ICynosure: Skincare

How many of us can say that we know our skin, what works for it and what doesn’t; across ages, seasons and locations? I’m sure we all think we can, but truly none of us can, not even a part of the whole. This realisation dawned on me at a ‘Skin Awareness Month’ panel discussion organised by the skincare brand Galderma. The awareness month is aimed at educating consumers about skin and skin types, and more importantly skin issues and what efforts are required to keep skin healthy and beautiful.

As personal experiences were shared during the discussion, one thing became extremely clear - eight out of ten women self-diagnose their skin issues and try home remedies that may or may not be helpful. It became abundantly oblivious that as influencers who talk about beauty and skincare we have to take forward the main goal of the initiative and encourage readers to avail access to experts and science-driven recommendations to help improve the overall quality of their skin and resolve their skin issues.

Apart from this singular theme, I had two major take aways from the discussion. One pointer was how ofter skin issues are misunderstood and that skin care does not follow the one-size-fits-all approach. Dr. Suraj Shetty emphasised on how often every skin issue be it acne, dark spots, discolouration, pigmentation or others requires a professional diagnosis and personalised care with products specifically designed for it.

Another pointer that stayed with me was Dr. Kaleem Khan’s insistence on keeping skincare routines simple with effective products that are appropriate for your skin type, health and condition.

I had a chance to interact with Dr. Kaleem Khan who give me a few simple pointers to keep my skin looking fresh and healthy.

~ Upgrade my CTM routine with the new improved Cetaphil range of cleansers and moisturisers that offers better formulation with added gentle ingredients such as Glycerin improves Hydration, Niacinamide for Brightening and Panthenol for moisturising.

~ Use sun protection daily not only for UV rays but also for harmful IR radiation emitted through household gadgets. Cetaphil Sun SPF 50 for outdoor protection and Cetaphil Sun SPF 30 for indoor protection.

~ Elevate my skin texture and tone with Biluma Advance Skin Brightening Lotion blended with natural ingredients and antioxidants and formulated with microemulsion luminous technology for natural skin glow and brightening.

I’ve now kickstarted my professionally recommended skincare routine with Cetaphil and Biluma.

My final thoughts about the Skin Awareness Month initiative is a more in-depth understanding of Skin Circadian Rhythm that is maintained through nourishment, brightening, rejuvenation and protection. Both Cetaphil and Biluma products mimic the skin’s natural mix, making it easy to absorb and work. With natural and hypoallergenic ingredients, and dermatologically approved Cetaphil and Biluma products are ideal for all skin types.

To know more about the products, please visit Cetaphil(@cetaphil_india) and Biluma (@bilumaindia).

Until next time,

~ Heena

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After using almost all the products from the NEUD Carrot Seed Premium Skin and Hair care ranges I was excited to try the newly launched NEUD Carrot Seed Premium Hair Oil and NEUD Carrot Seed Premium Skin Anti-Ageing Repair Cream.

Carrot Seed extract is a newly discovered however widely used ancient beauty ingredient that is highly beneficial in skincare as it:

Supports Anti-oxidation: the extract is rich in antioxidants, which is vital in fending off skin-damaging free radicals.

Stimulates Cell: the extract is a precursor to Vitamin A, which is responsible for cell regeneration, turnover and repair.

The NEUD Carrot Seed Premium Skin Anti-Ageing Repair Cream is high in Tocopherol that acts as an anti-oxidant to scavenge free radicals, prevent collagen damage, lower pigmentation and mute uneven skin tone. Additional the protein in the cream promotes skin repair, reduces scarring and speeds up skin healing. And above all Ducol and Carotol in the cream forms a natural shield against skin infections.

Apart from the natural carrot seed extract, the cream is also infused with Aloe Vera Extract, Soybean Extract, Manjishtha Extract, Vitamin E, Honey, Almond Oil, Light Liquid Paraffin, Glycerine, Glycol Monostearate and Stearic Acid. This great concoction, ensures that the cream is:

~ naturally pH-balanced and free from harmful chemicals

~ prevent wrinkles and collagen breakdown and eases skin inflammation

~ prevent skin cell damage caused by free radicals, UV radiation and pollution

So here’s my experience of the NEUD Premium Skin Anti-Ageing Repair Cream…. I’ve been using the cream as directed. I liberally apply and massage the cream twice a day, gently on my skin until it is fully absorbed. My first impressions about the cream is amazing… The cream is fragrance-less and very light coloured. The texture is super light and it does not weigh, and is easily absorbed without any stickiness or residue left. I absolutely love how the cream inspite of being so light keeps my skin moisturised and hydrated for almost the entire day.

