Are you spending hundreds of dirhams each month on anti-ageing creams and serums and still struggling to get soft, smooth, blemish-free and glowing skin? You are not alone, millions of men and women across the globe are fuelling the $445-billion (Dh1.63 trillion) beauty business
Obsessed with looking good
Not too long ago, only celebrities battled with constant scrutiny, paparazzi and photos but now everybody is in the spotlight, either being viewed on a daily/hourly basis.
These days, in the age of social media and the obsession with Insta pics and Facebook selfies, wearing smart clothes or looking after your hair is not enough. More and more men and women are obsessed with looking after their body, sporting fake tans, waxing, contouring, using moisturisers, creams, foundations and a whole slew of cosmetics to get the perfect look.
This obsession with looks has also led to beauty dysmorphia, which causes a warped sense of self-image. There is no clinical diagnosis but the symptoms lie in coveting the extra-pillowy lips, crease-free skin, perfect nose and killer cleavage.
Popular skin treatments
For those scared to go under the knife, there are quite a few non-invasive skin rejuvenation therapies and products that promise to improve the skin’s overall appearance. These skin treatments are supposed to be safe, comfortable and effective without injections or surgery.
“Patients need to be very careful about the treatment they choose,” says Dr Anwar al Hammadi, Consultant Dermatologist and President of Emirate Dermatologist Society. “They should consult a certified dermatologist to discuss the best treatment for their particular ailment.
“The treatment for each patient varies according to their skin tone, age, gender, lifestyle and their particular problems. It is important to tailor the treatment to skin types and mix the treatments.”
Dr Hammadi says the biggest concern with skin treatments is its side effects. Post treatment care is vital and a lot of patients tend to ignore simple tips such as avoiding direct sun, using sunscreen when going out or applying the creams for the duration prescribed by the dermatologist. Failure to do so causes pigmentation or skin discolouration.
Common skin treatments in the UAE
Resurfacing
These are chemical peels and/or laser treatments for resurfacing the skin to stimulate new collagen to grow. This improves the skin’s texture and tone to fight fine lines and wrinkles.
Skin tightening
This treatment uses lasers to firm up loose skin around the eyes, nose and jaw to regain a more youthful, contoured appearance. The skin tightening treatment creates deep heating, which facilitates the skin’s remodelling.
Skin colour treatments
These can help diminish superficial pigmented and vascular marks. It will even the skin colour and reduce tiny blood vessels.
Acne treatment
It uses salicylic acid treatments to exfoliate the skin’s surface to help inhibit the proliferation of acne bacteria and reduce oily complexions.
Laser hair removal treatment
It uses low heat levels to damage the hair follicle. It also decreases pain and lowers risk of side effects.
Eating healthily for a beautiful skin
Maintaining a balanced diet rich in fibre is incredibly important in ensuring you stay healthy. Investing time in planning and eating nutritious foods goes a long way. Here are some handy information that will help you shop better and smarter the next time you are at the supermarket
Zeina Younes, Clinical Diabetes Dietitian Specialist at the Dubai Diabetes Centre, DHA says a few lifestyle changes can go a long way in improving your skin health and over all well-being. Here are a few tips
• Add more vegetables, fruits, vegetable oils, nuts and protein to your diet.
• Sleep well, eat well, exercise and avoid stress.
• Reduce the intake of chemicals in processed foods, trans-fat and chemical compounds in dried foods as they speed up the process of ageing.
• Also reduce the intake of fast foods as they are full of sugar, which are empty in nutrients and fill of calories.
• Cut down or stop smoking and sun exposure as it tends to drain vitamin C from the skin leaving it vulnerable to damage.
• Drink more water as it flushes out toxins and helps rehydrate the skin and reduce dryness and irritation.
