Nivea Whitening, Cell Repair & UV Protect Body Lotion {Product Review}

Price: Rs 225 for 950ml

Pros

gets absorbed really quickly into the skin

keeps skin hydrated and moisturized for a long time 

very thin in consistency and you don't require much

has UVA protection

Cons

doesn't have UVB protection

I am not sure about the whitening claims

can't be applied at night coz of UV filters in the product

My Experience

To start with, the consistency of the product is really thin so it gets absorbed very easily but do not underestimate its moisturizing or rather the hydrating properties of the product. It keeps the skin in a great supple condition for almost 6-8 hours and that's the max I have used this product because I remove it in the evening.

I had read somewhere (in someone's review, don't remember which!!) that it helps curb tanning but I don't think I really saw anything like that. The product boasts of 40X Vitamin C but I really didn't see it do anything extraordinary. I think the reason may also lie in the fact that I used it only while going out and not at night or otherwise.

I think it would have been better if the product did not have UV filters so that it can be used at anytime and probably might show some effect on tanning.I totally don't like the whitening claims and regarding UV claims, I always prefer to use sunscreen. I tend to stay away from products which say they moisturize as well as protect. So, I used to layer this upon the sunscreen.

Overall, I am not really sure about the product so I guess they should launch the same in a variation which doesn't have sunscreen. Have you used the product? How did you like it?

PS: Product sent by brand.

Other products I love or hate from Nivea:

Winter Skin Care Lotions 

Nivea Fruity Shine Dragon Fruit vs Pomegranate 

Nivea Refreshing Cleansing Milk

Nivea Repair and Protection

Nivea Nourishing Body Milk

Nivea Sun Moisturizing Lotion SPF 50 PA++ 

Nivea Sun Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 PA++

What happens when you do not use Sunscreen? {Sunscreen}

This post is specially for people who have not yet adapted this routine thinking it to be just a frivolous stuff. Well, may be it was and that was the doubt which made me do this little experiment. I forgo-ed sunscreen for almost two weeks and now I am putting up these findings.

I have been using sunscreen more or less regularly since a year. And, I apply sunscreen only once in a day. But, I do apply a good amount of it for proper protection. And, yes, I do go out in the peak time of 10 AM - 4 PM as well. So, lets get on the with my findings.

My arms are back to whatever state they were tanned prior to my use of sunscreen. Interestingly, I observed the tanning only after a couple of days without sunscreen. The first day I didn't apply sunscreen, my skin was looking more or less the same. 

Talking about the face and neck, yes, they are also tanned. Not as much as my arms coz I did use sunscreen on and off. And, I am using a lightening oil as well at night to combat this tanning but still I know that my complexion has grown darker. 

So, now that I know that sunscreen is extremely important to preserve my skin complexion, I would try not to skip it. And, this is my first advise to everyone who love their skin. Oh! Btw, please remember that the benefits of using sunscreen are apparent only if you use the proper amount and after around a month of use. That's when you will see changed in your skin, be it color or texture. 

So, what do you think? Do you find yourself getting tanned whenever you skip sunscreen? 

Related Posts:

How to remove tanning on arms?
5 Steps to get fairer skin?

How many times do you avoid sun at noon? {Your Opinion}

This has been my issue since quite long. So, I thought I would pose this question to you all. How easy or difficult do you think is avoiding sun at the peak time in the noons? For me, its always the noons when I can get my works done or find time to go out for shopping or anything!!! Especially, when on a vacation, you are always out in the noons. So, how do you exactly avoid the sun in the peak time of 10-4? 

For me, I do put on a lot of sunscreen which gives me protection and use umbrella and scarf both to avoid the sun. But, sometimes, its just not possible!! Anyway, reapplication of sunscreen is very important when you tend to stay out so please bear that in mind. Also, its very important to follow with an after-sun treatment so as to control some of the damage done to the skin. But, it is advisable to avoid sun at the peak time at any cost. 

So, what do you say?

Image Courtesy:healthmeup.com

Related Posts:
Sunscreen: Role in anti-aging Skin Care
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock
How much sunscreen do you apply?
Use sunscreen 365 days a year
Sunscreen Ingredients

Nivea Sun Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 PA++ {Product Review}

Price: Rs 299 for 125ml

Pros

gets absorbed really easily

no white cast

is non-sticky as it says

also, water resistant

doesn't get greasy!!

