Swathy and Sky

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.

Foundation / Tinted Mositurizer – Blending Basics {Skin Care}

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I have been using tinted moisturisers (TM’s) since last September and as a result, I have gone through various stages of difficulties in blending them into the skin. So, I thought I would put down certain things important to take care while blending. This is from an amateur perspective and I use just fingers to blend in.
Smooth Skin
Smooth skin is very essential to begin with before doing the blending. Flaky skin is the worst thing which can happen to you so always make sure you exfoliate your face, neck and decolletege regularly to make sure that your tinted cream goes on smoothly and blends in your skin without leaving any patches and the whole of the exposed skin is in same shade.
Amount of product
This point is very important. You should know how much is enough for your skin otherwise you can end up looking like a ghost. To make sure you don’t overuse, dot your face with the tinted moisturiser and blend in. Add the moisturiser as and when needed. This way you don’t generally end up over-using.
 
Uneven Complexion
My forehead is almost a shade darker than my face and it always gets darker if I don’t eat properly so whenever I apply TM’s, I have to make sure, it has blended well with the darker shade of my skin otherwise it looks ghostly on that area. And, getting different shades for different parts of your skin is not exactly a viable option. So, take care to use less of the TM on the darker area and blend well.
 
Apply moisturiser
It moisturises your skin and provides a base for the foundation / TM to go on smoothly. So, it is always a good idea to apply a moisturiser and wait for 5-10 minutes before applying a TM to allow the moisturiser to dry up.  And, it also gives a dewy finish leaving your skin looking hydrated and radiant.
 
Use fingers deftly
If you use fingers to blend in, make sure they are clean first. Use your middle finger to do the blending. It always helps to dot the face with the TM. And, instead of rubbing the product, patting it works better. Doing the patting motion quickly helps in giving a smooth finish and avoids the pulling of the skin which happens when you tend to rub in the product.
Make sure you have time
I have always noticed that when I am pressed for time, I am never able to blend well. Either I over-use the product or don’t use the fingers quickly enough to give a smooth finish. And, patting always takes more time than rubbing in.
So, hope this is helpful to you all. Do drop in your comments 🙂