‘Zindagi hi badal di maine': Kusha Kapila reveals how she tackled PCOS-induced cystic acne
Kusha Kapila has always been honest — whether it is about her professional journey, divorce, or adult acne. In a recent conversation, Kusha Kapila opened up about her experience of dealing with cystic acne. 'Pimple aap chupa nahi sakte, itna 3D hota hai ye pimple. Aap chahe duniya ke best makeup artist le aaye..aapka pimple dikhega,' she told the interviewer.
'I have had to make insane changes to my lifestyle to be able to combat acne. It is PCOD-related, and it is cystic acne. Zindagi hi badal di maine..jaise main khaati hoon, peeti hoon, sab badal diya aur phir bhi poori tarah peecha nahi chuta. I have also taken injections to calm it down,' she told Hauterfly, adding that 'Women are only asked to lose weight, but they are not explained the science behind it. The more we understand our body, the more we'll get why this is happening to us.'
Dr Ameesha Mahajan, cosmetic dermatologist and founder of Eden Skin Clinic, told indianexpress.com that cystic acne is a severe form of inflammatory acne characterized by deep, painful cysts or nodules under the skin's layer.
'They are not like whiteheads or blackheads, as they are larger and filled with pus, leading to significant skin scarring. Cystic acne often appears on the lower face, jawline, neck, chest, and back, and tends to be more persistent and resistant to over‑the‑counter treatments,' she said.
Dr Mahajan shares some possible reasons:
1. Hormonal Fluctuations—Both males and females possess androgen hormones, and a rise in these hormones secretes more sebum, which clogs the skin pores. This makes the environment conducive for bacterial overgrowth (Cutibacterium acnes) and thus cystic acne.
2. Genetic history – A family history of severe acne increases your risk.
3. Inflammation and Immune Response – When clogged follicles rupture deep in the skin, the body mounts an inflammatory response, forming red, swollen nodules.
PCOD is characterized by insulin resistance and elevated androgen levels. Here's what happens when you have PCOD:
'There is insulin resistance where circulating insulin stimulates ovarian androgen production. Elevated androgens indicate increased sebum and follicular blockage. This leads to chronic inflammation that worsens lesion formation and slows healing,' explained Dr Mahajan.
Dr Mahajan shared a 5-step blueprint to tackle cystic acne:
1. Dietary changes—Choose whole grains, legumes, millets, or non-starchy vegetables, as their high fiber content and low glycemic load help stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels. Prefer anti-inflammatory foods in the diet, which include fatty fish, berries, green leafy vegetables, nuts, etc. Refrain from consuming sugary foods and excessively high-fat dairy products.
2. Regular Physical Activity—Engaging in regular aerobic physical exercises for at least 30-45 minutes a day, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, helps to improve insulin sensitivity. Also, opt for strength training exercises twice or thrice a week to build muscle mass and lower insulin resistance.
3. Stress Management—Yoga, meditation, or deep‑breathing exercises lower cortisol, which can otherwise elevate androgens. Get quality sleep, aiming for 7–8 hours per night, to regulate hormones and promote skin repair.
4. Skin Care Habits – Prefer to use a mild, non-comedogenic face cleanser twice a day to remove excessive sebum, without disturbing the skin's barrier defense. Ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or adapalene target clogged pores and have an anti-inflammatory role. Always consult a dermatologist before starting prescription retinoids.
5. Medical Follow‑Up – Under medical supervision, combined oral contraceptives or insulin‑sensitizing agents (like metformin) can rebalance hormones. Track menstrual cycles, weight, and acne severity to adjust treatments as needed.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Diagnostic chains plan to scale up as Covid cases surge
New Delhi: Leading diagnostic chains are looking to scale up their operations amid surging Covid-19 cases in the country. Executives said they were seeing a "noticeable" spike in the testing, particularly RT-PCR and rapid antigen tests . However, there is little consensus on taking booster shots. "To ensure prompt service, we've enhanced our testing capacity, streamlined workflows, and reinforced staffing, even extending working hours. Rapid RT-PCR machines and AI-based analytics have been integrated to reduce turnaround times and now average 4-6 hours for urgent cases," said Dr. Shelly (Mittal) Mahajan, lab director & clinical lead at Mahajan Imaging & Labs. India's Covid cases have crossed 6,000 with 358 new cases being reported in the last 24 hours. According to data by the Union health ministry, Kerala has been the most affected by Covid-19, with as many as 1,957 active cases. Gujarat saw the maximum increase of 158 cases since yesterday followed by Karnataka (57), West Bengal (54) and Delhi with 42 new cases. