Just because your back skin is not visible to you does not mean that it does not require care. Only when we try wearing something backless, we realize that it needs some care to achieve flawless skin.
Here are 7 magical tips that can be the genie for your back and bum skin.
1. Ditch the Pigment
Pigmentation is a very common circumstance due to various reasons.
Sanfe's Brightening Back and Bum cream is a naturally made cream that not only has lemons but licorice and peony that helps skin to stay smooth.it has antifungal, antioxidant, skin lightening, anti-aging properties that retain the original skin.
If you want a depigmented skin there’s nothing better than Peach and Vitamin C, Sanfe Back & Bum Lightening Serum has it all. It treats dark spots, dullness, and pigmentation, it also tones and gives moisture to the skin.
2. Remove Dirt
If you want your back to look fresh, non-oily, and dirt-free, here’s a perfect gift for you. Sanfe Lightening Back and Bum Mask, mask reducing excessive melanin production and brightens skin naturally.
3. Adios Backne
To get acne-free back without dryness it is a must-have Sanfe Acne Clearing Lotion, with the virtue of Shea Butter & Peach Extracts, this lotion heals the acne with the power of argan oil. Apply this lotion twice a day for the acne-free back.
4. Restrain Cellulite
We know you work hard to get that extra fat-reduced, but what if the work hard part gets eliminated and it’s only working smart? Sanfe anti-cellulite cream improves the look of the skin by plumping it up. It also helps smooth, tighten, and firm your skin.
5. Uplift the Peach
If you wish to make your bums look toned and cellulite-free, Back & Bum Toning Oil With Peach & Jojoba Extracts is here! It nourishes your skin deeply.
It also contains aloe vera which is perfect when you want to achieve supple, soft skin with lots of other benefits.
6. Scrub till you curb
Scrubbing is very important for the back for removing dirt and impurities that get accumulated over a period of time. Sanfe’s Back & Bum Detox Scrub with Cocoa Butter that hydrates the skin nourishes it and improves elasticity.
Back & Bum Detox Scrub (Dry) has Olive oil which makes it an ideal product, it moisturizes, nourishes the skin, and hydrates it. The exceptional part is it also nourishes the most sensitive skin too.
7. Remove Unwanted Butt Hair
Last but not the least, butt crack hair can be extremely irritating. But, there’s a magical product that can fix this trouble. Sanfe Bum Hair Removing Razor, with With Mid Pivot Hair Technology. Removes tiniest hair easy and gives a smooth skin.
]]>Back and bum acne is more common than you think — a lot of women and men deal with them. These pesky bumps are both annoying and painful. Even though they might look like pimples, they are quite different from the acne on the facial skin.
What is Back Acne?
Source: Shutterstock
Back acne is often termed as ‘Bacne’ is a result of inflammation caused due to the oil buildup under the skin. Accumulation of dead skin cells and oil inside the pores of the skin, combined with an overgrowth of a common skin bacteria, Cutibacterium acnes, triggers an inflammatory response. Six types of acne lesions can occur on the back and those are: whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts.
What is Bum Acne?
Source: Everyday Health
Buttocks breakouts are as painful and uncomfortable as facial acne. However, they are quite different from them. Bumps on your bum are generally caused because of folliculitis. Folliculitis is usually formed when the staph bacteria present on the skin, infects the hair follicles. If this infection gets worse, it can lead to a boil. They are filled with pus and can be itchy and may cause discomfort.
How to prevent and cure acne on the back and bum area?
Avoid heavy skincare products
It’s best not to use any heavy oil-based products on your back and bum areas. As it can cause more harm than good on your skin. Try Sanfe Back and Bum Anti-Cellulite Cream & Sanfe Back & Bum Acne Clearing Lotion to moisturize your skin and prevent acne. You can also use Sanfe Back & Bum Lightening Serum that will help in reducing acne scars, pigmentation, and improves the skin’s texture.
Regular washing and exfoliation
Dirt and sweat can aggravate acne and hence, it is important to clean the area regularly. Use a mild scrub like Sanfe Back & Bum Detox Scrub to exfoliate the skin once a week to get rid of dead skin cells. Additionally, use a detoxing mask for your bum area like you would use for your facial skin. Sanfe Back & Bum Lightening mask helps in brightening the rough bum skin, removing tanning, reduces pigmentation visibly, and does not dry out the skin.
Wear loose-fitted clothes
Source: Pexels
Wearing loose-fitted clothes made of natural material lets the skin breathe.
However, in case of severe boils, please seek proper medical attention. Also, check our expert live session here:
Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-get-rid-of-back-acne; 2017
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/butt-acne-remedies; 2019
]]>Having a perfect bikini back & bum is what we all want. But how to get a smooth bum is a question we secretly wonder about. Fret not! Sanfe has launched a range of products that targets the concerns of the back & bum area. Be it acne, dark spots, cellulite, or sagging, Sanfe products cover all the bases when it comes to back & bum care.
Bum Hair Removing Razor:
It gives you quick and easy hair removal in just a few glides. Its well-engineered design has a mid-flex pivoting head that can bend to an angle of 180 degrees to hug every contour of your butt and prevents ingrown.
Back & Bum Detox Scrub(Wet & Dry Scrub):
This back & bum scrub helps unclog pores and gives brighter, smoother, and glowing skin. It gradually lightens the appearance of blackheads, reduces blackhead formation, alleviates back and butt acne, and pigmentation. It comes in both dry and wet forms.
Back & Bum Lightening Mask:
This mask helps in brightening the rough bum skin, removes tanning, blackheads, reduces pigmentation visibly, and does not dry out the skin.
Back & Bum Lightening Serum:
This lightening serum helps in brightening the skin, treating hyperpigmentation, and improves the skin texture. It also provides moisture to the dull and dehydrated skin present on our back and bum.
Back & Bum Anti-Cellulite Cream:
It helps in reducing the appearance of Cellulite and further prevents its formation. It deeply moisturizes the dehydrated bum skin.
Back & Bum Acne Clearing Lotion:
This sensational product helps the skin in many ways — clears butt acne, reduces excess sebum production, gives clear and even skin tone, and at the same time, moisturizes the skin deeply.
Back & Bum Toning Oil:
It has a special concoction of natural oils that helps in improving skin health. Its regular use helps in fading — scars, stretch marks, dark patches, tightening & firming the skin, giving it a healthy lift.
Bum Anti-Perspirant Deo Milk Roll On:
It is a unique product that caters to intimate hygiene. It controls odor, perspiration, and sweat. This deodorant helps your bum area smell fresh and good all day long.
]]>Why is exfoliation important in the waxing process?
Whether you wax or not, exfoliation is essential for good skin health. It should be an indispensable part of our waxing skincare routine, especially for a bikini wax. It is recommended to exfoliate at least twice a week to remove dead skin cells and promote blood circulation in the skin. Sanfe Brightening Intimate Scrub works perfectly for the sensitive skin down there. Let’s look at a couple of benefits of exfoliation when it comes to waxing down there:
Less painful: Exfoliation before waxing helps in removing dead skin on the surface and dirt that helps the wax to stick on the hair and not on the skin. Hence, it causes less pain when the hair is pulled out.
Gives better results: There are fewer chances of the wax sticking to the skin when the skin is exfoliated. This guarantees a better result.
Better blood circulation: It improves blood circulation within the skin and helps to break down the toxins. It also promotes the formation of new skin cells, which improves the skin’s elasticity and provides a healthy glow.
It is crucial to keep the waxing and exfoliation process light and not be too harsh on sensitive skin. Using nourishing oil is immensely beneficial for the skin. Use Sanfe After Shave & Wax Nourishing Oil to calm the skin around your intimate areas.
Now you know the drill, so do not hesitate to take extra care of your precious intimate skin.
]]>Plan your outfits beforehand
We all know it is often stressful to put together an outfit in the morning and the rush just adds to the pressure. An easy way to skip the morning hassle is to preplan your outfit a day before.
Dry shampoo to your rescue
Doesn’t matter if you are a lazy head or gym freak, dry shampoo can come to your rescue when it comes to your mane. Having a bad hair day and don’t know what to do? Take our advice and reach out for that bottle of dry shampoo. Spritz some on your scalp, then brush it out in a couple of minutes, and see the magic.
Always shave with an oil
Running late but want to adorn a slip dress? We have a quick hack to get a smooth and clean shave in minutes. It is always a good idea to shave with oil. Instead of using just about any oil, use Sanfe After Shave & Wax Nourishing Oil. The oil is specially formulated with natural ingredients to soften the skin and also make the blade glide effortlessly on the skin.
5 make-up products
When you are running late, do you often tend to skip your makeup? Here are 5 multipurpose makeup products that will help you to get ready in 10 minutes: Lipsticks, Concealer, Mascara, eyebrow pencil, and bronzer. Skip your foundation and use a concealer to cover your blemishes and marks. Also, don’t forget to use it as a highlighter on the points on your face. Lipsticks are useful in more than one way. You can use your lip color as a blusher and eyeshadow. So, throw these 5 products in your makeup pouch and you are all set.
