The Celestial Mermaid

Welcome to Part 4 of the Skincare series. We continue with chemical exfoliants. Today we discuss Bakuchiol, Retinol, and Niacinamide. Bakuchiol  is a plant extract which is natural and less irritating alternative to retinol. Use it after cleansing in the morning.  Benifits of Bakuchiol : reduces wrinkles, increases skin firmness, reduces the appearance of pores. It can be used with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, alpha arbutin. Avoid using with Vitamin C, Retinol, Glycolic, Lactic, Salicylic Acid. Retinol also known as Vitamin A . Retinoid reduces fine lines, wrinkles, improves skin colour. Retinoids are well known for reducing formation of acne and clearing acne scars. Beginners can experience redness or irritation but after some time the skin gets used to it. Sunscreen is must after using retinol. Retinoids increases the sensitivity to sun so it's better if it is included in evening routine. Effects of retinol : reduces acne, dark spots, oiliness, scarring, skin maturing. Using AH

Welcome to Part 3 of the Skincare series. Today we discuss the types & effects of chemical exfoliants. When people hear "chemical exfoliants", they fear that it will damage the skin, which can be true if used carelessly. But if you do your research well, and find the right product, with the perfect amount of chemical or acid, it can do wonders for your skin. You should always check the ingredients. Also make sure to note how to use it and how long can you keep it on your skin, as some chemical exfoliants should not be left more than 15 minutes. As exfoliants make the skin sensitive to the sun, always use SPF. Below mentioned are 3 types of chemical exfoliants : AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) Suitable for combination, acne prone, normal to dry skin. They work on the surface of the skin to improve its texture, acne marks, unclog pores, remove dead cells and hyperpigmentation. Beginners should start with using just 5% AHA concentration. It makes skin sensitive to sun so avoid goi

Welcome to Part 2 of the Skincare series. Today  we'll share how to pick products with ingredients which will be beneficial for your skin. The 3 main skin types we discuss are - normal, dry, and oily.   Hyaluronic acid is suitable for all skin types , especially for hydration. It is already present in our skin, so there won't be much side effects. As we age, the skin lacks hyaluronic acid, and it can lead to early signs of ageing. Your face wash  should be mild but just strong enough to remove all the dirt and not dry out the skin. A toner can do different jobs, it can clean after a face wash, unclog the pores, and can also hydrate the skin. Choose wisely according to your skin requirements and the ingredients of the products. People with normal skin type do not need a lot of hydration so a cream based moisturizer will be great. Eye cream can be cream or gel based. (Pro tip : gel can give a cooling effect) A serum with hyaluronic acid  would be a cherry on the cake to

Welcome to the Skincare Series. A series featuring my friend Shreya, an aspiring makeup artist & skincare enthusiast. She is here to share some of her knowledge on skincare, and help you navigate the right path to caring for your skin. Everybody's skin is different, so should every skincare routine be. Copying somebody else's routine is a big no-no, as some products may work for them but not for you. The common skin types are normal, sensitive, dry, oily, and combination. The best way to find what works for you is by doing your research. Research the products, the ingredients used in it, as well as the ingredients best for your skin type. Find out which will be good for your skin type. Listen to your skin, observe how it reacts to the products you use. If in doubt ask the experts, the dermatologists.  To give you an idea about skincare routines, Shreya will tell you about the products she uses in her skincare routine. Shreya has oily skin, so she uses products which control