The film industry has been instrumental in building a very romantic idea about the monsoons. There are countless examples of romantic song sequences where the actors look picture perfect in the pouring rain. But anyone who goes out often knows for a fact how far moved from reality this idealism is. In reality, monsoon brings with itself a long list of skin and hair problems.

Lucky for our readers, Exec Lifestyle got in touch with beauty expert Blossom Kochhar and asked her for some tips to avoid common hair and skin problems faced during the rainy season.

Read on for some common skin problems faced during the monsoon and their solutions:

? Detoxification of the skin is very essential during monsoons as it prevents allergies, puffiness and skin diseases. Rather than using harsh soaps that have a drying effect, make your own special skin powder. Mix equal amounts of green gram powder and Bengal gram powder and half the quantity of fenugreek seeds. Prepare a paste by mixing all these in rosewater and apply this paste generously on the entire body. This method deeply cleanses and refreshes the body.

? During the downpour, when there is profuse sweating and the body is not exposed to air, red itching pustules appear on the body, especially on the chest, back, abdomen and forehead. A paste of multani mitti (Fuller?s Earth) and water helps attend to this issue. Apply the paste over affected areas and have a cold bath after it dries. Following this regime twice a week effectively controls this issue.

? Mash a banana and beat in a teaspoon of vegetable oil. Brush it on the face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes till it dries. Then rinse it off with plain water. This recipe is best suited for dry to normal skin.

? Mix together multani mitti (Fuller?s Earth), gram flour and sandalwood powder in equal quantities. Store in an airtight container. For applying mix one tablespoon of the powder in water to make a paste. Apply evenly on face and leave it to dry then rinse with cold water. This homemade face mask will help remove flakes and dust. This face mask can be used by people with oily skin.

How to keep your hair healthy and silky during monsoon:

? Sweating along the scalp line during humid days makes you shampoo your hair everyday as a part of the cleaning regime. However, we recommend do not resort to regular shampooing of your hair. Instead of using harsh shampoos try using a protein conditioner regularly. Beat one tablespoon of castor oil, a mild herbal shampoo and glycerin along with a teaspoon of cider vinegar and yoghurt. Leave this mixture on scalp for 20 minutes before you rinse it with clear water. Use this at least thrice a week.

? Dealing with the frizz: Prepare a mask by mixing two tablespoons of honey in one cup of pumpkin puree. Once you have applied this mask on your scalp thoroughly, wrap your hair in a shower cap and leave it on for 15 minutes. Honey is a natural humectant and repairs the damage caused by dryness to give you bright and smooth hair.

? Avoid excessive use of blow dryers, flat irons, chemical based products and alcohol based hair sprays. With consistent implementation of these tips you can easily win the battle against frizz to get beautiful, shiny and smooth hair.

By Papri Das

The name Dr. Blossom Kochhar needs no introduction in the world of beauty and lifestyle. From conducting extensive research in the field of Aromatherapy, to applying the same for beauty solutions through her own range of products, this veteran beautician, doctor and entrepreneur has been a stalwart in promoting a healthy and natural lifestyle in our country. When it comes to beauty solutions Kochhar lives by the motto ? ?What we apply should be as healing and effective as what we eat.?

The idea of using everything ?nature derived? was deeply seeded in Kochhar?s mind since her childhood days spent on the coffee plantations with her family.  And the same philosophy formed the backbone of Blossom Kochhar Group of  Companies. In this candid chat with Exec Life, Kochhar bares her heart on her own beauty mantra and the idea behind her beauty empire.

How did you conceptualise Aroma Magic?

My childhood was spent on coffee plantations with my very large family; everything we consumed was organically grown and taken from the earth. This idea of everything being ?Nature Derived? led to the beginning of the Blossom Kocchar Group of Companies.  I have been practicing and researching the science of ?Aromatherapy and Herbalisim? for over 25 years. This extensive research led to the manufacture of aromatherapy based skincare and beauty products under the brand name ?Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic.?

