You`ve had a sunburn in the past year. Not a big deal?

It raises the risk for skin cancer, including melanoma, a rare but often lethal cancer. Experts say that even one blistering burn can double the risk of developing melanoma.

THINK TANNING BEDS ARE SAFER?
You`d be wrong. The World Health Organization classifies tanning devices as carcinogens, meaning their use can lead to cancer.

THINK YOU NEED TO BE BRONZE TO LOOK GOOD?
Well, the pale look hasn`t been a problem for celebs like Kristen Stewart, Gwyneth Paltrow or Taylor Swift.

WHAT ABOUT PEOPLE WITH DARK SKIN? DO THEY HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THE SUN?
Melanoma risk for blacks and other dark-skinned people is much lower, but even they can develop it.

WHAT`S THE ADVICE?
To be safe, avoid direct sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. or cover yourself. And when you must be in the sun, use sunscreen often.

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Dr. Meha Mhatre is a certified Trichologist from the International Association of Trichologists (I.A.T), Australia.

Dr. Meha set up Tressez in 2008 to provide effective and safe solutions for skin and hair concerns and to educate clients about the healthy and rightful approach towards a good skin and hair care regime for their overall well-being.

Dr. Meha has also created a range of products that are free from synthetic fragrances and perfumes making them safe and gentle for all skin types.

Dr. Meha took time off her busy schedule to answer Sify readers’ queries and shared tips to get flawless skin and lustrous hair. Read the chat transcript here.

Will job related stress cause skin problems ?
Yes it does… bcoz stress constricts your blood circulation…

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Beat the heat this summer, maintain your beauty and keep your skin soft, supple and well-nourished with these quick summer skin care tips by Dr. Sangeeta Amladi, Head-Medical Services, Kaya Skin Clinic.

Cover your skin:
1) For Indian skin use a broad spectrum sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection and at least SPF 15. If on vacation or outdoors, usage of sunscreen with SPF 30 is highly recommended. SPF only measures UVB protection and not UVA; hence one should look for a sunscreen that also provides UVA protection. It takes about 15-20 minutes for any sunscreen to give out complete protection, so apply it at least 20 minutes before stepping out in the sun. The product should be reapplied every 3-4 hours, if one is outdoors for long periods of time. A good sunscreen with SPF 30 effectively combats the harsh effects of the sun for up to 8 hours
2) The sun’s rays are the strongest between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. so it is advisable to limit exposure to the sun as much as possible, during these hours
3) Use sunglasses to protect your eyes. Try using an umbrella when you go out in the sun. This will protect your skin and your hair

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The summer may have been delayed in large parts of the country but is here finally and so are skin problems such as acne, rashes, sunburn and tanning. But all it takes to deal with them is a little hygiene, good sleep, lots of water and a healthy diet plan, say experts.

Healthy skin reflects overall health and so it is important to take care of it rather than relying on expensive cosmetics, says clinical nutritionist Ishi Khosla.

`A clear and glowing skin reflects overall health. This requires a well-balanced fibre-rich diet, plenty of fluids, regular exercise, no smoking and avoiding excessive exposure to sun,` said Khosla.

Khosla, who is the director at Whole Foods India and founder-president of Celiac Society for Delhi, also suggests specific nutrients for good skin.

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Summer is full of little pleasures – a perfect season to enjoy a cool drink, to hit the beach or just soak in the sun by the poolside with family and friends. A season, when you can bare your skin and flaunt those cute little dresses and shorts. However, all the sunshine can play havoc on your skin.

Beat the heat this summer, maintain your beauty and keep your skin soft, supple and well-nourished with these quick summer skin care tips by Dr. Sangeeta Amladi, Head-Medical Services, Kaya Skin Clinic.

Cleansing:

• The skin sweats more in summer leading to increased dirt and grime. Try to wash the face with plain cool water every few hours
• Cleansing is also of utmost importance, in order for grime and other pollutants to be removed completely from the skin.

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Feed your locks with the best foods for strong, shiny hair

Many of us spend a fortune on expensive hair products for healthier tresses. However, the truth is, beautiful hair starts with our diets. Healthy hair is nourished hair – and that means supplying our bodies with the nutrients they need. For shiny, strong and slinky locks, check out these top hair foods to add to your shopping list.

