SKIN SOLUTIONS - Expert Speak

EXPERTSPEAK - Featured in StyleSpeak Jan 2011

Dr. Jamuna Pai holds a commanding position in the field of skin care. Trained with leading dermatologists in India and abroad she holds diplomas with credit from The British Independent Examination Board, The Royal Society of Health and The International Academy of Acupuncture.

ExpertSpeak

Three individuals consult Dr Jamuna Pai on their skin problems ranging from tans to sensitivity. Read on to know what advice is given to them…

Q.Dear Doctor,

I have very sensitive skin and I tend to tan very easily. When I swim, sometimes my skin tans and even peels sometimes. I also wanted advice on what treatments I can go through if it occurs in the future again. Please help…

- Fiona D’Souza, Mumbai

A.Dear Fiona,

A sun tan is actually the body’s defense mechanism against strong sunlight and hence there is visible evidence of damage to the skin. Sun burning on the other hand in severe forms can be quite uncomfortable. It results in redness of the skin, peeling and sometimes itching. This also causes photo ageing.

The treatment for tanning includes avoiding sunlight as much as possible and the use of a sun block of any SPF at least twice a day. Use a calamine lotion during the day. Take an anti-allergic tablet during the day and night for a week along with an application of 1 % desonide lotion at bedtime. This will bring down the inflammation and peeling dramatically. The desonide should be used only for one week.

Q. Dear Doctor,

I am a 19 year old boy. I have small light scaly patches on my back and on the arms. I also have a lot of itching and skin has turned light. These patches are not throughout the body, they come and go. They (patches) are more prominent in the summer and monsoon I would like you suggest a remedy for these…

- Ashish Pal, Delhi

A. Dear Ashish,

This complaint of yours sounds like a case of fungal infection e.g. tinea versicolor. This is a common fungal infection that affects adolescents and young adults especially in summer. It causes affected skin to change colour and become either lighter or darker than the surrounding skin. The most common areas are the shoulders, back and chest. It can also affect folds of skin, such as skin under the breast or the groin.

Tinea versicolor is caused by yeast (fungus) that lives in skin of most adults. High humidity and immunity or hormone abnormalities cause the fungus to become more visible and grow. It often recurs after treatment, so treatment has to be repeated every year or two. There are many antifungal agents that are available to apply on the skin. They have to be applied twice a day for 10- 14 days. Also antifungal shampoos with 1% ketaconozole have to be used twice a week.

Q. Dear Doctor,

I am 33 years old and a company executive. I am quite attractive but I always appear to be frowning then I am not. I have these two deep lines between my eyebrows above my nose. I want to get rid of it. Can you help me? Is there a permanent way of doing this?

- Hemlata Kaur, Delhi.

A. Dear Hemlata,

With your profile these lines may have a bad impact on you towards employees. These frown lines can be completely removed with the help of Botox. As long as you are not pregnant or planning a baby in the near future or if you are suffering from any ‘myasthenia gravis’ or any other nerve or muscle disorder, then Botox is the answer for you! Tiny amounts of Botox are injected into particular muscles that cause frowning.It could take 7-10 days for the muscles to relax while it (Botox) erases the frown. The procedure needs to be done every 4 – 6 months. If there is any anxiety about taking Botox, your cosmetic doctor may use a filler injection that will erase these lines and give your face a younger and softer look.

How to look your radiant best on your wedding day

Chat session held on 22nd November 2010 on TimesWellness.com

Nicky: Please guide me for bridal beauty tips

DrJamunaPai: Hello Nicky, The preparation for the wedding day should start from the time the date is finalised. Do not try out any new treatments just before your wedding. Always go to a well experienced Doctor for your treatments. Be regular in using sunscreen twice daily. Go for a cleanup once in 4-6 weeks. Get a body bleach done once in 6 weeks. This along with an oil massage will help in exfoliating the dead cells and also lift off the tan.

Kiran: how good are home remedies when preparing skin and hair for wedding?

DrJamunaPai: Hello Kiran, the home remedies are good in treating certain skin problems but I will again advice you that NEVER try anything new just before your D day. Things like honey with egg yolk, or water in which potato has been sliced and kept for 5 mins are good to get a glow on the skin instantly, but do so if you have enough time in hand to have tried these before. For hair, using egg and henna are going to help as natural conditioners. These are safe to use.

