The Connection Between Grooming and Self-Perception

Personal grooming is deeply tied to how you see yourself. Simple actions like washing your face, maintaining a clean hairstyle, or taking time to care for your skin create a sense of self-respect. They reinforce the idea that you’re worth the effort, and that mindset can shape how you approach other areas of your life.

When people feel their best on the outside, they tend to carry themselves differently. They walk taller, make more eye contact, and project confidence. That outward expression of self-assurance often feeds back into how others respond, creating a positive cycle of self-esteem and social comfort. Grooming, then, becomes not just a daily task but a form of personal empowerment.

The Role of Hair in Emotional Wellness

Hair often plays a symbolic and emotional role in identity. Many people associate their hairstyle with self-expression or even stages of life, a new cut after a breakup, or a change in color to mark a fresh start. When hair loss occurs, it can understandably affect confidence and body image.

Modern solutions like FUE hair transplants offer individuals the chance to restore not just hair, but self-assurance. The procedure provides natural-looking results without visible scarring, helping people regain the appearance that reflects how they feel inside. By addressing this personal aspect of grooming, individuals can experience a powerful emotional lift that contributes to their overall well-being.

Grooming as a Mindful Practice

Beyond its aesthetic impact, grooming can also serve as a form of mindfulness. The repetitive, focused actions, brushing hair, trimming nails, cleansing skin, allow the mind to settle into a calm, present state. For many, this becomes a grounding ritual in an otherwise busy day.

This connection between grooming and mindfulness mirrors other wellbeing habits like meditation or yoga. Taking just a few minutes to care for your appearance can be a meditative act, one that fosters focus, patience, and appreciation for your body. Over time, these small rituals build a stronger connection between physical care and mental calm.

The Boost of Routine and Structure

Routine is a cornerstone of mental stability, and grooming naturally provides structure. Whether it’s a morning skincare ritual or a weekly haircut, these consistent acts create rhythm and reliability. That structure is particularly beneficial during stressful times, when maintaining small daily commitments can help people regain a sense of control.

Even when life feels chaotic, following through on a grooming routine sends a subtle but powerful message: you’re still showing up for yourself. This self-discipline can make it easier to stay on track with other healthy habits, from balanced eating to regular exercise.

The Social Side of Self-Care

While grooming begins as a personal practice, its effects ripple outward. People often feel more comfortable and approachable when they’re confident in their appearance. This can enhance social interactions, foster better relationships, and reduce anxiety in professional or personal settings.

Grooming also reflects respect for others; the effort you make to present yourself well can communicate thoughtfulness and attentiveness. In that sense, grooming isn’t just self-care; it’s social care too. It’s part of the invisible language of human connection, helping us navigate the world with confidence and kindness.

A Holistic View of Wellbeing

True wellbeing extends far beyond diet and fitness. It’s a combination of physical health, mental stability, emotional resilience, and self-expression. Personal grooming sits at the intersection of all these elements, reminding us that feeling good and looking good are often intertwined.

By viewing grooming as part of a broader self-care journey, rather than a superficial task, individuals can unlock a deeper, more lasting sense of wellbeing. Whether it’s through mindful routines, restorative treatments, or simply taking time to care for your body, grooming becomes a form of self-love that nourishes every part of who you are.

The post How Personal Grooming Supports Your Wellbeing appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

One thing is certain: choosing products with natural ingredients is no longer just a fad or a fashion trend. Embracing natural products is about giving your body what it can recognize and process.

Skin Care That Feels Real

When you go natural, the first things you notice are often the texture, the scent, and the sensation of the products. These are not lab-concocted versions of care. They are closer to the raw materials themselves — real oils, real clays, real botanical extracts. Your skin feels nourished, not masked. There’s less noise and more genuine benefits.

Take exfoliation, for example. Choosing a natural face scrub can make a big difference. Many conventional scrubs use plastic microbeads or harsh synthetic ingredients that can irritate or damage the skin barrier. A natural scrub, made with ground seeds, oats or salt, does the job while being gentle on your skin — and kind to the oceans too, since there are no polluting microplastics left behind.

Be warned, once you have Nature as your beauty ally, you won’t ever go back to synthetic products loaded with chemicals that your skin hates.

