Cosmedic... A Dermatologists' Take on Cosmetics...

Ever wished if whatever products you are using on your face and body were actually recommended by dermatologists? Better still, wish they were formulated and "created" by dermatologists themselves? If yes, then fret no more... Your wait is over...

I was lucky enough to be contacted by Cosmedic, which is the cosmeceutical division of Future Skin... They sent me some information brochures and some products for me to try out... I have been trying them out since a week now and am quite impressed with them. Dunno if you all have been able to see any marked improvements on my skin since the past week or so :) I will be reviewing the products one by one...

This is just going to be an introductory post though...

Cosmedic is founded by dermatologist Dr. Kiran Lohia who is a Columbia University graduate and a United States trained M.D, specializing in Dermatology. She is also American Board Certified with a further degree in Aesthetic Medicine. Dr. Lohia is a member of the American Medical Association, American College of Physicians, European Society of Cosmetic and Aesthetic Dermatology, International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology among others. Having additionally completed a Diploma course in Cosmetic Science through the U.K. Society of Cosmetic Scientists, Dr. Lohia has the distinction of being the first physician with both advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Chemistry knowledge.

Cosmedic has launched advanced skin therapeutics that are the first worldwide to be formulated, tested and approved by dermatologists. Led by a team of dermatologists, physicians, chemists and ayurvedic physicians, Cosmedic has sponsored R&D centers in France, USA and Italy to create the latest technologies in dermatological science. Our proprietary skin technologies are proven against prevalent issues such as pimples, pigmentation, dry skin and allergies. In fact, we are the first company in India to commission clinical trials on Indian skin for each and every one of our products to ensure rapidly effective and safe results!

On an ethical standpoint, Cosmedic believes in safety and honesty. Cosmedic creates products that are baby friendly, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and gentle enough to be used in your regular skin care regimen. All our solutions are approved by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), which is a worldwide organisation that certifies products that have not been tested on animals. We are also certified by Vegetarian Society, UK, which guarantees that all our skin solutions are 100% vegan. Please see www.cosmedic.in for more details. 

Stay tuned for my reviews coming up :)

Lakme Perfect Radiance Fairness Day Cream Review

Today I am going to review a fairness cream from Lakme, a well known popular cosmetic brand. Basically I am not that crazy about fairness creams or lotions as I love my dusky complexion and I am not the one who crave for whiter pale skin. Fairness creams are not going to make me or anyone magically fair though :P The main reason why I purchased this fairness day cream is that I loved the face wash from this range very much. I have already reviewed the Lakme Perfect Radiance Fairness Face Wash here and the reason why I loved it is the freshness and instant brightness it gives after washing my face. So I thought of trying the fairness cream from this perfect radiance range and using it for about a month. Let me give my review about it with its pros and cons

Lakme Perfect Radiance Fairness Day Cream 
 (With White Lily and Sacred Lotus Extracts)

Price : 50g  for Rs.175; 15g  for Rs.92

(I bought the 50g pack as the 15g one is too less in quantity for the price)

Shelf Life : Best before 24 months (2 years) from packaging

Ingredient List 

(Sorry for the inconvenience with this bad clarity picture) :(

  

What Does the Product Claims

Designed to give you truly fair radiant skin, Lakme Perfect Radiance Fairness Day Cream with White Lily and Sacred Lotus acts on all six signs below of skin ageing.

How to Use

Smooth on every morning and evening on cleansed skin to discover skin that's not only truly fair but glows from within. For external use only.

Lakme Perfect Radiance Fairness Cream Packaging
                                         
                                          Opening Cover.. The tub is compactly placed inside

In my hand.. You can observe it's size easily

Compactly and Safely Packed with a firm Plastic Base

Consistency and Colour of the Product

Before Applying the Cream 

After Applying the Cream

My View About Lakme Perfect Radiance Fairness Day Cream

The product comes in tub with an outer cover which is sweet pink in co lour. The tub is compactly packed inside the cover with a thin plastic base. The tub which containing the cream is somewhat purplish in colour with a lovely silver lid on the top. This combination makes the packaging classy and anyone will love it very much. The silver lid was firm and tight thus the product is travel friendly too. Even though I loved the packaging, I feel little disappointed with it because the tub packaging makes it unhygienic. We have to dip our finger every time into the tub to take out the cream, If the product comes in tube, it would be much better than this. The fragrance is flowery and sweet as same as the face wash from this range.