For a smooth base
Shaving your face not only helps in removing thick and dark hair growth but also helps in letting your foundation glide smoothly on your face. Use Sanfe Glide Face Razor for a smooth and hair-free look in the morning. It is easy to use and takes less than 5 minutes to achieve.
So, next time you are running late try these hacks and you'll be ready within 30 minutes in the morning. Thank us later alligator :D
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How does diet play an important role in controlling the symptoms?
Often, women with PCOS have insulin levels higher than normal. Insulin is a hormone that helps the cells in our body to convert sugar into energy. Low levels of insulin in the body results in high blood sugar levels. This can also happen if one is insulin resistant i.e., when the body is unable to effectively use the insulin produced. The body produces excess insulin if you are insulin resistant, to keep the sugar levels normal. High levels of insulin in the body cause ovaries to produce more male hormones i.e., androgens. Insulin resistance affects body mass weight and hinders the weight loss process. Diet plays an important role in controlling insulin production in the body. Sugary and starchy foods that are high in refined carbohydrates can cause insulin resistance.
Foods to add for a PCOS diet
Foods to avoid for a PCOS diet
Following a healthy diet and lifestyle does help in managing insulin levels. However, it can often be frustrating to follow a strict diet and lifestyle change, and therefore, it is important to start slow. In case, these dietary changes whenever you feel overwhelmed, especially if you are stressed.
Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323002#outlooare not helping you in keeping your symptoms in check, please consult an expert. Seek professional help k;January, 2020
https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/metformin-side-effects#takeaway;August, 2019
]]>What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is one of the most common ovulatory disorders and is exponentially increasing among women. As many as 3-4 women out of 10 suffer from PCOS. PCOS is a collection of symptoms that occur in women due to elevated levels of androgens (male hormones) in females. It is a serious genetic, hormonal, metabolic, and reproductive disorder that affects the normal ovulation cycle of women. The egg/ovum is trapped inside the ovary and fluid accumulates around it. It forms a bubble-like structure called a cyst. Many such cysts are formed which result in PCOS over time. Apart from affecting the ovulation process, various other symptoms can show. Symptoms like an irregular menstruation cycle, acne, weight gain, unwanted hair growth on different parts of the body, hair loss from the scalp, and a blackish appearance on the neck, in the groin, and under the breasts. The most significant symptom is difficulty in conceiving or bearing offspring. However, women suffering from PCOS often feel inferior due to excess facial and body hair. Although excessive hair is normal and nothing to be concerned about, it can sometimes affect women’s self-esteem. If it is something that bothers you, try shaving which is the safest and easy option for hair removal. Try our Foldable Pretty Face razor and Coco Butter Body Razor from our body grooming range.
What can cause PCOS?
There is no specific cause for it. However, doctors believe that high levels of male hormones present in the ovaries lead to PCOS. It could be due to genetics, insulin resistance, and inflammation. Also, one of the main factors contributing to PCOS among women is obesity and the lifestyle which is prevalent presently. Consumption of junk food, minimal physical activities, and high stress levels are some of the other contributing factors. Moreover, lack of regular sleep adds to the development of PCOS in women.
It is important to get diagnosed as and when you see the signs and symptoms. One suffering from PCOS must adopt a healthy lifestyle to keep the symptoms in check. Limiting sugar consumption, sleeping for 8 hours, exercising regularly, and having a healthy diet helps in keeping PCOS in control. Having said that, it is not easy and it takes a lot to go through this alone. Always remember to love your body as it is and care for it as much as you should.
Sources: https://www.healthline.com/
Women love to do body care. We notice every small change on our body from a small boil to a single strand of hair to bad breath and then immediately try to do something about it. But often, when we notice something wrong in our intimate area like rash, itching, funny odour or irritation, we just tend to ignore it, hoping the issue will resolve on its own. But that is NOT healthy because ignoring it won’t solve the problem, leading to hygiene problems down there. Many people might counter this by saying that they do take care of their intimate area because they wash it with body wash or soap while taking a bath. But what they don’t realise is that the pH levels vary in different parts of our body.
What is the pH level of an intimate area? - The pH levels of your intimate areas should be in the range of 3.8 - 4.5, which is lower than most parts of your body. A normal body wash has a pH level of more than 4.5, which disrupts the pH levels of intimate areas. pH changes down there causes rashes, irritation, hyperpigmentation and itching. It can also cause infections since the pH becomes more suitable for unhealthy bacteria and fungi to grow.
What does intimate wash do and why should one use it?
It’s a specifically designed solution for the intimate area. It cleans the intimate area, preventing growth of fungal and bacterial infections, rashes and irritation while keeping the pH level in the healthy range for down there. It also supports the growth of good bacteria called Lactobacillus, which is important for a healthy and fresh vulva.
How to use intimate wash step by step?
Use it once or twice daily!
Why choose Sanfe’s intimate wash?
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Follow These 4 Easy Steps Of Underarm Care Regimen To Get Rid Of Your Unwanted Underarm Problems!
Underarm Care Regimen:
Read below to know more about each product!!
Will it Darken my skin?
The most common question that pops up while using a hair removal cream.
Yes, It’s true! Most of the hair removal creams in the market promise you visible brightness with no darkening.
But is it trustworthy? Keep reading, we have the answers to all your questions.
What Exactly In A Hair Removal Cream Darkens the skin?
A normal hair removal cream contains about 90% of chemicals! These are heavy chemicals that dissolve in your sensitive skin and darken it when used frequently.
Some skin types are sensitive to such chemicals that can cause severe allergic effects on the skin if used directly without a patch test.
The effect is more on the sensitive areas like bikini line, underarms & pubic areas.
The skin here is extremely sensitive and reacts immediately with such heavy chemicals causing Hyperpigmentation and allergic reactions.
IS THERE A WAY OUT?
YES! Keep scrolling.
Modern Solutions For Modern Problems!
The only way to counter the effects of such heavy chemicals in hair removal cream is using plant-based alternatives.
Play it safe with Sanfe’s Bikini Line Hair Removal Cream, which is 100% Skin Safe and Plant-based.
Sanfe’s Bikini Line Hair Removal Cream contains 99% natural and science-backed ingredients that neutralize the effect of other 1% chemicals.
Sanfe’s hair removal cream is formulated especially for sensitive areas like the bikini line, pubic areas, and underarms.
It contains Lavender, Aloevera, Grapeseed, Blueberry, Shea butter and Vitamin E to give you that salon like silky smooth skin with No Darkening.
Lavender, Aloe Vera and Vitamin E extracts have Anti-darkening properties.
It gently removes the stubble and lightens the darkened area and also protects from further discolouration.
The cream has all the 5 benefits of smooth, bright, moisturized, fresh and exfoliated skin.
What’s Extra For Your Skin?
Sanfe’s Bikini Line Hair Removal Cream not only removes the tiniest of hair but also protects your skin from
Now when you know the truth of Hair removal creams, grab a Sanfe bikini line hair removal for yourself and say hello to buttery soft skin in just 5 minutes!
So, when someone tells you “Hair removal cream darkens' ' send them Sanfe’s bikini line hair removal cream!
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Ladies, if we are being honest, all of us have experienced getting panicked when we notice a weird or unusual smell down there. What many people don’t realise is that there might not be a reason to panic. Having an odor in your pubic region and small changes in it from time to time is completely normal. These smell variations are likely a result of your menstrual cycle, your hygiene habits, or your sexual activity.
However, if you notice a significant change in odor down there, you might not feel comfortable talking about it but you should definitely NOT ignore it.
The best way to describe normal pubic odor is musky. During or right after your period, the odor might be more metallic. A “fishy” or other strong odor is not normal and can signal something is amiss.
Read more to know about natural ways of keeping the pubic odor in check using proper hygiene and essential oils/oils!
How To Make Your Pubic Region Smell Good
Practising good hygiene down there is essential to making sure that you don’t have bad pubic odor. Clean the dermal layer of your pubic region with a gentle intimate wash to rid yourself of dirt, sweat, and dead skin. Never use feminine products with harsh chemicals or additives because they can upset the natural pH down there.
Benefits of Essential Oils For Our Intimate Areas
Tea tree oil is a go-to essential oil for many ailments because of its amazing antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Evidence shows that tea tree oil is an effective treatment for yeast infections in the pubic region from Candidiasis.
Using lavender oil for feminine odor is popular. Not only is it an effective feminine odor remedy and deodorizer, but it can also help treat bacterial vaginosis because it has natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Evidence for the effectiveness of coconut oil as a lubricant is so far largely anecdotal. In addition to being a proven moisturizer, coconut oil has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that may help fight urinary tract infections, yeast infections, and certain drug-resistant infections.
Why are eco-friendly period care choices important?
