The Hindu Business Line : Skin deep

In an era where people spend a lot of time outdoors, skin care is important. A healthy diet coupled with exercise is essential to keep your skin fresh and glowing.

A popular legend goes that Cleopatra soaked herself in donkey's milk to get a glowing, flawless skin. And Poppea, King Nero's wife, took along several donkeys wherever she went, so that she could bathe in their milk. Though today we may not be able to take luxurious baths in milk - finding water is tough enough in places like Chennai - it is important to take care of our skin, especially in an era where people spend a lot of time outdoors. The skin acts as a protective shield, bearing the brunt of elements such as ultra-violet rays, pollution and extreme weather conditions. So we should nourish it with proper care and diet, as only these will ensure healthy, glowing skin.

Lily Madhok, dietician and beautician, Salon 2000, Hotel Park Sheraton, Chennai, says, "One's skin projects the best face to the world. We are all born with good skin. But we must maintain it. Even bad skin can be made to look good by nourishing it from the inside as well as the outside."

Dr Maya Vedamurthy, a dermatologist in Chennai says that it is wrongly assumed that "dark skinned people living in the tropics have more melanin and are therefore less susceptible to skin damage." One must start skin care from a young age — as early as six months — and continue throughout, she says, because almost 80 per cent of skin damage is done by the time one is 18.

So what can we do protect and nurture our skin? Beginning with the basics, there are different types of skin tones — oily, dry, normal and a combination of oily and dry skin, in which oil is excessive in the T-zone of the face and the rest of the skin is dry.

The skin goes through a series of changes in a lifetime. At birth, the skin is oily due to excessive maternal androgen in the blood. During infancy and young age, the skin tone varies from normal to dry. With the onset of puberty, the skin texture varies from normal to oily. After menopause, the skin becomes dry.

One must adopt different skin care methods at different phases, says Dr Maya. Good moisturising and regular oil baths are essential for both a young and an aging skin. But during puberty, one must avoid oil application.

Personal hygiene is the first and most important step in skin care. So, take a bath at least twice a day and dry yourself completely, especially your feet, to prevent foot infection. Never share your soaps, towels and cosmetics with others.

She adds that skin protection essentially means shielding it from harmful UV (ultra violet) rays — UV (A) responsible for early aging and UV (B) that causes cancer and sun burns.

So, if you are planning a trip outdoors, use a sunscreen... ideally one with a sun protection factor of 15 or 30. Suncreens are essential even when indoors as UV rays are emitted from tube lights, and television and computer screens. Use fragrance-free cosmetics as fragrance has a tendency to attract sunlight. Wear clothes that are tightly woven as transparent garments allow UV rays to enter easily. Try this simple test. Hold the fabric against the light. If it is opaque, then it's right!

Now that your skin is well protected, what must you do to enrich it? Says Lily, "A good balanced diet goes a long way in keeping your skin fresh and glowing." Proteins, multi-vitamins and minerals are very essential for good, healthy skin and a deficiency of these can cause skin disorders.

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables such as papaya and greens that are rich in carotene as it combats toxic elements in the skin.

Drink plenty of orange juice, and make sure you include amla and sprouts in your diet. These are rich in vitamin C and prevent acne and infection. Fluids like fresh fruit juices hydrate the skin and prevent it from becoming sallow. However, those with a chronic acne problem need to consult a dermatologist. Says Dr Maya, "Pimples are not a cosmetic problem but a skin disorder that needs medical treatment."

Vitamins such as B complex and folic acid prevent pigmentation of the skin. They are found in wheat, bajra and dal. "Rice is a poor source of these. So, rice eaters start eating more rotis," says Lily.

Vitamin A is also essential for the skin as it keeps the epithelial tissues intact. Deficiency causes thickening of the skin. Tomatoes, carrot, pumpkin and egg yolk must be included in your diet. Deficiency of vitamin E can lead to pigmentation especially in pregnant women. So use sunflower and palm oil for cooking.

Minerals such as iron and calcium that are essential for a healthy skin are found in eggs, pulses and green leafy vegetables. Deficiency of calcium can lead to white spots on the skin. So make sure you drink milk and that your diet also includes milk products and nuts. Water works wonders for your skin. Drink at least at least six-eight glasses (two litres) of water a day. "Stay away from alcohol, caffeine and carbonated drinks as they cause more urination, less sweating and deplete body fluids," warns Dr Maya.

Adds Lily, "Eat three regular meals a day. Avoid snacking as there are no nutrients in junk food and the skin can break out into pimples."

Lily shares with us her secret recipe for a good skin. Blend carrots, tomatoes and lettuce. Add a little lemon juice, salt and pepper to it and you have a healthy, tasty drink.

Apart from diet, exercise is important as it enriches your skin by increasing blood and nutrient circulation, says Dr Maya. Yoga and meditation relax the mind and improves the appearance of your skin. A peaceful, restful sleep of eight hours a day is a must.

For glowing facial skin, Lily recommends three must-dos — cleansing, toning and moisturising.

Splash water on your face as many times as possible and wash it at least twice daily. For cleansing, Lily recommends a medicated soap or face pack. Dab rose water and ice on the face with cotton wool. This not only tones the skin, but is also refreshing, she says.

For a quick homemade moisturiser, take 3/4 cup rose water; add 1/4 cup glycerine, 1 teaspoon vinegar and 1/2 tsp honey. Mix and store in bottle. To remove pollutants and dead skin, one must exfoliate the skin. Add a few drops of lime juice to besan and mix with milk. Apply on face and neck. Leave it till dry. Pat with water, rub in circular motion, wash and feel the difference.

Apart from the face and neck, hands and feet also need good care. Before sleeping, massage hands with milk or milk cream. To remove dead skin and protect feet from fungal infection and cracked heels, get a professional pedicure done.

Picture by Shaju John

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