pH level and Citrus Fruits {Skin Care}

Citrus Fruits are one of the most loved fruits for DIY because they lend freshness and cleanse the skin really well. But, they are also very harsh on the skin because of their acidity so one should use them in moderation and also, they make the skin photosensitive. 

So, why should we really bother ourselves with these fruits? Well, because not all citrus fruits have the same level of acidity. Some are gentler on skin and can be used by sensitive skins as well. pH level is the measure of acidity of the fruit. Any chemical is either acidic or alkaline in nature and generally, fruits are acidic.

Some are alkaline as well. But, right now, we are talking about citrus fruits and they are acidic so let us look at the pH values of some widely available fruits to know which can be used safely on skin and which should be avoided. Though, lemon is the most loved citrus fruit. 

Most Acidic Fruits

Tangerine - 3.90, Grapefruit - 3.38, Lime - 2.40, Lemon - 2.30

Least Acidic Fruits

Mandarin - 11.50, Orange - 4.35, Kumquat - 3.95

Also, remember that as the fruit ages, its acidity decreases.(Source)

Now, the pH level of the skin around 5.4 so if you use orange instead of lemon, its more gentle on skin. Even I was surprised to know that mandarin is alkaline and not acidic. When I was writing this post, I was reminded that I prefer tomatoes to lemon so checked its pH value as well. 

pH value of fresh tomato ranges between 4.3 and 4.9 (source). In fact, potato is also considered to be great for skin. Its pH value lies between 5 and 6.5 which is relatively very less acidic and more gentle on skin. So, you can now customize your home remedies according to the pH levels of the ingredients :)

Do you feel ticklish? {Your Opinion}

Hehe...I do!!! In fact, when ever I have to get underarms done, its a big torture for me :D Being ticklish with burning hot is not exactly an amazing position to stay in!! And, I anyway have a low tolerance to pain. In fact, this time when I went for waxing, I did face a lot of pain, more than normal. 

I am thinking of taking an aspirin next time. Probably, it might help through the torturous sessions :( In fact, I got my arms waxed after a long time. I know I am weird :D And, honestly, my arms have lost all sensations!! I don't quite know how to explain it. You might understand what I am saying if you are not used to getting your arms waxed regularly.

The reason I don't get my arms waxed regularly is because they are quite dry and prone to allergies and also, their get tanned very quickly. In fact, I can also say that my arms have started itching badly and are very very sensitive right now. Do you have any remedies for it? Oh, and, also, are you ticklish?

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Prominent Skin Conditions {Infographic}

Homemade Castile Soap

Guest Post by Waseema

This is the first time that I am writing a review and I am excited and nervous at the same time. Today I would like to review a pure olive oil soap also called Castile Soap handmade by me at home.

Why I got into soap making is because my daughters aged 5 yrs and 1 yr have very sensitive skin and any soap I use caused dry flaky skin or dry patches with redness and itching on them. 

The soaps I make are cold process soaps which have a high percentage of glycerin in it as a result of the saponification process. Hence, these soaps are very conditioning and do not dry out skin unlike commercial soaps.

Ingredients

Saponified oils of olive, castor, lye and distilled water.  Unscented, Uncolored.

My Experience

This soap does not lather like the commercial soaps as it contains 90% olive oil, but the addition of castor oil helps with bubbles as seen in the picture above. If you use a pouf/nylon mesh scrubber you can get decent lather. Though this soap does not lather much but it cleanses very well and does not dry the skin. 

Ever since my daughters have been using this soap their skin is behaving well and does not break out in itchy rashes or flaky patches.  I would recommend this soap for babies and those with sensitive and dry mature skin. Overall this works as a great soap for all skin types.

Editor's Note: This is so true. Read what I wrote about the difference between soaps and bathing bars.

Due to high glycerine content these soaps melt very easily and to keep it around longer you have to avoid holding it in the shower stream, and make sure that you store it on a well-draining soap dish, or else it can end up in a gloppy mess. 