Beauty Without the Baggage

Another reason to lean towards natural products is that they don’t contain those harmful ingredients that are notorious for their potential harm. In other words, these products avoid sulphates, parabens, synthetic fragrances, and other ingredients that can irritate or damage the skin, besides hurting the environment. Fewer irritants mean fewer chances for your skin to react badly. And if your goal is to support your skin’s natural balance, going natural is only natural.

And, natural doesn’t mean boring either. Brands are now creating high-performance, luxurious products using carefully sourced ingredients from Nature — proof that you don’t have to choose between efficiency and ethics.

A Small Choice That Ripples Outwards

Opting for nature care isn’t just a favor to yourself. It supports a broader movement towards more sustainable farming, fairer sourcing, and less environmental damage. It’s a signal to the beauty industry: consumers are paying attention, and they expect better.

Small decisions — one cream, one serum, one new routine at a time — build momentum. They encourage brands to be more responsible. They help shift the culture from “fast, irresponsible” to “mindful, sustainable”.

After all, when you think about it, taking care of yourself and taking care of the earth should never be two separate conversations.

The post Why Natural Beauty Products Are a Sensible Choice appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

Why You Should Make the Switch to All-natural Deodorant

The fact is that most store-bought deodorants are likely to contain harmful ingredients. To stay fresh throughout the day without risking your health, it’s best to switch to a natural deodorant. Natural deodorants will have you smelling great thanks to natural ingredients like zinc oxide, magnesium, baking soda, arrowroot powder, and essential oils. Not yet convinced that store-bought deodorant might be unsafe and unhealthy? Below we list five common ingredients that could be potentially toxic, especially with long-term use.

Avoid These Toxic Ingredients in Your Deodorant

Triclosan

Triclosan is used in many products to minimize bacterial contamination. In fact, triclosan is so common that more than 3/4 of Americans have detectable levels in their urine. Aside from minimizing bacterial contamination, the ingredient also kills bacteria found on the skin’s surface. According to the FDA, studies have found that exposure to high dosages of triclosan has to led to a decrease in thyroid hormones in certain animals. Other studies have found that the ingredient can lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. While the FDA still allowed it to be used in deodorants, it’s been banned from use in antiseptic products because it was determined to not be generally safe and effective. We think that if it’s not safe enough to use for washing your hands, it’s not safe to apply on your skin for hours at a time!

Parabens

Parabens are one of the most commonly used ingredients in personal care products, including deodorant. Parabens are used as a preservative to keep your deodorant lasting for weeks at a time. However, research has found that this ingredient may interfere with hormone production and regulation, including estrogen. There’s concern that putting parabens in the armpit region can increase the risk of cancer cell growth in the surrounding area and breasts. The risk is even greater when different parabens are mixed. While more research is needed to solidify a causation link, it’s best to avoid deodorants that contain parabens.

Propylene Glycol

Propylene glycol is found in most deodorants. It allows the product to be slick, making it much easier to apply on the skin. In small quantities, propylene glycol is considered to be safe.But in large quantities, various studies have found that the ingredient has been linked to damage of the heart, liver, and central nervous system. What’s worse is that the ingredient is not only found in skincare products, but it’s also found in some of the foods we eat on a daily basis! Natural deodorants use safe ingredients like coconut oil to keep the product sleek and easy to apply to the skin.

TEA & DEA

Triethanolamine (TEA) and diethanolamine (DEA) are widely used in deodorant to adjust the product’s acidity. These chemicals are not only found in deodorant, but also other personal care products and even cleaning products. In Europe, DEA is banned as it’s said to be a known carcinogen; however, in the U.S., TEA and DEA are still allowed ingredients. The chemicals have been linked to a variety of health concerns including organ toxicity and an increased risk of liver and kidney tumors that could become cancerous. As a rule of thumb, avoid these ingredients when purchasing your next deodorant product. Otherwise you’re putting your health at risk.

Phthalates

Without the use of phthalates, deodorant wouldn’t stick to your skin -making it all but useless! While the ingredient makes traditional deodorant a worthwhile product, it’s proven to be quite unsafe. In fact, it’s been linked to androgen disruption, which involves how the body produces and uses testosterone.

