Skin tan taking a toll? Opt for strawberries, vitamin C

New Delhi: Getting a natural tan makes the skin look beautiful, but what to do when sun-exposed parts are way too darker compared to the covered areas? To give a glowing effect to tired skin, the trick lies in a milk mask along with strawberries and oral medication like anti-oxidants and vitamin C, experts suggest.

Capital-based dermatologist Kiran Lohia said it is important to avoid going out in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and if this is impossible, then always walk out after thoroughly covering the exposed areas.

"Avoid going out during that time as the sun is at its strongest. Stay indoors if you can to protect yourself from the elements. Wear a hat when you go outside. The hat will protect your face from the heavy sun and give you physical cover from UV rays," Lohia told IANS.

Also, it is important to wear sunblock with both UVB and UVA protection.

"UVB block protects you against tanning and skin cancer, while UVA block protects against pigmentation and photoageing. So, look for a sunscreen that is at least SPF 30 with PA ++ protection for broad spectrum coverage. Sun rays can penetrate through windows, and exist even when it's cloudy or raining. So, protect yourself no matter what," added the expert.

Bleaching ointments and cream lotions can also be used to remove the tanning occurred on the skin. One can easily find them at any chemist shop or opt for several other procedures that can help get rid of tan with regular sittings. One can also choose for peels like fruit bio-peel and vegetable peel that will brighten your skin tone from within.

If one is not ready to step out to visit parlour, then opt for home remedies.

"Start off with this remedy by adding two ripe mashed strawberries into a spoon of fresh honey. Apply it as a face pack until it dries and wash off to reveal fairer and softer skin. Strawberry will act as a perfect tanning removal agent while the honey will help soothe the skin," Bharti Taneja, director of Alps Group, told IANS.

One can also try curd and paste of besan (chickpea flour). Curd mixed with pulp of fleshy part of tomato, overripe banana and overripe papaya is also good. All of these contain fruit acids. Milk and dairy products contain lactic acid that helps in exfoliation of tanned skin to a certain extent.

Usually, the common perception is that tanning is because of overexposure to sun, but Kalpana Sarangi, head of cosmetology department at Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital, says it can also be caused by swimming, even after sunset.

"There are certain medicines which can cause tanning even if there is no exposure to sun or harsh light. Excessive cold can also cause tanning," Sarangi told IANS.

"Oral medication like anti-oxidants and vitamin C can prevent tanning to a certain extent. Using exfoliating creams and lotions, chemical peels, skin polishing, use of de-tanning agents like vitamic c, kojic acid, glycolic acid, retinoic acid and green tea extracts can also help in de-tanning," she added.

Overexposure to sun can also lead to sunburn and hence it is important to take care of the affected areas.

"Just apply milk powder, calamine powder and grinded cucumber over the face including the under eye area. Relax for 15 minutes after applying and rinse with water. The treatment softens, rejuvenates and restores a natural PH balance, thus protecting the skin from negative effects of sun," said Taneja.

Seven natural ways to keep those extra kilos at bay!

 Keeping a strict eye on your weight is imperative in these times. Generally, problems start to rise in the late twenties when there is lack of physical activity. Lethargic habits begin to develop and the individual loses his interest in healthy activities. Stress related to professional and personal lives takes a toll making it difficult to keep vigil on one's health which later can lead to obesity.

Also Read: How stress is affecting your body

A lot of medical and cosmetic assistance is available these days to tackle obesity. Not to mention the exorbitant costs involved and their side effects don't exactly make things easier. But there are also many natural ways to control your weight that you can apply. Tackling obesity is not too tough. You don’t need to subscribe to expensive treatments to reduce obesity or to be completely cured. There are simple home remedies which can give you an absolute cure from obesity.

1. Let's start with what we always start our day with – breakfast. That's right. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and provides a steady stream of energy all through the day. This, in turn, prevents unhealthy snacking.

Also Read: Useful tips to help your child stop wetting the bed!

2. Stop nibbling and snacking between meals. Train yourself to have less food. Instead of eating only 2 meals during the day like lunch & dinner, eating 4-5 more small meals spaced 2-3 hours apart during the day increases the metabolic rate of the body.

3. Spices like ginger, cinnamon, black pepper etc. are good for losing weight. Drink ginger tea 2-3 times a day. A few cups of natural green tea is also a good remedy for obesity.

4. Two teaspoons of lime juice added to lukewarm water also helps in shedding those extra kilos. Have it frequently. You can also drink a glass of boiled water daily after every meal. It will also help you in naturally curing obesity.

Also Read: Why sitting for long hours is bad for you!

5. Try to eat 10-12 fully grown curry leaves every morning for 3 to 4 months. It may prove beneficial for the obese in losing weight.

