Taking care of your skin in winters

Depending on where you live your experience of winter can vary. The weather can vary from slight chill to extremely cold temperatures to snow. Winter comes with its own share of skin issues like dryness, dandruff, cracked feets etc.

The skin becomes dry due to increased water loss from our skin and for some people it can lead to dandruff and acne breakouts due to compensatory oil production. Ofcourse, every skin behaves differently.

Here are some tips to help you take care of your skin in winters:

Face:

  1. Use a gentle cleanser
  2. Use lukewarm water to wash face
  3. Shift to a more creamy moisturiser
  4. Don’t skip your sunscreen: remember UV rays are still there. Sunscreen is even more important if you staying by the beach or in area where it snows
  5. Limit exfoliating to once or twice a month

 

Scalp:

  1. If you suffer from dandruff, continue using your anti-dandruff shampoo throughout the season
  2. Use lukewarm water to rinse scalp
  3. Use a good conditioner to avoid frizziness
  4. Style your hair at cooler temperature and use a heat protectant

Body:

  1. Use lukewarm water for bathing
  2. Use a gentle soap or may be you can reduce the use of soap to alternate days
  3. MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE as many times as you can. And atleast after bath and before going to bed at night
  4. For sensitive skin wear a layer of cotton shirt or something, to avoid direct contact with woollens

 

Hands and feet:

  1. keep them warm and dry
  2. Moisturize your hand and feet including nails
  3. If you have cracked feet, use a urea-based moisturizer. Visit your dermatologist if needed
  4. You can also soak your feet in warm water for 10 minutes twice a week and exfoliate them gently
  5. Don’t wear damp socks and change them daily

 

This covers most of the basics. If you have any specific queries or want recommendations just drop in a message and we will get back to you.

Have a safe and happy winter.

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Acne/pimples: Tips for managing acne at home from a dermatologist

Acne is a common condition and can be quite frustrating. They sometimes pop up even when we are taking treatment. Here are some tips you can follow to keep them away:

  1. Keep your skin clean: Wash your face twice daily especially at night and after workouts, swimming and sweating. Choose a mild, non-abrasive facewash and use lukewarm or room temperature water to wash your face. Avoid hot water, scrubs, harsh soaps, and loofahs on your face.
  2. Choose the right skin care: Use products according to your skin type. Choose gentle products. Avoid products which irritate or sting your skin. Look for the word non-comedogenic on the labels of moisturizers, sunscreen, and other products. Avoid products which contain oil.
  3. Keep your scalp clean: Shampoo your scalp before it becomes oily. The oil on the scalp can increase acne, especially forehead acne. Also, watch what you’re using on your hair, hair products can also lead to clogging and cause acne.
  4. Don’t change your treatment: Don’t change your anti-acne treatment often. It takes time for medications to work. Give at least 4 to 6 weeks, before assuming that it is not working. Also changing your gels and cream often can irritate and dry out your skin.
  5. Keep your hands off your face: Don’t pop that zit. Always remember it’s easier to treat acne than scarring.
  6. Moisturize and sun protect: Acne treatment almost always focuses on reducing oil production, leading to dryness of the skin. They also make your skin sensitive to sunlight especially products containing retinoids. Always moisturize your skin and use a sunscreen of SPF 30+ or more.
  7. Cut back on food causing acne: Avoid processed food and sugar. It is known to increase acne and skin inflammation.
  8. Lastly, avoid stress and get enough sleep to keep the acne away.

If you have persistent acne, book an appointment with a qualified dermatologist. We can help you get rid of the existing acne, prevent new ones from coming and more importantly, the right treatment will prevent the scarring and pigmentation.

