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When age comes calling on skin

Skincare depends on where a person lives, her lifestyle and her age. Diya Koshy takes a look.

Updated on: Jun 23, 2006, 19:47:00 IST
None | By , Mumbai
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The keyword in beauty these days is no longer merely the label. The focus is now on niche requirements that are decided based on various demographics. Skincare for example depends on where a person lives, her lifestyle and her age.

HT Image
HT Image

The Pond’s Institute has done extensive research on the requirements of Indian skin. These are the findings of Esperanza Gaspar, of the Pond’s Institute in Madrid. What are the key problem areas of skin for Indian women?

Indian women, by and large, are blessed with great skin. The issues that may bother them have to do with lifestyle and environment.

Skins gets damaged due to pollution, stressful urban lives, lack of exercise, correct skincare and nutrition.

Women also lack knowledge on correct skin regimes, anti-aging care and sun screen usage.

How different is Indian skin from the Western woman’s?

Indian women need lighter products given our climate. They are less prone to sunburn and therefore usually careless in using sunscreen.

How would skin care be different for a woman in her 20s, 30s and 40s?

Skincare at 20
If you're in your 20s, you’ve still not experienced the consequences of porly cared-for skin. Research the world over says skin starts aging from age 25 and correct skincare is crucial.

Hydrate Body and Skin: Drink lots of water. Recent reports suggest at least 1 litre of water for every 15 kgs of body weight. Correct hydra tion will make skin sup ple and strong. If you notice your facial skin looking strained or dry then use a Botanical Hy dration Mask with Lactic Acid for that extra fillip.

Skincare at 30
Most women get bogged down with marriage, kids, career and social obligations in their thirties. By age 35, you're probably seeing fine lines bracketing your mouth and radiating out from the corners of your eyes when you smile or talk.

Cleanse and exfoliate:
Ensure skin is clear of dead skin cells, dirt and make-up. Choose a day facial foam that contains AHA. At night use one that cleans but also seals moisture in.
Reduce caloric intake: Reduced caloric intake helps the body sustain and repair itself. So cut back on fried stuff, huge helpings of carbs and dairy products.

Bare essentials

Exercise: Daily exercise helps blood circulation, which brings oxygen to the skin and keeps it healthy

Stress: Control stress, which accelerates aging

Smoking: Smoking increases wrinkles by destroying skin elastin

Moisturising skin: Choose a moisturiser that works throughout the day and penetrates deep into your skin

Eat Healthy: Follow a diet rich in whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, and healthy oils

Skincare at 40

Poorly maintained skin at 40 is not a pretty sight. By now, a skincare regime is mandatory and if proper care has not been taken earlier, start now.



Diet:

As we get older and metabolism slows down, watching what we eat is extremely important.

Curb alcohol: Avoid alcohol three hours before bedtime.

It increases the risk of leaks in the capillaries, which allows more water in and causes sagging and puffiness.

Skin Care System: Boost your skin's circulation by using a face mask containing Ginseng Extract twice a week to keep your skin soft and smooth. A gentle scrub also in creases blood flow to the skin surface, giving it a rosy glow.

Be gentle: Adopt a 24-hour programme of a day cream and night cream to protect, repair and strengthen. Look for products with marine bio-polymer and micro-collagen that prevent sagging and wrinkles. Use upward and outward strokes, rather than dragging the skin.

Ultimately, regardless of what products you use, remember that it took many years for your skin to reach its current state. Although it takes considerably less time for any product to improve the quality and appearance of your skin, it’s essential to be diligent when using them.

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