Application of fresh, natural products like essential oils, plant waters and cold pressed unscented oils helps maintain a youthful, glowing complexion. Another treatment that works wonders for your skin is a facial. Facials are deep skin treatments that cleanse, re-hydrate and rejuvenate the skin, apart from minimising skin blemishes, acne, dry skin and wrinkles.

Facials vary depending on your skin type and age, the kind of treatment you have chosen and the products used. There are many types of facials available. So let’s talk about a few to help you take a well-informed decision the next time you step into a salon.

Basic clean-up

This is for teenagers and women in their early 20s to cleanse, exfoliate and moisturise facial skin. Clean-ups reduce tanning, remove blackheads, and help add a glow to your complexion. The first step is steam. The skin is made moist by gently steaming the face. This prepares the face for removing blackheads and whiteheads and opens up the pores for better absorption of creams. After that, a scrub is gently massaged on to the face. The granular form of the scrub helps exfoliate and clean the skin further. Next, a creamy cleanser is applied and a soft rotating electric brush is used to massage the face.

Once the massage is complete the cleanser is removed using cotton pads and then a sunscreen or light cream is applied. The facial clean-up is complete. The entire process takes 45 minutes to an hour and is a good monthly skin rejuvenation regime. Clean-ups are suitable for all skin types. For a basic clean-up, you may have to pay somewhere in the range of Rs 500–Rs 650.

Regular facial

For a person with no skin-related issues and not requiring treatment for any skin malady, this is the facial to choose. The routine for a regular facial is the same as that for clean-ups except for a few things. Firstly, the facial massage goes on much longer than a clean-up. In a facial, the skin being treated is older and requires more rubbing and massage as compared to a youthful skin. Secondly, a face pack is a must. Any facial uses at least two face packs. The packs help revive the skin and make your skin fresh and clean. Therapist Melisa working with the Nalini and Yasmin chain in Mumbai says, “Woman should start having facials around the age of 30–35 years of age, depending upon their skin condition. Prior to that clean-ups are enough to keep the skin clean and healthy. After a certain age, the face requires massage and a good facial to rejuvenate and stay healthy.” A regular facial goes on for at least an hour and a half. There are many types of regular facials to choose from, all depending on the products and brands used. These options vary from salon to salon. A regular facial costs around Rs 850–Rs1000.

Acne facial

This facial is designed for people suffering from skin problems like acne and blemishes. After a regular facial, an enzyme or glycolic acid is used to exfoliate the skin. Next, a warm vapour mist treatment is given to the face that helps in deep pore extraction [done by hand] and disencrustation [done by a special electric device]. Finally to relax the skin, a skin-calming anti-bacterial mask is used. The facial takes little over two hours and has to be done on a fortnightly basis as a part of the treatment package. The cost for the treatment varies between Rs 850–Rs 1000 per sitting.

Bio-lift facial

This facial includes a regular facial and a special treatment for dark circles, skin tightening and skin toning. A special bio-mask is used that is good for women above the age of 40. The minimum cost of this facial is Rs 4000.

Paraffin facial

Apart from a regular facial to ensure better absorption of special anti-aging and rejuvenating creams, a paraffin mask is applied on top of layers of gauze. This mask provides a special radiance to the skin and is a favourite in bridal packages. This facial is priced at Rs1800–Rs 2000.

Collagen facial

This facial helps battle wrinkles, dark circles and environment damages to the skin. This facial goes through many steps of exfoliation using lymphatic drainage massage, deep pore cleansing, steam and freeze dry collagen sheet under a paraffin mask followed by galvanic or laser treatment. To provide a hydrating effect, vial or ampoules are used. This detailed treatment lasts over two and a half hours and costs at least Rs 2500.

Galvanic facial

To remove congestion and treat dry and dehydrated skin, a water soluble material is introduced into the skin using a galvanic gadget [a direct galvanic current is used to introduce water-soluble substance into the body through skin. The capacity to absorb by the skin increases improving the penetration of various products used through the skin.] This helps skin’s ability to absorb and ensure moisture retention. The cost of the facial would vary between Rs 850–Rs 1400 depending upon the skin condition.

