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Facial Masks: Why They are so Good for Your Skin

Posted on April 10, 2012 by Administrator

In Ayurveda (more than 3000 years old system of health and wellbeing that originated in India), facial masks are called lepas. Even back then, the enormous benefits of facial masks were recognized and it was highly recommended that they be included in one’s skin care routine.
Here are the top 4 reason why everybody should apply facial masks 1-2 times a week to supplement one’s daily skin care routine, and maximize its results.
1. Detoxify: Facial masks pull out debris and pore-clogging impurities from deep within the skin. While the clays dry, they act as a suction to pull out all that undesirable stuff from the deeper layers of skin. So facial masks that actually dry on the skin are actually better that the ones that do not.
2. Tone Muscles: While drying, facial masks actually give a nice workout to the muscles, which in turn tones them and this results in a taut and well toned appearance to your face
3. Nourishment: Most good quality masks are based on clays, which are mined form Earth and then purified. Clays are very rich in the minerals that are abundant on Earth and thus can improve the quality and health of skin.
4. Stimulate Cell Renewal: Facial masks based on clays can clean up the upper layers of dead skin by encouraging them to be naturally shed. One useful tip that I can share with you is to use gentle circular strokes to wash off your facial mask. So in this way you can use it like you would a lotion to massage your skin. This ensures deeper penetration of all the useful minerals, and also greater exfoliation of skin.
Please share your thoughts about this article by commenting. Let us know what other skin care articles you would like covered. We love to hear from you.
Artile wriiten by: Sheetal Rawal, Founder, Apsara Skin Care, Inc.

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Facial Mask Recipe for Dry Skin

Posted on April 6, 2012 by Administrator

Here is a very simple facial mask recipe that can be used to hydrate and nourish dry skin. All of us have times when our skin feels dry and in need of an instant fix. Even normal skins can have dry spells during winter, or in areas where the natural humidity in the air is low.
This facial mask is perfect to add to your skin care routine perhaps once weekly.
Mix the following in a bowl:
1TSP sweet Almond oil
1 TSP wheatgerm oil
1 TSP heavy cream
1 tsp organic, raw honey
1 tsp vegetable glycerin

Facial masks are wonderful for dry skin


Mix the above mixture very well. Warm it up a bit; let’s say 30 seconds in the microwave. Be careful to not overheat and scald your skin!
Now dip a cotton ball in the mixture and apply all over your cleansed skin. Massage this mixture with firm circular strokes throughout the desired area. I use this on my face whenever it feels dry. The massage should definitely last no less than 6 minutes. Longer the better, but don’t exceed 10 minutes. Feel free to add more of this wonderful mixture on your skin a couple of times while you massage. You want your skin to absorb it to the maximum.
Now wash your hands and lie down to relax. Relaxation is very important for the overall health of your skin :) So relax.
After 15 minutes, wash off your face with lukewarm water until very clean. No need to use a cleanser, but if you must be sure to pick one that is sulfate free and PH balanced; in other words a very little amount of a very gentle cleanser.
Follow with your favorite chemical free and natural lotion. That’s it. You will be amazed at how nourished and wonderfully soft and supple your skin feels.
Let us know your thought after using this wonderful recipe on your skin. We love to hear from you:) Please comment.
Article by: Sheetal Rawal. Founder, Apsara Skin Care, Inc.

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Acne Cleanser: Which is the Right One for You?

Posted on April 5, 2012 by Administrator

How to Choose an Acne Cleanser That’s Right for You
By Sandi Valentine
If you suffer from acne blemishes, it may be time to consider the type of acne cleanser that’s right for you. These cleansers work to balance the pH of your skin, regulate oil production, remove makeup and dry, dead skin, and more. Adding the right acne cleanser to your daily or weekly skin care routine may help you to clear up existing blemishes and kiss the future ones goodbye. This article will discuss a few factors to consider when deciding on an acne cleanser. Choose the acne cleanser that’s right for you, and you can kiss your skin care worries goodbye.

