Beauty Prep for Fashion Week #EyesForBeauty

About two weeks from now, it’s FASHION WEEK TIME!

I’m especially excited this time around because of three things : I’m working with a handful of brands for an #OutfitOfTheDay as part of my #CoverUp series, I’m working with a handful of fashion designers to blog about their runway shows and I’m really kicked about a small series of shows that the FDCI has organized this time around : Menswear and Accessories!

THE INSPIRATION

This time, I decided to start a little early with my preparations and not just from the point of view of work. My skin care routine too. In part, I have to thank vbeauty.co for my skin’s revival in the short run. Thank you Didi! ( *inside joke* alert – you have to check out Vasudha’s beauty blog – she knows way more than a thing or two about how to keep that luminous skin prepped all year round. )

The three posts I would recommend you check out right away : The Skin Vitamin, Day And Night, and How I Cleaned My Teeth.

THE GOAL

To get rid of disgustingly horrible acne and acne marks in time for fashion week and to get my teeth to be slightly whiter than usual

THE PROCESS

Every 2-3 days I apply a mix of Salicylic Acid + Glycolic Acid + Lactic Acid to my face and neck for 1-2 minutes only. These are very high concentrations of acid and I do not recommend leaving this on your face for more than 30 seconds at first. Ideally only under the supervision of a trained dermatologist – I take no responsibility if you burn your skin – I had burned my skin when I used Salicylic Acid for the first time about a decade ago. Since then, I’ve learned how to use it as it suits my skin in particular. If it gets in your eye, it can damage your eyesight. WARNING. I have been using these mostly once every 30 days and I order them from Skin Beauty Solutions. They deliver to India. ( I have not been able to procure these products off-the-shelf in India. )

After I’ve washed away the acid peel, I apply 25% Vitamin C serum on my face. It stings a little ( the level of stinging can vary depending on how sensitive your skin is and what date of your menstrual cycle you’re on ).

On top of the Vitamin C, I then lather on a thick layer of cream ( I’m using Kama Ayurveda’s Kokum Almond Body Butter currently ) and go to bed.

I keep my face covered with very strong sunscreen at all times. Chemicals peels make your skin extremely sensitive and the speed of acquiring wrinkles is quicker. I use the Sublimage SPF 50 by CHANEL, which also prevents UVA rays from harming my skin.

I also took Vasudha’s advice and bought a bottle of Sesame Oil. I’ve tried oil pulling with coconut oil earlier and was unable to see any difference in the cleanliness of my teeth. I swirl it in my mouth first thing in the morning for 20 minutes while I prepare breakfast and coffee.

Drinking more water, more physical activity and always ALWAYS removing make-up before going to bed are other things I do that I know are helpful. Reduced stress levels and better sleep quality are some of the best beauty solutions.

THE RESULTS SO FAR

I’ve now been following this routine for about a week. I can see no discernible difference on my teeth but I like how my mouth feels – the oil instantly takes away all the odor and my mouth feels clean.

The results on the skin are that my acne is all but gone, the scars are fading slowly. I have a massive acne problem, so this feels like massive success. After fashion week, I intend to keep up with the chemical peels but I will reduce the frequency – maybe once every 4 days ant never for more than 2 minutes. Meanwhile, I’m going to need to replenish my stock of Vitamin C and Sunscreen.

See you at Fashion Week!