#ComeCloser to Radiance...

We are in the habit of taking our skin and its care for granted. We wash our face with soap or face wash and feel assured that once this is done, our skin will remain bacteria-free. But, that is not true.

Nature has blessed us with soft, radiant, and supple skin, by birth which remains so, for a few years, and hence in our childhood days, we don't develop the habit of practicing any special techniques to care for our skin. But the fact is that the skin needs constant care.

• The first and foremost need of our skin is hydration. To retain the suppleness of our skin, we need to drink lots of water. If lemon and honey are added to it, it would be like icing on the cake, as honey retains moisture for a longer time. 

• The next important need is exfoliation of the skin's layers to remove dead cells, which keep on accumulating and restricts the skin from breathing properly. For this, natural scrubbers are the best choice. Take two tablespoons of coarse gram flour (बेसन), add fresh malai and a bit of turmeric to it. Mix it well and massage it on your face, while scrubbing softly, in rotatory motion. The coarseness of gram flour removes dead cells, turmeric exhibits its antiseptic properties to remove bacteria and dust, and malai keeps the skin smooth and soft. The result is glowing, radiant skin, ready to breathe. 

• Another important care is to protect the skin from harsh ultraviolet rays, when we step out, especially in the scorching sun. Instead of applying sunscreens available in the market and confusing ourselves as to which SPF would be safe for our respective skin type, nature itself has provided us with an effective remedy. Tomato contains lycopene, which acts as a natural sunscreen. Just take red tomato pulp and apply it gently on the skin. Let it settle for a few minutes and wash it off. Lo and behold, you are ready to face the SUN and its harshness. 

• As we age, we tend to become a bit careless towards our skin-care regime. But still, wrinkles pose a grave threat which needs to be dealt with, effectively. In this case also, fresh tomato pulp helps, with its anti-oxidant properties. 

It is always better not to rely on products with various harsh chemicals as constituents but on our age-old natural kitchen remedies. Vicco, which also agrees with the same ideology, have been making natural products since long, incorporating sandalwood and turmeric. Their flagship product VICCO Turmeric Cream has been ruling our television sets since the past few weeks and their jingle which claims that their products are not cosmetic, but Ayurvedic has touched our hearts too.

My friends and I had been using Vicco's products when they were in their prime. Hence, I am glad that they have made a pleasant comeback to safeguard today's generation and their skin from chemically manufactured products.