Look Your Shimmery Best

With summer vacations around the corner, most people are eagerly looking forward to and planning the ideal beach vacation! Before zipping off to your perfect summer get away, you must not forget to consider two factors that may act as eventual downers for your skin. These include exposure to UV rays and coarse salt.



The prolonged exposure to high UV index rays can cause tanning of the skin, skin burns and also contributes to premature ageing of the skin.

Along with this, the high salt content of sea water tends to dehydrate the skin and make it look parched and wrinkled.

Dr Sirisha Singh, the Founding Member and Partner Consultant of The Skin Center gives some simple DIY tips that will help in you maintaining the sheen and beauty of the skin so that you look your absolute best during the holiday and keep your skin healthy afterwards.

Prepping-up Before the Vacation for the Perfect Glow

1.  Never forget the C-T-M:If you do not have a regular cleansing, toning, moisturising routine, this is a good time to start. If you have problematic or sensitive skin, get your dermatologist to prescribe suitable products.
   
   
   
   As it is too hot, many people avoid using a moisturiser on the arms and legs as it makes one feel sticky. This results in the skin in these areas to become dry and increases the UV damage during the holidays. A gentle soothing moisturiser should be used regularly so the skin is soft and well hydrated during the vacation. Manage cracked heels by using shoes with a soft sole and using moisturisers containing urea. Many people have dark elbows and feet knuckles which can be unsightly. These can be managed using moisturisers which also have some exfoliating agents. For soft skin on the arms and legs, a medicated cream containing glycolic acid may be used. This takes the tan away and when combined with a moisturiser, it can make the skin look soft. It should however be stopped a week before the holiday.
2. SPF yourself:
   A sunscreen of SPF 30 or more should be used regularly and more so for a few weeks preceding a holiday. It will protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV light. Many people who use a sunscreen on the face skin skip the arms and legs. As a result, he skin of these areas gives away the age. For convenient re-application, use spray sunscreen every 2 hours.
3. Shed the dead skin:
   A mild scrub should be used twice a week. This will get rid of the dead cell layers. Not only will this add to the glow of your skin but also enhance the penetration of active ingredients used on the skin.
4. Suitable skin therapy:
   Any existing skin problems should be always be treated before a vacation. If one has a tendency to get eczema, then it is good to have a fall back option to be used while on the holiday. Acne should be suitably managed to prevent the zits from healing with pigmentation.
   
   
   
   Pigmentation of the skin tends to worsen significantly during a beach holiday. The pigmentation should be treated and the treatment may need to be stepped up while on holiday to prevent further darkening.
5. Treat your skin right: 
   Certain skin treatments like LASERs, Chemical peel, Radiofrequency, etc. tend to increase the sensitivity of the skin to UV light. Many people get these treatments done a couple of days before the holiday resulting in disastrous pigmentation which is extremely difficult to treat. If you are going on a beach holiday, make sure that adequate time is given for complete healing of the skin after a procedure.
6. Take care for the perfect pucker: 
   A good lipbalm with an SPF of 15 or more should be used regularly. This should be used before applying any lipstick or lip gel.
7. Pamper your hand and feet:
   Get a manicure and pedicure done to get nice soft healthy skin on the hands and feet before a holiday.
8. Eat right, live right: 
   Drinking 2-3 litres of water a day, eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, regular exercise and a good relaxing sleep also help in maintaining a well-toned body in addition to the skin benefits.

About Dr Sirisha Singh:
MBBS, MD (Dermatology), MRcGP (UK), Dip Derm (London)
Consultant Dermatologist and Aesthetic Dermatologist, The Skin Centre, NDSE Part 2

Dr. Sirisha Singh, the Founding Member and Partner Consultant of The Skin Center, is highly qualified with 8 years of work experience in the United Kingdom.



She is a well-known name in the Dermatology and academic circles and keeps in touch continuously with all the latest trends in anti-ageing medicine and dermatology by regularly attending and presenting in conferences worldwide. She is a trainer for LUMENIS and regularly trains other doctors on the use of skin LASERs. Dr Sirisha Singh is particularly interested in injectables for anti-ageing such as botulinum toxin and fillers. 

About The Skin Center:

Founded in 2008, The Skin Center is a leading skin care center located in the heart of South Delhi offering fundamental services covering a wide array of skin care solutions and skin treatments including dermatology and cosmetology consultations. Hence, The Skin Center provides a full range of Dermatology, Cosmetology and Skin LASERS under one roof. All the treatments are scientifically proven, result driven and are customized according to individual needs. Apart from these, The Skin Center also offers a holistic approach to anti-ageing.

The Skin Center is updated with the latest machinery on a regular basis and only standard US FDA approved equipment conforming to the highest international Standards are used at the clinic. LASERs in the clinic are at par with the best in the world. For example, the Hair Reduction LASER, Lightsheer Diode is considered to be the gold standard hair reduction device. The Skin Center was the first center in North India to import the LUMENIS (LUMENIS One, California) platform device which houses the lightsheer diode.