Unfortunately, dry skin does not just make an appearance during a rare snowstorm or two. Many ladies have complained to me recently that the winter air has been causing the skin on their face to tighten up and flake and no lotion or cream seems to be working to restore that moisture. Here is my answer: 1) If you live in a country where you have central heating on all the time, make sure to use a humidifier when you sleep at night – trust me, you will see a difference in your skin within a few days. 2) Don’t overdo it with the rich creams. Exfoliate regularly (for more information click HERE) and remove the dead skin cells on your face. This will help your regular winter lotion/cream penetrate better. If you still feel like you need something a little extra, then go a little heavier, but I feel like most of those result in clogged pores. I prefer treating my face in addition to moisturizing, which brings us to number 3) There are a number of moisturizing masks you can use that will bring your skin relief, my favorite of which is the Oatmeal mask below. It’s fast, easy, and best of all, costs next to nothing.

Regulars of this site are most likely familiar with my affinity with any products containing Oatmeal. Why do I love Oatmeal as an ingredient? Because it’s natural, soothing and cleanses the skin without irritation. Oatmeal contains protein as well as natural fats that help protect the skin’s outermost barrier while lubricating and moisturizing. Also, oats contain gentle ingredients that help cleanse which, along with the lubricants, remove dirt from your pores without stripping your face of its natural oils. Finally, oatmeal is naturally calming and great for both tough and sensitive skins – it’s the reason people soak in oatmeal baths when they have the chicken pox!

Here’s what you need to do:

Tools:

1)    Measuring cup

2)    Blender

3)    Washcloth

Ingredients:

1)    1 banana, preferably one that has ripened and is slightly mushy

2)    1 cup of oatmeal or fresh rolled oats

3)    1/2 cup of milk (you may use less or more depending on your preference for consistency)

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Method:

1)    Put all three ingredients in blender and pulsate until you have a paste-like consistency. It should be easily spreadable on your face but not so liquidy that it drips off. If it’s too runny, add more oats, if it’s not runny enough, add a little more milk.

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2)    Pour into a bowl. This recipe makes enough for two people, so pamper yourself with your friend/sister.

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3)    Wash your face – it’s important to always clean your skin of makeup before using a mask.

4)    Spread mask on your face and leave on for about 10 minutes (15 if you’re very dry and flaky).

5)    Lie down while you have this mask on or it may crumble onto your floor if you walk about. Watch tv or just close your eyes and relax.

6)    Wet a washcloth with warm water and clean off your face. Because the mask is sticky, it’s easier to use a washcloth but not necessary if you don’t have one.

7)    Moisturize with a light lotion if your face feels slightly tight.

Et voilà – you’re done. I know, I look like the Swamp Thing with this mask on, but it’s well worth it. My chapped cheeks are thanking me after tonight’s oatmeal mask session.

Try it out and let us all know how it goes, and if you have any other moisturizing masks you use, share your recipe!

Now, you may be reading this and rolling your eyes. I’m not going to lie, I used to think the same way. But, ladies, being brown is not the panacea to aging – it may slow down the process slightly, but in today’s world, you have to take whatever measures you can to prevent yourself from looking older than you are. If you believe leaving your eyeliner/mascara/foundation on when you go to sleep isn’t a big deal and that experts only insist on removing it to prevent acne or infections, you are making a big mistake. The chemicals in the products are drying and damaging, they don’t allow your skin to breathe, and they will, believe you me, cause premature wrinkling. If you want skin like your grandmother’s, then you need to keep it clean like she did, and the first step is investing in a good eye makeup remover.

“Why can’t I just use face wash to remove my mascara?” Well, first of all, many face washes have harsh ingredients that are not appropriate for the delicate skin around your eyes. Second, as desis we generally reach for the darkest and strongest liners that will stay on our skin, which means that you need something a little extra to help remove it without having to rub and scrub the eye area (another cause of fine lines that should be avoided).