According to a study published by Harvard technology, every year, over 45 billion products related to periods are thrown in the garbage. The conventional period products like plastic sanitary napkins take more than 700 years to decompose, causing a huge carbon footprint, pollution and increase of toxicity.
How are menstrual cups beneficial for reducing menstrual waste?
Right now, menstrual cups are the period product that causes the least harm to the environment. They are made of medical based silicon and can be used for a minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 10 years. A study by Stanford under their gendered innovation scheme highlighted that menstrual cups produce 0.04 kg of carbon equivalent compared to the massive 5.3 kg carbon equivalent produced by sanitary napkins. By switching to a menstrual cup, a person would save almost 30 kg of menstrual waste in 5 years. Furthermore, they are also cost effective! On an average, every menstruator has 420 periods, which is equivalent to bleeding for 7 years. Therefore, menstrual cups allow to save 60% of the money that a person would normally spend on sanitary napkins.
Not comfortable using menstrual cups. reusable cotton pads?
Inserting and removing menstrual cups requires a bit of learning. So if you are uncomfortable doing that, reusable cotton pads are a great alternative! One reusable cotton pad is equivalent to 75 plastic sanitary pads, reducing 3 - 4 months of waste each time. They also have several other benefits like being extremely soft, comfortable, natural, no chemicals, no toxins and more healthy.
What's the proper way of disposing of a pad?
If you don’t have the choice to use a menstrual cup or reusable cotton pad, you must dispose off sanitary napkins properly. The used sanitary napkin must be wrapped completely in a newspaper and marked with a red dot. This allows it to be treated as medical/chemical waste which can then be disposed off in the appropriate manner.
What are the health risks associated with menstrual cups and bamboo filtered pads?
No studies have shown any risks associated with menstrual cups or bamboo filtered pads. People using it for 7 years and more have not had any complaints about it. However, further research is required.
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Yes, you read it right!
Why should other body parts have all the love?
People consciously follow each step of their face and hair care Regime but tend to forget one of the most delicate areas of their body! The Armpits!
This is one of the most common and prevailing problems when it comes to body care, people talk about it and then forget it!
Feeling guilty for upsetting your Pits? Keep reading, we have something for you!
UNDERARMS SPEAKS"I need special care and attention"
We are extremely cautious while using anything on our face and pubic area, but we just roll deodorant on our Underarms or sometimes it’s just a spray of perfume!
Your Underarms should have an ideal pH balance of 7 to stay free from underarm problems.
Our Underarms have the least access to fresh air, which makes it the ideal place for bacteria and fungi to grow. This interferes with the pH balance of our delicate skin and makes our pit prone to itchiness, rashes, infections, patchy skin and bad odour.
Let's do justice to our Armpits!
To avoid such an Underarm problem, it's time we adopt a proper method of more than just shaving or waxing our Underarms.
It’s time to care for the pits!
Nah! We don't recommend time-consuming DIYs or home remedies! We have something convenient and effective, AN UNDERARM CARE REGIME.
Throw your hands up in the air because Sanfe has got you all covered. Now say bye-bye to underarm rashes and itchiness and we are soon about to bring to you a simple 4 step care regime.
Get ready to experience the bust of freshness, healthiness and happiness in your underarms!
Sanfe's promise to support all the beautiful women out there at every stage of their life led to this innovative solution for your Underarms.
Excited to know more about this?
Follow us on Instagram @sanfeoffical and get a chance to be the first ones to get your hands on our most-awaited and all-new underarm care regimen for free!
Like it or not, it's high time to talk about this!
Taking care of the hair there is something everyone wants to know but never really want to talk about.
Since it’s considered a taboo in India to talk about intimate and sexual health, there is often limited awareness and understanding about intimate hair care methods, practices, products and reasons.
Also our society encourages and praises social beauty standards for women whereas, they easily neglect to teach young girls about proper intimate hygiene and care. So let’s take our first and break free of this age old taboos. Let’s understand why it’s important to take care of your intimate hair to lead a healthier lifestyle..
LET'S TAKE YOU THROUGH 5 REASONS FOR INTIMATE HAIR CARE
It’s completely up to you whether you choose to shave, wax or grow it out there. Nowadays, the practice of removing intimate hair from pubic areas is quite common however, there is limited information when it comes to grooming the shaved or waxed hair or taking care of the intimate hair you choose not to remove.
Let's make you aware of the 5 reasons to take care of your hair there.
1. IGNORANCE: A HOME FOR PROBLEMS
Your intimate hair area is extremely sensitive. When shaved or waxed hair grows back into the skin instead of rising. It can cause pain, inflammation and tiny bumps, these are ingrown hair.
Ingrown hair is more common in people than we believe. Regular intimate hair care is the solution to avoid such conditions.
2. FEELING PRICKS AND CUTS: NOT A SOLUTION
There are tons of reasons for itchy intimate hair. The reasons can be untidy clothing, pubic lice, razor burns and skin infection.
To avoid these problems, it’s best to use intimate hair care before and after the hair removal takes place.
3. ECZEMA: UNCOMMON, YET A PROBLEM
Eczema is similar to skin rashes, it commonly occurs when you use inappropriate products on sensitive intimate hair areas. It causes dryness, sensitive skin patches and itchiness.
The use of natural and organic products is a route to avoid eczema.
4. Avoid Rare Skin Diseases!
Ingrown hair can sometimes lead to rare skin diseases such as keloids, razor bumps, hyperpigmentation, pilonidal cysts and more.
To avoid such diseases from occurring, one has to ensure they take care of their ingrown hair. Practising good intimate hair care can help in avoiding such diseases and rashes from taking place in intimate areas.
5. HAPPY HAIR DOWN THERE, HAPPY YOU!
Good care of intimate hair is not only good for the body but also helps you stay positive and feeling happy.
INTIMATE HAIR CARE OIL: A PERFECT SOLUTION TO INTIMATE HAIR ISSUES
Intimate hair oil is usually made from natural and organic products to prevent intimate hair problems and can be used on any part of the body where hair meets skin, especially in pubic areas and underarms.
The oil treats the hard hair, redness, ingrowns, burns and bumps with the utmost care. It also hydrates and rejuvenates your skin. The oil’s deep cleansing properties, normalises oil secretion and makes skin feel light, non-greasy and smooth. Add an intimate hair oil to your intimate hair care regime and experience the difference.
Sex is what is determined at birth according to our physical and physiological characteristics like reproductive parts and secondary physical characteristics like body hair. Male, Female and Intersex bodies are the sex we all are categorized into according to our physical characteristics.
Gender, on the other hand, is a socially constructed concept and refers to social or cultural distinctions associated with sex. Gender identity, however, is an individual’s identification of self as a member of a particular gender. For example. A person who is born a male, might not identify himself as a male, but as a female or none.
Sexuality refers to an individual’s sexual interests and attractions. This is a huge spectrum and can’t be just be confined to gays, bisexuals, lesbians, straights and asexuals.
People whose gender identity corresponds to their sex at birth are cisgender individuals. Those whose gender identity doesn’t correspond with their sex at birth are transgenders. Transgender is an umbrella term for all binary and non-binary identities.
Binary gender identity is used for people who identify themselves as either a male or a female. Transgenders who identify themselves as either, have binary identities. Non-Binary gender identity is used to describe individuals who neither identify themselves as a male nor as a female. Their identity usually lies somewhere in between or beyond the two genders. Commonly discussed non-binary identities include:
The greatest challange faced by the non-binary identities is not about employmemt or education ( though these challenges are pretty serious too) , but about the acceptance of their real identity. Imagine being born in India and supporting Australia for a cricket match. People will definitely ridicule you about your preference as you should support India conventionally. The gender identity war is very intense as they first struggle to identify themselves clearly, they struggle to accept their reality and then comes the struggle to get the acceptance from the family and society.
They often face discrimination in the education and employment sector as they are often treated as being “Not-Normal”, but we fail to understand that it is not necessary that what is in majority, shall be normal too. Anyone who is different, is pretty much normal as you and me. Who decides the “NORMAL” anyway?
Non-binary people often tend to fail the personality tests during the job interviews. They are barred from using the office toilets and are misgendered. Most of them have also complained about being uncomfortable sharing their gender identity.
Inclusivity is important for the very reasons for which feminism is important. Everyone, irrespective of the gender identities, should enjoy equal rights and opportunities. Right to expression is a basic right which we deprive them of. Gender identity is more about their dignity and pride than social acceptance.
Using appropriate pronouns isn’t everything, but is a basic courtesy. Any boy is meant to be pissed off of you call him a girl. This is the basic understanding behind using appropriate pronouns. The best way to know is to ask them which pronouns or a mix of pronouns do they want to be associated with.
Never ever make assumptions about people from this community. Prejudice exists but is not true for all. The spectrum is broad enough. How can the same set of assumptions be true for everyone in that community? One should always know the person well before assuming anything.
Never mention anything about the medical transformations unless they bring that up voluntarily. Hormones, sex change, etc are again a part of assumptions. If you ever make a mistake while talking to them, don’t make a big deal out of it. Just apologise for the mistakes you made earlier.
