For healthy skin, go the holistic way, says celebrity facialist Ivan Pol. The LA-based skincare expert, whose non-invasive procedure ‘The Beauty Sandwich’ is highly sought after by Hollywood stars like Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, Cara Delavigne and Sienna Miller, discussed his beauty and skincare rituals with Delhi-based dermat Dr Kiran Sethi in our first virtual edition of the ELLE Masterclass on Instagram. The skincare gurus shared their advice on how make the best use of your kitchen staples and limited resources for glowing, hydrated skin. Here are their expert-approved tips:
Use red wine face as a toner
Yes, it’s a thing. Pol suggests dipping a cotton ball in red vino and applying it on your face and neck. “It’s rich in natural polyphenol. It’s also packed with antioxidants and alpha hydroxy acids which work in sync to protect and smoothen skin,” he says. For that added moisturising factor, Dr Sethi recommends adding glycerin to wine and using the blend as a toner. To further boost the free radical fighting power of the concoction, mix in some amla juice and apply on your face.
Use yogurt as cleanser
Pol swears by the moisturising and skin brightening power of the humble yogurt. “I apply thin coats of it on my face with the back of a spoon or an old make-up brush and leave it on for 10 minutes.” He suffers from keratosis pilarisis, a skin condition that causes rough patches and acne-like bumps, and finds that using yogurt as a cleanser works well for him. It has fats that retain moisture, lactic acid that gently exfoliates and probiotics that soothe skin. For vegan beauty enthusiasts, he recommends using coconut yogurt.
Pick right under-eye cream
During the day, Pol recommends using a peptide or niacin and niacinamide spiked formula like the Shiffa Rejuvenating Eye Remedy. “It helps in reducing puffiness caused by water and lipid retention.” To keep eye bags at bay, he recommends eating vitamin K-rich foods. Think green leafy vegetables and spinach. Dr Sethi suggests using a peptide and retinol formula at night. “They help with fine lines. Check the label for ingredients rather than just buying a branded cream,” she says.
Whip up a lip plumper
If you don’t have a lip plumping gloss on standby, try this pouty lip hack. Pol says, “I use manuka honey, cinnamon and cayenne together and sometimes add berries for a pink tint.” A common superfood, manuka honey is touted for its anti-bacterial and healing properties. If you don’t have it on hand, feel free to use regular honey, says Dr Sethi.
Go gentle with your skin
Going overboard with skincare does more harm than good and the trick to great skin lies in being patient. A mild cleanser and barrier cream should form the foundation of your skincare routine, according to Pol. “Don’t exfoliate more than twice a week. If you are using ingredients, like coffee or salt, be gentle.” he cautions. “Use a physical sunscreen to prevent sun damage and retinol to brighten skin.” Dr Sethi adds, “It’s so important to use the right quantity of sunscreen.”
