ark circles, pimples, acne, suntan... are these blemishes making you miserable?

Get Ahead skincare expert Dr Parul Kolhe has the answers to common skin problems.

This week, we bring you a men's skincare special!

• Do you have a skin query for Dr Parul Kolhe? Write to us!

I have got dark circles. Some say it is due to the lack of viatmins, some say it is due to sunburn.

It would be very nice of you if you could provide a solution for dark circles.

-- Hitesh 

Dark circles are usually difficult to understand as they are not always due to diet or lack of sleep.

However antioxidants, like a capsule of Antoxid-HC daily, and plenty of rest and fluids help.

Use sunscreen around your eyes during the day and Desowen lotion at night. 

• Want great skin? Use the right product!

I have been having problems with acne and pimples for the past year. I have tried my best to get rid of them by consulting doctors, etc, but to no avail. 

I get red pimples on my face; now, to make matters worse, I am left with scars.

Please suggest how I can get rid of these pimples immediately.

-- Deepak

You could have acne vulgaris or acne rosacea. It would be difficult to know which of the two without seeing you.

Acne rosacea is aggravated by sun exposure and caffeine-containing drinks like coffee and colas, so avoid these.

Also, there are newer drugs for acne like retinoids that have remarkable effects.

Ask your dermatologist (skin specialist) about these as they are not to be taken without strict medical supervision.

• Say goodbye to acne!

My problem is I do not sweat enough on my feet, palm and scalp. My skin on my scalp dries and flakes off, looking like dandruff. However, I sweat profusely on my head, face, chest, stomach and back. 

The disadvantages are that I currently have to use chemical/ oil-based moisturisers everyday after a bath. 

The skin on my face is tout, dry and cracks up when the humidity is less than 40 percent.

Winters are hell and summers can hurt when I am not sweating. Being an executive, I am generally in an air-conditioned environment and do not sweat. I avoid using soap, even mild ones, except under the armpits and between the legs.

Could you suggest some natural treatment by way of application, diet or lifestyle changes that would help to reduce the dry skin on my palms, feet and ankles?

-- Shree

You seem to be having a congenital absence of sweat glands on certain body parts, which is why the rest of your body overproduces sweat to compensate.

Try using Oilatum soap or Cetaphil soap substitute. Include Vitamin A, E and essential fatty acid supplements in your diet. Use a light, water-based moisturiser instead of heavier oily ones and apply frequently.

Unfortunately, nothing can bring back the glands that are missing but these measures will keep your skin moist and comfortable.

• Top mantras for dry skin

My underarms continuously sweat due to which the shirt I wear gets spoilt and I have to face embarrassing situations.

I tried applying facial/talcum powder, etc, to my underarms, but it does not help much. Please advise.

-- Ravi Kumar

You have a common problem called Hyperhidrosis. 

A permanent cure would be botox injections in your underarms, which a good dermatologist can give, but the treatment costs Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000 per sitting which needs to be repeated each year.

Another alternative is stress management classes, which would decrease your problem.

• Three skincare MUSTs for summer!

I am 24 years old and live in Hyderabad.

My problem is that I have scars on my forehead and cheeks due to acne.

Is there any way in which these scars can be removed or lessened?

-- Naveen

There are several remedies to decrease acne scarring; these depend on the severity of your problem and your budget.

Do show your scars to a qualified dermatosurgeon and decide the best treatment as per your needs.

There are peeling creams like Retino-A which may be applied nightly for minor scarring, chemical peels done every three weeks or so by the doctors (Rs 800 to Rs 1,500 per sitting) and surgeries like subcission and grafting (Rs 2,000 to 5,000 per sitting).

You could also go in for a full-face dermabrasion where the entire facial skin is removed and new skin is allowed to grow back under hospitalisation (Rs 50,000 to Rs 70,000 per sitting).

• 14 steps to a healthy summer diet!

What kind of care should you take of your skin before swimming in a pool where the water is chlorinated?

-- Vijay

Before going swimming, use waterproof sunscreen of SPF-30.

Reapply hourly if you are in the pool for long.

Wash well with a mild soap like Dove after your swim, to rinse off the chlorine.

Apply a moisturiser immediately.

• Do you have a skin query for Dr Parul Kolhe? Write to us!

Dr Parul S Kolhe is an M B B S, DDV and DNB in dermatology.