4 ways to apply face cream properly

If you are not sure how to apply a face cream the right way, here's how to find out

You might find it weird when we say that there's a right way to apply a face cream, but there actually is one. Here is what you need to do —

Wash your face first

No matter what time of the day you apply the face cream, you need to wash your face. This way you get rid of sweat, grime, makeup etc. This will allow the cream to penetrate into your pores and work its magic. Also use a gentle face cleanser to wash it off properly.

Application on damp skin

Always apply your face cream on damp skin. If you wait for your face to dry off completely, it won't work. Creams are better able to lock in moisture when you apply on damp skin. After you finish, pat your skin dry.

Use small quantities

The best way to apply a face cream is using small quantities. Using more doesn't always show the benefits. It takes a long time to rub the cream on your face as opposed to when you use less. Your face should be able to absorb the cream rather than feel sticky.

Dab it smooth

Instead of taking a finger full of it, apply small spots all over your face and then smoothen it out. This way you will be able to apply the cream on every bit of your face.

Tips to reduce facial hair growth

Even though it is normal for women to sport some amount of facial fuzz, many find it annoying. Here are some tips to help you reduce facial hair...

Add 30 grams of sugar to some lemon juice in a bowl of water. Mix well and apply it in the direction of the hair growth. Leave this for 15 minutes and rinse. Repeat once a week.

The traditional mixture of gram flour, turmeric and curd is said to marginally reduce hair growth. Apply this mixture on your face and rinse it once it dries.

A mixture of papaya and turmeric helps contain hair growth, and what's more, it also exfoliates the skin. Massage the paste on your face for 15 minutes for best results.

Potato, a bleaching agent, when mixed with yellow lentil paste makes the hair colour lighter and also helps remove unwanted facial hair. Apply and leave for 15 minutes before rinsing.

A banana-oatmeal scrub is simple, yet effective. Apply the paste for about 15 minutes and wash off with water. Repeat this twice a week.

Take care of those beautiful hands

Here are some tips of how you can take care of your beautiful hands. 

It is said that the skin of your hands can give your age away more than your face. And it is a myth that they need more care only in the winters. Summers too call for hand nourishment and care. Here are some tips on how you can do it - 

1. Moisturize: 

It is important to keep your hands moisturized even in summers to keep them soft. Apply a good moisturizer every time after you wash your hands. Use at least thrice in a day. 

2. Pamper your hands: 

Go for a manicure at least once a month and treat your hands to some fine moisturizing, massaging and exfoliating. 

 

3. Use lukewarm water: 

Do not use boiling hot water or ice cold water when you wash your hands. Use only lukewarm water every time you wash them in all seasons. 

4. Scrub them and massage oils: 

use a good scrub twice or thrice a week to remove all the dirt and grime that gets stored on the skin making it dry and rough. 

5. Take care of them: 

Make sure you wear gloves when you do some dirty household task with your hands!

Love the skin you are in

How your skin looks is directly proportionate to your dedication to pampering it everyday. Here are simple steps towards radiant skin...

Who needs makeup if you can flaunt flawless skin? But that, sometimes, is elusive, thanks to all the pollution and the stress that we go through every day. However, there are some skincare programmes, which if followed regularly, could make a difference and make your skin look youthful and radiant.

You need to keep in mind that great skin is a reward you can get only when you are diligently looking after it daily. How your skin looks is directly proportionate to your dedication to pampering it everyday. And if you are really at it — results are bound to show, albeit in a few weeks.

 

Check out this simple easy to follow routine that comprises cleansing, exfoliating, mositursing, sunscreening, eating right, and keeping hydrated...

Cleanse

Begin with a thorough cleansing. Aesthetician Ritu Tanwar says, "Choose a cleanser according to your skin type. Gently rub it in a circular motion on your face, but don't stretch or pull your facial skin, especially the areas around your eyes." She advises washing off with normal or cold water and warns against using hot water.

Dermatologist Dr Apratim Goel says, "Before your retire for the night, make sure that you remove all traces of makeup with a make-up remover and then cleanse your skin with a facial cleanser." Dr Apratim recommends using a toner and then a nourishing moisturiser. "Do this without fail, every day. Don't ever skip this routine, because unclean skin can cause a host of skin problems," she cautions.

 

Exfoliate

Use a mild exfoliator to get rid of dead skin cells. Do not overdo the exfoliation bit on your face as you may end up with damaged skin, advise skincare experts. Facial exfoliation, even with a mild one, should not be done more than twice a week. Dr Jamuna Pai, cosmetologist says, "Use exfoliating agents on your knees and elbows too."

Moisturise and screen it

Toning and mositurising should be like a daily habit for you if you want to retain youthful skin. Use a sunscreen, two to three times a day. Ritu says, "Harmful sun rays can damage skin irreversibly sometimes, so avoid all excuses to skip the sunscreen. Even if you are indoor and the sky is overcast, apply at least an SPF 30 or above sunscreen."

Eat right

Eating the right kind of food is extremely essential if you want glowing healthy skin. Dietitian Deepshikha says, "Antioxidants present in berries — blueberries, and cranberries and also in aloe vera can help keep you skin vibrant." Dr Pai says taking nutritional supplements can help tackle free radicals that cause premature aging.

Drink water and juices

The idea is to keep your body hydrated all the time — if you are not too fond of water you can have fruit smoothies, chaas, vegetable soups, unsweetened natural fruit juice, low-fat milk and soy milk advises dietitian Deepshikha Aggarwal.