Organic Beauty Care

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I have been really taking care of my hair this year and I am so happy about it that I have been boring you time and again :D Anyways, this was requested by Pallavi and it has been a long time in coming. So, here it goes! What is a Conditioner? A treatment which follows the shampooing routine to restore the oils of the hair after washing it. Shikakai is the traditional conditioner which was used to compensate for the harshness of reetha or soapnuts. Now a days, we have two classes of conditioners. One is a post-shampoo treatment and another is pre-shampoo treatment and one can go for either home remedies or get the commercially available products! The home remedies are nourishing for hair and the commerical products have hair-friendly ingredients or ones which coat the hair strands to shield it from the external elements. You also get products which claim to restructure the hair collagen using chemical compounds like peptides and keratin. How to apply the conditioner? Well, this is something I have already discussed but it is still a huge doubt for me. So, the simplest thing I do is divide my hair into two sections and take a dollop of conditioner and smooth on one side and repeat the same for other. I do this very gently but still some hairs do fall so I gently remove them and wash them off. I do not use comb in the shower as many people suggest. I think it is a bad idea because hair is most delicate when wet and howsoever gentle one might be, its totally impossible not to break the hair. How often should conditioner be used? Well, generally, the answer would be every time you wash your hair. But, honestly, I do not use it every time. Sometimes, I am just too lazy or sometimes I want to treat my hair to henna or something else so I simply skip. In those times, I make sure I do a leave-in treatment for the hair. For oily hair as well, finding a conditioner which is not heavy for hair is very important! Or, they can make do with a leave-in treatment and some people do a pre-conditioning like applying egg or henna or curd or some other hair pack for an hour before wash it off. I think how often you need to condition also depends on the quality of your shampoo. If it a drying type, you would obviously need the conditioner but if the shampoo simply cleanses the hair and doesn't remove the natural oils, one can make do without conditioner. I have been using SLS-free shampoos for long and yes I do think I can make do without conditioners if I want. But, a drop or two of some oil acts a leave-in agent in my hair otherwise my hairs do dry out a lot but then my hair is not oily but dry and curly/wavy as well. Does skipping conditioner affect hair? Yes, actually! I have seen that personally and have mentioned it already on the blog. But, this point applies only when you are missing the leave-in treatment as well. The hair is prone with split ends and thin hair especially on the ends which leads to breakage! For hair to remain beautiful, both internal and external nourishment are equally important. Eat omega3 rich foods and foods rich in Vitamin B and E. They help in hair growth and keep hair moisturized and hydrated all the time. Eating protein-rich foods also helps in maintaining body of the hair strands. And, protect hair from the external damaging elements like pollution and dust and sun. How to select a conditioner for my hair? Now, this is the most difficult question to answer! There are no guidelines to select a product which will suit. So, I can just mention a few salient points! First, it is not necessary that the shampoo and conditioner should be from the same brand and range. If your hair reacts well to a particular shampoo and some other conditioner, go ahead with that as well. Second, always buy the products depending on your hair type and issues. You can always rotate them one a

Ohk, I HAD to announce this. Finally, I did it! I had been running a lot of backlog of comments to answer since March and I had been just procrastinating. But, finally, I cleared it ALL! So, please check back if you had commented on any post but did not get any reply. I have replied everyone and have double-checked but in any case, I have missed yours, please message me back! And, I am really really sorry for this much of delay. I had been lazy, busy and what not! And, now I shall make sure I do not pile up more of backlogs. Its damn difficult to clear them up and sure does give you lot of sleepless nights :-| And, I also have to admit I have skipped on many many mails without reading so if you do have any unanswered queries, please resend them! I shall be awaiting them :) So, this is a tip to all bloggers. DO NOT PROCRASTINATE! What do you say? Related Posts: Just Gossip Vol. 16 - How is 2013 treating you? Just Gossip Vol. 15 - A trip to Ayurveda! Just Gossip Vol. 14 - What did you do this weekend?