Cons

the ingredients are not stable so has to be reapplied every one to two hours without fail

less on UVA protection coz its just PA++ and not PA+++

My Experience

When I had started using this after its counterpart, I was very happy because of no white cast issues. Its of the same consistency but gets absorbed really easily and can be applied in any amount. It doesn't even get greasy and doesn't feel sticky which is one of the best features of the product.

This time, I took out time to analyze the ingredients. Check out the image but I noticed that they do not have any stabilizing agents. [Read about sunscreen ingredients here.] Because of which, I did notice tanning on my hands because I do not reapply the sunscreen (which is very important) and I do go out in the noons, at the peak times when sun's rays are strongest.

Why there was no tanning with the SPF 50 counterpart? Probably because spf 50 provides more protection and it left a white cast which prevented the sun's rays from directly hitting the skin. I didn't analyze the other's ingredients either so this is just hazarding a guess!!

PS: Product sent by brand.

Other products from Nivea:

Nivea Sun Moisturizing Lotion SPF 50 PA++

Nivea Nourishing Body Milk

Winter Skin Care Lotions

Reminiscing Life through Beauty Products

Nivea Fruity Shine Dragon Fruit vs Pomegranate

Nivea Refreshing Cleansing Milk

Nivea Repair and Protection Lip Balm

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Complete UV Moisture SPF 50+ PA+++ {Product Review}

Price: Rs 349 for 30ml

Pros

doesn't leave the skin dry if you skip moisturizer

no tint so you can apply enough sunscreen for full protection

Cons

expensive

not for oily skin

gets greasy sometimes (may be depends on skin type)

My Experience

I have been using this suncreen since the time it was launched in June. It comes in a 30ml pack and is way more expensive than its counterpart but I have not really found much of a difference. Anyway, the packaging is a white bottle with a very thin nozzle which dispenses a little product. 

The product is white and creamy in consistency but very thin. But, the weird thing is that even a little product does get greasy on the face so applying enough of sunscreen really becomes difficult. Also, a little excess of product and you are left with a white cast as well. I, almost always, had to blot out the excess of product after applying the product (after leaving it on for 15-20 minutes to get absorbed). 

Regarding the efficacy of the sunscreen, I am really not sure if it gives the same protection as the dry touch. Because, I did find my skin tanned and dark in between and since some days, I have been again using the dry touch which has considerably prevented my face from tanning. And, the skin is looking a little brighter as well. 

So, I am back to the previous sunscreen for now!! But, I do think that this sunscreen will suit the dry skin beauties really well. The dry touch is matte and this one is moisturizing. I do skip moisturizer whenever I use this and it never made my skin feel dry. The only issue is that this sunscreen finishes off in a month :( Well, remember that you have to apply sunscreen adequately for proper protection?? 

Btw, have you used this product? How was your experience?

Other products from Neutrogena:

Neutrogena Deep Clean Shampoo
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock
Neutrogena Body Lotion Light Sesame Formula
Neutrogena Rainbath Refreshing Shower and Bath Gel
Neutrogena French Milled Soap
Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser
Neutrogena Clean Conditioner

Nivea Sun Moisturizing Lotion SPF 50 PA++ {Product Review}

Price: Rs 399 for 125ml

Ingredients

I am skipping on this part because I couldn't get a better pic :( Sorry, guys!!!

Pros

- a medium consistency lotion which spreads easily

- smells nice

- does protect from tanning

Cons

- white cast!!!

- little issue with blending
- its PA++ and not PA+++ (the 3 +'s give highest protection against UVA rays)

My Experience

Since you all are already aware of my stringent requirements when it comes to sunscreen, doing an unbiased review is pretty difficult for me. I have needed a body sunscreen since long and this one came at the right time. And, Nivea being on the top of my beloved brands, the products did make me curious and I was very happy when I got a chance to try the products.

To begin with, the lotion is of a medium consistency and is pleasantly perfumed which doesn't bother the nose and doesn't linger on the skin either. It is of a soft yellow color and spreads easily on the skin. Now, this is where the trouble with the product begins. It spreads easily but it sits on top of my skin (which I have no issue with since its a sun protector).

