Celebrity dermatologist and industry pioneer Dr Rashmi Shetty chats with The Telegraph on how to prep and protect one’s skin in the festive season, the importance of adding Glycolic acid, powered by L’Oréal Paris’ new range, to the skincare routine and busts a few myths.
The festive season is a time when the skin undergoes stress and needs better care. What are your top tips to prep and maintain one’s skin during this season?
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Drink lots of water and keep your body hydrated and prepped for all the festive bingeing. Limit sugar intake in the form of sweets, honey, stevia, jaggery, and so on, as it has a high glycaemic index that will adversely affect your skin.
You have been emphasising on the importance of adding Glycolic acid to one’s skincare routine. What are the benefits?
Glycolic acid is a powerful ingredient and an all-in-one solution to your greatest skin woe — dark spots. This ingredient belongs to the family of molecules called Alpha Hydroxy Acid and is the smallest and the lightest molecule in this family.
It works at two levels. One, it penetrates deep into the skin to remove melanin cell by cell, reducing dark spots. Two, it removes dead skin cells on the skin surface to reveal bright and beaming skin.
All in all, this star skincare essential is a top tier ingredient to advance your skin care routine. L’Oréal Paris’ latest innovation in skin care, the Glycolic Bright Range, is formulated with Glycolic acid that helps in reducing dark spots gradually. The range consists of a highly effective yet gentle serum, a daily cleanser, a day cream with SPF, an overnight cream and a serum mask
What are the things that one needs to keep in mind when adding Glycolic acid to one’s skincare routine?
Glycolic acid is a very safe and easy ingredient suitable for most skin types. But in case you have sensitive skin, introduce the ingredient to your skincare routine gradually — one product at a time. Start with the serum at first, then the day and overnight creams, a couple of days later, for best results.
Also, ensure the products have an optimal concentration required for daily home usage and are clinically, dermatologically and consumer tested. However, if you have irritated skin, ensure to treat, and heal the skin first under the guidance of an expert, and then incorporate actives into your skincare routine.
Men are now taking a lot of care of their skin. What would be your top tips to them this Diwali season?
That is true. Over the last 22 years of my practice, I now have over 30 per cent male clients as compared to before. Men want quick results, and they do not have the patience to follow an elaborate skincare routine. And as they are more exposed to environmental aggressors like harmful UV radiation and pollution. they need to include some important skincare essentials as part of their routine.
I would recommend daily usage of SPF, alongside a lightweight Glycolic serum for bright and radiant skin
Is there a growing myth about skin and skincare that you would like to bust?
Firstly, the myth that certain skincare products can do magic with a single use. That does not happen! You need to follow a consistent skincare routine over a period and can expect to notice visible difference only after a couple of weeks of regular application. It’s important for one to understand their individual skin type and concern, get expert guidance on the ingredients that suit their skin, and then go ahead with integrating potent ingredients as part of their skincare routine.
Is there anything related to your skincare that you have been following for years and still works for you?
Something that has worked for me since years is eating right and having a healthy lifestyle. Also, no matter how tired I am, I ensure to take my make-up off, wash my face with a cleanser and follow my night-time skincare routine. Last but not the least, SPF and moisturisers top the charts for me!