While most believe that testosterone is strictly a male hormone, it’s also found in women as it helps with muscle maintenance and energy. Aside from hormone disruption, phthalates have also been linked to higher risk of asthma, impact to fetal development, and even a lower IQ. Smelling good isn’t worth harming your internal health! Make sure your next deodorant purchase doesn’t contain phthalates. The EU has banned the use of certain phthalates in cosmetic products.

Aluminum Compounds

Aluminum compounds such as aluminum chlorohydrate and aluminum zirconium are commonly used in antiperspirant deodorants to block sweat pores and reduce perspiration. There have been concerns about the potential link between aluminum and breast cancer or neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. However, current scientific evidence does not support a conclusive connection between aluminum exposure from cosmetics and these health issues.

Conclusion

Switching to a natural deodorant can be a huge change, but a good one! After making the switch, your body will start to release all of the harmful toxins, which can lead to a temporary increase in stink. For the first few weeks, don’t be afraid to re-apply to keep bad smells at bay! Also remember to perform patch tests whenever you try new products, and if you experience any adverse reactions, stop using it and seek a doctor’s advice.

The post Watch Out for These Toxic Ingredients in Your Deodorant appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

Steps to Help You Prepare for Your Microneedling Appointment

Avoid excessive skincare before your appointment

A daily skincare routine is an integral part of life for many people. However, in the run-up to your microneedling appointment, you should make some changes. Your skin should be calm when you come in, unencumbered by numerous products. Avoid exfoliating in the days before the appointment. Do not use topical retinoids or antibiotics for at least one week beforehand. Avoid tanning lotions, anti-inflammatories, alpha-hydroxy acids, and related products. These can increase your skin’s sensitivity and make the procedure more uncomfortable.

It is also wise to keep from shaving in the days before the appointment since shaving increases skin sensitivity.

Evaluate the Medications You Take

Your medications could significantly impact the comfort and effectiveness of your microneedling procedure. It is an important part of the preparation process that many people are entirely unaware of. Taking the popular anti-acne drug Accutane, for example, could make your skin more sensitive and more prone to bacterial infections.

This warning also extends to drugs that don’t specifically treat the skin. Blood-thinning medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and some nutritional supplements such as fish oil, omega-3, vitamin E, and others should be avoided for at least 72 hours before the appointment. Since some of these drugs can prevent your blood from clotting, you may have issues with skin healing during the recovery process.

Consider Healthy Diet and Lifestyle Habits

A healthy diet and lifestyle may seem like an obvious tip to some. But to many others, it may come as a surprise. Unhealthy foods and a poor lifestyle can promote inflammation and bruising and hamper the healing process after your microneedling appointment. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and processed foods 24-48 hours before microneedling will help the skin heal faster and optimize collagen production.

Drinking water and staying active before the appointment can also help, but avoid intense exercise.

Limit Sun Exposure and Wear Sunscreen

Avoid the sun for at least 24 hours before treatment, if possible. Prolonged sun exposure can irritate the skin during the microneedling procedure. If you can’t avoid the sun, apply high-SPF sunscreen to protect your skin. Do not get sunburned before your appointment – it will make the process far less enjoyable.

The Takeaway: Preparing for microneedling is important

Preparing for your microneedling appointment can ensure the best possible results and minimize the risk of complications. By avoiding sun exposure, certain skincare products, and taking stock of your medications, you can help to ensure a comfortable and effective microneedling treatment near you.

The post Preparing for Your Microneedling Appointment appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

5 hacks for reaching your fitness goals faster

1. Keep a journal

Keeping a fitness and food diary is one of the best things you can do to stay on track and reach your fitness goals faster. Some people prefer to leave out any structured tracking of their activity and intake and focus on what feels right for their body, but it can still help to monitor the exercise you’re doing and the foods you’re eating. Not only does this help you to track any trends and changes you see, but it can motivate you to stay on track. It’s a particularly useful tool if you’re working with a fitness coach or nutritional therapist who will be able to analyze and make recommendations based on your current schedule.

2. Take targeted supplements

Whether you’re trying to lose weight, gain muscle, or just feel better in yourself, there are many different supplements on the market. Aim to buy natural and organic supplements and always consult with your doctor before you start regularly taking any supplements.