Don’t question their journeys or stories. Allow their stories to be flexible. It need not match their gender identity which they currently identify as.
Last and most important, spread knowledge about the LGBTQIA+ community, their concerns and challenges. Children need to learn from the very beginning that they are pretty much normal and how to help them.
The 'Third Gender' was recognised legally in 2014, but as of 2021, they aren't yet accepted socially. There still are lack of infrastructure and socio-economic opportunities for the third genders or non-binary identities. It is time we all join hands and let them realise their Right To Expression. It is no more about social constraints, but about self-determination of their identities and their dignity. Humans support humans! Support @sanfeofficial in their efforts to bring about this social change and create a better world for WOMXN. Join the campaign by posting a story with their Instagram sticker. Just search @sanfe_online in the Ig GIF section and use it in your stories to show your support and make sure to spread the word! You can also send them your stories to get featured on their page. Go ahead!
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As much as we hate bearing the pain from hot waxing, we desire waxed and smooth legs too. It is totally fine to have body or facial hair, we totally support the Body Positivity Movement . The desire is highly subjective though. We are as proud of a woman with PCOS celebrating her body hair, as of a woman bearing pain from waxing. We have sought different hair removal methods but everything seems to have a downside. From pain to the taken time, from quick regrowth to pointy hair; ooofff so much struggle. Let us make things easier for you. Most women don’t have time or money or both to go to a salon so frequently for waxing in India. Shaving is so much more convenient for them, but most razors leave the skin dry and cause cuts. Try Sanfe Cocoa Butter Body Razor. It is designed to give a painless hair removal experience leaving smooth skin (cocoa butter after all!). Hold on, don’t make the mistake of using a body razor on your bikini line or face, it is very dangerous. It can pull the hair and cause cuts on your most sensitive areas.
Our Sanfe Pretty Face Foldable Razor and Bikini Line Trimming Razorare designed for face and bikini lines respectively to avoid any mishappens.
Social media is flooded with messages on body positivity. A woman wearing makeup is tagged as being “Self-conscious” whereas someone who isn’t wearing makeup is tagged as being a “bore”. Well, let’s face this, nothing is ever gonna satiate the societal hunger for judgment. A person using a beauty aid is in no way signifying that he/ she is conscious about themselves. All of this comes down to a very basic term “CHOICE”. We will use Instagram filters because they are there for us to use and we “want” to use them. We will get lip fillers
because we “desire” a certain look. We will use intimate beauty products because it makes us feel “confident” and not because we are conscious about our dark skin.Talking about intimacy, we know this article might already get some thumb downs, but we are gonna do that anyway because it is important to treat your vagina as important as your other body parts. There is nothing wrong in wanting a brighter intimate area or a tighter spot-free vagina and for that we have Sanfe Intimate Lightening Serum and Sanfe Intimate Stretch Mark Oil respectively which will give you the confidence you desire by having reduced discoloration, nourishment and blurred stretch marks down there.
You might simply want to flaunt that bikini or a beautiful backless dress, but might be uncomfortable because of the hyperpigmentation there. Our job, as educated individuals, is not to judge but to provide solutions. Sanfe Brightening Back And Bum Cream is all you need. It softens and firms the skin and reduces discoloration giving you the confidence to flaunt all you got!
Lastly, we simply want to sort things out for you with our organic products because we understand every woman already has ongoing battles. It takes less than a thought to create a change and make the world a better place for women.
Today, we’re going to discuss the undiscussed and explore the nasty side of the postpartum body.
It’s common to pee a little when you sneeze, laugh, or exercise after delivering your child. It’s partly because of stress on a sensitive body and partly because of weaker pelvic muscles which might also cause the urge to pee frequently. The solution is pelvic floor strengthening exercises.
Your body and vagina have been through a lot even if you had a C-section. On top of that, your vagina swells up due to extensive repair going on down there. So, pain and discomfort during penetrative sex are common. You might even not feel like having sex at all. Everything is related to the low secretion of oestrogen.
What you can do here is taking it slow and using OTC lubes. You could also talk to your obstetric care provider for pelvic floor physical therapy to tighten the stretched muscles and kickstart the body’s natural lubricant production to counter dryness. Avoid sitting on hard surfaces.
Let’s just put it this way – you’ll know what “sweating like a pig” really means. Lower levels of oestrogen force the body to lose excess fluids which may leave you feeling sweaty, stinky, drenched all the time. Terrible night sweats, hot flashes, and dehydration are extremely common, but of course, never discussed in mommy circles. This excessive sweating also results in rashes and chafing of the intimate areas.
The only way is through. You’ll have to ride this phase out. However, to not get dehydrated, drink cold water as much as possible, and to address chafing, use a natural anti-chafing and rash cream.
Pregnancy comes with all kinds of skin changes – first, you glow, and then, you go dark! A common sighting is the darkening of the vertical line that runs over the belly, darkened scars, freckles, moles, darker underarms, back of the neck, vulva, and melasma on the face. While some of the darkness fades slowly, some might be permanent.
To keep them at bay, slather yourself with sunscreen while carrying the child. Later, you could try naturally made lightening potions and serums for intimate areas.
Some women after vaginal delivery visit the gynaecologists with a complaint that something, like a dry tampon, is obstructing the bowel movements. Sensations like these often indicate pelvic organ prolapse, i.e., an internal organ shifting from its original position and pressing against the vaginal wall.
In milder cases, the doctor may advise bed rest to take excess pressure off the abdomen. More severe cases may require surgery.
There are all kinds of “bouncing back” stories out there. For some, it might only take breastfeeding to shed the pounds, while others may take years or may never regain their pre-pregnancy body back. It’s quite common for mothers to look at their reflection in the mirror and see a woman they don’t recognise.
The key here is to focus on your journey. After such a massively transformative experience, it’s not right to hold high expectations from your body. Take your time and don’t be too hard on yourself.
Pregnancy stretches your skin and muscles to their limits. On top of that, oestrogen level drops. Together, they lead to itchy skin with rashes. Even though you’re sweating, your skin might feel excessively dry, especially in the intimate areas and feet.
The best course of treatment is to take hot baths, keep the skin clean, and use a natural intimate wash or an intimate spray frequently to freshen up down there and keep it odour & infection-free.
This is another common phenomenon after you’ve bled for six weeks straight. The vagina is not extensively cleaning itself and thus, you see a great deal of white discharge bleaching your panties.
Unless the discharge turns yellow, brown, or yoghurt white and starts to stink, you have nothing to worry about. The best defence is using organic cotton panty liners to keep you dry and rash-free.
You can only wish for the unwarranted, unchecked supply of childbearing and rearing advise to stop after you’ve delivered. Not only will there be unsolicited advice, but also cautionary tales and shaming.
Do NOT start internalising them and neither try to be a know-it-all. Every pregnancy, every child, every mother is different. People will have opinions about how you should raise your child, but don’t let them get to you. If you feel that you need space and want the child to sleep in her crib, then go ahead and do it. If you feel more comfortable with a breast pump and bottle rather than direct latching, then it’s your right to do that.
Every mother makes mistakes. It’s part of the journey. Know that just like your child, you too are taking baby steps. Most of this judgement and negativity coming at you are people’s insecurities. And that has nothing to do with you.
Having issues with your post-pregnancy body and trying to change it, is totally normal.
People might tell you to embrace the curves, accept the new life, but we understand that it can be difficult. It’s a whole journey! Especially when your body is not acting the way it used to, it can be tough to feel okay. We know, women don’t talk about that – they put up a bold, strong front and hide how they really feel about themselves. Sometimes, it’s true, other times, it’s peer pressure.
We don’t know the state you’re in, but we’d want you to know that whatever that is, it’s okay.
XO
Sanfe
]]>60% of women cannot distinguish between vulva and vagina. Over 72% are unaware of the fact that the urethral opening (for peeing) is different from the vaginal opening (for periods). So, here’s a small diagram to help you understand:
Vagina (internal) is the birth canal and Vulva (external) is the area around the vagina. Vulva includes the labia major and minora, urethral opening, clitoris, and the vaginal opening.
We understand that it could be challenging to unlearn what you’ve been taught or made to believe about the vaginas and vulvas. Still, try because they are both fine as they look, and you do not need products filled with harmful chemicals to make them appear prettier. All they need is a good, gentle cleanse. That too, only of vulva – not vagina.
However, if you do want the hyperpigmentation and sagginess to go away in that area, refer to this article.
Compared to the rest of the body, vagina is quite acidic and a natural home to good bacteria.
Just like we use a mop to clean the house, vagina secrets fluid to clean its walls. This fluid later comes out as vaginal discharge. The fact that you’re seeing vaginal discharge in your panties means that your internal cleaning is going on properly. However, if you don’t like that fluid bleaching your panties, you could try organic cotton panty liners.