But, it leaves a horrible amount of white cast which makes it absolutely impossible to use the exact amount of sunscreen which is actually required to achieve the said protection. One arm needs a tea spoonful of sunscreen which is around 5ml and I am hardly able to apply a really huge dollop on both hands :( 

I have not tested the sunscreen under stringent conditions because I got them a month back when I was in Delhi and in Hyderabad, it has been cloudy since then. In the meantime, I do go out in the afternoons around 11-2 PM slot and apply my sunscreen once right in the morning. 

Also, if you have read my posts on sunscreens, I have ranted a lot about the regular sunscreen ingredients being not so stable and break down on exposure to sun so I don't know if this sunscreen breaks down or not but its ingredients are all same. But, I won't say that my arms have tanned seriously or anything. 

Also, there is one claim which bothers me a bit. The sunscreen talks about immediate protection. As far as my knowledge goes, the sunscreen ingredients take 15-30 minutes to get activated and form a shield on the skin to protect from the sun's rays. So, as a precautionary measure, I always apply this at the same time I apply the sunscreen on my face. No, I haven't used this on my face as I didn't want the white cast.

One word about its water resistant power. Since it gives a very thick white cast, whenever I wash my hand, I can see a layer of the white film where the water touches my skin and initially, I had thought it to be water resistant. But, once I was caught up in the rain and the whole sunscreen literally bled from my hands and it was looking really bad coz I didn't have hankie or napkin to wipe off the cast and my whole hand was looking painted white!!! So, yes, its not water resistant in a torrent of rain but it does have some resistance. 

Also, since I have ranted so much about this product's negatives, let me state some positives about its counterpart product - spf 30 one. It doesn't give any white cast and disappears into skin really well!!! I am loving it and my arms haven't grown dark even though I apply it only once in a day!!!

PS: Product sent by brand for consideration.

Other products from Nivea:

Nivea Nourishing Body Milk
Winter Skin Care Lotions
Reminiscing Life through Beauty Products
Nivea Fruity Shine Dragon Fruit vs Pomegranate
Nivea Refreshing Cleansing Milk
Nivea Repair and Protection Lip Balm

Killer Sunshine - Skin Cancer Infographic

Source:http://www.insurancequotes.org/

Cellnique Paramedicals Derma Whitening Daytime Protection {Product Review}

Price: 57$ (Rs 3000 around) for 30ml

Ingredients

Pros

- its a mineral sunscreen as well

- spreads easily and is not too creamy

Cons

- it leaves a lot of white cast!!!

- pretty expensive!! 

- the pump didn't work for me :( 

My Experience

I am always on the look out for Zinc Oxide based sunscreens. So, this one caught my eye. I liked the packaging with the pump for the squeeze tube but, unfortunately, the pump didn't work for me. I had to screw open the pump and squeeze out the sunscreen. 

The sunscreen is white in color and light in texture but enough creamy but again, not too creamy. And, depending on various days, I needed extra moisturizing sometimes and sometimes not. The light texture of the product allows it to spread easily and evenly on the skin.

But, there is a huge hitch in this. Since it has both Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide (I don't know the ratios), the product leaves a lot of white cast on the skin which is very annoying. I have tried using the product on my arms as well and same issue there. 

And, it is definitely expensive for 30 ml of a product which would probably last two months!!! It needs to be reapplied because its a combination of mineral and chemical sunscreen. I wish they do something regarding the white cast. Also, I didn't see any whitening or lightening of my skin tone.

PS: Product sent by brand.

Fun in SA with Kyra

Me (on phone) : Hey Kyra, great news!!! The trip is on. 
Kyra (replies back) : Great!!! Let's go shopping. Make a list of essentials and you know what tops the list, right??? Let's meet at 2.
Me : Seriously??? Not again!! It will be blazing hot. 
Kyra : Oh come on, its not as if you are afraid of getting sun-burnt, are you?? Don't forget the protection, obviously. 
Me : Yeah, but remember, no outdoors between 10 and 4??
Kyra : Yes, I know but are you gonna sit indoors in SA as well?? And, come on, its shopping for the trip!!

This was my conversation with my friend Kyra. We both are going off for a vacation this summer in the beautiful city of Johannesburg and are also covering Capetown. But, primarily we shall be spending our time at Suncity, the beautiful resort just two hours away from Johannesburg. The trip got confirmed yesterday when our parents said yes and passports and visa processing was started.So, now, we girls are gonna meet at 2 o' clock to shop for everything!!

