1. Exfoliation is a rule to have a flawless, smooth and supple skin and more so in the younger ages. But the frequency of exfoliation will depend further on your skin type as well as the environmental conditions. More in places like Mumbai and more frequent for those who face the direct pollution.
However, it has to be gentle so that it does not harm the protective layer of skin. You can even try a home made scrub of besan (gram flour) mixed with a few lemon drops and rose water. However a skin polishing ( microdermabrasion ) once in 6 – 8 weeks done at a professional place and trained person, will be a good maintainence.
2. Try avoiding straining your forehead muscles while reading a close print. Also just before you step out of your car or house out in the glaring sun, put on the dark UV protected sun glasses as that is the time we really strain our muscles around the eyes which lead to early wrinkling around the eyes, so beautifully called crow’s feet in the animal world.
3. Smoking has been the greatest enemy of a good skin since ages. The toxins released not only makes your skin dull, dark and lifeless, but also sets in wrinkles early causing premature aging. It stains the teeth as well. Smokers are at a greater risk of sun damage on their skin as well.
4. At some point you had acne, now you are left with embarrassing, ugly scars. So the greatest tip will be DON’T PICK those acne or else they will form scars, especially if you have a similar family history. Steam your face 2 – 3 times a week and follow by applying a 2.5% benzoyl peroxide gel at night. Steam is good for the face, but to ensure that you close the pores, please follow by using a toner or an astringent.
5. For people working in closed air conditioned places for long hours ( which most of us do) there is a separate skin care. AC drives out all the essential oils and natural moisturining factors (NMF’s) out of our skin and so these have to be supplemented on a 4 hrly basis to ensure the hydration level of skin is maintained. Also for those working for long hours infront of computer, use a sunscreen mixed with a moisturizer for your skin. For those who drive two wheelers, using a helmet and a sunscreen is a good idea, but you need to.
6. Like a wardrobe, skincare is seasonal. Your skin gets flaky and dry in winter more so than in summer because cold weather destroys the lipid layer that keeps the skin from drying out. To keep your skin feeling dewy and moist even in the harsh winter weather, a stay on moisturizer every 2 -3 hrs is required.
However, oral intake of 1000mg of evening primrose oil and 400mg of Vit E also helps for those getting tanned and skin getting patchy, start taking high doses of Vitamin C ( upto 2000 gms) either in natural or in tablet form. Vitamin C rich foods are sprouts, lemon, orange, amla etc. Vitamin C being water soluble is very safe even if consumed in excess.
7. Don’t use soap on the face from the very early in life. Soaps tend to leave a thin layer on your face which makes your skin look very dull and lifeless. Use a face wash. There is no logic in avoiding using face wash on face for the fear of it being a chemical. We need to get rid of the grime and dirt that we accumulate whole day on our skin and for that a face wash is a must, just how shampoos are for the hair.
8. Puffiness under your eyes Common causes of this puffiness are lack of sleep and drinking excessive alcohol. To reduce the puffiness, you can apply a cold compress until the area returns to it’s original state. If alcohol is the culpret, increase your intake of fluids to rehydrate the skin.
9. Detoxification removes the toxins and other waste from the body that make our skin look dull and lifeless. Just a simple paste of coriander leaves, mint and curry patta, mixed 1/3 each taken early morning is a good detox formula and also helps in weight control.
10. Deworming is a must for all at all ages. Tab Albendazole 400 mg once in six months is a good health care regime.
Tanning is something that is ineviatable at times. Don’t panic !! Take a piece of ripe papaya or a ripe babana and rub it for 15 min on the tanned area of the body. Wash it off and use a moisturizer containing AHA’s or tea tree oil.