 

Image by Kjerstin Michaela Noomi Sakura Gihle Martinsen Haraldsen from Pixabay

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Acne: Causes, symptoms and management

Acne or pimple is a skin condition, which occurs due to the blockade of pilosebaceous unit/oil glands. It can present with one or more of the following:

  1. Blackheads
  2. Whiteheads
  3. Red pimples
  4. Pus-filled papules/small bumps
  5. Deep and painful nodules or cysts

Acne usually starts around the teenage. However, it can also start later in life. Acne is a multifactorial disease the most important being the surge of sex hormones at puberty, which activate the sebum production in the oil glands leading to its blockage. Other contributing factors include genetics, excess sebum production, inflammation, hormonal fluctuations, stress, lifestyle, and skincare habits. Acne can appear on the face, forehead, chest, back and shoulders.

Acne usually comes and goes by itself. However, if not treated on time, it can lead to permanent scarring and pigmentation.

To prevent acne scars, it is advised to start treatment early and keep acne under control. https://drjayantisingh.com/contact-us/

 

TREATMENT

Management of acne will include a skincare routine, and anti-acne topical medications. Depending on the stage and cause of acne, oral antibiotics or retinoids may need to be taken. In females having acne due to hormonal changes, treatment might differ.

Apart from creams and oral medications, some procedures can be done too, like:

  1. Comedone extraction- black heads and whiteheads are removed under sterile conditions and with proper technique so that scarring and inflammation don’t occur.
  2. Chemical peels: Depending on your acne and skin type, the best suitable chemical peel is chosen. Various chemical peels include Salicylic acid peel, glycolic acid peel, retinoic acid peel or combination peels.
  3. Light therapy: Has been tried with some success
  4. Microneedling radiofrequency/ MNRF: MNRF is shown to reduce the sebum production and size of sebaceous glands. It helps in the treatment of acne as well as acne scars.

 

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Chemical Peels for skin

CHEMICAL PEELS

For ages, people have tried various methods for healthy-looking skin and are in a constant quest for a better one. The earliest description of the use of chemical peeling dates to ancient Egyptian times in 1550 BCE. The modern history of the use of chemical peel began in 1871 with William Tilbury Fox.

After all this time, chemical peel remains one of the commonest, effective, and safe ways to fight signs of early ageing and cutaneous concerns especially photoaging, acne and pigmentary disorders.

There are a lot of chemical peels available in the market of varying compositions, combinations, and strengths.

Here are some most asked and wondered questions answered about chemical peels for skin.

  1. What is a chemical peel?

A chemical peel is a skin resurfacing procedure, in which a chemical is applied to the skin to remove the top layers of skin, resulting in smoother skin. The chemicals used are acids derived from organic products, mainly Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), Beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), Retinol and various others.

Depending on the depth of penetration, chemical peels are classified as: Superficial, Medium and Deep peels.

Common chemical peels used include:

  • Glycolic acid peels
  • Salicylic acid peel
  • Black peel
  • Lactic peel (also known as glow peel)
  • TCA peels
  • Yellow peels
  • Mandelic acid
  • Various combination and sequential peels
  1. What are the uses and benefits of getting a chemical peel done?

Chemical peels can be done to target:

  • Wrinkles
  • Sun damage
  • Pigmentary issues including melasma
  • Skin dullness
  • Uneven tone and texture
  • Acne vulgaris
  • Acne scarring and pigmentation
  • Superficial scars
  • For skin rejuvenation and antiaging

 

  1. How is it performed?

The procedure may vary depending on the chemical peel chosen.

Before getting a chemical peel, you might need to prime your skin for 2 to 4 weeks. It may or may not be needed depending on your skin condition.

On the day of the peel,

  • Your skin is prepped by cleansing your skin.
  • Chemical agent is then applied evenly on your skin for a certain time. The contact time depends on the chemical peel used.
  • During this time, you might feel a little stinging sensation, which is temporary and subsides
  • Some chemical peels may need to be neutralised and may be left on skin for longer time.

Some peels may be left on for a few hours before washing it off

 

  1. What will my skin feel like after a chemical peel?

Just after chemical peel, your skin will feel little tight and slight redness. In next few days it can feel little dry and flaky.

