Rules for a radiant skin

By
Dr. Jaishree Sharad

A recognized dermatologist shares tips, tricks and rituals that will help you achieve your skin care goals.

As for form or diet, it is essential to define a scientific approach to skin care in order to obtain a radiant skin without imperfections. Whether identifying skin type, regular skin care, skin treatments or lifestyle changes, a holistic approach to skin care is required. Whether you're a workaholic, a hyperactive teenager or even a busy housewife, skin care must be a ritual in your everyday life. Here are some ways to achieve your skin care goals.

MORNING RITUALS


Cleanse

It is of utmost importance to clean your skin. If you have oily skin or have acne, use a facial cleanser containing salicylic acid. This will unclog the pores and control the secretion of oil. If you have dry skin, use a moisturizing cleanser. People with sensitive skin should use a soap-free cleanser such as Cetaphil or Sebamed Olive.

Hydrate

A moisturizer is essential after cleansing. Water-based moisturizers are best for oily skin. A moisturizer cream is ideal if you have normal to dry skin, but it should be applied to slightly damp skin. This traps the moisture in the skin and keeps it supple all day long.

Protect

Sunscreen should be applied throughout the year. You can use a mattifying gel or sunscreen if you have oily skin. A cream-based sunscreen or spray will be suitable for normal to dry skin. Keep the sunscreen handy and renew the application if you stay outside for more than two hours.

BEDTI RITUALS


Clean Up
Step 1: For make-up removal, use a cleansing lotion or baby oil to remove makeup. Do not forget to clean the eye makeup.

Step 2: Use a mild cleanser to remove dirt, grime, sweat salts and soot, which thicken your skin throughout the day.

Protect
Step 1: Use vitamin C serum on the face. Vitamin C prevents pigmentation, illuminates the skin and corrects the damage caused by the sun.

Step 2: Apply a cream under the eyes. For those under 30, use a light moisturizer containing vitamin C and vitamin E. If you have acne, you may need to use your anti-acne creams such as benzoyl peroxide or clindamycin.

If you are over 30, apply a night cream that acts as an anti-aging cream and moisturizer. Look for active ingredients like retinol, peptides, coenzyme Q 10, alpha-hydroxy acids, vitamins C and K. They strengthen collagen, improve texture and tone of the skin. You can also apply vitamin E which moisturizes and improves the elasticity of the skin.

Eat Well
You really are what you eat. Eat lots of brightly colored fruits and vegetables such as carrots, tomatoes, oranges, cherries, plums, berries, red grapes, spinach and broccoli. These have a high content of antioxidants, especially vitamins C and E, and beta-carotene and selenium. Antioxidants eliminate free radicals and protect the skin from oxidative damage, allowing it to stay young. Adding fiber to your diet helps not only the intestines but also the skin. Opt for whole fruit instead of fruit juice. Snack on raw vegetables such as carrots and tomatoes, and eat fruits with their skin. Learn to read the labels. Look for the word "whole" before the grains in the list of ingredients and choose a high-fiber food. Avoid red meat and opt for fish. You can also become a vegetarian once a week. Replace refined white bread and white rice with whole wheat and brown rice. Stay hydrated by drinking at least two liters of water, coconut water, lime or lemon juice or buttermilk. Eliminate soft drinks, sugar and refined flour from your diet. Sugar causes premature aging, fine lines and wrinkles, and there are enough studies to prove the same thing. It is time to give up chocolates, ice creams and pastries. It's about taming your taste buds and driving your mind.

Lifestyle Changes

Other saboteurs you should be wary of are tobacco, alcohol, stress, lack of sleep, and pollution. These produce more free radicals that damage the skin's DNA and disrupt the barrier function of the skin. Thus, the skin becomes dehydrated, susceptible to infections and allergies. In addition, smoking leads to the appearance of dark circles, dark lips, fine lines, crow's feet, uneven skin and alcohol that can cause eye swelling and dehydration.

Do not trust everything you read

Do not blindly follow the Internet. Although you can get medical advice, most home remedies can be more harmful than healthy for your skin. Toothpaste, crushed garlic or lime juice are not quick fixes to get rid of acne or blemishes. They can actually cause irritation, burns and even scars. Always check with your dermatologist before trying a home remedy for a skin problem.

Skin care varies by climate. For example, a moisturizer in the winter should be thick and moisturizing. But the same moisturizer is not ideal in summer. Similarly, a moisturizer you use in Mumbai in December is certainly not what you would like to use in Delhi, Gangtok or London the same month. You will need something heavier to protect your skin in cold weather.

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FIVE THINGS YOU MUST ALWAYS HAVE IN YOUR BAG

1. SOLAR SCREEN – both UVA and UVB protector. Renew the application if sweat has cleared the previous application or if you are outside for more than two hours.

2. WET WIPES – dab to wipe off sweat and grime

3. THERMAL WATER FOG – they are obtained from sources rich in minerals and trace elements. Hold the fog about five to six inches from your face before spraying. Wait a minute and blot out the excess. This moisturizes the skin, prevents makeup from staining and keeps you cool.

4. MOISTURIZING LOTION FOR SKIN – Apply to hands and feet whenever skin is dehydrated.

5. Moisturizing Lip Balm with SPF – Avoid licking or pinching lips when thirsty. Drink water and use a lip balm instead.