Dr Neetika Paul breaks down skincare into easy to follow, effective steps that we love and promise to follow. Glowing skin, here we come!
1. “Use a gentle cleanser appropriate for your skin type.”
Dry skin needs a cleanser with a moisturizing base and what better than oil based cleansers that mimic the natural oils on your skin. For oily skin, look for a cleanser that removes excessive oil without over drying the skin. AN oil-free, foaming cleanser like Neutrogena Oil-Free Cleanser works well for oily skin. Combination skin requires a cleanser right that is not too greasy or too drying.
2. “Apply sunscreen with an SPF 30 multiple times during the day.”
Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure all over the whole face and neck. Reapply every four hours if you are out in the sun. If you are sweating or are swimming, reapply every two hours. As a general measure, you need at least one table spoon of sunscreen for your face and one shot glass full of sunscreen for the body. Look for a sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection. UVB is strongest during summer and effects the outer skin layer, causing sunburns with excessive exposure. UVA on the other hand is not seasonal and effects deeper skin layers causing long term, extensive damage. Don’t forget your lips, a lip balm with SPF is a must-have.
3. “Add Vitamin C serum of 6-10% strength once a day to your skin care routine.”
The antioxidant properties of Vitamin E are well documented but Vitamin C is a the new kid on the block. It helps protect our skin against the harmful rays of the sun and is essential for collagen production which inturn keeps our skin firm and supple. Additionally it also helps with rosacea, hyper pigmentation and fading age spots. If anti-aging is your skin care concern, then Vitamin C is a must in your daily routine. It can be used as a part of the skin routine during day, followed by sunscreen or as part of your night time regime by itself or along with other creams
4. “Use a moisturizer every night.”
While you rest your skin repairs itself and readies itself to face the challenges the next day brings. It is during the peak hours, between 1 AM and 4 AM that our skin cells are at their active best. Introducing any skin protection aids at this hour increases absorption and effective utilization of the product. Hydration is our skin’s most important need so a night time routine with a moisturizer should take care of replenshing your skin at night. A moisturizer with retinol or hyaluronic acid brings in additional anti-aging benefits.
5. “Consider visiting a dermatologist after the age of 25 to maintain your skin’s health.”
It is best to start treatments after the age of 25 years to delay signs of ageing and prevent pigmentation. So make sure you pay a vist to your dermatologist before embarking on any skincare routine.
