SKINCARE 101

DR JAISHREE SHARAD busts common skincare myths, and gives us the lowdown on acids for skin, and anti-ageing treatments.

- Sukriti Shahi

The pandemic changed our mindsets about skincare. While we became cautious about our regimens, the lockdown also made us struggle with the ills of blue light and screen exposure. Still, skincare had its moment in 2020, and the trend is here to stay. As we adapt to new beauty mandates, we asked Dr Jaishree Sharad, celebrity cosmetic dermatologist, about new skincare challenges and common doubts.

THE LOCKDOWN HAS INCREASED OUR SCREEN TIME AND EXPOSURE TO BLUE LIGHT. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON ITS IMPACT ON OUR SKIN?

We’ve been using laptops, television, our cell phones all this while, and the blue light that emanates from these screens has a detrimental effect on the skin. It can break down collagen, result in a build-up of free radicals (toxic to the skin), and cause hyperpigmentation and an uneven skin tone. Sunscreens with iron oxides and vitamins A, C, and E protect the skin from blue light, but it’s tough to find these in India. So, use sunscreen with an antioxidant and a serum with vitamins A, C, or E, or flavonoids, which can protect the skin from harmful blue light.

WE’RE NOT REALLY STEPPING OUT OFTEN IN SUNLIGHT AND INTO FRESH AIR...