Vilvah’s hamper

A thoughtfully curated range of skincare, bodycare, and hair care essentials, suited to all skin and hair types makes up Vilvah’s festive hamper. Coimbatore-based Vilvah, a sustainable skincare brand is rooted in natural ingredients, and a commitment to being safe, ethical, and cruelty-free. This is reflected in their use of recyclable packaging, ethically sourced ingredients, and high-performance formulations that are natural, and handmade. When Kruthika Kumaran launched Vilvah she tapped into the benefits of goat milk and farm grown ingredients by launching a line of soaps and shampoos. Now, they have also introduced vegan milk range such as rice, soy, almond and coconut milk products.

The cleansing, toning and moisturising festive kit comes with an instantly calming, multi-taking aloe vera gel, that not just hydrates, soothes and refreshes from head to toe, but also also works as a skin cooling agent, a pre-styling hair serum, or an overnight mask. While the honey fix face wash, a gentle cleanser with raw honey, that exfoliates and hydrates the skin. The papaya and witch hazel leaf extracts promise to brighten up the look and tackle acne. To complete the skincare routine, there is also tea tree water facial toner infused with with steam-distilled tea tree hydrosol that helps control oil, calm acne, tighten pores, and also gently cleanse the face. To add a pop of colour to the look, there is grapefruit lip balm made with the goodness of grapefruit oil, avocado oil and shea butter for a lasting hydrated lips glowing with a natural tint.

Gift hampers pricing start from ₹ 300 to ₹ 1000 (flexible for different budgets). Visit vilvahstore.com

AGsHealthcare’s master health check up

“The demon we should be fighting this festival is unhealthy food habits and lifestyle,” says Dr Adityan Guhan, Director of AGsHealthcare, who chose to promote master health check ups as a gifting option during the festival season, to drive home the message on balanced diet rich in micronutrients. “We tend to overlook these health aspects. Micronutrients, often referred to as vitamins and minerals, and amino acids are vital to healthy development, growth, disease prevention, and well-being. These are needed in small amounts, but is critical for good health. Deficiencies can cause severe conditions and reduced energy,” he explains adding that during festivals like Navratri upvas (fasting), consuming fruits and vegetables is recommended to support one’s body’s natural detoxification processes. “Pollution is another demon. Studies indicate that in cities like Delhi, when you step out and breathe the heavily-polluted air it is as toxic as smoking six cigarettes.”

A physician recommended micronutrient-rich diet is a good way to begin. This can be achieved by including diverse vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and lean meats on the diet. “Micro minerals like selenium and molybdenum are essential for an array of antioxidant and physiological functions,” he says.

A master health check up is a prerequisite, especially when India is considered the diabetic capital of the world. “When they catch it early, there are medicines to reverse diabetes when clubbed with a healthy lifestyle. Hypertension is also on the rise due to stress and unhealthy lifestyle choices. One can avoid trauma in the later part of life as well as financial and emotional burden by taking this small step.”

A study published by the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations, published earlier this year, says one in five Indians is Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 deficient. “ It’s a silent epidemic that affects 70 to 90 per cent of Indians. A basic screening and an annual health check-up that helps one keep track of blood sugar, vitamin profile (especially vitamin B12 and Vitamin D), blood parameters, bone-muscle functions, lipid profile, and the functioning of a healthy heart, liver, and kidneys is important,” he says adding festive occasion is a good time to turn the focus on staying fit and healthy.

AGs Healthcare is located at No 48, Narayana Guru Road, Saibaba Colony. Call 8489655556”

The Thol’s festive care

It’s festive season, and I am at Thol skin and dermatological care centre to try out the newly-launched Obagi blue peel radiant facial. “It’s a medical skincare treatment renowned across the world,” says Dr Janani Adityan, a certified dermatologist and cosmetologist, and founder of Thol adding that the medifacial, hydrates, peels, and rejuvenates skin using medical-grade products in a step-by-step process, and thereby addressing concerns like acne and ageing. A foaming gel cleanses my face, while a fruity deep-cleansing facial scrub applied in gentle circular motions removes dead skin cells and impurities from a deeper level. “It’s non-invasive yet the results are transformational. They have done clinical studies on seven different skin types from very dark to very light with proven results. Every product is on prescription and cannot be bought over the counter. The treatment executed by a medical professional, brings the expertise of a dermatologist and Obagi’s technology that works at a deep cellular level on the skin,” explains Janani as she applies a polish on my wet face that targets pigmentation. “It works at the cellular level to give collagen boost to make your skin soft and supple, slowing down ageing, formation of fine lines, and wrinkles. The product with hyaluronic acid molecules ensures intense hydration. . It will draw the moisture from the environment to ensure intense hydration of the skin.”

Premature ageing of skin, dullness, she says, are higher in youngsters because of high levels of pollution and also an unhealthy lifestyle with intake of junk and lack of adequate sleep. “A healthy lifestyle, nutritious diet that is high on fibres, proteins and anti-oxidants is the key to a healthy looking skin.”

Talking of skin care, Dr Janani says though there is awareness, people are misled by information on social media. “They come to me with damaged skin. A skin cleanser, moisturiser and sunblock is all it takes to maintain good skin. It is best to consult a dermatologist to ensure that your skin is in safe hands and choose the right kind of product.” Back to the facial, after a satisfying massage with a toner, a few drops of hibiscus drops hydrate my skin, followed by application of moisturiser, and sunscreen. My skin looks firmer, smooth, and glowing.

The Thol is located at Saibaba Colony. For more details, call 8401455556