Shefali: what kind of treatments should i go in for at a salon? i have highly oily skin.

DrJamunaPai: Hello Shefali, An oily skin is always prone to acne break outs. So please avoid any kind of Facial in a salon. Never go in for any kind of granulated scrubs also. You can go in for a Cleanup once in 4- 6 weeks. Also a clean up is best done under an anti biotic cover like an Azithromycin 500 which should be started 3 days prior to the cleanup. Take the anti biotic after consulting a doctor.

Priya: Im getting married in March and I have a lot of skin problems like acne and open pores, can you please guide me on how to get rid of this?

DrJamunaPai: Hello Priya, It is a very very good thing that you are beginning your treatment 4 months in advance to your wedding date. First and foremost go and get a skin consultation done from a well experienced skin and beauty consultant. After taking all your details, you will be prescribed medications to bring the acne under control and then you can go in for skin lightening peels to take care of the scars left behind by the acne. Also since your are prone to acne then please do not wax your hair from the chest face and back, as these areas are prone to acne breakout and then that will be another problem to treat.

Nicky: I am getting married next month, my skin peel off a lot .what should i use for skin and even for hair to look good

DrJamunaPai: Hello Nicky, For your hair go in for protein treatments regularly like once in 15 days. At home you can do deep conditioning for your hair by leaving in the conditioner on your hair and wrapping it with hot towel. Since its just a month for your wedding, please DO NOT try any new treatment. It may do more harm than good for your skin. To get the peeling under control, apply an oil free moisturiser daily.

Vandana: ma’am my skin is very dry. plz help me out.i want to whiten my complexion. if i want to contact u where can i contact u.i also want my skin to be absolutely clear. plz suggest some treatment or any ph no where i can contact u .

DrJamunaPai: Hello Vandana, With the winter setting in, your skin can get even more dry as it will be robbed of the moisture levels. Use a moisturiser with lactic acid, or glycerine or Shea butter to keep your skin hydrated. Also take an oil capsule daily to help the skin remain more supple. You can reach me at my Clinic number 02267042425 or even visit my website www.blushworld.com

Arya: How much earlier than the wedding day should I do a hair straightening so it still shows full effect on the day itself?

DrJamunaPai: Hello Arya, I would say that get the straightening done at least one month prior to the wedding day, as till then the hair would have settled properly and one month is not too long a time for the new grown hair roots to start showing.

Komal: how does one avoid break-outs on and near the wedding day...?

DrJamunaPai: Hello Komal, With the wedding just round the corner, the stress levels tend to be more which in turn leads to increase in the acne break outs. Hence, it is very very essential to keep the stress levels under control by some form of activity, be it an half an hour meditation, or yoga or even listening to music. Basically something to de-stress you. Also getting eight-hour regular sleep is important.

Shruti: Hello Doctor, i have recently developed dark circles and little pigmentation on both the sides of the cheeks, please suggest a remedy, though I’m applying sliced potato and almond oil daily.

DrJamunaPai: Hello Shruti, The pigmentation could be due to an hormone shift in the body, which can lead to melasma which typically shows up on the cheeks. Just the sliced potato and almond will not help in reducing it. What you need it skin lightening agents which have Kojic acid or Vitamin C. These will also help in reducing the dark circles to a certain extent. But do not start using any of these until you have consulted a doctor. Besides using these creams, you can go in for skin lightening peels

Priya: Can you please suggest the kind of make up I should to go for the reception since I have oily skin and acne prone?

DrJamunaPai: Hello Vandana, Go to a professional makeup artist who can use camouflage makeup to cover your acne. Also they will use such products, which give a matte effect for an oily skin, and then the make up doesn’t run off with sweat or oil or even tears.

Bhanumati: hello jamuna, bhanumati (mangalore) here, i am having melasma and undergoing treatment... chemical peels and laser ,the scars are lightened but what is the right treatment and what precautions should i take after the treatment.

DrJamunaPai: Hello Bhanumati, After any kind of laser or skin peel that you do, always make sure that your are using a thick coat sunscreen at least twice in a day. Immediately after the peels, avoid sun exposure as much as possible. Cover your face with a scarf, hat and glares to protect your skin even more.

Diana: Hi Jamuna, For my wedding routine, I have been running regularly to get toned...but I tend to feel tired all the time...and instead of glowing, I feel that I am looking pale...Anything you can suggest to keep the skin healthy in spite of working out?

