Indian Wildlife Club Ezine (December, 2001)

Deepika Vohra served as the head of the Department of Beauty Culture at the International Polytechnic for Women at New Delhi. She also ran a beauty clinic at Delhi's Vasant Kunj for some time from where she relocated to New York for five years. Exposure to the world capital of beauty and cosmetics gave her an opportunity to compare the Indian beauty industry with the razzle dazzle of the New World. Reading and researching beauty culture has always been a hobby with her. The tips for beauty given below were selected from her repertoire of nature based recipes which are time tested to deliver.

How do you recognize your skin type?

NORMAL SKIN --- is finely textured with no visible pores, spots, or blemishes, soft and velvety to the touch, and unwrinkled. Normal skin has to be treasured and preserved, as it is liable to change, if neglected.

OILY SKIN --- is caused by overactive sebaceous glands that give rise to large open pores. Larger pores, in turn, lead to blackheads, blemishes and acne. The appearance of blackheads and blemishes is due to clogged oil and dirt in the pores which is not removed instantly by cleansing. Oily skin begins to have an oily shine within a few minutes after wash or make-up. This makes it difficult to hold make-up. However, oily skin has an advantage of ageing very slowly, but deep cleansing must be thorough.

DRY SKIN --- is a sensitive skin type which comes in blotches, tends to peel off easily and feels tight after a wash. Lack of moisture results in dry skin and this skin type is more prominent around the eyes, mouth, lips, sides of mouth, and forehead. Cleansing, toning, moisturizing form an integral routine of this type of skin. Dry skin is highly susceptible to diet, extremes in weather and harsh perfumed skin care products. Dry skin also has another disadvantage. Wrinkles appear faster giving you a prematurely aged look. A generous application of moisturizer will produce a skin which would be on par with the 'enviable' peaches and cream complexion.

COMBINATION SKIN--- As the word 'combination' suggests it is mix of two different skin types on one face. More often this skin type is the result of a badly cleansed and neglected skin. It is easily recognizable as it is oily down the T panel, that is the forehead, nose, chin. The skin gets this oily look down the T panel while the rest of the face appear and feel dry. Combination skin needs scrupulous cleansing. It is a good idea to use a face mask for oily skin down the T panel and a mask for dry skin for the rest of the face. This method of treating the combination skin works ideally to give a perfect, balanced effect.

SENSITIVE SKIN---- This type of skin is extremely delicate and vulnerable. It is easily susceptible to freckles, itchy spots and blotches. Dermatitis and allergies caused by chemical cosmetics are common problems of a sensitive skin. It is best to discontinue the usage of strong and harsh skin care products as well as perfumed creams and moisturizers.

STEAM FACIAL

After a deep cleansing routine and a good facial massage, the next step to skin care is steaming. Steaming dilates the pores and deep cleans by bringing to the surface all the hidden grease and dirt. It also brings a glow on your face but should be avoided in the case of a sensitive skin. Steaming can be done with the use of an electric steamer or, alternatively, a basin filled with steaming hot water. You may add herbs/flowers to the hot water. Cover your head with a towel to trap the steam and breathe in the vapours. The aroma of the herbs will stimulate a soothing and relaxed feeling. Once the pores are dilated, wipe the face with a tissue or damp towel. Remove blackheads using a blackhead remover and sterilized cotton wool. Thereafter, apply a face towel dipped and rinsed in ice cold water. Leave on the face for 5 to 10 minutes and apply a good face pack.

PACKS

FACE PACKS FOR DRY SKIN

1) Ingredients :

1 Tablespoon olive oil
2 Lemon
1 Egg yolk

Method

Extract the juice of the lemon, add olive oil and egg yolk. Mix well.
Apply and leave for 15 minutes and then wash off.

2) Ingredients :

1 Egg yolk
1 Tablespoon milk powder
1 Teaspoon honey & rose water

Method

Mix the ingredients together. Use rose water to achieve a paste form. Apply all over the face and neck. Wash off after 15 minutes using warm water.

PACK FOR OILY, LARGE PORED SKIN

1) Ingredients :

2 Teaspoon honey
12 Tablespoons lemon juice
12 Tablespoons fullers earth

Method

Mix all the ingredients to form a paste. After application, wash after 15 minutes with luke warm water.

2) Ingredients :

2Banana
2 Tablespoon honey

Method

Mash banana well; add in honey and mix well. Apply well all over face and rinse off after 10 – 15 minutes.

Note:Do not use this pack if you have a sensitive skin.

PACK FOR WRINKLED SKIN

Ingredients

1 Egg white
2 Tablespoons honey

Method

Mix all the ingredients and make a thick paste. Apply the pack and relax on a bed till dry. Wash off.

Vegetable and fruit based cleansing masks

Mashed strawberries have excellent cleansing properties.

Ripe, mashed papaya, leaves skin clean, smooth and shining.

Boiled and mashed turnips combined with a little yogurt also cleanses the skin.