Papaya- 3 in 1 exfoliates, moisturizes and lightens your skin

I have heard of papaya facials; but not orange or mango facials?

All the fruits have anti-ageing and skin repair activities whether eaten or applied to skin because of anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals content, however the concentration of each constituent might vary. However, papaya is unique among fruits as it has enzyme called as papain which is responsible for most of health benefits of papaya including its digestive values. Papain is responsible for anti-ageing, skin repairing, exfoliation and wound healing properties of papaya.

• What are the benefits of applying Papaya on my skin?
• How can I use papaya at home?
• Which Skin types can use papaya?

For answers, click:

Papaya @ Dermatocare.com

Disclaimer- The content of this page is meant for information purpose only and not not meant for medical use.As everybody skin behaves differently so the author is not responsible for any damage or losses or side effects arising from the use or following the information provided on this page. Also certain topics in this page are still controversial so the author is sharing her views based on her experience and knowledge. Any wrong content or discrepancies in thought are invited for discussions and if needed can be corrected based on the facts. The results expected with skin care products are not universally applicable as each individuals skin behaves differently. The author is not responsible for any adverse event that arises out of following my opinion, however such negative and positive feedback will help me improve. Kindly seek dermatologist advice for skin care, acne, redness, irritation, dark patches or any other skin problem. Kindly note for medico-legal reasons I have not listed prescribed skin care products which are specially formulated according to skin types and are cost effective too. Also, the author has no monetary association with above listed brands, there are thousands of skin care products in the market I have chosen few of them to start with. Kindly note all the photographs in this blog are taken from Google images.

Your invaluable comments, queries and Facebook likes will help me in my effort of Dermato-awareness- working towards healthy, radiant and flawless skin. 
Dr Surbhi, MD (Skin)

Anti-bacterial soaps - prevents or promotes infections?

Photograph taken from Google Images

If you do not eat antibiotic daily to prevent infection, then why do you use anti-bacterial soap daily on your skin ?

The reality is regular use of anti-bacterial soaps might not only increase the chance of getting infected from superbug but also contributing to extinction of aquatic life. FDA is re-considering the safety of anti-bacterial like triclosan and Centre for disease control and prevention (CDC) also refutes regular use of anti-bacterial soap at home.

Here is comprehensive list of reasons as to why regular use of anti-bacterial soap or hand wash is NOT recommended:

For full article, click here:

http://bit.ly/1u3Bj1Q

Are we treating our skin as test tubes in chemistry lab?

Are we treating our skin daily as tubes in chemistry lab? Are we guinea pigs for cosmetic companies?

Potassium hydroxide in skin care product reminded me of chemistry labs during school times; mixing of chemicals lead to vivid color and “swoosh” an explosion happens.

I was surprised to see a corrosive like potassium hydroxide that can burn skin in the cosmetic; however further research revealed that FDA approves its use in cosmetics as pH adjuster. Then, the debate between my brain and FDA started.

It seemed as if FDA was defending itself “Its ok! Forget your chemistry lab, there is just a speck of alkali in the cream you apply.”

For FULL article, click:
Chemical Experiments on Skin? @ Dermatocare.com

Disclaimer- The content of this page is meant for information purpose only and not not meant for medical use.As everybody skin behaves differently so the author is not responsible for any damage or losses or side effects arising from the use or following the information provided on this page. Also certain topics in this page are still controversial so the author is sharing her views based on her experience and knowledge. Any wrong content or discrepancies in thought are invited for discussions and if needed can be corrected based on the facts. The results expected with skin care products are not universally applicable as each individuals skin behaves differently. The author is not responsible for any adverse event that arises out of following my opinion, however such negative and positive feedback will help me improve. Kindly seek dermatologist advice for skin care, acne, redness, irritation, dark patches or any other skin problem. Kindly note for medico-legal reasons I have not listed prescribed skin care products which are specially formulated according to skin types and are cost effective too. Also, the author has no monetary association with above listed brands, there are thousands of skin care products in the market I have chosen few of them to start with. Kindly note all the photographs in this blog are taken from Google images.

