Skincare tips: This way to a glow-up

Dermatologists tell us what they wish every Indian knew about skincare. It doesn’t always have to cost the earth

This way to a glow-up

• From scratch:

  “Itchy skin is the most common complaint in a dermatology clinic,” says Dr Ballani. “There may be 100 reasons for this complaint and a thorough examination is required to diagnose the cause.” Dryness makes it worse. “Keeping the skin hydrated, especially in changing seasons, can prevent the itching from getting worse.”
• Cream concerns:

  Spas and beauty parlours slather on spurious stuff. But it gets worse. “We have lax regulations on prescription drugs. Everyone, from pharmacists to unlicensed practitioners, prescribe skin creams, which often contain unapproved and irrational combinations,” says Dr Shisak. “They mask the symptoms, damage the skin and get absorbed systemically, affecting internal organs.”
• 
  Flare guns:

  Pimples used to be a teenage concern. “Now all age groups are coming in with acne problems,” says Dr Ballani. Hormonal fluctuations, pollution, diet, lifestyle or simply genetics are the usual culprits. “We investigate patients for the exact cause, but a healthy lifestyle and maintaining good skin hygiene is essential for prevention.” Remember than over-cleansing can trigger acne too.
• Tress distress:

  Dr Ballani has seen a sharp increase in hair-fall cases since the pandemic. “Causes may be hormonal, genetic, drug intake, chemical hair-treatments and vitamin deficiencies,” Eat a balanced diet, avoid harsh hair procedures and keep the scalp clean – that’s half the battle won. “Male pattern baldness is one of the most common problems,” says Dr Sardesai. “During initial stages, it can be treated with medication. Therapies such as PRP (platelet rich plasma) or GFC (growth factor concentrate) can help thicken existing hair and promote new growth. Laser phototherapy, using specialised helmets, can be used at home to prevent further hair loss and improve the thickness of existing hair.” There are no genies in a bottle for this problem. “For hair loss, an unwarranted marketing industry exists, where several supplements are advertised, while the real diagnosis remains undetected” says Dr Shishak.
• Colour theory:

  Patches of skin that have darkened or lightened are also a cause for concern in India. Dark patches take particularly long to treat. “It may be reflective of underlying endocrine disorders or nutritional deficiencies,” says Dr Shisak. Desperate patients resort to getting laser treatments and chemical peels, or try home remedies that cause even more damage and distress. “The unhealthy obsession with fairness continues,” says Dr Shisak. “We get frequent requests for injections containing skin-lightening glutathione. Instagram filters and social media apps have made the current generation more physically self-conscious and vulnerable than before.”