DrJamunaPai: Hi Diana, Along with a regular exercise programme, a well balanced diet is also very essential. If your diet lacks the right quantity of proteins, carbohydrates and anti-oxidants, then it will reflect on your skin. Take a supplement of Iron and an anti-oxidant daily. Also introduce vegetable juices in your daily diet and all of this will help you to get the glow on your skin.

Hema: the corner of my lips and inner corner of the eyelids are dark,, can you please provide a remedy to lighten them?

DrJamunaPai: Hello Hema, Use can use skin lightening agents which has Vitamin C to lighten the dark areas. But do consult a doctor before you start using any of the medicated creams.

Priya: Does laser treatment actually work for facial hair?

DrJamunaPai: Hello Vandana, Laser hair removal treatment does work for facial hair reduction. But it works only if the hair is thick and coarse. If the hair is fine, then you may not have appreciable results.

Diana: Any particular anti-oxidants and medication you recommend?

DrJamunaPai: Hi Diana, Anti-oxidant available in the market are Cap Selace forte, or Absolute or cap Antoxid. The iron capsules available are cap Dexorange, or Raricap

Shruti: Doctor,As my skin is extremely dry, can u suggest a good sunscreen? i have tried using-GARNIER,RANBAXY CROSSLANDS,UV AVO, but none seems to be suiting. Also what’s the difference between sunscreen and sun block?

DrJamunaPai: Hello Shruti, For dry skin you can mix a small quantity of moisturiser in your sunscreen and then apply so that it doesn’t dry your skin further.

Diana: To Vandana's query, I also have a lot of facial hair, but its all very fine ( So accepting that I cannot get laser done). I bleach regularly since face waxing/threading reacts badly with my skin. Is there any other way to get rid of facial hair?

DrJamunaPai: Yes diana, you can get a bleach done for your facial hair. Never ever wax it as it will always aggravate the acne in that area.

Bhanumati: i wanted to know if chemical peels(finished three sessions) will completely remove the scar and the doctor has prescribed elocon and metasone plus. previously he prescribed kojic cream.but when i read in the net, they say we have to be careful while using it as sometimes it is reversible and it may scar more. please let me know which cream is safe and when should i use it and when i go out for functions what make up can i put on the sunscreen base.

DrJamunaPai: Hello Bhanumati, How much will the scar lighten depends on the kind of pigmentation it is. if it is dermal or superficial. Also it depends on the type of the peel done for you. Any kind of skin lightening cream when used on the face, and not protected from sun exposure, will result in skin darkening further. if you are going out for any function at night, then no need to use a sunscreen based product.

admin: Hi, That's all we have time for. Thanks for participating in the chat. Hope your doubts are clarified. All the Best!! If you have any more questions for Dr Jamuna Pai, email them totimeswellness.webmaster@gmail.com

DrJamunaPai: Thank you all. Hope it was informative for all of you all. Bye

Link: http://www.timeswellness.com/article/73/201011182010111818032442797e68e8c/How-to-look-your-radiant-best-on-your-wedding-day.html#ftr2

ACSICON 2010 - Aurangabad

Dr. Jamuna Pai as a guest lecturer at ACSICON 2010

Dr. Jamuna Pai was invited to speak at this year's ACSICON 2010 - A conference for the Association of Cutaneous Surgeons of India. Dr. Pai spoke about the steps required in setting up a cosmetic clinic and gave the audience a peek into the world of Aesthetic Cosmetology with the latest in facial augmentation, lasers in aesthetic practice and other anti-aging technologies.

The conference was attended by Dermatologists, Cutaneous Surgeons and other cosmetic physicians from all over India.

Expert Trainer - Dr. Jamuna Pai

Dr. Jamuna Pai at Allergan's Workshop in Goa

Dr. Jamuna Pai traveled to Goa on the behest of Allergan, the makers of Botox, the miracle drug and Juvederm dermal filler to train and impart her wealth of experience to noted and established dermatologists, cosmetic physicians and maxillofacial surgeons.

