Millenials made sure that they do not miss out on their skincare routine and so we made a stepwise guide of what Millenials tried for their skincare routine and that actually worked like a charm for them this year.

New Delhi| Jagran Lifestyle Desk: The year 2020 was a very challenging year but people made sure to keep themselves hooked to one thing or another, from trying dalgona coffee to everything is cake, Millenials made sure that they do not miss out on their skincare routine and so we made a stepwise guide of what Millenials tried for their skincare routine and that actually worked like a charm for them this year.

Millennials took their time off from ‘Work From Home’ and came up with a headband and bowl to mix things up and apply on their face that gave them good results and made them believe that homemade things are the best way to get that glowing radiant skin.

Korean Skincare Routine

In this lockdown, the Korean skincare routine was the one that managed to garner everyone’s attention and most of the Millenials tried this skincare routine for healthy and glass skin. Now, to take a rewind, we are here to guide you on how to try this Korean skincare routine:

Step 1: Use coconut oil to cleanse your face, so that dirt can be removed from your face.

Step 2: Now, exfoliate your skin with a scrub that will give your skin blood circulation and will help you remove any residue from your face.

Step 3: Now take toner on the cotton pad and dab it all over your face, this process helps to tighten the pores of your skin.

Step 4: Now you can apply the serum on your face and the final step is to moisturize your skin by using a moisturizer and you are done.

Rice Water skin routine

Another Japanese skincare routine caught the attention of millennials in the year 2020 and it was the rice water method. Rice is considered a cosmetic healing tool and it helps for whitening, brightening, anti-aging skincare routine and millennials couldn’t stop themselves from trying it. Now, we are here for your rescue, so we are providing you with the stepwise guise, check it out:

Step 1: Take a cup of rice and soak it in water for 30 minutes then pout it into a jar.

Step 2: Now take the rinsed water and apply it to your face as it holds many benefits.

Step 3: You can also make ice cubes of that rice water and apply it daily.

Rice water can help you protect from the sun and anti-aging and it will also give you glowing skin and reduce hyperpigmentation.

Posted By: Deeksha Sharma

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Here is a list of facial care products for different skin types which can help you look flawless, naturally.

As we enter the festive season while being socially distant, no one wants to compromise on anything essential. Be it the heartfelt prayers, family gatherings, reliving the nostalgia or the natural facial glow.

As most of us are skipping on our monthly salon visits, one can easily follow the facial care routine at home. With products from homegrown brands who rely on toxin-free formulas made with natural ingredients, it is possible to attain that natural radiance in a quick and safe manner. Be it the Durga Puja, Navratri and Dushhera, followed by karwa chauth and pre diwali bashes,

Here is a list of facial care products for different skin types which can help you look flawless, naturally:

Mamaearth Skin Illuminate Face Serum With Vitamin C & Turmeric For Radiant Skin

Mamaearth Skin Illuminate Face Serum with the power of Vitamin C and Turmeric helps you to achieve radiant glow. It also reduces hyperpigmentation and fine lines. Vitamin C is considered to be one of the most well-known and has been a preferred solution to many skincare problems. The Mamaearth face serum is free from harmful toxins such as paraben, mineral oil and silicones.

Price: INR 599/

Available at: MamaEarth website across India at offline stores and all major e-commerce portals such as Amazon, Flipkart and Nykaa.com.

Upakarma Ayurveda VitaminC and Saffron Night Face Serum

All natural ingredients of Vitamin C and Saffron Night face serum by Upakarma Ayurveda help in achieving radiant and glowing skin. This night serum has the ability to soften, and proactively diminishes the look of fine lines, age spots, and smooths out skin imperfections appearing during the day. While Aloe Vera extracts essential vitamins and Hyaluronic acid in Vitamin C Serum provides instant hydration to the skin, it also fights the damages which are caused by UV radiation, reduces hyperpigmentation and prevents skin ageing. Upakarma Ayurveda is India’s fastest growing Ayurvedic startup. These face serums are 100% vegan, gluten-free and cruelty free and it contains no silicone, mineral oil and parabens.

Price: INR 949/- for vitamin C face serum and INR 799/- for night serum with saffron.

Available at: https://upakarma.com/ , across India at offline stores and all major e-commerce portals such as Amazon, Flipkart and Nykaa.com.

Super Smelly mud-based Acne Warrior Oil Control Pack and activated charcoal-based Go Glow face pack

Super Smelly’s range of Mud-Based Acne Warrior Oil Control Pack and Activated Charcoal-based Go Glow face pack can help you with unclogging the pores, healing acne along, exfoliating, softening and brightening the skin, preventing blackheads, along with drawing out impurities and toxins from the skin naturally without getting it exposed to any toxic ingredients. Recognized as a winner in the ‘face pack’ category as one of the best innovations by consumers in a nationwide survey conducted by Nielsen this year, these face packs have also been certified by Safe Cosmetics Australia. These are gender-neutral and 100% toxin-free, and are made with naturally derived ingredients, which are gentle and effective on the skin of a Gen Z.

Price: INR 599/- onwards

Available at: https://supersmelly.in/ and all major e-commerce portals such as Amazon, Flipkart, Big Basket and Nykaa.com. The brand currently also retails its range across over 250 retail outlets in Delhi NCR.

Aadvik’s Camel Milk Skin Care Range

The beautiful gift from the desert, Camel Milk Body Butter and Day Cream is now made available in India for the first time by Aadvik Foods. The richness & softness of camel milk gives your skin a moisturizing effect & a healthy glow. Camel milk is rich in natural Alpha-hydroxy acids which replenish skin, helps in anti-aging, and acts as a natural toner. It is rich in iron and vitamin C & D as well. The lactic acid in camel milk also helps to brighten the skin and even the skin tone. Aadvik’s Camel Milk Body Butter and Day Cream is free from Paraben, GMO, Mineral oils and By-Products.

Price: INR 375 (Camel Milk Body Butter) & INR 250 (Day Cream)

Available at: https://aadvikfoods.com/ and all major e-commerce portals such as Amazon, Flipkart, Snapdeal.

mCaffeine Naked & Raw Coffee Body Scrub with Coconut

mCaffeine naked & raw coffee body scrub is made out of Pure Arabic Coffee and Cold Pressed Coconut Oil, the scrub exfoliates your dead skin and helps you to get rid of blackheads, sun-tan and impurities it even polishes your skin and also deep cleanses your pores making your skin smooth and glowing. mCaffeine is India’s first brand that has a wide range of caffeinated personal care products.

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Your skin doesn’t stop at your chin so why does your skincare routine? Although you might have an extensive lineup of products for your face, if your repertoire doesn’t include a neck cream you might be ignoring one of the key areas that shows signs of aging.

