Rampant, continuous and unsupervised use of steroid containing creams also cause stretch marks. These creams, though invaluable in curing certain diseases, have to be used under strict supervision of a qualified dermatologist. Skin type also plays an important role. Dry skin is less elastic as compared to oily skin and hence more prone to developing stretch marks.

Stretch marks mar a person’s appearance and cause low confidence. Besides, it’s no consolation that these marks can never be completely erased.

Can they be treated?

Treatment for stretch marks is limited and largely unsatisfactory. However, here are some options to control and prevent them.

• Massaging the skin with creams containing vitamin E helps prevent stretch marks.
• Topical vitamin A products [retinol] and topical glycolic acid are used in cosmetic preparations to eliminate stretch marks.
• Products containing cocoa butter claim to decrease stretch marks. However, their efficacy and safety have not been determined. More than the ingredients of the product, it is the massage that helps rejuvenate collagen.
• Creams containing tretinoin and glycolic acid help if the marks are newly-formed [red in colour].
• Topical application of vitamin C improves the appearance in early cases.
• Multiple creams are available for preventing stretch mark formation. In an extensive study, a herbal product containing Centella asiatica extract [brahmi], alpha tocopherol and collagen-elastin hydrolysate was found to be effective in preventing scars. Unfortunately, the product is not yet available in India and its safety in pregnancy is not established.
• Laser therapy too helps cure the redness of the marks in the initial stages. It even corrects the whiteness in the later stages. Microdermabrasion is sometimes used along with it for better results. Microdermabrasion involves blowing high velocity crystals of abrasive substances such as aluminium oxide on the skin that causes superficial abrasion of skin. This leads to certain dermal changes that help in limited resolution of the white stretch marks.

Stretch marks scar your skin and your self-esteem. However, they are self-limiting and tend to fade over time. Regular cleansing and moisturising of the skin and weight and diet control is the secret behind blemish-free skin.

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• Adapt a proper lifestyle and skin care routine for at least 3 – 6 months. In most individuals with early skin ageing, this routine alone will stop further ageing and even reverse certain changes.
• Use anti-ageing products in the form of vitamin supplements, creams, exfoliants and peels. Generally all these products contain vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A derivatives [retinol], alphahydroxy acids such as glycolic acids and sunscreens. All these products help in reducing the fine wrinkles and early signs of ageing.
• Try blackhead removal strips to unclog the pores.

Expert to the rescue

A dermatologist’s intervention is required when the ageing process progresses. The primary line of therapy includes using:

• Creams containing tretinoin [vitamin A derivative] along with a sunscreen and oral antioxidants.
• Drugs such as hydroquinone to reduce the pigmentation on the face.
• Chemical peels with glycolic acid to correct age-related skin problems. Chemical peeling leads to controlled exfoliation of superficial skin and remodelling of collagen leading to tighter and more supple skin.
• Botulinum toxin injections to treat crowfeet and frown lines.
• Dermal fillers [soft tissue augmentation] to treat the static wrinkles.

Your skin care timetable

Following the below skin care routine. diligently takes care of most skin problems, at least delaying their occurrence.

• Use broad-spectrum sunscreens that protect you from both, UVA and UVB rays of the sun.
• Wear opaque, protective clothing, scarf and carry an umbrella when out in the sun.
• Pamper your skin with fragrance-free and non-comedogenic moisturisers and gentle cleansers daily.
• Avoid using facial scrubs too often as they tend to make the skin dry and erode the natural oils away.
• Avoid smoking. Studies prove that smokers manifest greater skin ageing than non-smokers.
• Eat a diet rich in iron, vitamin A, B, C, E and K and minerals like zinc and sulphur. Include lots of greens, pulses, garlic and fruits. You can reap the benefits of almost all the above-mentioned foods in their natural form or in the form of supplements.
• Drink adequate water throughout the day.
• Learn to manage stress.
• Practise relaxation techniques like meditation and yoga. A study done at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences [AIIMS] showed that a yoga-based lifestyle modification significantly reduced oxidative stress that plays a major role in the ageing process. Exercise your facial muscles regularly to maintain the tone and prevent wrinkling.