What to look for in an eye makeup remover:

-       A consistency that allows you to remove the makeup without tugging

-       A product that is ophthalmologist tested (most of the big names are)

-       If you wear contacts, a product that is safe for your lenses and won’t irritate your eyes.

-       Some products sting on one person but are fine on another, there are removers available that are gentle for any level of sensitivity.

- Like most face cleansers, you can find an eye makeup remover specific to your skin type i.e. oily, dry, normal

Our Recommendations:

Clinique Naturally Gentle Eye Makeup Remover:

Description from the site: Clinique’s gentlest eye makeup remover. Rich, creamy lotion spreads evenly, quickly. Effectively removes all signs of makeup without leaving an oily after-feel. As gentle to the eyes as tears. For all skin types. Ophthalmologist Tested. Appropriate for contact lens wearers.

LM’s take: $16.50, and worth it. Our personal favorite and go-to product. Removes even the most stubborn black eye makeup. Clinique.com

Lancôme Bi-facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover:

Description from the site: Double-phase, fresh-as-water liquid eye makeup remover.

Activates when shaken to gently whisk away even waterproof eye makeup, while conditioning and refreshing the skin. Ideal for sensitive skin and contact lens wearers. Leaves eyes feeling cool and relaxed, with no oily residue. Ophthalmologist-Tested For Safety.

LM’s take: We are personally not fans of liquid makeup remover, but this one is worth the $26.50. Removes eye makeup without the least bit of struggle and does not sting like other water-based removers. Lancome.com

Almay Oil-Free Makeup Remover Pads:

Description from the Site: Convenient oil-free pads remove eye makeup in one easy step with no mess. Botanical blend of aloe, cucumber and green tea nourishes lashes and delicate skin. Your lashes will feel soft and beautifully conditioned. Perfect for contact lens wearers. Great for waterproof mascara!

LM’s take: We are actually big fans of all the makeup removers in the Almay line, including the regular remover liquids. This one is best for when you come home tired and don’t want to go through the extra steps of locating and dousing cotton pads. The $4.99 price tag can’t be beat. Almay.com

If you want to go the natural route without spending $$$:

Many ladies use products like Vaseline, olive oil, and baby oil. These home solutions do indeed work well at removing makeup, but you will be stuck feeling greasy and will probably want to scrub your eye area clean (defeating the purpose of gentle removal). Also, I find the oils tend to get in my eyes and my vision gets blurry for a little while which I hate, and don’t think can be too good for you. If you want to go natural, I say stick to the Vaseline over the oils.

Also, Pond’s Cold Cream ($4.49 Ponds.com) is not really natural, but it contains a formula chock full of antioxidants and vitamins E and C – it’s what your mother used and your grandmother used – and it worked fabulously. I still steal it off of my mother’s dresser when I run out of my Clinique. It’s great for ladies with drier skin types.

My poor eyes have withstood much torture in my lifetime. I have tugged at them while applying and removing makeup, rubbed them mercilessly on late nights studying or partying, and caused them to swell up countless times amidst tears for lost loves, arguments with friends and other trials and tribulations of my youth. A few years ago, this kind of abuse would have had little to no consequence – the morning after I would awake without a trace of what transpired the night before, I would be refreshed and revived. Now, I’m not so lucky. My skin does not bounce back the way it once did and I wear my fatigue or sorrow on my face like a red flag that screams, “Look at me, everyone!”

And I’m not alone. In the past few weeks I have been getting more and more requests to write on eye creams and solutions to wrinkling, dark circles and puffiness. After much research, I’ve come to a conclusion that many of you may not be too happy with – there is no one remedy to any of your under eye problems. The way we age around our eyes is a result of both genetics and our lifestyle. Therefore, any product used must be in conjunction with a change in the way you care for yourself, how much sleep you get, what you eat, etc. If you are a victim of your parents’ genes, then you will have to learn how to prevent as well as employ quick fixes to mask what you would like rather than to simply waste thousands of dollars on products that will not work. This is not always simple in the case of dark circles and wrinkles, but there are multiple ways to battle and conceal puffiness.

