It looks like today's metropolitan lives are fuelled by coffee. Sure, we love that coffee perks us up to last through the day, and we've practically embraced those quaint joints that mark every street corner.

However, there are reasons beyond the obvious that show how coffee permeates through our lives. While it is scientifically proven that this 'wonder drink', w...hen consumed in moderation, promotes good health and contains properties that help you keep illness at bay, coffee lovers now have a reason to rejoice as we decipher its numerous benefits for the skin!

Delving deeper into the benefits of coffee, it has also been noted that coffee is great for the skin. While drinking a cup gets you that internal coffee boost, rubbing your skin with a soap or cream that contains coffee also promises a whole set of benefits that make coffee a favourite skin 'drink.'

Here are some reasons your skin will thank you for an external coffee boost:

It's a rich source of antioxidants: The environment is full of free radicals (pollution particles, etc.) that wreak havoc on the skin. However, loading up skin with the antioxidants in coffee protects it and bolsters its natural defences. In fact, a study showed that coffee bean extracts can be responsible for skin cell energy preservation due to its free-radical properties."

It protects against harsh sun rays: UVB is harmful and may even lead to more complicated and life-threatening skin diseases. Protecting your skin with caffeine may protect it against UV carcinogens. According to another study, caffeine actually inhibits the DNA damage response, thus protecting skin against the adverse effects of UVB. The inhibition of DNA damage response may offer a therapeutic option for non-melanoma skin cancer.

It makes skin smooth and bright: Because of its qualities that signal tissue repair, coffee plays a crucial role in regulating cell re-growth, leading to retained hydration (increased collagen) and increased skin elasticity.

It enhances circulation: When coffee promotes blood circulation, it leads to healthy and energised skin, effectively reducing the swelling of tissues and de-puffing areas of the skin.

Oil your scalp
Certain oils have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that help in keeping the scalp free from infection. Also, oil has the property to seal moisture from within. Says Seema Singh, a beautician, "Dip cotton in warm coconut oil/ extra virgin olive oil/castor oil and sponge it on your scalp during the night. Rinse hair in the morning with a mild shampoo and a deep conditioner. Repeat thrice a week for healthier scalp."

Use homemade packs
It's important to scrub your hair off dirt and dead skin at least once every week. Paromita Banerji, a trichologist, says, "Scrub made of sugar and olive oil can be used on scalp. After you use the scrub, be sure to wash it off completely because the residue is as harmful as the dead skin itself." Some of the packs that can be applied on scalp include those made of tofu and lemon, egg white and yogurt, and avocado, lemon and honey. "Hair packs take care of dead skin cells and add shine to the hair," she adds.

Exfoliate using essential oils
Certain essential oils like tea tree, lemongrass, rosemary and peppermint, help in balancing the oil production and dryness of the scalp. You can also use a mixture of lemon juice and olive oil to exfoliate scalp.

Choosing a makeup for sensitive skin can sometimes be tricky. However, it is not impossible at all. With a little care, you can choose a range that will work for your skin without causing any skin problems, such as skin allergy or rashes.

Matte Compact for smooth base
A matte compact powder is ideal for those with sensitive skin. This is because a compact is often said to be milder than a foundation for your skin. You can also opt for mineral compact powder that will protect your skin.

Water-proof eye makeup
With a wide range of water-proof makeup available for sensitive skin, the eyes should also not be neglected. Water-proof mascara and kohl or an eye pencil are your best bet.

Neutral eye shadows
If you wish to wear an eye shadow, opt for a neutral shade. The shades vary from light pinks and peaches to light mauve. These shades look great on your skin and will also ensure that you do not get an allergy.

Crease-less lipsticks
These are creamy lipsticks, instead of the usual matte ones, and stay on for a long duration of time. It hydrates your lips and ensures that that your lips are well-moisturised through the day.

With winter, comes a hoard of various skin problems. Not only does the skin of your body become dry and rough, your scalp and hair also suffer from problems like dandruff, dryness, hair fall and itchiness.

It is also a difficult season for the ones who face the problem of corns, calluses and cracked feet. Rubbing lotions and creams is just not enough. You need to follow a routine winter care regime religiously to keep your skin flawless and your hair healthy and lusturous. TOI gives you a tip to toe winter care guide to follow to get all that and more.