To age gracefully is no longer a dream. It is, however, important to take steps early on to maintain a youthful present and future.

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Oil spoil

The sebaceous gland is the epicentre of oiliness of skin and formation of acne. Excessive oiliness of the skin occurs due to hormonal stimulation of sebaceous glands, in humid and hot weather and when greasy cosmetics are used.

In individuals with oily skin, the pores through which the sebum is secreted can get blocked. This then leads to formation of blackheads and white heads. It can also cause pus-filled lesions. This dual problem of greasy skin and acne leads to immense embarrassment.

Are you the type?

There is no reliable home method to analyse your skin type. A piece of tissue paper placed on the skin, 15 minutes after washing the face with a gentle cleanser and looking for oil spots can give a rough idea about your skin type.

The correct method is by using a sebumeter in the form of a sebutape, which is applied on skin. When the micro-porous tape, available with cosmetologists, absorbs the sebum its transparent areas turn opaque. These then can be analysed by a naked eye or with the help of computer imaging for an objective analysis of the skin type.

The oiliness of skin can be all over the face or it may be more pronounced on the so-called T-zone, which includes the forehead, nasal bridge and areas near the mouth. It is important to assess the areas of oiliness, thereby using the right product for the right areas.

Managing the oil

There aren’t many prescription products for treating excessive sebum secretion. Managing oily skin is, therefore, all about following a correct skincare routine. Proper cleansing, selecting the right sunscreen and using the right makeup can go a long way in keeping a lid on the problem.

Cleansing

Cleanse your face with liquid cleansers, as they dislodge the oil molecules far better than bar soaps. Choose a liquid cleanser that has either salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Salicylic acid helps in removing the dead cells from the skin and dries it. Besides their antibacterial properties, cleansers with benzoyl peroxide help unclog blocked pores.

Using a normal cleanser in the morning and a medicated cleanser in the afternoon [when oil production is at its peak] helps keep your face presentable.

Sun protection

Using sunscreens helps prevent sun-induced pigmentation and ageing. However, choosing a sunscreen becomes difficult, since sunscreens tend to increase stickiness. Choosing a gel-based sunscreen or a physical sunscreen with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide helps overcome this problem.

Zinc oxide is an effective physical sun block and helps absorb extra oiliness. Such sunscreens also come in nano particle size, which are not visible when applied.

Moisturising

Those with oily skin generally do not need to moisturise, except on an acne treatment or in cases where the skin becomes excessively dry in some areas and stays oily in others.

However, if you feel the need to use a moisturiser-based ‘night cream’, choose one that is non-comedogenic or non-acne forming. Also, there are many moisturisers that have salicylic acid that helps in reducing oil on the skin and keeps it soft. You can also go for oil-free moisturisers, which are water-based, helping control oil.

Make-up

Choosing the right make-up regimen is important. Go for non-comedogenic or water-based make-up products. They are usually quite sheer. Adding a touch of powder make-up to them to further reduce oiliness. Avoid wearing make-up to bed. Individuals with oily skin usually have larger pores that get clogged by cosmetics if they leave it on for long.

Stubborn problem?

If your problem is resistant or extreme, you may require prescription products such as retinoids. Topical retinoids that are derivatives of vitamin A help in reducing the size of the sebaceous gland, thus reducing oil formation. Tretinoin is one such prescription product.

However, it can cause irritation and therefore has to be used under the supervision of a dermatologist. Another vitamin A available in some non-prescription product is retinol. In addition to reducing oiliness these products also help in reducing fine wrinkle lines and superficial scars.

Home remedies

Many household products also help in reducing oiliness.

• Fuller’s earth [multani mitti] improves water retention of the skin and reduces oiliness.
• Gram flour [besan] and oatmeal are cleansing agents and mild exfoliants that help in acne-prone skin.
• Rose water is a good astringent for oily skin.

Tip: These may can cause irritation in some individuals; use them with care.

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