Your invaluable comments, queries and Facebook likes will help me in my effort of Dermato-awareness- working towards healthy, radiant and flawless skin. 
Dr Surbhi, MD (Skin)

HELP DERMATOCARE BY SHARING YOUR FAVORITE SKIN CARE RECIPE

Recently I started researching ingredient list of beauty products from reputed companies like HUL, Loreal, P&G, J&J, Himalaya, Lotus etc. so that I can recommend them according to skin type and concerns. The exhaustive analysis of thousands of ingredients has left me in dilemma what should I recommend people to apply on face because none of the product contains all the safe ingredients though they are approved by FDA.

So I am striving to build all natural skin care regime. Please help me in this endeavor by posting your favorite recipe for skin care that come straight from the kitchen. 

Dermatocare expert would do research on the ingredients of your recipe and come up with regime according to skin types and concerns.

Dr Surbhi,
MD Skin
Founder, Dermatocare

Disclaimer: The data shared in my blog is my personal opinion based on my knowledge and experience. The results expected with skin care products are not universally applicable as each individuals skin behaves differently. The author is not responsible for any adverse event that arises out of following my opinion, however such negative and positive feedback will help me improve. Kindly seek dermatologist advice for skin care, acne, redness, irritation, dark patches or any other skin problem. Kindly note for medico-legal reasons I have not listed prescribed skin care products which are specially formulated according to skin types and are cost effective too. Also, the author has no monetary association with above listed brands, there are thousands of skin care products in the market I have chosen few of them to start with. 

Are Natural skin care products better than synthetic ones?

The exhaustive analysis of ingredients in beauty products has left 
me in dilemma what should I recommend people to apply on face. This dilemma stemmed from my study of ingredient of reputed skin care products with the aim of classifying them according to skin type and concerns. I realized that on the average we apply hundreds of ingredients on face daily and believe me out of 100 only 10 are beneficial and rest are preservatives, fragrances, base etc.

None of the product has all the safe ingredients, infact natural ones would decay with time so they are loaded with even more preservatives or processed into the form they might not be acting altogether. 

For FULL article, click:
Natural Skin Care Products @ Dermatocare.com

Disclaimer- The content of this page is meant for information purpose only and not not meant for medical use.As everybody skin behaves differently so the author is not responsible for any damage or losses or side effects arising from the use or following the information provided on this page. Also certain topics in this page are still controversial so the author is sharing her views based on her experience and knowledge. Any wrong content or discrepancies in thought are invited for discussions and if needed can be corrected based on the facts. The results expected with skin care products are not universally applicable as each individual skin behaves differently. The author is not responsible for any adverse event that arises out of following my opinion, however such negative and positive feedback will help me improve. Kindly seek dermatologist advice for skin care, acne, redness, irritation, dark patches or any other skin problem. Kindly note for medico-legal reasons I have not listed prescribed skin care products which are specially formulated according to skin types and are cost effective too. Also, the author has no monetary association with above listed brands, there are thousands of skin care products in the market I have chosen few of them to start with. Kindly note all the photographs in this blog are taken from Google images.

 Your invaluable comments, queries and Facebook likes will help me in my effort of Dermato-awareness- working towards healthy, radiant and flawless skin. 
 Dr Surbhi, MD (Skin)

Diffuse Hair Loss- let us get the lost glory back !

Thick, dense and voluminous hairs not only add to your looks but also give a dash of confidence. If you can peep into your scalp beneath the dwindling mane, it is time to hit the cause before it is too late. Our scalp is covered with 1,00,000 hairs out of which 10% are in falling stage. So, hair fall of up to 100 hairs per day is considered normal; till the time your body has capacity of replacing them back. However, when you cannot replenish the lost hair at normal pace then density and thickness of your hairs starts reducing which is visible as gradual balding.

1. Why do you get hair fall?
2. How do I know my hair fall that is beyond the normal limits?
3. What can I do at home to reduce my hair fall?
4. What are the treatment options?
5. What if my hair fall does not stop with above treatment?

