Still breaking out? What Indian women need to know about acne
This physiological trait makes Indian skin more vulnerable to recurring breakouts, even when hormonal acne from the teenage years subsides.THE NUMBERS SHOW ACNE ISN'T JUST A TEEN ISSUEAccording to the Indian Skin Health Report, acne remains a top concern for 68% of Indian women. Among women aged 20–25, a striking 94% still experience breakouts. 'This tells us that adult acne in India isn't the exception—it's almost the norm,' says Dr Santhanam.advertisementMany women try over-the-counter spot treatments or harsh cleansers, but these often provide only temporary relief—or worse, worsen sensitivity.ACNE IN INDIAN SKIN OFTEN LEAVES BEHIND DARK MARKSFor Indian skin tones, acne comes with a double challenge: pigmentation. 'Even after the acne heals, it often leaves behind post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation—dark marks that can take weeks or months to fade,' explains Dr Santhanam.This leads to a frustrating cycle of active acne and scars, which affects both skin health and self-confidence.WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN ACNE CARE FOR INDIAN SKINEffective acne care for Indian skin should be gentle, targeted, and tailored to our unique needs. Dr Santhanam recommendsGo non-comedogenic: Choose skincare products (moisturisers, sunscreen, and makeup) that don't clog pores.Balance oil without overdrying: Use cleansers with ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide to regulate oil without stripping the skin.Hydrate strategically: Even oily skin needs hydration. Go for lightweight, gel-based moisturisers that support your skin barrier.Protect against sun damage: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day to prevent darkening of acne scars and spots.CHOOSE SKINCARE TESTED ON INDIAN SKIN'What works for Western skin may not suit Indian skin,' she explains. Look for products that are clinically tested on Indian skin for better results and reduced chances of irritation.THE BOTTOM LINE: ADDRESS ACNE HOLISTICALLYadvertisementAcne in Indian women is more than a passing phase—it's a skin condition influenced by biology, climate, lifestyle, and more. 'We need to move away from one-size-fits-all solutions,' says Dr Santhanam. The best approach? Understand your skin's needs, listen to its signals, and choose treatments that target both the breakout and the after-effects.Clearer skin isn't about harsher routines—it's about smarter, science-backed care made for Indian skin.- Ends
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Time of India
40 minutes ago
- Time of India
Do hot drinks really give you cancer? A gut expert explains
Penrith: When you order a coffee, do you ask for it to be "extra hot"? Whether you enjoy tea, coffee or something else, hot drinks are a comforting and often highly personal ritual. The exact temperature to brew tea or serve coffee for the best flavour is hotly debated. But there may be something else you're not considering: your health. Yes, hot drinks can be too hot - and are even linked to cancer. So, let's take a look at the evidence. What's the link between hot drinks and cancer? There is no evidence for a link between hot drinks and throat cancer and the evidence for a link between hot drinks and stomach cancer is unclear. But there is a link between hot drinks and cancers of the "food pipe" or oesophagus. In 2016, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified drinking very hot beverages, meaning above 65°C, as "probably carcinogenic to humans" - this is the same risk category as emissions from indoor wood smoke or eating a lot of red meat. The agency's report found it was the temperature, not the drinks, that were responsible. This is based mainly on evidence from South America, where studies found a link between drinking a lot of mate - a traditional herbal drink usually drunk at around 70°C - and a higher risk of oesophageal cancer. Similar studies in the Middle East, Africa and Asia have also supported the link between drinking very hot beverages and developing oesophageal cancer. However, until recently we didn't have substantial research exploring this link in Europe and other Western populations. This year, a large study of almost half a million adults in the United Kingdom confirmed drinking higher amounts of very hot drinks (tea and coffee) was associated with oesophageal cancer. The study found that someone who drank eight or more cups a day of very hot tea or coffee was almost six times more likely to develop oesophageal cancer, compared to someone who didn't drink hot drinks. How do hot drinks cause cancer? Drinking a lot of very hot drinks can damage cells in the oesophagus lining, and it's believed over time this can lead to cancer developing. Researchers first proposed this link almost 90 years ago. What we know about how hot drinks can damage the oesophagus mainly comes from animal studies. Very hot water may accelerate cancer growth. One animal study from 2016 studied mice that were prone to developing cancer. Mice given very hot water (70°C) were more likely to develop precancerous growths in the oesophagus, and sooner, compared to mice given water at lower temperatures. Another theory is that heat damage to the oesophagus lining weakens its normal barrier, increasing the risk of further damage from gastric acid reflux (from the stomach). Over time, this chronic damage can increase the chance of oesophageal cancer developing. Does how much you