Since the cream is a skin and body cream I used it as a moisturising face cream too and it worked amazing well. I’ve noticed slowly how my skin texture has improved with the reduction of breakouts, lightening of acne scars and age spots. I’m finally on the way to achieving a healthy, clear and even toned skin with the cream. As a body cream the NEUD Premium Skin Anti-Ageing Repair Cream has worked wonders for me. I have a beautifully hydrated skin, with no signs of tan or skin discolouration.

I would highly recommend anyone who is looking for a great cream to try the NEUD Premium Skin Anti-Ageing Repair Cream and each of you will just like me, absolutely love your skin.

Until next time,

~ Heena

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Scientists have traced the desire to reverse ageing to thousands of year ago and have pegged a positive lifestyle and clean eating habits as the best way to reduce ageing. However I personally think that eating nutritious meals and staying physically fit are just a couple of wellness-related goals that support healthy ageing but numerous other subtle lifestyle changes can actually help reduce signs of ageing and also help repair skin damage and premature ageing.

I’ve included these small yet crucial changes in my every-day routine that help restore my skin’s texture and improve my skin’s health; making it younger looking, radiant and healthy.

Remove the Triggers

Alcohol and smoking play a major role in prematurely ageing. Alcohol dehydrates the skin leading to irreversible damage while smoking results in a dull and shallow complexion. Together the two speeds up the process with long term damage.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking adequate water is essential for good health as the body needs water for every function. Besides flushing out, aiding digestion, and regulating body temperature, water keeps skin healthy from within, boosts skin elasticity and corrects tissue damage.

Regulate Sleep Pattern

It is crucial to get adequate sleep but it is more important to sleep correctly. Studies have proved that sleeping on the back helps prevent facial skin distortion. Also switching cotton sheets and pillowcases by silk bed linen lowers friction and skin abrasion.

Supplement the Body

Every body suffers from either lack of nutrition or overconsumption of malnutrition meaning too little of the right things or much of the wrong things. Getting your blood work done and consulting a physician is the best way to regularise your body, identify the needs and supplement wisely.

Go beyond CTM

Set a skincare routine apt for your skin type, however follow the main three steps of cleansing, toning and moisturising the skin. Once the skin is treated to this, take a step ahead with an under-eye cream and a skin renewal and anti-ageing cream.

I’ve been following a set skincare routine with NEUD Goat Milk skincare products including the face wash and moisturising lotion and have recently added the NEUD Goat Milk Premium Skin Renewal Cream.

The NEUD Goat Milk Premium Skin Renewal Cream is loaded with Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA),Vitamins, Minerals, and Selenium, which individually have immense skincare benefits. When infused together the ingredients become a great skin booster as the cream helps to:

~ prevents sun-induced skin damage and discolouration

~ retain moisture, protect skin collagen and nourish the skin

~ remove age spots, prevent wrinkles and brighten complexion

~ promote growth of new skin cells and remove dead skin cells

I’ve been using the Skin Renewal Cream since its launch and the one thing I have noticed is the improvement in my skin elasticity. The overall skin tone has definitely improved with the lighter spots and no visible pigmentation. Another thing I’m really happy about is that my skin no longer feels flaky as it is deeply hydrated. To cut the long story short this was one step missing in my skincare routine and now with NEUD Goat Milk Premium Skin Renewal Cream, my skincare routine is invincible.

The best part is that the cream is suitable for all skin types for both men and women, so you should definitely be investing in the right products for your skin.

Until next time,

~ Heena

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The health and beauty benefits of Rogan Jaitun Oil commonly known as Olive oil are innumerable. Over the last few years, experts have harped on the nutritiveness however it has been used for over thousands of years and is said to be the secret behind Cleopatra's beautiful hair and skin.