For answers, click:

Diffuse Hair Loss @ Dermatocare.com

Disclaimer- The content of this page is meant for information purpose only and not not meant for medical use.As everybody skin behaves differently so the author is not responsible for any damage or losses or side effects arising from the use or following the information provided on this page. Also certain topics in this page are still controversial so the author is sharing her views based on her experience and knowledge. Any wrong content or discrepancies in thought are invited for discussions and if needed can be corrected based on the facts. The results expected with skin care products are not universally applicable as each individuals skin behaves differently. The author is not responsible for any adverse event that arises out of following my opinion, however such negative and positive feedback will help me improve. Kindly seek dermatologist advice for skin care, acne, redness, irritation, dark patches or any other skin problem. Kindly note for medico-legal reasons I have not listed prescribed skin care products which are specially formulated according to skin types and are cost effective too. Also, the author has no monetary association with above listed brands, there are thousands of skin care products in the market I have chosen few of them to start with. Kindly note all the photographs in this blog are taken from Google images.

Your invaluable comments, queries and Facebook likes will help me in my effort of Dermato-awareness- working towards healthy, radiant and flawless skin. 
Dr Surbhi, MD (Skin)

Dandruff- understanding the basics!

Have you felt embarrassed of white flakes shining on your shirt or have you resisted scratching your scalp in a meeting? Dandruff is so common that most of us have experienced it; in this article we discuss what dandruff is and why you have it, and how it is different from seborrheic dermatitis.

1. What is Dandruff?
2. What is Seborrheic dermatitis?
3. Why do you get Dandruff or Seborrheic dermatitis/
4. Are you suffering from Dandruff or Seborrheic dermatitis?

For answers, click:

Dandruff- Understanding the Basics @ Dermatocare.com

Disclaimer- The content of this page is meant for information pupose only and not not meant for medical use.As everybody skin behaves differently so the author is not responsible for any damage or losses or side effects arising from the use or following the information provided on this page. Also certain topics in this page are still controversial so the author is sharing her views based on her experience and knowledge. Any wrong content or discrepancies in thought are invited for discussions and if needed can be corrected based on the facts. The results expected with skin care products are not universally applicable as each individuals skin behaves differently. The author is not responsible for any adverse event that arises out of following my opinion, however such negative and positive feedback will help me improve. Kindly seek dermatologist advice for skin care, acne, redness, irritation, dark patches or any other skin problem. Kindly note for medico-legal reasons I have not listed prescribed skin care products which are specially formulated according to skin types and are cost effective too. Also, the author has no monetary association with above listed brands, there are thousands of skin care products in the market I have chosen few of them to start with. Kindly note all the photographs in this blog are taken from Google images.

Your invaluable comments, queries and Facebook likes will help me in my effort of Dermato-awareness- working towards healthy, radiant and flawless skin. 

Dr Surbhi, MD (Skin)

Aloe vera- the versatile skin healer !

Aloe vera not only helps in keeping your skin young, healthy and radiant but also useful in number of skin problems; it is aptly the versatile skin healer. This plant has been in use for long but only recently scientific research has proven its efficacy. Aloe vera contains over 150 nutritional ingredients (like amino acids, anthraquinones, enzymes, minerals, vitamins, lignins, monosaccharide, polysaccharides, salicylic acid, saponins, and sterols); the list is too exhaustive to fit into any skin care product, that too all naturals.

1. What are the benefits of using Aloe Vera on skin? 
2. Are there any side effects of using Aloe vera?
3. What is correct method of extracting Aloe Vera jelly at home?
4. How can I use Aloe Vera gel for skin problems?
5. Which skin type can use Aloe Vera?

For answers, click:

Aloe Vera @ Dermatocare.com

 


Disclaimer- The content of this page is meant for information pupose only and not not meant for medical use.As everybody skin behaves differently so the author is not responsible for any damage or losses or side effects arising from the use or following the information provided on this page. Also certain topics in this page are still controversial so the author is sharing her views based on her experience and knowledge. Any wrong content or discrepancies in thought are invited for discussions and if needed can be corrected based on the facts. The results expected with skin care products are not universally applicable as each individuals skin behaves differently. The author is not responsible for any adverse event that arises out of following my opinion, however such negative and positive feedback will help me improve. Kindly seek dermatologist advice for skin care, acne, redness, irritation, dark patches or any other skin problem. Kindly note for medico-legal reasons I have not listed prescribed skin care products which are specially formulated according to skin types and are cost effective too. Also, the author has no monetary association with above listed brands, there are thousands of skin care products in the market I have chosen few of them to start with. Kindly note all the photographs in this blog are taken from Google images.

