The skin is the biggest organ in the human body and often it is the least paid attention too. A lot of time and effort is spent on looking after your face, but skin care goes beyond just that.  Indian skin has its own special needs that have to be recognized and managed. Some common irritants that cause skin disorders are highlighted below and visiting a skin doctor is a good practice for specialised skin care.

health

Pollution

Indian cities are heavily polluted and this increases the risk of attracting allergens, which causes allergies and can be troublesome for you.It can also cause eczema and other skin irritations.  Pollution is also responsible for eroding the protective atmospheric ozone layer which increases the UV light penetration to the earth, and increased sun exposure can be harmful toyour normal skin. You perhaps cannot reduce the pollution around you, but by taking necessary precautions you can reduce your exposure to allergens. Always use products that are dermatologically tested and are hypoallergenic. Ensure that you moisturise to keep your skin hydrated. This is to keep the epidermal barrier strengthened. A strong epidermis creates a wall between you and the external pollutants which help your skin tolerate common environmental pollutants.

UV Light

India is a tropical country making it susceptible to the sun. This can cause an increase in pigmentation disorders, aging, and even Melasma where dark pigments occur on your face. UV light can also cause skin allergies and excessive UV exposure is a known cause of malignancy. To avoid this, you should protect yourself from the sun when is the harshest- between 10am to 3 pm. Wearing a sun block before 30 minutes of sun exposure is critical and avoids sun damaged skin treatment later, which primarily involves hydration and repair. Use a sunscreen which has both UVA and UVB protection and an SPF of 30 which is required for Indian Skin.

Heat

Indians are exposed to high temperatures because of geographical reasons. This can cause many skin aberrations and lead to problems. Excessive sweating is one such issue which can cause heat rashes that can be worsened by bacteria. Another problem is folliculitis, an infection of the hair follicle which can be painful. Heat and sweat can predispose you to fungal skin infections which can require dermatological intervention. However, you can minimize the risk if you keep yourself dry as much as possible. Use an anti-fungal powder to wick away extra moisture. Use a body wash that is antiseptic in nature and look for products that are non-comedogenic and non-greasy.

Remember, good skin care goes a long way in making your skin health optimal. Even if you do not have any major skin ailments, visit a dermatologist, or ask a question online, to come up with an optimal skin care routine customized for your skin type and geographical location.