There are some supplements that can help with building muscle, as mentioned in this post, but it’s important to ensure they are the right ones for you to take. Other supplements can help to target key deficiencies you may be experiencing, such as iron or magnesium. In turn, balancing these areas can help to promote better health.

3. Reduce your stress

The irony of working out when you’re stressed and tired is that it can be counterproductive and slow down the progress you’re making towards your fitness goals. Keeping stress levels low and reducing your anxiety levels is one of the best ways you can work towards better overall health while achieving your fitness goals as quickly as possible.

Reducing your stress should be considered as part of a longer-term strategy, with your fitness routine as a part of it. If you’re tired at the end of a long day, avoid going for a heavy workout at the gym. If you have a lot to pack into your schedule in the morning, don’t overload yourself with more stress by going for a run if it will only make you feel under more pressure.

4. Switch things up

Doing something different can surprise your body while also keeping your workouts and routine fresh and interesting for you. Trying out a new workout every few weeks or switching up your routine each month can prevent your body from becoming accustomed to one type of exercise. There are so many different exercises you can do, and throughout the week you could fit in some high-intensity interval training (HIIT), cardio, and weight training.

5. Combine different exercises

Reaching your fitness goals faster can be achieved faster if you combine a variety of exercises and workouts. Rather than only focusing on weight training or going to the gym just for the cardio machines, combine these different exercises for maximum effect.

Yoga, meditation, and stretching are also important types of exercise to include in your routine throughout the week. Try out a new fitness class at your gym or ask a friend to join you for some relaxing walks outdoors.

Conclusion

Reaching your fitness goals isn’t just as simple as going to the gym on a regular basis. It’s important to get a good balance, look after your overall health, and consider things such as supplements, which can add value to your routine and wellbeing.

The post 5 hacks for reaching your fitness goals faster appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

Well, not only does such a way exist, but it is easily available to all as it’s found in every kitchen.

Yes, your kitchen hides many beauty secrets that can improve your skin and hair in a jiffy. There are myriad things available easy-at-hand that can help you improve your looks. Let’s look at a few beauty treatments found commonly in any kitchen. These work wonder—believe me, I have tried them all and have had amazing results.

9 beauty treatments hidden in your kitchen

1. This concoction will tighten your skin pores

Open pores look ugly and cause pimples. Here is a great way to cure open pores. Add a spoon of lemon juice and a spoon of curd to a grated tomato. Mix well. Apply all over the face, neck and arms. Wash the paste off with warm water after half an hour. This is very good for open pores and is an effective bleach too.

2. Watermelon juice helps reduce blemishes and scars

Blemishes and scars mar a perfect complexion. To get rid of them, use watermelon juice. Apply some grated watermelon on the face. Wash the paste off with warm water after half an hour.

3. Try a slice of papaya for that glow

Papaya gives an instant glow to the face. Mash a slice of ripe papaya and apply on the face. Wash off with warm water, after 20-30 mins.

4. Use table sugar to rejuvenate your skin

To rejuvenate the skin instantly, use sugar. Sugar sloughs off the dead cells and leaves behind soft glowing skin. Take a spoonful of sugar granules. Add a few drops of water and massage it lightly on your face and hands. Wash off with water.

5. Want soft, shiny hair? Try vinegar

Add half a cup of vinegar to a mug full of water. Rinse your hair with this mixture after shampooing to get soft shiny hair.

6. Tea is an excellent hair conditioner

Another excellent hair conditioner is tea. Boil a spoon of tea leaves in a glass of water. Strain and cool. Use this as the last rinse and see your hair shine.

7. Cucumber makes your eyes sparkle

Cut two roundels of cucumber. Place it on the eyes and lie down for half an hour. See your eyes sparkle.

8. Make those dark circles vanish

For getting rid of dark circles under the eyes, take a spoon of honey. Add some lemon juice and milk cream. Mix well and apply under the eyes. Wash gently with warm water after half an hour.

9. Refresh your tired-looking skin with a ripe banana

Banana is another great pick-me-up for tired looking skin. Mash a ripe banana. You can utilise the overripe ones that no one eats. Mix a little milk cream and apply all over the face and neck. Let it dry before washing off.