“The neck has the thinnest skin on the body, except for the eyelids, so it is extremely susceptible to collagen breakdown,” says New York dermatologist Marnie Nussbaum, MD. Sun damage and excessive use of the muscle fibers that connect the collarbone to the jaw (known as platysma) cause a ropey and sagging look in the neck over time. Dr. Nussbaum also notes that this area (similarly to your hands) has no sebaceous glands to keep it hydrated and plump. And as we age, “the muscles start to sag, fat starts to bulge, causing horizontal wrinkles to form,” says Dr. Nussbaum. In addition to age, gravity is also not on your neck’s side.

But even with all of that in mind, still the biggest offender to the skin on the neck is sun damage. Since the skin is so thin, it’s an easy target for sun damage and dehydration–especially considering that most people forget to apply their moisturizer and SPF down onto their neck and chest. If you use cream in your daytime routine, “it should include an SPF 30 or above. If it does not, it’s vital to apply a broadband SPF to the neck and décolleté in the morning and every two hours when out in the sun,” says Dr. Nussbaum.

Now that you know why you need a neck cream in your routine, here’s what you should look for when shopping. “A good neck cream should provide hydration to the skin,” says San Antonio dermatologist Vivian Bucay, MD. Look for emollients like shea butter and glycerin, as well as calming ingredients like panthenol and sea whip, she notes. Also, check for antioxidants to fight free radical damage, such as vitamin E and niacinamide, to reduce sun damage. You can also choose a cream that offers collagen-stimulating ingredients like peptides and retinol (as long as you’re not pregnant or breastfeeding).

To reap the full benefits of a neck cream, Dr. Nussbaum recommends that you apply the cream in an upwards and outwards direction to lift the skin and encourage tightening. “Use your hands in this repetitive motion to apply the cream until it’s rubbed in,” she explains. However, be gentle so that you don’t tug the skin and cause irritation.

Here are the 10 best neck creams that fight every sign of aging.

1.NeoStrata Triple firming Neck Cream

“I love this cream since it contains pro-amino acids that reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles visibly,” says Dr.Nussbaum. “It also keeps the skin moist.”

2 . Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Ferulic + Retinol Fortifying Neck Emulsion

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Ferulic + Retinol Fortifying Neck Emulsion

3. Roc Multi Correxion 5 in 1 Chest, Neck & Face Cream with SPF 30, Hexyl-R Complex & Vitamin E, 1.7 Ounces

If you’re looking for a cost-effective cream to add to your lineup, look no more. This cream contains glycerin, a key ingredient for hydration, and a dose of SPF to protect against sun damage (yes, you need it daily).

4.StriVectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream PLUS

If your goal is to target crepey texture, give this cream a try. This unique formula uses a gravitite-CF lifting complex that smoothes lines on the neck. It’s also packed with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide to help strengthen and moisturize the skin’s barrier.

5. Prai Beauty Throat & Decolletage Creme

This cream tackles sagging skin on your neck and the surrounding areas. The blend of glycerin, shea butter, and squalane provides visible results with consistent use. The texture glides on smoothly to the skin to make that upward and outward massaging technique even easier.

6. BeautyStat Universal Pro-Bio Moisture Boost Cream

Beauty Stat’s Pro-Bio Moisture Boost Cream is light, yet packed with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid that penetrates deep into the skin. The ceramides and pomegranate protect your skin barrier and help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles over time.

7. Skinbetter Science InterFuse Treatment Cream

If you haven’t tried this multitasking cream, you need to. I love the texture—it’s creamy, yet it doesn’t add excess oil to my skin. It also doesn’t make my eczema flare-up on my neck. The cream also has a unique to the brand mix of collagen and peptides. ICYMI: Dr. Bucay says to look for these ingredients in a neck cream for the best results.

8. OMOROVICZA Firming Neck Cream

This cream offers two forms of hyaluronic acid that locks in moisture, which leaves your skin feeling plump. You will also find white truffle enzymes that improve the elasticity of the skin.

9. Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ Neck & Chest SPF 25

Think of this cream as therapy for your décolleté. It treats skin that looks crepey and smoothes wrinkles, while vitamin B3 reduces uneven skin tone and signs of sun damage.

10. Dr. Brandt Skincare Do Not Age with Dr. Brandt Moisturizing Neck Cream

With key ingredients like glycolic acid to even skin tone and amino acids to strengthen skin, this cream lives up to its “Do Not Age” name. The ingredients play nicely with one another to offer intense moisture and a tighter, dewy finish. 

The post The 10 Best Neck Creams To Lift, Tighten, And Smooth appeared first on MyMedicPlus.

Who wants their faces to know their age. Probably no one, often people want their age to always look short. At the same time, women do not know how much they struggle to show themselves. They range from beauty products to homemade but aging is a natural process. At the same time, some people appear to be much older than their age. This may also be due to their chaotic lifestyle.

When it comes to your skin care, it is true that it depends to a large extent on your routine. Your routine only shows what kind of habits you follow for skincare. Probably some people look older than they are in their right age. Here we will discuss some common skincare related mistakes as well as what measures should be adopted for this. The good news is, following certain rules in your routine can help you take care of your skin. Continue reading to know more about him.

Skincare Mistake # 1: Do You Think All Products Are Right For Skin Use
The product that is effective on one person is not necessarily the best option for the other. If you regularly use a product for skincare, look for products that are right for your skin type and can relieve your skin problems. For example, you wouldn’t use curly hair shampoo and conditioner on straight hair, right? Keep this in mind when you use your daily used product.
ALSO READ: Make Cucumber soap at home to make your skin blonde and tight, just 2 things

Skincare Mistake # 2: Avoiding Moisturizer
If you do not use any moisturizer regularly then include it in your routine immediately. Choose a moisturizer that suits your skin type and discomfort. Bring a water-based moisturizer when you go to the market. If your skin is oily, your skin can be affected due to many reasons such as pollution, UV rays and because of this you have to wash your mouth frequently, which can prevent your skin from being moisturized, so that there is no moisture in it. And increases oil production. As a result, your complexion looks unbalanced and the skin looks very shiny.

If your skin is dry, then your skin faces external problems like pollution and UV rays which can damage the moisture of your skin, due to lack of moisture in the skin, it starts to dry. As a result, the skin surface loses its natural glow and your skin looks dull.

Skincare Mistake # 3: You Forget Using Eye Cream
Do you notice signs of aging around your eyes, such as dark circles, under eye bags or fine lines? So you need to include an eye cream in your routine. Are you worried about which product to use?

Use non-sticky gel-cream formulated with caffeine and hyaluronic acid, this will protect against the first signs of aging around your eyes, including puffiness, fine lines, wrinkles and dark circles. Apply the cream in small dots around your eyes, massaging it lightly until completely Absorb. Follow this process morning and night.

Skincare Mistake # 4: You only use sunscreen in summer
When you spend a long time in the sun without applying sunscreen, it can cause signs of aging like dark spots and wrinkles under your eyes. It is therefore important that you use a broad spectrum sunscreen with the correct SPF. A broad-spectrum sunscreen helps protect against UV rays (which cause signs of aging) and UVB rays (which can burn the skin).