This little fruit is naturally loaded with antioxidants, polyphenols and Vitamins A, D, E and K, R which when cold-pressed is retained in the oil. I’ve been using Nature Sure™ Rogan Jaitun Oil for numerous skin and beauty DIY treatments at home. Here are some of the ways you can use the oil to get the hair and skin you are aiming for:

Pre-Shampoo Hair Mask: Warm the oil in a microwave or hot water for a couple of minutes and then apply on the scalp, hair roots and hair ends. Warm a warm towel on the head for about 30 minutes and then wash hair as normal for beautifully conditioned, voluminous and shiny hair.

Lip Scrub: Mix a spoon of olive oil with a spoon of lemon juice and sugar. Let this mixture sit in a cool dry place for a few hours and then use it to exfoliate your lips gently in a circular motion. Use this every day to get fuller, chap-free and light coloured lips.

Tinted Moisturiser: Dot a few drops of oil with a regular moisturiser, (especially for sensitive skin) and generously apply the face on the face and body. The oil will not only enable to absorb other skincare and makeup products well onto the skin and body but also work its magic behind the scene.

Protective Serum: Spray some oil on towel dry hair before using hair dryers, blowers or straighteners to shield hair from heat damage. Not only will this help avoid any hair detonation but also ensure an extra-glossy finish that leaves hair feeling silky, shiny and smooth.

Make-Up Remover: Pump a few drops of oil on a cotton makeup remover pad and cleanse the face. The oil base grabs in all the product on the face, including the eyes to act as the best pre-cleanse product. Ensure to finish with a cream-based cleanser for a residue-free skin.

If there are any other ways you use olive oil for skincare and haircare, drop me a message and I would love to add that to the list.

Until next time,
~ Heena

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When parenthood comes knocking at your door, you think you are prepared, but trust me no one is. When I was expecting Heer, I listened to a lot of advice; imagined, and organized, what I thought I would need. But as soon as she arrived, not only did a period of trial and error start, but also a huge learning curve ensured. One thing I learned very quickly was that a baby goes through numerous diapers daily, and a new mom needs more than just the diapers for all the diapering that happens.

While diapers remain at the center of this activity :), the other essentials for healthy and safe diapering sessions include natural water wipes, diaper rash cream, and most importantly, a changing mat. Most first-time moms may not realize how a dedicated hygiene kit for diapering makes their lives so much easier. But over a few weeks when they do realize it, they find that it's quite difficult to choose the right products for their quintessential baby hygiene kit. It happened to me too. When I was diapering Heer, I experimented with a lot of products, and found the whole process of searching, using, and experimenting to be quite overwhelming.

However, today, being a seasoned mom, I was quite well-prepared when Rajveer arrived and knew exactly what to pick. The catch for me was to choose between reusable and disposable products. Because I knew that my little man would need a minimum of 10 diaper changes a day, and I needed to give myself time to recover from a second C-section delivery, I decided to use disposable diapers and disposable changing mats that would make my diaper duty a little less smelly, shitty, and tedious.

And with a zillion brands on the market, I continued to use my personal #MomUsedAndApproved #SuperMatsForSuperMoms disposable Teddyy Changing Mats because of its 3 product features and I want to share them with you. Here they are:

Waterproof Protection
Nothing is more uncomfortable for a baby than a wet surface. So the Teddyy Changing Mats make sure that they remain dry and give the utmost comfort to my baby with their super absorbent top layer, which is soft and spongy and has a criss-cross design which stops leakages. It also has a waterproof back sheet which prevents the mats from getting wet. And it also keeps allergies and infection at bay with its anti-bacterial and hypoallergenic core. Using this mat assured me that the baby will always remain dry and clean, allergy-free and happy.

Multiuse Function
The general perception is that changing mats are used for diapering only. But, Teddyy Changing Mats can be used as an additional protective cushioning on the seat while laying the baby or while travelling, as a wrap while holding the baby and even while massaging the baby.

Safety and Certification
I believe that safety and quality are of the utmost importance when picking a baby care product and this holds true for diapering products too. Since I use Teddyy Changing Mats practically 24/7, I did check if the product met the mandatory disposable hygiene products certification. I’m glad that the brand meets both the ISO 9001:2015 and CE Certifications that not only make the product healthy and environmentally safe but also make me secure about my choice.

Since the time I started using Teddyy Changing Mats, I’ve also started giving RV diaper-free hours, and it has worked wonders for him. Of course, I dispose the mats I use during the diaper-free hours immediately, while I use the mats in his bed and stroller for a few days.

As a second-time mom, I have used products from Teddyy with renewed gusto and would recommend all new moms to give it a shot too.

