Get that glow

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If a radiant skin that sparkles with health and care is all you wish for on your big day, then Dermatologist, skin physician and laser specialist Dr Minal Patwardhan Andrade has your back. Here she talks about what it takes to get that precious bridal glow

Diet? Check. Hydration? Check. Weight loss? Check. Glowing skin? Not really.

If you can relate to this checklist and constantly wonder why your complexion continues to lack that brilliance, then it’s about time you paid attention to the reasons and factors that could be dimming your light.

Notice that I have mentioned reasons and factors in plural? Yes, a dull complexion is a product of multiple reasons. While some are environmental – pollution being one – it is the lifestyle causes that are a matter of grave concern. From stress, poor sleep and crash diet to sluggish metabolism, gynaecological issues and excessive sun exposure, our skin’s health is a reflection of all that is happening to and within our body.

Here’s how you can tackle some of the most common skin-related issues, combining over-the-counter and natural solutions, and cutting edge medical treatments. Consult an experienced dermatologist before embarking on your beauty journey.

Dark circles and eye bags

It is important to note that periorbital skin is thin and reflects the blood vessels beneath giving one that much dreaded “panda look”. This is accentuated by fatigue, lack of sleep, dryness, sun exposure and allergies. Eye bags are those pesky pouches beneath the eyes that emerge due to a combination of factors like ageing which erodes the supporting tissues of the eye and allow fluid and fat to herniate. Fluid retention, genetics, and lifestyle choices like excessive screen time or salt intake can also contribute to their appearance.

Dr Minal Patwardhan Andrade, Dermatologist, Minal Medical Centre

While grandma recipes such as ice packs and cold compress are known to work, cucumber and cooling eye pads, caffeine-infused creams and Vitamin K creams are some of the popular easy treatments for undereye puffiness and dark circles. These regulate blood flow, combat inflammation and reduce pigmentation. Hyaluronic Acid-rich creams and retinoid creams too have the transformative power to improve skin texture, colour and firmness.

Technological advancement in the beauty world means there are several non-surgical aesthetic treatment methods too that can help you get rid of eye bags and dark circles. These include chemical peels and mesotherapy injections – treatments that are known to be effective in reducing eye bags and dark circles.

Under eye and dark circle_shutterstock_1568859559_web — Image Credit: Supplied

Uneven and dull facial skin

Take sun protection seriously. The right sunscreen, when used well, is a foolproof way to avoid that unappealing dullness. The harsh rays of the Sun can dehydrate skin, causing pigmentation and a dull, uneven complexion.

While keeping your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water and non carbonated fluids and a well balanced diet, helps in achieving radiant skin, a good quality chemical sunblock with SPF 50 or a mineral sunblock and a SPF-rich lipbalm are imperative too.

Weekly exfoliation using scrubs with alpha hydroxy acid and beta hydroxy acid or seed scrubs are an effective way to remove dead skin cells, revealing fresher and brighter skin underneath.

Additionally, use moisturisers containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, lactic acid, niacinamide, aloe or glycerine. Incorporate a Vitamin C serum to brighten the skin, reduce dark spots, protect and promote collagen production. A retinol-rich cream, applied in the night, evens out the skin and reverses ageing by promoting neocollagenosis.

If none of these solutions give you the desired results then consult a dermatologist. From proven treatments such as chemical peels, laser therapy and microdermabrasion that are effective in improving the skin’s texture, tone and glow, there are some new treatments on the block as well. These are micro needling RF, skin boosters, point fillers, tranexamic acid injections and mesotherapy.

Dark lips

Dark lips are often a result of various factors such as sun exposure, smoking, hormonal changes and medication. These causes can lead to pigmentation changes and stimulate melanin production, which leads to darkening of the lips.

While homemade scrub made with honey and sugar or lemon can effectively remove dead skin cells, it should be used with caution as honey and lemon are potentially irritants and could trigger an allergic reaction. Additionally, massaging almond or coconut oil into the lips to moisturise them and improve blood circulation, promoting healthier lips.

For those with persistent or severe lip hyperpigmentation, cosmeceuticals and cosmetic treatments may be considered. From moisturising lip balms rich in sun block and depigmentation agents to sessions of chemical peels and laser therapy, can help too. Consultation with a dermatologist is necessary to determine the most suitable treatment option.

Fine lines on face and neck

There are several causes for frown lines, crow feet and fine lines on the neck, and some of the main ones are photoageing due to sun’s UV rays, facial expressions such as squinting, smiling or frowning, dryness of the skin, smoking and poor hygiene. Yes, leaving makeup on while sleeping at night is a cardinal sin and will lead to early signs of ageing.

Some of the best over-the-counter solutions for this issue are creams and serums containing active ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, peptides and Argiline, retinoid creams which promote skin renewal and stimulate collagen, and antioxidant serums with vitamin C and E as these neutralize free radicals, prevent oxidative damage and support collagen synthesis.

For those with severe damage, there are several dermatological treatments which can smoothen the skin and restore its radiance. From microneedling and chemical peels to skin boosters or superficial fillers that hydrate the skin and give it that much-needed glow, these treatments instantly iron out the fine lines and are safe to use in face and neck regions. Dermal fillers, botulinum toxin injections and laser therapy are also popular solutions as they rejuvenate the skin and give it a youthful complexion.

But before taking on any of these solutions and treatments to combat your skin issues, it is imperative that you consult your dermatologist much before your special day just so that your skin gets enough time to settle from all the treatments. And most importantly don’t discount the restorative power of sleep. It is the best kept beauty secret and the best way to achieve that elusive bridal glow.

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1. Micro-needling: Micro-needling involves using fine needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen and elastin production.

2. Chemical peels: Chemical peels use acids to exfoliate the skin, promoting the regeneration of a smoother and more even-toned layer of skin.

3. Laser resurfacing: It uses amplified light to target damaged skin cells and help stimulate collagen and new cell growth.

4. Skin boosters: Skin boosters are injectable treatments that deeply hydrate the skin, improving elasticity, texture, and overall radiance. They are safe, minimally invasive, and enhance skin’s natural glow and smoothness.

5. Platelet rich plasma therapy (PRP): It uses platelet-rich plasma from your own blood to stimulate collagen production for facial rejuvenation. This natural and minimally invasive treatment enhances skin texture, reduces wrinkles and improves acne scars. It also helps in reducing hair fall by revitalising thin hair follicles over the scalp.