Whole grains

Many whole grains – including brown rice and oats – are rich in b vitamins, including biotin (B7), which can help alleviate alopecia and brittle hair. Healthy whole grains such as raw oats are also a good source of silica, which can help reduce hair breakage, and zinc; an important hair mineral which, in its deficiency, can lead to hair loss. For healthy, strong hair, try to eat a variety of whole grains – opting for grains that are as close to their natural state as possible.

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Today, people are aware of the deadly side effects of allopathic drugs, and are turning towards Ayurveda. Ayurveda not only provides long term solutions but also prevents recurrence of the disease. Here, we focus on the Ayurvedic treatment of hair problems.

Hair is a filamentous outgrowth of protein, found only on mammals. The average human head has about 100,000 hair follicles. Everyday, we lose around 70-100 hairs and new hair replaces the old. Any disturbance in this gives rise to baldness.

Hair loss is the most common problem of today`s youth. Faulty eating habits, stress, lack of sleep, overuse of chemicals, etc, are to be blamed.

Diet and lifestyle are two major factors that influence the health of hair. Poor diet, illness and deficiencies of any particular vitamin and mineral affect the quality of hair and problems like dandruff, thinning hair, balding, premature graying, etc, spoil the hair.

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Hair loss can occur due to known and unknown reasons.

In some cases, it is possible to do something about hair loss. If you’re plagued by hair loss and cannot attribute any reason to it, check to see that these things are not done.

1) Tying hair tightly for prolonged periods.
2) Wearing helmets, tight caps or turbans for long periods.
3) Using strong chemicals on your hair.
4) Dieting or eating poor diet.
5) Bacterial or fungal infections of the scalp can also cause loss of hair. However, these can be cured easily with the use of medicines or medicated shampoos.

Source: Ayurhelp

Renowned Cosmetic Dermatologist, Dr. Jaishree Sharad, is the Medical Director of Skinfiniti Aesthetic Skin and Laser Clinic, Mumbai.

Dr. Jaishree is armed with a fellowship in Dermatologic Laser Surgery and is trained in botox, fillers & mesotherapy.

Dr. Jaishree’s weekly dermatology Q&A column

This Vice President of Cosmetic Dermatology Society of India is the pioneer of Dermalift radiofrequency skin tightening and dermarollers in India.

The Femina Skin Expert took time off her busy schedule to answer Sify readers’ questions on skin care in summer. Read the chat transcript here.

My skin tends to get affected in summer due to heat and dehydration?What can I do to keep it smooth and soft even in summers?
Use moisturizers that give your skin double protection against the sun rays with its UV A & B base protection. Coconut milk based body lotion infused with cool and tingling mint extracts keep your skin refreshed and rejuvenated in the summer heat. Such a moisturizer penetrates deep into your skin & refreshes it to get the soft and revitalized summer look. The mint extracts provide an instant cooling on skin and refresh it after a hot summer day, coconut milk infuses light moisture to soften skin and keep it supple.

Hello, i am 26 yrs male. Since childhood my skin is very dry and i am suffering from hair loss for the past 10 years. i have lot of grey hair. give me the good remedy to overcome above problems?
Use Natural moisturizers. They are a boon for skin! Regular use of coconut based moisturizers helps in reducing scaliness and roughness of the skin. They have a unique mechanism of moisturizing and hydrating the skin by locking the moisture through penetrating deep into the skin without occluding the surface . This not only make them effective but ensures that the skin stays moisturized for longer periods. Use warm coconut oil on the hair and take biotin and calcium pantothenate supplements for your hair.