Until next time,
~ Heena

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Beauty, means different things to different people, in varying degrees of acceptance and rejection. Unfortunately, we take the phrase ‘Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder’ very seriously and strive to match up to expectations of what the world would consider as ‘Beauty’, that it has lead to become superficial to the point of ugly and to the extent of losing one’s authentic self.

The conversations today are aimed at making appearances a priority with a focus on the physical realm. The so-called beauty methods and procedures are advancing so rapidly that it not only is difficult to adapt but also very expensive. In reality, by the time you have been pinched, tucked and enhanced, you have lost yourself to the notion of beauty, rather than beauty itself. The imperative question we must all ask ourselves is whether we want to continue spending money to achieve beauty that is about looking beautiful from outside-in or introspect and aim to achieve beauty from within?

The answer to that important question, especially for me is to maintain the quality and beauty of the being. And when that happens, my beauty will glow and it will draw in everyone like a moth to a flame. I have worked in the wellness and healthcare industry, and thus discovered some secrets that have helped me understand beauty and strive to feel and look beautiful.

Smile From Within
A smile is one of the most important features of inner beauty, that can touch every heart. It is a positive affirmation that benefits the health as well as overall wellbeing of a person. So go on smile as much as you can, in fact, laugh and scream with joy.

Nourish From Within
Eating a healthy, balanced diet with emphasis on whole foods and vegetables and fruits help you achieve a glow that no cosmetics can attain. Nourish your body with food that helps it grow, remain healthy and add to your overall wellbeing. Add seasonal fruits, multigrain flour, raw as well as boiled vegetables for natural enhancement.

Exercise From Within
The body needs to work as much as the mind and the heart, so the simplest way to achieve that would be to exercise at least 30 minutes every day. However just do not exercise with your body, involve your soul, walk in a beautiful garden taking in the beauty of nature, spend some time with yourself while doing yoga to calm your mind, pick your favourite song to dance the blues way or jump into the lap of water to swim away.

Supplement From Within
The two pillars of beauty are anti-ageing and skin glow, which is a direct result of the amount of Glutathione and Vitamin C in the body. Glutathione, a master anti-oxidant, produced by the natural mechanism in the human body, is a combination of proteins elements such as cysteine, glycine, and glutamine. It helps to delay ageing, supports skin brightening and improves skin tone and skin buster. However, Glutathione requires Vitamin C to improve absorption in the body, with an added benefit of collagen synthesis in the skin.

Due to multiple factors like lifestyle, dietary habits and also age, the levels of Glutathione and Vitamin C in the body needs to be replenished. A brand that has made great inroads into these natural ingredients is ClickOnCare that offers Glutone 1000 and Escor Z.

Glutone 1000
Glutone 1000, which contains the world’s best Glutathione - ‘SETRIA Glutathione’ is critical for the optimum health of every body cell. It is the master anti-oxidant and works towards immune function, detoxification, and skin health. The main ingredients of Glutone 1000 are L-Glutathione that improves skin tone and enables skin lightening, Vitamin C that helps collagen synthesis and increases intracellular stores of Glutathione, and N-Acetycysteine that improves the body’s Glutathione Levels while reducing the free radicals. The main use of Glutone is to reduce photo ageing, uneven skin tone and skin dullness. The most important benefit of Glutone among many others is replenishing glutathione stores in the body for enhanced anti-ageing and skin lightening. 

Escor Z
Escor Z which contains Phyllanthus Embelica extracts that is a rich source of Vitamin C, enables the body to fight free radicals, boost collagen and lighten the skin. The main benefits of Escor Z include skin lightening by reducing the melanin pigment, increase production and transfer of anti ageing protein and exert photo-protective effects by neutralising free radicals.

Benefits of Glutone 1000 and Escor Z
When both these supplements are taken together, they form a power-house for skin health and the results are spectacular. As these natural products work from within the body, they are a silent tool to improve skin tone and texture, boost collagen and reduce melanin pigments in each and every skin cell. Thus the effect is on the overall body and not just a particular part with visible signs of skin lightening, skin brightness and less pigmentation.

With these simple steps, you can enhance your skin health with an inside-out approach and ensure your beauty shines from within.

Until next time,
~ Heena

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When do you think your skin is at its optimum best?