Oils for your face
Sounds tricky, eh? Contrary to popular belief, oils are essential for every skin type and more so during winters. Their anti-aging properties help tighten the skin and they moisturize more effectively than any other cream. People with oily skin can try tea-tree, sweet almond and grape seed oil in winter to moisturize their skin before going to bed instead of a night cream. And for people with dry skin, olive oil does the magic. Take a few drops and dab! 

Bath salts to scrub your body
During winters, it is always advisable to use bath salts instead of your regular scrubs. Not only do they exfoliate dead cells, they provide the skin with a glow and make it smooth and healthy. Sprinkle a handful in your bath tub and enjoy the relaxing effects. It cures your sore feet, tired body and even relieves you from a back pain. Pick aromatic bath salts to extract the maximum benefits as the enigmatic smell will also ease your senses and mind. The best thing about bath salts is that they don't steal moisture from the skin. Instead, the oil content in it moisturizes and hydrates the skin and improves it's quality. So, the next time a winter chill makes you tired, you know what to rely on.

Moisturizer for your lips
Since the skin on the lips are thinner than any other part of the body, they get chapped and dry easily. During winters, it is very important to look after your lips throughout the day to avoid them from looking scaled. Carry a lip butter with you all the time. Prefer a roll on to a jar. Apply the balm every hour to keep your lips moisturised. Scrub them with lemon and sugar every alternate day to get rid of dead cells. 

Handcreams
Hands get dry after even a simple wash with water, let alone using soap or a handwash making them look white and dry. Select a handcream that has milk as its content. Apply after every single wash to keep them soft, supple and healthy. At night, massage them with coconut or olive oil mixed with a almond oil. Avoid using a soap on your hands. It is always preferable to go for mild handwash lotions. 

Wear gloves
One of the easiest ways to protect your hands from drying and facing the brunt of the weather is to wear gloves. Specially at night, when you are riding a bike or are simply out. Though the ones made of wool are the best when it comes to protection from harsh winds, light cotton gloves are also fine if the former make you palms sweaty. Do not apply any cream or oil before slipping your hands the gloves. Do it once you take them out. 

Hot oil hair massage
There is absolutely no substitute for a hot oil massage for your scalp and hair in winters. It is not only a treatment that results in shiny, bouncy hair after a wash, but also gives back your hair its lost moisture. Always go for a mix of oils to get the maximum benefit. Mix oils like castor, almond, olive and coconut and warm it a little before applying it to the scalp. Make it a habit to oil your hair before every wash to keep the moisture locked. 

Soak your feet in warm water
Cracked feet we hear? Add a few drops of your favourite body wash or shampoo to a bucket of lukewarm water. You can also add a few drop of lemon or lavender oil to it. Soak your feet in it, pick up your favourite book, plug your ear plugs and relax. Let the water heal your tired feet. This, if used as therapy every day, helps in healing cracked feet. The only addition to the process is using a scrubber to get rid of the dead cells. After you are done soaking, treat your feet to some cream and wear soft woollen socks.

Honey for hair and body
One of the most helpful natural product that rescues you from dryness is none other than honey. Mix it with mashed bananas and olive oil to make a gooey paste. Apply the mixture on your hair. Keep it on for 30-45 minutes before washing off with a mild shampoo. This mask works wonder for your dry hair and scalp, especially during these cold months. For your face, mix honey with a few drops of rose water and lemon juice and rub the mixture to get a glowing and moisturized skin. 

Fruit facials
Are you one of those who cannot imagine life without facials? Going for fairness facials strips off moisture from your face leaving it dry and pale. Fruits facials is the reply to that grumpy look on your face now. As a matter of fact, you can do it at home. Mash fruits like avocado, apples, oranges, grapes, papaya, banana together and make thick mask. Leave it on your face for 20 minutes, at least, and wash off with cold water to get a skin your girlfriends will be envious of. 

Egg-pack
This small gift of nature is a boon in disguise during winter. Its moisturizing effects on the skin as well as hair is amazing. Separate the egg white from its yolk in a bowl and beat the whites till they become frothy. Now apply on your face and leave it on till dry. Then, wash off with cold water. Smooth and shiny skin is what you will get. Mix egg whites with yogurt and apply the mask to your hair. This mixture works as an excellent conditioner for your hair.

