Dermatology Decoded

Whether due to the growing influence of social media, the societal pressure to achieve that flawless ‘lit-from-within’ complexion, the influx of international and homegrown beauty brands, or a combination of all of these, the significance of a good skincare routine has become more prominent than ever before. However, if you’re a newcomer to the beauty scene, the sheer variety of products, routines, advice and experts out there can be very overwhelming and intimidating. Worse, it can cause you to unnecessarily complicate your skincare regimen with little to show for it. To help simplify the process, here are some of the most common but pertinent skin-related challenges and how you can address them:

1. Acne

Acne impacts individuals across various age groups. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during puberty and adulthood, can lead to breakouts with more severe forms such as cystic acne resulting in deep, painful lesions. Available treatment options include OTC products such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, as well as prescription medications that include retinoids and antibiotics. Maintaining a simple skincare regimen is important—less is more. Use mild cleansers and oil-free moisturisers in your daily routine. Considering diet and lifestyle factors is important as sugary foods, whey protein and stress can cause acne outbreaks.

2. Eczema and sensitive skin

Eczema is characterized by itchy, red patches on the skin that can sometimes be oozy. It is frequently triggered by factors such as harsh soaps, fragrances or stress. To prevent flare-ups, start by identifying and staying away from triggers. The backbone of eczema management is maintaining the skin barrier, which can be easily done through regular moisturisation. Choose creams that are enriched with calming components such as ceramides or oatmeal. Home remedies such as cool compresses can provide relief from irritation; however, more severe cases might require prescription creams for effective treatment.

3. Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation frequently results from excessive sun exposure or hormonal fluctuations. Daily application of sunscreen and the use of antioxidant-rich products, such as those containing vitamin C, are the most effective prevention methods. For those dealing with dark spots, various options are available: topical treatments such as prescription creams containing retinoids or hydroquinone can be effective, alongside professional procedures such as chemical peels and laser therapy. It is important to identify and treat the cause rather than just lighten the pigmentation, since it will keep recurring otherwise.

4. Sun damage

Continued exposure to the sun can accumulate, resulting in wrinkles, dark spots and an increased risk of skin cancer. There is a common misconception that individuals with darker skin tones do not require sunscreen. However, this is a myth. Everyone needs to apply sunscreen every day, regardless of the season or weather conditions. To combat sun damage, utilising products that contain antioxidants and retinoids can be beneficial, while treatments like chemical peels or laser therapy may enhance the skin's texture and tone.

5. Ageing

Over time, our skin experiences a natural decline in collagen production, resulting in the appearance of wrinkles and sagging. To combat the early signs of aging, incorporating products that contain retinoids and antioxidants is essential, as they stimulate collagen production and reduce the oxidative damages caused by everyday pollution, stress, smoke and sun exposure. The most effective and cheapest anti-ageing interventions are exercise, a balanced diet and adequate sleep. To achieve more pronounced results, procedures such as Botox, fillers, skin boosters and laser therapy can effectively reduce wrinkles and rejuvenate the skin.

Caring for your skin should be a simple but regular, concise but precise process. Seeking the right interventions – whether advice from an expert or targeted products – can go a long way in improving the efficacy of your skincare and yield lasting benefits.

Dr. Agni Bose

Guest Author Consultant Dermatologist and Dermatosurgeon