Sunlight making you look older? Dermatologist warns not applying sunscreen daily is doing you more damage than you think
On the June 17 episode of Figuring Out With Raj Shamani, Mumbai-based dermatologist and trichologist Dr Geetanjali Shetty emphasised the importance of sunscreen for all ages. According to her, sunscreen helps prevent wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots caused by UV exposure and by incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine, you can enjoy healthier, protected skin for years to come. Also read | Beauty experts list what to look for and avoid in a sunscreen
Dr Shetty explained how sunscreen can protect from UVA (Ultraviolet A) rays, which penetrate deep into the skin, causing premature ageing and wrinkles. Sunscreen also helps protect against UVB (Ultraviolet B) rays that primarily cause sunburn and Dr Shetty added that even blue light (HEV or high energy visible light) from digital devices and screens can contribute to skin damage and premature ageing. Dr Shetty further shared that of the 10 patients she sees a day, 5-6 patients have little to no knowledge about sunscreen.
Dr Shetty explained how many Indians don't apply sunscreen because they think they are immune if they 'spend most of their time in AC', and said, 'Sadly, no one understands sunlight in India. Earlier, there was less pollution, and no ozone layer disruption. The sunrays are very harsh now.'
She added: 'Without sunscreen, you have cumulative damage happening to your skin. The SPF in sunscreen protects you against UVB and UVA. Now, with the lifestyle we have, we should start putting sunscreen indoors to protect ourselves from the blue light of screens. The earlier you realise this, the younger your are going to stay.'
Wondering how to choose the ideal sunscreen for your skin type? In a March 2023 interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Akber Aimer, director of aesthetic medicine and surgery at Maya Medi Spa shared some tips to help you find the perfect sun protection for your unique skin type.
For oily or acne-prone skin, he said, look for a lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic sunscreen, while for dry or sensitive skin, choose a moisturising sunscreen. For combination skin, use a sunscreen that is lightweight and non-greasy. He added that you should avoid sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as they can leave a white cast on the skin.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
3 hours ago
- The Hindu
‘Traditional eating habits being sidelined'
Kozhikode-based Paristhithi Samrakshana Samithi organised a discussion on 'The Chemistry of Food' at the Police Club on Friday ( June 20, 2025). Deliberating on the topic, Unnikrishnan Nambeesan, a retired professor, said that traditional eating habits had been sidelined. 'The Western world has historically set the standards,' he explained, citing how traditional ingredients like coconut oil were once labelled unhealthy. His lecture also explored the chemical composition of food. 'Phytochemicals are naturally occurring compounds that provide nutritive benefits,' said Mr. Nambeesan, highlighting the scientific links between food and disease prevention.
Hindustan Times
6 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Monsoon scalp struggles: Doctor shares 4 reasons why dandruff flares up during rainy season and how to manage
Monsoon season brings cool air and cosy weather, but it also quietly invites trouble with a host of skin and haircare issues, particularly increasing dandruff. Even when your haircare routine seems in check and going all fine, the sudden onslaught of humidity, sweat, and rain during monsoon may throw your scalp health completely haywire. You need to be well-informed about seasonal dandruff to be able to tackle it. Keep your scalp health in check with the help of appropriate haircare routine.(Shutterstock) ALSO READ: Can you get rid of dandruff permanently? Dermatologist answers Dr Vishalakshi Viswanath, Consultant Dermatology at KIMS Hospitals, Thane, shared with HT Lifestyle how dandruff increases during monsoon and how one can manage it easily. Explaining the basics, she elaborated, 'Dandruff is not merely a dry scalp or just a cosmetic problem. The causes of dandruff are multifactorial. Increase in sebum production (oiliness of hair), colonisation of the scalp by a yeast fungus (Malassezia) and individual susceptibility (genetic, hormonal, stress) can contribute to dandruff issues. Many seasonal factors disrupt the scalp skin barrier function, leading to increased sebum production and yeast colonisation, thereby worsening dandruff.' Dr Viswanath shared a guide, outlining all the essentials you need to know about monsoon dandruff, from the reasons, treatments, to when one should visit a doctor: 4 reasons why dandruff worsens in monsoons Dandruff increases because of the change in weather conditions during monsoon.(Shutterstock) 1. Increased humidity: High moisture content and humidity cause an increase in scalp yeast. 2. Rainwater exposure and wet hair: A damp environment facilitates Malassezia overgrowth 3. Excessive scalp sweating: A humid atmosphere, leading to excessive scalp sweating and oiliness, causes scalp irritation and inflammation 4. Infrequent hair wash: Often, people avoid regular hair wash during monsoons, leading to an oily scalp and an increase in yeast How to control dandruff? 1. Anti-dandruff shampoos: Shampoos are the mainstay of dandruff control; ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, and salicylic acid-based shampoos are often available over the counter (OTC). Newer anti-fungal-based shampoos can be used in stubborn cases on a dermatologist's recommendation. 2. Regular hair wash: Twice or thrice weekly hair wash with a leave-on time of five to ten minutes for the action of actives in the shampoos should be done. 3. Maintain scalp hygiene: Keep the hair dry, avoid tying wet hair, dry your hair gently if you get wet in the rain, avoid harsh hair products (SLS, parabens) or heavy oils and leave oil on the scalp only for a few hours. 4. Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle: A balanced diet rich in zinc, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, along with stress management, can help prevent dandruff flares. When to visit a doctor? If there is excess flaking, itching, oozing or your dandruff is uncontrolled with OTC products, do consult a dermatologist. If dandruff is left untreated, it can progress to seborrheic dermatitis and involve areas beyond the scalp, disrupt scalp health, lead to hair thinning, and cause secondary skin issues like forehead acne. Dandruff has to be differentiated from scalp psoriasis. The dermat concluded, 'Appropriate consultation with board certified dermatologist for individualised treatment approach and stubborn dandruff is mandatory.' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition. Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crick-it, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Quizzes, Polls & much more. Explore now!. Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.