Acne Prone Skin Needs a Gentle Cleanser


Do you have dry skin, regularly ending up with flaky skin or sore, tight spots on your face? Do you instead have oily skin, with shiny spots on your face that regularly break out? Or do you have combination skin that is regularly oily in some spots and dry and flaky in others? Take the time to determine what type of skin you have on your face, so that you can purchase an appropriate acne cleanser to help prevent blemishes.
Next, think about the type of acne cleanser that you prefer to use. Do you like the feel of a scrub on your face each day, exfoliating and removing dry skin? Would you rather use a foaming acne cleanser that tingles slightly, so that you know it’s working and your face feels clean? Do you prefer to wash your face quickly during the week and then apply an acne cleanser mask on the weekends? For the best possible results, pick out an acne cleanser that you’re thrilled with, so that you’ll make the time to use it each day to keep your skin clear.
You’ll also want to think about your typical beauty routine and how much time you have each day to use an acne cleanser to care for your face. If you regularly leave early, come in late, and spend a lot of time exhausted, you’ll want a quick, easy to use acne cleanser. If you have time each day to devote to a more in depth beauty routine, you may be able to use an acne cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and other skin care products. Either way, your goal is to design a skin care routine that works with your current lifestyle, so that you can maintain it easily and help clear up your acne fast. The right acne cleanser product can do wonders for your skin, if used properly over time.
Last, you should take the time to decide what types of ingredients you like in your skin care products. Do you prefer specific essential oils for scent? Are there certain active ingredients that you like better than others? If so, read the labels or ingredient lists on the acne cleanser products that you’ll be purchasing, so that you can find one that you like. If your acne cleanser smells good, feels nice on your face, or has a specific ingredient that works well with your skin, you’re more likely to use it regularly.
By taking the time to evaluate your skin type, lifestyle, and the type of acne cleanser and ingredients that you prefer, you’ll increase your chances of establishing a regular beauty routine that helps eliminate acne.

Do you like this article? If so please comment and share your thoughts with us :)

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Facial Toners: Benefits of Natural Ingredients

Posted on April 3, 2012 by Administrator

By Sandi Valentine
No matter your skin type, facial toners help tone your skin and tighten your pores. Natural facial toners exist for a variety of skin types, including normal, combination, dry skin, and oily or acne prone skin. This important step in your skin care routine helps keep your skin clean, clear, and toned. Ingredients such as neem, carrot seed, and turmeric in natural facial toners help clear acne, tone your skin, and regulate moisture levels. Let’s discuss the ingredients in facial toners and learn about the importance of reading labels on your skin care products.
Drug store facial toners can include dyes, perfumes, and an alcohol base. The alcohol in these facial toners can dry and irritate the skin. If you have oily skin, your skin will produce even more oil to make up for what’s been lost, and if you have dry skin, your face may feel tight and itchy. Natural facial toners are typically not alcohol based, and instead include other skin toning ingredients.
Geranium extract naturally works to balance your skin’s oil production. If you find that your skin frequently over or under produces oil, facial toners that contain this ingredient may help you solve this problem. It is known for reducing excess oil, while toning and smoothing the skin of the face.

Geranium extract is awesome in skin care


Rose extract, typically found in rosewater, is a natural astringent ingredient found in many natural facial toners. This ingredient works to tighten your pores, and over time can help reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and blackheads on your face. It’s an excellent alternative to alcohol, and helps make up the base of natural facial toners.
Carrot seed and vetiver extract are both included in facial toners as moisturizers. These ingredients work to restore suppleness and hydration to dry, flaky skin. If your skin feels dry, tight, or chapped, choose a toner that contains these ingredients, so you can achieve the proper moisture balance.
Neem is another hardworking ingredient in natural facial toners, working to balance oil production. It’s also mildly antiseptic, which makes it great for skin that’s prone to blemishes. Facial toners that contain neem allow you to work towards clearer skin, while keeping broken skin and blemishes from worsening. This gives your acne time to heal, while you care for your skin with the highest quality natural ingredients. If you need an antiseptic facial toner, turmeric is another excellent ingredient to look for.
Turmeric is antiseptic and antibiotic

Turmeric in skin care can work wonders


Eucalyptus oil is found in many facial toners, as well. Eucalyptus is great for combination skin, as it helps balance oil production on the entire face. When you need to reduce excess oil in the T-zone, while maintaining moisture on the rest of your face, eucalyptus will work wonders.
When you’ve decided to take excellent care of your skin, you’ll need a morning and evening beauty routine that includes a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer. Choose a facial toner that contains hardworking natural ingredients, so that your skin feels tighter, smoother, and more refreshed.