AHA facial

Alpha Hydroxy Acid [AHA] facial is suited for people with pigmented skin and helps tighten pores, improve skin texture and capillary action. The creams and masks contain AHA which is derived from fruits and flowers. Fresh fruits are also used for masks and are recommended for sensitive skins. Orange is a suitable option for oily skin whereas banana is good for dry skin. This facial would cost you approximately Rs 1500.

Gold facial

Masks and creams containing 24-carat pure gold are used to improve skin radiance, elasticity, resilience, smoothness and softness. Gold has great rejuvenating qualities that help remove toxins and lymphatic drainage from the skin. The gold facial is another favourite with brides and costs at least Rs 3000.

Anti-oxidant facial

For people with too much exposure to the outdoor [sun, dust and wind], creams rich in vitamin E, vitamin A and beta-carotene are used to remove pollutants and cleanse the skin. This facial is usually priced at around Rs 1000.

Aromatherapy facial

This facial uses essential oils that possess unique therapeutic qualities that help in relaxing mind and body. The facial massage is done using essential oils and the masks applied also contain essential oils. This helps in improving skin functions, cell regeneration, removing toxins and congestions. An aromatherapy facial is priced at Rs 1000.

Facials are an excellent option to remove dead cells and pollutants from our epidermis [skin’s surface]. The massage helps you relax, improves blood circulation, detoxify the body and delay wrinkles. The face masks used at the end improves skin tone and gives it a glowing pampered look. Facials not just help you look beautiful, but to help you keep your skin healthy. Celine Cortinchi, Spa Manager, Jean-Claude Biguine, Mumbai suggests that you go a little further and pamper and rejuvenate your whole body with body wraps and relaxing massages.

The fact that you take out time for yourself, switch off your mobile, shut your mind from the daily chaos and indulge in couple of hours of blissful pampering is in itself reason enough for you to pick up that phone and schedule an appointment with your salon.

The post Fab facials appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

Let me list a few of them:

Ban television

This is the most tempting thing for mothers. You simply switch on the television and there will be no more tantrums, no sounds of things being broken and no more pestering. However, this momentary peace and quiet is causing serious damage to your child. Firstly, no matter how much you try to supervise, at some point they would stumble across something which is not suitable for their viewing. There is always a right time and place to learn and know things, so don’t let your child lose his innocence a little too early. Secondly, violence depicted in the television is not good for children to see, for what they see is what they do. You may be putting your child’s life in jeopardy. This thought may sound far-fetched now, but the day you walk in on your child with a kitchen knife, it might not seem so impossible. Thirdly, sitting in front of the television for long hours means total lack of physical exercise, which is not good for any age group.

Give them time

You may buy them expensive toys, or succumb to their every whim and fancy, but nothing can replace an hour of your day solely devoted to them. Play some music and dance; you would be amazed at how this relieves you of the entire day’s stress, not to mention the giggles and laughs you get out of your child. Everyday after dinner, instead of switching on the television do a jigsaw, play a board game or simply read them a story. Kids love listening to stories, and I am sure every parent enjoys doing those voices. Put them on your lap and read them a book. By doing this, you will be laying a foundation for a good reading habit.

Be the adult

Somehow, during the course of parenting you forget who the adult is in the relationship. You often end up being extremely childish when you show resent or reactions to disobedience. Being the adult does not mean having more numbers in age but means you are the mature one. You are the one with the duty and the ability to help them make a right choice. You should not have ego, lies and deceit on your side. You must give the child his space, and always a chance to explain or put forward his case. An adult respects the talent, choices and achievements of all, even his own children. You have to be an adult and not resort to lies and falsehood to support your case or wish. Also, being the adult means being patient. You have to be patient with their tantrums, tears, complains, failures and losses. Give them words of wisdom rather than words of sarcasm and anger. Always remember, violence is the last resort of the incompetent so before you lose your temper or raise that hand, ask yourself a question or two.

