Dr. Shefali Trasi Nerurkar, Dermatologist, Dr. Trasi clinic & La Piel skin clinic, shares 5 simple tips to keep your skin healthy and glowing at every age!

We’re all getting older, there’s nothing we can do about that. But what we can do is take care of our skin as it changes – to keep it healthy and retain our youthful glow. Genetics plays an important role in determining how an individual will look as they age, but external factors like heat, stress, pollution and personal habits like smoking, diet and physical activity all impact the skin.

Great-looking skin doesn’t happen by chance, it happens with good skincare. During the lockdown, many of us indulged in skincare tutorials and heard about so many different products and ingredients – enough to make anyone’s head spin! However, there’s no need to get hassled; skincare doesn’t need to be complicated. Let’s look at some tried and tested tips to care for your skin and bring out your inner glow – whether you are in your 20s, touching 50 or well beyond…  

5 tips for healthy, glowing skin

• Stick to a routine

It is essential to have a daily skincare routine – and stick to it. It does not need to be elaborate or time consuming, and can easily be incorporated into hectic schedules. Cleansing and hydrating the skin, in the morning and evening, are the most essential steps. They lay the foundation for good skin health. Morning cleansing removes the sweat and oil secreted during the night, and helps the skin absorb other skincare products. Night cleansing removes the dirt and grime that accumulates during the day. Moisturising works at a cellular level to help restore the skin barrier and protect against external factors like dust and pollution.

• Protect skin from the sun

Regular and prolonged exposure to sunlight, or any type of visible light, can lead to premature signs of ageing. These rays contribute to the generation of free radicals which ultimately damage the natural skin cellular environment, causing the cells to wither. It makes skin look darker and wrinkled. A good sunscreen with UVB, UVA and infrared protection is necessary to protect the skin from these harmful rays. Choose a gel or a matte finish sunscreen to avoid greasiness.

• Exfoliate

Our skin constantly generates new skin cells and sheds dead ones. However, sometimes the skin cannot shed this dead layer, leading to hyperpigmentation, acne and skin infections. Mild skin scrubs, used regularly, gently exfoliate these dead skin cells, making the skin look brighter and younger. A word of caution, do not over-exfoliate as it may irritate and damage the skin. If your skin is dry,  use a good moisturiser post exfoliation.

• Use a night cream/serum

Night creams or serums contain active ingredients that hydrate and rejuvenate the skin. Choose one that suits your skin type and meets your unique requirements.

• Eat right

Don’t let food and nutrition take a backseat. When it comes to skincare, a healthy diet is a prime requirement. A healthy body equals glowing skin. Eat at regular intervals and include fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. Cut back on junk food. As you grow older, include oral supplements like antioxidants, which are essential for good skin health. 

Stop worrying and start caring for your skin today. It may be a slow and continuous process, but remember that no matter what stage of your life you are in, healthy, beautiful and glowing skin is yours to claim!