Latest news with #KiranSethi
Hindustan Times
07-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
World Chocolate Day: Try these chocolate-infused masks for glow and hydration!
You've eaten it, sipped it, and gifted it — but have you ever smeared chocolate on your face? This World Chocolate Day (today), beauty experts reveal cocoa's surprising skincare benefits. And you don't need expensive products — just a few pantry staples to whip up DIY masks for your face, lips, and under-eyes. Chocolate-infused skincare you should try!(Adobe Stock) 'Chocolate has exfoliating, antioxidant, hydrating, and detoxifying properties that protect skin from oxidative stress and ageing,' says dermatologist Dr Deepali Bhardwaj, adding, 'For chapped lips or dry skin, it's very effective.' Skincare expert Dr Kiran Sethi suggests using raw cacao for best results. 'You usually need just one tablespoon in a face mask,' she says. Try these easy DIY masks:
Hindustan Times
06-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Propaganda I am not falling for: Skincare version
I am tired of being marketed to. A host of new concept products keeps appearing on my feed, and a lot of them are a waste of time and money. What are some concepts that should be junked immediately? Let me give you five. Long self-care rituals also lack scientific backing and can add more stress than relief. 1. Sunscreen stick It seems like a great idea — take it out of your pocket, slick it across your skin, and you're protected, right? Wrong! It has crystalline, carnauba, and other waxes as a base with oil-soluble sunscreen agents. For proper sunscreen usage, you need 2 mg/cm2 of sunscreen on your face. As per the American Academy of Dermatology, you need at least four passes of sunscreen stick on your face. Large amounts of wax on your face are bound to be comedogenic — hello greasy skin and acne. So no, let's avoid. 2. Sunblock powder compact While it's fine on top of your sunblock, you need at least 15-20 passes of it on your face to get the right protection. And that doesn't counter the wind blowing it off your face. An overly powdered face is not how one wants to walk around after wearing sunblock. Use it as a top-up, not the main event. 3. Toner How can any product close your pores? Your pores must always be open or you will die! Also, your skin self pH balances. If your skin couldn't do it, trust me, you'd know. So, drop the toner! You will save money and time. 4. 10-15 step korean routines These are just too much! We live in a hot and humid country and have larger pores and more oil secretion than Koreans. Layering 10 products on one's face is bound to cause zits or blackheads — or both! And it definitely won't give you Korean glass skin. Koreans are the top consumers of plastic surgery and aesthetic procedures in the world. A million-step skincare routine is not the reason for that skin. It is genetic, a host of early treatments (started even among teenagers) and a serious pressure to look perfect are the real reasons. 5. Two-hour self care rituals Look, I don't know who has an extra two hours in the day for these rituals, but only a few have actually been proven to help. Most are promoted by influencers directing you to their online store while you feel guilty for never being able to scrape your tongue or pull that oil. These activities are often poor in data, and cause more stress and feelings of inadequacy. Where to start? Exercise, eat healthy, do your skincare and hair care, wear sunblock, drink water. These trends are often a waste of money and time and may cause you unintended side effects. The propaganda is only increasing, so rely on experts to give you the guidance you need. Trust yourself and your doctor to get the skin you are looking for. The author is a skin, health and wellness expert. (Story by Kiran Sethi)
India Today
23-06-2025
- Health
- India Today
Do dermats even approve of sunscreen sticks?
If there's one skincare essential that's as important as a cleanser, it is a sunscreen. That's what dermatologists protects from harmful UV radiation which can lead to early ageing, skin cancer and skin admit that there is a growing awareness among Indians about using sun protection. Industry numbers also suggest so. Meanwhile, cosmetic, pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical companies are coming up with innovative formulations to make sunscreens easier to apply and enjoyable to sunscreen tubes apart, we now have whipped sunscreens for those who want skincare to be fun. There are also sunscreen sprays which are super quick to use. Sunscreen sticks, however, are the biggest stars of the moment. Sunscreen sticks are now popular all over the world. (Photo: Unsplash) From cult-favourite K-Beauty and J-Beauty brands to homegrown Indian labels, sunscreen sticks are everywhere. Beauty enthusiasts love them too. Sunscreen sticks are going viral, and many brands are now selling them. Just take that sunscreen stick out of the pocket, swipe it across the skin and you're protected from sun damage. At least that's what most of us believe. But do dermatologists approve of sunscreen sticks?Moreover, should it replace your regular sunscreen tube? We took these questions to the skin experts. The answers? You wouldn't want to concernsOne of the top concerns while using a sunscreen stick is how to know if the quantity dispensed on your face is enough.'For proper protection, you need 2 mg/cm of sunscreen on your face. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, this means at least four generous passes of a sunscreen stick across your entire face,' says Dr Kiran Sethi, medical director of Isya applying that amount of sunscreen stick is impractical. Think greasy skin and acne!'Applying such large amounts of wax on your face is bound to be comedogenic,' adds Dr Sethi. Something that is comedogenic clogs facial pores and causes blackheads or acne to Geetika Srivastava, dermatologist and founder of Influennz Skin and Hair Clinic in Delhi, says that frequent reapplication becomes more important because limited quantity comes off with each sunscreen sticks are wax-based and contain ingredients like beeswax, lanolin and paraffin, which are highly comedogenic, especially if used in large amounts.'Look for less comedogenic waxes like sunflower or rice bran wax,' suggests Dr concern pertaining to sunscreen sticks is low SPF.'Many trending sunscreen sticks offer low SPF, which leads to inadequate protection. So, it's important to check the SPF and the ingredient list before choosing one,' highlights Dr Deepali Bhardwaj, Delhi-based dermatologist and hair transplant a sunscreen should be SPF 30 or when the weather is hot and humid, a sunscreen stick might also end up feeling heavy or positivesThere are a lot of positives too. Firstly, the easier application – that's prime. If a product is built in a manner that you are encouraged to use it, you know it has won half the sunscreen sticks, they can be easily kept in pockets or even be hung as bag charms. Indian brands Gush Beauty and Lakme offer sunscreen sticks with on-the-go keychains. Sunscreen? Yes. But also a bag charm. Dermats agree too. 