Body wise

When it comes to ageing, most people first turn to facial skin care to hide the signs. From sagging skin to pigmentation spots, appearance of fine lines and excessive dryness - these are common issues one tries to safeguard themselves against. But there are other more visible signs of ageing that most people tend to overlook. It's not just the face that needs care and attention, but thinning hair, wrinkled elbows, veiny hands, cracked heels and a drooping neck among other body parts need to be looked into. Eating healthy, being fit and a good skin care regime can help reduce the signs of ageing.

Hands show ageing first
Dr Madhuri Agarwal, consultant dermatologist, Yavana aesthetic clinic, says there are certain body parts which betray the start of ageing. "Hands are the first to start showing signs of age followed by the face and neck. Oft ignored body parts include hands, knees, neck, elbows, and cleavage. One can take care by using sunscreen as they are most exposed to sun damage. It is essential to apply a broad spectrum sunscreen on regular basis to hands, neck, elbows and cleavage. Since these areas are usually dry, apply a thick moisturiser. Skin boosters such as Restylane Vital delivers the miracle in few minutes and in a very simple way. And the best thing is that this effect does not last only for a few days, but stays for up to a year. One should also use a body scrub at least twice a week to reduce the dead cell build-up and get smoother skin," she says.

Hair colour fades
As one ages, one starts seeing signs like sun spots, freckles and uneven skin texture, open pores etc says Dr Geeta Oberoi, dermatologist and founder member Skin & You clinic. "Hair is not spared either. Hair colour is the clearest sign of ageing, it becomes lighter and eventually turns white due to loss of melanin. Body and facial hair also starts to turn grey though greying is determined by genes. Hair thickness changes, the rate of hair growth also slows down, strands become smaller and thinner," she explains. "For the body, filler treatments are helpful such as for the hands to alter the volume loss or fat loss which is most visible. Neck areas can be addressed by non invasive methods like radio frequency tightening which will slowly reverse signs of ageing by lifting the skin and tightening the loose skin."

Treatments can help
Dr Mohan Thomas, senior cosmetic surgeon, The Cosmetic Surgery Institute says moisturisation after a bath and prevention of sun damage are the most important requirements to prevent ageing changes. "Knees, elbows and the neck develops pigmentation due to sun damage. A strong chemical peel along with protection from the ultraviolet rays of the sun can improve the colour and texture of the skin in these areas. The décolletage or the upper chest skin is frequently exposed to the direct rays of the sun causing lots of sun damage. This creates pigmented
spots, red spots, fine lines and loss of tone of the skin. The changes in this area very nearly mirror the changes in the face which people take a lot of care to correct. Preventive care includes the regular use of a good sunscreen, Vitamin C serum and use of a Retin-A cream. Treatment includes internally volumising collagen fillers which last for a few months to years. These address the lines and tone of the skin. Photo rejuvenation and chemical peels reduce the uneven pigmentation."