Have you ever tried Ayurveda in your daily routine? I did it. It had started with one day my mom telling me to wash my eyes with the triphala infusion. She had seen it on some program which imparts the ayurvedic tips for healthy living. And, then, some other tip came and then something else! And, on and on. But then how many things can you incorporate in the routine so I just left it at that. But, these tips were something which were not so intrusive and could be followed easily. And, their benefits were too good to pass up. I have been doing these things on and off for the past one month or more. And, I can talk about the benefits I have seen in my skin or hair or body! Triphala Eye Wash Every morning right after I get up, I wash my eyes with the triphala infusion. And, the results? Brighter eyes, clearer eyes, whites are more prominent, eyes do not get dry, they do not get tired of staring at the laptop, and the best is yet to come - lesser finer lines under the eyes :D The infusion hydrates the skin there and makes it moisturized so that helps with lesser wrinkles and fine lines. Of course, moisturizer and sunscreen do their part as well :) How to make infusion? Take a 1/2 tbsp of triphala powder in a glass and dissolve it in glassful of water. Leave it overnight. Strain the morning and use it as eyewash. I have to warn you here that this infusion stains the washbasin and where it falls so when you are washing your eyes, get either eye wash cups or do something to prevent spilling. Almond Oil Nose Drops This has to be done just before dozing off!! Just a drop of almond oil in both of your nostrils and you are good to doze off into deeper realms. Results? Amazingly this helps with headaches, helps you sleep better, greases your air pipe and the nostrils, cleans them of any dirty things and the list is actually quite long. But, the main thing is deep and calm sleep for me and lesser headaches. How to use? Get a bottle of Badam Rogan and a dropper from the pharmacy. And, that is it. Keep them by your bedside and do not forget to use them. Oil Pulling This has to be the most heavy tip I have incorporated in my routine. And, I think it is difficult given that you have to take a tablespoon of oil in your mouth right after you get up and swish it for 20 minutes before throwing it off. And, yeah, the first time you do it, you WILL surely gag! Results? I am not sure if I really saw any benefits till now but I think its a routine which does not show the benefits immediately or even in the long run. The benefits are more internal and not visible. It sure does make my teeth more white and cleanse out the cough and phlegm from the body. Swishing for 20 minutes surely makes me feel wide awake but I doubt if it was supposed to be one of its benefits :D How to do it? Traditionally, sesame oil is used for this method. I use coconut oil, though. Take a table spoon and swish it all around the mouth gently without making your jaw hurt and then it will turn watery and foamy by the end of 20 minutes when you can spit it out. Rinse your mouth with salt water, preferably mineral or rock salts not the table salt. And, brush. Yes, it has to be done before brushing your teeth and on empty stomach right after you get up. The benefits are multi-varied. First, it is a detoxification ritual for the body. The oil pulls all the toxins and turns watery and foamy because of them. That is also the reason why you should not ingest even a bit of that oil and throw it all off and cleanse your mouth properly. Second, I think it is extremely helpful for people with respiratory issues as it helps clean the mucus canal and improves sinusitis issues and if you are suffering from cold, you can do this to get rid of the phlegm. It is also great to maintain the healthy teeth and gums and oral care. It helps prevent bad breath. That's it for

5 Simple Visualization Techniques By Jen Mazer If you can’t actually visualize yourself having, doing, or being what you want, you will never attract it to you. It all starts with your imagination.  Simple visualization technique are all about having the feeling as if you already have what you desire. You can do the work, [...]