       To say about the consistency of the cream, it is very smooth, creamy and milkish peach in colour (As you see in the above pics) It spreads easily and absorbs easily without any trouble on my skin. Unlike most of the other fairness creams, it is very light on my skin, it doesn't make my skin feel heavy or tight. The main thing, it's not greasy at all. It instantly brightened my skin without leaving any whitish cast. But remember, In darker skin tones, it may leave a ashy cast if applied too much. With regular use, it reduced my acne scars up to an extent and made my skin tone even. It think it removed little tan too as it claims. As I am a "normal to oily" skinned girl, this cream suits me best for day time usage but dry skins should stay away from this. There is no moisturizing effect at all. This product is surely not for dry skins and some normal skins too may feel this less moisturizing in winters. Eventhough I love to use it as a perfect day cream, I am not ready to go with it to nourish my skin at nights, my skin needs an extra nourishing night cream. So allover, it's a perfect day cream which is light, which gives instant brightening effect, stays longer on face and best to use only for oily skinned people. It also acts a superb makeup base but dry skinned people shouldn't go for it.

PROS

1. Cute, Sturdy and Travel friendly packaging
2. Smooth texture of the cream which is very creamy and spreads easily.
3. Lovable flowery fragrance which gives instant freshness.
4. This day cream instantly brightens skin without any greasy feel or heaviness.
5. A very best day cream and a make up base for oily and super oily skins.
6. It reduces the appearance of scars and evened out my skin tone up to a great extent.
7. Removes sun tan as it claims, only with regular use.
8. The tub is fully filled with cream, hence it's affordable for the quantity and quality. A 50gm tub will last for more than 2 months.
9. No side effects, no breakouts if used in normal and oily skins. Safe to use.

CONS

1. No moisturizing effect! Dry skins stay away.
2. Tub Packaging which is unhygienic.
3. Contains Parabens. Which cosmetic today doesn't?

No other cons, the only main thing that bothers people is that the product has no moisturizing effect. But it's not a big con according to this cream because they didn't claim at all that this cream will moisturize your skin. The product only claims that it "Reduces oiliness". So, the Lakme Perfect Radiance Fairness Day Cream lives up to its claims. Worth of money!

My Recommendation: Oily Skins go head, it will suit you best in all the seasons. Normal skins, summer is alright but stay away from this cream in winters and dry people, just forget about this product. This is not for you in any season.

My Rating: 4/5 (-1 for tub packaging and -1 for no moisturizing effect)

Will I repurchase this product? : Sure, Every time! I love it because it instantly brightens, evens out my skin with daily use and acts as a good makeup base too.

Using Lotion or Skin Moisturizer at Night

For skin care, what the benefits of wearing lotion at night.  Is using lotion at night is good for the skin? just using lotion or skin moisturizer at night that the recommended.
Many people think that the most effective use lotion after showering when. And, in a day you may use lotion after showering twice.

Benefits of skin lotion at night

1. skin regeneration
In order for the skin look more radiant skin also requires a process of regeneration. The process of regeneration or renewal of these cells occurs at night when we sleep. This is actually a skin cell regeneration takes place every time, but at night the skin regenerate two more times.

For cell regeneration, skin needs help of some vitamins and active ingredients to make it more effective," he added. Use lotion before bedtime will help provide energy in the form of vitamins and other active ingredients.

Only, it must be remembered that the selection of lotions for the evening is not the same as a daily lotion. When choosing a night lotion, try to choose a lotion that contains fatty acids and vitamin B3 higher to keep skin moist.

2. Keeping humidity
Use lotion at night will help reduce the loss of water vapor that is too much. In the evening the trans epidermal water loss (evaporation) of water from the skin will be increased by 25 percent compared to the morning or afternoon. Loss of moisture in the skin will be higher, especially in the open (not covered with clothing) such as legs, arms, and face.

Applications lotion will help reduce levels of water evaporation from the skin while we sleep. Losing too much moisture will make skin sensitive and dry.

