Seven tips for sun protection

As a Dermatologist in Bangalore, I routinely see a rush of patients suffering from sunburn and sun allergy during summer time. Bangalore despite its pleasant weather boasts of a very high UV Index (The strength of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation is expressed as a Solar UV Index or Sun Index). No doubt Sun protection is my area of priority when it comes to treating sun allergy and sunburn. I would like to share few tips on sunprotection to be followed daily in Bangalore.

1. Protect your skin with clothing, and don’t forget to wear a hat with minimum 4 inch brim that protects your face, neck and ears, and a pair of UV protective sunglasses
2. UV protective sunglasses are a must
3. Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm when it’s sunny
4. When choosing a sunscreen look for a high protection SPF (SPF 30 or more) to protect against UVB, and the UVA circle logo and/or 4 or 5 UVA stars to protect against UVA.
5. Apply plenty of sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going out in the sun, and reapply every two hours and straight after swimming, towel-drying and strenuous exercise. 
6. Sunscreens should not be used as an alternative to clothing and shade, rather they offer additional protection. No sunscreen will provide 100% protection. Keep babies and young children out of direct sunlight as far as possible. 
7. It may be necessary to take Vitamin D supplement tablets as strictly avoiding sunlight can reduce Vitamin D levels. (You should ask your doctor or dermatologist Dr. Divya Sharma about this)

Dr Divya Sharma is a practicing dermatologist at Whitefield Bangalore. The data shared in this blog is her personal opinion based on her knowledge and experience. The author is not responsible for any adverse event that arises out of following blog opinion

Hair loss treatment not working? Losing hair or losing peace of mind

I see a lot of patients with an agonizing query- I am losing a lot of hair these days, what is wrong with me? I have tried so many things but no hair loss prevention treatment is working? I am losing my peace of mind.

What needs to be understood is that the hair is a mirror of the inner ecosystem of our body.

Q- I am losing lot of hair these days? What is wrong with me? Is it the borewell water?

Ans – Losing hair in bunches does not happen because of the wrong shampoo or using borewell water. In such cases a comprehensive blood profile and thorough physical examination to rule out deficiencies or disturbances in metabolism should be done. Hair loss of this kind is generally referred as ‘Telogen Effluvium’ and is reversible and seldom leads to baldness.

Q- Why I am getting bald at such an early age? My father started balding in late 40’s?

Ans- A rise in sedentary lifestyle and growing obesity especially around the abdomen is becoming increasingly common in the younger population. Male – pattern baldness is seen in younger age groups now. It is also seen as a risk factor for heart problems and Diabetes. Doctors sometimes do not emphasise this important fact. Simple changes in lifestyle like exercise and following with other hair a regimented diet (preferably recommended by a qualified dietician) is mandatory with other mandatory treatment for hair fall. This surely can ARREST the balding process.

Q- Which Diet would you recommend for Hair loss?

Ans- I generally recommend a qualified dietician/nutritionist but in general a diet:

• High in protein and
• High in essential fatty acids is very helpful.

Tuna , Sardines , olives and avocadoes are a rich source of the latter, oats, lettuce, parsnips, asparagus,  strawberry, cabbage, cucumber, celery, cauliflower and green leafy vegetables also prevent hair breakage. A nutritionist should plan these food items depending on your lifestyle ( whether sedentary or active) and metabolic status( diabetic / non diabetic) in conjunction with the Dermatologist.

Q – Are herbal or professional shampoos (the  salon ones) better than the regular shampoos to arrest hair loss?

Ans- Natural surfactants ( as claimed by herbal or organic shampoos)  come from plants such as sarsaparilla, soapwort, soap bark, and ivy agave. They have excellent lathering capabilities, but are poor cleansers thus must be present at high concentration. Usually, they are combined with other synthetic detergents. The so called ‘organic product’ hence remains as a marketing gimmick.

Then we have these special shampoos designed for use with hair coloring procedures are generally only available to licensed cosmetologists, as they are not appropriate for daily cleansing. Other than for colored hair , I do not recommend professional salon shampoos as they have  high concentration of surfactants and hence colored hair specific shampoos are inappropriate for daily use.

Your dermatologist is best placed to help you choose the best shampoo after carefully understanding what works best for you and your hair

Q- Any dos and don’ts to prevent hair loss?

Ans- Like everything else in life- prevention is better than cure.

Dos:

• ·         Start hair fall arrest early, it works best- physically (looks), emotionally and financially. See a qualified dermatologist.
• ·         Maintain good hair hygiene
• ·         Assess your dietary and other habits and make healthy changes.

Don’ts:

• ·         In general you must avoid chemical treatments to hair including the herbal ones which are designed to change the way your hair looks.
• ·         Avoid salon treatments or alternate therapies which have no proven scientific evidence

For hairloss key is to act early and prevention. In the end remember hair is a reflection of inner ecosystem and in most cases hair loss can be arrested. 

Angeline Jolie, Vin Diesel look extremely attractive without hair

However, your physical attribute should never be a cause of stress. There are many renowned personalities including in showbiz who have excelled and look extremely handsome/beautiful without hair. Talk to your dermatologist if hairloss is bothering you.

Stay skin healthy and skin wise!!

Dr Divya Sharma is a practicing dermatologist at Bangalore. The data shared in this blog is her personal opinion based on her knowledge and experience. The author is not responsible for any adverse event that arises out of following blog opinion

8 womanly tips to a beautiful YOU!

