Help your skin glow with proper maintenance

It is usually the skin, the most important part of the body, which is neglected by almost all. It is very important to know the type of our skin. Skin can be categorized as dry and oily. Skin is affected by factors, both internal and external. The internal factors are - variation in gland secretions, health problems, cells, medicines etc. The external factors include the weather and radiation from the sun. The texture of the skin keeps changing due to various reasons including age.

Beautician Lakshmi Manoharan, proprietress of Vikasini beauty center, Coimbatore, emphasizes that skin needs proper maintenance if you want to look healthy and beautiful. She answers the queries of readers on the same:

Q: I am thirty years old. My skin is dry. Wrinkles have appeared on my face. How to prevent this?(Vijayakumari, Ekkattuthangal)

A: We do not feel the need to maintain the skin during early ages because the skin remains oily during this period. As we age, the skin starts losing its luster. Up to 25 years, facial is not necessary. After 25, the skin starts developing wrinkles due to lack of maintenance, pollution, wrong food habits, mechanical life etc. So, facial, once in a month becomes necessary for everybody above 25. In beauty parlors, for those with dry skin, they use suitable creams to restore the natural texture and remove dryness. Restricted diet, sound sleep and exercise help maintain the texture, adding to looks.

Q: I am 25 years old. I am overweight. I’ve problems of wart on my neck. How to treat this?(Malini, Thirukazgukundram)

A: Avoid fatty food and eat lots of green vegetables. Also regular exercise is a must. This is the usual method for shedding some kilos. Apart from this, you can consult a fitness center and a physician for suggestions. Wart can be removed by a dermatologist. In beauty parlors also they remove warts.

Q: I am 31 years old. I am in the marketing section. My skin has become dark and unhealthy. What is your advice? (Gowtham, Tambaram)

A:Normally, those in the marketing line have to be on the run, exposing themselves to sunlight. Good quality sunscreens should be used twice daily. Face should be washed 3 or 4 times daily in clean water. Use umbrella or hat. You should drink lot of water. You can have herbal facial once in a month.

Q: I am a second year engineering college student. There are umpteen beauty aids selling in the market. I am confused at what to buy, what not to buy. Please suggest a good facial cream.(Umasree, Chennai)

A:First you should consult a beautician on the texture of your skin and know about the beauty aids suitable to your texture. Then, you can choose the product going through the handbook that contains details of products of various companies. You should use those aids that have nil or minimum side effects.

Q: I am 22 years old. I’ve dark circles around my eyes. I feel that the beauty of my eyes is totally gone because of this. Please suggest a remedy.(Meenu, Dindugal)

A:The reasons for your dark circles at this early age are lack of nutrition, lack of sleep, tension and hard work. Nutritious diet, 5 to 6 hours of deep sleep and sufficient intake of drinking water are a must. Apply a mixture of sea moss and milk on the dark circles and leave for 15 minutes. If you repeat this treatment for days, you can see the difference in one week.