3. Easily absorbs the active ingredient
The night is the most effective time to apply a range of beauty products. Due to the night, the skin will more easily absorb the active ingredients.

REVIEW: Vivel 3-in-1 Face Wash+Scrub

OMG I feel like I am doing a product review after ages and yup it has been a while hasn't it :) Thanks to all of you, who missed and actually wrote to me saying so :) It is mails like these that make my hobby of being a beauty blogger all the more special :) Thank you!

Today, I shall be reviewing Vivel's 3-in-1 Face Wash+Scrub for soft, clear and glowing skin. It is supposed to be "All Skin Types" and "For Everyday Use". It contains jojoba beads, which are nothing but Jojoba esters created by complete hydrogenation of Jojoba oils. The oils are used as emollients and the esters or the beads are used for exfoliation.

Vivel Face wash+scrub is actually what is it called. It has these exfoliating jojoba beads floating in a face wash. The exfoliating beads are just right, they are not at all harsh and neither do they dissolve in water very fast. I loved the product as a scrub. It does have a strong fragrance but it isn't unbearable or synthetic smelling.

The product did have a downside though and that was the fact that I do not think it is suitable for dry skin. Though they claim that it is for all skin types but after a couple of uses I started finding dry patches on my skin (I do have extremely dry skin), very similar to the ones caused by Clean and Clear face washes. So I asked my friend with oily skin to try it and well she apparently loved it. So I guess its a fabulous product for those with oily skin but dry skin beauties are better off without it...

Image of the Product

Swatch

Oooohhsss And Aaaahhhsss!!!
1. The jojoba beads are of the perfect hardness and texture for exfoliation. They weren't harsh on the skin.
2. It really and I mean really helped me scrub away dead cells. My skin actually felt all sparkly and clean!
3. I like the fact that it has both a scrub as well as a face wash. It was awesome to have a lather working up while exfoliating.
4. Very very easily and widely available in all general and departmental stores.

Ouches!!!
1. Though they claim the product to be for all skin types, it does not suit dry skin.
2. It does have a somewhat strong fragrance.

Price
it costs INR 105/- for 100 ml.

Would I Recommend?
I would for sure recommend it for oily skinned ladies who are looking for a good scrub with an oil control face wash. But dry skinned beauties should stay away from this product.

Overall Rating:
5/10 - Dry Skin
8/10 - Oily Skin

The product was sent by PR for consideration. It has in no way affected my review.

REVIEW: The Body Shop Spiced Vanilla Body Butter

Hellllloooooo everyone... It feels like a decade that I posted on ISLM (yup I do love a bit of exaggeration here and there :P) and it feels awesome to be back :) I plan to review TBS Spice Vanilla Body Butter and I know it has been reviewed like 27,836 times on the beauty blogosphere already but aren't you a tad bit curious about my take on it? ;)

Spiced Vanilla is a beautifully rich vanilla scented body butter that isn't too sweet. It smells more like a cinnamon doughnut than anything else ;) Its a perfect fragrance for the colder months though and because of the richness of its fragrance I cannot see myself using it in warmer weather... For summers I prefer fruity fragrances like Peach body butter, mango body butter and satsuma body butter... For winters I am loving Spiced Vanilla :)

Though the tub does not specify any skin type, this particular one is suiting my dry skin to the Tee. Just a layer and my skin feels all smooth and pampered. Its fragrance stays on for like really long and when I wore it to office for the first time, everyone of the guys actually turned when I passed them. I swear! I myself feel like I am enveloped in a veil of spicy vanilla the whole day...

Image Of the Product

The Body Shop Spiced Vanilla Body Butter

The Body Shop Spiced Vanilla Body Butter

 

Ingredients List

 Texture:

So creamy, so smooth

Ooohhss And Aaahhss!!!
1. Heavenly fragrance, not too sweet, not too jarring...
2. Texture is just so smooth and it feels great on dry skin!
3. Available in 50 ml as well 100 ml tubs.
4. Always available at any TBS outlets. It isn't LE.
5. In addition to a lot of oils and cocoa butter extracts, it contains sesame oil as well, which is really very good for one's skin.
6. I like the color of the tub, though in all fairness, all TBS containers look pretty on the dresser.