The post 9 beauty treatments hidden in your kitchen appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

What is Orange Blossom Water

It is a byproduct of the distillation of orange essential oil, also known as Neroli oil. This oil is extracted from the pulp, bark, leaves, peel and seeds of the bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium). Let’s look at its various health and beauty benefits.

6 Benefits of Orange Blossom Water for Your Health and Beauty

1. Tones the skin

Orange blossom water is a good toner for the skin that works particularly well on oily skin. This is because it contains high amounts of vitamin C and is high in antioxidants. I also like it because it’s so gentle that it is even used in products designed for babies. It also works well on dry skin where it can help rejuvenate the skin back to how it was in your younger years. It does this with its high amount of calcium, and the production of free-radical fighting antioxidants. Free radicals, as you know, can damage cells, causing wrinkles and sagging cheeks.

2. Relaxes nerves, calms anxiety and aids sleep

Orange essential oil is widely used in aromatherapy due to its calming properties. If you don’t want to use the essential oil, you can substitute it with orange blossom water. Add it to your bath water to ease tension and headaches, reduce stress and lower tension. Orange blossoms have been used as a sleeping aid across many cultures.

Related » 10 techniques to help you relax before going to bed

3. Acts as a natural perfume

It has a seductive faint scent of orange blossom. You can use it to perfume your body, your hair, skin, clothes — even your bedroom! You can make the scent even stronger by adding a few drops of Neroli essential oil into the mix.

4. Helps maintain oral health

You can use it as a mouthwash to maintain good oral hygiene.

5. It is a natural antimicrobial

Orange blossom water has antimicrobial properties. You may use it to treat cuts, wounds, boils, pimples and so other skin irritations.

6. Orange blossom tea aids digestion

Throughout the Middle East and Levantine cultures, orange blossom water is touted for its digestive properties. In Lebanon, it is common to drink it after big meals, where it is called white coffee. Contrary to its name, it contains no coffee or caffeine — only warm water mixed with orange blossom water. It is also served in Turkish coffee cups, which is where it gets its name from.

How to make Orange Blossom Water Mouthwash at home

Mix half a cup of orange blossom water with a few drops of edible peppermint essential oil and two teaspoons of xylitol. Close the bottle and mix well and use when required.

Related » Aromatherapy: Fragrant healing

Safety Warning

Health experts consider orange bloom to be safe. Although there have been no instances of intoxication recorded, it’s best to avoid consuming it with any sedative as doing so might cause some reaction. Although nor observed, it is possible that who are susceptible to citrus fruits may experience allergic effects. Avoid consuming orange blossoms tea during pregnancy and breastfeeding as the effects have not been studied. In general, it’s always a good ideas to consult your doctor before starting to use a herb or supplement.

The Takeaway

The heavenly scented orange blossoms have been used for ages across many cultures throughout the world. Orange blossom water has a wide variety of uses for health and beauty: massages, skin care, treatment of wounds and cuts, digestion, and sleep aid, to name a few. It’s also considered relatively safe to use by almost everybody.

The post Orange Blossom Water: 6 Amazing Benefits for Your Health and Beauty appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

10  super tips for thick, shiny and healthy hair

1. Healthy diet is a must

Make sure your diet is healthy, or it will reflect on your hair. Get your daily dose of proteins, vitamins and minerals. Fish, nuts and greens are excellent for healthy hair.

2. Shampoo every other day

Shampoo your hair every alternate day, not daily. Daily shampooing could dry the scalp and hair of its natural oils. However, don’t let your hair get too dirty before you shampoo it, as this could cause your hair to fall. Shampooing it every alternate day, or, at the most, every two days should do the trick. Also, take a clue from the climate you live in. Humid weather requires frequent washing. But if you are mostly staying indoors and don’t sweat too much, you can wash your hair less frequently.

3. Protect your hair from UV radiation

Does your work or lifestyle take you out in the sun a lot? Wear a cap, and use a conditioner which has sun-block. UV radiation can cause untold damage to your hair.

4. Weekly oiling promotes healthy hair

Oil your hair at least once a week. Leave it on for about half-an-hour to an hour, and cleanse with shampoo. Once-a-month do a deep-conditioning treatment by steaming your oiled hair.

