Beauty, Health

How to take care of your skin after the age of 40?

Skincare at any age is a vital part of our lives. As we age, the fat beneath our skin and surrounding our muscles begins to melt and alter, causing wrinkles and creases to appear on our skin. Dr Akriti Gupta, Cosmetic Dermatologist at Jivisha Clinic, New Delhi shares some important tips and a lowdown on why vitamin C is a must-have.

As we age, our skin produces less elastin, collagen, and organic lipids, resulting in drier and less supple skin. When a person is in their late 30s or early 40s, poor skin care habits they developed when they were younger start to show. As a result, age spots, wrinkles, and fine lines begin to appear on the skin. After age 40, a skincare regimen that includes both curative and preventative steps is ideal. This means that it should address the current issues while preventing further damage to the skin.

Following are some skincare recommendations for people over the age of 40:

Exfoliation should be a part of your beauty routine: The scrub you use shouldn’t be too abrasive and should be tailored to your skin type. Use a cream-based scrub on dry skin to both cleanse and moisturize the skin. Use a gel-based scrub on oily skin to reduce oil production and achieve spotless skin. Always wash with a mild, non-foaming product, and then moisturize well to seal in the moisture.
Sunscreen is a must: A vital component of regular skincare is sunscreen. It shields the skin from the sun’s damaging UV radiation, which is to blame for the early signs of ageing. Apply sunscreen that has a PA grade of at least +++ and at least SPF 30. Zinc oxide sunscreens may be useful in reducing skin damage from artificial light produced by electronic devices.
Increase fluid consumption: Eat a balanced diet and drink enough water. Consuming fresh produce gives your skin the critical antioxidants it needs. Skin that is adequately hydrated appears healthy and glowing. Adding lemon and aloe vera juice to your water can help to maintain a natural glow.
Under-eye care: One of the earliest signs of ageing is the development of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. Here, the skin is delicate and requires maintenance. Use an effective under-eye cream or gel that will hydrate your eyes and reduce wrinkles as you sleep.
Follow a nighttime regime: Apply a night cream after using a gentle cleanser to wash your face. Your skin will be hydrated with the night cream, making it soft and more radiant. Look for nighttime skincare products that contain retinol/retinoids to boost cellular regeneration, antioxidants to help your skin recover from environmental stresses, and hyaluronic acid to bind moisture to your skin.
Avoid sugar: The skin may get glycated if you consume a lot of sugar. This indicates that sugar can bind to proteins and cause fluid retention, which can cause wrinkles.

Importance of Vitamin C

Consuming vitamin C in any form beyond a certain age is important, especially for your skin. Include a vitamin C serum with antioxidants in your morning regimen. When you include vitamin C in your skincare routine, your skin will appear more radiant and will be protected from free radicals and UV ray damage. This powerful antioxidant is frequently included in moisturisers, oils, serums, and face cleansers. Antioxidants found in abundance in vitamin C aid to combat free radicals (these can trigger several diseases, including cancer). While anti-ageing creams with retinol, hyaluronic acid, and peptides can be used at night, serums with the same compounds can be used throughout the day.

When purchasing a vitamin C serum, look for dark bottles, as vitamin C degrades when exposed to light or air, and dark glass bottles help keep the vitamin stable and effective.

Conclusion: It is always suggested to build a skin care regimen that works for your skin as early as possible, to help maintain the skin and give a youthful glow. The above handful tips are a good way to start building a skincare routine.

September 7, 2022

Managing Psychological Stress in Marriage in India

Marriage, while often seen as a sacred bond in India, is also a complex partnership that involves emotional investment, societal expectations, and continuous adaptation. In the Indian context, marriage isn’t just a union between two individuals it’s often a confluence of families, traditions, and social norms. While love and companionship are central, psychological stress can quietly build over time due to unmet expectations, communication gaps, external pressures, and the lack of personal space. Managing this stress effectively is crucial for a healthy and fulfilling marital life. Understanding the Sources of Stress Recognizing the Signs of Stress Psychological stress in marriage often doesn’t manifest dramatically. Instead, it appears in small, persistent ways: If left unaddressed, this stress can escalate into anxiety disorders, depression, or even marital breakdown. Strategies to Manage Marital Stress 1. Open, Non-Judgmental Communication The cornerstone of any successful marriage is healthy communication. Couples must learn to express themselves openly, without fear of being judged. Schedule “talk time” to share your thoughts, concerns, or even simple day-to-day feelings. Use “I feel” statements rather than blame-focused language to prevent defensiveness. 2. Set Realistic Expectations Bollywood and societal portrayals of “perfect marriages” create unrealistic standards. Accept that no marriage is without flaws. Understand each other’s limitations and strengths, and be willing to compromise without losing your core identity. 3. Establish Boundaries with Extended Family While respecting elders and family traditions is important, couples must create healthy boundaries. This includes making joint decisions independently, especially on matters like finances, parenting, or living arrangements. A united front reduces external interference and strengthens the couple’s bond. 4. Seek Professional Help Therapy is still stigmatized in parts of India, but counseling individuals or couples can be transformative. A trained therapist helps you identify patterns, improve communication, and resolve conflicts constructively. Many Indian metro cities and

