The awareness on the concept of beauty, though not new to Indian women, is still far from satisfactory.
We either resign to the fact that we cannot improve our skin and delay the process of ageing, or we find the process extravagant. The realisation about grooming only dawns when one breaks into pimples during teenage years or at the time of impending marriage or perhaps at middle age when pigmented patches or fine lines on the skin make their appearance. The same applies to hair as well. We neglect problems such as hairfall, dandruff and dryness to such an extent that at times, it can take very long to treat. Our hair, skin and body can and will be affected by the changes in weather and water etc, but that will be only for a short time. If a regular care routine is followed — a simple facial, manicure, pedicure, body spa and hair spa every fortnight, you can avoid any harm to your whole body and keep signs of age, sickness and seasonal changes from affecting you.

Skin and hair

No age is too early or late to start skin care and achieve results. Right care will give us healthy, glowing skin and take years of our face. It boosts our self esteem and confidence which is so essential for any successful woman. A proper care routine at home — of cleansing, toning and moisturizing is only necessary. But you cannot rely on this as your only skin care routine.

Different skin types need different handling. Skin also tends to behave differently as it ages or due to climatic changes or most often in women due to hormonal changes. You should make sure you visit a salon regularly where a consultant can guide you through your regular care and help in making sure that the skin maintains its good, smooth and healthy texture.

Good hair which is styled well can also make a tremendous difference to our personality. Well cut and styled hair with good colouring can change our whole persona. Of course, this has to go along with having a good hair condition. Get a good cut done and put a little effort to styling your hair every day. It is important to understand that even in a wash and wear style you still need to put in a little styling product and understand how to wear your hair. Any good cut is only highlighted better with some colour in it. Colouring does not lead to greying. Just follow a right care routine after doing any treatment. Oiling at home helps but what is better is going in for a hair spa at east once a fortnight.

Hands and feet

In today’s day and age, awareness has definitely increased and most women are very conscious about their skin and hair. But a lot of us still tend to neglect their body, hands and feet. The face and neck tends to be at least two shades lighter than the hands and feet. Or the back is full of some marks and dark patches. A regular manicure and pedicure is an absolute must. Once in a while it is lovely to pamper yourself with some advanced treatments along with a manicure and pedicure — like a lovely hand and foot spa.

Another treatment which a must do is a body spa. A good massage with some lovely scrubs and wraps will leave your body feeling like silk. It will also mentally relax you and give you the feel that you are genuinely doing something for yourself.

Apart from the regular care routine, of course things like a good balanced diet, lots of water intake and exercise are an absolute must. You should take out atleast 2-3 hours for yourself in a day — which is time only for yourself.

YOUR QUESTIONS

Beauty expert Manjul Gupta answers queries on style  and grooming. Write to her at Living c/o Deccan Herald,  No. 75, M G Road, B’lore -1 or email: styletips@ rediffmail.com