Woman is one of the most beautiful creation of nature. Her life is a canvas full of shades of love in its vivid forms. A daughter, sister, wife and a mother. Bestowed with the highest honors of motherhood, a woman strongly anchors the household and family together. But in playing multiple roles, sometimes she forgets to feed her very own existence . On this day of celebrating womanhood, I want to encourage all womenfolk to take up charge of their own selves. Here are a few tips to a beautiful and a wonderful ‘You’      

      

     1. It all starts with fitness

The real secret to a glowing face is the glory of complete physical and mental fitness. A stroll in the morning for half an hour followed by deep breathing sessions in the garden of your apartment complex can be the most refreshing start to your day. Remember this makes a huge difference in the long run.

   2. Cleansing – toning – moisturizing

A good non –comedogenic, fragrance and parabens free cleanser followed by an alcohol free toner followed by a good moisturiser after twenty minutes of application of former is the minimum you can do as a daily routine.

3. Sunscreen every day keeps ageing away

Daily application of sunscreen with minimum SPF of 15 (Ethnic skin ) upto 50 ( fairer skin type) twenty minutes before going out everyday is a must –have on your dressing table. Donot forget  to apply it before the lunch trips to your son’s school  or bus stop.

4. Hair conditioning

A good hair conditioner containg hydrolysed proteins after head wash at-least once a week.

5. The night cream

A good anti ageing cream with retinol ,  anti ageing peptides after washing face is a good routine to follow. Remember every woman after achieving 30 years should start the night regime. A good serum containing Vitamin C is an added benefit.

6. Anti – Oxidants

A vitamin supplement containing omega three fatty acids and Calcium -Vitamin D should be on the menu everyday.

7. Genital hygiene

Simple cleaning with hot water and gentle soap at bath is enough for cleaning the intimate area. Addition of antiseptic agents and vaginal douching is a strict no as they destroy the good bacteria which aid in natural cleaning and maintaining vaginal health. Cleaning should be done front to back side. Cotton – Linen undergarments are desirable.

8. Keep a ‘ me – time’

      Me time- when you do what you love to do . It could be listening     to a beautiful song, paint or dance to your favourite tune. You are   more than the roles you play.

A Great thanks to all the women who have been a part of our journey and make this world a better place to live. HAPPY WOMANHOOD TO ALL. 

Stay skin healthy and skin wise

Dr Divya Sharma is a practicing dermatologist at Bangalore. The data shared in this blog is her personal opinion based on her knowledge and experience. The author is not responsible for any adverse event that arises out of following blog opinion

Top 5 food nutrients for skin and hair: Part 1

Skin is the window to general health and well being of a person. It is the largest organ of our body and consequently undergoes not only the external assaults but also internal ageing. Our shelves are decorated with so many latest cosmetics but little do we realize that as the case with the rest of our body , it can be more helped ’inside out’ rather than ’outside in’. 

While we live a fast paced life in Bangalore let us try to make a few easy and natural changes in our diet to achieve a flawless complexion.

I plan to take you across the healthier food ingredients which can do wonders along with the basic skin care regimens. I will put across this post in two parts 

Vitalife for the skin – Vitamin C

    a)   This cosmenutrient is an important ingredient of the very backbone of our skin known as collagen. It is shrinkage of this collagen which is responsible for the fine lines and wrinkling with ageing.

    b)   This nutrient prevents age spots , tones the skin and is preventive against blemishes and dark patches known as melasma.(Remember grandma’s remedy of lime dash on the face for skin glow)

    c)   Vit C helps in Iron absorption deficiency of which causes hair loss especially in women.

    d)   Consult your Dermatologist to include a suitable preparation of Topcal Vitamin C serum as a part of your anti ageing regimen. As home based preparations are unlikely to be helpful.

   e) Sources:  Include more of lemon , amla , guava , black currant , chilli pepper or parsley in your diet as this is not formed inside . It has to be supplemented always.

Vitamin E  - The policemen of Skin

Also known as tocopherols , these compounds protect our skin against the main culprit for ageing known as free radicals. It is a naturally occurring antioxidant alongwith Vitamin C and both of them synergistically protects against sun induced damage. 
Sources:It is richly available in vegetables, vegetable oils like wheat germ oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil and seeds, corn, soy and some sorts of meat. Various cream formulations are avialable containing Vitamin C and E which can go a log way in sun protection and delay in ageing.

Vitamin A – banes Ageing

Derivatives of this vitamin include Carotene , lycopene , astaxanthin and Retinol all of which are sun protective and also play a role in delaying wrinkles. 
Sources: Carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, mangos and papaya are some examples of β-carotene containing fruits and vegetables which can be served as salads or soups. Lycopene is a bright red carotene and carotenoid pigment and phytochemical found in tomatoes and other red fruits and vegetables, such as red carrots, watermelons and papayas (but not strawberries or cherries). While Astaxanthin is being formulated in creams and lotions which claim to delay ageing.Although supplements containing these Vitamins should not be taken without medical advice , these food items can be given a  healthy additive to our diet regimens.

In Part 2 of this post I will talk about the Flavinoids and  Vitamin D . Till then keep glowing and take care of your skin to remain Skin healthy and Skin wiser!!