Very surprisingly or not, no one is really sure that the skin is the best at a given day... But I do and no it is not what you think. Research says that skin is at its optimum best during infancy with a pH level of 5.5 which makes it slightly acidic in nature. An ideal pH level is the only reason, a baby’s skin feels the softest, most supple and perfectly nourished and moisturised at touch. However, at this stage, it is also quite tender and sensitive to the new environment it is exposed to and needs extra protection to maintain it.

The most important aspect of skincare apart from cleansing and moisturising is to preserve the natural pH balance as it plays a vital role in protecting the body by neutralising alkaline-based external aggressors and restoring the skin’s natural defences. Balancing the skin's pH level is not as difficult or as complicated as it sounds, in fact, it is relatively simple and easy to achieve. An effortless way is to enhance pH in the body is by using products that are either neutral or slightly acidic in nature. There are numerous brands that offer pH neutral products and specifically for infants and babies. I use SebaMed Baby, a range of bath, skin and sun care products created specifically with a pH value of 5.5 to make #MyLittleMan Rajveer’s skin more resilient and less sensitive. With the harsh summers around the corner in India, I've planned my skincare regime for him with products suggested by his paediatric dermatologist which include steps to nourish, cleanse, moisturise and protect his skin.

The two step routine begins with a nourishing and cleansing bath for which I'm ditching the bathing soap and opting for SebaMed Baby Extra Soft Wash. The botanical cleanser with a refatting compound containing vernix protects his skin from harmful bacteria and encourages moisture retention thereby minimising the risk of dryness and irritation.

The next step is moisturising with SebaMed Baby Cream to promote skin development and protecting with SebaMed Baby Sun Lotion to prevent dehydration. The rapidly absorbing, non-greasy formula of the cream and lotion helps preserve moisture balance and acts as a natural pH buffer to keep skin healthy and glowing.

A few things that I absolutely love about the Sebamed Baby range of products are:
~ developed and clinically tested by dermatologists
~ recommended by paediatricians as well as dermatologists
~ suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive and young skin
~ suitable from birth right up to adolescence
~ free of harmful ingredients like soap, mineral oil and chemicals
~ has an ideal pH 5.5 content to nourish and protect a baby’s skin

Thankfully, balancing Rajveer's skin's pH levels have never been easier, thanks to Sebamed Baby range of products. As you see sustaining the natural pH quotient of his skin doesn't require an elaborate skin care routine, just remembering what his skin likes and dislikes. Once I understood those little details, I have been able to give him the best thing to wear every day.... a gorgeous healthy skin.

Until next time,
~ Heena

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When I embraced motherhood for the first time with #PrincessHeer, I was so misinformed about all things related to kids and took everything I heard or read at face value. However now with my second brush with being a mommy, I rely on my personal experience rather than any information floating around. One of the biggest debates new moms have is about diapers, especially disposable versus reusable diapers. I for one had to overcome some members of my extended family critique me for using diapers in the first place.

With little to actually no knowledge about diapers, elders advise us against using diapers for various reasons. Some of them actually very absurd, myths that are only hearsay, some of which I’m going to break in my article here.

Nappies better than Diapers
It is an age-old myth that cloth nappies are better than diapers but it's a proven fact that diapers are more efficient in absorbing liquid and keeping a baby’s skin dry and clean. The constant innovation in baby products have been phenomenal and diapers are using innovative techniques like lining with baby lotion and extra absorbents that keep a baby’s skin moisturised and healthy.

Diapers cause Rashes
The biggest myth to discourage the use of diapers is rashes. However, truth is that diapers are better at preventing rashes than nappies if used correctly. However, if you use diapers 24x7 or use wipes with alcohol or fragrances, then chances of rashes are much higher. The most hygienic way to use diapers to prevent rashes is to change within 5 hours and use India’s first water-based wipes brand Mother Sparsh.

Diapers require Powder
Initially, it was promoted by doctors and consultants to sprinkle baby powder whenever you change a baby’s diaper. However now with improvements and innovation in diaper technology, there is no need to powder a baby’s bottom each time you change him. Use wet wipes or baby wipes to clean the area and then put on a fresh diaper.