  1. What is the recovery time for a chemical peel?

Recovery times will vary based on the type and strength of the peel. Immediately after the peel, your skin will feel tight and may be a little red. Any visible peeling will be light and fluffy and easily controlled with moisturizer. Peeling usually lasts 3-5 days, depending on the actual peel treatment.

  1. Why I did not have visible peeling?

Visible peeling depends on the peel used and individual skin condition. Regardless of degree of peeling, the skin turn-over rate is increased, resulting in skin tone and texture improvement.

  1. How often can I get a chemical peel done?

The frequency of chemical peels depends on the type of peel and the condition of your skin. Superficial peels can be done as often as every 2-4 weeks.

  1. How many sittings are needed?

Usually, 6 to 8 sitting. But it can vary depending on the peel used and your skin condition.

  1. How long do the results last?

After initial 5 to 6 sittings, one needs maintenance sittings every 3 to 6 months depending upon the condition.

  1. Risks and side effects?

Certain individuals are more prone to side-effects than others, including darker skin individuals and who have history of keloid formation.

Immediate side-effects can include: redness, irritation, itching, swelling and blistering.

Delayed side effects can include: prolonged erythema, and hyper pigmentation, if there is excessive sun exposure. Rarely, skin infection, if medium or deep peels are used.

proper maintenance of the skin after a chemical peel, and avoiding excess sun exposure for the first several weeks afterward to maximize results and prevent complications

  1. Are there any side-effects in the longer run?

Chemical peels are absolutely safe in the longer run, they are beneficial due to their rejuvenating and antiaging effects.

  1. What should you avoid before a chemical peel?

Avoid getting any salon facials and cosmetic procedure done. Avoid any laser treatments on the area to be treated.

Avoid any retinoids, AHAs and BHAs, scrubs or any other exfoliating agent, 2 to 3 days before your appointment.

  1. What should you do before a chemical peel?

Start moisturizing and dedicatedly follow sun protection including use of a sunscreen.

  1. How should I care for my skin after getting a chemical peel?
  • Avoid the Sun for one week and use sunscreen regularly
  • Avoid scratching the skin as it is very sensitive
  • Use hydrating moisturizer
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Avoid hot shower baths, hot tubs and saunas for next 2 days
  • Avoid strenuous exercise for next 2 days
  • Use your skin care products and make up as advised by the doctor
  • Avoid Waxing, tweezing and depilation for next 5 to 7 days
  1. May I exercise after the peel?

Avoid strenuous exercise for next 2 days

  1. Who should avoid a chemical peel?
  • Individuals with history of an allergic reaction to a peeling agent
  • Ongoing infection, open wounds in the area of the peel
  • Recent isotretinoin use in the last 6 months (particularly relevant to medium and deep peels)
  • Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Patients with psoriasis, connective tissue diseases, atopic dermatitis, exposure to radiation therapy, or who had recent facial surgery are generally not candidates for chemical peeling.
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Holi Skin Care Tips

Colour is what you make it – Genevieve Kreuger

HOLI SKIN CARE TIPS: 

Holi is a festival of colours and water. It is celebrated and enjoyed all over India and now even in other countries. However, it is a tricky condition for our skin, hair, and nail, as it involves exposure to lots of colours and chemicals.

The harsh chemicals in colour can cause:

  • Dry skin
  • Dry hair
  • Brittle nails
  • Allergic/irritant contact dermatitis
  • Flare of Atopic dermatitis, acne, dandruff, psoriasis, and many other skin ailments

So here are the tips or things you should do while you get ready to splash that colour.

Starting with the pre-Holi week:

  1. Avoid getting any facials, lasers, chemical peel or any skin treatment as it can make your skin sensitive to external factors, esp colours.
  2. Avoid using products having glycolic acid, salicylic acid, retinoids, azelaic acid and other such actives on your face.
  3. Start hydrating your skin and use moisturizer regularly. You can continue using hyaluronic acid-based products.
  4. Don’t forget your sunscreen.
  5. Use a gentle cleanser. Avoid any scrubbing or rubbing of skin.