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Face Toner: Benefits & Uses

Posted on April 2, 2012 by Administrator

Benefits of a Face Toner
By Sandi Valentine
Women who want to maintain an attractive appearance as they age must take care of their skin. The best way to have a toned, healthy skin is to practice a regular skin care routine on a daily basis. For the best results, choose a skin cleanser, face toner, and moisturizer that are formulated to work with your unique skin type. Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, a natural line of beauty products is available that will work well for you.
Face Toner Cleans Out the Pores
Face toner is used daily after cleansing the skin. It goes deep into the pores, removing dirt, oil, and makeup that a skin cleanser alone may not be able to reach. The toner is typically applied with a cotton ball or disc. For the best results, women should use face toner during both their morning and evening skin care routines. The best quality face toners come in spray bottles. So application is easy, and the toner can get into the hard-to-reach areas of your face.
Face Toner Removes Cleanser Residue
Unfortunately, some skin cleansers can leave residue on the skin. This residue can attract dirt and makeup, and may also dull your skin’s appearance. By applying face toner to your skin after your cleanser, you can remove this residue. The moisturizer you use will have better effects on your skin when it is thoroughly cleaned, and face toner is an important part of achieving this goal.
Face Toner Adds to Your Appearance
Face toner acts to close your pores and tighten your skin. As you age, maintaining skin tone is incredibly important. Reducing the number of fine lines and wrinkles can take years off the appearance of your skin, and a face toner can help you achieve that goal. Clean, toned skin helps you look years younger, giving you the edge in both your personal and your professional life. Ingredients such as geranium and carrot seed can help tone and balance your skin, providing you with the healthy, clear skin you deserve.
Face Toner Closes Pores and Tightens the Skin
Women who suffer from blemish-prone skin can achieve clearer results by using a face toner regularly. Face toner works to clean deep inside the pores, then close and tighten them. Those who use face toners as part of their beauty routines can reduce the appearance of blackheads, enlarged pores, and deep, infected acne. Many face toners contain natural antiseptic ingredients, as well, to help clear up the skin and keep acne sores from becoming infected. If you’re tired of reddened, swollen acne blemishes, adding a face toner to your routine may help.

lady with well toned skin

For the best possible results, choose a face toner with natural ingredients. Opt for a toner with a rosewater base, instead of the standard alcohol base. Other ingredients such as eucalyptus, turmeric, neem, and more can be formulated for your specific skin type, so that you can choose the face toner that is perfect for you. Once you’ve chosen the toner you want to use, incorporate it into your skin care routine on a regular basis. Face toner should be used each morning and each evening, after your skin cleanser but before your moisturizer.

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Acne Cleanser: The First Step Towards Successful Treatment of Acne

Posted on March 27, 2012 by Administrator

The right acne cleanser can make a world of difference in winning the battle against acne. Many people suffering from acne do not put adequate thought into choosing the right cleanser, and thus the skin care routine downstream does not result in the most optimal outcome.
While cleansers can clean our skin of dirt, grime, impurities, and excess oils that can clog the pores and worsen an acne situation, choose the wrong acne cleanser and you can very easily worsen the condition of your skin, and make it so that the skin finds it very easy to breakout!
Unfortunately, most acne cleansers in the market are loaded with harsh chemicals, preservatives, fake fragrance etc. All these ingredients can compromise the integrity of skin, and this is especially true of acne-prone skin that is already quite inflamed. In my opinion, one of the worst ingredients in an acne cleanser is a group of detergents called sulfates.
Sulfates make the cleanser foam excessively. Our skin does not need nearly that amount of foam to cleanse it. It is an industry practice that has remained largely unchallenged. While cleansing the skin, sulfates also rob our skin of the beneficial oils that are a must to keep it healthy. Especially skin that is acne-prone, perceives this loss of oils as a challenge and kicks back by producing massive amounts of oils, that for obvious reasons can worsen acne! So skin is caught in this viscous cycle that is very hard to get out of.
So lesson #1: Choose a cleanser that has “sulfate free” written clearly on the label. There are many natural foaming agents that are gentle and skin friendly; so look for a cleanser that has (for instance) decyl glucoside in it instead of sulfates.
Another thing to check in you acne cleanser is whether it says “PH Balanced” on its label. This is quite important. PH is a number that indicates the acidity of a product. The outer layers of our skin are naturally a little acidic to keep it safe from bacterial infections etc. Therefore we must cleanse our skin with a product that matches the acidity of our skin. This will help with preserving our skin’s natural defense, and also will prevent the skin from becoming overly dry.

