There is no denying the fact that our skin reflects our state of well-being. Suchitra Bajpai Chaudhary speaks to Dr Jorgen Serup, a skincare expert, to find out how we can take better care of this organ.
Can gels, potions, lotions and creams really change the texture of the skin we are born with? Can expensive cosmetics help turn the clock back on skin ageing? Do fairness creams really reverse pigmentation? Is it important to use sunblock cream even when indoors to protect you from harsh artificial lights? Should we cleanse, tone and moisturise every day? How often do we need facials?
When it comes to skincare, there are as many questions as there are products on the shelves that promise to answer all the queries.
Dr Jorgen Serup, Professor of Dermatology at the Copenhagen University in Denmark, clarifies certain myths surrounding the largest organ of the human body.
Dr Serup's credentials are truly impressive: he is editor-in-chief Skin Research and Technology; editor-in-chief Forum for Nordic Dermato-Venereology; chairman of the CME committee, European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology and a consultant with Imedeen, an international cosmeceutical giant that has a premier skincare and anti-ageing line of products brought to the Middle East by Ferrosan, the Danish international healthcare company.
"Our skin is our window to the outside world as it is the largest meeting point between our internal organs and the external world," says Dr Serup, emphasising the significance of this important sense organ.
We are what we eat and think, he says. "The way we live has a large impact on our skin. We need to draw the balance between stress and relaxation, work and leisure. We have to always protect our skin from extreme wind, weather and sun, and consume wholesome, healthy and fresh food to invigorate and nourish our skin.
"Today the world is obsessed about age control and [many] women brave the dangers of going under the knife because they are insecure about their looks. No one wants to 'age gracefully' let alone age. The very word is an anathema to women who are increasing their reliance on expensive cosmetics to rescue their skin from ageing."
But is that possible?
"I think more than cosmetics, it is important to be content, happy and stay positive in life.'' Do this and your skin will reflect that state of well-being.
"If you are pursuing an ambitious job and career, feel fulfilled in life, are happy with your spouse, then you are bound to have a glowing skin,'' says the doctor.
Inner world harmony
"In fact the term cosmetics or cosmetology is derived from the word 'cosmos'. So if your inner world is in harmony with the outer world, then you are bound to have a healthy skin. Skincare is basically about bringing the cosmos to your life.''
Dr Serup agrees that the personal care market is inundated with products for hair, skin, nails and lips. "What is happening is that the challenges in our lives and the stress around us are inducing premature ageing. There is a simple way to life, a simple regimen, following the basics of life, maintaining harmony and balance."
So, does it mean that if we lead a harmonious life, we do not need skincare products at all?
"What these skincare products do is bridge the gap between simplicity and sophistication. They help you achieve a level of sophistication that is important to your self-esteem. When we use these products, psychologically we feel valued. As free individuals we need to have the options to exercise and these products give us that privilege.
"The efficacy of these products depends on their ingredients. But remember, no cream or lotion can change your basic genetic make-up."
Referring to premature ageing, Dr Serup says, there are several cosmetic companies that promise eternal youth. These claims, he says, are totally unfounded. "There is nothing called eternal youth. What good products do is prevent premature ageing and aid rejuvenation in skin.
"There is an inevitable desire in all human beings to reverse ageing. What our lifestyle and technological innovations have done in the last few decades is to make us look better, live longer and help us lead a more active life for a longer period by adding years to our lives. This means that the need to have better-looking skin for a longer time has also increased.
"But some products can hardly penetrate the skin and that is
why nutritional pills, like those from Imedeen, truly work from the inside."
In earlier times, age was respected. Grandmothers celebrated their laugh lines as much as the entry of their grandchildren into the world. Says Dr Serup, "My advice to all women is that while it is nice to care about your skin and prevent premature ageing, it is not advisable to be in denial about the march of age. Because as you gain in years you accumulate something important called wisdom."
Dr Serup thinks that people, especially women, sometimes get so obsessed with looking young that they miss out on the holistic elements of life. "If you eat healthy, keep stress at bay, balance the stress and sadness of your life with other happy and relaxed elements, do not smoke or party till late, you are bound to have the best skin. I think people need to understand that just staying young is not a goal to life, there are various other elements and one needs to
sort out the priorities and set the primary goals.
– Suchitra Bajpai Chaudhary is Senior Feature Writer, Friday.
