Dermatology workshop refreshing

Will shampooing my hair daily, result in hair loss? How often should I use hair oil? How do I know which soap is good for my face? Some of the questions that Dermatologist Dr.Suraj Sachindanand was asked during the skin and hair care workshop conducted at Diagram Healthcare recently, to help break widely held myths on skin and hair care and extend professional advice on the subject.

“Only one or two soaps in India are tested and approved by a Dermatologist” stated Dr.Suraj adding, “Most soap and shampoo advertisements are misleading”. To a question from younger folk in the audience on how to prevent skin from tanning, Dr.Suraj pointed out the importance of using a sunscreen lotion. “It is extremely important to protect skin from the sun especially between 9.30 am-4.30 pm. Sunscreen may be applied once in two hours; if indoors, once in fours is good enough.”

Is long hair better or short hair? The Dermatologist explained that this largely depends on how well one can maintain hair. Oiling one’s hair at least 2-3 times a week, keeping it on for not more than 4 hours before shampooing, is recommended. Keeping oiled hair overnight, may result in fungal infection.

Questions were also asked on aging skin, onset of skin cancer, psoriasis, hydration and more.  The basket of tomatoes placed alongside the doctor raised a lot of curiosity - pieces of tomato were passed around for the participants to rub on the face and see the results! 'Tomatoes and cucumbers are good natural remedies but the effect is temporary'. Lotions and pastes are a better option, concluded Dr Suraj.

The 30 odd invitees expressed satisfaction at the programme and requested for a similar program in the coming month.