Experts Weigh In On Common Issues Faced By Indian Skin & How To Treat Them
When we think of Korean skin, we instantly think of dewy, dumpling skin. When we think of Japanese skin, we instantly think of youthful, clear skin. Here's a question for you - what's the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of Indian skin? Diversity, right? From colour to texture, Indian skin is different is its own unique way. To help you understand Indian skin better and the common struggles it faces, we've looped in Dr Jamuna Pai, Cosmetic Physician, Author and Founder - SkinLab Clinics and Dr Karishma Kagodu, Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon, Founder - Dr Karishma Aesthetics
What Are The Common Struggles Indian Skin Faces?
According to Dr Jamuna Pai, the common skin concerns faced by Indians as we observe are acne, uneven skin tone with pigmentation (due to the melanin content) or tanning and dull & dry skin. Dry skin makes the skin look darker, duller and more crinkled. It also limits the skin from reflecting light which otherwise a healthy skin does. Not to forget, the sun rays can be very harmful to the skin because of the UV radiation that causes photodamage and fine lines and wrinkles.
Dr Karishma Kagodu has a slightly different take on this, she believes that Indians have thicker and sometimes more oily skin than that of people from the western world countries. The Indian skin is more prone to tanning but less prone to getting sunburnt like the westerners. Other issues like pigmentary disorders and acne (In adults and teenagers) are also very commonly see. Due to heavy air pollution, one could also experience allergy, eczema and rashes. Not to mention, people living in polluted and high-temperature parts of the country, may experience frequent breakouts, heat rashes, whiteheads and blackheads. Indian skin is also prone to infections like pediculosis capitis, scabies, pyoderma, molluscum contagiosum, warts, herpes simplex infection, candidiasis, tinea versicolor (small discoloured patches may be lighter or darker on the skin).
How To Look After Indian Skin?
Dr Jamuna Pai can't stress enough on the benefits of sunscreen. Applying generous amounts of sunscreen daily during the day on the face, neck and hands too, even when indoors is vital. Sunscreen wards off the harmful UV radiation. These rays, as well as the blue light emitted from our mobile phones, laptops and other devices, are harmful to our skin and can also cause early signs of ageing. If you're dealing with dry skin, moisturizing it twice a day will keep it well hydrated and healthy. Dr Karishma Kagodu also adds that to treat dry skin (especially on the hands and feet) it's wise to invest in medicated creams and petroleum-based products. As far as protecting the skin from the sun, she recommends wearing sunscreen, sunglasses and a scarf before stepping out.
For the bedtime skincare routine, Dr Jamuna Pai suggests that one should remove all their makeup and apply skincare products that have active ingredients in them. After all, active ingredients are the ones capable of fighting or reversing the signs of ageing, pigmentation and dehydration. Thus, leaving your skin healthy and glowing!
And finally, Dr Karishma Kagodu, concludes by saying that it is better to consult an expert skin specialist/ Cosmetologist to understand your skin type and give you the best advice. Especially for acne-prone skin types - use of gel-based sunscreens/ soap-free cleansers and a non-comedogenic fragrance-free moisturizer is recommended.
To treat other medical skin disorders like psoriasis and eczema, it's better to seek advice and treatment from a skin specialist. After all, understanding your skin is the first step to healing it.
Featured Image: Shutterstock
