How to take care of your body’s largest organ – your skin
NADIA KHAN chats to the owner of the Midlands Laser Clinic, specialist dermatologist, Dr Rajendra Singh, on obtaining the optimum benefits for one’s skin.
Q. How does one’s diet affect one’s body and skin?
A: Your diet does affect your life, as you are what you eat. One should have a totally balanced diet as various nutritional deficiencies affect the body and skin, such as Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Niacin, Riboflavin and therefore one should have a proper diet, take vitamins and address any nutritional deficiencies. You should also not attempt any fad diets.
Q. How does one determine what products to use on their skin?
A: One should consider going for a proper beauty analysis. If the skin is dry then a proper moisturiser should be used and if the skin is oily, then the appropriate product should be used to dry the skin. Find out what your skin type is and use sunscreen. Also, the tone, texture and consistency of the skin should be taken into consideration.
Q. What is considered a good skin regime?
A: A good skin care regime consists of a proper skin analysis, where your skin type should be determined. However, the basics such as cleanse the skin properly, hydrate the skin properly, use sunscreen in all appropriate areas, do not use products that have not been tested, and exercise and walking should not be forgotten.
Q. How does one obtain great skin from within?
A: A good and proper protein content, carbohydrates and fats are needed. Your protein content should be 1gm /1kg body weight. Carbohydrates and fats should be consumed in a good proportion. Adequate nutrition is essential. Foods should be rich in zinc, iron and micronutrients, and should be balanced. Vitamin supplements are essential.
Q. What SPF level should be used? A: A normal individual without protection would take about 10 minutes to burn. An individual using SPF 30 would have about 300 minutes of protection and an individual using SPF 50 would have about 500 minutes of protection. It should also be noted that perspiration, make-up and washing of the face can reduce your sun protection. Therefore, twice a day application is essential, ideally in the morning and at noon.