Physical exercise

Exercise is essential in their formative years, to make the child’s body supple, flexible and fit. The best way to achieve this is to take the kids out in the open. Play a game of football or cricket with them. The kids will run around, enjoy to the fullest, and get a complete workout too. Swimming is another activity, which gives your body good exercise, and you know how much fun it is for children to be in water. Just add a few floats and colourful balls, and your child will have more than his required quota of physical exercise for the day. Take them for hiking or a camping trip; it is good to be protective about children, but to make them tough and sturdy they must go through such supervised rigorous activities.

Video games and play stations tend to influence the psyche of the child and incite violence in them. On the other hand, sports give them a sense of camaraderie and team spirit, which is a very important lesson in life.

Make them work

You must encourage children to keep their room clean, help in the household chores and have their set of duties completed. This keeps the child busy and instead of creating havoc, he will be doing some quality work. Also, they will learn to be independent and responsible. Parents who use the phrase “Oh he is just a child” when it comes to work are doing more harm than good. It is never too early to start. If he is capable of picking up something and playing with it, then he is of course capable of putting it back in the right place after use. It is better to start now, rather than complaining on a later stage about the child’s attitude towards work.

Take them out

Leaving the kids behind without a reasonable cause is sad because they too deserve social interaction. Take them out – not just to parks or birthday parties, but also for buying vegetables, grocery shopping or any other simple chore. The more they step out of the house, the more learning is in store for them. You sit at home and show them pictures and flashcards to teach them about birds, plants and colours. Ever wondered how easy it is to take them out and just point those things to them. Take them for a play, to the circus or to a zoo and let them see and experience the world first hand, rather than through picture books.

Spare the junk

The next time you tell someone that your child eats only chips or that he cannot live without cola, leave the pride out of your voice and replace it with shame. It is very sad how a two-year-old toddler who has so much to experience in life has already experienced the worst of food. Please keep soft drinks, packaged and semi-processed food away from your child. Give them freshly cooked food, vegetables and fruits. If they crave for chocolates, give them some homemade desserts like halwa and kheer or maybe some dry fruits. Work a little more, cook a little more, do that for your child – do not just grab the first bag of chips you can lay your hands on.

Mind your language

Children follow by example, if there is something you want them to do, you have to first do it yourself. You expect your child to brush his teeth twice a day, but are you doing the same? In the same way, you cannot expect your child to be polite and refrain from using bad language if he does not see and hear the same at home. Does “thank you” and “sorry” come naturally to you – even if it is your spouse, your closest friend or a person working for you? Children watch all this and learn, so be polite, use good language and avoid abusing, no matter how frustrating the situation.

Inculcate a routine

It is very easy for children to be lax when it comes to timeliness. Parents must teach them to do the right thing at the right time. There should be a bedtime and there should be time to rise. Meals should be taken at fixed times, mostly with the entire family together. There is playtime and there is study time. Therefore, there has to be a routine and a sense of appreciation for it. Yes, there may be events, which may cause the routine to break occasionally, but when it happens on a daily basis, that is where you are failing. It may sound like an army regime initially but a good routine, which constitutes of good habits, is a boon to your child.

Learn to say no

A typical scenario between a parent and child – child asks for something unreasonable, parent says no, child insists, parent says no, child throws a tantrum and the parent says “do whatever you like”. Another no, and the child would have been a better person tomorrow. You love your children too much, so it is very easy to give in to all their demands. The best thing to do is never give an instant no, think it out. The child is always willing to wait before your first response. If you find the demand very unreasonable, only then say a no and then stick to it. In case the child throws a tantrum, leave the room. Tantrums often subside due to lack of audience.

Here are a few things, which you know subconsciously but somehow in the din of your daily chores you tend to forget. Do your kids a favour. All they want is your time and appreciation – give them their due and you will always be on a magical trip full of laughter and joy.