Ouches!!!
1. Like all TBS products, the price is a bit steep
2. They should mention skin type of the labels!

Price
It costs INR 515/- for 50 ml

Repurchase?
Definitely! As it is I am already on my 3rd tub!

Would I Recommend?
If you are a sucker for rich textures and fragrances and don't mind smelling like you are ready to be devoured, then go for it ;) This trust me isn't for the weak hearted, who like being in the shadows...

Overall Rating
9/10
 

Daily Habits that Reflect Badly on the Skin

Problem becomes wrinkled skin, reducing the appearance of beautiful. Premature aging of skin makes wrinkles appear. Only about 10 percent of the genetic factors influencing the aging process, it means you have greater control in maintaining the skin stay young. Dr. Doris Day, author of Forget the Facelift. Here Dr, Doris describes daily habits that reflect badly on the skin:

1. smoke

As the effect on the entire body, cigarettes are toxic to your skin. "Smoking is the absolute worst thing for your skin," said Dr. Ellen Marmur, Professor of Dermatology and Genetics at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, USA. The good news is that stopping smoking will undo the damage that has occurred on your skin. "If you smoked for 10 years and you stop for five years, you can erase all the damage," said Dr. Marmur. What is needed is a smoke-free a few weeks to see changes in skin color to be improved.

2. Ignoring the skin around the eyes

Sunglasses are not only accessories required for celebrities. "Everyone should use it to prevent sun damage around the eyes," said Dr. Marmur. Believe it or not, you can even get melanoma in the eye if you underestimate it. Chronic exposure to UV rays can cause premature aging around the eyes. The solution is a special soft eye sunscreen can help protect the skin of your eyes, but sunglasses are also a good protection. Wear sunglasses whenever you are outside, even on cloudy days. Find the type that offers more than 95% UV protection.

3. less moving

Lazy to exercise also can accelerate the signs of premature aging on your face. "Exercise is one of the best things you can do for healthy skin," said Dr. Marmur. Exercise increases the flow of blood circulation which makes skin a healthy glow. "When you exercise faintly pink skin, wash the area because all the vessels of the face with blood rich in oxygen and nutrients," he explained. Plus, studies show fitness exercises help the skin repair itself and may even protect against skin cancer. Dr suggestions, Marmur: 30 minutes of aerobic activity three or four times a week. Be sure to wear sunscreen when you exercise outdoors.

4. Not Enough Sleep

The worst thing you can do for your skin, but skip the sunscreen, the late nights. "When you're asleep, the energy flow throughout the body to rejuvenate the cells," he explained. Cut back on sleep to make you lose the moment of skin rejuvenation.

5. Giving no time for work

According to Dr. Marmur, skin care products at least takes about three months to work so you need to be patient. If a product claims to be able to renew collagen almost instantly, you know it's definitely a false claim. Want to see the results of expensive anti-aging cream that you buy, wait at least three months of the results on your face.

Overcome Skin Aging, According to Your Age

The process of skin aging is something natural and inevitable in humans. Follow the aging process age. But there is an attempt to resolve skin aging process. Graphed time as you will continue to rise rapidly. Rate of speed that process is different at each age as well as women. The aging process in each individual there is a quick run to slow. Therefore overcome skin aging, according to your age.

Facing the aging to age 20
This period of the aging process occurs with very fine (almost invisible signs). At the age of 20, the line is starting to look thin look due to the collagen and elastin begin to break down. Damage caused by sun exposure is also beginning to emerge. "Even if the signs of aging are not visible, it is important to take steps to protect your skin," advises Dr. Debra Jaliman, author of Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist. Creams which contain antioxidants, facial scrub, facial microdermabrasion treatment and sunscreen is a must for you. "Use sunscreen even if you are not on the outside," advises Dr. B. Hayes Gladstone, of Gladstone Berman Skin Institute, California, USA.

Facing the aging for age 30s
Although your skin may still look 'shiny' and radiant, fine lines may be just around the eyes and forehead, as well as the visible expression lines more than the age of 20. "The best thing you can do for your skin is to moisturize the skin with a cream containing sunscreen at least SPF 30," added Dr. Jaliman. Non-ablative lasers can be selected to make the skin more radiant or to disguise fine lines.