I make these soaps at home. Currently I have a batch that’s cured and ready to be used. You can check more pictures here. If you would like to buy them, let me know. 

Price: Rs 99 for 80gms 

Thank you so much for reading my review!
Luv,
Waseema.

Editor's Note: Thanks a lot Waseema for letting us know about the castile soaps. They are indeed really awesome!

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Blogging Series Vol. 4 - How am I able to try out so many products and its affects on my skin?

This is a question which I have been asked quite a lot of times. Being a beauty blogger, I do get lot of opportunities to try out various products and being an enthusiast, I love to discover new brands. Anything which appeals to me, I make a point to try it.

Over the years of blogging, I have found many brands which appeal to me and I have also found out what kind of products appeal to me more and what are mere whims.

Good Skin Genes

I am thankful to both my parents for having great skin. Though, I prefer my mom's skin a lot more but its hell lot sensitive as well. Mine is just perfect which troubles me with only a few products!

Good Skin Care

Changing products very frequently does wreak havoc on the skin. But, I have a few things in my routine which never change. One of those habits is using oils. I always treat my skin to something familiar everyday so that at least one aspect of my skin care does not change. 

Also, when trying out a lot of products, always keep in mind to change one product at a time instead of changing the entire set. That will ensure you know what does not agree with your skin. 

Also, another thing which helps is being able to judge what will suit you or not. That is where the knowledge of ingredient list comes in handy. Also, when you are trying out natural or herbal products, you should be shrewd enough to make out which brand is merely advertising for its benefit and which brand is actually worth it. 

Another point which I would like to make here is that always remember that price tag does not reflect quality. Some product may be heinously expensive and do nothing for you. So, always try to judge the products objectively and take time in doing so because sometimes we just get carried away. And, the ads and product packaging these days really don't help there either!

One more point is that I always stay away from the products having actives like retinoids and other such things which can wreak havoc on skin. Once your skin gets used to those things, it becomes very difficult to judge how will the skin react to other products.

Patch Test

Ok, this is something I have never done but this is extremely important. Always try to do a patch test before trying out any product. And, instead of using your inner elbow, do the patch test on the skin behind the ear. Because, the skin on the inner elbow and the face can have different sensitivities.

How do you take care of your skin?

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Cosmedic Avederm Soothing Facial Cleanser {Product Review}

Price: Rs 449 for 100ml

Ingredients

Water (Aqua), Amodimethicone, Trideceth-12, Cetrimonium Chloride, Cetearyl Glucoside, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Ceteareth-6, Lauryl Glucoside, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Octyldodecanol, Urea, Sodium Lactate, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Tocopherols, Cistus Ladaniferus Oil, Mica, Benzyl Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate

Pros

absolutely gentle on skin

doesn't lather AT ALL but cleanses really well

no stretchy feeling

no film on the skin

keeps the skin soft

Cons

doesn't last long :(

expensive!!

My Experience

Totally loved it!! Ok, it does not have SLS. And, the product is light yellow in color and also feels creamy. It comes in a pump dispenser bottle. And, for every use, I felt I needed two pumps at least. It does NOT lather AT ALL.

yup, its runny in consistency!

Its very very gentle on skin and feels as if it doesn't clean the skin at all but the converse is true. I did feel as if my skin has improved but then I was doing a lot of things which I shall mention in another post.

Ok, one big con is that I used the whole 100ml in around 20 days with two times usage :( where as the other face wash lasted me for around a month with very very generous use!!

Aaahh...one more thing is it doesn't make my skin feel dry or stretchy or leave any film either which makes me more happy. It doesn't make the skin feel oily either.

And, also, I forgot to mention that it smells like sugarcane juice to me :D :D Yes, I do find the product expensive but I think it is definitely worth a try. Its especially recommended for skin which gets inflamed very easily!! Or, for sensitive skin.

Availability

Online - Cosmedic Website
In stores (only in Delhi, Agra, Lucknow and Meerut) - check locations here

PS: Product sent by brand.

Other products from Cosmedic:

Cosmedic Alpha Q Brightening Face Wash