Is darkcircles under eye curable for all. Can you suggest remedy for the same …?Also suggest anti-aging remedy for facial and eye skin
Dark circles could be either hereditary or due to low haemoglobin or inadequate sleep and stress or if you have a condition called atopic dermatitis where you tend to rub your eyes too much. Try to catch on 6-7hrs of sleep. Dont be in the habit of rubbing the skin under the eyes. If you are working on a computer, make sure you wear UV protective glasses. take iron supplements and vitamin C supplements or citrus fruits everyday for at least 3 months. Have less salt in your diet. Apply a coconut milk based moisturiser during the day. You may apply a cream containing kojic acid, arbutin and liquorice before going to bed. For persistent dark circles, you may have to undergo a series of Arginine and lactic acid peels

there are pimple type white things exists in and around my nose. no pain or sore there. it has been for few years.Doctors said acne. iapplied cream like ADIT. applying cream it disappeared but again appears after week
You need a long term antiacne treatment. use a salicylic acid based face wash. avoid picking at the acne.avoid using creams and oils. Apply clindamycin gel on the face at bedtime.consult a dermatologist

hi Doctor, I am frequently getting pus pimples on my skin and scalp and I have taken antibiotics like doxycycline and I have got my blood suger test and they have done pus culture test and said everything is normal.But still I am geting same pus pimples
You should get your hormones checked and get a sonography of the ovaries to rule out polycystic ovarian disease.It could be a reason for your acne which arent responding to conventional treatment

Mam, How to get rid of Acne marks spread over whole of back. ( shoulder to bottom) Regards Harminder
apply tretinoin based cream on the marks. You could even go for fruit peels to get rid of the marks.

Dear Doctor, I am using sunscreen with 20 SPF daily. But it is very oily. Can you please suggest some kind of lotion which will not make my face oily.
A lotion with coconut milk and mint will not only moisturise your skin but the mint will refresh and leave the skin cool. Try it.

I am a 27-year-old girl and My skin is oily and I have a lot of breakouts on my face and dark circles also. How do I get rid of themand my teeth is not in proper shape, so how can I keep them in proper shape. Plz suggest .
You should wash your face with a salicylic acid based face wash.Do not apply any oil based creams which may block your pores and increase your acne. apply 2.5% benzoyl peroxide on the acne. For dark circles, take iron supplements,sleep for 7-8hours,apply a vitamin C and Vitamin K based cream at night

what i can do for healthy growing hair?
Have a high protein diet, biotin and iron supplement. Apply warm coconut oil and massage once in a week.

I have dry palm.Almost through out the year skin scalp come out on both the palm.No itching neither reddish,but gives an uncomfortable feeling.Please advice.
Avoid use of harsh soaps and detergents. Use a mild cleansing gel instead to wash your hands. Apply a moisturiser twice a day.Natural moisturizers like coconut based ones penetrate deep into your skin & and get absorbed easily to leave your skin feeling moisturized yet in a completely non sticky manner.

Do you have any permanent cure for white patches (lucoderma)
If leucoderma is stable, non culture melanocyte suspension grafting is the latest most effective way to treat vitiligo

i have white spots on my arms. what are the remedies available for permanent removal
White spots could be due to a fungal infection or due to allergy to UV rays or may even be a form of vitiligo. Please consult a dermatologist as treatment will depend on the diagnosis

my 16yrs daughter has hair loss for the past 3months she was treated with biotin tablets and hair lotion but still she has the same problem ,the hair falls from the root and how to treat this.
Please get her thyroid and other hormons tested. Check her haemoglobin, vitamin B 12 & vitamin D 3 levels too. Any of these can cause hair loss. She should have a lot of proteins in her diet. Avoid blow drying, heat and chemical treatments.

What should we do to have a fair and glowing skin in this summer and which uv lotion can be used
Have lots of citrus fruits. Protect yourself from sun exposure if you want your skin to get fairer. Wear wide rimmed hats, full sleeved cotton clothing, dark glasses to protect yourself. Apply a moisturiser with coconut milk and mint. Apply a mixture of curd, honey and mashed papaya once a day to make the skin tone lighter.

i have been using Clindac- A sol regularly for pimple control and combination of Litepeel Plus(Glycolic acid 12% w/v) and SkinLite Ever Cream to remove marks made by pimples on face, But none of them have help me, Please help me
Please consult a dermatologist. You will need to take medicines orally and get some peels done