6. Drink lots of water. You can never have enough of water, so drink as much of it as you can. It is essential to keep oneself hydrated. It will maintain your energy, keep your skin glowing as well as help in losing weight. Minimum 8 glasses a day is important.

7. Last but not the least, physical activity is a must and it packs a mean punch! Try to make some space in your daily routine to fit some physical activity in between, even if it means just a 20-30 minute brisk walk in the park. Mornings are the best time for any physical activity. Get that adrenaline rush. It will keep you going.

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Hold time with anti-aging revolution, RRR Facial

The world is too modern to age – say the wise! Trailing in the same path, ALPS Beauty Clinics, renowned cosmetic clinic chain has been this revolutionary anti-ageing facial called, RRR. The treatment is known to have skin- firming and lifting properties.

Let’s know it all from aesthetician & cosmetologist and Founder-Director of Alps Beauty Clinics,Ms Bharti Taneja. 

What is RRR Facial?

As the 3 R’S of this facial stand for rehydration, rejuvenation and regeneration, this is a complete therapy for aging skin. It not only works on the skin but also tones up the facial muscles with the help of face lifting. The pure collagen mask applied in end, supplies skin with 95% of pure collagen that improves elasticity and hydration level of the skin.

This is amongst the successful skin treatments to combat signs of skin-ageing.

As the three R’s imply – this facial, rehydrates, regenerates and rejuvenates the skin. So, if you encounter sagging or loss of elasticity on your skin, due to age or any other factor – this treatment is sure to prove beneficial by treating such issues.

How it works?

The elements involved in this treatment boost the collagen production in the skin-cells – making you do away with early signs of ageing. This process involves exfoliating and enhancing the fabrication of new cells for faster renewal of your skin – which shows!

The facial is done using a micro-massager or uplifting machine which uplifts your face while making the saggy skin firm and elastic. In the end, a face mask called ‘young-skin’ mask is applied all over your face –containing 95% of collagen.

This works as a great skin-food and rehydrates your skin as well – improving its firmness and flexibility.

So, the next time you frown over your laugh lines? Laugh it away with RRR. 

Tips to control dandruff during Monsoon!

New Delhi: Hair care during monsoon becomes a herculean task and one of the most common woes during the rainy season is dandruff. From using a diet low in sugar and high in antioxidants to opting for light conditioner can help in getting rid of such problems, says an expert.

Sangeeta Velaskar, vice president and head, Medical Services and R&D, Kaya India has a few tips to help control dandruff:

* Use an effective anti-dandruff shampoo specially formulated with active ingredients such as zinc pyrithione or piroctone olamine, which control the fungus and yeasts. Such a shampoo can be used as often as required -- once, twice or even thrice weekly. Combine it with a mild conditioner formulated for greasy hair.

* It is important to keep the scalp dry. In case your hair gets wet in the rain, make sure you wash it thoroughly with a mild cleanser and use a conditioner thereafter. Remember to dry your hair completely before leaving the house.

* If you have sticky hair, just opt for a light conditioner that is suited for limp and oily hair. The trick is to pick the right product. The conditioner should be applied to the hair ends and not on the scalp. Application on the scalp may increase dandruff, especially during monsoon.

* Recognise your severity. If you are suffering more than moderate flaking and itching, be sure to find the right product. There are products that include intensive solutions targeted at severe dandruff sufferers. Do visit a dermatologist if the problem persists.

* A diet low in sugar and high in antioxidants will reduce inflammation and could help in controlling dandruff.

Nocturnal enuresis: Useful tips to help your child stop wetting the bed!

Nocturnal enuresis or nighttime urinary incontinence, commonly called bedwetting or sleepwetting, is quite common in school-age kids. It is an involuntary urination that occurs usually at night.

It is said that after age five, 15% of children will still experience bedwetting and boys are twice as likely as girls to struggle with this.

While it is important for parents to know that bedwetting is normal for kids under age six, here are a few things that you can do to help your child cope with this issue.

Coping and support

Use plastic mattress or waterproof bed cover to help contain the urine. This is easy to wash and can be changed quickly at night.

Do not scold or punish your child knowing that bedwetting is a common problem in kids. Punishing them can just make the problem worse.

Help your child overcome the problem by help your child understand that the responsibility for being dry is his or hers and not that of the parents.

Parents should monitor the child’s bowel movements as constipation can interfere in bedwetting. Call your pediatrician if your child has troubles with constipation.

Tips

Avoid giving your child anything to drink in two hours before bedtime

Do not let your child take sugary or caffeineted drinks at night.

Make sure that your child has easyaccess to the toilet or provide a portable toilet if possible.

Make a habit that your child go to the bathroom before going to bed.

Do not wake your child up to urinate at night as this won't help, instead, it will only lead to more sleeplessness and frustration.