Yes, Kyra loves sun and I don't. It gives me headaches. And, now, again I have to slap up a good amount of sunscreen to protect my skin. Gosh!! what life? So, talking about the shopping, we both are obsessed with something called 'sunscreen'. And, since this is South Africa we are talking about with its temperatures from 23 to 30 degrees, we definitely don't want to be sunburnt or miss out the fun on outdoor activities. So, miss anything or not, this is definitely gonna be there in our backpacks.

Me : Hey, so what all are we hoarding on?
Kyra : Not decided on the clothes but some scarfs and stoles and wide-brimmed hats and my favorite Lakme Sun Expert SPF 50...
Me : Not again!!

Lakme should seriously consider hiring Kyra as their brand ambassador, especially for their sun safe range. The way she goes on and on about their sunscreens is just too irritating. No, I don't use Lakme and never have till date, in fact. Oh no, we do have a lot of arguments on my and her choice of sunscreen and several times she has tried converting me to hers!! Well, don't think she has stopped trying coz that's not Kyra!!

Me (in the shop) : I am gonna wear jeans so I don't really need to get any thing. Lets look at some tees.
Kyra : Are you serious? What happened to the skirts and capris???
Me : Nah!! Then, I will have to apply the sunscreen on my legs too. Can't handle that much. 
Kyra : I know very well why you don't like it. You don't like the heavy feel, right? Use mine and you won't even feel like you have applied the sunscreen. Lakme is light and doesn't really feel like you have applied anything. 
Me : Can you please spare the lec, all time!! I don't wanna use it. 
Kyra : Fine! (and *winks*)

And, I know something is going about her brain. After we finish the shopping, I know the what the *wink* was for. She bought two sunscreens.

Me : Why you getting two sunscreens? You bought one just two weeks back!!
Kyra : Huh...yes. I am going on a vacation. What do you think, I might get finished with one half way through our vacation!! And what then? Use your yucky sunscreen?
Me : Really?? I very well think I might be forced into using yours!!
Kyra : Yeah, right!! As if you listen to me. 

But, I am pretty sure she is upto something. SA, save me from Kyra *pray*. 

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This is an entry for The Lakme Diva Blogger Contest.

www.facebook.com/ilovelakme

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PS: Hey everyone, if you like the post, please vote for me here. 

PS1: Your comments would be highly appreciated. Do let me know if you liked or hated the entry. And, don't forget to enter my giveaway. SA: South Africa. 

Image Courtesy: Lakme Facebook Page

Lotus Herbals SAFE SUN COLLAGENSHIELD SUNBLOCK SPF 90 PA+++ {Product Review}

Price: Rs 595 for 50gms

Ingredients

Pros

- blends easily with my skin

- goes well on the bare skin too

- gives a nice base layer for makeup

- can be finished off with a loose powder dusting and a lipstick

Cons

- expensive!!!

- too high claims from my point of view

- can't apply the required dosage of sunscreen because of the tint

My Experience

I have been using this sunscreen since almost a month. Frankly, doing a review of a sunscreen is a very difficult task for me :( Either I know too much about it or I have an obsessive compulsive disorder. So, let me try to give an impartial review.First of all, I was actually frightened by the claims and the spf. I mean 90 is way too high and actually there is only a marginal protection increase between 30 and 50 and 90.

Anyway, talking about the product, if you need a proper protection, you need to apply proper amount of sunscreen. So, nearly 1/4th to 1/3rd of a tea spoon of sunscreen should be applied daily. Now, since this sunscreen is tinted, that proves to be a huge problem as the tint tends to get patchy and sits on the skin which looks really bad, obviously!!!

And, one more thing I noticed is that my skin gets heated up sometimes to an uncomfortable degree when I am applying the product. That's kinda weird, actually!!! Another con for me was that the sunscreen used to flake off my skin!!! Yes, I tested the sunscreen on bare skin and on skin with moisturiser and there was no pattern to flaking off. And, that was actually very inconvenient.

Yes, lots of cons so let me talk a little about the pros. It really gives a nice tint and is more or less sheer on the skin. But, it does give an even look to the skin. Finishing off this product with a loose powder and a lipstick is a really good idea. The sunscreen does give good protection and I am not the kind who reapplies. I did go out in the sun in the afternoons with this on but no, I didn't tan out considerably.