Your invaluable comments, queries and Facebook likes will help me in my effort of Dermato-awareness- working towards healthy, radiant and flawless skin. 
Dr Surbhi, MD (Skin)

Lemon is a home remedy that has certain ifs and buts.

 Lemon is commonly used as home remedy; however lemon can irritate or burn your skin if precautions are not taken. So, lemon is a home remedy that has certain ifs and buts.

1. What are the benefits of using lemon on skin?
2. What are side effects of using lemon on skin?
3. What are the precautions I should take while using lemon on my skin?
4. How can I use lemon for skin?
5. Which skin types can use lemon on their face?

For answers, click: 

Lemon @ Dermatocare.com

Disclaimer- The content of this page is meant for information purpose only and not not meant for medical use.As everybody skin behaves differently so the author is not responsible for any damage or losses or side effects arising from the use or following the information provided on this page. Also certain topics in this page are still controversial so the author is sharing her views based on her experience and knowledge. Any wrong content or discrepancies in thought are invited for discussions and if needed can be corrected based on the facts. The results expected with skin care products are not universally applicable as each individuals skin behaves differently. The author is not responsible for any adverse event that arises out of following my opinion, however such negative and positive feedback will help me improve. Kindly seek dermatologist advice for skin care, acne, redness, irritation, dark patches or any other skin problem. Kindly note for medico-legal reasons I have not listed prescribed skin care products which are specially formulated according to skin types and are cost effective too. Also, the author has no monetary association with above listed brands, there are thousands of skin care products in the market I have chosen few of them to start with. Kindly note all the photographs in this blog are taken from Google images.

Your invaluable comments, queries and Facebook likes will help me in my effort of Dermato-awareness- working towards healthy, radiant and flawless skin. 

Dr Surbhi, MD (Skin)

Honey versus anti-winkle cream

Dermatocare started as skin care blog concentrated around Dermatology; however with research we realised that there is lot more than allopathy when it come to skin care. One such proof is this blog. Our research about honey coincidentally clashed with analysis of reputed anti-wrinkle cream; to our surprise honey scored higher. The details are tabulated below:

Benefit	Honey	Anti-wrinkle cream
Moisturizer	Yes	Glycerine and water
Vitamins	Six (riboflavin, niacin, pantathonic acid, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin C)	Four (tocopherol, niacin, vitamin C, pantathonic acid)
Anti-oxidants	Multiple (Chrysin, pinobanksin, catalase, pinocembrin)	One (green tea)
Minerals	Zinc, selenium	None
Amino acids	18-20 amino acids mostly Proline	None
Organic acids	Many especially Gluconic acid	None
Anti-septic	anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties	None
Preservative	Natural	Synthetic

                           

• How does honey benefits skin?
• Which type of honey is best for skin?
• How can I use raw honey on my skin?
• Which skin types can use honey on face?

For answers, click:

Honey vs Anti-wrinkle cream @ Dermatocare.com

Disclaimer- The content of this page is meant for information pupose only and not not meant for medical use.As everybody skin behaves differently so the author is not responsible for any damage or losses or side effects arising from the use or following the information provided on this page. Also certain topics in this page are still controversial so the author is sharing her views based on her experience and knowledge. Any wrong content or discrepancies in thought are invited for discussions and if needed can be corrected based on the facts. The results expected with skin care products are not universally applicable as each individuals skin behaves differently. The author is not responsible for any adverse event that arises out of following my opinion, however such negative and positive feedback will help me improve. Kindly seek dermatologist advice for skin care, acne, redness, irritation, dark patches or any other skin problem. Kindly note for medico-legal reasons I have not listed prescribed skin care products which are specially formulated according to skin types and are cost effective too. Also, the author has no monetary association with above listed brands, there are thousands of skin care products in the market I have chosen few of them to start with. Kindly note all the photographs in this blog are taken from Google images.

 

Your invaluable comments, queries and Facebook likes will help me in my effort of Dermato-awareness- working towards healthy, radiant and flawless skin. 
Dr Surbhi, MD (Skin)

OLAY TOTAL EFFECT with touch of FOUNDATION - has it all!!!