Any hair and skin care tips to stay cool and have good hair and skin this summer?
Tips for skin care in summer : 1) To protect this jewel of your body, the first and foremost thing that we must all remember to do is to drink plenty of water or fluids during the summer so that the body remains hydrated and healthy and whenever possible. Fresh fruit juices such as tender coconut water, lime or lemon juice, water melon juice etc keep you well hydrated. 2) Have plenty of coloured fruits as they are powerful anti oxidants and fight the free radicles caused due to the sun. They are also rich in vitamin C which prevents pigmentation. 3) Use a mild cleanser to wash your face thrice a day. If you have an oily skin, use a toner for further cleansing. Avoid cleansing milks.You could use coconut milk and coconut scrub to cleanse . 4) Use a Sunscreen when out in the sun. 5) Wear wide rimmed hats or carry umbrellas for additional sunprotection. 6) Minimize sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the worst and greatest quantity of Ultra Violet light exists. 7) Wear protective eyewear. Sunglasses with UV-blocking filters are very important. apply a moisturiser with mint in it to cool the skin,yet hydrate it. 9) Wear cotton clothes and preferably full sleeves so your arms are protected from the sun. 10) Dust some anti fungal powder in all the skin folds and on the feet and soles to prevent fungal infections and smelly feet.

Hello Doc. My skin tends to get oily with most creams that I use. It gets worst in summers but my skin is also dry so I need to apply something. What should I do.Please advise
Advent of summers means hot and tired skin! It’s most important for me to keep the skin cool and refreshed during the summer heat. Natural ingredients like cool mint work like magic! It’s vital to keep your skin refreshed and beautiful all day long as summers take a major toll on the skin. Coconut milk and mint based moisturisers are ideal in summer

Is moisturising required even in summers? I did regular moisturising in winter and my skin was well maintained this winter.Should i continue? Also any moisturiser that you can recomend specifically for summers?
Summers in essence, is a harrowing time for your skin – and it goes through multiple skin screams – summer heat, dehydration, tanning, stickiness, and bad odour. This is when it needs that burst of moisture more than ever. I prefer moisturizing with products that have natural ingredients. Natural moisturizers like coconut based ones penetrate deep into your skin & and get absorbed easily to leave your skin feeling moisturized yet in a completely non sticky manner. Another ingredient is mint extracts that provide an instant cooling on skin and refresh it after a hot summer day.

im not have good eyelashes. can i use coconut oil to improve its growth?
Yes, surely so

mam, im losing hair from my foreheads. please give tips to prevent this
Avoid heat treatments. Use baby shampoos. Indulge in a warm coconut oil massage once a week. Apply 2% minoxidil solution on the scalp once a day.

can face skin be tightened by exercising? if so what can we do
No. More muscle movements would mean more wrinkles.

hi doc, the skin on my fingers is wrinkled. how to make it soft and smooth?
Avoid soaps. Use mild cleansers to wash hands. Apply a moisturiser twice a day . Apply a cream with peptides, vitamin A and C to help skin rejuvenation.

the skin on my forehead is becoming brown and dry above the eyebrows. what to do to remove this
Avoid soaps. Use mild cleansers to wash hands. Apply a moisturiser twice a day . Apply a cream with peptides, vitamin A and C to help skin rejuvenation.

my teeth are slightly yellow, how to make them perfectly white? any home tips pl
pl consult a dentist

hi mam, pl share some tips to prevent frizzy hair after head bath
• Indulge and pamper your hair – A hot coconut oil massage works wonders as a conditioner and provides the necessary nourishment & moisture to your scalp and hair. It is recommended to oil your hair at least 2 hours before you wash your hair (at least thrice a week) to regain the moisture.

I am 28years old…single… I am suffering with bold head… Is there any permanent solution for this…Like hair transplantation with regrowing hair…What about the cost?
Please consult a hair transplant surgeon.

