Spilling the beans

Flaunt that glowing complexion by following on with the A to Z of healthy skincare hacks straight out of our 26 alphabets.

Maria has a wardrobe full of clothes. She does not have a wardrobe malfunction (though she could design one!). But her worry is what should she have on her plate that will make her skin look beautiful and radiant. This is an unease, Maria battles with every day, swaying from one extreme end to another to get a perk up face.

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Taking a cue from the predicament of Maria we chalk out the A to Z of a fashion forward tribe that will go the whole hog to turn into winsome princesses (myself included!).

We have found the skin indulgences we can use from all the letters of the alphabets. There are plenty of do’s and don’ts. You could consume certain foods and avoid others, pop up necessary supplements, apply serums and tonics, and shake a leg with a dancing/exercise routine. Be done with “What must I do to have a healthy skin.”

A

Ashwagandha or Indian ginseng is a plant whose roots are used for making medicines. Besides being applied topically to treat wounds, this adaptogen is good for consumption as it helps our bodies fight stress. The chemicals in it help calm down the brain, reduce swelling (inflammation), lower blood pressure, and improve the immune system.

B

Berries are small pulpy fruits that can be mixed in your morning smoothies. These colorful fruits are high in antioxidants and polyphenol that can kick start your day with energy and concentration. Mix a good amount of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, red currants, white currants and blackcurrants in your smoothies and you are good to go.

C

Chamomile is a herb that is popular for its properties of relaxant. Teas containing chamomile flowers are a rage and allow you out of din and clutter. It is very helpful in alleviating stomach ache, mouth sores and anxiety. It is also said to induce sleep as it is good for the nerves.

D

Vitamin D

This sunshine vitamin is a must have for us all. For strong and healthy bones one can get vitamin D from exposure to the sun, or through glassful of milk or its products. For those who are lactose intolerant there are reliable supplements available. Just do not consume the calcium carbonate.

E

Electrolytes are chemicals that conduct electricity when mixed with water. They are important for our nerves to function properly. Muscle and neurons of our body need electrolytes such as calcium, sodium and potassium for them to not develop cramps. Coconut water is an excellent source besides vegetables.

F

Fruit facial is something you should go raw with. Eat your orange but save the skin. Use it to make a paste by mixing it with some rose water and honey. Apply on face for 15 minutes and whoa! You get up to a fresh new transformed you. Do apply your mix on the neck region too.

G

Green shakes pump you up for an entire day’s goings-on. Just do it to believe me. Whether you get a green powder mix or you jar in your spinach and kale with berries and water for that ultimate experience, you can’t go wrong with it. Always add lemon with your greens.

H

Hair masking is definitely in if you want to manage your mane. If you wouldn’t invest in a super nourishing professional hair treatment, DIY with an egg yolk, two tablespoons of coconut oil and a tablespoon of honey. On weekends leave the mask on for an hour followed by a shampoo to reveal your crowning glory to the envious.

I

Ivy extract is used as an ingredient in high quality massage creams and lubricants. This is a plant-based extract that is known for its ability to smoothen and soften the skin. It also relieves itchy skin conditions due to its antibacterial properties.

J

Jatamansi is an ayurvedic herb found in the Himalayas used to cure skin infections. Prepare a decoction mixing jatamansi powder with cold water and apply it on affected part of the skin to reduce burning sensation and inflammation.

K

Kefir is a fermented milk drink which is extremely beneficial for your intestines. It is helpful in cases of indigestion, upset stomach, constipation, lactose intolerance, diarrhea caused by use of antibiotics or by weight loss or by high cholesterol. It is gaining popularity in India and considered better than the good ’old curd.

L

Licorice is a herb used for treating skin related problems. It is suited for topical application. If you have itchy skin or eczema licorice is your go to tool to fix it. Apply two to three times a day for about fifteen days to see a visible reduction in redness, swelling, and itching.