I realized the need to have a scientific system backing it by stitching together the science and art of Aromatherapy and the modern day science of Terra therapy to create a pure product with 35 per cent concentrates of essential oils and organic extracts.

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is holistic method of healing based on the skilful use of pure essential oils, which stimulate the natural regenerative processes of the body. Essential oils are extracted from flowers, herbs, bark, fruit and spices by either steam distillation, dissolving in solvents or by simple pressure. They have been called the lifeblood of plants? containing their healing properties in a very concentrated form.

In what ways can it be used?

Today essential oils are collected from all over the world and science is confirming their usefulness. They can be used to treat a broad spectrum of conditions including physical, mental and psychosomatic stress problems. Research has shown that smelling them alone has the power of alter one?s state of mind. Many oils have excellent antiseptic and anti-bactericidal properties and have been known to kill bacteria on contact in laboratory trials.

The oils can be utilized in a variety of ways as perfume, for inhalation, in vaporization compresses as bath and massage oil. Owing to their great power of skin penetration, the oils are diluted in almond or any vegetable oil for massage and skin care.

Are you developing any new product?

We have been coming up with our new facial kits ? Jewel Facial Kit, Vitamin C Lightening Facial Kit, Derma Chill Facial Kit, Detox Bamboo Charcoal Facial Kit, Advance Acne Facial Kit and some more depending on the skin types are in production.

What is your personal beauty mantra?

My personal beauty mantra is to use products that are nature derived, stay happy, remain positive and feel beautiful. My beauty regime comprises the cleansing, toning, oiling and moisturising (CTOM) at least twice a day. Sunscreen ? Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic Aloe Vera Sunscreen Gel SPF 20 is my mantra of keeping my skin from getting tanned. Apart from this I resort to meditation, exercise, drink lots of water and eat a lot of green leafy vegetables. I also eat fruits and nuts.

A lot of women these are doing cosmetic surgery and face-lifts. What are your comments on this practice?

Natural cosmetics are safer for people and friendlier to the nature, so are definitely better than chemical-based products or surgeries. They will not cause any serious harm to your skin or your hair, but long term usage of chemical based products will definitely tend to leave behind effects on your skin and hair that might not be very healthy for both. So try to use as much of natural products as you can, the effect might be slow to show, but there will not be any long term harm associated with it.

How do you define beauty?

Beauty for me is all things natural, which inspired in me a love for an alternative way of living, healing and staying beautiful. Have gratitude and be positive? that is enough to make you feel beautiful throughout the day. Beauty comes from within.

What are the latest consumer trends when it comes to the beauty products?

The demand for chemical-free skin care products is on the rise. The plant-derived ingredients remain powerful; the proliferation of new and exotic ingredients has caused consumers to be more skeptical and discerning regarding their purchase. Consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about the efficacy and side effects of ingredients, and have access to a range of Internet and consumer review sources to inform their decisions.

What is your opinion on teenagers and pre-teens using make up and cosmetics?

I feel in your early days you have beautiful flawless skin so you do not need any make up. With the new trend of using make up at an early age there is no problem, however, one should use safe and reliable cosmetics for looking better. Try to use as little cosmetics as possible. Light make up with a little gloss and kajal can be used, but loud make up should be avoided. If usage of makeup starts from a very early age then skincare regime to maintain a healthy and flawless clear skin for a long time should also start immediately. Cleansing, toning, oiling and moisturizing should frame a major part of the skincare regime.

Three beauty products we can always find in your clutch?

In my vanity case some of the things are permanent:

?       Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic Aloe Vera Sunscreen Gel SPF 20

?       Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic Sunlite Spray SPF 30 PA ++

?       Lipstick from MAC

Apart from aromatherapy what are you passionate about?

I love photography, I like playing golf, and my passion is spending quality time with my grandson.