'They encourage more frequent use, especially among people who typically skip sunscreen altogether,' says Dr sticks are also good for targeted use. They are ideal for small or often-missed areas like the nose, ears, jawline and sides of the face. Those who swear by sunscreen sticks really love how it allows easy application, even over makeup. Reapplication is a sunscreen rule. You need to do that after 3 to 4 if you are already out and have your makeup on, a lotion sunscreen might hamper that makeup. A sunscreen stick won' are the key reasons behind the hype of sunscreen sticks, industry insiders say.'They've (sunscreen sticks) quickly gained popularity, particularly among young consumers. And for good reason: they're compact, effective and perfect for reapplication throughout the day, especially in India's hot and humid climate. While traditional sunscreens are ideal for your first layer, sunsticks are a practical, on-the-go addition making it easier than ever to stay protected. They're not a replacement, but an essential upgrade for real-life routines,' says Manasa Garamella, co-founder of kindlife, an online beauty retail highlight that a sunscreen stick, at the end of the day, is a sunscreen. Only the formulation is a bit different.'I'd like to clarify that sunscreen sticks use the same active ingredients (UVA and UVB blockers), both physical (like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) and chemical filters, as conventional lotions or creams. The difference lies in the format,' says Dr sticks: To skip or keep?While they are not as effective as traditional sunscreens, there is no reason to completely ditch sunscreen sticks. Their easy-to-use format makes them a skincare superhero, as it enables reapplication which is an unmissable aspect of using are plenty of good options available in the market. 'Cosmeceutical brands often make more effective, skin-safe sunscreen sticks,' says Dr for a sunscreen stick with:Non-comedogenic labelUVA and UVB blockersPhysical filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxideSPF 30 to 50 for adequate UVB protectionPA rating of +++ or more, for UVA protectionFragrance-free and paraben-free formulas, to avoid sensitising agents that may trigger contact dermatitisThe best way to go about with sunscreen sticks? Start with lotion in the morning, then reapply with stick throughout the day. advertisement
Hindustan Times
05-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
The kesari price: Amid surge, experts suggest alternatives
The world's most expensive spice is acting even pricier. Saffron prices have jumped from ₹4.5 lakh per kilogram to as high as ₹5 lakh per kilogram — almost equivalent to the cost of 50 grams of gold! This sharp rise follows the closure of trade through the Attari-Wagah border in the wake of the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22. The timing of this disruption is particularly critical. Domestic harvests from Kashmir peak only in late autumn, and with wedding season in motion, the prices for saffron — a staple in Indian households — are likely to rise even further. Experts explain what pure saffron's properties are and potential alternatives to buy amid this price surge. India consumes an estimated 55 tonnes of saffron each year. The market largely offers three major varieties: Deep crimson strands, strongest flavour, highest price Includes parts of the style, slightly milder in strength Lighter strands with some yellow, more affordable While a portion of India's saffron is cultivated in Kashmir — famed for its premium-grade kesar — a significant share is imported from Iran and Afghanistan. The shutdown has disrupted these imports, particularly from Afghanistan, pushing the price of Iranian saffron up by an additional 5%, as per multiple reports. To extract maximum flavour and colour, lightly roast the saffron strands. Crush them into a fine powder. Mix the powder into ice-cold water. Using saffron this way enhances both aroma and colour intensity. Saffron is rich in carotenoids and antioxidants, helping protect skin from UV rays and environmental stress. However, if saffron is scarce, skincare enthusiasts can turn to certain alternatives. Vitamin C A powerful glow-enhancer and anti-aging agent, vitamin C serums and lotions are easily available both online and in stores. Resveratrol This potent antioxidant helps combat oxidative damage and improves skin resilience. 'Using a combination of antioxidants may deliver results equal to or better than saffron-based skincare,' says Dr Kiran Sethi, skin, health and wellness expert. Haldi Turmeric is a timeless beauty elixir that nurtures, protects, and glows from within. Pure, organic turmeric mirrors many of saffron's skin benefits. 'Rich in antioxidants and curcumin, turmeric reduces pigmentation, evens skin tone, calms inflammation, and imparts a radiant glow. Like saffron, it revives dull skin, diminishes dark spots, and promotes youthful vitality,' says beauty expert Dr Blossom Kochhar. For an easy DIY face pack, blend a pinch of turmeric with yogurt, honey, or rose water for a soothing mask that brightens and refreshes the skin. Marigold Petals: Bright yellow and orange marigold petals provide a natural colour close to saffron. While they don't mimic the flavour, marigolds are often used in herbal teas for their anti-inflammatory and skin-healing benefits. Turmeric: Ground turmeric can replicate saffron's bright yellow colour. Though its taste is earthier compared to saffron's delicate fragrance, turmeric is widely used for its similar digestive and immune-boosting properties. Safflower Often mistaken for saffron, safflower adds a similar reddish hue to dishes like biryani. While it lacks saffron's intense aroma, it supports heart health and benefits the skin as a worthy substitute for the colour and mild flavour. Inputs by Dr Archana Batra, dietician Fake saffron: Instantly releases a strong orange colour when placed in water. Real saffron: Releases colour slowly and evenly, producing a yellowish hue.
