Skincare

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Sun Damage

59.     Over-exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun, especially around midday can be very dangerous by causing damage to your skin now and in the future. Some of the dangers include sunburn, wrinkles and skin cancer. Wearing protective clothing, such as hat, long sleeves and pants and use of umbrella reduces your skin’s exposure to the sun. Mild sunburn pain can be relieved by applying wet, cool cloths to your burned skin. (Also see The Sun Factor under Main Causes of Ageing and Wrinkles).

 Melasma/Chloasma

60.     Facial pigmentation, called Melasma or Chloasma, that usually develops over a period of time, is characterised by brownish blotchy discolouration seen symmetrically over the cheeks, forehead, upper lips, around the eyes and across the bridge of the nose, mostly in women. May occur spontaneously or in association with pregnancy and oral contraceptive pills. Pigmentation is due to overproduction of melanin by the pigment cells known as melanocytes. Although, melasma is a simple disorder without any severe medical implications, it can cause a severe cosmetic concern leading to a psychological stress. Melasma is usually of two types: epidermal or dermal melasma. Epidermal melasma is a result of pigmentation in the outer layer of the skin, has a well-defined border and is darker in colour. Dermal melasma, which is a result of pigmentation of the inner layer of the skin, has ill-defined borders and is light in colour.

 Dark/Age Spots

61.     May appear unappealing but otherwise harmless dark spots that usually occur on the forehead and the back of the hands and arms. Age spots should be called sun spots because they are caused by being out in the sun too much. Home Remedies – Apply a mixture of lemon and honey to lighten your skin slightly and to make it glow. Rubbing a piece of sliced onion on age spots also helps.

 Puffy Eyes

62.     Puffy eyes can be caused by a kidney problem, alcoholism, allergy or old age, because with age, the elasticity of the skin around the eyes decreases, forming bags in the area. But many young people who show no signs of any of the above mentioned problems also suffer from puffy eyes because of water retention or a deficiency of micronutrients. If puffiness is caused by sleep deprivation, it is temporary and you can get your eyes back to normal the moment you get enough sleep. For a very temporary solution, if you have a party or an interview lined up, a cold compress may help.