drink matter? The risk of cancer may depend on how much hot liquid you drink in one sitting and how quickly. It seems drinking a lot in one go is more likely to damage the oesophagus by causing a heat injury. In one study, researchers measured the temperature inside the oesophagus of people drinking hot coffee at different temperatures. They found the size of the sip the person took had more impact than how hot the drink was. A very big sip (20 millilitres) of 65°C coffee increased the temperature inside the oesophagus by up to 12°C. Over time, large sips can lead to sustained heat injury that can damage cells. The occasional small sip of coffee at 65°C isn't likely to result in any long-term problems. But over years, drinking large amounts of very hot drinks could very well increase the risk of oesophageal cancer. So, what's a safe temperature? The brewing temperatures for drinks such as coffee are very high - often close to the boiling point of water. For example, takeaway hot drinks may be sometimes be served at very high temperatures (around 90°C) to allow for cooling when people drink them later at the office or home. One study from the United States calculated the ideal temperature for coffee, factoring in the risk of heat injury to the oesophagus while preserving flavour and taste. The researchers came up with an optimum temperature of 57.8°C. Tips to consume hot drinks safely 1) Slow down, take your time and enjoy. 2) Allowing time for a very hot drink to cool is important and research has shown a hot drink's temperature can drop by 10-15°C in five minutes. Other things that may help cool a hot drink: 1) stirring and blowing 2) opening the lid on a takeaway drink. Coffee with the lid off can cool twice as fast as with the lid on 3) mixing in some cool water or milk. Finally, small sips are a good idea to test the temperature, given we know having a large amount has a significant impact on the temperature inside the oesophagus and potential damage to its lining. (The Conversation) GRS GRS
India Today
3 hours ago
- India Today
Are weightloss drugs for me? 5 things to consider
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Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Worst breakfast foods for hormonal health: Health coach shares foods you should skip
That morning cup of chai paired with poha or buttered toast may feel comforting, but have you ever stopped to think about what it's really doing to your body? According to health coach Mankirat Kaur, most Indians don't pay enough attention to starting their day with the right kind of breakfast. Instead of giving your body a balanced mix of protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats, we often reach for the quick, familiar choices, white bread, packaged juices, or deep-fried snacks. They might fill you up for the moment, but in the long run, these options can wreak havoc on your hormonal health, leading to energy crashes, poor metabolism, and unnecessary weight gain. In a recent Instagram post, Mankirat Kaur broke down some of the worst breakfast foods that may be doing more harm than good. More importantly, she suggested simple, nutrient-rich swaps that can stabilise blood sugar and keep hormones in balance without giving up on taste. Breakfast foods to avoid for hormonal health White bread A classic in many Indian households, white bread is made from refined flour that lacks fibre and essential nutrients. It spikes blood sugar quickly, giving a burst of energy that crashes soon after. Instead, Mankirat suggests opting for whole-grain or multigrain bread to keep your energy steady. Sugary cereals Though they look colourful and convenient, most boxed cereals are loaded with refined sugar and artificial flavours. These not only disrupt hormones like insulin but also leave you craving more sugar throughout the day. A healthier swap is oats or homemade granola with nuts and seeds. Packaged fruit juices Marketed as healthy, these juices often contain hidden sugars and very little actual fruit fibre. They cause rapid spikes in blood sugar and can increase the risk of insulin resistance. Fresh fruits or smoothies with yoghurt are far better choices. Deep-fried breakfast items Parathas dripping in oil, puris, and pakoras might taste heavenly, but they overload the body with unhealthy fats and calories. Regular consumption can affect hormonal balance, digestion, and metabolism. The coach advises lighter options like upma, idli, or dosa made with minimal oil. Poha and butter toast Yes, even the humble poha and plain butter toast made it to the list. While they're popular, they lack sufficient protein and good fats, making them nutritionally poor choices. Pairing poha with sprouts, or replacing butter toast with avocado or nut butter toast, can turn them into healthier alternatives. Breakfast isn't just the first meal of the day, it's the meal that sets the rhythm for your hormonal health, energy, and mood. As the health coach highlighted in her Instagram post, sugary cereals, white bread, packaged juices, and deep-fried options can throw your hormones off balance right from the start. On the other hand, choosing nutrient-dense swaps like oats, whole grains, proteins, nuts, and fresh fruits can help stabilise blood sugar and support long-term hormonal balance. The key is simple: a mindful breakfast can be the most powerful step you take for better health every single day. Also read| 8 reasons seasonal foods are the healthiest choice for your body