My legs are very dry.spec.ially my feet n heels.I’ve tried hell lots of moisturizers.but no use.Im lookin for a permanent solution.plshelp
Apply a moisturiser on your feet and heels twice a day. Use one with cocnut milk which has a unique mechanism of moisturizing and hydrating the skin by locking the moisture through penetrating deep into the skin without occluding the surface . This not only makes them effective but ensures that the skin stays moisturized for longer periods.

even moisturising leaves my skin dry in summer. pl give some tips for soft skin
• You should moisturize with products that have natural ingredients like coconut and mint. Sunscreens is important as well, since it’s important to protect against the harsh sun! A refreshing product that gives me sunscreen benefits too will be my pick for the season! • Also use moisturizers that give your skin double protection against the sun rays with its UV A & B base protection. • Coconut milk based body lotion infused with cool and tingling mint extracts keep your skin refreshed and rejuvenated in the summer heat. • Such a moisturizer penetrates deep into your skin & refreshes it to get the soft and revitalized summer look. • The mint extracts provide an instant cooling on skin and refresh it after a hot summer day, coconut milk infuses light moisture to soften skin and keep it supple.

what are the ways to prevent sun tan naturally
Take brightly coloured fruits which are rich in antoixidants. Take vitamin C supplements. Apply yogurt and lime to prevent tan

can we apply gingelly oil to hair to make it soft? my grandma used to apply something like that
coconut oil is safest and best

i lost a lot of hair after childbirth. pl tell me what to eat to get good hair growth
Have pulses,sprouts,egg white,lean meat,milk,soya . These are rich in proteins & will help in hair growth

madam, my kid is sweating a lot in summer. so he get some patches under the knees. what is this?lease help
use an antifungal dusting powder twice a day

ain summer, i feel i have body odour in spite of taking clean bath. how to prevent this smell?
Sweat itself does not smell, but it is a good culture for the bacteria that live on our skin. The bacteria break down sweat into aromatic fatty acids, which produce the unpleasant odour. To avoid body odour, avoid wearing synthetic clothes, avoid tight fitting clothes. Armpit hair provides a greater surface area for sweat to adhere to and gives the bacteria a fertile breeding ground. Hence, it is advisable to shave your armpits. It is also essential to wash clothes thoroughly; particularly clothing that comes into contact with sweaty areas such as shirts, socks and undergarments. Avoid certain pungent foods like hot pepper, garlic, onions and certain spices as they may emit odour from the body. Use deodorants with aluminium or zinc as these metals kill odour-causing bacteria. There are some people whose body odour is too strong and deodorants and perfumes don’t work on them. While others have very sensitive skin and these deodorants cause irritation or an allergic reaction. In such cases, they can use antibacterial soaps.

im 18 yrs old and have very rough hands. pl tell me what soap and cream to use
Use a cleanser with neutral pH. Apply a moisturiser containing coconut milk twice a day. Apply ghee/butter/coconut oil to your hands before cooking or cutting vegetables. This forms a nice barrier and protects skin from acids present in fruits and vegetables

hi mam, is there any way to straighten hair at home. i have curly, frizzy hair which looks bad
its best to avoid straightening. A hot coconut oil massage works wonders as a conditioner and provides the necessary nourishment & moisture to your scalp and hair. It is recommended to oil your hair at least 2 hours before you wash your hair twice a week. this improves the frizziness

hello! the back of my neck gets tanned badly in summer. pl share tips to lighten the colour
Make a paste with a mixture of yogurt,honey,lime and turmeric. Apply this on the neck for about 20 minutes everyday. Also use a natural moisturiser at night. This will help in reduction of the dark neck.

is it safe to use botox in india? is there any age when we can start botox treatment
Botox is extremely safe in every part of the world provided the injector is a trained and qualified doctor. Botox is given to children for cerebral palsy. Hence there is no age. The dictum is Inject when the lines & wrinkles are prominent and start bothering you.

Eat your way to smoother skin

Suffering from bumpy “orange peel” skin on your legs, bum or tum? You’re not alone – cellulite affects over 90 per cent of post-adolescent women. While there is no quick – or definite – cure for cellulite, by addressing its fundamental causes through your diet you can greatly reduce its appearance and pave the way for smoother skin. Here are our top 10 foods for giving cellulite the heave-ho.

Ginger

One cause of cellulite is poor circulation, so eating foods such as ginger that boost blood flow can help to improve its appearance. As well as being good for circulation, ginger is also good for detoxification and strengthening the lymphatic system, which can help with the circulation of lymph fluid and toxins that can accumulate in fat pockets under the skin, contributing to the bumpy appearance of cellulite.

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