On the day of Holi:

  1. Choose herbal colours.
  2. Avoid wearing contact lenses. Wear your spectacles or sunglasses for the protection of your eyes.
  3. Gently wash off colours as soon as possible
  4. Wear full-sleeved clothes. That will protect your skin.
  5. Moisturize your skin well. If you have dry to normal skin, use coconut oil/liquid paraffin or thick moisturizer all over your body and face. It will form a barrier and protective layer between your skin and colours. If you have oily skin, use a good moisturizer all over.
  6. Wear sunscreen over exposed body parts, preferably a waterproof one with an SPF of 50.
  7. Protect your lips by layering them with a thick layer of white petroleum jelly.
  8. Coat your eyelashes and eyelids with white petroleum jelly
  9. Oil your hair with coconut oil, it will nourish the hair shaft and again decrease the absorption of colours and protect them from the harmful effects of colour.
  10. Tie your hair into a braid or bun and cover them with a Dupatta or Bandana.
  11. Do not forget your nails. Apply a coat of nail paint, to protect your nail plate. Also, coat your cuticles with white petroleum jelly
  12. In case of eye exposure, rinse your eyes with cold water for 10 minutes. Do not rub your eyes.

Post-Holi care:

  1. Cleansing: Double cleanse your skin i.e. with an oil-based cleanser or baby oil followed by a water-based gentle cleanser. It will remove the deep-seated colour from your pores.
  2. Apply a moisturizer immediately after bathing over damp skin on the face and all over the body.
  3. Use plenty of conditioner after shampooing your hair.
  4. If you have acne, use Clindamycin gel. Avoid retinoid and Benzoyl peroxide for a few days, till your skin recovers.
  5. For mild irritation or rashes, you can apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream. You can also take a non-sedative, anti-allergic tablet like Levocetirizine.
  6. In case of persistent allergy or rashes, visit your dermatologist.
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All About BOTOX

What is Botulinum toxin or BOTOX?

Botulinum toxin is a neuromodulator protein created from a naturally occurring bacterium called Clostridium botulinum, which when injected into the muscle relaxes the muscle imbalance and is primarily used to treat fine wrinkles. BOTOX by Allergan is the most commonly known brand. Dysport, Xeomin and Stunnox are other botulinum toxin available. They differ in the number of units required and the pricing.

For query Book a consultation.

 

How does it work?

Botox works by blocking the nerve signals to prevent the treated muscles from contracting, allowing the skin to remain smooth and unwrinkled.

 

What areas can be treated with it?

It can be used for treating: frown lines, forehead lines, crows feet, brow lift, bunny lines, softening the dimpling of the chin, slimming the face and for platysmal bands.

It is also used in of excessive sweating and migraine as well. Book a consultation

 

What happens during the procedure of Botulinum toxin/BOTOX?

Botulinum toxin or Botox is injected with a very fine hypodermic needle into the muscle to be relaxed. It is a lunch time procedure and you can return to work right after the appointment.

 

Does it hurt?

Botox treatments are quick and are not considered painful. There might be minimal discomfort during the injection process, but it subsides right after. Though patients are able to tolerate it, a topical anaesthetic cream and icing can be done.

 

When will I see the results?

Every patient is different, usually the results can be seen in 3 to 7 days after the injection. For few, it may take upto 2 weeks.

 

How long does the effect of botox last?

Typically you can expect the results of Botox to last from 3 to 6 months. The results depend on the amount of botox injected, age, skin elasticity and wrinkle depth.

 

Does it need to be repeated?

Its effects last for 4 to 6 months. You should wait for at least 4 months before getting injected again. With repeat treatment for lines and wrinkles, the muscle may thin, leading to longer-lasting results.

 

Is it safe?

Botox is FDA-approved as a safe treatment for reversing wrinkles. Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have certain neurological diseases should not receive Botox treatment.

 

What are the possible side effects of botulinum toxin?