There has been an increase in the number of cosmetic procedures being conducted in India due to the increased awareness amongst the masses. "Although the need and demand for such procedures is increasing each day, there is a dearth of trained and skilled professionals to conduct them", expresses Dr. Pai who, through her very own training institute plans to address this rising shortfall. The institute named Dr. Jamuna Pai's Institue for Aesthetic and Medical Cosmetology or DJPIMAC will open shortly and offer medical professionals with tools to further their practice.

Dr. Pai at the Inauguration of CosmoMed Fujairah

Dr. Jamuna Pai at the inauguration of CosmoMed Centre in Fujairah standing alongside HH Shaikh Hamad Bin Saleh Al Sharqi and other members of Emirates Medical Services

Reinstating her international standing as a beauty and anti-ageing expert, Dr. Pai was recently invited to the UAE to grace the opening of a cosmetology clinic . A part of the renowned Emirates Medical Services group, , the clinic is a state of the art facility located in Fujairah, approximately 2 hours away from Dubai.

The EMS group invited Dr. Pai there with the intent of having her extend her expertise in the field to their team of doctors and aestheticians. Dr. Pai. along with HH Shaikh Hamad Bin Saleh Al Sharqi together inaugurated the clinic on 10.10.10. Apart from this, Dr. Pai was also invited to the Higher College of Technology for Women in Fujairah to give a talk on the latest in cosmetology and wellness. With over a 100 students in attendance, Dr. Pai informed them of the latest in skincare, anti-ageing and non-surgical procedures to enhance and correct facial features.

Notes to the Bride

Planning a wedding is no easy feat and it won’t be long before the stress starts to show up on your skin. At Blush, we understand this all too well. Though it maybe a challenge to find time to pamper yourself amidst all the chaos, it is very important that you do so.

Modern medicine has surpassed itself in the last few years and you can now go from being a caterpillar to a butterfly in a matter of a few days. At Blush, our basic aim is to make sure that you incite a large amount of ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ on your big day.

Speaking in terms of how early you need to start your regime, I always advice brides that the first thing on their lists should be laser hair removal since the treatment requires multiple sittings spread out over a few months. If incase time is running out then the remainder of the sittings can always be completed post the wedding. Be sure that the laser is used by a qualified technician and that proper protocol is followed.

Over the years, the most common skin affliction that I get consulted for by young brides is acne and acne scars. The stress that goes along with planning the wedding can even make a girl with otherwise healthy skin to break out. Fortunately acne can be treated and a 100 per cent result can be achieved. The Fraxel skin resurfacing laser treatment is the perfect way to rid the skin of pits and blotchiness once the acne has been taken care off. The laser is the absolute gold standard in skin resurfacing lasers and the treatment involves hardly any downtime and amounts to unscarred and beautiful skin. The treatment requires several sittings and can be repeated every four to five weeks. Another quick fix for acne pits that I recommend is the use of dermal fillers. Dermal fillers are made of hyaluronic acid that is found naturally in the skin as well. Fillers have been around for years with an outstanding safety record. When injected, the filler lifts each pit to the surface level giving instantaneous results. But the effects are temporary and need to be repeated every few months. So the treatment should be done just a few days before the wedding festivities begin.

Another skin anguish that brides face is pigmentation and unwanted scars on the face and the body. Peels are the best option for the same. Soft gel peels are gentle enough to be used on any skin type and are perfect for indications such as dark circles, acne scars, stretch marks and hyper pigmentation. Another fantastic skin lightening treatment is the derma melan peel done exclusively at Blush. It inhibits the melanin cycle by means of safe agents that in turn cause the skin to lighten to a great extent. After the treatment, the skin will peel for a few days and optimal results can be seen approximately three weeks after the treatment. Almost all young brides today work out and eat right to tone and sculpt their bodies. But there are two areas that may still need cosmetic attention. At times the results do not show on the face. But it’s now possible to contour the jaw and sculpt the shape of the face to make it look slim and delicate.

Botox is a safe and effective way of attaining the desired results, as long as it’s done by a trained doctor. With a few painless jabs, your jaw can be made to appear slim and sharp. Once all the excess weight had been shed, the loose skin on the body may still remain. Thermage is the only non-invasive procedure that helps tighten and contour the skin in a single treatment with no surgery, no injections, and little to no downtime. The effects of the treatment are visible almost instantly and can last for years. At Blush, almost any facial feature can be enhanced and corrected with the help of Botox and dermal fillers. The lips can be made fuller and more sensual by injecting a small quantity of a filler material, without making it look like a trout pout. Under eye tiredness can also be corrected by filling out the area, which makes the face appear fresh.

