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And now, for some toning tips...
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Toning is an essential part of skin care. Read the second part of the article on cleansing, toning and moisturising to sport a glowing skin...
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THANK YOU once again for all your e-mails and queries. It is my endeavour to answer as many queries and e-mails, but, due to space constraint, I can include only a few. I have picked up queries which would be of help to many people.
As promised in my last article, I am continuing the series of looking after your face by following the CTM regime, which is cleansing, toning and moisturising.
Toning routine
TONING IS necessary for all types of skin. It should always be done immediately after cleansing. Toning helps to
* Refresh the skin
* Improve blood circulation to the skin surface and gives a glow that everyone yearns for.
* Complete the cleansing process by removing all the traces of make-up and other residues.
* Close and refine the skin pores.
Methods of toning
TONING THE skin is usually done using a skin tonic. There are two types of skin toners available in the market:
* Alcohol based astringents are commercially produced by a number of cosmetic companies
* Herbal skin tonics containing rose, honey or mint, also available in the market.
Alcohol-based astringents are usually recommended for oily skins. If there is a burning sensation, discontinue and switch over to a herbal skin toner.
For toning your skin everyday, keep cotton wool pads soaked in a bowl of skin tonic in the refrigerator. After cleansing the skin, pat briskly. This is also the time when you can give yourself a face massage. Using the cotton wool pads, soaked in skin tonic, start on the cheeks with an outward and slightly upward movement using both hands. Use both hands to work on each side simultaneously towards the temples. Press lightly at each temple. For the chin and on the corner of the nose, use small circular movements. Use a circular motion and a very light touch for the area around the eyes.
A skin tonic containing rose is ideal for improving skin texture. It not only promotes circulation at the surface but also tones the capillaries. It also has an astringent action. If you have an oily skin, wipe your skin a few times a day with a rose skin tonic. This helps to remove oily secretions and keeps the skin free of sweat deposits. A rose-based skin tonic is ideal for Indian summers as a refreshner. You can use it several times a day. Since rose tonic has an astringent action, it is beneficial for people who sweat a lot as it closes the pores and reduces perspiration. If you have a hectic lifestyle, a quick toning helps to refresh the skin between a hard day's work and a social evening. Place cotton wool pads, soaked in rose tonic, over your closed eyes. Relax for 10 minutes. This rejuvenates the area around the eyes and relieves eye fatigue. If you cannot get branded products, use ordinary rose water diluted with mineral water and use.
Homemade toners
CABBAGE OR cucumber juice mixed with rose water are excellent toners.
* Mix a tablespoon of lemon juice or a tablespoon of malt vinegar in a glass of water and can be refrigerated.
Toning mask
Make a paste of one beaten egg white, one tablespoon yoghurt (curd) and multani mitti (Fullers earth) and apply on your face and keep it on till it dries. Rinse with water. Use this toning mask at least twice a week.
Some tips
- Avoid using cream or oil-based make-up products. Use only water-based cosmetic creams and powder make-up. In hot and humid climate, the face has to be cleaned several times a day. Therefore, use minimum make-up.
Queries answered
Suganya wants to know how to get rid of sweat odour.
In some people, the sweat glands are overactive, especially in the underarms. After bath, use a branded rose toner and apply on your armpits. This will reduce sweating. Add U-de-cologne to your bathing water. Use a spray deodorant and not a roll-on deodorant. Do not use deodorant directly on armpits; use on your clothes. This prevents rash and allergy.
Roma needs a few clarifications on home treatment for dandruff. She wants to know how often a rinse of malt vinegar can be used and whether it can be used twice a week.
Yes, you can use it 2-3 times a week if your dandruff problem is severe. The boric powder dandruff treatment mentioned earlier is also used for washing infected eyes. Mix one tsp. of this powder with coconut oil, section hair and apply. Leave it on for 2-3 hours or preferably overnight and wash with shampoo in the morning.
For few grey strands - if you do not want to use colour, use the following:
* In 250 ml coconut oil, add 2 tsp. of methi seeds (vendium seeds). Keep for 15-days and then use this oil to your hair.
* Boil dry amla (Indian gooseberry) in 1 litre of water and reduce to 250 ml. Add shikakai and wash your hair with it.
* If you do not have time for the above, try using Arnica oil. This also helps to cover and reduce premature greying.
Lily Shaaji wants to know how to get rid of dark skin on knees and elbows.
Dark knees and elbows are usually due to dry rough dead skin which accumulates as it is not removed regularly. Do the following routine:
* Use a scrub 2-3 times a week on your elbows and knees. Mix oats with milk and make a paste and use it. This will remove the dead skin.
* Cut lemon into half and scrub your knees and elbows with it. Do it everyday.
* At night, apply some coconut oil. This helps to take care of the dry skin.
* If dark elbows and knees still persist, you can use a good bleach available in the market. Follow instructions given on the pack.
LILY MADHOK
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