The lifestyle change:

- Reduce salt intake – sodium not only is bad for the heart, but also increases water retention throughout the body. Those that are genetically prone to bags under the eyes will find sodium makes them worse.

- Drink plenty of water – it not only keeps you hydrated, but flushes out toxins from your body, especially important for those who like to down a couple of drinks while partying into the night.

- Try not to rub your eyes; the touching will only cause further irritation and puffiness – important for the ladies who have been up late working and studying.

- Some recommend sleeping with the head slightly elevated (you know how you prop up a swollen ankle after a sprain? Same concept).

The Natural Remedies:

Applied cold and caffeine help to shrink the blood vessels to reduce puffiness.

- Put a teaspoon in the freezer for a few minutes. Take it out and press the rounded side of the spoon up against the underside of your eye.

- Drink caffeinated tea? Put your used teabags in the freezer for a minute and then apply them cooled onto your lids (with eyes closed of course!). Lay back for 5-10 minutes depending on puffiness. Also try chamomile tea, which helps reduce inflammation.

- A bag of peas and cold cucumbers should also work to reduce puffiness the way caffeine does.

The Chemical Experiment:

- If you are planning on using an eye cream to de-puff, it is best to store the product in the fridge. The cooling effect should be soothing and also help contract the puffy area around the eye.

- If you read any kind of beauty magazine, it will most likely tell you the “secret of the stars” is to use hemorrhoid cream as a de-puffer (i.e. PreparationH). Yes, the cream does contract capillaries to you’re your bags disappear. However, what they won’t tell you is that this technique should only be used as a quick fix. The skin around the eyes is very fragile, and over time the hemorrhoid cream will dehydrate the area, making the skin thin and causing fine lines and irritation.

- Puffy eyes need hydration as well an agent for reducing inflammation. Make sure to choose a cream that is both moisturizing as well as for puffiness (these creams usually contain an ingredient like caffeine in them).

Creams we recommend for puffiness:

Kiehl’s Eye Alert: claims to fight puffiness and dark circles. We don’t see much in the area of dark circles, but your bags will definitely shrink a little while after application. $20.50 www.kiehls.com

Organic Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream: 100% natural and 100% vegetarian. Contains the antioxidant green tea and coffee for de-puffing as well as rose oil for hydration. $19.00 www.100percentpure.com . Recommend this one for the normal to dry skin types because of the moisturizing properties.

RoC Complete Lift Eye Pen: Works to firm, tone and hydrate skin. Especially great for mature skin types. $21.00 www.drugstore.com

Shiseido The Skincare Eye Soother: Diminishes puffiness, like Kiehl’s also claims to reduce dark circles but we’re skeptical on that part. Shiseido can be reapplied in the middle of the day if needed, even over makeup. $40.00 www.nordstrom.com

If you cannot find any of these where you live, choose an eye cream that has caffeine and vitamin E in it and you should see some results. Just remember, puffiness is an indicator of lifestyle issues or genetics, the creams are a temporary fix, not a long term solution. This is why we prefer the ones in the $20 range, no need to waste $$$ on de-puffing. If you have any products to reduce puffiness that have worked for you, let us know, we would love to hear about them!

Aunties like these really believe it’s their duty in life to point out the obvious, as though we girls do not own mirrors and have no clue as to how tired we look, how much weight we’ve gained, and as in my case, how our skin has erupted. But, that is a story for another day. As much as I wanted to dunk these outspoken aunties into the nearest bowl of chicken karahi, I realized they did have a point. Exfoliating your skin really is the first step to good skincare.

I’m sure you have seen endless commercials about exfoliation but most of you haven’t added it as part of your skincare regimen. You think, “Well, my body naturally sheds skin cells.” This may be true, but with the amount of products we use these days, we are constantly clogging our pores, leading to blackheads and breakouts, and our skin may need a little more help than our natural body processes. A good exfoliant works to shed the dead skin to reveal new skin cells on your face or body, and makes your dull skin appear fresher and smoother over time. The layer of dead cells prohibits the penetration of face washes, lotions, acne medications and can also lead to dry patches that cause your makeup to look not-so-fabulous. Your skincare products may be helping your skin at some level, but a very low one, because you must first clear the path for them to work at full potency.

