Skindulgence - Part 2

The skin on our face experiences stress just like the any other part of the body, as a matter of fact some of the most initial signs of stress like acne, puffiness and dullness are often seen on the face. When we add habits or routines to intentionally care for the skin, we indirectly aid the overall wellbeing of our body.

So, if the routines in the previous post seems doable, here are a few steps you can add to complete our at home facial routine. I always end my facial routine with a massage as that leaves the skin soft, supple and all set to glow.

Masking: Face masks are a great way to enhance your skin care routine. Now, this is something many of us have been doing since the time we got the freedom to experiment on ourselves, its either been from mom’s bathroom shelf, or homemade concoctions that we read or heard about from that friend with gorgeous skin. But we have each shifted loyalties over the years to something that works best for our skin. You can use facemasks as often as once a week to at least once a month. For those who don’t have the time, this post is a reminder to at least do it once a month.

Face masks are divided into store bought and homemade ones. Store bought masks can be further categorized into:

· Clay/charcoal masks: These are ideal for oily skin and those with combination skin to use in the oily T zone area. They contain ingredients like white kaolin and bentonite which are magnetic to remove impurities, whiteheads, blackheads, congestion and excess sebum from the oily skin and helps with mattifying the skin.

· Sheet masks: They are ideal for all skin types and contain ingredients like antioxidants, vitamin C and Hyaluronic acid. They help to nourish and quickly reboost the skin to add that extra brightness.

· Exfoliating masks: They are used for dull skin and they contain volcanic rock and HA (hyaluronic acid). These masks have a dual effect with both a chemical (exfoliating) and mechanical action.

· Peel-off masks: They were a trend almost two decades back and has now reemerged as a mask of choice for many as they have a dual effect of physically removing dead skin, dust, blackheads while nourishing the skin with the chemicals and fruit essence within them.

· Overnight masks: Excellent for aging, sensitive and dull skin. The overnight masks must be applied at the end of the night skin care routine and can be left through the night. It contains ingredients that are specific to the skin issues we are currently facing. Antiaging packs contain Hyaluronic acid, pigmentation and tone correction masks contain AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) and masks for dry skin contain essential oils in them.

Homemade masks: When it comes to having beautiful skin, you only need to look as far as your kitchen. These chemical-free face mask recipes are very basic, and most contain only two or three ingredients. I have been experimenting with them for more than 2 decades now and I am going to list some of my favorite out here depending on the skin types.

Dry skin: Honey, aloe vera, Vitamin E capsule, yogurt are some of the perfect ingredients to rehydrate your dry skin. Aloe vera binds moisture to your skin and boosts collagen while yogurt and honey have antioxidant and humectant properties.

1 inch ripe banana/avocado (blend it into a puree)+1 tsp yogurt+1 tsp honey

Banana is filled with Vit E, ascorbic acid and antoxidants and works well for normal to dry skin. Honey regulates skin pH while being an excellent emollient and humectant. Yogurt is an excellent skin cleanser that can be used for all skin types.

2 tbsp ground oatmeal+2 tbsp Warm water +2 tsp lemon juice/honey

Oatmeal has been used for many centuries. The starches and the Beta-glucan in the oats draws the water to your skin and improves the barrier function of your skin and moisturizes your skin. The acid in the lemon juice goes to work removing excess oil and dead skin cells .

Oily skin: Multani Mitti (fullers earth), Gram Flour (Besan), rose water, Banana, oatmeal, lemon juice are all good at pulling out the extra oil from the skin.

2-3 tbsp Multani Mitti+ Rosewater

Multani Mitti is a type of clay that mattifies your skin and reduces blackheads and whiteheads.

2-3tbsp Gram flour+1-2 tbsp yogurt+pinch of turmeric +half a lemon juice

Gram flour (besan) is a mild exfoliant and reduces oil production, turmeric is an anti-inflammatory agent and lemon juice helps in skin lightning and reducing the blemishes.

For those who are trying out homemade masks for the first time, it is always better to do a patch test before you try it out on sensitive skin.

Multimasking: This method is one of my favorites. I believe that most of us have a combination skin type and no singular mask can be the best for us in the long run. In this technique we use different masks on different parts of our face at the same time, depending on if it is oily, acne-prone, dry, sensitive or aging.

How to:

· Clean your face and hands prior to application.

· Always apply a thin layer over the skin to allow maximum absorption and avoids wastage.

· Follow product instruction on timing and do not wear for more than 15 minutes.

· Homemade masks can be worn up to half an hour.

· While removing always use lukewarm water and a soft sponge as it helps in gentle removal of the mask.

· Seal the deal with a moisturizer.

Face massage: This age-old tradition has made a major comeback especially over the past decade with a lot of attention going to at-home facial massages done using tools or simple hand movements. The magic here literally lies in your own sweet hands. It is one of my most favorite ways to unwind on the days I want to pamper myself. The primary target in facial massage is the lymph nodes underneath the ears and on the neck. When these areas become blocked, lymphatic drainage becomes sluggish, which is thought to lead to a puffy, dull complexion. It really helps to drain the toxins which can otherwise lead to skin that looks flat and grey.

I manage to do it occasionally and notice the immediate relief it gives to the dull and tired skin. A facial does not smoothen out fine lines or wrinkles, but it does provide with benefits of destressing, soothing and relaxing the facial skin.

· It increases the blood flow to the face

· relaxes the muscles that are often strained through the day

· drains the lymphatics in the ear and near area

· stimulates collagen production and removal of toxins

There are many different facial massage types and techniques that you can do in the comfort of your home. Tools like the Jade rollers and gua sha are both popular to help release lymphatic drainage and stimulate the skin. These tools and many others shows beneficial effect when used in the right way. It can be done as often as a 5-minute daily massage to 2 times a week at home. Better still – switch on some soothing instrumental music. After 20 minutes, what do you have? Beautiful skin and a relaxed you.

The most commonly used oils for face massage are;

Dry skin: Coconut oil, Almond oil, Argan oil

Oily skin: Jojoba, grapeseed oil

How to:

· Clean your face and hands before you begin.

· You can use warm oil, serum or a cleansing lotion.

· Using digital pressure, palms and knuckles is the simplest way to explore facial massages.

· The key is to be gentle yet firm in your motions and to repeat each stroke at least 5 times, every area needs 20-30 seconds of attention.

· Always use an upward stroke in all areas, including the neck (the only downward strokes will be while draining the lymphatics in the region infront of the ear and sides of the neck)

This is the link to a really basic and quick massage routine that I follow.

Bottom line: Create an ambience using whatever makes you calm, be it music, candles , essential oils or all of the above to make every step of the ritual worthwhile.

So there it is, a few ways that you can pamper your skin and yourself. If you are yet to figure out how much is too much when it comes to skincare, these few routines can be added to your weekly or monthly schedule. Start with any one of these and when you see the result of that, you will find yourself wanting to do more. I believe we are worth that effort. You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you. -Song of Solomon 4:7

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