Every day there is one comment on the blog about wither of these skin disorders. And, my only answer to them is to consult a doctor and I really wish they do! The reason being these are problems which are best treated under medical supervision. If left untreated, these issues can aggravate and cause more harm to the skin in the long run! So, I came across an article by Dr. Perricone for these disorders while browsing through my mails. It is more a list of Do's and Donts' in such a case. So, let us begin. Sensitive Skin If you are suffering from any skin disorder, your skin is very very sensitive so avoid anything which can mildly be stinging for the skin. Exfoliation on the affected areas is a big no no. No alpha-hydroxy acids or any chemical peels or even the usage of fresh fruits in the skin care regime. Do not use any orange or tomato or lemon or papaya or pineapple juice on the face. Using retinoids and any other skin supplements like vitamin C serums or products containing hydroquinone are also discouraged. Anything which increases the sensitivity of the skin can aggravate the problem! Sunscreen Protect the areas from direct sunlight. Slather on a thick layer of sunscreen and reapply often. Physical Sunscreens are preferred as they generally trigger lesser allergies than the chemical sunscreens. Moisturizer Keep the affected areas moisturized using hydrating moisturizers or body oils or face oils. Often the scalp skin is also affected with these disorders in which case hair fall becomes a common problem. So, make sure that you keep the scalp moisturized using couple of drops of oil or aloevera gel. Coconut, almond, apricot oils work really well to moisturize the scalp! Also, it is important to keep the skin moisturized from inside. Eating a lot of omega rich foods is helpful. Or, taking Vitamin E rich foods. A table spoon of coconut oil everyday is also advised for improving the skin suppleness and hydration. Diet Another important thing to take care of is diet. Spicy food, alcohol and caffiene generally triggers allergies. Also, eating spices like ginger, garlic, turmeric are good for health. And add lot of fresh fruits and vegetables and nuts and whole grains. Processed foods should be strictly avoided. Exercises Regular exercise is one of the keys of healthy living. It helps reduce stress levels and allows people to sleep deeply and calmly, among other things. And, helps with healthy flow of blood. Please add some other points to the post! PS: This post is supposed to be only a precautionary measure to prevent aggravating the already existing issue. It, by no way, should be taken as a treatment for the aforementioned disorders. Related Posts: 5 Oils I love for my Hair 5 Do's and Dont's for Hair 5 tricks to sleep quickly and deeply

Matricaria chamomilla flower Common Names: (/’kæm?mi?l/ kam-?-meel or /’kæm?ma?l/ kam-?-myl), camomile (British spelling), from Greek for “earth apple,” daisy, “the friendly flower”The most commonly used species for cosmetics and skin care: Matricaria chamomilla (also known as Matricaria recutita)– German or wild chamomile Chamaemelum nobile (Anthemis nobilis) — Roman, English or garden chamomile What’s the world’s friendliest flower? Many people will say it’s the daisy. There’s something so cheerful about the yellow center with the white petals radiating out around it, like a child’s drawing of the sun. Lovers check their relationships, pulling off a petal at a time while saying, “He/She loves me, he/she loves me not…” But there’s more to this sunny flower than meets the eye; certain varieties have powerful herbal properties with significant health benefits. Essences from the chamomile daisy are known for calming, moisturizing, and skin soothing properties and may even improve healing and tissue regeneration. The dried petals of members of the Asteraceae family (which includes daisies, sunflowers, and ragweed) have long been used in herbal medicines as well as modern skin care and cosmetics. Extracts from the petals are made into herbal teas and essential oils. The wild or “German” chamomile is an annual herb, which flourishes throughout Northern Europe and grows to 2-3 feet tall. The Roman, English or “garden variety” chamomile is a very short ground cover that only grows 4-12 inches high and appears mainly in English and North American gardens. Both varieties prefer light, sandy, acidic soil with good drainage. Children all over the world first learn about the soothing powers of chamomile from Beatrix Potter’s famous story, The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Naughty Peter tries to steal vegetables from the farmer’s garden and barely escapes with his life. His mother, Mrs. Rabbit, puts her undisciplined son to bed with a dose of chamomile tea to help him sleep, saying “One table-spoonful to be taken at bedtime.” Like warm milk, chamomile is an age-old remedy to soothe and calm. Many folk remedies have a proven scientific basis. Chamomile is considered to be to Europeans what ‘ginseng’ is to Asians; it is one of the most important plants used in herbal medicines and there is a growing awareness of its potency among Western doctors as well. One of the herbs of choice of Asclepiades, a Greek physician who lived around 90 B.C., the word ‘Chamomile’ comes from the Greek words for ‘ground’ and ‘apple’ and is often translated as “Earth-apple.” It is believed the name comes from the scent of the flowers, which resembles the smell of fresh apples. When made into an essential oil, it has a spicy, relaxing scent and has proven healing and antiseptic properties. Medical use and pharmacology – Alpha-bisobolol Medicinally, chamomile is soothing for upset stomachs and irritable bowels, and is a gentle sleep aid. It is also known for its anti-inflammatory and bactericidal effects. Topical applications of chamomile in a cream or lotion promote wound healing and reduce scarring. Scientists report anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antimicrobial, and mild sedative effects, which they believe mostly come from a component of the chamomile flower that chemists call “alpha-bisabolol.” Alpha-bisabolol has also been shown to reduce fever and shorten the healing time of skin burns. Alpha-bisabolol is an antiseptic with anti-inflammatory properties when applied to skin. Alpha-bisabolol is the primary ingredient in the popular Paul Penders Cellular Renewal Serum. Alpha Bisabolol Cell Renewal Serum Its major ingredient is clinically proven to reduce scars, stretch marks and uneven skin tone. With antioxidants, enzymes, collagen and elastin that act as “cell communicating agents,” this serum is a natural power-house product that increases cell regeneration due to degradation and cell damage due to overstret