Acne Cleanser can Help


So lesson #2: Choose an acne cleanser that has “PH Balanced” clearly written on its label.
Lesson #3: Look for a cleanser with natural ingredients that are known to have antibacterial and skin soothing properties. Avoid ones with chemical ingredients like benzoyl peroxide. In higher concentration benzoyl peroxide is notorious for over drying and irritating the skin. This can undoubtedly worsen acne. Natural ingredients like neem have been used for centuries for naturally disinfecting and soothing the skin. Turmeric (another natural ingredient) is also antibiotic, and full of antioxidants to repair and prevent any free radical damage.
Lesson #4: My biggest recommendation is to carefully look at the ingredient label of an acne cleanser that you are considering to use. If the label is too long, and filled with hard-to-pronounce chemical names, the cleanser is really not a good choice.
Article written by: Sheetal Rawal (Founder, Apsara Skin Care, Inc.)
Hope this article was beneficial. Please comment to share your thought. We love to hear from you:)

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Facial Masks: How to Use Them

Posted on March 21, 2012 by Administrator

In the previous articles I shared the benefits of using a facial mask and how to make the right choice. Here are some tips on how to use facial masks to maximize their benefits.
Tip #1: It is preferable to cleanse your face with a mild and sulfate-free cleanser prior to applying a facial mask. This ensures that your face is free of dirt, grime or makeup so the facial mask can penetrate the skin upon application
Tip#2: Apply a generous layer of the facial mask all over your face including the neck area. Be sure to apply the mask in upward strokes so that your skin does not get pulled downward as the mask dries. Facial masks can be used on other parts of your body like arms and legs to provide deep cleansing and toning. Relax while the mask dries. Relaxation is good for your skin!
Tip#3: Wash off the facial mask as soon as it dries on your skin. This should take no more than 10-15 minutes. Do not wash off the mask with hot or cold water. Lukewarm is the best temperature. Do not allow the mask to over dry on your skin to avoid dryness or itchiness

Facial Mask


Tip#4: Definitely follow up with a generous amount of your favorite lotion. This ensures that any loss of hydration is well compensated for.
Use facial masks 2-3 times a week for maximum results. It is preferable to use a facial mask just before bedtime. As you sleep, your skin rests and rejuvenates and the burst of nourishment from using a facial mask can definitely help this process.
Hope this information was useful. Do share your views by commenting. We love to hear from our readers.
Article written by: Sheetal Rawal

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Facial Mask: How to Choose One

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Administrator

As I always say, it is imperative to choose a skin care product for your unique skin type and skin concern. This is certainly also true for facial masks. While choosing a skin care product, and this includes facial masks, one size fits all is the wrong approach.
There are four types of skin- normal, oily or acne-prone, dry, and combination. It is best to use a facial mask that is well suited to your skin type. While a facial mask for normal skin can be used by all skin types, a mask meant for oily skin for instance, is not very advisable to be used by individuals with dry skin and so forth.

Facial Mask


The second important thing to be very mindful about is the ingredient list of the mask. Avoid facial masks with artificial and chemical ingredients in them. A long ingredient list full of unfamiliar chemical names is not a good idea. Alcohol, parabens, artificial fragrance etc must be avoided to keep your skin safe from undesirable side effects like excessive dryness, itchiness, and inflammatory skin disorders like eczema.
Pick a facial mask that is chemical and preservative free, and that has a short ingredient list meant to deliver targeted results. Look for a mask that has natural added ingredients that are safe and effective. If you have any questions about an ingredient, please feel free to fill out the personalized skin care advice form at the top of this page. You will receive a response to your question within 24 hours.
Article written by Sheetal Rawal, Founder, Apsara Skin Care, Inc.

Did you like this article? What other skin care topics would you like covered in this blog? Please comment below to let us know. We love to hear from you :)

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Facial Masks: What are They?