M

Minerals or trace minerals that our bodies need is what prevents the hair fall, the breaking off of nails, the sloughing off of skin. The dark side is that trace minerals are hardly available as chemicals and pesticides dominate our soil and water systems. One can find them in reach from Trace Minerals Research, Dr Berg’s supplements etc. Ensure you order from a glass bottle packaging.

N

Nuts, only a handful of them does the trick. Consume a mix of almonds, cashews, peanuts, brazil nuts, walnuts, pistachios, hazelnuts to conquer most of your skin related worries. These are high energy, nutrient dense, small sized nuggets that make you rich in protein, healthy unsaturated fats, fiber, vitamin E, folate, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and B vitamins. Need we go on?

O

Oils are a wonder in winters. You can apply them or add them to your food and you stand better off. Coconut oil is good for hair, jojoba can be used on skin. A dash of extra virgin olive oil on your salad is heavenly and the lavender oil mix in your hair soothes you to sleep. Pick up your favourite.

P

Power yoga is one exercise regimen that is hitting the right chords with people today. It helps you lose weight easily and makes you stronger than before. The poses of this intense workout will make you sweat with its quick moves. Also, you will learn the balancing act as you lift your own body weight during the sessions. Anyone in?

Q

Quinoa seeds are a marvel. The Incas call it “the mother of all grains”. It contains manganese, magnesium, folate, copper, potassium, zinc, iron and the list goes on. This high fibre diet is also gluten-free and can be used by those who have gluten intolerance.

R

A glass full of red wine is what the doctor proposes. When taken in moderation for about three days a week, the resveratrol from red wine makes our heart stronger, boosts our immunity and fights off colds. It offers the ruddy colour of health on our skin.

S

Seaweed is the ocean ingredient that is a must have to conquer problems of anti-ageing. This algae is replete with antioxidants and hydrating properties and is the go to beauty ritual of Japanese women. Mix seaweed powder with two spoons of olive oil and some warm water. Mask your face for 15 minutes to get up to a new you.

T

Turmeric is a root with excessive use in our kitchens. It has anti-bacterial and anti-cancerous properties and can be either consumed to boost digestion or applied to heal skin problems. For best results add powdered turmeric in your morning glass of lemon water or drink it at night with warm milk.

U

Ubtan is the age-old miracle that turns our skin smooth and shiny. Nubile nymphets use this concoction of bengal gram flour, curd, honey and turmeric as a daily beauty ritual for that clear skin. It is also available with ayurvedic beauty brands such as Forest Essentials.

V

Vitamin E or tocopherol functions basically as an antioxidant, which means it helps protect cells from damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals. Consume it from natural food sources or available in the form of supplements.

W

White sage is a sacred herb used during rituals and ceremonies for centuries. Sage smudging is an ancient technique to cleanse a people, a person or space of any negative energy and to seek blessings of health, prosperity and protection. One is only as good as the vibes one emits.

X

Xylitol is part of a group of natural sugar substitutes (Substitute is better than sugar). Since it is not absorbed well in our bodies it does not impact our skin much (as does sugar with eruptions on our skin). This sweetener is the same on palate, as is sugar, but much less harmful.

Y

Yarrow is a herb used for clogging pores, so apply it to tighten pores and prevent sagging. Its astringent properties and pH help heal acne. Yarrow tea can be used as a hair rinse if you have dry or itchy scalp. Also, yarrow tea can be had for its anti-oxidant properties.

Z

Zumba will perk up the cells of your body. This hip dance form of aerobics cuts out the monotony and lightens you up as you dance your way up to a fitness program. You will never wake up from a workout that burns calories fast and makes you glow from within.

Hibiscus flower and leaves are useful in providing relief from itches and rashes. Crush and apply the paste on the skin to reduce inflammation and burning sensation. To treat pimples, boil a hibiscus flower in two cups of water, stir well and let it cool down. Add a little honey to it and apply it on your face.