Now, there are many different kinds of exfoliants available. There are manual scrubs with grains, gels with enzymes that you just let sit on your face and wash or peel off, and products with beta and alpha hydroxy acids (like salicylic and glycolic that you find in your face washes). However, with the amount of chemicals we already use today, I prefer to go the most natural route possible. This is why I reach for the manual scrubs that are made of ingredients like sugar, salt, apricots and walnuts.

What to remember when choosing a scrub:

-       Like face washes, an exfoliating scrub can vary for oily and dry skins. Make sure to check the label on the product so you don’t end up with an intense moisturizing scrub if you have oily skin. Some products are labeled for all skin types.

-       Before purchasing, always squeeze out a little onto the back of your hand and gently rub in circular motions. If you feel the grains are too big or scratchy on your hand, they will definitely be too harsh for the sensitive skin on your face. Go for a product that you feel you will be able to tolerate.

-       The most popular product on the market is the Apricot Scrub by St. Ives. I personally am not a fan of these products despite the popularity. I don’t like the smell and I feel the grains are a bit large and harsh for my face. However, the St. Ives scrub is available in multiple formulations for oily, acne and blackhead prone and dry skin types. Available at most drugstores and easily found in the Subcontinent. Products range from $4 to $10.

-       My personal favorite is the 7 Day Scrub Cream by Clinique. The grains are small and great for sensitive skins. There is little to no fragrance. A little goes a long way. $17.50 clinique.com

If you would like to make a scrub at home:

-       Choose an exfoliating ingredient that feels comfortable on your skin and that you are not allergic to! Always try on a patch of skin first before applying over your whole face. Popular choices are brown sugar, sea salt, oatmeal (great for sensitive skin), and coffee grounds.

-       For dry skin, add olive oil to the exfoliant. It will moisturize your face while you work in the scrub.

-       For oily skin, use honey, milk, yogurt or lemon juice (careful it stings!) as a mixer.

-       Add equal parts scrub to mixer (i.e. one tablespoon oatmeal to one tablespoon olive oil). Consistency should be slightly thick so it doesn’t drip off your face.

How to exfoliate once you have chosen the product that is right for you:

-       I feel it’s best to exfoliate in the morning. Your face is clean from any make up and you already began the natural shedding process overnight.

-       However, if this is your first exfoliating attempt, you might want to try it before bed, as your face may get red. Again, try on a patch of skin first to make sure the ingredients aren’t irritating.

-       Never exfoliate if you are sunburned or have rashes, cuts or wounds on your face.

-       Lather up your skin with a mild cleanser and wash off.

-       While face is still wet, smear scrub onto your skin avoiding the delicate eye area.

-       Using your fingertips, rub the exfoliant against your skin with light, circular motions, focusing especially on problem areas. For me, this means my nose, as it is prone to blackheads. Just remember not to stay in one place for too long. You want to remove the dead skin, not the fresh layer underneath.

-       The length of exfoliation really depends on how sensitive your skin is. It can range anywhere from 15 seconds to a minute. The idea is to stop before your skin starts feeling raw, you will be able to judge that once you go through the process.

-       Wash your skin using cool or tepid water. Try not to rub the exfoliant off, but rather, splash your face.

-       Remember to moisturize – exfoliating makes the skin feel dry!

Once you have exfoliated, your skin will feel softer and smoother. Over time, you will see less blackheads and clogged pores, and you will also notice your other skincare products working better as they are now able to penetrate fresh layers of skin. Try not to exfoliate too often. Once or twice a week should suffice (once a month is not enough). Happy scrubbing!