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track default , selected Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Les trous de mémoire n'ont rien à voir avec l'âge. Il suffit de faire ceci Découvertes Santé | Compléments En savoir plus Undo Mahajan said they have already proactively scaled up operations to meet the growing demand. "We are witnessing a noticeable increase in Covid-19 testing, particularly RT-PCR and rapid antigen tests," she said. With learnings from past waves, Dr Navin Dang, founder and chairman of Dr Dangs Lab, said they were "well prepared" to address any eventuality. "We know what is to be done now, and if there is any need, we will scale up in no time," Dr Dang said. Live Events Executives said testing has increased by 70% already and 25-30% of those tested now confirmed positive. "Over approximately the last 2-3 months, we are witnessing a spike in Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) testing by 70%. The rise in testing is a positive shift as people are now choosing awareness over fear. These new variants like JN.1, NB.1.8.1, and LF.7 could announce infections with mild flu-like symptoms, but without timely testing and patient isolation, they can spread rapidly and infect more people. Timely testing is crucial as it allows prompt intervention and improves one's overall well-being," said Dr Pranav Gupta, consultant and head, molecular biology at Apollo Diagnostic, Delhi. The Covid-19 curve still refuses to flatten in the country, and the cases are commonly seen in people of all age groups. Doctors say people with Covid are showing symptoms like the previous strain, mainly Omicron. The common symptoms include sore throat, fatigue, mild fever, cough, and occasional stomach upset or poor appetite. Loss of taste and smell is less common this time, but persistent cold-like symptoms will need timely attention. Doctors are vouching for measures like masks in crowded places and maintaining good hand hygiene. However, booster shots are not needed at this point, said Anurag Agrawal, Dean, Biosciences and Health Research at the Ashoka university. Dr RR Dutta, HoD, internal medicine, Paras Health, Gurugram said the virus can adversely affect vital organs such as the lungs, heart, kidneys, and even the brain in severe cases. "Preventive measures such as avoiding unnecessary gatherings and staying up to date with Covid-19 vaccinations and booster doses remain essential to reduce transmission risk and safeguard public health." Surendran Chemmenkotil, CEO, Metropolis Healthcare Ltd said that they have too seen a threefold increase in Covid-19 testing volumes.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Indian Express
As ‘Turkish Hairlines' meme goes viral, here's a closer look at India's troubled hair transplant industry
Hair transplant procedures are often touted as minimally invasive and largely painless. The technology or 'treatment' has been around in India for some time now, but a string of recent cases has exposed the cracks in the country's booming yet dangerously under-regulated hair transplant industry. Within 24 hours of undergoing a hair transplant at a private clinic in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, two engineers lost their lives. The doctor disappeared, and the clinic was sealed. In another case, two men reportedly died after a dentist – yes, a dentist – performed the procedure. A separate incident in Kerala left a patient with necrotizing fasciitis, a rare flesh-eating bacterial infection, following surgery allegedly conducted by someone with a fake medical degree. Amid rising reports of botched surgeries, growing medical tourism, and mounting social media pressure, more Indians are flying to Turkey, the unofficial global capital of hair restoration, for transplants that promise natural-looking results, often at lower costs. That's also how the viral 'Turkish Hairlines' meme was born: a video showing a plane full of bald men en route to Istanbul, all in search of hair and hope. spoke to industry experts to understand what's driving this trend and how Turkey became the global epicenter of this follicular phenomenon. According to Dr Katheeja Nasika, consultant in the department of dermatology at Rela Hospital, Chennai, the rush for perfect hairlines is driven by a mix of peer pressure, the impact of influencer marketing, and societal expectations, especially among men prepping for marriage or public life. Dr Veena Praveen, head dermatologist (South), Kaya Limited, agreed but attributed the increasing popularity to technological advancements and a rise in awareness. 'People want long-term, natural-looking solutions. For many, it's not about improving appearance alone; it's about regaining confidence,' she said. Social media and celebrity endorsements have also significantly contributed to making hair restoration more accessible and widely accepted. Shradha Rajani Mordani, CEO of Tejco Global LLP, said that the hair transplant industry is set to explode – from USD 7.3 billion in 2025 to USD 49.9 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 20 per cent. 'At the heart of this surge is the new buzzword – precision technology – delivering perfected hairlines where science meets style and confidence,' she said. Mordani believes that the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated self-image anxieties. 'Video calls made people hyper-aware of their appearance. Combine that with a growing acceptance of grooming among men, and we saw a sharp rise in demand for aesthetic procedures,' she said. And it's not just hair. From micro needling to laser hair removal and PRP therapy, Indians are embracing cosmetic enhancement, but not always safely, said Dr Praveen. A post shared by Life is Beautiful (@lifeisbeautiful080808) Turkey offers advanced techniques like Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), skilled practitioners, and all-inclusive packages – flight, stay, surgery, recovery – at competitive prices, said Dr Nasika. Dr Praveen said, 'The country has built an impressive reputation for hair restoration, combining medical excellence with cost-effective services.' 'Turkey also has a bunch of trained professionals and certified programs, which interest youngsters to pursue hair transplantation courses,' Dr Nasika said, pointing out that while India has affordable transplant options, 'the number of well-trained, ethical practitioners here is far fewer than in Turkey.' That is why Aditya Awasthee, a private investor and realtor with the Nexus Group, had been exploring the idea of getting a hair transplant and after consulting several cosmetologists and fashion industry experts, zeroed in on Turkey as the best option — even if not the most cost-efficient one. 