The vaginal discharge is sometimes smelly. This often compels women to douche or use scented washes, soaps, herb-infused steam, detox pearls, etc. No matter what the product claims, remember that vagina doesn’t need anything to take care of herself.
Internal cleansing of vagina with products throws off the pH level and kills the good bacteria. In their absence, bad bacteria (bacterial vaginosis) and yeast start to grow leading to itching, cloudy discharge, smell, and swelling.
Meddling with her business can unleash vagina’s wrath in form of yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, burns, scalding, and sometimes even eye irritation, nausea, and dizziness. So…. Leave. Her. Alone.
Vulva, the area around the vagina, is what needs your help with cleansing. It is also acidic and needs gentle cleansers with pH 3.5-5. When choosing a wash, read the label properly. If you find a mention of chemicals, colours, perfumes, or sulphates, do not buy that product. Make sure the ingredients are 100% natural and have some moisturising elements like lavender oil, tea tree oil, chamomile extracts, etc. Sanfe Intimate Wash is ideal in this respect.
The skin has hair follicles and sweat & sebaceous glands. When sweat and sebum (and sometimes, bacteria too) get trapped inside the hair follicles (in the roots), they swell up. In a day or two, these congested follicles become acne (red bumps) and folliculitis (red bumps with pus).
Just like any other body part, this can happen to vulva too!
Those who are overweight, suffer from hormonal imbalances, sweat a lot, or have a sensitive skin, are more at risk to getting vulvar acne.
Step 1: Clean
Use an anti-bacterial, gentle and natural Intimate Wash to remove the infection.
Step 2: Treat
Apply an over-the-counter antibiotic, such as Bacitracin, to the infected area. Warm compressor and painkillers can also be taken for pain relief.
Must Avoid: Popping the pimple.
If the acne doesn’t go away in 3-4 days, then visit a venereal dermatologist, especially if you also have fever, chills, swelling, pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, or discharge.
To say the least, vaginal swelling is quite unpleasant and could be due to reasons ranging from regular and rough intercourse to infections and ulcers.
Swelling is fluid retention under the skin.
In case of an infection, the white blood cells rush to the site of infection to kill the harmful elements. Superficially, this army of cells appears like a swollen, red area. The same happens in the case of vaginal swelling.
Swelling that does not subside within a few hours or days, needs medical attention. It could be due to Vulvar Varicosities, cysts, abscess, ulcers from STIs and precancerous lesions.
Although you could apply a cooling pack to the swollen area, visiting a specialist is recommended for complete assessment of symptoms and treatment of its root cause.
The difference is of the context.
Power dynamics between genders are highly skewed and varied across different cultures. When a scarf is forced, it is oppressive, and when not, it could be empowering. That piece of fabric is just a tool.
The same goes for our new Intimate Care range, PRIVY MATTERS, which includes Intimate Lightening Serum (super controversial!), Intimate Rejuvenating Gel, and Anti-Chafing & Rash Cream.
We developed this range not only after a lot of research, but also, after talking to thousands of Indian women who confirmed that dark, dry, saggy intimate areas because of tight undergarments, acne scars, hormonal fluctuation during pregnancy, waxing, gym, etc. do affect their confidence. Some of these women also became a part of the product development process and guided us through and through.
Now, that the range is live, we’re bombarded with questions on how we could go against the body positivity movement and capitalise on women’s insecurities. And our response is –
And so does our entire product range.
Our goal is to create a better world for women, and we strongly feel that if some women believe that lightening the hyperpigmentation in their intimate areas or expediting the collagen production down there could help them feel more at home in their skin, then that’s what we’d do.
Before we move ahead, let’s brush up on the basics.
According to Wikipedia, it is a social movement initially created to empower and shed light on marginalized bodies not shown in the media. The movement simultaneously challenges how society presents and views the physical body.
So, lightening serum and rejuvenating gel are definitely against it and should not have been created, because they are not needed. But we did. Why? Because….the scarf example – It’s all about the context.
Mothers, who formed the bulk of our research team, confessed to not feeling like themselves post-partum. It could be depression too. However, most of them had no complaints about motherhood or their kids. They felt that after becoming a mother, the world stops seeing a woman as a woman, a person with desires and ambitions. Please raise a hand if you weren’t surprised to see your mothers in an “unrecognizable element” in her childhood or teenage pictures.
Is it wrong to want to feel the way you were before pregnancy - active and young – after you deliver the child? We don’t think so.
After 2011, BPM focused on debunking unrealistic standards for beauty – be it skin colour, body shape, weight, body marks, hair, fat, etc. The goal was to assure every woman on this planet that she is beautiful the way she was born. It was about being aware of what your body can do for you and respect her for the same. It was about accepting yourself and not needing any external validation. Undoubtedly, a great initiative!
But, is it possible for BPM to be overwhelming if you’re “forced to feel” a certain way? Remember, the scarf?
From the time a woman is born till the day she exits the world, her body is constantly in flux. Thanks to the gift of childbearing and the anatomical and physiological changes that accompany it. Throughout her life, she’s constantly tussling with how she feels and how she wants to feel. BPM tells her to love herself the way she is, to self-care irrespective of what she likes or dislikes about herself. What if she just can’t seem to love herself? Or what if she is still on the way? What if she loves who she sees in the mirror, but is afraid of the memories an accident scar fetches?
Some women are not pretty or fit by “conventional standards” and are immune to people’s opinion. Body positivity celebrates them. These women unapologetically dive into the plus-size section or get their outfits custom-tailored. No regrets, no complaints. But some of these women also exercise daily to lose a few pounds here and there. Mind you, they are happy in their skin even when they are working out to melt a few inches from the waist. BPM loves this!
Similarly, a woman – pretty by the conventional standards – also accepts herself but likes make-up. Even as conventionally beautiful and dolled up, she supports BPM. Or is she not allowed to?
Like said earlier, we wholeheartedly support the movement and its founding principles. However, we also believe that beauty is a social construct and one does not need to be beautiful. You read that right – You do not have to be or feel beautiful. As opposed to what you’ve been conditioned to believe, your value does not lie in the eyes of the beholder. It lies in your eyes and what you think of yourself. You and only you determine your value. And, if you feel, that fading those acne marks and rash lines in your intimate area would make you feel better, then be it.
Oh, but the intimates are covered. Nobody cares how dark or light they are. So, why do we? Because we are creating a better world for all women – those who have accepted themselves with panache, and those who are on their way. Our products are like temporary crutches to be used until the confidence repairs itself.
Now, our question to the movement is – Can one love their body and still want to tweak a few bits?
Is the body positivity movement flexible enough to accept those in transition?
Can BPM accommodate those who are conventionally pretty?
Is there room for choosing to self-care the way you want?
We leave the decision on you.
XO
Sanfe
]]>We too were scared out of wits when we learned that the first time, which led us to create 100% organic cotton sanitary pads. So, should you go for them or stick to the regular, synthetic pads you’ve been using? Here’s a low down on them.
The plastic content and chemicals in conventional sanitary pads shouldn’t come as a surprise as the surface is visibly perforated and the packaging often mentions a cottony feel (and not cotton). These perforations also make them bumpy which give rise complaints of chafing, irritation, and rashes. On top of that, they are bleached, a process which leaves dioxides inside the pad material which are known to cause endometriosis.
Further, these pads contain BPA, a chemical that is known to disrupt hormonal balance and mood swings. You can avoid it in the food, but regular pads that leak BPA around your vagina during periods would make up for it.
Here’s a video where we show how the difference between Sanfe Rash-Free Bamboo Sanitary Pads and regular pads.
Are cotton pads as absorbent as regular pads? – this is a common question. The short answer is ‘Yes, they are’.
Regular pads contain a superabsorbent core of Sodium Polyacrylate which can absorb 100 times of its weight! The downside is that this chemical is highly toxic not just when inhaled or ingested, but upon touching too. That’s not something we want in and around our intimate area. As a replacement, organic pads contain a cellulose core which is equally absorbent and in line with the industry standards.
Sanfe organic pads contain a bamboo-fibre core which locks menstrual fluid away and keeps you dry.
Most conventional sanitary pads have added fragrance to mask the foul odour of the menstrual blood and give a feeling of freshness. However, that is another set of artificial chemicals which often is a cause of UTI and bacterial infections.
Organic cotton pads are completely devoid of any fragrance or perfume making them utterly safe for even the sensitive skin type. In fact, our customers have reported feeling fresher with cotton pads as they dry fast and feel more comfortable.
Produced on a mass level with cheap material, synthetic pads are of course more pocket-friendly than organic cotton pads, materials of which are sourced with great care and difficulty. So, if you’re on a saving spree, then we suggest you opt for regular pads. However, if you feel that saving shouldn’t come at the cost of discomfort and skin irritation, then our organic sanitary pads are what you should go for.
Also, do keep in mind that synthetic pads take thousands of years to decompose will contribute to tons of pollution and landfills. On that front too, organic cotton pads are a better candidate for your attention and investment.
