Latest news with #RituGupta
Sydney Morning Herald
6 days ago
- Health
- Sydney Morning Herald
This could be a sign you need to change some of your beauty products
It's a familiar scenario. You finally find the skin and hair products you love – and which work – but wonder if you should occasionally switch them up. It's a question dermatologist Dr Ritu Gupta is often asked. 'There's no strong scientific evidence that skin or hair becomes 'immune' to products over time,' she says. 'If your current products are working well for you, there's usually no need to switch. However, your skincare and haircare needs can change with age, environmental factors [like humidity, sun exposure, or seasonal changes] or new skin conditions.' In fact, says Gupta, it's often best to stick with the tried and true. 'Constantly changing products can actually be counterproductive. Most active ingredients need time to work, and switching too often may prevent you from seeing their full benefits.' Mostly, it's about modifying your regimen, not ditching it entirely. In winter, cold weather and indoor heating can dry your skin, so switching to a richer moisture is a good idea. In summer, change to a lighter moisturiser. But no matter the time of year, always include a top-quality sunscreen such as La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50+ ($39) in your daily skincare routine. Apart from the obvious – your skin or scalp reacting badly to a product – the time to think about an overhaul is when skin and hair are affected by hormonal changes or when a product is not providing the benefits it promised. 'It's wise to adapt your routine if your skin undergoes significant changes,' says Gupta. Having said that, your skincare should include some stalwart ingredients. Sunscreen, of course, but also vitamin A, best introduced into your routine in your mid-20s to early 30s; we love Ultraceuticals Ultra A Perfecting Serum ($150). Loading If you suffer from pigmentation, Gupta suggests a serum containing tranexamic acid and hyaluronic acid, while niacinamide also has anti-inflammatory properties. Then there's vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps to reduce damage to our DNA caused by sun exposure and pollution. For a two-pronged approach, try SkinCeuticals Vitamin C & Niacinamide Routine Set ($344). When it comes to haircare, 'if your needs or environment haven't changed, your routine likely doesn't need to either,' says Gupta. Sometimes the signs your haircare isn't working – hair feeling limp, for instance – can be the result of product build-up. To counter this, use a weekly clarifying shampoo like Ouai Detox Shampoo ($59), plus a hair mask targeted to your specific needs.
The Age
6 days ago
- Health
- The Age
This could be a sign you need to change some of your beauty products
It's a familiar scenario. You finally find the skin and hair products you love – and which work – but wonder if you should occasionally switch them up. It's a question dermatologist Dr Ritu Gupta is often asked. 'There's no strong scientific evidence that skin or hair becomes 'immune' to products over time,' she says. 'If your current products are working well for you, there's usually no need to switch. However, your skincare and haircare needs can change with age, environmental factors [like humidity, sun exposure, or seasonal changes] or new skin conditions.' In fact, says Gupta, it's often best to stick with the tried and true. 'Constantly changing products can actually be counterproductive. Most active ingredients need time to work, and switching too often may prevent you from seeing their full benefits.' Mostly, it's about modifying your regimen, not ditching it entirely. In winter, cold weather and indoor heating can dry your skin, so switching to a richer moisture is a good idea. In summer, change to a lighter moisturiser. But no matter the time of year, always include a top-quality sunscreen such as La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50+ ($39) in your daily skincare routine. Apart from the obvious – your skin or scalp reacting badly to a product – the time to think about an overhaul is when skin and hair are affected by hormonal changes or when a product is not providing the benefits it promised. 'It's wise to adapt your routine if your skin undergoes significant changes,' says Gupta. Having said that, your skincare should include some stalwart ingredients. Sunscreen, of course, but also vitamin A, best introduced into your routine in your mid-20s to early 30s; we love Ultraceuticals Ultra A Perfecting Serum ($150). Loading If you suffer from pigmentation, Gupta suggests a serum containing tranexamic acid and hyaluronic acid, while niacinamide also has anti-inflammatory properties. Then there's vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps to reduce damage to our DNA caused by sun exposure and pollution. For a two-pronged approach, try SkinCeuticals Vitamin C & Niacinamide Routine Set ($344). When it comes to haircare, 'if your needs or environment haven't changed, your routine likely doesn't need to either,' says Gupta. Sometimes the signs your haircare isn't working – hair feeling limp, for instance – can be the result of product build-up. To counter this, use a weekly clarifying shampoo like Ouai Detox Shampoo ($59), plus a hair mask targeted to your specific needs.