'Turkey also has some internationally trained doctors and uses modern techniques like FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) and DHI (Direct Hair Implantation). It's more like medical tourism, with a focus on hair restoration,' said Awasthee. His research led him towards 'highly acclaimed and established clinics offering packages that include airport transfers, hotel stay for 3–4 nights, translator services as well as medication and an aftercare kit.' Having learned about promising results and sustainable outcomes, Awasthee derived that Turkey has the highest success rate. 'Typically, Istanbul and other cities have a reputation for delivering natural-looking results,' he said, revealing that to be his primary goal. According to him, the cherry on the cake is that 'Turkey also permits combining treatment with a vacation — which allows to explore Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya before or after the surgery.' Dr Nasika urged people to check if the doctor is certified and the clinic or hospital has a commendable reputation before getting the procedure done. 'According to the National Medical Commission (NMC), only plastic surgeons or dermatologists are authorised to perform hair transplants in India,' she said. Money is also an important factor to consider. 'A cheap fix could lead to complications that cost far more to treat later,' Dr Nasika said. Experts say yes, but not without reforms. While Turkey is an appealing option, India also has a rich medical heritage and boasts world-class dermatologists and hair restoration experts. 'India already has world-class doctors and infrastructure,' said Dr Praveen. 'But the focus now needs to be on transparent practices, credible patient testimonials, competitive pricing, and the highest standard of post-op care. That's how trust is built,' she said. Mordani, too, said that Indian cosmetology is rapidly evolving and making it big. 'Millennials and Gen Z are pushing the demand. High-quality hair transplant instruments and devices, resulting in 'real no-downtime' results, are paving the way for a growing international doctor-clientele base adopting our technology, bringing India on the global footprint for hair restoration,' she said. According to Mordani, India's aesthetic industry is poised to lead globally by collaborating with international experts. With these advancements, Indian clinics can offer world-class treatments while meeting the growing demand for effective and accessible aesthetic solutions.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Indian Express
What happens to your body when you cycle while pregnant?
Staying fit and being on top of their nutrition game is every expecting mother's focus during the crucial nine months. From low intensity workouts to Pilates, fitness during pregnancy is changing as per their bodily needs. For those who'd been cycling since before, do not let your baby bump stop you. reached out to experts to find out what happens to your body when you cycle during pregnancy and the precautions you need to keep in mind during this delicate phase. Dr Dharmesh Shah, Founder & Director of Holistica World shared that during pregnancy, your body undergoes significant changes. Cycling can help maintain cardiovascular fitness, manage weight gain, and support muscle tone, all of which can be beneficial for childbirth. However, pregnancy also brings increased fatigue, changes in balance, and joint stress due to weight gain and shifting posture. 'During the first trimester, extreme fatigue may limit your endurance, and as your baby grows in the second and third trimesters, you might experience shortness of breath and joint discomfort, particularly in your lower back, hips, and knees,' he said. He shared that you can cycle throughout pregnancy, but it is essential to reduce the intensity and listen to your body. 'Cycling is generally considered safer during the first two trimesters when your belly isn't as large and balance is less of a concern. After the second trimester, cycling can become more uncomfortable as your body changes and your balance may be affected, increasing the risk of falls,' said Dr Shah. Agreeing, Dr Manisha Ranjan, Senior consultant obstetrician & gynecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Noida said that cycling is generally safer in the first and second trimesters. 'During the first trimester, your center of gravity remains stable, and the risk of falling is lower. By the second trimester, your growing belly begins to shift your balance, which can increase the risk of falls, making stationary cycling a safer alternative,' she added. According to her, most doctors advise stopping outdoor cycling by the third trimester. 'During this period, your balance and agility significantly decline, increasing the risk of injury to both you and your baby. Stationary bikes become the recommended option at this stage, as they eliminate the risk of falling while still providing cardiovascular benefits,' she added. 1. Consult your Doctor: Before continuing or starting any exercise routine, talk to your healthcare provider to ensure cycling is safe for you. 2. Monitor your Intensity: Keep the intensity moderate. Pregnancy is not the time for vigorous, high-intensity rides. Focus on maintaining fitness rather than pushing your limits. 3. Adjust your Cycle: Raising the handlebars can help maintain an upright posture, which is more comfortable as your belly grows. 4. Be Mindful of Balance: As your bump grows, balance can become an issue. If you start feeling unstable, it's safer to transition to a stationary cycle. 5. Stay Hydrated: Ensure you drink plenty of water, as dehydration can be harmful to both you and your baby. 6. Listen to your Body: If you feel discomfort, shortness of breath, or any other unusual symptoms, stop cycling and rest. Every pregnancy is unique, and it's important to adjust based on how you feel. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
