Skin care plays an important role in our overall health, appearance and can help prevent future skin issues. After all, our skin is the largest organ of your body and needs to be given the right and timely attention. Dr. Bindu Sthalekar, a celebrity Dermatologist, Trichologist and Cosmetologists was the guest on The Navhind Times, Talk from the Heart show that aired on the Goa 365 channel on April 16. One of the first few dermatologists from India to foray into Cosmetology and Anti ageing Medicine by training with the finest doctors in UK, USA & France, she shared her knowledge on skin and hair and gave various expert insights in to the causes and remedies of various ailments.
Sthalekar defined good skin as one that is shiny, radiant, blemish-free, has an even tone and smooth contours. Caring for the skin she explained begins with knowing one’s skin type and said, “The skin is as personal as one’s blood group and knowing this can help you personalise and tailor-make your skin care routine.” She then demonstrated how this can be done at home and described the various types of skin, namely – normal, oily, dry, combination and sensitive skins.
Goa being blessed with sunshine for most part of the year, those with oily skin have quite a task at hand. Oily skin is the result of the overproduction of sebum from sebaceous glands which are located under the skin’s surface, explained Sthalekar. Giving a few tips on how to look after oily skin, she said, “Your skin is only a reflection of your internal system and many ailments can be marginally helped with a proper diet. Avoid, sugar, junk foods and even dairy if possible.” Using a gel based cleanser rather than a cream based one, she added would also help manage oily skin. “Another important thing to remember,” she empasised, “is pat your face dry, do not rub your face after a wash. Rubbing the face activates the oil glands and you will again have oil on your face, rebound oiliness as it is known.“
For dry/dehydrated skin, she recommended creamy face washes and gave an important tip to apply a thick moisturizer within three minutes of washing and patting the skin dry. “These emollients create an impermeable barrier and retains the moisture between the cream and your skin,” she explained. She spoke at length about other skin types and their care while giving various home remedies that were easy to use and not a strain on the pocket.
Retinol, glycolic acid and furulic acid are some common and powerful ingredients in skincare products. Sthalekar clarified how these work and the right way to use them. Retinol should be used in the night and furulic acid in the day, she advised.
Many factors affect our skin and the primary one is age. As we age, our skin changes in numerous ways. “The production of collagen and elastin, two essential proteins that keep our skin firm and supple, slows down, resulting in fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging,” said Sthalekar. “Additionally, hormonal changes, lifestyle factors, and environmental stressors can all impact the health and appearance of our skin.” She further stated that skin ageing starts from the mid-twenties and care should hence begin from then.
Other topics that were discussed on the show were tanning/pigmentation, acne and hair-related issues.