Of course, remember other sun protection measures as well – this means limiting your time in the sun. Especially in the time between 10 am and 2 pm, wear full sleeved clothes, reapply sunscreen every two hours, put on sunglasses and if possible wear a hat in the sun.

Skincare Mistake # 5: You apply foundation without using primer

Have you ever thought that no matter how much you try, your foundation never looks as good as it looks on the social feeds of other beauty bloggers? Start your makeup with a primer to smoother your skin. It helps to hide fine lines, pores and remove remaining gaps. Apply it after moisturizing dot-dot and curl your entire face like a light circle of fingers and make your foundation perfect with primer.
Also read: Now think a hundred times before breaking your nose hairs, it can cause major damage

Skin Care Mistake # 6: You Don’t Care About Your Neck and Chest
Taking care of your skin tone is great – but don’t forget about your neck and chest. Often, this becomes the reason for unraveling the secret of your age. Remember to include your neck in your skin care routine. You can use the same moisturizer on your face and neck, and you especially take care of the face, neck and chest daily.

As your skin matures, it undergoes many major changes such as lack of moisture, nutrients and natural oil. The skin gradually weakens to retain moisture, which can show scorching of your face, neck and chest, which are signs of aging.

The post Do not want to look old at an early age, then do not do these 6 skincare mistakes in your routine appeared first on MyMedicPlus.

While spending more time at home, many celebrities are ditching makeup and opting for an all-natural glow, leaving many wondering how their skin looks so good. While some opt for skin treatments like facials and lasers, many celebrities have touted a simple skincare regimen to keep their skin looking fresh. Whether you’re trying to combat aging or reduce pesky pandemic “maskne,” these three skincare staples will have you on your way to your best skin yet.

Gentle Cleanser

Washing your face each day can really harm your skin if the products you are using are too harsh. For a product you’re using once or twice a day, the gentler the better. Luckily, there are plenty of products that not only wash away harmful bacteria, but also gently care for your skin. One tip is to avoid any cleansers with sulfates. The foam cleanse they provide may be satisfying, but it can strip your skin barrier and cause dryness, excess oil production and more.  

Brightening Serum

If radiant, glowing skin is something you strive for, a brightening serum is a must-have product. Serums pack a powerful punch when it comes to showering your skin with added nutrients and supplements. Products with Vitamin C are a great option as it protects skin from sun damage and dark spots and helps produce collagen, which keeps skin firm and reduces the appearance from wrinkles. Try a serum with pure vitamin C, or L-ascorbic acid, and additional antioxidants like vitamin E to get the best bang for your buck.

Sunscreen

As temperatures slowly decline, more of us will be outside to enjoy the fall weather, but it’s important to prep your skin with its necessary protection. Many celebrities attribute their clear skin to the work of their favorite, everyday sunscreen. Rain or shine, the sun’s harmful UV rays can accelerate several skin complications, such as wrinkles and fine lines, age spots, and the more malicious sun damage and skin cancer. If nothing else stays consistently on your shelves, let the one product that sticks with you through thick and thin be sunscreen.

The above are staples that should be a part of everyone’s routine. However, these will not tighten tired skin.  If you’re still experiencing stubborn breakouts, dark spots or fine lines, consider trying additional treatments like laser peels or microneedling to give your skin a boost.  If you need extra TLC, try treatments such as Morpheus 8 to increase your skin rejuvenation.  Don’t get discouraged! Perfecting a skincare routine can take time to accomplish and with so many different products on the market it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Start off simple with these three staples and build your regimen slowly with products catered to your skin’s needs.

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Fine lines and wrinkles are a part of life, but, with the right ingredients, they don’t have to be a super noticeable part of your complexion if you don’t want them to be. While ingredients like peptides and niacinamide are associated with slight wrinkle reduction, the real winner is retinol. Maybe you’ve heard of it. Scratch that—of course you have. While the hero ingredient is shouted from the rooftops of almost every major skincare brand, not everyone knows what it is, or, more importantly, why it’s so effective at creating a younger-looking visage. To help uncover the facts, we chatted with a couple of the top dermatologists. Ahead you’ll discover everything you need to know about the holy grail anti-aging ingredient.

What is retinol?

While retinol is a coveted ingredient in the skincare world, it’s important to look at its origin to fully understand why it can so effectively turn back the clock on your complexion. According to board-certified dermatologist Dendy Engelman, M.D., retinol is the active form of vitamin A, which regulates collagen production and promotes skin repair in the body. By adding it into skincare products, cosmetic chemists can hack the way skin ages by replenishing the very ingredient that helps keep complexions radiant and youthful. 

How does retinol work?

When something seems too good to be true, it helps to know the details to decide whether or not you can trust in its promised results. According to Dr. Engelman, “retinoic acid (aka retinol and retinoids) is an extremely effective cell-communicating ingredient that can connect to almost any skin cell receptor site and tell it to behave like a healthy, younger skin cell.” What’s more, she explains, it also functions as an antioxidant, allowing it to repair free-radical damage—which is a major reason that skin shows signs of aging in the first place. 

What’s the difference between retinol, retinoid, and retin-A?

Here’s where it gets tricky. While retinol is the most-talked-about form of vitamin A, retinoids are where we should start. According to board-certified dermatologist and founder of Entière Dermatology Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, M.D., retinoids are essentially a basic umbrella term for both over-the-counter retinols and prescription retinoids, and scientific studies back this up. “Retinols, which are readily available over-the-counter, contain a lower concentration of the active retinoic acid ingredient than retinoids,” she says. Additionally, she says that prescription retinoids have a much higher concentration of the active ingredient so therefore are more readily available for the skin to use, which is why most dermatologists recommend retinoids (not retinol) for heavy-hitting rejuvenation. 

As a result of their concentration levels, retinol and retinoid affect the skin differently. According to Dr. Levin, while retinol and retinoid have the same goal and purpose, “retinol works more gradually compared to the retinoid treatments prescribed by a dermatologist due to their difference in molecular structure and how they are processed in the skin.” This means that while you might notice eye-catching retinoid results in a matter of days, it could take weeks to notice a change from retinol.

Then there’s retinoic acid or tretinoin. The prescription-only ingredient is the most active form of vitamin A, not to mention the fastest acting. “Biochemically, retinoid and retinol, do the same thing—it may just take longer to see results with retinols, since they are weaker,” Dr. Engelman says.

Is retinol good for your skin?

There’s a reason why everyone and their mother swears by retinol—it gets the job done. And by job, we mean increasing collagen production, reducing collagen breakdown, accelerating skin cell turnover, improving discoloration, hydrating skin, and even reducing acne. In other words, it truly is a hero ingredient. Of course, if you ask someone with sensitive skin, they may say otherwise. That’s because, as Dr. Engelman points out, retinol is known to cause dryness, redness, and irritation when first introduced into a routine. However, if you stick to finding a way to keep at it, pretty much any dermatologist will tell you it will be worth it. Dr. Engelman says that with continued usage of this ingredient over time, you can see an improvement in fine lines and wrinkles, texture, and tone as it strengthens the skin barrier.