Side effects if any, tend to be mild and temporary. After receiving injections, people can experience:

  • Swelling
  • Redness
  • Soreness
  • Bruising
  • Mild headache (uncommon)
  • Weakness in a neighbouring muscle, leading to a temporarily droopy brow or eyelid (rare)
  • Signs and symptoms of botulism, including problems breathing, swallowing, or speaking (very rare)

 

Do’s and don’ts after botox?

  • Remain upright for 4 hours after injection
  • Do not receive facial/ laser treatments or microdermabrasion after Botox injections for at least 10 days.
  • Don’t exaggerate facial expressions in injected areas for 2-3 hours after injection.
  • Do not wear a headband or hat if you have had injections between the brows or in the forehead
  • Don’t bend over
  • Refrain from exercise for 24 hours following injections. Walking is alright.
  • Do not massage or manipulate injected areas for 24 hours after injections.  Washing your face is fine.
  • Botulinum toxin will gradually take effect over 24-72 hours with an optimum result at 2 weeks.
  • Schedule a follow-up appointment 2 weeks after your injection.

 

What is the safety record for this procedure?

Botox is an FDA-approved treatment and has been there for more than 20 years. If you are under the care of a qualified and experienced dermatologist, it is unlikely you will experience any untoward effect.

 

What to tell your dermatologist?

  • All the medications you take
  • All herbs, vitamins, minerals
  • If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy
  • Previously done cosmetic procedures or surgeries

 

Questions to ask before the procedure?

  • Expertise
  • Who will give me the injections
  • How much will the treatment cost
  • What results can I expect
  • Do I have any higher risk of complications
  • Discuss other treatment options and which will be better for you. Combination treatment provide better results
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Skin Care Routine

A simple, three-step approach that includes cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting your skin can help in keeping your skin healthy. This is the least and a must, you should do for your skin.

  1. Cleanse your skin: before applying skin care products in the morning and before going to bed. A cleanser or facewash removes dirt, oil, and debris, and helps in preventing clogged pores and breakouts. To prevent irritation, limit face washing to twice a day and after sweating.
  2. Moisturizer: use moisturizer on damp skin. Moisturizer traps water in your skin, helping it look brighter and younger. Keeps your skin barrier and its protective function intact. It is important to moisturize your face, body, and lips, even if you have oily skin.
  3. Use sun protection to help prevent wrinkles, age spots, and skin cancer. Whether you seek shade, wear sun-protective clothing, or apply sunscreen, sun protection is an important part of your daily skin care. Apply sunscreen to all skin not covered by clothing. The SPF should be 30+ and above. Also look for a PA factor of +++ or above.
  4. Consider using dual-function products, such as a moisturizer with sunscreen. Make sure the sunscreen is broad-spectrum and has an SPF of 30 or higher, and remember to reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
  5. Read the label. Look for products for your skin type that say “non-comedogenic” or “won’t clog pores.”

To maximize results and minimize potential irritations, choose products that will work best for your skin type.

Skin types

  • Sensitive skin may sting or burn after product use
  • Normal skin is clear and not sensitive
  • Dry skin is flaky, itchy, or rough
  • Oily skin is shiny and greasy
  • Combination skin is dry in some areas and oily in others

Before starting any skin care routine, know your skin type. Our skin type can change over a period of time and according to lifestyle.

To know your skin type Book an appointment

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Hair Loss

What is hair loss?

Hair loss also known as alopecia can affect just your scalp or body. It can be temporary or permanent. It can be the result of heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions or a normal part of aging. It is seen in both men and women.

What is normal?

The average adult head has about 100,000 to 150,000 hairs. A loss of upto 100 hair a day is normal. So, finding a few stray hairs on your hairbrush is not necessarily cause for alarm.
At any one time, about 90% of the hair on a person’s scalp is growing. Each follicle has its own life cycle that can be influenced by age, disease, and a wide variety of other factors.