Yes. Conventional cotton is a water-intensive crop which consumes about 20,000 litres of water to produce just 1 kg of cotton! In contrast, organic cotton is mostly rain-fed and uses 80% less water. No pesticides and insecticides are used in farming organic cotton which also means cleaner farming, no toxicity in rivers & soil, and no harm to animals. Plus, an eco-friendly period!
Gynaecologists recommend using cotton pads as they are naturally soft and absorbent without any side effects. Even from a hygiene point of view, organic cotton pads are far superior as they actively resist bacterial and fungal growth produced due to excessive moisture. Going organic with daily-use products is a personal choice which often comes at a cost.
Would you prefer paying for doctor’s bills and medicines over naturally comfortable period products? Let us know in the comments below.
]]>Flowers are not the only scented part of a plant, mostly herbs. You must have come across cinnamon and curry leaves for cooking, and orange peel powder for a natural skin scrub. Aromatherapy extracts the fragrance from these scented parts through crushing and special steaming processes which you get to see as essential oils.
They have a strong scent. But that’s not what helps you feel better. The plant’s chemicals affect your brain and body. They get into your bloodstream when you put the oil on your skin or breathe it in.
Aromatherapy is proven to be an effective complementary treatment for a plethora of medical conditions – from common cough and cold to migraine and high blood pressure. But could it help you have more comfortable periods?
Wouldn’t it be great to ditch bulky heating pads and unnecessary painkillers, and find period cramp relief without announcing it to the world or dealing with the side-effects? Our world would instantly become better It would be a better world where periods are not that unwelcomed.
So, we dug up some scientific research journals to find that out.
When applied on the skin or ingested orally (in small amounts), Eucalyptus oil can help relieve pain, bring down inflammation and curb high blood pressure. Another study found inhaling this oil to be highly beneficial for those who have undergone total knee replacement and needed natural help to reduce pain and swelling. So, if it can work for deep pain like that, it can definitely ease your cramps.
The oil extracted from the leaves of this herb is used topically to relieve headache and muscle pain. Its active ingredient is closely related to aspirin, but the oil is also effective in common cold, occasional swelling and arthritis. Rubbing some Wintergreen oil on the abdomen, inner thighs and lower back can help bring down the severity of period pain safely.
Remember the balm moms applied to us as kids for cold and cough and how it used to help us feel instantly a little better? Well, that’s the magic of strong, uplifting fragrance of menthol which is a key ingredient in cold and cough balms and inhalers. For menstrual problems, menthol or Peppermint oil comes across as a cure-all. Nausea, vomiting, cramps, gas, bloating – it can handle anything.
We haven’t tried the same balm on our abdomen, but the menthol present in our Feminine Cramp Relief Roll-on really eases our period struggles.
Lavender essential oil is used to check sleep and anxiety issues. Inhaling or applying Lavender oil on skin has shown to provide relief in pain as bad as migraines along with skin inflammation, wound healing and period cramps. Its candles are quite popular for those with mood swings and high-stress tendencies. Lighting lavender-scented candles or using the oil in a diffuser, can help greatly to lower mood swings and relax the mind as well as the body during periods.
Out of all the five oils here, Rosemary oil is the most widely used oil for chronic pain relief and management in combination with other pain medicines. It also works wonders to soothe nerves and calm down muscle cramps. Many studies have found Rosemary oil to wonderful in relieving renal colic pain and dysmenorrhea (extreme period cramps and bleeding).
Aromatherapy is a non-invasive and cost-effective solution to many medical problems. Its easy applicability and low side-effect feature are what makes aromatherapy so handy and beneficial. Many studies have confirmed its efficacy in PMS and symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea such as extreme menstrual pain and anxiety.
Do you wish to try Aromatherapy for period cramps? Grab ahold of our Feminine Cramp Relief Roll-on.
]]>Prefers trousers and a pixie haircut – Tomboy!
Focused and doesn’t buy excuses – Ice Queen!
It takes only five minutes or less to assign a label to someone.
Get identified as an independent woman, and suddenly, you’re expected to get over your lizard-phobia and become a flat-tyre specialist. Labels are like funny monsters.
It was funny how we were quick to call Aishwarya Sheoran a beauty with brains as soon as she cleared UPSC, but never considered her analytical abilities when she was Miss India Finalist. It’s even funnier that we give away “beauty with brains” as a compliment as if a beautiful woman couldn’t be smart or vice versa.
This is what irks us – the polarity in perception.
Because it gives ‘them’ confidence.
Yes, you read that right. They assign us a label that shreds our confidence because it gives them the confidence that they figured us out. Have they?
It’s easy for us and people to define us by one or two aspects, but that’s a false perception. We are more, always.
Just because you’re a feminist, doesn’t mean you can’t appreciate a man opening a door for you. Just because you act like a wonder woman doesn’t mean you can’t be freaked out by acne. Who decided that being strong means toughing out your period cramps in a meeting and not gorging on an entire box of chocolates at home? Who says you can’t be a cussing hero on a football field and a girly-girl posting pictures of her manicure on Instagram? Who says you can’t feel whole while also being someone’s better half?
We all have conflicting aspects to our personalities. They don’t make us less authentic, but even more interesting and richer.
Let’s take the example of a ‘normal’ work environment: A boss is putting forth their opinion without dilution, standing their ground, and insisting on following orders.
If this boss identifies as a Male, he earns the labels of a competent leader. But, if she’s a female, she gets to be seen as bitchy, bossy, and a nagger.
Now, look at what happens at home: When a woman takes care of the child, she is doing her duty. But when her husband does the same, he is doting and going beyond as a father. Reverse the situation where a mother shows her child some tough love, and she is instantly labelled as a bad mother, when in fact, she is only trying to make her child understand their mistake or making them independent.
Labelling at work causes many women to zip their lips when asking for a promotion or a pay hike, because they don’t want to come across as “too ambitious” or “aggressive”.
Labelling men with words like “alpha” or “sensitive” soon becomes their only quality and identity. A man could be an alpha boss and still be a sensitive father whose eyes become tearful at the sight of his child’s nicked knee. A man could ace Excel sheets and still need help putting Ikea furniture together. Just like women, they are more than the labels assigned.
At this point, we might say, “what’s in a name (or label),” and shrug shoulders. But the truth is – labels stick. They affect our psyche.
75% of women agree that when associated with the same label repeatedly, they eventually accepted it as a part of their identity. 82% of men confirmed that after getting assigned a certain label, they intentionally did things to reaffirm that, because there was no other way.
Both lost the resolve to challenge it. They internalised the label and accepted the judgement and remarks that came with it. And that’s a huge blow to their self-esteem and perception of self. There’s a reason Emma Watson chose to call her ‘self-partnered’ rather than single.
The game is called perception.
“Wait a second, who is making up all of these rules? Who are we answering to?”
Well, no one except we (in that moment when that label was assigned). That means, that you can choose to ‘check yourself out’ of that label whenever you want.
Today, take a piece of paper and write down the labels you’ve been ascribed. Note the life stages against them and then, reflect:
In this process, do not second-guess yourself. Trust your instincts.
You can be confident in some situations and shy in others. You can be a feminist who appreciates cheesy romantic gestures. You don’t have to pick one and apologize for the other. It’s you, and that’s okay. Not being able to handle your dynamic personality is their problem, not yours.
So, take cue from Emma Watson and Beyoncé, and choose your label, if you must – labels that strengthen your belief in your power.
People are going to keep boxing in your personality because it makes them comfortable and confident about knowing you. But you don’t have to accept that.
A dialogue from the movie, Gunjan Saxena, fits aptly here:
“Hal pinjare me qaid ho jana nahi hai, pinjara tod kar udd jana hai” (The solution is not to pigeon-hole yourself, but to break the mould and fly away.)
So, people, brush away the labels. Don’t check into a box. Jump in and out of as many boxes of your choosing as you want. Let your life be a beautiful mosaic of stupid decisions and worthy mistakes. This Independence Day, release yourself!
xoxo
Your cheer-gang at Sanfe
]]>“Well, she can’t dethrone me with an excuse!” – You change your drop location to her house’s and rush to save your BFF crown. She hugs you and breaks into tears about how the red lady paid a visit earlier than scheduled. If you’re a woman reading this, you already know how to manage this period crisis. As a guy, however, you’re clueless, and your friend is not in the right state to help you here. So, here are a few things you can do:
Step 1: Turn on the “Therapy mode”
Periods or not, your friend is human with many feelings. The catch is that you were unaware of a few of them until today. So, don’t give examples of how this could be worse or how she is not acting like the tough woman she is every day. Understand that her mood swings are driving her crazy too, and she could use a non-judgemental ear and a supportive touch.
If her hormones are making her throw tantrums, be the voice of reason. But first, listen.
Step 2: Check on the essentials
Does she have sufficient sanitary pads, tampons, or a cup, if she uses one? If not, then get her one from the supermarket. Don’t be a baby here. This is your chance to be the friend everyone looks up to. Finding you in the period products’ aisle will only get you smiles and respect of strangers.