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There is no magical “fountain of youth” skincare product that will diminish all signs of aging on your face, but there might be a more serious way to make your skin look younger. No, we’re not talking about a face lift, but after you try this idea, your friends might think you had a face lift. We’re talking about anti-aging serums.

Dr. Rachel Nazarian of Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC told SheFinds that if you use the right anti-aging serum, it can help to remove fine lines and wrinkles. “Like any skincare product, it depends on what the active ingredient is,” she explained. “When a serum contains science-backed skincare enhancing ingredients, such as retinoids, vitamin C, various antioxidants or peptides, absolutely, they can improve fine lines and wrinkles through collagen production.”

SkinBetter Sciences AltoDefense Serum is Dr. Nazarian’s anti-aging serum of choice, “because the cocktail of antioxidant ingredients protects against free radical damage from pollution, LED light, and oxidative stress. It essentially ‘preserves’ my skin over time.”

You will need a doctor’s note to try out the SkinBetter Sciences AltoDefense Serum, but if you’re looking for an over-the-counter serum, we’ve found one that’s very similar to Dr. Nazarian’s recommendation: The First Aid Beauty Skin Lab Retinol Serum.

Why You Should Try The First Aid Beauty Skin Lab Retinol Serum

The First Aid Beauty Skin Lab Retinol Serum contains just about every ingredient Dr. Nazarian recommended you use in a serum for the most anti-aging benefits. This action-packed product has it all: 0.25% pure concentrate retinol, peptides, antioxidants and Vitamin C.

Because this serum has such a strong formula, First Aid beauty recommends you only use it up to three times a week, in the evenings. When the company tested the Skin Lab Retinol Serum, it found that 81% of people saw improvement in the tone and texture of their skin.

Promising Reviews

This serum is fantastic. I was starting to notice some fine lines on my face, so I wanted to try something anti-aging that wouldn’t cause irritation or breakouts. My skin is combo and tends to be sensitive. I’m also prone to blemishes and clogged pores. Since adding this to my routine I’ve noticed a considerable difference in the fine lines on my forehead. I also noticed I have not had any breakouts either! (YAY!) The texture is very comfortable and lightweight, yet still hydrating. I will be using this again when I run out!” – KayCros

“I’m a full-time working mom of two who’s approaching 40, so I’m a full-time working mom of two who’s approaching 40 so needless to say I need a little (ok, a lot) of help in the eye area. This eye cream does the trick! In just over a month I’ve noticed that my lines are less pronounced and my dark circles aren’t nearly as bad. I may never get enough sleep, but this helps me fake it! I’d definitely recommend this product!” – SFJMac

“I’m 39, have mature combination skin. This serum has made my face firmer, bright, and glow. It has great ingredients and gentle on skin. It dries my face a bit, so I layer it with face oil and moisturizer on top. I can definitely see and feel the difference when I use this product.” – mjmomma

Why Serums Are Great Anti-Aging Skincare Products

Serums are typically skincare products that have higher levels of active ingredients which are delivered in a form that has effective absorption into skin,” Dr. Nazarian explained. “It’s a way to maximize ingredients penetration into skin- they’re typically lightweight and less occlusive than ointments or creams.”

The post The One Anti-Aging Serum Dermatologists Swear By To Fake A Face Lift appeared first on MyMedicPlus.

Ayurveda is a treasure trove when it comes to skincare and anti-aging herbs and treatments. It has several anti-aging formulations that are natural. In fact, ayurveda is known to document over 200 herbs, minerals, and fats that maintain and enhance the health and beauty of the skin.

These treatments not only have antioxidant cellular protection but also are known for their anti-inflammatory and anti-stress properties.

Here are a few common herbs that you must include in your daily skincare routine:

Haridra: turmeric

Shigru: drumstick

Nimba: neem

Taila parni: eucalyptus

Haritaki: myrobalan

Ayurvedic anti-aging treatments

Ayurveda offers exceptional anti-aging treatments that rejuvenate and retain the youthfulness of all skin types.

According to Ayurveda, there are three doshas or bio-energies that give us our unique physical and mental constitutions: vata (air element), pitta (fire element) and Kapha (earth element). An effective Ayurvedic anti-aging solution supports all these three areas.

An imbalance in the three gunas can create skin problems:

A kapha imbalance affects the moisture balance.

Effective metabolic functioning balances the various chemical and hormonal reactions of the skin. A pitta imbalance affects this balance.

A vata imbalance creates an inefficient circulation of blood and nutrients to the different layers of the skin.

Skincare based on the gunas:

For Vata Skin: The skin should be nourished and rehydrated to avoid wrinkles and premature aging. Massage yourself with some warm oil and natural moisturizers.

For Pitta Skin: Good facial skin oils should be used everyday.

For Kapha Skin: A daily warm oil massage and cleansing of the skin with gentle exfoliation is advised.

Once in a while, pamper yourself and indulge your skin in these lush Ayurvedic therapies. You’ll be surprised at the variety in Ayurveda:

Darvi lepam or turmeric body wrap: This body wrap is the perfect therapy for radiant skin. This therapeutic body wrap is developed with a combination of haridra khanda and exotic herbs which act as a natural purifying agent that makes your skin smooth and nourishes the entire body.

Haritakalepam or chlorophyll body wrap: This wrap rejuvenates the skin. This therapeutic wrap uses moringa oleifera leaves from the ‘miracle tree,’ freshly ground with pavitra sukhoshan jal into an aromatic paste. With a rich array of vitamins, proteins, and minerals, this lepam effectively provides powerful antioxidants to the skin cells along with moisturizing, nourishing and cleansing the skin.

Kaya lepam: Want to get rid of wrinkles? The answer is an exotic therapeutic wrapping procedure for skin tightening with a unique combination of rice extract, herbal powders, coconut, and almond milk. The wrap eliminates dead cells, improves complexion and tightens the skin.

Honey and sesame body wrap: This gentle, natural body wrap with indigenous honey and sesame exfoliate and removes dull skin cells.

Neem body wrap: A great solution for a bad tan, a cooling puree of neem leaves is infused with soothing eucalyptus oil. It relieves pain and damage caused by overexposure to the sun, leaving the skin smooth and radiant.

Fruit body wrap: A fruit fan? Fruit body wraps to detoxify and hydrate the body with a melange of fresh organic fruit pulps, cleansers, and oils that tone and condition the skin. This body wrap will make your skin tight and healthy with a youthful glow and silky-soft feel.

Vegetable body wrap: A detoxifying body wrap using antioxidant-rich vegetable pulps with a blend of vegetable extracts to tone and tighten the skin. A combination of these ingredients gives you a youthful glow.

Sandalwood body wrap: A body wrap with freshly ground sandalwood paste, which is an antibiotic element can give you baby soft skin. It cleans the skin clearing the freckles, leaving the skin moisturized with a radiant glow.

