The internet is brimming to the edge with all kinds of information when it comes to skincare.
Among dermatologists, skin-bloggers and skincare hobbyists, it is anyway difficult to sift through all the information overload.
Yes, says Dr Sonal Bansal, Consultant, Dermatology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram.
Indians have a very different skin type as compared to someone from another race.
A good example of an ingredient to elucidate this point is glycolic acid, a name you are very likely to stumble across in the online skincare community.
Dr Nitika Nijhara, Consultant Dermatologist, BLK MAX Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, has a word of caution against its usage.
The doctor adds that even within the umbrella term of skin of colour, there still “no “one size fits all”. That’s why it’s extremely important to follow skincare recommendations by dermatologists as per your skin colour.”
Both doctors agree that Indians indeed are more vulnerable to hyperpigmentation.
Dr Bansal explains “this is because Indians have more melanin which has the inherent property to increase on exposure to sun (or whenever the skin barrier repair system is damaged). So, it will produce a darker mark on the surface of the skin.”
As far as Caucasians are concerned, UV rays from the sun break down collagen, causing wrinkles that can start appearing in their 20s, causing premature ageing, further making them more prone to sun damage that extends much beyond plain cosmetic problems, adds Dr Nijhara.
“Hyperpigmentation can be prevented by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 and UVI protection of three or four plus. We need to repeat it every 2-3 hours; even when indoors or on a cloudy day, sunscreen should not be skipped”, Dr Bansal further explains the importance, adding that another reason behind hyperpigmentation is hormonal and, in that case, one needs to go through lifestyle modifications as recommended by an expert.
Also note that while lighter skin tones might be more prone to sun damage, for darker skin tones, cancer may not show visible signs until it’s in the later stages, reminds Dr Nijhara.
It is also important to not generalize even within the category of skin of colour, underlines Dr Nijhara.
Bottomline, according to both doctors, is to never skimp on sunscreen, not fall for every skincare fad that might be making its rounds online, and to always remember that what may work for someone else, might not work for you.
Race and skin colour are simply two categories to help you wade through all this jargon.
(Rosheena Zehra is a published author and media professional. You can find out more about her work here.)
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Published: 08 Jun 2021,03:42 PM IST