Swathy and Sky

Use SLS-free shampoo for hair growth {Tip of the Day}

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This is a tip from a lady I came across recently. She told me about her hair story – how she had excessive hair fall and she consulted two doctors one after another and had been on various medicines and nothing worked out for her. And, finally, she simply changed her shampoo to Meera hair powder and her hair is now a lot healthier than it was. She also said that since she has switched, her hair has grown out a lot on its own. So, is it that may be the SLS shampoos are actually impeding the hair growth? Sounds too paranoid!!
Anyways, I have ordered the Soul Tree shampoo. I am yet to receive it. I did place quite a large order this time and shall be sharing it when I receive the products!! And, I am desperately waiting for the products to be delivered. The Kamini shampoo is good but I don’t really appreciate the fact of not knowing the actual ingredients. And, also, that shampoo dries out my hair  and scalp sometimes. So, I would like to switch to a more comfortable brand. I am just hoping that this would be the shampoo for me 🙂

Sexy @ Sixty {Book Review}

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Overview of the Book

Sexy at Sixty. Is that possible? Namita Jain, the prestigious wellness expert, shows you how in Sexy @ Sixty, which is a celebration of this wondrous phase in your life. She aims to make it even more wonderful by giving you enough ammunition, in the form of many helpful tips on lifestyle, food, exercise and staying positive, to slay the bugbears that threaten to rain on your parade. Aimed at the modern not so young man or woman, the book is full of practical, easy to understand information:

  • Tables showing you the exact calorie count of your meals.
  • Illustrations for safe ways to exercise, whether by gentle stretches or strength training.
  • Chapters on how to tackle everything from skin care and weight gain to stress, arthritis and diabetes.
  • Easy to follow explanations for menopause or prostate issues.

My Review of the Book
To start off, I would like to say this is a book which will urgently make you go and exercise!! Yes, it really gives that feeling of urgency, written in a fun and very compelling way. I have never read any health books prior to this one and I beg ignorance about the author, Namita Jain, but apparently she is very famous and has authored quite a few books before this.

The book as the title suggests is aimed at middle-aged people. BUT, why am I suggesting this book is because an early start would only do you good. Namita talks about exercise and diet throughout the book and she outlines how the combination of two can protect your body from the numerous health risks which attack people above 30-35.

chapters covered

She covers all topics from menopause and prostrate to diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, heart issues, osteoperosis, arthritis, stress and also about Postures. I would have definitely loved if she had taken some of the topics in more detail but I think she meant the book to only be an introduction. The starting chapter of the book deals with the question that whether you are a couch potato or not?

which activity burns how many calories!

Can you climb up three flight of steps without gasping for breath? Do you sleep well? Do you wake up most mornings looking forward to the day? Do you go for a walk, visit the gym, play a sport or engage in some other energetic activity at least thrice a week? Do you eat wholesome, nutritious food? Do you relax and take time out without feeling stressed?

If you answered a ‘yes’ to most questions, it means you lead a fit life. And, if no, you need this book. Oh, I also forgot to mention that she provides some substitute recipes for high-calorie foods. Yes, the book did make me count the calories whenever I ate anything 🙁 But, the author is very practical and realizes that today’s lifestyle is different and mentions various things in a way which will sit well with our routine. For example,

If you are going for a party, take a light healthy snack before leaving. If you are dining out, order a clear soup and some salads to fill you up and prevent binging. If going for shopping, never go on empty-stomach. That makes you pick up cookies and indulgences which you would otherwise avoid.

calorie count of foods

And, that’s really true!! Happens with me. She gives a lot of exercise tips and also illustrates various yogasanas which are easy for people of 35-50 to do. She also mentions what shouldn’t be done. And, finally finishes off with chapters dealing with a well-balanced diet and colors on the plate and talks about surgeries like liposuction and tummy tucks and whether they are worth pursuing or not. The best part of the book is that it talks about weight loss being essential for health and not just looks. Many examples have also been given throughout the course of the book which makes it more relate-able.     

Availability
You can buy the book here on Flipkart.com
Price – Rs 164 (18% Off)
This review is a part of the Book Reviews Program at BlogAdda.com. Participate now to get free books!

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Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Complete UV Moisture SPF 50+ PA+++ {Product Review}

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Price: Rs 349 for 30ml

Pros
doesn’t leave the skin dry if you skip moisturizer
no tint so you can apply enough sunscreen for full protection
Cons
expensive
not for oily skin
gets greasy sometimes (may be depends on skin type)
My Experience

I have been using this suncreen since the time it was launched in June. It comes in a 30ml pack and is way more expensive than its counterpart but I have not really found much of a difference. Anyway, the packaging is a white bottle with a very thin nozzle which dispenses a little product. 

The product is white and creamy in consistency but very thin. But, the weird thing is that even a little product does get greasy on the face so applying enough of sunscreen really becomes difficult. Also, a little excess of product and you are left with a white cast as well. I, almost always, had to blot out the excess of product after applying the product (after leaving it on for 15-20 minutes to get absorbed). 
Regarding the efficacy of the sunscreen, I am really not sure if it gives the same protection as the dry touch. Because, I did find my skin tanned and dark in between and since some days, I have been again using the dry touch which has considerably prevented my face from tanning. And, the skin is looking a little brighter as well. 
So, I am back to the previous sunscreen for now!! But, I do think that this sunscreen will suit the dry skin beauties really well. The dry touch is matte and this one is moisturizing. I do skip moisturizer whenever I use this and it never made my skin feel dry. The only issue is that this sunscreen finishes off in a month 🙁 Well, remember that you have to apply sunscreen adequately for proper protection?? 
Btw, have you used this product? How was your experience?
Other products from Neutrogena:

Neutrogena Deep Clean Shampoo
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock
Neutrogena Body Lotion Light Sesame Formula
Neutrogena Rainbath Refreshing Shower and Bath Gel
Neutrogena French Milled Soap
Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser
Neutrogena Clean Conditioner