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In the last decade, the skincare industry has gotten really…complicated. Remember the days of the iconic three-step (three!) cleansing, toning and moisturizing system? Maybe an Oxy pad haphazardly swiped across a forehead here and there, during particularly trying periods. It was a simpler time.

These days, thanks in large part to social media and the limitless portal of information that is the internet, it appears as though the entire online skincare community has adopted the jargon and vocabulary of a seasoned dermatologist. Ten-step routines, filled with an array of active ingredients, have become the norm. Impressive but, yet again, complicated.

But whether you’re a skincare minimalist or maximalist, swear by the bible that is Reddit’s  or prefer to just wing it on your own, there are certain ingredients that make up a common ground—regardless of skin philosophy. They’re the ones that are found in the bulk of the products on the market, have been studied thoroughly over the years and are proven to, you know, work.

We tapped the pros to find out, once and for all, how (and when and why) to use the five basic skincare ingredients that you’ll come across in your skincare regimen, no matter how simple or complex it may be.

Hyaluronic Acid

What is it? 

There’s no better place to kick off skincare school than with the crème de la crème of hydration: hyaluronic acid. The substance, which is naturally found in our skin, is a humectant (meaning it draws in moisture from its surroundings) and can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water.

What does it do?

“It replenishes the amounts [of naturally occurring hyaluronic acid in your skin] that have been lost due to photoaging and sun damage to allow for a firmer, youthful appearance,” says Jessica Burman, Founder of Cocoon Apothecary.“It’s known for increasing hydration levels to plump up fine lines and heal dry, flaky skin.”

It can also be used in injectable form, like Restylane Skinboosters, says Dr. Lisa Kellett, dermatologist at DLK on Avenue. Those “results can last up to one year because of the direct delivery into the skin.”

Retinol

What is it?

A form of synthetic vitamin A, retinol is considered the gold standard when it comes to over-the-counter anti-aging ingredients. It speeds up the process of sloughing off dead skin cells, so it’s useful if you’re looking to target anything from fine lines to dark spots, as well as other signs of aging.

How should retinol be used?

This one’s a bit of a doozy. “Typically the skin needs time to acclimate to products that contain retinol,” explains Ursula Diaz, co-founder of skincare company Honor MD. “To avoid common irritation associated with products that contain retinol (like redness and dryness) we recommend patients start using it one to two times per week (at night, since it can cause sun sensitivity) and to gradually increase usage as tolerated. The goal should be every night or every night.”

Alpha hydroxy Acids (AHAs)

What are they?

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are a class of chemical exfoliators that dissolve the bonds between skin cells, allowing you to slough away the dead skin cells that sit on top of your skin—gross, we know. The most well-known, and well-researched, of the bunch are lactic acid and glycolic acid, which are typically derived from milk and sugarcane, respectively, though vegans shouldn’t fret, since most lactic acid found in skincare these days is synthetically derived.

How should they be used?

Nighttime use is best, as they can be irritating—especially glycolic acid, the less gentle of the two. Dr. Kellett advises to opt for a serum over a mask or cleanser, both of which have less time on skin to work their exfoliating magic. And while the ideal percentage of glycolic acid is highly dependent upon your tolerance and skin type, when it comes to lactic acid, you’ll want to look for 5 to 10% for topicals, and 10 to 20% in peels, she says.

Vitamin C 

What is it?

Easily the most well-known antioxidant in skincare, vitamin C (also known as L-ascorbic acid) is an absolute must for brightening your overall skin tone, lightening acne scars and dark spots and providing skin with a shield-like layer of protection from pollution and particulate matter (tiny particles in the air like pollen and dust). Fun fact: Vitamin C is actually the number-two rising Google search for all face care topics worldwide (right behind retinol). So if you haven’t already, it’s time to get acquainted with this powerhouse.

How should it be used? 

Once daily is enough, says Dr. Kellett, but whether you use it in the morning or at night depends on what other products and ingredients you’re using. For example, you definitely won’t want an oil-based cleanser to block your water-based vitamin C serum from absorbing into skin—a good rule of thumb when using any combination of oil-based and water-based products, of course, but especially with (usually) pricey vitamin C serums—you don’t want to waste any of this gold.

It’s also a good idea to avoid using vitamin C at the same time as exfoliants like retinol, BHAs and AHAs, which can sometimes lead to redness, flaking and irritation, and is why most people tend to use a vitamin C serum in the morning, and other chemical exfoliants in the evening. Bonus: Layering a vitamin C serum under your sunscreen during the day adds extra protection from the sun’s UV rays, pollution, dust and more. Remember that shielding ability we mentioned above? Trust us—you want to take advantage of it.

Salicylic Acid 

What is it? 

“Salicylic acid is a chemical exfoliant that is sourced from willow tree bark,” explains Burman. The beta-hydroxy acid is especially useful for those with oily or acne-prone skin, as its small molecular size allows it to get deep into the skin and dissolve the pore-clogging debris that lead to acne, blackheads and whiteheads.

How should it be used?

It can be used daily, but because it is a chemical exfoliant and can potentially be irritating, Dr. Kellett suggests avoiding using it with other keratolytics [like trichloroacetic acid and Allantoin] and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs like glycolic and lactic acid).

The post The 5 Most Common Skincare Ingredients—and How to Actually Use Them appeared first on MyMedicPlus.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Together, hair loss prevention and anti-aging skincare represent a more than $11 billion market. Yuva Biosciences, an anti-aging startup based on technology developed at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, is harnessing its cutting-edge science to develop products based on breakthrough research, in which mitochondria play a role in reversing skin aging and hair loss.

“It’s exciting to see another startup born out of UAB technology choosing to stay and grow in Birmingham,” said Kathy Nugent, Ph.D., executive director of UAB’s Bill L. Harbert Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. “Competing companies are predominantly located in medtech clusters, including Silicon Valley and Boston; but our local ecosystem is also poised for cultivating innovative startups like Yuva.”

The startup intends to develop cosmeceuticals, science-based cosmetics with medicinal properties, and pharmaceuticals. The runway to product launch becomes significantly shorter for cosmeceuticals, and the company expects to develop initial topical products within four years.

Wrinkled skin and hair loss are among the earliest and most predominant visual changes observed during aging.

“Yuva Biosciences plans to mitigate many of the undesirable effects of aging, which is why we like to say our goal is to provide youthfulness for life,” said Keshav Singh, Ph.D., professor of genetics in the UAB School of Medicine, who will serve as Yuva Biosciences’ chief scientific adviser. “Initial products will be aimed at helping people look and feel younger, with a longer-term plan to address aging-related diseases and disorders.”

Greg Schmergel, a Boston-based serial entrepreneur, will serve as chairman of Yuva Biosciences, offering more than 25 years of experience in launching multiple high-tech ventures and leading a nanotechnology company, Nantero, Inc., where he is the co-founder and CEO.

“Yuva is positioned to become a leader in the anti-aging industry, under Keshav’s vision and scientific leadership,” Schmergel said. “We are committed to building the company in Birmingham, where we’ll have access to resources like the world-class researchers and facilities at UAB, the startup-focused amenities at Innovation Depot, and the rising regional entrepreneurial network.”

