January 1 is the absolute worst. A day filled with so much pressure: to set goals, improve oneself and in the vein of marginal toxic positivity-be hopeful. I've decided to join the crew by going old school and setting myself targets, but with a twist. No blank slates; these are works in progress from last year that I want to upgrade. There's an odd delight in picking up something unfinished-less pressure, more pleasure. And instead of ticking them off as achievements, I'm considering what these might look like if I absorbed them into the daily fabric of my life. Here are lessons from the universe of beauty and wellness that I'm carrying into the new year.
TRYING SKIN FASTING
Going against the grain of skintok to streamline my arsenal of products, I ask dermatologist Dr Chytra Anand if nanotechnology and biotechnology might be what I'm looking for. Nanotechnology effectively delivers active ingredients in concentrated doses, she says, while biotechnology relies on bio-fermented ingredients. "These support skin health at a foundational level, so you don't need a multitude of products."
A quick check reveals I'm on the wagon already-my sensitive skin can use only mineral sunscreens whose key ingredients (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) are reduced to nanoparticles for more efficient protection. Some popular collagen-boosting peptides and exfoliating kojic acid have been created via biotechnology. Biossance's best-selling 100% Squalane Oil is made from Brazilian sugarcane fermented in a lab, not the traditional shark liver. Morning and night skincare routine? Check.
EMBRACING MY NATURAL SKIN
Esta historia es de la edición January - February 2024 de VOGUE India.
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Esta historia es de la edición January - February 2024 de VOGUE India.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
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HEART AT WORK
London is a stomping ground for many South Asian creatives. AKANKSHA KAMATH meets an artist, an author-stylist and the duo behind a first-of-its-kind label on Savile Row to see what their work desks reveal about their unique expression
TSUNAINA
Otherworldly and bewitching are two words associated with the multi-hyphenate model. But who is the person behind the sculptured mask?
Viscountess of Hearts
She was catapulted into the stratosphere as Bridgerton's leading lady in 2022, but Simone Ashley is quite enjoying the descent as the spotlight shifts to a new couple this season. Speaking with Grammy Award nominee and fellow South Asian artiste Anoushka Shankar, she reflects on navigating fame, where she's headed next and if her path will lead her to India
Waning and waxing
The terror of inherited trauma always made SHYAMA LAXMAN keep her mother at arm's length. Now, with both of them older and wiser, there's a new dynamic to their relationship
Three's company
For as long as she can remember, SADAF SHAIKH has only ever hung out with her friends in groups, rarely one-on-one. Finally, she enlists help to excavate her passive pal origin story
Welcome to paradise
In the heart of the Mediterranean, a sisterhood gathers to pray, paint watercolours and pursue peace through spiritualism. MEDINA TREVATHAN reflects on the heaven to be found within The Women Sanctuary
The long game
Tamannaah Bhatia knows exactly what her skin needs-simple rituals, serums and stress-free days.
Current affairs
Can you plug into better skin with microcurrent therapy?
Ice me out
Torture method or genius life hack? NIDHI GUPTA investigates whether ice baths are really as cool as they're cracked up to be
She's got the look
Pop on a Punjabi song, fill a bowl with ice and get ready to immerse yourself in Kriti Sanon's skincare universe