I have never been a fan of coconut oil but I have been using it for sometime to remove the sunscreen and that is all there to it! I did never really try coconut oil for hair seriously because I did not see it doing much for my hair. So, lets see how this product worked on me! Price: Rs 625 for 200ml Pros can be used as a leave-in treatment! gets washed out easily leaves subtle shine on the hair Cons very expensive! its a clear oil My Experience It always looked to me that doing the reviews are the easiest thing on Earth because you just have to use the product and write about it! No thinking and no brainstorming. Easy-peasy. And, then the reality crashes saying "What do you know? It is the most difficult part of blogging!" The blogger has to test a product in thousand possible ways and then list them down as to what passes the test and what doesn't! And, when it is a hair care product, it is even worse! So, forgive me if the review is too much or too less and please read on :) I have been testing the product since a month and I can safely say I hate the smell. The oil is clear and colorless with a cocoa-buttery smell. Its not like I am a fan of the coconut oil smell but cocoa butter smell is even worse. And, the ingredient list states fragrance as well. They might have done better with few hair nourishing essential oils instead! Anyways, barring that issue, I do not see any problem in the product. Incidentally, it is so different from coconut oil in texture probably because of the mix of all other oils. It is very less sticky and thick as compared to the regular coconut oil and does not weight down the hair if you apply as a leave-in serum. That is something I totally loved about the product. it has all sorts of oils other than coconut and pracaxi (Pentaclethra Macroloba Seed Oil)! Now, it says about some Pracaxi oil which comes from South America. The oil comes from the Pracaxi seeds and has high concentration of behenic acid which apparently is good for hair! Behenic acid is a saturated fatty acid which has smoothing properties. (Source: Wikipedia) Now, lets talk about how the product functions. Honestly, the product is so expensive that it will break your heart to use it as a hair oil. And, fortunately, I do not think I saw any difference in my hair when I used this oil as a pre-wash treatment. It did not contain the frizz or show any extraordinary difference compared to any other oil. oil does not come drop by drop from the fliptop cap! But, it was a hero when it came to post-wash treatment. You can easily skip the conditioner and use this product on a daily basis. Just two drops would be enough for mid-waist length hair and the leftover oil on the palms can be rubbed on the scalp. That prevents dryness of the scalp. And, even if you apply it everyday, your hair would not get weighed down. Oh I forgot to mention - whether the product is used as pre-wash treatment or a post-wash, it leaves the hair really soft and provides subtle shine to it which makes the hair look really healthy! Hair looks full of life and bouncy. Since I wash my hair on alternate days on weekdays, my hair behaves relatively well. Also, it brings out the color of your hair (if your hair is colored or naturally possesses some very interesting shade) which I totally loved. So, yes, it is a product which can be tried as a leave-in treatment. And, it will last you ages that way so you can spend on it in one shot as well :) PS: Product provided by brand. Related Posts: Olay Total Effects 7 in One cream + serum duo SPF 15 Skinetica Anti Blemish Solution Clinique 3-Step Skin Care Samples