The Age
14-06-2025
- Health
- The Age
It's a skin condition that can be hard to treat, but there are ways to help it
This story is part of the June 15 edition of Sunday Life. See all 15 stories. Let's start at the beginning. What actually causes acne? Skin produces sebum that comes from glands connected to your hair follicles. The sebum travels up the follicles to add moisture to your skin and hair. Acne forms when extra sebum and dead skin cells build up at the base of the follicle. This build-up then clogs the pores and traps bacteria, causing the follicle to swell, which leads to pimples and blackheads. Dermatologist Dr Ritu Gupta says acne can flare up on the face, chest and back and be caused by four main things. 'Family history; a hormonal surge of oestrogen and progesterone; bacteria that lives in the oil glands and which can stimulate the body to react against it; and when the lining around the hair follicle forms comedones [bumps on the skin].' Parts of the back are difficult to reach, which makes them a cleansing and treatment nightmare, and a breeding ground for pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. The skin's pores get clogged as a result of sweating, hormonal fluctuations, skin rubbing against clothes, and stress. To help tackle this cluster, try showering with a body wash that contains salicylic acid, like Paula's Choice Weightless Body Treatment ($50), and use a handy back-exfoliating tool like Manicare Exfoliating Back Scrubber ($17) – it has stretch fabric and handles, which helps with those hard-to-reach areas. Back sprays are also a great addition to your bodycare collection as they contain active ingredients, such as tea-tree oil and salicylic acid, and come with nozzles that swivel to reach difficult spots. Try Murad Clarifying Body Spray ($74). If the dedicated body wash and sprays aren't shifting the acne, head straight to your GP for a prescription for a treatment such as a peroxide foam, which kills inflammation-causing bacteria. If this doesn't do the trick it might be time to seek advice from a dermatologist Loading Even if you don't suffer from bacne, a back facial is a well-deserved treat. A therapist can give your back the attention it deserves with a thorough scrub to clear clogged pores, a deep cleanse and condition, plus extractions. In Melbourne, try the Artemis Medispa B-Acne Facial ($199), which includes deep cleansing, exfoliation, steam and extraction, a purifying mask, and massage with a rich moisturiser. Once your back is a clean slate, it's time for some dedicated care, starting with a perfectly applied fake tan. For a professional application, try Tan Temple in Sydney and Beauty & Bronze in Melbourne. For DIY, try Bondi Sands One Hour Express Foam ($19). As with all fake tanning, preparation is key, so exfoliate well before application. To apply the mousse at home, invest in Loving Tan Easy To Reach Back Applicator ($25) and to extend the life of your fake tan, apply moisturising Spray Aus Tan Extender ($30) before bed each night.