Ok, another con is that this can't be used as a body sunscreen. One more thing is that I think the tint is too dark and may make the fairer ones look a shade darker than they are. It blends nicely with the skin, though. And, to be frank, I did try to apply the required amount of sunscreen which is an impossibility when it comes to tinted products but yes, I have to use a tissue paper to remove the excess product almost always.

And, it does make my skin look shiny immediately on application. Though, the skin sort of settles down after an hour or so. And, yes, it does make the skin look a little brighter and that stays till the evening. And, this photographs well also. So, can be used as a foundation as well. So, as a sunscreen, my answer is no because its a chemical one and my personal preference is a physical sunscreen but if I have to say something, its a decent enough sunscreen though my preference would still be Neutrogena because of the stability factor.

PS: Product sent by the brand.

Other product reviews from Lotus Herbals:

Lotus Herbals WHITEGLOW Oatmeal and Yogurt Skin Whitening Scrub

Lotus Herbals VanilaSmooth Body Lotion

Sunscreen Regulations in India {Sunscreen}

Oh, I know you are bored by my posts on sunscreen. But, yes, I am obsessed. Did you know applying sunscreen can even help you with the pores problem? Yes!!! So, next time check out a good sunscreen :) And, now, a little about Indian regulations on sunscreen.

In India, sunscreen is considered a cosmetic and there is no maximum SPF rating. India has different registration lead times for sunscreens depending on if the product is made locally (3 months), or for import (9 months). India requires the manufacturer to release the full product formulation, including the quantitative formula with declaration and disclosure of functions of ingredients. All label text must be disclosed during the registration process along with the product specs, manufacturing process, chemical and microbiological testing methods and any data supporting product claims. India requires the manufacture to run a minimum of 2 pilot batches before registering a sunscreen. India requires specific stability testing requirements to show shelf life of the sunscreen. Testing may be done using accelerated methods of exposure to extreme heat. However, any data that is accelerated also needs to be confirmed by real time testing, so the process takes longer than the 3 or 9 months since the real time data (for up to a 3 year shelf life) needs to be available to register. (Source)

I have always wanted to know how sunscreens are regulated in India. This bit of information has definitely calmed down some of my apprehensions in the sunscreen products. But, of course, there should be a maximum spf rating otherwise who knows, tomorrow, products will come with sfp 150. Just Imagine!!! (just like Bebo says in Jab We Met).

Read more posts on sunscreen:

Do layers of sunscreens help? 

Sunscreen and Myths 

Dark and Dull Skin in summers 

Zinc Oxide vs Titanium Dioxide

Is my sunscreen working?

Surfaces and Radiations

What are UV Radiations?

What Sunscreen should I buy?

Sunscreen Ingredients

Use sunscreen 365 days a year

How much sunscreen do you apply?

Sunscreen: Role in anti-aging Skin Care

Dark and Dull Skin in summers {Reader's Query}

"My age is 25, female. Suddenly my skin become dark in face and arms even though I'm not going in sun. Dark circles are coming. Face become dull. Please tel some treatment. Thanks."

Dark and dull skin is a very normal occurrence in summers. Dark circles are a different issue on a other hand.

Diet

I have long before mentioned that if you ever find your skin getting uneven complexioned, iron deficiency can be one of the foremost reasons. Also, dark circles are an indication of iron levels in your body. So, if you are not sleep deprived or stressed out, this is the reason for those unwelcome dark circles. Try eating a balanced diet. 

Dull and Dark Skin

Dehydrated or oily skin can also look dark. So, keep your skin supple, hydrated and oil-free at all times. Use a good moisturiser to preserve the skin moisture. Using face sprays is also a good way to perk up your skin in intervals. You can prepare one at home as well. Eat foods which will keep your skin hydrated from the inside and drink enough water.

Tips to remove tan

Tomato, cucumber and potato are great for tan removal. You can check out other home remedies for summers here. If used at night, they help in removing tan as well as keeping the skin in supple condition.  

Tanning without sun

UVA rays can penetrate indoors as well and UVA rays are the main cause of pigmentation. So, using spf 15 broad-spectrum sunscreen when indoors is a good measure of protection against these rays and tanning and pigmentation when inside.