So now that I've put the most frequent diaper myths to rest, here are a few suggestions to make your little one’s diaper journey a joyful one:

~ Pick the diapers size on the basis weight and not age
~ Always clean your baby with baby wipes when changing diapers
~ Ensure you give your precious little one a couple of diaper free hours
~ Use products those are dermatologically tested and paediatrician approved
~ Use prescribed diaper rash cream at the first sign of redness, spots, blisters or scales
~ Never use any over the counter ailment, lotions, antiseptic cream on rashes, spots or scales
~ Incase rashes, spots, blisters or scales don’t clear in a few days, do consult your baby’s doctor

There are no rules to parenting, follow the leads your little one gives you, and don't let the myths deter you from giving your little one the comfort he needs. As a mom, I have cleaned and diapered a lot, so I hope this article will answer questions and debunk myths about diapering that will help to keep your baby healthy and happy.

Until next time,
~ Heena

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As a mom, I put in a lot of thought and research into everything I use for my kids. But earlier that wasn’t the case, and over a period of time, I started carefully looking at the product ingredient list. I was appalled at the number of harmful chemicals used in various products we consume daily, including baby products. Parenting means putting a little one’s needs before your own. It also is realising that an infant is way more delicate and sensitive than an adult and thus as parents, it is our responsibility to use products that are natural and organic without any side effects or in the least alcohol and parabens free and dermatologically tested.

One of the products that have become increasingly popular as an everyday item is baby wipes. And since wipes are used extensively each day, it is imperative to ensure that they are safe for human health and consumption. Many associations check the quality of baby products to ensure they are made as per the specifications that are laid down for production. As I’ve become a vigilant and aware consumer I want to know if every component used in the manufacturing of baby wipes does pass the set quality.

You would argue with me about the results of laboratory testing and the absence of advanced technology and equipment available to us as housewives to ascertain the quality. But fear not, there are a few simple things that I do to check the quality of the product I’m using for my precious ones. I've learnt to test baby wipes using the Patch Test and the Flame Test that provide insights about the product.

Flame Test
The Flame Test is a reliable method to check the quality of the material used for a baby wipe. During a laboratory test, a wipe is passed through numerous reactive tests to check the ingredients used in production. At home what I do is air dry a wipe and then hold it against the flame of a burning candle and the evaluate the wipe on the basis of smell and the effect. If the wipe burns into ash and there is no black hard lumping around the burnt corner, and no burnt plastic smell, then the wipe is made of natural organic products and safe to use for my little one.

Human Patch Test
The Human Patch Test is a reliable method to check the mildness and sensitivity of a baby wipe. During a laboratory test the ingredients are applied to the inner forearm of a volunteer and then the area is evaluated by a dermatologist after a specific time. At home what I do is apply a wipe on the inside of my wrist for a length of time and then evaluate the area to check for any allergens, rash, redness or reaction that is out of the ordinary. I repeat this test for at least 3-4 days before finally giving it my nod to be used for my little one.

I’ve conducted both these tests on five popular brands and was disappointed with the cheap polyester used in manufacturing three of them. While one of the brands gave me a mild rash within 2 days of the patch test, only one brand, Mother Sparsh came good during the tests. This truly makes it as good as cotton and water baby wipes available and that's what I'm going to be using for my precious ones. What about you, do you test products that you use for your kids? Is so, let me know in the comments below how do you ascertain their quality.

Until next time,
~ Heena

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All You Need To Know About Nasal Congestion In Children

As a parent, I’ve been learning all sort of baby things each day for the past few years …. from how to talk to how to walk to even how to breathe. With the advent of monsoons, mums like me feel all the more concerned due to the onset of health issues like flu, cough and cold. These are pretty easy to tackle now, however, the first time #PrincessHeer suffered from a cold and a blocked nose, I had some crazy days and restless nights.

Newborns and young children are ‘obligate nose breathers’, means they can only breathe through their noses. Nasal congestion is the body’s way of getting rid of germs, however, the congestion also forces newborns and young children to breathe through their mouths which in turn makes them restless and cranky. As mothers, in our haste to bring comfort to our children, we tend to go to unnecessary lengths, when actually a simple thing will do the trick. One of the safest and most effective methods to help relieve a congested baby, and help him to breathe easy is to use a mild nasal decongestant like nasal drops.