5. Treat your hair to egg protein

Egg is excellent for hair. It nourishes the hair and adds shine. After applying oil, whip up an egg and apply it to your hair once a week. Leave it on for an hour and then rinse. Don’t forget to rinse with cold water, not warm. You don’t want scrambled eggs in your hair.

6 Trim your hair at least once in 4-6 months

There is no “cure” for split ends. Once a hair is split, the end has to be cut off to avoid further splitting of the strand. Trimming regularly keeps split ends in check.

7. Condition your hair after every wash

After shampooing your hair, towel dry. Take a few drops of a conditioner in the palm of your hand, rub hands together, and apply the conditioner to the ends of your hair. Never apply it to the scalp. Once you’ve applied the conditioner, run through your hair with a wide-toothed comb so it gets evenly distributed. Wash off after 3 – 4 minutes.

8. Fab tip for frizzy hair

One great trick to tame frizzy hair is to apply two or three drops of oil to your hair, just after washing it, when your hair is still soaking wet. This tames the hair without giving it an oily appearance. This is an easy substitute to leave in conditioners and hair serums.

9. Hot water is a strict no-no

Never shampoo your hair with hot water. Rinsing with hot water washes away essential oils and moisture, leaving the scalp dehydrated and the hair frizzy and static. Use cold water or warm water instead.

10. Sleep on a satin pillowcase

If you have long hair, use a satin pillowcase to sleep. This helps the hair glide when you move in your sleep. Regular cotton pillowcases may latch on to your hair, causing breakage. Also, it’s best to tie hair up when sleeping.

Do’s & Don’ts for healthy hair

Drying

• Hot air can be damaging to your hair, so when using a hair dryer use a cool setting.
• Don’t leave the blow-dryer in one spot for more than a few seconds, keep it moving and hold it at a good distance from your hair.
• To speed up the drying process, pat your hair dry with a towel and let the remaining moisture in your hair dry naturally.
• Gently use your fingers to untangle any knots while your hair is drying.

Hair products

• Hair styling products with alcohol dry out the hair; avoid their use.
• Avoid using hair styling products directly on your scalp; they tend to clog the pores on your scalp.

Swimming

• Before entering a pool, wet your hair so it soaks up the “top” water instead of chlorinated water.
• When swimming, wear a cap to protect your hair from chlorinated water. If you choose not to, make sure you shampoo and condition your hair right after you are through with your swimming session.

The post 10 super tips for thick, shiny and healthy hair appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

However, in a majority of cases for hair loss, it can be uncertain as to what the source was and whether a transplant is the best solution. That is why we have compiled some reasons that might have been the cause just for you. Let’s take a closer look, below.

Not enough protein

Protein is an essential part of our diet and should be consumed on a daily basis for healthy hair. Failure to eat food with protein in, such as meat and seafood, can result in your body slowing or stopping hair growth in order to ration the protein that you have left in your body.

If you have a lack of protein in your diet and opt for a hair transplant, for example, then you may find that your hair will begin to stop growing about 2 – 3 months post-treatment, due to the decrease your protein intake.

Emotional stress

This cause is huge among those who experience hair loss. Although physical stress can contribute, emotional stress has an extremely big impact. Unfortunately, as humans, we experience rather a lot of emotional stress, such as when a loved one dies or if we get divorced, which in turn can have a negative impact on hair follicles

Studies have been conducted to show how the chemistry of hair follicles change when we are stressed, which in turn can result in hair loss. However, this can be overcome through relaxation, exercise and even therapy, which can all help to restart the natural cycle of hair growth.

Aggravation to your hair

We like to spend a lot of time styling our hair, but sometimes we can aggravate it too much and this can lead to hair loss. Extreme styling, including tight braiding, hot-oil treatment and the use of harsh chemicals have a profound effect on the hair root, which means that your hair may never grow back. Try not to over style it, apply less heat and condition after you shampoo your hair to truly enhance its health.

Hormones

In most cases, hair loss is only spoken about for men; however, it is, in fact, a common problem in women too. Hormones from pregnancy, birth-control pills and even menopause can all result in the loss of hair. It is typically a problem when there is a change in the balance of your hormones and while this can be permanent in some cases, it can often return to a normal growth pattern when things balance out again.