Product Recommendation

• Lactocalamine for sun protection when indoors
• Rustic Art Aloevera Gel for improving hydration levels of the skin. Use it only at night as a night cream as it contains lemon extracts.

What else do you suggest?

Image Courtesy: marieclaire.com

Sunscreen and Myths {Skin Care}

[Source:healthmeup.com]

One of the reasons why I am doing many posts on sunscreen again is to raise the awareness that it is an important part of skin care routine. Today, I shall be talking about some of the myths concerning sunscreens. Hope this helps clear some of your doubts.

Myth: Sunblocks are better than Sunscreens

There is no such thing as sunblock and I have mentioned this in one of earlier posts too. Earlier, physical sunscreens (which include Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide) were called sunblocks as they scatter or reflect the sun's rays when they fall int he skin as opposed to being absorbed and converted into heat energy which happens in case of using chemical sunscreens. 

But, now, FDA (Food and Drug Administration), US has passed out certain rules regarding the labelling of sunscreens in which it has banned the use of certain terms "sweat-proof, water-proof, sunblock, dermatologist tested" as they are misleading. I know these rules are not applicable on Indian products but it at least shows that these terms do not really mean anything. 

Even the labels of spf 70, spf 90, spf 100 have been banned. If a sunscreen provides higher protection, it should be labelled as spf 50+. You can see Neutrogena following these labelling standards to get an idea.  

""Waterproof," "sweatproof" or "sunblock" claims. Manufacturers cannot label sunscreens as "waterproof" or "sweatproof," or identify their products as "sunblocks," because these claims overstate their effectiveness. Sunscreens also cannot claim to provide sun protection for more than 2 hours without reapplication or to provide protection immediately after application (for example-- "instant protection") without submitting data to support these claims and obtaining FDA approval. (Source)"

Myth: SPF 100 gives me better protection than SPF 50

Spf 15 filters out 93% sun's rays, spf 30 filters out 96.4% sun's rays and spf 50 filters out 97.6% (near abouts). And, any spf higher than 50 gives only a marginal increase but there is no sunscreen which can filter out 100% sun's rays. For Indian climate, spf 30 is enough but if you are over-inclined, spf 50 is good. Anything higher is a false claim.

Myth: Layering of products with sunscreen will give me enough protection

I have talked of this issue earlier that spf's of various products do not add up!!! They all act as a single layer of sunscreen and provide the protection of the highest spf factor.

Myth: I don't need a sunscreen when indoors
UVA rays can penetrate through windows and glass. Read this post for more information about them. So, you need at least an spf 15 when staying indoors.

Myth: A drop of my new sunscreen keeps my face protected.
As a rule, you should apply one teaspoon or two fingers length of sunscreen to your face and neck. And, I know that's a lot. But, if you do not apply the said amount, the efficacy of your sunscreen is reduced according to the amount applied. So, even if you are using a spf 50 sunscreen, improper application might be giving you benefits of only spf 10 or 20. So, apply proper amount of sunscreen to protect yourself well.

These are some of the myths I have come across in my course of blogging, the top most being the confusion between sunscreen and sunblock. I hope this post helps to debunk those myths.

Do layers of sunscreens help? {Skin Care}

[Source:faithfulprovisions.com]

The first rule of applying sunscreen - The spf's of various products don't add up!!! If you are applying a moisturiser with spf, say x, then a sunscreen / foundation / BB cream with spf, say y, and then finish off with a mineral compact which again provides some spf, say z, factor, you can't say that the sum total of your sun protection factor is spf x+y+z.

But, something else bothers me in this rule!!! Well, when we have layers of product with spf factors, x, y or z, which spf does apply on the skin - x, y or z? Or, does it work like a filtering mechanism? Meaning, if supposing the top layer has spf of z, those many rays are allowed to pass (remember even 50 spf allows 2% sun rays to pass through, it provides around 98% protection!!). And, then, the next product spf, which is y, again filters out the rays according to its strength and so on!! 

Does that happen at all? Well. logically speaking, it does seem quite probable but I don't know how much of that really applies in practice. Would be great if some sunscreen expert can answer such questions!!! What are your thoughts on it?

Are you keeping track of UV Index? {Sunscreen}

[Source:thegolfforecast.com]

What's a UV Index? 

It's the measure of strength of sun's UV radiation. Its just like a weather forecast and tells you if you need to cover up from the sun or not. This measure has been standardised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) so its a reliable measure.