Facing the aging for age 40s
This is the decade when the skin begins to show signs of sun damage and aging, especially if you are exposed to UV radiation without any protection when you were younger. Freckles and dark pigment in the skin may have emerged, while the pores and oil glands more prominent. Dr. Jaliman said, using a product with retinol as the main ingredient is very important to help reduce fine lines and improve skin texture. Other treatments to consider include photofacials (IPL or intense light therapy) and fractional laser treatments. IPL can smooth your skin tone while the fractional laser treatments are designed to brighten skin tone and restore skin texture. For smile lines and marionette lines below the mouth, collagen stimulants (or dermal filler) became a very popular choice. While Dr. Gladstone showed that sagging eyelids and bags are also emerging at this time, causing some women to start thinking about the surgical procedure.

Facing the aging for age 50s
When you enter the age of 50 changes in the skin may be more dramatic. Muscle, fat, collagen, and bone tissue begins to shrink, making wrinkles more noticeable. If you smoke or have damage from excessive sun, wrinkles can become more apparent. These spots can also become more numerous and spread throughout the body, including your hands. To help with wrinkles and other signs of aging, Dr. Jaliman suggest that you continue to use retinol products, such as in your 40s. Lasers can be used eliminate brown spots, uneven skin texture and enlarged pores. Many women also choose for skin tightening with Thermage CPT radio frequency to tighten sagging skin. Serum and moisturizer containing peptide-counter can make your skin look more full when used every day.

Facing the aging to age 60 and over
After reaching your golden years, your skin looks more and more dull. This is due to exfoliate dead skin and do not accumulate. Assist the process of exfoliation is important. Broken blood vessels may appear on the face, brown spots or black started popping up around the hairline and neck. Elastin and collagen continues to decline in number, and skin cells may not supple, plump and moist as of yore. Damage caused by sun exposure continues to increase. "You can choose products that not only protects against sun exposure, but also repairs the skin," said Dr. Jaliman. He recommends sunscreen use technology to target DNA repair sun damage there and fight sun damage in the future. Skin with Thermage CPT can diperkencang radio frequency. To damaged blood vessels and brown spots, it's good start to consider a series of laser treatments. Stimulates collagen by injection may be an option if you want full looking skin longer.

Influence of Diet for Skin Care

Benefits of diet was not only keeps the body slim and healthy. More than that, what you asup greatly affect the condition of your skin. In order to have beautiful skin, moist, and bright. Try to read about the influence of diet for skin care, diet what is most appropriate.

Vegetarian diet

Whatever the reason you stopped eating meat and other animal products, health or ethical reasons, which you must eat more fresh food is very good for skin beauty.

Antioxidants in foods are vegetarian will neutralize free radicals that trigger wrinkling, dark spots and other signs of aging on the skin. Because low-fat vegetarian diet, you should balance it with olive or safflower oil consumption so that the skin remains moist.

Diet High Protein, Low Carbs
Reduce your intake of pasta, white bread, or refined sugar is good for lowering the hormone cortisol and reduce blackheads. In contrast the consumption of complex carbohydrates such as whole grains are rich in antioxidants and proven builder of collagen protein.

Should not be excessive consumption of animal fats because it will increase production of free radicals that would disturb the normal cells. As a source of protein, choose fish or lean meat. To keep skin hydrated, consume enough water.

Low-Fat Diet
Low-fat diet is highly recommended if you want to have a healthy heart. This diet will also reduce the production of free radicals that accelerate skin aging.

Nevertheless, we still need a fat skin, especially those from nuts and olive oil. Fat helps the body absorb fat-soluble antioxidants and vitamins. In addition it also serves to strengthen the fat cell membranes, especially the epidermis so that skin looks supple and radiant.

Raw Food Diet
The raw food diet adherents believe that food is not cooked will make the natural enzymes in foods preserved. Other benefits include healthy digestion, boost energy and lose weight.

Although the claim is not accepted by doctors, but vegetables are not cooked to make skin look more radiant.

                                                                                                              beautiful healthy lifestyle