So, this is almost the middle of the year! Gosh, it flew by so quickly or rather it is flying by so quickly and there have been an insane amount of changes in my life, nothing major but essential. What about you? How is your life treating you? You are sad, happy, bitter, exhilarated? I just wanted to remind you on the project we had started at the start of this year - the New Year Project! Are you keeping track of how the year is proceeding? I should have kept it as a monthly journal, I realized that just now but then better late than never :) So, till now the year has treated me in all ways possible! But, some of the major things I have realized this year or late last year was that I love writing. I wrote my first short story few months back and I did pen down another piece. Also, I went to North-East for the first time in my life and my start-of-year travel has been amazing! I can live it day in day out in my mind. And, then, job is good this year (at least better than the last) and I am more introspective. And, best of all, I turned 27 and I can see myself changing everyday in some or the other way for the good!! Oh btw, I found this really inspiring and interesting article about what things you should accomplish in your 20's. Do check it out. Its amazing and I am sure you are gonna love it! Also, do let me know how you are doing. You do not have to share anything if it is too personal but a general comment is just more than enough! Share in comments below what special you have done in this new year, what things have inspired you and if you have moved a little closer to realizing what you want to do! Or, may be you have joined those dance classes you always wanted to or lost the weight you were aiming for! Related Posts: Just Gossip Vol. 15 - A trip to Ayurveda! Just Gossip Vol. 14 - What did you do this weekend? Just Gossip Vol. 13 - Do you watch movies on weekdays?

Are you Vegetarian, Vegan or just Earth-friendly? Paul Penders products from our earliest beginnings have always been made from herbs, flower essences, fruit and other plant products. We promise that they are suitable for use by those who practice vegetarianism and even those vegans who completely avoid animal products of any kind. I admit it. I’ve been known to eat a hamburger and love the taste of seafood when fresh from the sea. But more and more, I’ve come to think about changing my habits and becoming completely vegetarian. Revealing information seems to come to light every day about how destructive the ‘Big Business’ and mass-market approaches are to the world environment. Scientists and medical professionals chronicle the terrible effects of eating processed foods. It’s become quite difficult to avoid the harmful chemicals polluting our food, air, water, and the personal products we use every day. With so many people sick and dying from the ‘modern Western lifestyle,’ it really does seem to be time to look carefully at our habits and beliefs – and at the products we use. How many of the things we put in or on our bodies – from lipsticks to laundry soaps – can hurt us? I love animals. I was born in the Chinese Year of the Dog and I think of myself as a “Dog Person” but I am fond of animals of all kinds. About 40 years ago, I took my shampoo formula to the Dutch authorities for testing. I had this naïve idea that they would wash some rabbits with my shampoo and if their fur was clean and shiny, then my shampoo would be approved. When I saw them force-feed the shampoo to the helpless animals and put it in their eyes, I was so sickened that I vomited there in the laboratory. That day changed my life. I vowed never to allow my products to be tested on animals. Over time, it became our policy for the Paul Penders company to avoid the use of animal products of any kind in our natural beauty lines. That includes petroleum formed from fossils (like petroleum jelly), lanolin (from sheep’s wool), and many other ingredients that most other companies use regularly. It takes a lot of effort, time, and money, but it’s a point of pride for me to be able to honestly say: Paul Penders products are only made from natural plant or mineral materials. Subscribe to the Paul Penders Newsletter Share this post, download zipfile with the html code