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Administrator

In this article I would like to talk about facial masks. In the upcoming articles I will write about the benefits of using facial masks as part of your regular skin care routine.
What are facial masks? What purpose do they serve in the care of your skin? These might be your questions about facial masks. Or you might just be looking for some tips to help you make the right choice. There are quite a few available in the market and it can be confusing to zero in on the best one that is also suitable to your skin type and skin needs. So here are the answers:
You might be surprised to know that facial masks have been used for thousands of years as an extremely effective way to detoxify skin, tone facial muscles, exfoliate dead cells etc. In many traditional and natural systems of skin care, facial masks have a very important place for their skin healing and skin beautifying properties. In Ayurveda, which is a 3000 plus year old system of health and well being, facial masks are called lepas, and are highly recommended to be used on a regular basis as a supplement to one’s daily skin care routine.

Facial masks are generally based on clays. There are many different types of clay found on Earth. Some names are bentonite, kaolin, red clay etc. Clays are detoxifying in nature. As they dry on the skin, they draw out impurities and toxins from very deep within the skin. The result is deeply cleansed skin that glows with health.
Clays are also quite rich in natural minerals, which are great to enhance and maintain the health of your skin. As clays dry on your skin, they tighten and tone your facial muscles giving them a much needed workout. The result is a very toned facial structure that does not look dull or sagged. As the clay dries, it also increases the blood circulation to your skin, and blood brings with it healing and nutrition.
So as you can see, by using a facial mask regularly you achieve results that you cannot by cleansing and moisturizing alone.
In addition to clays, a good quality facial mask also has some added natural ingredients that add to the benefits. Neem for example is an added active ingredient that has been known for thousands of years to disinfect the skin. Similarly sandalwood is well respected for its skin soothing and skin balancing properties. Sulfur as an added active ingredient is excellent to be used on acne-prone skin.
Using a good quality facial mask that is suited to your unique skin type is worth the effort. Once or twice a week is ideal.
Stay tuned for more articles about facial masks. At Apsara, this week will be dedicated to raising awareness about facial masks.
Let us know what you think of this information. Please comment. We love to hear from you ☺
Article written by Sheetal Rawal, Founder Apsara Skin Care, Inc.

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Skin Care Products: Which Ones to Choose? Which to Stay Away From?

Posted on March 9, 2012 by Administrator

My Skin Care Beginnings
By: Jenny Sherman (guest writer for Apsara Skin Care, Inc.)
I am newly discovering the extensive world of skin care. It all started when I noticed the marked results from sunburns, acne and products on my skin, and needless to say they weren’t desirable ones. It was like a giant, eye-opening slap in the prematurely damaged face. I thus went out to find some sort of miracle cure. I can’t even count the number of products on both hands that I have tried, applied and then trashed out of pure disappointment.
The more I research, the more I understand that being nice to your skin means using well-made, naturally based products. In fact, using cheap products laden with chemicals can be worse than using nothing at all. On top of that, I have sensitive, pale, impressionable English skin that scoffs at the sign of an abrasive.

Skin Care Photo


So here I am, at the precipice of the dermatological sea; an ocean so vast it’s hard to take in at first glance. What I have gathered as general truths in the subject, I have taken from the consistencies of dermatologists, estheticians, makeup artists and websites written by all of the above. These things include using a gentle cleanser, an occasional exfoliant, a daily toner, and a moisturizer suited to your needs. Also, knowing your skin type so that you choose the aforementioned things appropriately is critical.
And that’s the bare bones of it. Knowing your skin is oily doesn’t mean it isn’t also dry; In fact, it is the lack of moisture in your cells that causes them to compensate with the overproduction of oil. You need to exfoliate often, but if you do it too often or too harshly, it will cause micro-tears in the skin’s surface, which does more harm than good. And those cute little freckles on your nose? Those are actually signs of skin damage from the sun. What sort of dog and pony show is your skin trying to run here?
So admittedly, the whole skincare regimen is daunting. (I mean, what does neck cream do anyway?) For now I will stick with what I know, what I’ve learned, and what feels right. Oh, and get the occasional facial, because not only do those people know what they’re doing, it’s just a heavenly experience. Let me tell you, by diving in the deep end, my skin already looks healthier and more luminous in just a few months.

NOTE: Please comment to share your views about this article. What other skin care topics would you like us to cover? We appreciate and value your comments and would love to hear from you :)

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