UV Index Table (Source)

How to check the UV index?

You can always google it for your own city. Another source is weatheronline.co.uk. I found it while doing the googling myself :D And, the UV index of Hyderabad for April 12 to April 15 is 12 (Source). Who would think with the weather out there (its cloudy and rainy these days) that the UV index and radiation would be so high??? So, Hyderabadis, apply proper amount of sunscreen and don't venture outside in the noon unless absolutely necessary!!!

PS: If you find the post useful, please don't forget to share it with your friends and family. Its a health issue which everyone should be aware of.

More posts from sunscreen diaries:
Zinc Oxide vs Titanium Dioxide
Is my sunscreen working?
Surfaces and Radiations
What are UV Radiations?
What Sunscreen should I buy?
Sunscreen Ingredients
Use sunscreen 365 days a year
How much sunscreen do you apply?
Sunscreen: Role in anti-aging Skin Care

How to remove tanning on arms? {Skin Care}

[Source:writinginspiration.tumblr.com]

Tanning on my arms has been a long standing issue. And, last week, when someone requested me remedies for the same, I thought I would better do a post. Disclaimer: I wouldn't say that I am entirely rid of the tan but I have surely made some progress in the recent years and now, my hands looks a little better than what they did 5-6 years back. 

All of my issues started with the college whether hair or skin. In the school, everything was covered upto the neck and the arms were entirely shrouded in full sleeves and even my socks used to reach the knees and my skirt used to end just above so my knees were definitely one of the most hit parts of my body. But, since, I have been covering my legs ever since, my knees and the surrounding areas have lost all the tan and returned to their normal shade again. 

But, now, the issue remains with my arms and neck. My face is still doing a lot better. So, how to save the arms?

• Elbow-length Gloves: Yes, those which are used for driving. I had started to wear them pretty regularly a year or two back and had noticed my arms coloring had improved quite a lot. But, I shall also accept that they are uncomfortable and cumbersome but then, we do wear scarves all over the face, right??? 

• Sunscreen: Oh yes, absolute must. Arms get tanned very easily and we generally tend to miss them out while applying the sunscreen. But, applying sunscreen on the arms do make a huge deal of difference. I have tried Biotique ones and have received great results and they are economical too. And, right now, I am using Neutrogena Ultra sheer which is equally good but definitely not so economical for me. 

So, those were my two pennies on how I protect my arms and seriously, I have never done anything more for my arms or any other part of my body except face and probably neck (which shall be another post!!). 

Can aloevera be used as sunscreen? {Sunscreen}

[Source:infobarrel.com]

I was checking out my analytics page and saw this in the query section. And, then, I remembered many people had asked me this particular question earlier. So, I thought I would make a post of this.

Aloevera and Sun Protection

Aloevera, in itself, doesn't provide any sun protection of its own. It, in fact, cures the damages caused by sun's rays.So, you can call it more a after-sun treatment than calling it a sunscreen. Aloevera is a very versatile plant which can treat sunburns as easily as it can slow down the aging of the skin. The gel has healing properties instead of protection properties. 

Sunscreen

There is a reason for the existence of wide variety of sunscreens in the market. And, I have time and again asserted their importance in skin care. As a personal opinion, I would always assert that it is better to rely on products available in the market for such a product than trying out your own remedies without proper research.

My personal favourites are Zinc Oxide sunscreens but a stable chemical sunscreen also does a good job. Choose one according to your budget and be regular and diligent in its application, specially, in the summers.

Summer Skin Care Essentials {Skin Care}

[Source:skinbeautyreview.com]

So, summers have started burning my skin here :( And, yes, I hate summers, a lot. I feel so hot and I don't really like AC's. I am more of a cooler gal!! Anyways, let us go through some summer skin care tips. And, I had meant to put up this post long long back but somehow laziness wore me down :S

• Sunscreen: Must, Must and Very Essential!!!
• Hats/Scarves/Umbrella (a light colored one): Accessories to protect yourself from direct sun rays. 
• Don't go out after 10 and before 5. Rays are very strong. 
• Tanning happens very easily in summers so protect your skin. 
• Drink, Drink and Drink a lot and by drink, I mean water and herbal teas and fruit juices. 
• Shades/Goggles: Get trendy with wrap-around shades which match your face. They not only add a style statement but also protect your delicate eye area from the sun rays and prevent fine lines and wrinkles.

