Hello friends,

Today’s post is bit different from my regular ones. I thought I will share few information about face packs. All of us use face packs – either branded or homemade ones. Face packs can cure pimples, acne, tan and pigmentation depending on the ingredients used. Face packs are very essential to maintain healthy skin. Due to the environmental pollution, skin loses its natural glow and radiance. Regular usage of face packs brings back the glow and freshness to your skin.

Face Pack – Selection:

Select face pack according to your skin type. Everything does not suit everyone. Seek help from expert to find out what suits you the best. If you are using ready made ones check the skin type and the expiry date details. If your skin is sensitive, always opt for a patch test.

If you want to tackle problematic areas like blackhead, tan, pimple etc. select accordingly. If you don’t suffer from any of these then go for rejuvenating face packs.

Face Pack – Application

Always use a face pack only after cleansing your face. Use mild cleanser to remove dirt and impurities from skin. After applying the pack, place two cucumber slices or cotton pads soaked in rose water for eye relaxation. To achieve maximum results of using face pack it is important to steam first. Steaming open up the pores and lets you pack to penetrate deeper.

If you are using homemade and refrigerated face pack, make sure you use it only after it cools down to room temperature. This is specially for people who suffer from sinus. If your homemade face pack is bit runny and you are having tough time to apply it, use a base powder. Here base powder means fullers earth or sandalwood powder or milk powder to thicken the consistency. But select this according to the other added ingredients. You can either use you finger tips or a face pack brush for application.

Face Pack – Removal & Follow up

Never leave a pack to dry completely. Wash it off when its semi dried. When its completely dried you have to rub them hard and never ever be harsh to your skin. In case its fully dried, dab some water and wait for a minute. Now using your finger tips, massage in circular motion and wipe away the pack.

After washing away face pack, follow it up with a moisturiser. If you don’t feel your skin it too dry or stretchy a face toner is fair enough.

Face Pack – Precautions:

Never stand before stove and cook when you have applied any pack. This is to avoid any chemical reaction that might occur due to the heat. Once you have applied a face pack do not give any facial expression like talking, smiling etc. This is to avoid the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.

Be careful not to apply pack near eye region as the skin is so delicate around the eyes. Lip has to be avoided too.

These are little tips to keep in mind while using face pack. See you all soon !!

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by Harini

Hello beautiful girls!
We cleanse, scrub and use face pack in home facials. But what about the forgotten middle part which is equally essential as others? I have never given importance to home steaming until one day I thought why parlours facials are never complete without steaming. Face Steaming enhances the results of facial. After doing a little research on it, I started to follow this. Steaming can do magic to skin if done properly and carefully. Facial steamers are also available in the market but today we shall discuss the traditional pot steaming.

Why Steaming?:

The benefits of steaming includes:

1. Increases blood circulation which in turn improves oxygen supply and makes your skin healthier.

2. Softens black heads and makes exfoliation easier.

2. Helps skin perspiration as steaming decongest skin pores.

4. Reveals radiant and younger looking skin

What is Required?:

• Medium sized pot
• 6 cups of pure water
• Bath towel
• Cleanser

How to Steam?:

1. Pour water in a pot and bring it to boil.

2. Prepare your face using cleanser to remove dirt and makeup residues. Tie back your hair neatly or use a headband to secure your hair.

3. Once the water starts bubbling, off the burner and move the pot to a convenient place to steam.

4. Place your face over the pot and wrap a towel to lock the steam.

5. Close your eyes and breath slowly. Steaming can be done for 4-5 minutes.

6. Wash your face with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel.

7. Follow with your favourite face pack to close the pores or if you are running out of time you can rub ice cubes over the face and neck.

You can add essential oils like lavender, lemon, rose, tea tree or your favourite ones to the steam water. Dried or fresh herbs are also good options. Incase you don’t have any of these you can consider few sprigs of neem leaves, pudhina or tulsi leaves which are also equally beneficial.

Any precautions?:

1. Steaming might be bad to skin if done frequently.Steaming once in a 2 weeks is advisable.

2. The right temperature of water to steam is 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius).

3. If you feel too hot during the procedure, open the towel a bit for vapours to escape.

4. If you are adding essential oils, carefully add 2-3 drops only.

4. Experts advise to hold your face 12 inches above the water.

5. Once your face is completely wet with perspiration then stop steaming.

6. Frequent steaming might dehydrate your skin.

7. Never steam if you have any skin irritations or severe acne.

Does your home facial include steaming? If yes, how often?

Fresh face! Will there be any girl who don’t long for it? Even guys do. So here are few quick ideas to fresh up your face within 5 minutes. It isn’t a new topic to discuss but still, if you do it the right way, you will get instant fresh face with that glow and softness! This routine is best to be followed in the morning. So go ahead and check below.

Cleanse and Moisturize Before Sleep: Wash your face with a mild cleanser and put on your night cream or moisturizer before you go to sleep. If you want a clarifying effect on your skin, try our homemade fairness night cream recipe. This step doesn’t include the ‘5 minutes’ routine but it helps a lot in making your facial look look smooth in the morning! Believe me, it does.

Use a Glycerin Based Cleanser: This is tried and tested. If you are not sure about your skin type, but you want a face wash that will make your face look smooth, then go for glycerin based light face washes. Glycerin helps removing excess sebum and at the same time, it retains natural moisture of the skin. If you have very dry skin, it is a must to use a hydrating face wash to look fresh and radiant. If you use a mattifying face wash, you will end up with dull face. Likewise, choosing a cream based facial cleanser is not good for oily skin. Take 2 minutes to cleanser your face.

Exfoliate With a Mild Scrub: Don’t wipe your face with towel after cleansing. Squeeze some scrub on your palm and apply it over your wet facial skin. Massage with gentle strokes. Scrub your skin gently for 1-2 minutes. Splash water and remove the scrub! Scrubbing removes the dead cells and ensures the even tone of your skin.

Tone and Calm Down: This step is to prepare your skin for moisturization. It not only calms down the skin, but helps it in different ways. If you have oily skin, choose tea tree oil toners to prevent acne and other breakouts. Dry skin types can use rose water as their toner, any time of the year. Toning gives a cooling and relaxing sensation that makes you feel instantly fresh.

Moisturize Without Fail: Moisturization is of course the last step but you should be very careful in choosing your moisturizer. Choose a moisturize according to your skin type. Dot it all over your face and gently massage until it gets absorbed. If you are planning to step out of your house, make sure your moisturizer include SPF.

Tadaa! You got fresh, smooth, dead cell free clean face in 5 minutes! This is more or less similar to a CTM routine but it includes exfoliation for added benefits. Don’t exfoliate your skin more than twice a week. Follow this ‘fresh up’ routine often and thank your skin! Don’t forget to tell us below about your ‘fresh face’ routine. Any secret tip?