For a healthy, happy you

Dr Vikas Sharma

The New Year is the time once again to commit to make specific and precise modifications in skin and hair care routine to look and feel better. There are many factors that can lead to skin and hair ageing. Some are beyond our control. The inevitable skin and hair ageing process with an effective plan can be slowed or delayed smartly. Here are some tips to keep skin healthy throughout the year and combat premature aging of your skin:

• Use skin care products that are gentle: Mild and unscented products are recommended and can be used all year long. Deodorant soaps and beauty products that include fragrance can leave skin dry and irritated.
• A fine balance needs to be maintained between skin cleansing and the preservation of its homeostatic properties. It is important to use products formulated for one’s skin type to avoid using anything too disruptive.
• Products containing alpha hydroxy acids and anti-oxidants can help you achieve younger-looking skin. These can repair skin and help ward off further damage. However, the usage may vary depending on person’s skin type so Skin-care routines need to be medically customized to reduce skin irritation.
• Even if you conduct skin exams at home, it’s important to have a dermatologist take a close look at your skin—at least once per year. A dermatologist can look closely at all areas of your skin and track any changes. 
• If your skin is prone to acne, be gentle: If you are an adult fighting acne, using anti-acne cleansers excessively can promote skin irritation. You may want to switch to a milder product having pH equivalent to that of skin. Wash skin gently. Scrubbing too hard further irritates skin.
• Moisturise: Your skin’s oil production declines when you hit your 40s, so moisturise skin consistently as you get older. The ideal time to moisturise is immediately following your shower or bath. The new advanced anti-ageing moisturisers with active ingredients such as collagen peptides, etc are essential and beneficial after 40 years of age. It is most important to take extra care of very sensitive areas like under eye skin.
• Protect your skin: The sun’s ultraviolet rays can quicken skin aging. That means sun protection should be a key part of your routine.  With the advent of Latest nano-tech UV protective anti-ageing moisturisers the sensitive skin areas can be protected.
• Skin cancer, from melanoma to basal cell carcinoma, may appear as red spots, scaly plaques or moles on the skin. Skin Tuberculosis can start as a small pimple-type skin lesion and can gradually eat away the skin. That’s why it’s important to know when to see a dermatologist. Be alert and make sure to always consult a dermatologist if you are suspicious or unsure about any bump or spot on your body.
• Don’t forget your hands: Use special skin barrier creams designed for skin over hands to protect them from various environmental agents and combat pigmentation and ageing spots over hands.
• No Smoking: Tobacco smoke has toxins that give people what is known as smoker’s face. This is the dull and dry complexion, appearance of premature lines and wrinkles and leathery skin that many smokers develop. Happy New Year along with healthy skin and happy hair to you!

Dr Sharma is a Chandigarh-based dermatologist)
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