Aromatherapy in your beauty regime

Aromatherapy is a new dimension to skin, hair, body care, as well as personal hygiene and mental and physical well being. Aromatherapy uses pure essential oils - which is the distilled vital essence of a plant comprising complex hydrocarbons that develop naturally within the flowers , leaves, roots, bark and fruit rind. A single drop of pure essential oil is equivalent to an ounce of living plant. The essence is, therefore, highly potent and therapeutic action takes place at a higher degree than herbalism; which is much weaker in potency and limited to the area of application i.e (external only).

Pure essential oils work in two ways. They have an instant effect on the mental state of the individual through inhalation and through absorption by application.

Skin Care Regime

It consists of four easy steps that requires only a few minutes in the morning and evening.
1. Cleanse with a soothing non-irritant 100 per cent soapfree cleanser as per your skin type. In case you have used make-up, double cleanse.

2. Use Aromatic skin toner to remove the residue. It helps to tighten the pores and prepare the skin for effective moisturising.

3. Use almond moisturising lotion for all skin types, especially dry skin. It's a concentrated hydrating fluid that helps to maintain a healthy moisture level and protect the skin from environment pollutants and to make it supple.

4. Its very essential to use a sun screen during the day. It helps to safefuard your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiations and premature aging and also helps to prevent the skin from losing vital moisture during exposure in the sun.

The skin conditions changes as we grow older. Though these changes are not obvious to us from
from day to day, they however occur every day as we age.

Skin care for women between 20-35 years

During this time you peak endochronoligicially. Your oil gland and sweat glands are most active. Acne is the manifestation of this peak period. Large pores are another problem you often see during these years. In several cases, the first wrinkle appears at this age.
Follow the basic skin care regime. However, you must use sunscreen regularly and generously to protect your skin from the UV rays and prevent the signs of premature aging of the skin.
Once a week apply a mineral face pack to tighten and close the pores of the skin. Use calamine face pack twice a week if you have acne.

Follow a scrupulous cleansing routine:

Cleanse the face with a turmeric cleanser which is meant for all skin types. In case of acne and overactive Oil glands, use a mint cleanser. Use a few drops of sensitive skin oil if the skin is oily and seal off with an aromatic skin balancer to remove all residue and tightens pores. Use almond moisturising lotion daily after toning. Twice a week exfoliate dead skin and clogged pores with beauty grains or an exfoliant scrub.
(The writer runs the Sharon Beauty Parlor)

Sushilla attributes her baby soft skin to her kitchen shelf remedies. Apply these skin masks made from simple ingredients readily available at home, on clean skin and wash off when semi dry for best results

Dry Skin Mask

Ingredients:

2 tbsp powdered oatmeal
2 tbsp thick cream
1 drop lavender essential oil
Mix all the ingredients well and apply on skin. Massage lightly in circular movements. This will help the skin secrete natural oils. Leave the mask on for 20 minutes and cleans it with warm water.

Oily Skin Mask

Ingredients:

1 tbsp gram flour
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp carrot juice
1 tbsp egg yolk (opt)

Mix all the ingredients well and apply on the skin. Leave it for 20 minutes and then wash off. This makes the skin feel good.

Open Pores

Method:

Mix 1 tbsp yeast grains with enough warm water and allow the mixture to rise. Add 1/4 tbsp lime juice and 1 tbsp honey.
Apply on open pores leave it for 20 minutes and wash it off. Repeat this twice a week for best results.

For Oily Skin

Method:

Make a mask with one teaspoon grated cucumber, 1/2 tbsp honey, juice of half an orange and some oatmeal powder.
Mix well and apply on skin. Leave it to dry for 20 minutes and rinse it with cold water. You will
feel your skin is noticeby tighter and firm.

Astringent

Ingredients:

1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup cucumber juice
1/2 cup watermelon juice
2 tbsp eau de cologne

Mix all the ingredients and store in the fridge for 7 to 10 days. This an excellent astringent for oily skins. You can also mix this with corn flour and use as a mask.

Skin care for humid weather

In humid climate especially during the monsoons when the heat rises but there are no rains to bring down your body temperatur,
the sebaceous glands, that is the oil glands, become overactive and start secreting oil. This oil forms a layer of film on the skin. Bacteria settle on the oily layer cause itching, rash and allergies. As a result the skin looks dull and lifeless.

To take care of your skin in humid weather always carry wet tissues with you and keep wiping the face. Some of the wet tissues come with non-alcoholic astringent with a pleasent fragrance.

Working women can use a water-based mosturiser.Avoid using creams in this weather. Also consider having facials more regularly to cleanse your skin. It is always advisable to take aroma cream facials which are available for all kinds of skin. They are recomended because they dont have any chemicals.

The action plan for overcoming effects of humid climate can be followed at home too with fruits or vegetables. The pulp of pupaya, banana, sweet lemon, plums and peaches can be used as face packs. Vegetables like cucumber, tomato juice, potato (raw) can be used as a cleanser and to shrink the pores. People with very oily skin can splash cold water with a few drops of lime added to it and then tone up the skin with aromatic skin toners which are alcohol free.

Housewives confined to the kitchen for a long time are exposed to oil fumes which settle on their skin leading to irritation, rash or itching. They should wash their face frequently with cold water with a few drops of eau de cologne added to it. Having cold juices and even cold soups would help your skin to a great extent.

(The writer runs the Sharon Beauty Parlour and Training Institute)

Face Packs For oily skin

Oatmeal and Apple Mask:

You need:
1 tblsp of oatmeal
1/2 grated apple
A little milk to mix
Apply all over the face and neck and leave it on for 15 minutes. Scrub it off, moving fingertips in a circular motion for a clean complexion.

Strawberry Surprise:

You need:
10 Strawberries, mashed
1 tblsp of fresh, crushed mint
2 tblsp of oatmeal
Apply on face and neck and leave it on for 20 minutes. Scrub it off with rose water.

LENTIL PACK - A WONDER CURE FOR BLEMISHED SKIN

2 tblsp of powdered lentils (masoor dal)
2 tblsp or rice flour
1 egg white
2 tblsp of oatmeal
Milk to make the paste
Mix all the ingredients and refrigerate for 10 minutes. Apply all over the face and leave it on for 20 minutes. Dab face with milk and wash off with cold water.

(Shere Banoo runs the Begum's Beauty parlour)