.

Summer Skin Care Essentials {Skin Care}

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So, summers have started burning my skin here 🙁 And, yes, I hate summers, a lot. I feel so hot and I don’t really like AC’s. I am more of a cooler gal!! Anyways, let us go through some summer skin care tips. And, I had meant to put up this post long long back but somehow laziness wore me down :S

  • Sunscreen: Must, Must and Very Essential!!!
  • Hats/Scarves/Umbrella (a light colored one): Accessories to protect yourself from direct sun rays.
  • Don’t go out after 10 and before 5. Rays are very strong.
  • Tanning happens very easily in summers so protect your skin.
  • Drink, Drink and Drink a lot and by drink, I mean water and herbal teas and fruit juices.
  • Shades/Goggles: Get trendy with wrap-around shades which match your face. They not only add a style statement but also protect your delicate eye area from the sun rays and prevent fine lines and wrinkles.

Day – time Routine

  • Cleansing: Don’t over-cleanse your face in the heat. I know sometimes the face feels a lot itchy and prickly and the immediate impulse is to wash it off which you should when you have just come back from prolonged exposure to the sun. But, not if your skin just feels the heat. Cleansing the face twice to at most thrice a day is enough. And, get a cleanser which helps control oil.
  • Toning: Very very important in summers as skin goes less on the hydration. Make sure you use face mists at regular intervals and apply it just before putting on the moisturiser to trap in the hydration.   
  • Moisturiser: Heat is building up so you really don’t want a moisturiser which makes you look like an oil pan. Go light and easy on your body lotions and face moisturiser. Go for the oily moisturisers unless your skin too dry. They help control oil and keep the face shine-free.
Check out some of my other posts under the heading of Summer Skin Care.

Don’t try any new product before your wedding {Bridal Files}

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This is something which came to my mind after reading Tanveer’s post. In her words

I once used a oxy-bleach, just a week before my wedding. It was the first time I used a bleach and the last. It caused my face to turn red like I was sun burnt and I spent the next two days just calming my skin back to being normal. 

So, just a simple advise –  never try something which you haven’t tried out yet. You never know how your skin might react. If you do want to try out something, make sure you have adequate time before so that you can counteract the harmful effects, if any!!!
This applies to all kinds of treatments including facial, hair and body. If you really want to indulge in something luxurious, ‘ubtan’ is the best bet and has been, traditionally, a part of bridal skin care since centuries.
How to prepare customized Ubtan?
A simple recipe with available ingredients at home:
  • Besan (Chana flour)
  • Turmeric
  • Yogurt
Mix everything in proportion. You can add turmeric up to a table spoon and don’t worry about the staining because chana flour takes care of that. Try to make the paste brighter yellow in color. Apply it every night before you go to sleep on the face and neck or you can also go for an entire body application on a day when you are free.
Yogurt removes tan and turmeric helps with blemishes. It does take time to work. Do not add lemon juice as it is quite acidic and may cause skin dryness. You can go for tomato juice, if you wish. Its more gentle. And, essential oils and rose petals add a exotic feel to the mask. So, you might want to get some for your own use.
Hope this helps 🙂