Of course, there are numerous home remedies for nasal decongestion, but instead of any trial and error, it is best to seek the consultation of a paediatrician and opt for a nasal decongestant. Nasivion offer nasal sprays and drops that contain a low-dosage active ingredient, ideal for newborns and young children. Nasivion® Baby Nose Drops has 0.01 mg Oxymetazoline (active ingredient) in a buffered aqueous solution and 0.3 mg Benzalkonium (as a preservative) that offers up to 12 hours of easier breathing. However, it is imperative to follow the administration method and the dosage advice as per the age of the child. Paediatricians advice to instil a single drop of solution in each nostril 2-3 times a day for a child up to the age of 4 weeks and for children over 5 weeks its 1-2 drops into each nostril 2-3 times per day.

The most effective way to administer the nose drops is to:
* Clean the child’s nose
* Lay him in a lying down position and tilt the head slightly backwards
* Squeeze in the decongestant from the bottle into the tube
* Squeeze out the decongestant to instil the prescribed dosage in the nostril

It is equally important to keep a close eye on the child, as he may easily become dehydrated and up the chances of catching pneumonia. If your child becomes feverish or loses his appetite it is time to see a doctor. However, if your child is breathing hard, in short-quick breaths, shows signs of distress, or turns pale it is best advised to rush to the ER for nasal congestion in some serious cases hinders mental and physical growth.

To know more about Nasal Congestion visit here.

Until next time,
~ Heena

Disclaimer: I have shared information as per my knowledge and experience with the infection, and I do not assume any liability. The blog post is not meant to be a replacement for a doctor consultation, nor is it a medical recommendation or prescription of treatment. Any reader of this blog should specifically consult his/her doctor for the same and follow the suggested course of treatment.

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Every evening I find myself too tired to go through the extensive routine to remove my makeup and cleanse my face as is required. Some days I make the effort to do the needful while there are days when I head straight to bed with my makeup still on. Yes, I know it is harmful to my skin and that my skin will need much more work in the future to repair the damage that is caused. But I’ve still not relented. When my sister heard about this, she suggested I start using wipes for my makeup routines to make my life simpler and easier.

However, before venturing into the world of wipes as a beauty tool, I spoke to a few makeup experts whether or not wipes were a good option for skin cleansing. Most experts were of the opinion that if one wears light to medium makeup, skin-friendly natural fabric wipes are perfect to cleanse the skin and suggested to invest in water-based wipes. as they are formulated for sensitive skin and do not leave any residue after use. An important point that is to be ensured while using wipes id to use the proper swiping technique that is from the centre of the face and moving outwards, making sure that no part is missed including the hairline or jawline.

No sooner did I start using wipes I realised that there are so many more advantages to using water wipes as a beauty tool and how they can transform the beauty regime and become a must-have skincare essential.

Natural Ingredients
All wipes, especially facial wipes are produced with mild cleansing ingredients that would work perfectly to remove makeup. Since water-based wipes are recommended, the goodness of pure water and natural plant fabric cotton make them the most skin-friendly and eco-friendly product to use.

Skin-Friendly
Water Wipes are made from natural plant fabric and the absence of harmful ingredients like alcohol and parabens ensures that they are mild and gentle on the skin, and prevents any allergy and rashes. Additionally, I prefer products that are Dermatologically Tested and Clinically Proven to be hypoallergenic and have pH balance properties.

Hydrating Mask
Water Wipes also work as a hydrating agent for your skin while cleansing it as the water content in the wipes ensuring that the skin doesn’t become dry. Leave a wipe over the face for 3-5 minutes, gently pressing it into the skin for a skin-benefitting gorgeous glow.

If you’re still not convinced you should use Mother Sparsh’s 98% Water Based Wipes in India and see the difference yourself.

Until next time,
~ Heena

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Green Tea Seed oil, scientifically known as Camellia oil has remarkable benefits for the human body. Traditionally for centuries, it has been used for cooking for the nutritional value it brings to the food, however, more recently the oil has found its way into numerous beauty products for its anti-oxidation properties.

In skincare products, Green Tea Seed oil serves as a powerhouse antioxidant which promotes collagen synthesis while protecting the skin against air-borne radicals. The high concentrate of oleic acid in the oil helps lock in skin moisture while the epigallocatechin-gallic acid in the oil helps decelerate the ageing process. Read all about 'the importance of anti-oxidant skincare in your 30s' by Beauty Blogger Jhilmil D'Saha.