The company has identified lab space at Innovation Depot and plans to hire additional employees.

The post Anti-aging startup launched based on breakthrough UAB research appeared first on MyMedicPlus.

It is a great idea to include banana in your beauty regime and enjoy the benefits of the fruit which is rich in potassium and vitamin A, B, and C!

Banana is one of the most consumed fruit as it is easily available across the globe. But this fruit is not only tasty to eat, it also has multiple benefits for one’s health, skin, and even hair. While eating banana helps boost energy, its puree is an excellent way to get amazing skin and silky and smooth hair. It is also useful to fight off premature aging of the skin. Hence, it is a great idea to include banana in your beauty regimen and enjoy the benefits of the fruit which is rich in potassium and vitamin A, B, and C.

Skincare benefits:

Skin moisturizer

“Bananas are the secret to a well-nourished skin as it helps keep it hydrated. It also helps moisturize dry skin, making it soft and supple. Vitamin A in banana restores the skin’s moisture and smoothens out the rough texture by healing dry and parched skin,” says Plabita Sharma, skincare expert, The Body Shop.

Bananas contain high level of antioxidants and act as nature’s Botox, preventing fine lines and wrinkles from forming.

Treats acne

Bananas are loaded with many nutrients like vitamin A, zinc, and manganese, which are anti-inflammatory. Rubbing a banana peel on your face acts as a blemish banisher, and also helps in treating acne.

Dandruff can be caused by scalp irritation, dryness, as well as fungal and bacterial pathogens. “Applying banana mask to your scalp can add moisture (cutting down on dryness) and also rid your scalp of microscopic offenders causing dandruff,” says Sharma adding that for centuries, banana peel, leaf, flower and fruit have been in used to treat various ailments as the extracts of different parts of the banana have antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

Banana may help smoothen frizzy hair as it has high silica content. Silica is absorbed by our body to produce collagen, a protein that is a building block of bouncy and beautiful hair.

Bananas are a great way to get soft, smooth, manageable as well as moisturised hair. Because of its rich potassium, vitamin, calcium, and carbohydrates content along with natural oils, bananas provide nourishment to the hair and makes it smooth and shiny.

Antioxidants in banana can also infuse your scalp and hair with a stronger defense system, and decrease oxidative stress — a major reason for hair to look brittle and aged. Using banana overtime can make hair follicles stronger, and, as a result, grow longer.

The post Beauty tips: Amazing ways banana can benefit your skin and hair appeared first on MyMedicPlus.

hen reading about hair and skincare, you’ll often encounter the term “pH balance,” as if you’re supposed to have any idea what it means. pH might sound familiar, though, and rightfully so: You learned about it in your high school chemistry class. And, as it would turn out, your skin and hair have their own natural pH levels that, if imbalanced, can lead to dryness and irritation.

And we’ll get to that, but before we dive in, here’s what you need to know about pH: “It stands for ‘potential hydrogen,’” says dermatologist Tsippora Shainhouse of Beverly Hills. “It refers to the acid-basic ratio of a substance. The more hydrogen ions available, the more acidic, and the lower the pH.” There is a 0-14 scale denoting if something is alkaline (with high pH) or acidic (low pH). The middle, 7, is neutral, and anything less than that increases in acidity, whereas anything above it increases in alkalinity. Different elements and organisms carry different natural levels, and a neutral 7 isn’t necessarily equilibrium.

Maintaining healthy pH levels is essential to keeping your skin happy, especially on your face. It can help prevent aging and generally keep your face clear of irritation. Here’s how to do it—without trying too hard.

Know your natural pH level
Skin is acidic in its natural state, with levels believed to be somewhere between 5-6 on the pH scale, says Shainhouse. However, some studies have proven that natural, untreated skin gets as low as 4.7. “The skin’s acid mantle, aka the skin barrier, is made up of sebum, lactic and amino acids, and it is what enables the skin to retain moisture and keep out germs, damaging UV rays and environmental pollutants, as well as preventing it from becoming irritated by topical chemicals and skin care products,” she says. There’s no easy way to check the pH balance of your skin. But there are other, more indirect, ways to monitor it.

Watch out for signs that your pH is off
If your skin is inflamed, dry, irritated and overly sensitive, it might be suffering from a high pH, Shainhouse says. “The alkali strips the skin of its protective properties. It can lead to premature skin aging and wrinkling.”

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Low skin pH—e.g. when it gets too acidic—manifests as redness, irritation, oiliness, or increased acne. “Many skincare products are acid-based and can help treat some acne, but overusing them can remove the protective skin barrier, leaving skin irritated and hypersensitive,” Shainhouse adds. “Healthy skin with a normal pH appears smooth, soft without tightness, dryness, flaking, irritation or itching,” she says. “It doesn’t react or become sensitive to skincare products that you use regularly.”

So try to preemptively maintain your pH balance
First and foremost, the pH levels in the water that you shower in can affect your skin—including your scalp. “You want soft, non-alkaline, non-mineral, heavy water for bathing,” says Shainhouse. She suggests getting a water softener if your skin and hair are consistently too dry.

Many soaps of yore were made of lye, which is ultra alkaline, and would dry out the skin—or worse, leave chemical burns on it. Shampoos and soaps that contain sulfates—the ingredient that lathers up all those suds—might also irritate the skin. So Shainhouse suggests using gentle, moisturizing soaps and shampoos, and something slightly acidic—with alpha or beta hydroxyl acid—to maintain proper acidic levels. (Try Murad® AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, Mario Badescu AHA Botanical Body Soap and Davines Minu Shampoo.)

Skin toners are especially good for targeting pH—they’re specifically designed to manage these levels in the skin. “Toners and micellar waters can be used to deliver specific ingredients, including salicylic acid for acne-prone skin, or green tea or chamomile to soothe,” Shainhouse says. (Try Ursa Major 4-in-1 Essential Face Tonic.)

Perhaps the best thing you can do for your hair is use a conditioner. “Hair conditioner is actually a ‘toner’, in that it can pH balance the hair after it is altered by alkaline tap water or drying, stripping shampoos,” Shainhouse says. (Try Hanz de Fuko Natural Conditioner.)

Lastly, Shainhouse says that moisturisers add the important levels of hydration that keep skin balanced, while reparative formulations like ceramide- or hyaluronic-acid-packed products will help seal a broken skin barrier to minimise moisture loss and prevent irritation. (Try Dr. Jart+ Ceramide Liquid, Youth to the People Hyaluronic Acid Age Prevention Cream.)

The post What is pH balance and why should I care? appeared first on MyMedicPlus.

Each year in the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab, we rigorously test skincare products, from moisturizers to cleansers, exfoliators, anti-aging treatments, and more. Below are our top picks, proven to to be the top performers in their categories. Each has been thoroughly evaluated or tested by the Lab’s scientists for efficacy and safety.