If you are not sure how to apply a face cream the right way, here's how to find out

You might find it weird when we say that there's a right way to apply a face cream, but there actually is one. Here is what you need to do —

Wash your face first
No matter what time of the day you apply the face cream, you need to wash your face. This way you get rid of sweat, grime, makeup etc. This will allow the cream to penetrate into your pores and work its magic. Also use a gentle face cleanser to wash it off properly.

Application on damp skin
Always apply your face cream on damp skin. If you wait for your face to dry off completely, it won't work. Creams are better able to lock in moisture when you apply on damp skin. After you finish, pat your skin dry.

Use small quantities
The best way to apply a face cream is using small quantities. Using more doesn't always show the benefits. It takes a long time to rub the cream on your face as opposed to when you use less. Your face should be able to absorb the cream rather than feel sticky.

Dab it smooth
Instead of taking a finger full of it, apply small spots all over your face and then smoothen it out. This way you will be able to apply the cream on every bit of your face.

 

Planning to look the best for Christmas and New Year parties? Here are some simple tips to look your best...

The ongoing festive season is synonymous not just with devotion, fun and revelry, but is also about the new clothes, shoes and accessories. Women of all ages spend a lot of time just deciding the various looks and ensembles to be worn on the various puja days. The best thing about this season is that even those who do not really care much about looking good, want to look their best when visiting the pandals.

For that flawless radiance: Young women are opting for all kinds of quick, non-invasive treatments to get perfect skin during the festive season. Dermatologist Dr Apratim Goel says, "Women are opting for soft peels, gel peels and chemical peels. These vary according to skin type and need. The dull, tanned topmost layer of the skin is peeled away. It also helps to get rid of dark spots and lighten scars, and reveals the fresh flawless layer of skin." These peels do take a few days to show results and should be done under the guidance of qualified dermatologists or cosmetologists.

For the perfect pout: A lip filler can enhance your natural lips and give it a fuller pout. Cosmetic surgeon Dr Sandip Jain says, "Fillers are injectible gels made of hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring substance in our body. So, there is no risk of rejection or infection. Filler injections are done in the doctor's office, takes few minutes and one can go back to work immediately." The results begin to show in two to five days.

Iron out the fine lines: To get a botox jab, you don't need to wait to be 40. "Even young men and women in their 30s are getting botox to even out the fine lines on their faces," says Dr Goel. This procedure is also quick and non-invasive.

Go sweat-free: Festive season means spending a lot of time outdoors, in the hot, humid climate. There are bound to be sweat patches on your expensive festive clothes. Cosmetologist Dr Jamuna Pai says, "Botox helps to stop underarm sweating."

Style your hair well: Neat and well-groomed hair that has zero flyaways and is completely no-frizz, is what every young woman is opting for. Manageable hairstyles that fall over your shoulders and back, in a satiny, smooth wave, is the 'in' look. Many also opt for bold global colours and highlights. Says aesthetician Ritu Kumar Tanwar, "Keratin treatment, hair smoothening, hair rejuvenation to strengthen and protect hair or a hair botox are popular." Hair stylists say that girls with long hair are opting for different kinds of braids — fishtail braids and other braids woven with beads and threads are most sought-after.

Body Basics: Treatments like full body polishing and back polishing are extremely popular this season, thanks to all the backless, low-back ensembles that are in vogue. Dead skin is exfoliated and massaged to lend it a smooth look and supple glow. Exotic manicure, pedicures and special nail treatments are also in.

Water not only cleans your body from inside out but also improves the texture of your skin and hair. We tell you why you should consume enough water.

1. Avoids putting on too much weight

If you are one of those people who think that drinking more water causes your body to bloat, you're wrong. It only helps you eat lesser food by filling up your tummy. If you have a huge appetite and you're worried of putting on weight due to eating in larger quantities, water will help you out.

2. Cleans your body

Drinking water on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning, helps flush out any toxins in your colon. In a way, your colon is ready to take in all the good nutrients you plan to feed your body for the day.

3. Creates new cells

Your body makes new cells everyday and drinking water helps production of these new cells. This allows your muscles to grow and tone up faster after exercising.
4. Boosts metabolism

Along with benefiting you in several ways, water also boosts metabolism. Drink 2 cups of cold water in the morning and you are ready to go.

5. Cures headaches and infections

When you are ill, staying hydrated is a must. Water not only fights infections but helps you get better soon. Also, when your headaches are caused due to dehydration, water helps you get well soon. So whenever you're not feeling well, drink a glass or two of water before you start popping pills.