There have been numerous studies about the benefits of Green Tea Seed Oil on both skin and hair including:
- softens skin, with visibly reduced dryness
- heals scars, including acne scars and aged wounds
- adds an additional shield when used in sunscreens
- reduces pigmentation and dryness in fold areas of the skin
- reduces wrinkles and fine lines
- apply warm oil to hair to improve scalp blood circulation
- boosts hair growth

Many beauty brands have included this magical ingredient in the products to bring in its benefits. Korea's 1st natural skincare and beauty brand, Innisfree launched in 2000 has put in immense research in the last 10 years to study the best green tea variety and cultivated it on the Jeju island to moisturise, hydrate and regularise all skin types. The Beauty Green Tea range is infused with 16 kinds of amino acids, 3.5 times more concentrated to bring the world of hydration to its users. This summer I tried their advanced Beauty Green Tea Range that promises to restore clear and dewy skin with its Dual-Moisture-Rising Technology of fresh green tea water and seed oil. I picked a CTM routine to check its effect on my skin with the gel-to-foam cleanser, seed serum and cream. Beauty Blogger Rajshree Sawant too swears by the Beauty Benefits of Green Tea and her takes us through her skincare routine.

Skincare and Haircare Benefits of Green Tea Seed Oil

Simply put, I loved the effect of the products on my skin. The all-in-one cleansing gel absolutely melts into the skin, foaming into a rich lather while keeping the skin moisturised and healthy. The bubbly texture ensures no dryness or stretching of the skin even around the delicate skin. The seed serum offers great absorption creating a moisture barrier for the skin to breathe in while keeping the harmful radicals out. Finally, the seed cream offers additional hydration for the dry and flaky parts of the skin and even outs the skin tone, giving the skin a much needed brightened dewy look.

Innisfree has a range of products that you can use for a personalised #SkincareRoutine to ensure the best results. To know more about the Beauty Green Tea range and which products are right for your skin type, head to their stores now.

Until next time,
~ Heena

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Maintain Infant Hygiene With Water Wipes

Image Credit: Todays Parent

A baby is as delicate as a butterfly’s wings and so taking care of a little one is one of the most challenging tasks. Apart from proper nutrition, interactive time, new moms should rank hygiene as a top priority for their newborns, and their day-to-day development. Merely massaging, showering and diapering are not the only factors that sum up newborn hygiene. The most crucial aspect of hygiene is maintaining cleanliness 24/7, that ensures that the baby’s skin remains supple, moisturised and healthy.

Traditionally women would use cloth wipes dipped in lukewarm water to clean the tiny monsters at home, however, these days moms are constantly on the go, and cleaning a baby by the book may not be the most suitable option. Thus opting for baby wipes for cleansing whether during diapering, feeding or just about at all times has become the new mantra. However, my biggest concern about using baby wipes was the safety of usage over a prolonged period of time.

Having heard some terrible stories, I did dive deep into everything wipes and found that two persistent side effects of using baby wipes were Skin Irritation and Allergy caused by the chemicals, alcohol and preservatives used in baby wipes. These ingredients tend to cause issues like itchiness and soreness, rashes and burning sensation; especially after repeated use.

Yes, as a mother I am extremely careful about what I use for my baby; including products that are in direct contact with her skin, including wipes. Buying products can seem to be a daunting task, but it can be an easy thing if you read the product details and choose the right one that ticks all the necessary criteria. With the number of variants available in the market, I knew that any product I use for #PrincessHeer should be unscented, hypoallergenic, alcohol and paragons free.

And I found that not all brands think about profits and margins, but also understand the concern of new moms and cater us with products that actually care for our little ones. One such brand is Mother Sparsh, who offer Water Wipes that offer chemical-free, eco-friendly wipes that are skin-friendly and loaded with limited or zero preservatives. Another very important factor that helped me decide on Mother Sparsh was the fact that the product is biodegradable that puts the least pressure on the environment, making it a green product which is the need of the hour.

My experience with Mother Sparsh Water Wipes has been amazing as they are the purest form of wipes that can be used for newborns, designed using the rules of ayurveda with 98% purified water. The wipes are the gentlest product available, making them safe and effective for regular use without having to worry about diaper rash, skin allergies and irritation. So if you are looking for baby-friendly and mommy-approved wipes, look no further, Mother Sparsh is the perfect solution.

Do you use eco-friendly products for your little one, if not its the time to reflect.

Until next time,
~ Heena

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