Dr Sheetal Slim Express

Pune Maternal Nutrition study has shown that Indian babies have lower birth weight compared to babies born in United Kingdom; but higher fat percentage.

• 	Caucasian	Indian
  Birth weight (kg)	3.3	2.7
  Fat %	9	27

• At same BMI (Body Mass index) Indians have higher fat percentage than Westerners.
• India's current National Family Health Survey indicates that more than 20% of urban Indians are overweight or obese
• India has highest no of Diabetics in the world and a WHO study estimates that by 2030, 79.4 million people in India will be affected by Diabetes

What are different types of skin pigmentation? Epidermal (superficial), dermal (deep), and mixed.
Causes of skin pigmentation?

• hormonal imbalance
• acne
• dry skin
• aging process
• too much exposure to the sun
• skin trauma.

How to treat pigmentation?

• The mode of treatment used will be determined by the type of pigmentation, patient preference, and patient risk tolerance.
• UV protection/sunscreen is paramount in the treatment of pigmentation.
• Different treatments are used for different types of skin pigmentation and skin types, like lasers and lightening creams.
• For cleansing use a mild cleanser containing lightening and brightening agents, do not use cleansers that are harsh on the skin as they tend to dry the facial skin.
• Use moisturisers containing glycolic acid with topical Vitamin C & E, and niacinamide containing creams.
• Skin lightening agents or cosmeceuticals containing kojic acid, licorice, hydroquinone can also be used but only under supervision of the physician.

Pigmentation treatments at Slim Express

• Chemical Peels
• Dermaroller
• Mesotherapy

What is Melasma? It is an acquired patchy tan brown or blue-gray skin discoloration seen on the face and generally common among women in their reproductive years. Though also possible in males, it is seldom seen in them.
What are common sites for melasma?
Melasma typically appears on the forehead, upper cheeks, upper lip, forehead, and chin of women between 20-50 years of age.
What are causes of melasma?
While its exact cause is still unknown, some of the common triggers are - 

• A history of daily or intermittent and unprotected sun exposure.
• External hormones like birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, and internal hormonal changes during pregnancy. Melasma that occurs during pregnancy is called chloasma or “the mask of pregnancy” and is caused due to an increase in hormone levels like estrogen, progesterone and a melanocyte stimulating hormone
• Family history
• Anti-seizure medications
• Certain products or treatments that cause an increase in melanin production.

How to treat melasma?

• Use mild gentle cleansers that are not too harsh and do not erode the natural moisture of the skin. 
• Skin lightening creams can be used like , azelaic acid, glycolic acid, creams, kojic acid, soy, arbutin and those containing licorice. But these should be used under strict guidance and as prescribed.
• Use of a good sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ with both UVA and UVB protection filters, is a must. Sunscreens containing physical blockers, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are recommended to block UV rays. The regular use of sun protection enhances Melasma treatments.

What are common Causes for dark circles around eyes?

• Frequent cold / Allergies/ Atopic Dermatitis (eczema)
• Frequently rubbing the eyes
• Using harsh cleansers
• Nutritional deficiency
• Deep set eyes
• Thin skin vasculature
• Hereditary
• Lifestyle factors like smoking, chronic alcoholism, emotional stress
• sun damage
• Genetic trait for having darker colour around or under the eye area
• Lack of sleep

What precautions can be taken to prevent dark circles?

• Include a high dose of vitamin C& A to the diet to prevent recurrent colds
• Avoid rubbing your eyes often
• Use bland, water-based and a soap-free gentle cleanser for the eyes
• Correct any existing iron or zinc deficiency
• Stop smoking as it causes free radical damage enhancing dark circles.
• always apply a sunscreen around the eye area
• Apply a moisturizer to the eye area nightly.
• To calm puffy eyes, place cold spoons, slices of cucumbers, chilled tea bags, or even a package of frozen peas under your eyes. The cool temperatures -- rather than any special properties of cucumbers or peas -- reduce swelling.

Dark circle treatments at Slim Express Gel peels- specially formulated peels for use on sensitive skin around eyes
Nano-perfector- rejuvenates the area & detoxifies to remove accumulated toxins.