JOIN USHoney Singh might be asking you to party all night but the next morning when you get up late, it would not be easy to devote time for skin and hair care. Wondering how to then look good for the next night out? Steal a peg from the bar!
In the western world, the use of beer for hair growth and wine for younger-looking skin has been known.
“India being a primary market for ayurveda or herbal products, the concept of using alcoholic beverages is still in its nascent stage,” says Saurabh Gupta, CMO of Denver India. His company has come up with a beer shampoo for men and the spokesperson informs, “Beer has been used in a lot of countries for hair growth. Beer has lubricants and acts as a natural conditioner for the hair. Even the presence of glycerine has positive effects on scalp which might get dry and flaky in absence of proper nourishment.”
The shampoo is an attempt to target the rising market for men’s care products and beer comes in handy since the beverage has a perfect PH balance. In fact the beauty industry uses alcoholic beverages like wine and rum for various purposes. “Red wine has antioxidants that protect your skin and prevent it from ageing,” informs Jagpreet Kaur, spa manager at The Heavenly Spa by Westin.
Her reason proves why some parlours are now offering red wine facials. “From ancient time, red wine is considered to be one of the healthiest drinks and was used for medicinal purposes. Red wine facials are gaining immense popularity since it gives a refreshing glow to the skin while removing tan and blemishes. Red wine also has therapeutic property to de-stress and rejuvenate the skin while acting as an anti-ageing element,” adds Kaur.
A scrub with red wine exfoliates the skin better. Wines contain natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, applying red wine on the face fights acne and clears the pores while treating oily and congested skin.
To add to this, the red wine literally lends its colour to the skin. Kaur says, “If you want to get rosy and glowing cheeks then apply a few drops of red wine on your cheeks to get that natural blush.”
Red wine can also help in lightening the skin tone. Kaur adds, “Take yoghurt or beat an egg and add five teaspoons of red wine to it. Then add two teaspoons of honey and beat thoroughly. Apply it on your face and let it stay for 20 minutes. Wash it off with lukewarm water. The yeast in beer is also a good source of vitamins and protein and helps in fighting acne.”
Rum, “especially bay rum has antibacterial effect too,” says Ishia Taneja, make up expert, ALPS. “Team some rum with milk cream and create a natural lotion for any type of skin. The antibacterial and antifungal traits of rum prevent pimples and other inflammatory skin issues.”
And you thought that these drinks are only to make you high?
One must, however, take precautions and “stop using these drinks for the skin or hair if you come across hair fall, itchiness or dryness of scalp or redness and swelling,” warns Taneja.