Skin Care Products - What is best for you?

1. Skin Care Products - What is best for you? Skin Care Products is a huge industry and enjoys healthy competition with a variety ofproducts available across all budget types. While products may be marketed as highlydifferentiated, the core skin care products are basically categorized as: 1. Face wash - Ideally the skin should be washed twice a day with a medicated face wash.The chemicals available in medicated face washes are salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide andrecently introduced glycolic acid. The use is either to reduce the oiliness of the skin, to fightpimples / acne, to combat bacterial growth and to decrease the pigmentation. Regular usecan control the above mentioned skin conditions. However, excessive use can causedryness and scaling. 2. Sunscreen - Sunscreens available in the market can be both physical and chemicalsunscreens. The components of commonly available medicated sunscreens are zinc oxide,avobenzone, octylmethoxycinnamate, phenyl benzimidazole. SPF is a marker of efficacy ofa sunscreen and its ability to fight harmful sunrays. For our Indian skin type, normally a SPFof25+ is advised. The commonest complaint given by the patient is stickiness andsweatiness. This concern can be addressed by using gel-based or lotion-based sunscreens. 3. Moisturizing Cream - Moisturizers are substances known to moisturize or hydrate theskin. Moisturizers are generally classified into emollients and humectants. Emollients are

2. greasy substance that forms a layer over the skin preventing loss of moisture from the skin,keeping the skin hydrated. The commonly available emollients are olive oil, almond oil,liquid paraffin oil, petrolatum, and cod liver oil. Humectants are substance that maintains themoisture of the skin by absorbing it from the external atmosphere. Commonly availablehumectants are glycerin, urea and lactic acid. Common side effects of moisturizers can beocclusion folliculitis and rarely contact sensitivity. 4. Pigment Reducing Cream - These are the creams used in reducing pigmentation dueto Melasma or post-inflammatory.Commonly available demelanizing or pigment reducingagents are Hydroquinone, Kojic acid, Azelaic acid and glycolic acid.These reducing byinterfering with the enzyme involved in melanin formation or by dispersing melanin.Common side effects of pigment reducing creams can be irritation, burning or allergiccontact dermatitis. 5. Anti-Acne Cream - These comprise one of the largest share in the skin care productsindustry. Acne or pimple can be seen in people between ages 12 and 35 years. Severity ofthe acne leads to psychological stress. Early treatment can prevent scarring or pigmentationthat may be seen in chronic acne patients. Various anti-acne medicines used commonly arebenzoyl peroxide, adapalene, salicylic acid, clindamycin, retinoids etc. It is important toconsult a dermatologist before starting any acne medication as treatment may vary with theseverity of the acne lesions. 6. Anti-Aging Cream - Due to modern day lifestyle and the stress related to it, the earliesteffect is seen on our skin. Pollution, diet, smoking, consumption of alcohol, all contribute todecreasing the lustre of the skin and may make us look chronologically older. Various anti-aging creams can be used in addition to undergoing a lifestyle change of a controlled dietand regular exercise. The creams available are various retinoids, Vit K derivatives,sunscreens along with use of a mild face wash. 7. Shampoos- A shampoo with antifungal property can be used at regular intervals toreduce the dandruff and dryness of the scalp. In certain conditions such as scalp psoriasis,medicated shampoos are best advised. Article Source http://www.skinclinicbangalore.com/post/skin-care-products-what-is-best-for-you-/895 Published at Dr. Kisalay Saurav’s blog