Doc talk: Prescription for healthy skin

Skin troubles bringing your confidence down? Do you feel self-conscious because of your skin? Our skin expert and renowned skin specialist Dr Jaishree Sharad, answers questions regarding skin problems posted by our readers. 

Question: I have fair skin but I have no freshness or glow on my face. I also have freckles so my face looks dull. Please suggest some solution. - Deepti

JS: Include lot of brightly coloured fruits in your diet. These are rich in anti-oxidants & will reduce the effect of stress & toxins on your face. Drink enough water and avoid smoking. Moisturise your skin at bedtime. Use a sunscreen with SPF 50 daily at least 20minutes before you step out in the sun. This will help your skin look fresh & glowing. Freckles will increase with every minute of sun exposure. For you existing freckles, you will need to undergo treatment with Q switched Nd Yag laser.

Question: I am 24 years old and have hyper pigmentation on my arms. What should I do to get rid of it? - Neetika

JS: Are you out in the sun for major part of the day without a sunscreen or swim regularly or use scrubs or pumice stone on your arms? If it's a yes to any of the above, you have to first stop that before proceeding to treatment. Start using a sunscreen lotion of spf 50 daily and repeat every 3 hourly if you step out in the sun. Additionally, wear full sleeved clothes during daytime. Use a glycolic 12 % cream mixed with a moisturizing cream at night for a month.

Question: My skin became dark because sun exposure for long time. Are there remedies to go back to me original skin-tone? - Shrinidhi Iyengar

JS: You have to first stop your skin getting any darker by using a sunscreen of spf 50 daily and to be repeated every 3 hourly if you go out in the sun. Have lots of colored fruits which are rich in anti-oxidants. Take Vitamin E and Vitamin C supplements daily. You will need to see a dermatologist for starting you on fruit peels or phenol peels that help regain your complexion to original skin tone.

Question: I have a dark patches on my cheeks and near my ears. Please tell me home remedies. - Sadia

JS: You seem to have developed a condition called melasma. Start using a sunscreen with spf 50. You will have to use a skin lightening cream containing arbutin, liquorice and kojic acid at night. You have to understand that melasma has high chance or recurrence and is aggravated by stress, hormones and some drugs. There are no home remedies for this.

Question: I'm 22 years old and have oily skin, pimples. I've tried everything to keep it oil free. I've even had SAFI for the problem but the pimples don't seem to reduce. Please advice. - Neha

JS: Start using a salicylic acid based face wash and use tretinoin 0.025 % cream at night. If your pimples are recurring or have left marks and scars, you need to see a dermatologist.

Question: I am 35 yrs old. My back is full of black spots with some painless pimples. I want my back smooth again. Please suggest some home remedies. - Tips

JS: Stop using a scrub or pumice stone for your back. Ensure you wear shirts that cover your back when you are out in the sun. Apply a mixture of lime and honey at night to reduce the black spots. A combination of clindamycin and adapalene gel will also help.

Question: My problem is that my body complexion does not match my face complexion. It is dark as compared to my face. Please advice. - Kriti

JS: You have to first stop your skin getting any darker by using a sunscreen of spf 50 daily and to be repeated every 3 hourly if you go out in the sun. Have lots of colored fruits which are rich in anti-oxidants. Take Vitamin E and Vitamin C supplements daily. You will need to see a dermatologist for starting on fruit peels or phenol peels that help regain your complexion to original skin tone.

Question: I have a problem of dark circles. Also I feel my skin colour is not fair as it was before. What can I do get rid of the dark circles and improve my skin? - Deepika

JS: There are multiple causes for dark circles. Check your hemoglobin, if it is low, you need to take iron supplements. Stop rubbing your eyes. Ensure you have adequate sleep and avoid working on computer for long hours. You will need to consult a dermatologist for correction of your dark circles if your problem persists. For your skin tone, you have to first stop your skin getting any darker by using a sunscreen of spf 50 daily and to be repeated every 3 hourly if you go out in the sun. Have lots of colored fruits which are rich in anti-oxidants. Take Vitamin E and Vitamin C supplements daily. You will need to see a dermatologist for starting on fruit peels or phenol peels that help regain your complexion to original skin tone

Question: Ma'am, please tell me how should I cure the problem of open pores? I have already done 3 microderma? I want to get rid of this problem permanently. - Namrata

JS: Microdermabrasion will not help your open pores. It will only help reduce your oiliness in the T - zone. You need to consult a dermatologist who will start you on fruit peels or microneedling which will help reduce them considerably. Dermaroler treatment done once in 6 weeks will reduce your pores considerably.

Question: I am a 26 year old male and I have a problem of small water bubbles type of wounds on my forehead. How can I tackle this problem? - Syed

JS: Syed, apply a ketoconazole based cream at night and use a salicylic acid based face wash twice a day. Avoid using oils, hair sprays or gels or mousse which can trickle on to your face and aggravate your problem.

More on Dr Jaishree Shard: Vice President, The Cosmetic Dermatology Society of India (CSI). She is also on the Executive Board, European Society of Cosmetic and Aesthetic Dermatology (ESCAD), Medical Director & Cosmetic Dermatologist at Skinfiniti Skin & Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic, Mumbai and a Femina Skin Consultant.