Our Reporter
Dimapur, March 6 (EMN): Taking care of skin is an essential part of one’s health and overall well-being but skin and skin care has been neglected even by the medical professionals, claimed Dr. Atoka Sumi, a consultant dermatologist at Eden Medical Centre, Dimapur.
The dermatologist made this remark during an informal interactive session with the female journalists of Dimapur on Sunday at Hotel Lake Shilloi. The session was initiated by Dr. Atoka Sumi.
“The so called fairness creams sold many a time have a mixture of high potent steroid creams with a commonly used moisturising cream, which may turn the skin thinner so as to cause temporary clear skin. On using them for few weeks, the other side effects of topical steroids start appearing on face, which can be quite devastating,” he cautioned.
He also remarked that skin colour bias has spawned a global multibillion-dollar industry in cosmetic creams and invasive procedures.
While contradicting the myth that ‘all natural products are better for the skin,’ he maintained that all such products should have preservatives from decaying if all the products are genuinely natural. Clarifying to another common myth on acne, he stated that scars or pigmentation would remain even with treatment.
In order to maintain a healthy skin, he counseled to get a sleep of 7-8 hours, saying the body and skin cells repair themselves during sleep. He has also cautioned against buying skincare products over the counter without doctor’s consultation.
He also advised to avoid dairy products and food with high glycemic index such as chocolates and ice creams to name a few if one has an acne prone skin. Besides, he also advised to avoid starchy vegetables, refined carbohydrate products, processed and junk foods.
Dr. Atoka Sumi has advised to eat nutrient rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, pulses, and fish to name a few to ensure getting vital vitamin and minerals. He also advised not to miss out applying sunscreen, which is an integral routine and part in taking care of the skin to keep away from other skin related issues.
“Choose a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher, which has water or sweat resistant and provide broad spectrum coverage (UVA+UVB), apply at least 15-20 minutes before stepping out, use non-comedogenic sunscreen for acne prone skin, do not forget physical blockers like hats/ umbrellas and don’t forget to apply it to the often neglected hands, necks and ears,” he said.
Sumi informed that missing out on applying sunscreen could develop more wrinkles and dull the complexion especially in cold weather. He also advised not to use petroleum jelly particularly Vaseline on the face as it might cause acne in some people.
Keeping skin hydrated with drinking plenty of water in a day is another routine to keep skin healthy with picking up the products according to one’s skin type and not through a friend’s recommendation, he stated. Another useful tip, he suggested, was to keep the lips moist.
The dermatologist cautioned not to use ‘beauty bars’ for face as it contained high pH and could damage skin. He also advised to avoid using harsh, heavily scented, medicated soaps that lather more as it might cause more drying.
Underling that stress, inadequate sleep, lack of nutritional diet and pollution could lead to skin damage, he has advised to use products according to one’s skin type and follow the skin care routine.