Latest news with #SonaliKohli
Vogue
04-07-2025
- Health
- Vogue
When Your Hair Is Acting Out, Vitamin A Could Be the Answer
There are many reasons your hair might start acting out. Stress, styling, the shampoo that's touted as 'clean.' But sometimes, the issue runs deeper. Vitamin A for hair health is often an overlooked solution, yet this fat-soluble nutrient plays a surprisingly vital role in keeping your scalp balanced and your strands strong. While too little vitamin A in your life can lead to dry and brittle hair and a flaky scalp, too much vitamin A can tip things in the opposite direction, causing shedding and even hair loss. When it comes to vitamin A for hair health, it is all about balance. Below, expert dermatologists help decode the link between vitamin A and hair health, and how to strike that elusive middle ground. What does vitamin A do for hair health? 'Vitamin A is basically the behind-the-scenes stylist for your scalp,' says Dr. Chytra V Anand, dermatologist and founder of Kosmoderma Skin & Hair Clinics. 'It keeps everything smooth, nourished, and in working order.' In the context of vitamin A for hair health, its role is multifaceted. It helps the scalp produce sebum—the body's natural oil—which keeps both skin and strands hydrated. It also supports follicle function and cellular renewal, essential for new hair growth. 'Without sufficient sebum, the scalp becomes dry, irritated and flaky, all symptoms that are no friends of hair growth,' Dr. Meghna Mour, co-founder and chief dermatologist at Skuccii Supercliniq, tells Vogue. Dr. Sonali Kohli, senior consultant dermatologist at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, explains: 'Retinoic acid, the active form of vitamin A, plays a direct role in regulating the hair growth cycle. It influences follicle stem cells, wound healing, and melanocyte activity.' Can vitamin A actually help with hair growth? Yes, but it is less about triggering new growth and more about laying the groundwork. 'Adequate vitamin A levels help hair follicles transition smoothly through their growth, rest, and renewal phases,' says Dr. Kohli. It is one reason that vitamin A for hair health gets so much attention. It supports the entire hair ecosystem rather than offering a quick-fix result. Dr. Anand puts it simply: 'A healthy scalp equals a happy hair cycle.' Should you eat vitamin A or apply it? When it comes to vitamin A for healthy hair, both routes matter. But, they have different outcomes.
Hindustan Times
27-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Gua Sha 101: Expert shares 8 tips for best results and warns against 6 common mistakes that could sabotage results
Gua sha is one of the most commonly featured stars in the skincare rituals you see on your feed. Even a quick scroll through Pinterest will show you that these pretty pastel tools have become an integral part of the everyday self-care aesthetic. But these tools aren't a product of the digital age; the roots can be traced back many centuries. While trends come and go, don't mistake gua sha for another skincare fad because it may have got real substance. Gua sha is one of the popular tools used in skincare.(Freepik) Dr Sonali Kohli, Senior Consultant Dermatologist at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai, spoke to HT Lifestyle about gua sha's history and benefits. She said, 'Gua sha, or 'to scrape away illness' in Chinese, is an old healing modality that has been in use for almost 3,000 years. It is an old practice in which the skin is lightly scraped with a smooth-edged instrument to stimulate blood flow, disperse inflammation, and release the body's own healing potential. From an integrative dermatology standpoint, gua sha acts on several physiological mechanisms. The mechanical stimulus, in a controlled manner, encourages lymphatic drainage, relaxes muscle tension, and induces the release of anti-inflammatory mediators." "The soft scraping action stimulates mechanoreceptors in the skin, initiating a cascade of healing mechanisms that travel well beyond the treated area. This is why patients tend to experience both local and systemic gains from gua sha treatment. But pregnant women should consult a qualified practitioner before using gua sha," says Dr Sonali. For those who haven't added this tool to their skincare routine yet, or are using it regularly but might be making common mistakes, getting the basics right is key to reaping the full benefits. Dr Sonali Kohli shared a comprehensive guide, outlining the key steps of correct gua sha usage, recommended materials, and what to avoid: How to use gua sha correctly? Avoid doing gua sha on dry skin.(Freepik) Preparation: Apply a high-quality oil or balm to create a smooth gliding surface. Tool selection: Use a properly weighted gua sha tool with rounded edges (jade, rose quartz, or bian stone.) Technique: Perform long, steady strokes in one direction with gentle to moderate pressure. Duration: 5-15 minutes per treatment area. Direction: Follow the body's energy meridians, typically upward. Always maintain unidirectional strokes. Areas: Focus on the jawline, cheekbones, forehead, and under-eye areas Angle: Hold the tool at 15-45 degrees to the skin. Combine with certain skincare: Use gua sha in combination with evidence-based skincare products such as vitamin C serums, hyaluronic acid, or retinoids for maximum effect. The enhanced circulation from gua sha can actually enhance the penetration and effectiveness of topical products. Which gua sha material should you go with? There are different varieties of gua sha- jade, rose quartz and bian stone.(Pinterest) Jade: Naturally cooling, great for inflamed or sensitive skin. Naturally cooling, great for inflamed or sensitive skin. Rose quartz: Gentle energy, ideal for beginners and everyday use. Gentle energy, ideal for beginners and everyday use. Bian Stone: Classic choice, thought to possess higher therapeutic. properties Avoid these mistakes Never hold the tool perpendicular to the skin. Never perform gua sha on dry skin. Never apply excessive force; gua sha should never be painful. Avoid plastic or poorly finished tools that can damage skin. Always avoid broken skin, active acne, or inflamed areas. Avoid during eczema flares, psoriasis outbreaks, or active infections. How gua sha may improve skin Reduce facial puffiness through enhanced lymphatic drainage. Improve skin elasticity and firmness. Increase microcirculation, promoting a healthy skin tone. Reduce muscle tension that contributes to expression lines. ALSO READ: Skincare while travelling? Dermat shares smart hacks for plane, car and train rides Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
