Is Sunblock Necessary

You know it never ceases to amaze me at the number of people who do not bother using a sunscreen. It is basically pointless for one to cleanse and moisturize one’s skin if sun screen is not included in the regime. What is the point of cleansing your skin if you are not going to protect it? It is akin as you are dressed in your best clothes and you go out and stand in the rain without a raincoat or an umbrella. When you stand in the rain, the effect is immediate you are drenched, your make-up and clothes are ruined. Now standing in the sun without protection “ruins” your skin gradually and surely. Skin will not only age faster but the sun will give rise to pigmentation problems as well.

Sunlight exposes you to two kinds of ultraviolet light, called UVA and UVB. Both these ultraviolet lights are responsible for skin damage and skin cancer.

What is SPF?

SPF means sun protection factor. It is basically a measure to count the effectiveness of the sunscreen.A sunscreen with a higher number of SPF provides you greater protection from the harmful ultraviolet rays. 

What is the benefit of using a sunscreen?

Sunscreen chemically reduces the amount of ultraviolet rays that pierce your skin. Sunscreen creates a barrier between the harsh sunrays and your sensitive skin.

To get maximum protection from your sunscreen, make it a point to apply it at least 15 minutes before stepping out in the sun.

How to get the most benefit out from your sunscreen?

• Apply sunscreen 15 - 20 minutes before exposing your skin to the sun.
• Reapply  sunscreen  after every 2 - 3 hours in the sun.
• Check the label to make sure your sunscreen offers UVA and UVB protection.
• Choose a sunscreen which offers the best protection for your skin type.
• Make sure that the sunscreen is the last thing you apply on your face. It should be applied before your foundation/compact powder.
• Apply sunscreen daily without fail.

Lastly but not the least, remember that sunscreen will help protect your skin and  that a little care goes a long way.

 

Herbal Skin Whitening

Many of you have been requesting for a skin whitening session.  This is a formula that I have been working on for a long time now. It is basically a mixture of herbs that does wonders for the skin. These amazing herbs are able to brighten and lighten the skin tone. These herbs are also rich in antioxidants thus they leave your skin feeling supple but taunt as well.  The main ingredients are garbanzo beans, turmeric, fuller’s earth, sandalwood, saffron and yoghurt.

I must emphasize, though the herbs are able to help you achieve a lighter skin colour it will be your responsibility to retain that colour tone.  How you ask, well my dear friends by using sunblock of course!

I have included a brief summary as to the benefits of the herbs below.

Benefits of Garbanzo Beans

Garbanzo beans are an excellent source of Vitamin C, Vitamin B6 and Zinc. When applied topically, Vitamin C in the garbanzo beans help brighten the skin while vitamin B6 and zinc help heal the skin if any blemishes are present. Phtochemicals called saponins which can act as antioxidants are also present.

When consumed orally, it is also a good source of folate, protein and it is able to help lower cholesterol levels.

Benefits of Turmeric  

Turmeric is a natural healer for skin conditions such as eczema, acne, dry skin and psoriasis. Turmeric is also used in cosmetics as it helps to naturally slow the process of aging and restores youth. Turmeric is able to reduce  hair growth and gives the skin a healthy glow.

 

Benefits of Fuller’s Earth

Fuller’s Earth is rich in minerals. It is composed mainly of alumina, silica, iron oxides, lime, magnesia and when applied to the skin, it helps in removing dead skin cells and absorbing excess oil.  This makes the skin smooth, soft, moist and rejuvenated.

Benefits of Sandalwood

The best part of including sandalwood powder is that it benefits equally the dry skin and the oily skin individuals. It has antiseptic properties which help to fight skin irritations associated with dry skin condition and keeps it hydrated. While the astringent qualities reduce the pores of the oily skin individuals and keeps it taunt.

Benefits of Yoghurt

Yoghurt is a rich source of protein and is rich in calcium, potassium, phosphorus,  magnesium and zinc thus it is able to “feed the skin”. Yoghurt contains many healthy enzymes and natural oils which help provide moisture to the skin. Yoghurt also helps to cool and calm the skin. When yoghurt is applied externally it is able to help in a number of ways. Yoghurt helps with blemishes and acne scars, whitens the skin, tones down freckles, is an effective remedy for sunburn, helps to exfoliate the skin as it contains lactic acid, provides moisture to the skin and reduces pore size. 

Benefits of Saffron

Saffron has long been used by the Indian royalty to enhance their beauty. It is added in Ayurveda products as it is able to improve skin disorders like acne, skin spots, sun tan and skin dullness. This is a very expensive herb and does wonders for the skin.

Why Should I Do Waxing?

Waxing is the most effective method for temporary hair removal, since hair is removed from it's roots.At FTWS, we use home made wax. Home made wax does not contain any chemicals or preservatives. Thus unlike commercial wax, one should not be prone to redness or itchiness. Hot wax contains sugar so it is easier to remove and better results are obtained compared to cold wax.

Do let the consultant know if you have used a moisturiser or deodorant on the area to be waxed. A thin layer of wax is applied to the area with unwanted hair in the direction of hair growth. A cloth strip is applied over the wax strip and than ripped off quickly against the direction of hair growth. For best results, hair should be 6mm in length. An antibacterial lotion is applied after waxing.

Hair removal after waxing is effective for a period of 3 - 6 weeks. The new hair that grows after a few weeks is softer, lighter and sparser since some hair roots are permanently destroyed. Since the top layer of dead skin cells are removed, the skin is also smoother and softer.

Waxing is not encouraged on persons who have diabetes, since it may result in infection or on persons with a sensitive skin. It cannot be done on skin which is broken and irritated.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF WAXING

• Hair takes a longer time to grow back after waxing, because the hair is removed from the root.. It takes around 4 - 6 weeks to grow back and sometimes even longer.
• Waxing slowly reduces the growth of hair, so the more often you wax, the slower your hair growth.
• Gradually over an extended period of time, the hair may even stop growing in the waxed area.
• Wax is made from natural ingredients like sugar, lemon and water as opposed to depilatories (hair removal cream and lotions), which are made from harsh chemicals that burn the hair. Sugar and lemon are both beneficial for the skin.
• Dead skin is removed in the process of waxing. Waxing thus doubles as an effective exfoliator.
• The skin feels smooth after waxing.
• Compared to other saloons who offer waxing services, the cost of service at FTWS is kind to one's pocket.  :-)