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Ceramides are the buliding blocks of our skin and body. They are the waxy lipid cells which act like a glue in between the skin cells holding them tight preventing moisture loss( Trans- Dermal Water Loss) from the skin. They keep the skin healthy and boost the immune system by creating a protective layer on the outer layer of our skin. Loss of Ceramides due to extreme weather conditions and harsh chemicals may lead to skin breakout and conditions like Dermitistis, Eczema and Rosacea. Best way to replenish Ceramides is through food like Cheeze, Soy, Paneer and oils like Jojoba, Avocado,Safflower , Sunflower, Grapeseed, corn, Wheatgerm oils. Highest levels of Ceramidesare found in Jojoba and Saffloweroil. Topical application of these oils is also helpful in creating a layer of Ceramides on top of the skin which acts like a barrier to the outer world preventing moisture loss. Cermides also act as anti ageing substance since they prevent fine lines and wrikles due to skin breakout.

Ancient Egyptians and Sumerian civilization used wonderful natural ingredients to preserve their youth and wrinklefree ageing. Willow Bark and leaves were used for even skin tone and healing the post surgery wounds even. Willow extract contains a healing compound called as 'Salicin' which is antioxidant, analgesic, antipyretic and also astringent in nature. Salicin is metabolised to form even stronger healing agent called Salicylic acid which is a kind of Beta Hydroxy Acid( BHA). BHA, often known as Salicylic Acid are excellent exfoliants for oily to acne prone normal skin. They penetrate deeper into the skin pores and clear the excess infectious sebum leaving the skin polished and pore size mimimized. They have anti ageing properties too. Salicylic acid (BHA) is found in Aspirin too which is used by Cardiovascular patients regularly for its blood thinning properties. Aspirin also soothes acne and swollen skin due to sting- bites. Beta Hydroxy Acids are oil soluble unlike Alpha Hydroxy Acids making it excellent cleanser for oily to combination skin with loads of other benefits.

Parabens are widely used in Cosmetics, Pharmaceuticals and Processed food to enhance the shelf life of the products. They are the chemical preservatives added to the product along with other active ingredients to make it last longer as they inhibit the growth of bacteria, virus, fungus and molds by either breaking their DNA / RNA or by killing them especially in aqueous solution. Parabens are essential part of any skincare/ medical product despite the harmful effects they can have on our endocrine system being xenoestrogens(having similar composition as human hormone called estrogen) and can cause cancer if consumed beyond the permissible limit by regulatory authorities.

Dull, ageing and patchy skin needs rejuvenation and 'Exfoliation' is an excellent process and remedy to bring up the new even-toned skin cells on the surface giving it a fresh look. Normal exfoliating products can not reach the Dermis (the middle layer of the skin) level and hence the effect is limited only upto the Epidermis level( top layer of skin). AHAs are excellent Exfoliators. They help remove the top layers of dead skin cells, reach deeper, unclog the pores and help rejuvenating the skin cells depending upon the molecular size of the agent. Glycolic acid works as an excellent Peeling agent and higher concentration can be used only under an expert's medical supervision to have the visible effects. Glycolic acid, Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, Mandalic acid and Trataric Acids are AHAs which have different molecular sizes and work amazingly well at different stages.

Sunscreen is an integral part of our daily wear routine for the devil side of our beloved Sun affects our skin at the deeper level which may not be reversed. In our last episode on Sunscreen, we talked about the Types of Sunscreeen - Chemical Sunscreen and Mineral Sunscreen and their main ingredients. This episode talks about the terms like SPF and PA+, PA++, PA+++, broad spectrum Sunscreen and also UPF, a term used by Fabric Making companies. It also talks about the method of calculating SPF. PA++++ is the highest possible protection against UVA rays currently available. UPF system is used for marking the effectiveness of Sun Protection Factor in Fabrics. UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. Such fabrics provide protection against UVA as well as UVB rays. It indicates how much of the Sun's UV radiation is absorbed by the Fabric. UPF 25-30 provides 96-97% protection against UV radiation. In nutshell, Sunscreen protects us from UV radiation upto a great extent keeping us look young for a long time. Always use a moisturizer beneath any Sunscreen to keep the skin hydrated at all times especially if u have a dry skin. Do let me know if this pod was helpful in any way at [email protected]

Increasing level of stress and poor nutrition coupled with the modern lifestyle are causing our skin to sag, no matter what our age is. Retinoids are the secret ingredients in our anti ageing skincare products which work at the deeper layer of our skin. Retinoids , Retinols and Retin -A are same at the root level, i.e., Vitamin A derivatives. While there are some compounds which work directly upon application are stronger, called as Retnoids, there are others which need to be converted to Retinoic acid first by the enzymes present in our body to work effectively. They are called as Retinols. So, Retinols are less potent than Retinoids but are excellent if you are new to this. Retin- A is a type of Retinoid only which is highly effective and stronger than Retinol to work upon wrinkled and saggy skin. Highly effective Retinoids used in treatment of wrinkles are Tretinoin( also know by the brand Retin-A), Adapalene, Retinaldehyde, Tazarotene and Retinyl Palmitate. All are vitamin A compounds only and require prescription to buy the products. However, Retinols are easily available over the counter at any cosmetic shop. Since Retinoids and Retinols help in cell regeneration by removing the dead cells and other cell debris from the pores, they make the skin photosensitive and hence, you must use a broad spectrum Sunscreen before moving out in Sun. Next episode will cover what are the broad spectrum Sunscreens and the system to measure it......PA+, PA ++ and PA +++.

Sunscreen is an integral part of our Skincare ritual. Our beloved Sun emits UV radiations which can be harmful to our skin if exposed for long hours, though moderate exposure to Sun is essential to our health and not just skin. This episode talks about the Chemical Sunscreen and Mineral Sunscreen mechanism. Also, what are UVA, UVB and UVC rays and their impact on our skin and overall health. Further in the episode, how body uses its defence mechnism called Tanning to protect the deeper layers.

Collagen and Elastin are the two important proteins responsible for firmness and elasticity of our skin. Our collagen level drops significantly as we start ageing and supplements can be of some help other than some food items. In this episode ,we talk about the factors depleting our skin's firmness and youthfulness and how we can prevent premature ageing..

It is an introduction to easy skincare concepts and the remedies for our regular skin issues like premature ageing, dullness, dark spots, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles. Next episode will talk about Collagen and Elastin and their roles in our body and skin health. Future episodes will talk about photo-ageing and other amazing anti ageing ingredients.