Photo Credit: tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com

When our skin starts acting up, our primal instinct is usually to run to the nearest department/drugstore and grab the first “miracle” product we can get our hands on. We use it for about a week and then move on to the next remedy. I’m guilty of the same thing myself – while spring cleaning my bathroom cupboard two days ago I threw away two economy sized trash bags bursting with almost full bottles of face wash, lotions and masks. I’ve spent thousands of dollars on useless products. It was only until a few years ago when I came across a remedy for rebellious skin that not only works but costs close to nothing – the Aspirin Mask.

Yes, aspirin. On your face. Aspirin is a BHA, or beta-hydroxy acid. BHA’s are used in most face washes and lotions that are created to prevent acne. Heard of salicylic acid? Yup, that’s a BHA. BHA’s are exfoliators that work by deeply cleaning your pores and helping prevent the formation of new spots on your face.

Aspirin masks are known to reduce redness and inflammation while brightening the complexion. Just like any other product, you must use more than one time to see results (although I’ve found that my skin is exponentially better after even just one application).

Disclaimer: As with all medications, if you are sensitive or allergic to Aspirin or BHA’s, or have sensitive skin in general, I would not use this mask. The mask is for all other skin types, dry or oily – you just need to vary the amount of times that you use the mask in a month (more for oilier skins).

There are several different “recipes” for the mask, but the most commonly used is illustrated below

Step 1

What you need: Uncoated aspirin (much easier to dissolve than regular aspirin), a small bowl or container, and something to meld the mask together and provide consistency. Dry to normal skins should use honey or aloe vera gel, while oily should use yogurt, which is a natural astringent.

Step 2

Place a few of the uncoated aspirin in the bowl (anywhere from 4-8 depending on the area you wish to cover

Step 3

Add warm water a few drops at a time to dissolve the aspirin. The consistency should be grainy and slightly thick.

Step 4

Add about half a teaspoon of honey (aloe vera, or yogurt) to the mixture. This will make the mixture more watery so it’s better to have a thicker consistency of dissolved aspirin beforehand.

Step 5

Apply to your face and leave on for about 10-15 minutes. The mask will be ready to be washed off when it begins to flake (it’s okay if you start to sneeze – it’s from the powder like consistency of the dried mask, this means it’s time to wash off).

Step 6

Add a little water to your face and start to use the mask as a scrub, exfoliating your skin in soft circular motions (no need to rub hard!). Pay close attention to your nose (that’s a problem area for most of us). After exfoliating wash your face off completely.

Step 7

Your face may feel a little tight after the mask, so it’s best to moisturize.

After washing off the mask your face will feel softer and your skin will look brighter. I tend to use the aspirin mask when I feel like my skin needs a little taming, but those with troubled skin can use it more often. As with any BHA cream or face wash, using too often will dry your skin out, so try to space your uses out: several days for oilier skins and a week or two apart for dry skin. Over time you will see a reduction in blackheads and smoother skin.

For those who are on the go and don’t have too much time, aspirin can also be used as a spot treatment. Just dissolve one uncoated tablet and apply it to your blemish. It will help reduce the redness and work to dry the blemish out.

So, if you are planning on staying in tonight and feel like the new season’s weather has devastated your skin, slather on a little aspirin mask. It has been raved about on countless beauty blogs and sites. At just pennies an application, what have you got to lose?

P.S. This mask can be used on brothers/husbands/boyfriends as well – so pass it on!

Photo Credit: amazon.com

The weather is changing and so is your skin. With the mixture of warm and cold air, the dry areas on your face are getting drier and the oily parts oilier. Try to avert extra shine or avoid tightness on your face by paying attention to how you apply your lotions/creams. Most of us just dab a little on our fingers and quickly smear the product all over – this way of lotion application is a big mistake! It results in dry patches, and worse, increased blackheads (especially on the nose area).

Tomorrow morning, apply lotion first to the driest areas of your face ending at the oily parts. In most cases this means the end point should be your T-zone (your forehead and nose), which is on average the problem area for women – but your skin may vary. By doing this, the most of what is on your hand will end up on the areas that need the lotion the most, leaving very little on your fingers for skimming over the oilier parts. You may feel you don’t even need to apply lotion to your t-zone. Trust us, you will start to see a difference very soon.