Male pattern baldness

Two-thirds of the male population will experience hair loss by the time they reach 60 years of age. This is caused by a combination of male sex hormones and genes, typically known as male pattern baldness, and results in the victim’s hair receding at the temples. This condition is also referred to as androgenetic alopecia and begins as thinning of the hair, which gradually leads to baldness.

So there you have it, a number of reasons that could be the cause of your hair loss. Visit a professional if you are suffering and they will be able to help you and suggest where you can go to undergo transplants or therapy in order to resolve your hair loss and regain your confidence.

The post Reasons you might be losing your hair appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

Let us first understand UV rays

Solar radiation comprises UV rays, visible light and infrared rays. UV rays that reach the earth’s surface comprise UVA [320 – 400 nm] and UVB [290 – 320 nm] rays. Visible rays are at about 400 – 800 nm and infrared rays are anything above 800 nm. Wavelengths less than 320 nm are absorbed by the upper layers of the skin, namely the stratum corneum and the epidermis. Wavelengths greater than 320 nm enter the deeper part of the skin, the dermis. All rays cause the breakdown of cell membrane, lipids, structural proteins and DNA of the skin.

Exposure to UVA rays can cause suntan, wrinkles, pigmentation, sun spots and even skin cancer. UVB rays are responsible for sunburns and skin cancer. Visible rays and infrared rays are said to increase pigmentation [any dark patches on the skin]. To protect the skin from all these rays, we need to use a sunscreen every single day.

What are the ingredients to look for in a sunscreen?

Always look for sunscreens which say ‘broad spectrum, non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic’. Broad spectrum means they offer protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Non-comedogenic means they are less likely to cause whiteheads. Hypoallergenic means they are less likely to produce allergic reactions or rashes. Physical ingredients are zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and iron oxide. These ingredients form the main constituents of mineral sunscreens.

Safe chemical ingredients are cinnamates such as octinoxate, octyl methoxy cinnamate; ecamsule such a mexoryl, benzophenones, avobenzone; anthranilates such as methyl anthranilate; and salicylates such as octisalate homosalate. For best results, opt for a sunscreen which has both physical and chemical sunscreen ingredients. Some of the newer ones even protect from infrared rays. So if you are cooking most of the time or exposed to harsh indoor lights, use the sunscreens which protect from visible light and infrared rays as well as from UVA and UVB rays. For regular use, one should opt for a sunscreen with SPF 30 and PA +++

The most common questions asked about sunscreens:

1. “My grandma never used sunscreen, yet her skin is flawless,’”said Kriti when I asked her to apply sunscreen every day

Kriti, our grandparents were living in a better environment. The air was less polluted and the ozone layer wasn’t as depleted as it is now.

2. Sunscreens are so sticky, I cannot use them

Not any more. The market is flooded with new easy-to-use sunscreens that are not greasy. Ask your dermatologist or refer to the table at the end of this chapter.

3. Sunscreens make my face look white

The older sunscreens made the skin look chalky and white. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, essential physical ingredients in a sunscreen, were responsible for this. Haven’t you seen cricketers paint their faces white? This is zinc oxide, the best barrier from sun rays. However, one can’t wear a white mask and go out on a regular basis. But now, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are broken into micronized nanoparticles and incorporated into sunscreens. So you get the benefits without the white look.

4. I break out when I use sunscreen

You are not using the appropriate sunscreen. Choose a gel-based sunscreen or a matte one with ecamsule. Oil or cream-based sunscreens can clog your pores, causing blackheads and whiteheads. Look for sunscreens which say ‘non-comedogenic’, ‘gel’, ‘oil-free’, ‘dry touch’, ‘for acne-prone skin’ or ‘matte finish’.

Matte finish sunscreens contain silicones that ensure the pores are not clogged. They also reduce oil secretion and stickiness. They are best suited for people with oily skin.

Water-resistant sunscreens are occlusive and may clog pores. Avoid using them. Do not wear sunscreen for long hours if you tend to break out. If you work indoors and have no exposure to rays, you may wash your face an hour after reaching your office.

5. My skin turns dark when I use sunscreen

All you have to do is change your sunscreen. Avoid ingredients such as avobenzone and titanium dioxide in your sunscreen. Sometimes you may be allergic to these ingredients. Using these could result in darker skin.