Day - time Routine

• Cleansing: Don't over-cleanse your face in the heat. I know sometimes the face feels a lot itchy and prickly and the immediate impulse is to wash it off which you should when you have just come back from prolonged exposure to the sun. But, not if your skin just feels the heat. Cleansing the face twice to at most thrice a day is enough. And, get a cleanser which helps control oil.

• Toning: Very very important in summers as skin goes less on the hydration. Make sure you use face mists at regular intervals and apply it just before putting on the moisturiser to trap in the hydration.   

• Moisturiser: Heat is building up so you really don't want a moisturiser which makes you look like an oil pan. Go light and easy on your body lotions and face moisturiser. Go for the oily moisturisers unless your skin too dry. They help control oil and keep the face shine-free.

• Sunscreen: An absolute must and should not be ignored at any cost. Get a stand-alone sunscreen instead of moisturiser with spf claims. And, apply a good amount of sunscreen for adequate protection.

Check out some of my other posts under the heading of Summer Skin Care.

Moisturizer with or without spf? {Your Opinion}

[Source:static.liveclicker.net]

For me, I always try to stay away from moisturisers which claim to have sun protection. Or, I always follow with a high factor sunscreen to keep my skin protected. What I have observed till day is that all the moisturisers which come with spf claims do not have the sun protection ingredients mentioned in the ingredient list which discourages me a lot. 

Moisturisers with spf give same protection as sunscreen?

Actually, I have observed this that moisturisers don't give enough sun protection when compared to sunscreen. I always get tanned I don't apply sunscreen whether its a physical or chemical one.

Every product has a specific function. So, if you think your moisturiser can protect your skin against sun, you should probably re-evaluate the sun protection  ability of your moisturiser. What do you think?

MVO Moisturizing Face Screen {Product Review}

I had long back talked about my experience with MVO Everyday Sheer Coverage (ESC) and I mentioned about Moisturizing Face Screen (MFS) there. So, I am now ready to review this awesome product.

Price: 40$ (Rs 2000 approx) for 60ml (and with rupee declining, its far more expensive!!!)

Ingredients

My Experience

In a nutshell, this is the best sunscreen I have come across till date. It doesn't let me tan even a single bit. And, it is way too costly :( But, if I indulge myself in anything, it would be only this product ever because I have not found an equivalent of it yet which is inexpensive. So, let me talk about the product a bit.

Its a tinted sunscreen because Zinc Oxide leaves a white patch behind. It comes in four tints which is less for the varying skin colors and sometimes, it might not really suit the skin tone. Since it is a Zinc Oxide based sunscreen, the texture is powdery (like Lactocalamine). And, yes, it is difficult to blend in the skin. Especially, when your skin is not at its best or not exfoliated properly.

Well that was the bad and the good is that it goes very smoothly over oil or most of the moisturizers I have tried. Its supposed to blend in like a foundation only so a little patience is definitely required. Its a good makeup base and a little lip tint would look great. The finish of the product is matte and doesn't really make the face oily but yes, blotting papers would be useful if you are not going to sit in an AC.

And, another good thing about the product is that it has amazing ingredients which nourish your skin at the same time. But, the best part of the product is that it stays for the whole day and you don't have to reapply unless you are all the time in the sun or you are sweating excessively when the Zinc Oxide may get washed off the skin.

I have been using this since quite a time and almost every time I have loved the product except for when it gets difficult for me to blend it in and then, I come to know that I need to exfoliate  the my skin. Generally, exfoliation solves the blending problem so that makes my skin happy and glowing. Oh, something to remember is that double cleansing is very very necessary to remove the product. 

PS: I am doing this review today because of Bridal Series going on. And, I wanted to share the secret of my glowing skin these days. And, if you can indulge in the expenditure, you should definitely give this a try. I don't know how I am going to get my next bottle. Btw, the 30ml bottle lasts for 2 months if used everyday so that's satisfactory at least (not inexpensive at all). Btw, MVO has free international delivery on or above 175$ so if anyone is interested, we can arrange a collective purchase. Drop me a mail :)

Other products from MVO:
Marie Veronique Organics After Sun Body Oil
Marie Veronique Organics Everyday Sheer Coverage