Another embarrassing problem that brides maybe faced with is sweaty palms and underarms. Hyperhidrosis which basically means excessive sweating can also be taken care of with the help of Botox. It works by blocking the signals that stimulate the eccrine glands to produce sweat. The effects of Botox and dermal fillers last for six months at least so plan accordingly. According to me, with the right combination of chemical peels for skin lightening, Fraxel and peels for resurfacing of pits and tightening of the face, Thermage for sculpting the body as well as Botox and fillers to correct facial asymmetries can make a huge and positive change to your appearances. This along with a proper exercise plan, enough sleep and a healthy diet complemented with the right nutraceuticals and dietary supplements will make looking your best on the biggest day of your life as easy as apple pie.

For more information, call 022-6704 2426 or log onto www.blushworld.com.

Featured in - L'Officiel India Magazine

Issue - October 2010

Beauty Beyond 50

It is said that ‘age’ is all in the mind. But what about the stark reality that stares you in the face from your mirror where you see a receding hairline, a much bigger waistline than you would have wished, deep wrinkles and a jowl that you would rather not have! Yes, as you get more and more successful professionally and start reaching the upper echelons of your career, the body works in the reverse. The BMR (basal metabolic rate) or the ability of the body to burn calories slows down, the hormones in women play havoc, with the result that they are landed with very dry and patchy skin, stubborn pigmentation, unwanted coarse hair on their face, deep wrinkles, weight gain.

Add to this the other adjustments in life they have to undergo with their ‘dear daughters’ parting from them after marriage and the daughters-in-law coming in and changing the dynamics of the family. These changes make the body and mind very vulnerable and if one does not anticipate these or are not forewarned, one tends to find the 50’s very trying.

I believe that ‘every phase of our life is the best phase to be in’ and therefore I take joy in every ‘milestone’ year of my life. I am shortly about to become a grandmother but that does not stop me from trying to retain my figure, wearing jeans, highlighting my hair besides working long hours, balancing home life and relationships. After all I firmly believe that life is all about relationships. But I cannot imagine looking in the mirror and seeing a fat me without a waistline, a patchy pigmented skin on the face, grey hair and a slump in my gait. I would rather not be alive. But without getting to extremes I would say that it is very important to look good, to feel good.

Lifestyle changes become the singlemost important change that one has to bring about.

This includes the right kind of diet, regular exercise, nutritional supplements, mental relaxation through yoga & meditation, being involved in hobbies or social activities and following a simple anti ageing skin care regime. The diet would entail frequent meals at regular intervals low in oil and refined sugar. It should contain whole grain, pulses, fish, eggs, milk and milk products, lean meat, unsalted nuts, fruits especially the citric ones and those of a rich, deep colour as they are rich in antioxidants ( they flush the free radicals and toxins out of the body) and alcohol intake is best limited to red wine.

Regular exercise or at least a walk 4-5 times a week will go a long way in maintaining a sense of well being in you. Always consult your physician before you undertake any physical activity. Exercise always rushes more fresh blood containing nutrients and oxygen and flushes away the toxins from the whole body. The exercise you choose depends on your age, your health, your time available. This in combination with a little mental relaxation (yoga or meditation) can form an ideal workout pattern that promises to keep you healthy and happy.

Nutritional supplements are essential after the age of 40 as the body uses up all the natural reserves by then and to compensate for all the systemic changes that occur with age. A good combination of B complex, antioxidants, calcium, Omega-3 fatty acids, iron or folic acid supplements should suffice in normal individuals.

Coming back to “ looking good after 50”, is a state of mind, I believe if the lifestyle is good and the thought process is right, one can be sure that one feels good. Add to it a little skin care regime which will include ‘an always application’ of a sunscreen 2-3 times a day, cleansing, moisturizing and exfoliation of the skin, and a night care regime which would consist of proper cleansing and the use of active anti ageing and anti pigmentation ingredients in the night cream or serum. Keeping the basal metabolic rate up and the weight down is important to remain trim. A good hair cut from a professional can make a huge difference to your morale.

An issue of mind over matter, there are lots of little measures one can take that can infuse the much needed feel good factor back into your life without having to resort to drastic measures.

Dr. Jamuna Pai