Health

Why Soaking Rice Reduces Glucose: Science, Steps, and Stats

Rice is a staple food for millions across the globe, but it’s also often blamed for raising blood sugar levels—especially white rice due to its high glycemic index (GI). However, a simple, age-old practice can help: soaking rice before cooking. This traditional method doesn’t just make rice softer and faster to cook—it also offers a science-backed way to reduce its glucose content and make it healthier. Hashtag Magazines gives you a lowdown… The Science Behind Soaking Rice When you soak rice, several things happen: Supporting Research and Statistics A study published in Food Chemistry (2015) found: Another study from The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition noted: A 2022 clinical trial in India showed: How to Soak Rice to Lower Glucose Step-by-Step Method: Glycemic Index Reduction – Before & After Soaking Type of Rice GI (Unsoaked) GI (After Soaking) White rice 72 60–65 Brown rice 68 55–60 Basmati rice 58 45–50 Red rice 55 40–48 Additional Tips to Reduce Sugar Spike from Rice Why This Matters for Diabetics and Health-Conscious Eaters Blood sugar spikes can lead to fatigue, weight gain, insulin resistance, and long-term complications like diabetes or heart disease. Making simple changes like soaking rice helps: Conclusion Soaking rice is a simple, no-cost step with massive health benefits. Whether you’re managing diabetes, watching your weight, or just aiming for better gut health, soaking rice before cooking can significantly lower its glucose impact. It’s one of the best-kept secrets in Indian kitchens, now backed by science.

Health

Best in-clinic treatments for summer

Dr Shilpa Patil, MD Dermatologist and Director of Ethoski Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., shares expert insights on the best in-clinic treatments for summer, the dos and don’ts of exfoliation, and how to safely achieve a radiant glow. What in-clinic skin treatments should people opt for in summer, and which ones should they avoid? Opt for hydrating treatments like HydraFacial, chemical peels, Fire & Ice facial, and IV therapies for inner hydration. Avoid excessive exfoliation, as it can lead to dryness and irritation. Do laser and chemical peel treatments have different effects on the skin during summer? Yes, they work differently, Chemical Peels exfoliate the outer skin layer and help with acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, sunspots, and age spots. They range from light to deep intensity and require some downtime. Laser Treatments use focused light beams to break down pigmented cells and treat hyperpigmentation. Q-switch lasers – Nd YAG is used for pigmentation. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) lasers are for reducing sun damage. Fractional lasers (538 nm to 1064 nm) target deeper pigmentation. Pigmentation may darken initially before fading gradually, and lasers are safe for all skin types. How do you recommend treating pigmentation that worsens due to sun exposure? To treat pigmentation that worsens due to sun exposure, it is essential to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50+ daily and wear sun-protective clothing to minimize direct exposure. Topical treatments such as retinoids, hydroquinone, vitamin C, azelaic acid, and kojic acid can help lighten pigmentation and even out skin tone. For more persistent cases, in-clinic procedures like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, IPL, and Q-switch laser treatments can effectively reduce pigmentation and improve skin clarity. What role does Vitamin C play in skin brightening, and should it be used more in summer? Vitamin C helps prevent heat rash by reducing sweat gland

Beauty

Common Skin Conditions That Worsen in Summer & Their Treatment

Increased heat, humidity, and sun exposure can trigger or worsen various skin conditions, from acne and eczema to sunburn and hyperpigmentation. Understanding the right treatments and preventive measures can help keep skin healthy and glowing. Dr Mehnaz Jahan shares expert advice on managing summer-related skin issues and the latest dermatological treatments. What are some common skin conditions that worsen in summer, and how can they be treated?Several skin conditions tend to worsen in summer due to increased sweat, humidity, and heat. Acne – Excess oil production leads to clogged pores. Using non-comedogenic products, extractions, and laser therapy can help manage acne. Eczema – Excessive sweating worsens eczema. Treatment includes using moisturizers, topical corticosteroids, oral antihistamines, avoiding scratching, and applying cool compresses. Wearing loose, breathable clothing is also beneficial. Seborrheic Dermatitis – Managed with medicated shampoos, antifungal treatments, and stress reduction techniques. Heat Rashes – Staying in cool areas, wearing loose clothing, and using calamine lotion or powders can provide relief. Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating) – Controlled using clinical antiperspirants, light breathable clothing, and Botox injections if required. What is the best way to treat sunburns and prevent peeling?Sunburn can exacerbate conditions like psoriasis. Effective treatments include applying cool compresses, moisturizing with aloe vera, avoiding peeling of dried-out skin, and staying hydrated. One can also use gentle exfoliants. Using topical corticosteroids and vitamin D analogs for psoriasis-related sunburns Can laser hair removal be done in summer?Yes, laser hair removal is effective in summer, but precautions should be taken. Avoiding sun exposure before and after treatment helps minimize the risk of complications. What’s the best way to manage body acne caused by sweat and friction?To manage body acne, wear lightweight and breathable clothing. Shower immediately after exercising and use gentle cleansers. Use body washes and sprays specifically designed to reduce acne.What are the