Its been more than 2 weeks I am using this product,  this is what I like about it:

It blends with your skin to give smoother and glowing yet matt look that too without getting noticed by others. Besides this, it hydrates my skin well along with giving a dose of vitamins required for the skin. Not to forget the SPF 15 protection it offers to keep my wrinkles away. All this benefits need just a small amount of it daily.

HOWEVER, I wish if this product was available in thinner lotion base to suit my much oilier skin in summers. Again a word of caution for those who have sensitive skin as this product contains lot of fragrances and preservatives. Also, there is just one shade to meet the need of skin of different shades. Bit too costly to fit into pocket of everybody.

Being A Dermatologist I always scan the ingredient list, I must say OLAY has a edge of using very good sunscreen agents that not only protect against UVB rays but also UVA rays. BUT for this protection of SPF 15, you need to apply a thick coat which might not blend well. So do apply your regular sunscreen beneath this product especially if you are outdoor in sun for more than half an hour.

Well, the dose of vitamins like Niacinamide, Vitamin E, panthenol and Vitamin C keep your skin soft, young and supple but do not expect that the SEVEN signs of ageing would ever fade away with use of this product alone. The addition of anti-oxidant like green tea imparts skin repairing benefits to this cream too.

BUT addition of many fragrances (Fragrances, alpha-isomethyl ionone, hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde, benzyl salicylate, butylphenyl methylpropional) makes this product more likely to cause allergic contact dermatitis in those patients who have fragrance allergy.  Similarly, multiple preservatives (propylparaben, disodium edta, benzyl alcohol, ethylparaben) in this product can cause increase chances of allergy/ irritation in sensitive skin.

SKIN TYPE RECOMMENDATION:

DRY skin: Might need a coat of moisturizer beneath this product especially in winters

Oily Skin: Bit occlusive to be used in very oily skin, however you can definitely try this when your skin is on normal side as in winters.

COMBINATION SKIN:  Might give greasy look when your skin is oily in humid weather, however you can definitely try this when your skin is on normal to dry as in winters.

Sensitive skin: I would suggest you try this product on your face with sample packs available at OLAY counters. Buy only if it does not irritate/breakout for a day or so.

Pigmented skin type: Good product that not only camouflages your dark patches but also has de-pigmenting ingredients with benefit of sun protection.

Carry home message is:

“Daily dose of Olay total effect with touch of FOUNDATION imparts smooth matt look with advantage of sun protection without guilt of applying foundation daily.”

Your invaluable comments, queries and Facebook likes will help me in my effort of Dermato-awareness- working towards healthy, radiant and flawless skin. 

Dr Surbhi, MD (Skin)

Disclaimer: The data shared in my blog is my personal opinion based on my knowledge and experience. The results expected with skin care products are not universally applicable as each individuals skin behaves differently. The author is not responsible for any adverse event that arises out of following my opinion, however such negative and positive feedback will help me improve. Kindly seek dermatologist advice for skin care, acne, redness, irritation, dark patches or any other skin problem. Kindly note for medico-legal reasons I have not listed prescribed skin care products which are specially formulated according to skin types and are cost effective too. Also, the author has no monetary association with above listed brands, there are thousands of skin care products in the market I have chosen few of them to start with. 

Understand Ageing- before you look for fountain of youth !

“Why in the whole world should I read this boring article on cause of wrinkles” 

Well, you cannot win the battle without understanding your enemy. In this article, I have explained in simple language what is occurring there in your skin that contributes to wrinkles and at the end I have outlined the staging system of ageing face.

 For FULL article, click:

Understand Ageing @Dermatocare






Disclaimer- The content of this page is meant for information purpose only and not not meant for medical use.As everybody skin behaves differently so the author is not responsible for any damage or losses or side effects arising from the use or following the information provided on this page. Also certain topics in this page are still controversial so the author is sharing her views based on her experience and knowledge. Any wrong content or discrepancies in thought are invited for discussions and if needed can be corrected based on the facts. The results expected with skin care products are not universally applicable as each individuals skin behaves differently. The author is not responsible for any adverse event that arises out of following my opinion, however such negative and positive feedback will help me improve. Kindly seek dermatologist advice for skin care, acne, redness, irritation, dark patches or any other skin problem. Kindly note for medico-legal reasons I have not listed prescribed skin care products which are specially formulated according to skin types and are cost effective too. Also, the author has no monetary association with above listed brands, there are thousands of skin care products in the market I have chosen few of them to start with. Kindly note all the photographs in this blog are taken from Google images.