On your way to the payment counter, also grab some unhealthy snacks. Yes, you read that right. Unhealthy snacks make a great PMS-proof feast. If you’re unsure, call her up and get a list of her favourites.
Step 3: Knock down those cramps
Period cramps are pure evil. To fight them, you’re going to need a heating pad, Sanfe Feminine Cramp Relief Roll-on and peppermint tea. The heating pad will relax her muscles, tea her nerves and Sanfe Roll-on will work on both. Chocolates are also a huge help but avoid caffeine.
Step 4: Try the cliché
It was supposed to be the day she was going out to party, but now she’s homebound feeling bleh. On top of that, she’s feeling bloated, has a breakout on her face, and is not her confident self. There are two things you can do: If she’s feeling better after the first three steps, you can take her out for a low impact, but fun activity. If that doesn’t seem possible, you can play her self-esteem coach. Offer to her makeup, dress her up, whip up an easy cocktail or just pamper her with face masks. Yes, that’s a cliché, but don’t activities become clichés for a reason?
Over to you
The word ‘Periods’ invokes annoyance and repulsion in most women. For 5 to 7 days every month, they feel like God’s most hated child. So, the last thing they need is an unhelpful friend who believes PMS is just a state of mind and offers awful advice like, “It’s always mind over matter!”
Don’t be that friend. Be the supportive shoulder they need. Build her up. Help them cry into a giant basket of chocolates, if that’s what would make them feel better.
]]>“Me too!”
*Giggles*
It’s a cute sight and a reassuring feeling to find your cycle synced with your friend or sister – painful, but okay – you’re in this together.
Now, imagine your cramps hurting so bad that you are literally chained to your bed, while your friend goes about delivering presentations and winning clients. Yes, she too is in pain, but it’s bearable and almost non-existent after she applies Feminine Cramp Relief Roll on. You pop a pill, cling to your hot pack, and roll in your bed with pillows believing that your pain tolerance threshold is way lower than hers.
Well sis, tweezing your eyebrows is a test for pain tolerance threshold, not period cramps!
Not all period cramps are equal. A pain that disrupts your life even after taking pain meds, using a hot pack, and applying Sanfe Roll on, indicates that there is something fishy going down there.
So, let’s discuss the “red flags” of periods and cramping. Brace yourself.
Dull, constant pain outside of your menstrual cycle
That pain with vaginal discharge might indicate a serious infection of the reproductive system and is termed as Pelvic Inflammatory Disorder (PID). The cause of infection is often an untreated STD. Good news is that PID is totally curable. So, don’t delay the treatment as it may scar your reproductive tract and mess with your fertility.
What’s next: A visit to your doctor for a swab culture. The culture will assess the kind of infection and help identify the right mix of antibiotics for treatment.
Note: Google your condition, but do not buy internet-suggested meds for PID as your condition might be different.
Cramps that no meds can defeat
Most of us dismiss this “excruciating” pain as a “normal” part of periods or blame it on their low pain tolerance. However, the culprit behind the failure of all meds and measures is often Endometriosis or tissue growth on reproductive organs.
What’s next: Hormone therapy is quite effective in this case. It can recalibrate your periods by decreasing the number of days and the amount of pain you experience.
Heavy flow meets agonising cramps
This might be a case of Uterine Fibroids. Don’t be spooked – it’s quite common in women and mostly, non-threatening. Fibroids are tissue growth on the uterine wall, which intensify bleeding and cramping. If you have a family history of fibroids, you should see your doctor immediately.
What’s next: The doctor will ask you to get an ultrasound scan done to ensure that there is no abnormal growth. You might be prescribed low-dose birth control pills for pain management. In the case of worrisome growth, you might have to undergo surgery which will relieve you of your pain and heavy flow.
Note: Never take birth control pills without discussing with your doctor.
The one-sided pain that stabs like a spear
The cause behind such a sharp, shooting pain could be a twisted ovary (torsion) or a ruptured cyst in the ovary. Cysts are quite common and usually not a serious concern until they rupture. This is the one where you say, “Bloody hell!” and sprint to the ER.
What’s next: Some medical scans to determine the cause of pain, cyst or torsion, and a surgery to fix the condition.
Major cramps after IUD implantation
IUD or Intra-Uterine Device is a foreign object in your system, and so, you’re bound to experience some mild cramping initially. However, severe pain or pain that lasts more than a week could indicate dislodgement of the IUD.
What’s next: Visit your doctor for a pelvic exam and an ultrasound to make sure the device hasn’t migrated. If it has, the doctor will reposition it, and your pain would be gone.
Cramping without periods
This could mean two things – an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that is not in uterus) or a miscarriage, depending on your physical activity during that time. None of those is uncommon but needs immediate medical attention.
What’s next: Take a pregnancy test. A negative result would rule out a pregnancy-related issue. However, if the test is positive, rush to the ER as both the conditions can turn into life-threatening emergencies.
Also check out our article on continued cramping after your periods.
Over to you
It’s a good practice to keep a log of your menstrual cycle, not just the dates, but also pain levels, emotions, sleep, energy levels, etc. So, when something doesn’t feel right, you don’t have to rely on your memory and can bring complete information to your doctor.
At Sanfe, we’re continually working towards developing better solutions for women’s everyday issues. While the formulation of our Cramp Relief Roll-On offers relief to many women, it may not work on extreme cases like the ones discussed in this article; and for a good reason. These conditions need medical attention. So, if you’re someone whom our product couldn’t help, we suggest visiting your doctor before reaching for an OTC pain killer.
On that note, stay safe, stay pain-free.
“There’s a crime scene down there.”
“A shark’s got my abdomen.”
This is how some women describe their periods. As if having our hormones out of the whack wasn’t enough punishment, we also have to bear with menstrual cramps. Even men agree that cramps are the worst, and no one should have to go through that.
But do we get a choice? Well, you didn’t give your uterus what it’d been preparing for the whole month, and so, it’s payback time. While most women accept uterus’ penalty with their head high (and body down), they still don’t understand the cramps that happen after periods.
Yes, we see you. It’s okay.
The usual kind of cramps – before periods
Throbbing pain in your abdomen that radiates to your thigh and back and can sometimes feel dull yet draining is the usual kind of period cramp. This is basically your uterus contracting and relaxing simultaneously to push out blood and uterine lining. You might also experience nausea, dizziness, loose stools, and headache, along with the pain. It hurts to say, but this is a “routine” reminder that the red lady is on her way or has arrived and is having the time of her life down there.
The less-talked-about cramps – after periods
This is definitely not fun, but still normal. Yes, many women continue to experience mild cramps after their periods. Before you leap ahead, there are scientific explanations for that.
Couldn’t cramps be pregnancy?
Women often take cramping after periods as a sign of pregnancy, because it is. When pregnancy is established, the body adjusts to the new changes which may cause mild cramps, but they usually go away after a few days. However, getting pregnant right after your periods is biologically not possible. Menstruation is the process where the egg disintegrates and leaves the body – no egg, no baby.
While there have been a few cases of women getting pregnant right after their periods, it’s an extremely rare occurrence and not a cause of concern.
Over to you
About 50% of women experience menstrual cramps that interfere in their daily lives. Truth be told, you can’t check out of cramps, but you can definitely make them shut the f*** up. You could try stretching exercises, a hot pack, a warm bath, or even an orgasm to find some relief at home. Dealing with period BS at work or while travelling is plain impossible without popping a pill and harming your body. Therefore, it’s always a great idea to carry our Feminine Cramp Relief Roll-on and apply it for an instant, lasting relief.
Also, if you feel that your cramps are severely worse than your girlfriends and force you to stay home, then there could be a medical issue. Let’s take that up in our next post. Until then, take care, hydrate well and Sanfe-away your period pain.
They can very well find a new person or nurture an old one from within.
The long quarantine has given us a sneak peek into the social media handles of many women, boasting about deliciously cooked dishes, skillful art and craft designs and melodiously sung tracks among many other things.
However, some of our ‘wonder women’ still seem to be engrossed with office work, household duties, family responsibilities and have been struggling to strike a balance between all these things, missing out on some leisurely time and honing their hidden skills or long lost passion.
In order to remind women to make the best of this time by living for themselves and their desires, we are here to guide them on how to relive the joyous days from the past.
The busy lives of women make them forget the activities that used to bring out the best in them and made them the happiest.
But now it’s time! To travel back and rediscover those things that bring back happiness.
Be it photography, or collecting pictures in a scrapbook, gardening or cooking anything and everything delicious, singing or striking the right cords of an instrument, or even performing a skit for the little ones.
Or even reignite within, the desire of picking up the mighty pen, or paint brushes, the needle & the thread!
There’s also ample time to even learn something absolutely new and be perfect with it. That is the beauty of all the time that we’re left with while quarantining. With the world sharing every second blatantly on the internet, we have access to a plethora of new ideas and activities that we can easily adapt. The human heart allows us to make fall in love with so many things! So, why not love something new? Enhance oneself a little more.