Sydney Morning Herald
14-06-2025
- Health
- Sydney Morning Herald
It's a skin condition that can be hard to treat, but there are ways to help it
This story is part of the June 15 edition of Sunday Life. See all 15 stories. Let's start at the beginning. What actually causes acne? Skin produces sebum that comes from glands connected to your hair follicles. The sebum travels up the follicles to add moisture to your skin and hair. Acne forms when extra sebum and dead skin cells build up at the base of the follicle. This build-up then clogs the pores and traps bacteria, causing the follicle to swell, which leads to pimples and blackheads. Dermatologist Dr Ritu Gupta says acne can flare up on the face, chest and back and be caused by four main things. 'Family history; a hormonal surge of oestrogen and progesterone; bacteria that lives in the oil glands and which can stimulate the body to react against it; and when the lining around the hair follicle forms comedones [bumps on the skin].' Parts of the back are difficult to reach, which makes them a cleansing and treatment nightmare, and a breeding ground for pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. The skin's pores get clogged as a result of sweating, hormonal fluctuations, skin rubbing against clothes, and stress. To help tackle this cluster, try showering with a body wash that contains salicylic acid, like Paula's Choice Weightless Body Treatment ($50), and use a handy back-exfoliating tool like Manicare Exfoliating Back Scrubber ($17) – it has stretch fabric and handles, which helps with those hard-to-reach areas. Back sprays are also a great addition to your bodycare collection as they contain active ingredients, such as tea-tree oil and salicylic acid, and come with nozzles that swivel to reach difficult spots. Try Murad Clarifying Body Spray ($74). If the dedicated body wash and sprays aren't shifting the acne, head straight to your GP for a prescription for a treatment such as a peroxide foam, which kills inflammation-causing bacteria. If this doesn't do the trick it might be time to seek advice from a dermatologist Loading Even if you don't suffer from bacne, a back facial is a well-deserved treat. A therapist can give your back the attention it deserves with a thorough scrub to clear clogged pores, a deep cleanse and condition, plus extractions. In Melbourne, try the Artemis Medispa B-Acne Facial ($199), which includes deep cleansing, exfoliation, steam and extraction, a purifying mask, and massage with a rich moisturiser. Once your back is a clean slate, it's time for some dedicated care, starting with a perfectly applied fake tan. For a professional application, try Tan Temple in Sydney and Beauty & Bronze in Melbourne. For DIY, try Bondi Sands One Hour Express Foam ($19). As with all fake tanning, preparation is key, so exfoliate well before application. To apply the mousse at home, invest in Loving Tan Easy To Reach Back Applicator ($25) and to extend the life of your fake tan, apply moisturising Spray Aus Tan Extender ($30) before bed each night.
Sydney Morning Herald
31-05-2025
- Health
- Sydney Morning Herald
We all know the dangers of poor sleep. Here's what it does to your skin
This story is part of the June 1 edition of Sunday Life. See all 14 stories. It's well known that an unsettled night's sleep can lead to lacklustre skin. When you sleep, skin goes into repair mode, so if your sleep patterns are erratic it will show on your face the next day. Bad sleep affects collagen production, which is essential for maintaining skin hydration and elasticity, and a lack of sleep can cause inflammation and a compromised skin barrier. Face-planting into your pillow can also leave creases on your skin. 'Bad sleep is often due to stress, which has a significant impact on skin, and chronic sleep restriction is much worse than a short-term sleep issue,' says Sydney dermatologist Dr Ritu Gupta. She says poor sleep leads to collagen breaking down and decreased skin-barrier function, which means increased susceptibility to eczema, irritation and infection. 'Collagen breakdown accelerates the ageing process, and a lack of sleep also decreases the lipids in the skin, which leads to it sagging.' So how much sleep is enough? The general rule of thumb is eight hours. Here are a few tips to help your skin get a good night's sleep. Elevate your head by sleeping on two pillows, ideally in silk pillowcases such as those from Slip ($115). Elevation decreases facial swelling and improves blood flow and lymphatic drainage, says Gupta. 'Some extension of the neck means that finally our 'tech necks' can have a much-needed rest. Having your neck constantly flexed by looking at a phone screen creates horizontal lines. Sleeping slightly elevated means a reprieve from that position.' Loading If you're able to sleep on your back, this helps reduce the chest and face wrinkles that can occur if you are a side or tummy sleeper. Try an Orthopaedic cervical pillow ($80, from Ergonomist) that cradles your neck, keeping it properly aligned with your head and shoulders. This helps reduce pressure on the neck muscles. Night creams, with their rich, hydrating ingredients to plump, firm and brighten, are bedtime essentials. An oldie but goodie is Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair ($199) with tripeptide-32, hyaluronic acid and polyglutamic acid. Peptides serve as messengers between skin cells to encourage them to produce more collagen, accelerating wound healing and protecting the skin barrier. For more nighttime magic, we like Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro+ Night Cream ($33). And for eyes, try Medik8 Advanced Night Eye ($96), which has great de-puffing powers, boosts radiance and targets dark circles. (As an added bonus, this cream also works like a charm under make-up.) For lips, we love Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask ($25).