Hindustan Times
7 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Yoga Day 2025: Shavasana to baddha konasana, 8 best asanas for PCOS
Yoga Day 2025: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – a chronic hormonal condition that can result in irregular periods, severe pain and even weight gain – affects up to 6–13 percent women of reproductive age and up to 70 percent of affected women remain undiagnosed worldwide, according to World Health Organization. But did you know yoga may be able to help manage PCOS symptoms? Also read | Gynaecologist explains how your menstrual health can reveal early signs of PCOS: 'Heavy bleeding isn't always normal' Yoga Day 2025: Bow pose sends a gentle wave of fresh blood to your head and pelvis, easing tightness in the tummy while providing a mild internal massage (Freepik) In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Samiksha Shetty, founder of Rising Loka, said that instead of silently suffering from PCOS, women should be encouraged to make lifestyle changes that could support their health. 'A consistent workout routine which includes yoga asanas, pranayama and meditation, helps balance women's hormones, insulin resistance and blood sugar levels,' she said. Samiksha added, 'Now, you might say any workout can do that. But yoga works on a cellular level as well. Yoga goes way beyond its physical benefits—it helps reduce stress and cortisol levels, which is very important for hormonal health. Yoga can help relieve anxiety, balance hormones, improve menstrual cycles, and rev up your body's metabolism. Also, relaxation is the key to fighting PCOS.' She suggested that a daily calming yoga practice with a focus on stress reduction is a good place to start. However, it is important to understand our body's ability to practice certain asana/yoga flows, she said, and added: 'Not all yoga practices are stress-reducing. Some vigorous practices may stress the body and add to the load on the adrenal glands.' Samiksha added that a regular yoga practice makes us more aware and helps us focus on our breathing patterns. 'Breathing is something so natural to us that we often take it for granted. The three pranayama practices that are beneficial for PCOS are alternate nostril breathing (a subtle energy clearing technique), bhramari pranayama (a humming bee breathing technique), and kapalbhathi pranayama (a breath of fire).' Are there any specific yoga poses that may help with PCOS? Here's what Samiksha suggested: Despite its apparent simplicity, shavasana is one of the most crucial yoga poses. (Freepik) 1. Vyaghra shwasa (tiger breathing) She said, 'You probably know it better as the cat-cow stretch. Done with steady, deep breaths, it eases tightness in your spine, back, and neck, adds movement to those areas, and leaves the whole body feeling calmer.' 2. Malasana (garland pose) aka wide squat pose 'At first glance, this sturdy squat looks easy, yet the comforts of modern life have made it surprisingly tough for many of us. If your heels stubbornly lift, slide a rolled towel, mat or block under them and keep breathing,' she added. 3. Parivrtta trikonasana stretch (revolved triangle breathing) According to Samiksha, gentle twists like this one 'massage the waist, tone the belly and give the reproductive organs a nice boost'. 4. Baddha konasana (bound angle or butterfly pose) Samiksha said, 'Also called 'the butterfly', this seated pose is cherished by women dealing with PCOS and eases cramps and backache during periods and pregnancy. Beyond that it loosens stiff ankles, knees and hips, opens the joint, and finally sparks a much-needed emotional release.' 5. Dhanurasana (bow pose) 'Bow pose sends a gentle wave of fresh blood to your head and pelvis, easing tightness in the tummy while providing a mild internal massage. When done regularly, it builds endurance in the reproductive organs and offers relief from stubborn indigestion and constipation alike,' she added. 6. Setu Bandhasana (bridge pose) According to Samiksha, 'Bridge pose works wonders for achy lower backs, sciatica, and general stiffness in ankles, hips, backs, thighs, and shoulder blades. It also supports reproductive health, broadens lung capacity, and can soothe discomfort during menstruation or throughout pregnancy while firming up the muscles along your spine.' 7. Balasana (pose of the child) She added, 'The child's pose, which encourages relaxation by soothing the central nervous system, is one of the most vital yoga poses for PCOs. In addition, it normalises blood flow throughout the body and reduces PMS symptoms, lower back tension, and menstrual cramps.' 8. Shavasana (pose of the corpse) 'Despite its apparent simplicity, shavasana is one of the most crucial yoga poses. Since we do not perceive the benefits of this pose, many of us avoid it. Your nervous system is balanced by this pose. It facilitates the body's transition into a relaxed and peaceful state. It aids in body cooling and the removal of emotional blockages,' she concluded. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