The challenge we face in our regular life is of time-management. Even though we want to do everything under the sky, we’re restricted by the 24 hours on the clock. So, let’s take this freedom of having ample amount of time in this quarantine, to learn time-management for carrying out all our favourite activities without interruptions. Set a time around the office work and the household chores so that there’s no missing out even when we all are back in our regular lives.
A lot of women shy away from social media and like to live low-key.
But we would recommend all our ladies to come out of their cocoons of self-doubt and proudly present their talents on social media handles. This not just garners appreciation from everyone around but also from the soul within oneself.
As this lockdown is already mentally exhausting for all of us, a little motivation to pursue our long-forgotten hobbies will do no harm.
]]>How has it been treating us all, moreover the women!
There are many, who are eloquently sharing their saree clad pictures on social media but are they at peace mentally while being at home over such a long period of time.
There are undoubtedly happy and healthy women. But we are definitely not worried about them, rather happy to have them around. On the other hand, for the ones who are going through steaming stress levels of balancing office work and household chores, putting in extra hours of prying after their kids’ welfare, going through the tests of time - we have a few easy ways to bring back your own heaven on Earth.
Find Your Soul in Something
Love to bring those little things to life? Then make it a point to cater to them every single day, twice. Take your time. Nurturing them, talking to them, sharing a piece of your mind, connecting your soul with them. Gardening or planting saplings not only calms down your mind but it is also a way of giving back to nature, and as they say, “what goes around comes around.”
You can find solace in some other activity as well. May be redecorating your house, or just your room and your things. Might as well find some peace in trying out a hand in Origami!
Find Your Corner
Around the whole house, there will be a corner that will readily accept you like its own! Find that corner and have your tea or coffee, or even a healthy glass juice/smoothie. This not just gives you time to sort your day out mentally but makes you ponder over the deepest thoughts and come out of the torments victorious. From introspection, to mentally scheduling all your tasks of the day - you will have miraculously done it all!
Meditate
It is no secret that meditation helps you control your mind and master the reactions of yours. But it is quite difficult to maintain a routine of meditating every single day. The best practise is to meditate every morning, right in the beginning so that you have a positive and sorted start to your day. Meditation at night, right before you go off to bed also helps in giving you a peaceful sleep.
Yoga
Yes, Yoga works wonders on the body but it doesn’t leave the mind untouched. The benefits do take a little longer to reciprocate but a diligent effort never goes to waste.
Dance
Dance. Is not just a form of art, but therapy! Put your favorite music on top volume once in a while, let your hair down, and just dance like nobody’s watching. Be it with your kid, or your partner, or even all by yourself. Dancing relieves you off your stress levels because it secretes Dopamine - the reward hormone. So, don’t forget to reward yourself this Quarantine.
Most important of all - never stop believing in yourself and in the good because we are headed towards better days for sure. The COVID-19 is just temporary and if we take care of each other and ourselves, we all will witness a brighter future.
]]>Most users of menstrual cups say that they are the most comfortable solution for managing the menstrual flow. There is no movement restriction and you can do all kinds of physical activities including swimming. Moreover, whatever be the dress you wear, it doesn’t show.
Depending on your flow, you can wear one easily for at least 10 hours. During this time, you could either be sedentary or very active - the cup can handle it all.
Not only are they eco-friendly compared to many other options available, but they also make economic sense in the long run too. Why? Because unlike with pads, where you need to maintain regular stocks, with a good quality menstrual cup or 2, you're sorted for many a year. SanFe cups are made from 100% medical grade silicone and are designed to last for years with proper care.
Contrary to fears, menstrual cups are hardly noticeable once you've worn them. In fact, the sign of having worn a cup properly comes from the fact that you won't even feel it once it's in. From this point on, you could be on a run, doing yoga, reading a book or just getting some sleep - and your cup will remain in place, out of the way so you can carry on unhindered. No worries about displacements and leaks.
It's true that cups mean a certain amount of maintenance unlike sanitary pads and their 'stick it, wear it, forget it, throw it' routine. This means you need to be clean the cup post-use and store it. It's a little added effort but if that means a more relaxed and freer period time, then we think it's totally worth it.
The more we look at it, cups seem to be the most natural way to deal with this most natural of body functions. So, if your cycle is due anytime soon, give the menstrual cup a chance. Pick a size from the 3 that we have available, and see how it changes your period experience completely!
WRITTEN BY SULAGNA MEHTA
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Periods. You love it and panic when it doesn’t come on time and dread it when it does because it brings with it cramps, aches, mood swings and what not. Some women experience intense pain that effectively stops them from functioning normally (usually a sign of an underlying issue - you should definitely consult your doctor in this case) and for some, it’s lesser in intensity but not any less tiring. In fact, many of us may not even know that there’s a medical term that covers period pain - dysmenorrhea (literally “difficult monthly flow”). While some women lose the pain as the years go by, many suffer for longer periods of time. Period pains are also usually accompanied by other premenstrual symptoms such as bloating and tender breasts.
For relief, we’ve all made a dash (or made a sibling, parent or friend dash) to the nearest medical store for painkillers. Or decided to wait it out stoically. Or scrambled to put together grandma’s age-old remedies. But it’s not so easy now, is it? Medicines are effective but have side effects. Waiting it out means, well, it means a lot of time. Grandma had the advantage of plucking fresh natural ingredients from her backyard or her neighbours’ but the chances of knowing and finding these ingredients in your neighbourhood is tough if not impossible. Other solutions like a hot water bottle are not always available at hand and in any case cannot be used outside of home.
At Sanfe, we thought of doing something about this pain point. So, we developed a nifty little thing called - the Sanfe Fem Cramp Relief Roll On. A magical formulation of essential oils, it gives instant relief and is 100% natural. All you have to do is roll it over your pain areas such as abdomen, inner thighs and lower back. And no, it won’t leave any stains on your clothes or smell strange. Remember to keep it in your handbag so that you are armed to easily overcome the debilitating menstrual cramps whenever and wherever they strike.
Our roll on is a great way to manage pain safely. But along with it, you can always do more to feel even more comfortable. For instance -
So there, periods can now be nice and pain free. Not to forget, free from side effects, wasted time and complicated efforts.
At Sanfe, we endeavor to help you win your battles because we strongly believe that every time a woman wins a battle, the world becomes a better place.
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Planning a trip? Great. A road trip, a train trip, trekking trip whatever is your mojo, all require a certain amount of hygiene. The perks of traveling can take up much of your attention, making you avoid basic hygiene. That, my friend can be hazardous to your health and to the enjoyment of your trip. Some important tips for hygiene are:
Wash your hands often. Before and after eating, before and after using the washroom, first thing in the morning and just before going to sleep. It’s also important to wash your vaginal and rectal area properly whenever you find a proper washroom (I know, I know, if only!). It’s also advisable to keep wet wipes in situations where clean water is not available. Also carry a sanitizer to keep your hands infection free. (Gosh, the number of things we women need to carry just to ensure basic hygiene! If only our public washrooms were not like this. Take a bath daily; sweat and dirt can cause allergies or breakouts. Also wash your clothes if laundry services are not available. Carry pouches of detergent.
Drink lots of water. It’s very important to stay hydrated when you are travelling in very hot weather. Excessive sweating can lead to electrolyte imbalance, making you feel dizzy and nauseous. Orange juice or cranberry juice have high number of vitamins. Citrus fruits are also a good option. Even in cold weathers, fluid intake keeps dryness and itches at bay.
This one? I can’t emphasize it enough. Just do it OK. Carry pee cups, or pee funnels in your bag. Most of us avoid drinking lots of fluids because we think that might make us want to go to the loo several times, While, it’s easier to ask a driver to stop the bus at the next road side highway dhaba, and they may agree to doing that; the truth is that it’s a herculean task to find an actually clean toilet.
Almost 995 out of 100 times, the vehicle stops at a place where there is no washroom or no or poor sanitation. For such situations there are biodegradable products in the market, like the Sanfe pee cup or funnel. We can use them while standing to avoid UTIs and other infections. They are considerably easy to use and women travelers swear by them.
Oh, and don’t think that they are costly, they are not! Most of them are almost the price of a cup of chai at that dhaba where the bus stops!
Wear light and soft clothing. Stay away from tight clothes to avoid chafing. Add layers to clothes. Keep them clean. Cotton underwear is highly advisable. They are soft and breathable. Avoid wearing new clothes as most of them contain starch for shine. It can cause rashes.
Eat healthy. Lots of fruits. Also eat yogurt to keep the guy healthy. While travelling one tends to stock up on snacks. Chips, wafers, chocolates, toffees and the junk. There is a constant need to munch on something. To avoid weight gain try switching to fruits and nuts. Chewing gum is also an option. Be cautious for street vendors and spicy food.
Enjoy your trip. Bon voyage.
Oh, and do tell us if that pee cup idea was great!
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