Q After crossing certain age skin begins to sag. What can be done about it?

A Regular use of skin care products that contain vitamin C, beta hydroxy acids, or retinol may help to stimulate synthesis of collagen and elastin to help rebuild the skin’s support structure while slowing down the aging process.  For severe skin sagging, a facelift surgery would provide the definitive solution. Use of laser treatment or radiofrequency or  infrared light to stimulate collagen production and rejuvenate the skin are some of the most effective procedures for non surgical skin tightening.  Facial peels can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles as well as subtly tighten saggy skin.Thread lifts can be an alternative to a facelift for patients who want lifting and tightening of their cheeks, midface, jowls or eyebrows, but don’t want to undergo major surgery.

Q There is a long list of anti-cellulite creams which promise to keep you in shape. How far can they be trusted?

A One must realize that cellulite products like creams or lotions are not a miracle cure, it takes time. If you find a product that helps reduce your cellulite, then you should stick with it. However, these anticellulite creams and lotions will only fix the problem on the surface and if you want a deeper, more permanent solution to your cellulite problem, then you should consider changes in your lifestyle including diet and exercise.

Q Double chin is one of the common problems of being over-weight. How can women get rid of it?

A Monitoring and regulating your caloric intake, exercising, sitting up straight and keeping your jaw slightly jutted during the day, chewing sugar-free gum to keep your jaw and facial muscles moving to prevent build up of excess fat and loose skin are some of the ways to get rid of a double chin.. Procedures like radiofrequency, liposuction and plastic surgery may also help in cases where they are indicated.

Q When a woman is expecting a baby, what are the positive and negative skin changes she goes through?

A The positive skin changes she goes through is getting the pregnancy glow and radiance on the skin. The negative skin changes are development of stretch marks, mask of pregnancy, pimple break outs or acne, varicose veins, spider veins, lineanigra, skin tags, dry itchy abdomen, darkening of moles, freckles etc.

Q Stretch marks is another common skin flaw. How can one lighten or remove it?

A The sooner you treat stretch marks, the better your chances of lightening them. Massaging the area with stretch marks three or four times a day with moisturizers that contain cocoa butter and Vitamin E as ingredients may help as this hydrates the skin and makes the skin more flexible. However, this is most effective in the initial stage.
Using specific topical creams and lotions containing ingredients like glycolic acid, vitamin C, retinoids, wheat germ oil etc. may help. Procedures like lasers, microneedling, microdermabrasion and chemical peels may also help.