For our testing, we send label-masked products to a panel of thousands of women across the country and solicit real, unbiased feedback from consumers with a range of skin types. We also take scientific measurements in the Lab using instruments to evaluate the results, such as the Corneometer, which measures skin’s moisture levels, and the Visia Complexion Analyzer, a digital imaging device that can track changes in skin, including the size and depth of wrinkles, pore count, and dark spots.

Without a doubt, these are the best skincare products you can buy:

1
BEST DRUGSTORE FACE CLEANSER
Gentle Skin Cleanser

CETAPHIL
Cetaphil
dermstore.com
$16.00
SHOP NOW
With a powder-fresh scent and mild suds, Cetaphil topped the Beauty Lab’s face wash test for cleansing thoroughly yet leaving skin soft. Several testers remarked that it was gentle and great for sensitive skin. “It didn’t overdry, strip or irritate,” one raved.

Testers ranked it highest of all cleansers, with 86% saying they’d continue using it. Plus, it scored well for rinsing off easily and making skin feel hydrated.

2
BEST ANTI-AGING SERUM
Smart Custom Repair Concentrate Serum

CLINIQUE
Clinique
macys.com
$60.00
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Scoring points for softening, firming, brightening, evening tone and minimizing pores and brown spots, this formulation was the clear winner in the GH Beauty Lab’s anti-aging serums test.

In Lab assessment, the serum was best at boosting firmness at 24%, and reduced the look of pores and brown spots by 7%. Plus, 100% of testers agreed it had a nice texture.

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3
BEST FACE OIL
Bienfait Multi-Vital Daily Oil

LANCOME
Lancôme
hsn.com
$54.00
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Infused with a bouquet of botanical oils (rose, evening primrose, geranium), Lancôme’s translucent blend was a winner of the Lab’s facial oil test thanks to its subtle floral scent and hydrating effects.

The “luxurious” liquid was “soothing and calming,” and it made skin look “more radiant and feel “fresh and alive,” testers said. In GH Beauty Lab testing, it increased skin’s moisture content by 11% over six hours.

4
BEST EYE CREAM
Le Life Créme Yeux Firming Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream

CHANEL
Chanel
nordstrom.com
$105.00
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Blanket your delicate eye area in luxe nourishment with this rich formula, the most hydrating of all eye creams the GH Beauty Lab tested. “Flat-out amazing,” a tester marveled. “My skin feels baby-smooth, and it softened the lines and wrinkles around my eyes.” The gentle cream increased eye-area skin hydration by an impressive 34% over six hours in Lab assessment.

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5
BEST LINE-SMOOTHING SERUM
Metacell Renewal B3

SKINCEUTICALS
SkinCeuticals
dermstore.com
$112.00
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SkinCeuticals’ super serum, which contains high levels of vitamin B3 to stimulate cell turnover, earned raves for visible wrinkle softening, brightening and firming. “I could see plumpness in my skin the next day — I was shocked,” a tester said.

“Almost immediate results on my fine lines,” another remarked. The light liquid was the best of the serums tested by the GH Beauty Lab at reducing wrinkles, by 5% after four weeks of use.

6
BEST FACE PEEL
Rapid Reveal Peel

DERMALOGICA
Dermalogica
Dermstore.com
$85.00
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The winner of the GH Beauty Lab’s at-home facial peels test, this lactic acid formulation rated best with testers for evening skin tone and reducing lines, with 100% confirming that they’d use it again.

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7
BEST BRIGHTENING NIGHT CREAM
Overnight Restorative Cream

ALGENIST
Algenist
sephora.com
$94.00
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A cocktail of collagen boosters like antioxidant vitamins C and E and peptides, Algenist’s rich cream deeply moisturizes and diminishes spots— while you sleep. “This really is removing my dark spots,” a tester said.

“I’m in my 40s, and I could go to work without makeup— my skin just looks better,” another revealed. GH Beauty Lab tests found that it raised skin’s moisture content 33% in six hours and reduced UV spots 11% in four weeks.

8
BEST HYDRATING NIGHT CREAM
Resveratrol Lift Night Infusion Cream

CAUDALIE
Caudalie
sephora.com
$76.00
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With grape seed oil and the antioxidant resveratrol (derived from grape vines), this silky cream proved to be a powerful hydrator and smoother. “It didn’t leave my face greasy,” a tester said. “My skin felt soft when I woke up,” another reported.

It scored among the highest in the GH Beauty Lab’s night cream test, increasing moisturization 43% over six hours. The Lab’s Visia complexion analyzer’s digital imaging also showed a 12% improvement in skin texture.

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9
BEST DRUGSTORE NIGHT CREAM
Revitalift Volume Filler Night Cream

L’OREAL PARIS
L’Oreal Paris
walmart.com
$8.38
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This lightweight gel cream from L’Oréal, containing plumping hyaluronic acid, is a heavy hitter. Ranked among the highest in the Beauty Lab’s night creams test for firming and hydrating, it offers the best bang for your buck.

“I could see a real difference in my skin after just a few uses,” one tester said. “My husband even commented on how good my skin looks!” a second revealed. In our Lab tests, it boosted skin’s firmness 36% and hydration levels 40%.

The post 23 Best Skincare Products That Will Give You the Most Amazing Skin of Your Life. appeared first on MyMedicPlus.

In the world of anti-aging ingredients, there are few that can compete with or compare to retinol, the undisputed gold standard among dermatologists. And for good reason: retinoids have been proven to be highly effective time and time again, helping to both speed cell turnover on the outer layers of the skin, while also stimulating collagen production in the deeper layers. Translation: Clearer, more even skin and fewer wrinkles. So why isn’t everyone and their mother using a retinoid? Largely because along with all of that potency comes the potential for some seriously irritating—and unsightly—side effects, namely redness, flaking, and dryness. It also breaks down when exposed to sunlight, not to mention isn’t safe to use during pregnancy.

That’s why bakuchiol is the latest anti-aging ingredient garnering lots of buzz. Derived from a plant native to India and Sri Lanka, it’s been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, despite the fact that it’s just now becoming a mainstream skincare ingredient. Why the lag time? Scientists have only recently discovered that it may be comparable to retinol. Despite the fact that the two have very different molecular structures, “bakuchiol has antioxidant properties that make it similar to retinol,” explains cosmetic chemist Perry Romanowski. “This is what prompted scientists to investigate how the two would compare,” he adds.

The results? According to a recent study published in the British Journal of Dermatology, bakuchiol and retinol had similar effects when it came to decreasing wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. “It’s hard to make conclusions about bakuchiol because this was a small study, but the evidence points to them being comparable,” Romanowski says. The big difference between the two? The newbie proved to be much less irritating. Couple that with the fact that it won’t break down in the sun and is generally safe to use during pregnancy (though it’s always a good idea to check with your doc) and bakuchiol is poised to give retinol a run for its money. Curious to give it a try? Find it in these five products.