 Your invaluable comments, queries and Facebook likes will help me in my effort of Dermato-awareness- working towards healthy, radiant and flawless skin. Dr Surbhi, MD (Skin

What should I expect from Anti-ageing creams?

“ I am getting wrinkles around my eye and on my forehead, what about those expensive anti-wrinkle creams I have been using?”

As a Dermatologist, I often face many questions about anti-wrinkle creams; I have tried my best to answer them here:

• Can anti-wrinkle cream help in reducing my wrinkles?
• How does the anti-wrinkle creams work
• Should I apply anti-wrinkle creams regularly?
• Does sunscreen has any role in anti-ageing?
• Are there any oral medications for reducing wrinkles?
• How do I choose anti-wrinkle cream from the cosmetic counter?

For answers, click here:

Anti-ageing creams @ Dermatocare.com

Disclaimer- The content of this page is meant for information purpose only and not not meant for medical use.As everybody skin behaves differently so the author is not responsible for any damage or losses or side effects arising from the use or following the information provided on this page. Also certain topics in this page are still controversial so the author is sharing her views based on her experience and knowledge. Any wrong content or discrepancies in thought are invited for discussions and if needed can be corrected based on the facts. The results expected with skin care products are not universally applicable as each individuals skin behaves differently. The author is not responsible for any adverse event that arises out of following my opinion, however such negative and positive feedback will help me improve. Kindly seek dermatologist advice for skin care, acne, redness, irritation, dark patches or any other skin problem. Kindly note for medico-legal reasons I have not listed prescribed skin care products which are specially formulated according to skin types and are cost effective too. Also, the author has no monetary association with above listed brands, there are thousands of skin care products in the market I have chosen few of them to start with. Kindly note all the photographs in this blog are taken from Google images.

 Your invaluable comments, queries and Facebook likes will help me in my effort of Dermato-awareness- working towards healthy, radiant and flawless skin. 
Dr Surbhi, MD (Skin)

A, B, C of Daily skin care - create your own personalized skincare regime with us.

Smooth, even toned, radiant and flawless skin is what we dream about, but we all are not fortunate enough to have it. I truly believe that with little effort we can nurture our skin, and move towards having radiant skin.  


Yes, it all starts from small steps like using a face wash that removes excess oils in oily skin or moisturizer that replenishes natural moisturizing factor of dry skin and daily use of sunscreen to ward off those fine lines and dark spots.  With unfathomable list of skincare products available and innumerable claims that we are bombarded with everyday, leads to even more confusion and people are unable to settle in a routine of daily skincare as they experiment with many products.

Based on my experience, I would recommend simple steps to take care of your skin. Its includes some daily skin care that would not take more than 10 minutes of your entire day and weekly care which would take about 15  minutes from your entire weekend.

• Daily Care: It includes three simple things face wash, day cream with sun protection(read SPF) and night cream for wrinkles and dark spots. 
• Weekly care: which I term as two-step home facial includes scrubbing and face pack.

These five steps will remain same in all skin types but the type of face wash, creams, face pack etc will vary as per your skin type, to know yours Sign up.

For details on why and how of five basic steps, click here:

A,B,C of Daily Skin Care @ Dermatocare.com

 

 

Your invaluable comments, queries and Facebook likes will help me in my effort of Dermato-awareness- working towards healthy, radiant and flawless skin. 

Dr Surbhi, MD (Skin)

Disclaimer: The data shared in my blog is my personal opinion based on my knowledge and experience. The results expected with skin care products are not universally applicable as each individuals skin behaves differently. The author is not responsible for any adverse event that arises out of following my opinion, however such negative and positive feedback will help me improve. Kindly seek dermatologist advice for skin care, acne, redness, irritation, dark patches or any other skin problem. Kindly note for medico-legal reasons I have not listed prescribed skin care products which are specially formulated according to skin types and are cost effective too. Also, the author has no monetary association with above listed brands, there are thousands of skin care products in the market I have chosen few of them to start with.