This life cycle is divided into three phases:

  • Anagen — active hair growth that generally lasts between two to eight years
  • Catagen — transitional hair growth that lasts two to three weeks
  • Telogen — resting phase that lasts about two to three months; at the end of the resting phase the hair is shed and a new hair replaces it and the growing cycle starts again.

Signs and symptoms of hair loss?

Gradual thinning on top of head. This is the most common type of hair loss, affecting people as they age. In men, hair often begins to recede at the hairline on the forehead. Women typically have a broadening of the part in their hair.

Sudden loosening of hair. An illness, child birth or stress or sudden shock can cause hair to suddenly start to fallout. Handfuls of hair may come out when combing or washing your hair or even after gentle tugging. This type of hair loss usually causes overall hair thinning but is temporary.

Circular or patchy bald spots. Some people lose hair in circular or patchy bald spots on the scalp, beard or eyebrows. Your skin may become itchy or painful before the hair falls out. It could be infectious or non-infectious.

Diffuse hair loss: Nutritional deficiencies and medical conditions like hypothyroidism can lead to hair loss. Certain blood tests need to be done to diagnose them and treat the underlying cause.

Full-body hair loss. Some conditions and medical treatments, such as chemotherapy for cancer, can result in the loss of hair all over your body. The hair usually grows back.

Hair loss with scarring: Diseases like lichen planopilaris, Lupus erythematous, frontal fibrosing alopecia, untreated infections can lead to permanent hairloss.

Hair loss is one of the most common disorders that dermatologists diagnose and treat.

Causes of hair loss:

  1. Hereditary hair loss also known as male/female pattern hair loss or Androgenetic alopecia:
    It means that you’ve inherited genes that cause your hair follicles to shrink and eventually stop growing hair. Shrinking can begin as early as your teens, but it usually starts later in life. In women, the first noticeable sign of hereditary hair loss is usually overall thinning or a widening part. When a man has hereditary hair loss, the first sign is often a receding hairline or bald spot at the top of his head.
  2. Alopecia areata:
    Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease. It means that it develops when the body’s immune system attacks hair follicles/roots causing hair loss. You can lose hair anywhere on your body, including your scalp, eyelashes or eyebrows.
  3. Cancer treatment
    If you receive chemotherapy or have radiation treatment to your head or neck, you may lose all (or most of) your hair within a few weeks of starting treatment.
  4. After Childbirth, illness, or other stressors
    A few months after giving birth, recovering from an illness, or having an operation, you may notice a lot more hairs in your brush. This can also happen after a stressful time in your life, such as a divorce or death of a loved one.
  5. Hair care
    If you color, perm, or relax your hair, you could be damaging your hair. Over time, this damage can lead to hair loss.
  6. Hairstyle pulls on your scalp
    If you often wear your hair tightly pulled back, the continual pulling can lead to permanent hair loss. The medical name for this condition is traction alopecia.
  7. Hormonal imbalance
    Hormonal imbalance like hypothyroidism, Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) lead to hairfall and can be taken care by addressing the underlying health issues.
  8. Scalp infection:
    Bacterial and fungal infection can lead to inflamed areas on your scalp and hairloss.
  9. Medication:
    Certain medicines can lead to hair loss
  10. Pulling your hair
    Some people pull on their hair, often to relieve stress. They may be unaware that they’re pulling their hair. The medical term for this is trichotillomania.
  11. Scarring alopecia
    This condition develops when inflammation destroys hair follicles. Once destroyed, a hair follicle cannot grow hair. Diverse conditions can cause this. The medical name for this group of conditions is cicatricial alopecia.
  12. Nutritional deficiencies:
    Like low iron, Vit B12, Vit D and other deficiencies can lead to hair and is completely reversible.

Do I need to see a dermatologist about hair loss?

Dermatologists specialize in treating the skin, hair, and nails. They have the expertise and tools to help them get to the root cause of a person’s hair loss.
The sooner you find the cause, the better your outcome. The less hair you lose, the more successful treatment (or prevention) tends to be.

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