1. sephora
   
   Ole Henriksen Glow Cycle Retin-ALT Power Serum
   Since bakuchiol won’t be rendered inactive by the sun, it’s totally fine to make it part of your daytime routine. Try this multi-tasking day serum, which does everything from fade dark spots to minimize pores. Plus, the subtle lavender tint brightens dull skin on the spot, perfect when you want a little instant gratification.

2. alpynbeauty.com
Alpyn Beauty Plant Genius Moisturizer
This line relies on a whole host of plant-based active ingredients, so it’s no surprise that bakuchiol is one of them. It’s coupled with hydrating ceramides and squalane, which melts into skin, leaving it with a perfectly velvety finish. Oh, and it layers beautifully under makeup, too.

3. herbivorebotanicals.com

Herbivore Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Smoothing Serum
Bakuchiol is paired with uber-gentle PHAs (polyhydroxy acids) to help minimize wrinkles and exfoliate, leaving your complexion smooth and glowing. Bonus points for the very pleasing jelly-like texture and pretty purple hue.

4. twinmedix.com

TwinMedix Pro:Refine Eye Corrector
The delicate skin around your eyes is thin and where signs of aging tend to show up first. Fight pesky crow’s feet with this treatment that contains bakuchiol, hydrating sodium hyaluronate, and vitamin B5.

5. isdin.com

Isdin Melatonik 3-in-1 Night Serum
Bedtime bakuchiol for the win. This p.m. powerhouse boosts elasticity and firmness, but the formula also helps undo the day’s damage. Melatonin and vitamin C fight free radicals caused by exposure to UV rays and pollution.

The post Bakuchiol Is the All-Natural Anti-Aging Alternative to Retinol appeared first on MyMedicPlus.

A dermatologist has revealed her top tips to protecting your skin from damaging city pollution, which can reduce antioxidants in skin and disrupt collagen production, aging skin as a result.

Shocking statistics released by the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs recently revealed that city pollution increases by a staggering 20 per cent on weekdays compared to weekends.

And now a skin expert has told FEMAIL that as well serious environmental implications and health consequences, pollution can have an ageing impact on our skin.

According to leading skincare clinic group sknclinics.co.uk only 23 per cent of Brits know how to protect their skin from harm, while 75 per cent of Londoners feel their commute has a negative impact on the condition of their skin.

Consultant Jinah Yoo revealed that deep cleansing at night to rid the pores of deep-set grime, as well as using SPF on a daily basis – even in the winter – and drinking eight glasses of water by 8pm, are all ways to keep your skin looking youthful.

Explaining how pollution can affect the skin, Jinah Yoo said: ‘There are several mechanisms by which air pollution can affect the skin.

‘Ozone, which is one of the major air pollutants, generates free radicals which leads to a reduction in the antioxidants in our skin, as well as disrupting collagen production and destroying the skin’s barrier. As a result, it promotes skin ageing.

‘With long-term exposure to air pollutants, you may see the signs of skin ageing which will appear as wrinkles, brown spots, uneven skin tone, dehydration and loosing elasticity of the skin.

‘Air pollutants also cause skin inflammation and increased pigment production.

‘What’s more, some of the air pollutants are small enough to penetrate into pores which can be trapped and cause acne-like spots.’

Advising how the ideal daily skincare routine should look, she continued: ‘There are four important daily skincare steps you should consider: deep cleansing, antioxidant application, moisturiser and sunscreen.

‘Firstly, deep cleansing at night will help to remove pollutants accumulated on the surface of the skin during the daytime.

‘After cleansing, application of an antioxidant cream containing vitamin C and E, which inhibit free radical formation, will help to delay the skin ageing process caused by extrinsic factors such as air pollution or UV.

‘However, choosing the right antioxidant and using it correctly is important. Vitamin C cream comes in various concentrations (5-20 per cent), it is best to start with a low concentration, then gradually increase the concentration as starting with high strength can occasionally cause skin irritation’.

Medical Director and specialist in Laser and Cosmetic Dermatology, at sk:n, Dr Hussein, shared his top daily skincare tips for keeping your face clean and clear in the city.

Keep an eye on the pollution forecast and air quality which will have a colour-coded map to show the areas of the UK worst effected by pollution.

Avoid spending unnecessary time near busy roads and traffic ingested areas when the map is coded in red, which is a ‘high’ air pollution banding, or purple, which signifies very high.

If you do find yourself unavoidable in a pollution hotspot, try to avoid touching your face during the day, and wash your face as soon as you get home.

Thoroughly cleansing your skin at night will help to remove pollutants accumulated on the surface of it during the daytime.

Exfoliating is a great way to remove the top layer of mostly dead, epidermal cells on the outer surface of the skin to expose fresher brighter skin.

Try an exfoliating cleanser that contains glycolic acid and glycerine to remove dead skin cells, clear pores, moisturise and rejuvenate the skin.

After a busy day avoid the temptation to use make-up wipes to cleanse your skin – they’re not a viable alternative to a proper cleanse and you could be doing more harm than good.

Make-up wipes can simply spread make-up, dirt and skin over your face, leaving irritated skin in their wake, and often contain ingredients such as alcohol or certain preservatives that will irritate more delicate skin types.

The scrubbing action that is often accompanied with their use can cause inflammation that, over time, can promote skin pigmentation.

After cleansing, application of an antioxidant cream containing vitamin C and E, which inhibit free radical formation, will help to delay the skin ageing process caused by extrinsic factors such as air pollution or UV.

Vitamin C cream comes in various concentrations (5-20 per cent), and it is best to start with a low concentration, then gradually increase the concentration as starting with high strength can occasionally cause skin irritation.

Keeping your skin well-moisturised will help to maintain an intact skin barrier, vital for protection against pollution.

Apply moisturiser morning and night after cleansing your face. You may wish to use a heavier moisturiser in the evening and a lighter one in the day.

Air pollution can affect everyone, however patients with underlying skin conditions with a broken skin barrier, such as eczema, may experience worsening of their eczema with exposure to air pollution.

Sun cream should be a key element of everyone’s daily skin routine, and not just in the summer.

Using sun cream which contains UV and visible light block will help to reduce signs of skin ageing.

It’s tempting to use more cosmetics to cover up any skin imperfections, however, by doing this it clogs your pores even more and triggers further outbreaks or can be what caused one in the first place.

Going cold turkey isn’t always a realistic option more some people so instead why try going one day a week with no make-up or using mineral cosmetics instead.

The worst culprits for causing breakouts are heavy use of foundation – look for products that are non-comedogenic, sheer, and fragrance-free.

When skin is dehydrated, it will be dull, lack moisture and therefore lustre.

The phrase ‘8 by 8’ is useful at keeping track of how many glasses of water you consume before the end of the day; simply drink eight glasses of water by 8pm, a minimum of 2 litres, and you’ll have had your fill for the day.

Whilst maintaining a good daily skincare routine will help protect your skin from damage, there are a variety of treatments that can help improve skin pigmentation and tone whilst rejuvenating the skin – including hydrofacials and laser treatments.

The post How to stop city pollution from aging your skin appeared first on MyMedicPlus.