The post How to be a better parent appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

Kitchen

Daily: Fumes, purees, spices and syrups may add up to one yummy dinner but they can make the kitchen extremely messy too. The daily clean-up routine should include doing the dishes, wiping the kitchen counter and appliances with a damp cloth and mopping the floor.

Weekly: Once a week, clean all the kitchen appliances such as refrigerator, toaster, blender and microwave using a cloth soaked in a mixture of vinegar and water. You can remove the odour in the microwave by placing some lemon slices in a bowl of water and turning it on for two minutes. Move the appliances and clean the floor or counter but be careful not to scratch the surface. To clean stainless steel appliances and surfaces, use a paste of soda and water. Clean the dishwasher by putting some vinegar or baking soda in it and running it. Apart from these tasks, the checklist should include dusting and wiping the ceiling and walls, cleaning and organising the drawers, washing the sink and sweeping the floor.

Monthly: Every month, take down the draperies, curtains and blinds to clean them according to the manufacturer’s directions [this is applicable to all rooms]. Secondly, servicing the gas stove and chimney is essential. Take some time to organise the kitchen cabinets. Begin by resetting the crockery, remove the junk and wash the cabinets. It is always good to hang a few pictures or have a potted plants in the kitchen window for a pleasant feel.

Washroom

Daily: The first requirement is a clean toilet bowl and washbasin. To clean them, sprinkle soda on a damp cloth and wipe it. Apart from this, you can use the regular toilet-cleaners and brushes. Always wipe the washroom dry after use. Keep a decorative bowl containing a few spoons of baking soda and essential oils on the washbasin. It is a natural air freshener and gives a look of elegance.

Weekly: Wash the shower curtains at least once a week. Keep a liberal supply of dry and clean hand towels, soap bars, shampoos, oils, conditioners, toilet paper and other toiletries. Clean the toilet cabinet once a week and re-organise the bottles and tubes. Clean the showers with some solution. To clear clogs in drains, apply a thick paste made of two parts soda and one part vinegar or lemon juice. Apply the paste with a damp cloth, then leave for 10 minutes, and then rub with a brush or sponge. We can use the same paste on shower doors, sinks and tiles to make them shiny and bright.

Monthly: Have a monthly examination of your washroom by a plumber to check the drains and leaking pipes. Dripping taps and inappropriate drainage are a major cause of dirty and smelly washrooms.

Bedroom

Daily: Make the beds, remove the clutter and throw the garbage in the bin. Keep two laundry baskets, one to stock dirty laundry and one to keep washed ones. You can thus sort clothes at your leisure even as you avoid clutter.

Weekly: Change the bed sheets and bedcovers. Remove the cobwebs infesting the walls and ceilings.

Monthly: With use, dust mites build up in your mattress; therefore, the mattresses need to be vacuumed using the upholstery attachment of your vacuum cleaner. To clean the mattresses further, apply upholstery shampoo on its surface with a sponge, wipe the area with a sponge soaked in hot water and allow it to dry. Secondly, children’s toys require your attention once a month. To wash stuffed toys, put them inside a pillowcase, tie it from the top and pop the bundles for a gentle wash in the washing machine. To hand-wash toys made of rubber or plastic, liquid soaps are the best. Schedule a monthly organisation of the wardrobes and drawers and remove all surplus clothing and accessories.

Sitting room

Daily: To keep the sitting room or drawing room clean, we need to beat the dust. Apart from the daily wipe with a duster, you can try wearing a cotton glove and use it to wipe the dust from smooth surfaces and use a blow dryer to remove dust from uneven surfaces.

Monthly: Furniture maintenance is the key in drawing rooms. Use a mixture of olive oil and lemon juice to clean wooden furniture. Wash the sofa covers, cushion covers, curtains, rugs, doormats and vacuum the carpets regularly. Every month, you should go the extra mile, move all furniture, and clear the area underneath.

Last but not the least, make a pest-control arrangement for your house to avoid those creepy, crawly visitors. All said and done, to have an uncluttered house, the family must do its bit. One must inculcate the habit of replacing things after use and all members of the family should divide the chores between them systematically.

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