6. I don’t step out into the sun; I just sit in my car and reach office. Why should I use a sunscreen?

UVA rays penetrate the glass in automobiles. Laminated glass used on windows offers some UV protection. However, rear side windows are made of non-laminated glass and transmit a significant amount of UVA rays. For adequate UV protection, all your car windows should have dark, protective UV shields which are available as laminated or tinted glass or film. However, as per traffic regulations, these tinted glasses are no longer allowed unless you have special permission. So the bottom line is that even if you travel by car, your skin still needs sunscreen. Similarly, if you are working in chic glass buildings which do not have curtains, you are being exposed to UVA rays.

My friend Karishma loves to sit by her French windows on Sunday mornings and sip her coffee. She is indoors, yet she gets exposed to UV rays. So she does need a sunscreen, even at home. My aunt thinks she has zero sun exposure as she is a homemaker and does not step out of the house during the day. So she doesn’t use a sunscreen. What she doesn’t realize is that she is exposed to sun rays while making her trip to the balcony to water her plants, to the terrace to dry wet clothes and to the bus stop to wait for her kid’s school bus. The short walk from our car to the office door or a walk to the café next door during a break is enough to do the damage.

7. Aditi is an actor and feels that her make-up has enough SPF

Foundation make-up provides SPF 3 to 4, because of its pigment content, for up to four hours after application. BB creams offer up to 40 per cent of the sun protection claimed by them. It is always better to wear a sunscreen first and then layer on make-up that has SPF. There are tinted sunscreens and sunscreens with primers available. These allow the make up to blend well without making the skin appear patchy.

8. Ashfaq says he doesn’t like to use a sunscreen because his face becomes sweaty on applying a sunscreen

Sunscreens which have more chemical ingredients change UV rays into heat. This causes sweat. To avoid this problem, opt for sunscreens with more physical ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

9. Marissa recently had a fabulous holiday in the Alps where it was snowing heavily. Yet, she came back tanned

Snow reflects 80 per cent of the sun’s rays; sand reflects 25 per cent and 80 per cent of the UVA rays that pass through clouds. So you must apply a sunscreen even on a cloudy day or when it is snowing. Remember to apply your sunscreen on all the exposed parts of your body. Physical protection helps a lot when outdoors. Full length trousers, long skirts, full-sleeved shirts and kurtis provide protection from UV rays. If you tend to tan or pigment easily, it is advised that you wear such clothes. Clothes made from tightly woven fabric offer better sun protection than loose ones. Also, darker-coloured clothes offer better sun protection than lighter ones. Wide-brimmed hats, umbrellas and scarves can also be used when outdoors.

10. Rishabh says he leaves for work before 10am when the sun is not very bright. So he doesn’t apply a sunscreen

Well, Rishabh, you are only partly correct. UVB rays are most intense between 10am and 4pm. However, as long as you see daylight, UVA rays are present with a fairly constant intensity. So there is no such ‘safe time’ unless it is before sunrise or after sunset.

11. How will I get my vitamin D if I don’t step out in the sun?

This is a common question. Most people get more than enough vitamin D through regular, incidental sun exposure. And even if you always wear sunscreen, some UVB rays will still penetrate your skin, stimulating vitamin D production. Furthermore, after a limited amount of sun exposure, vitamin D production reaches its maximum and stops. UV exposure beyond this actually breaks down vitamin D. The US FDA recommends a balanced diet and a daily 600 IU vitamin D3 supplement, along with 1g calcium to obtain adequate vitamin D. A diet rich in vitamin D includes fortified milk, cereals, mushrooms, eggs, liver, cod liver oil and fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel.

12. Rimi’s seven-year-old plays soccer and she feels he has turned two shades darker

This is the effect of UV rays. Sunscreen can be applied on children above the age of six months. It is advisable to plan indoor activities between 11am to 3pm. Avoid sun exposure during these hours because rays are the harshest at this time. It also helps to be fully clothed. Caps and hats should be worn. Preferably, use a physical sunscreen with SPF 15. Make sure to use a sunscreen before and after a swim or an outdoor sport.

The post A Skin Doctor Tells You How to Choose the Right Sunscreen appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.