HBM 911: Top Skincare Queries Answered by Dr Sirisha Singh

How to treat hyperpigmentation, dark elbows, dark circles, oily skin & Keratosis Pilaris

Hey everyone,

Our team received a tremendous response to our HBM 911 feature wherein you had the chance to get your queries answered by Delhi’s leading dermatologist, Dr. Sirisha Singh. Sadly, we could only choose a few but we tried to pick the most common skin issues so that many of our readers could benefit from it. So here we go!

How to reduce dark eyelids & dark circles

1) Dear Dr. Singh, I have severe dark circles + dark eyelids since my school days. I am 27 now. Can you please help me with a product to use to get rid of them completely?
-Roohan Nijjar

Hi,
If you have it from school days then it is probably genetic. You need to use a sunscreen regularly. Reduce your intake of simple sugars and carbohydrates, this pigmentation may be suggestive of a slightly high risk of diabetes. You can apply green tea bags on your eyes for 15-20 minutes everyday. Stick some used green tea bags in the fridge. Moisten them and then apply on your eyes. The anti- oxidants can help to lighten the skin. You can also use a good hydrating moisturizer containing vitamin C and liquorice extracts around your eyes at night.

How to treat hyperpigmentation?

2) Hello doctor, I have small hyperpigmentation on my cheeks which is very visible. I am 28 yrs old and a 9 to 5 working woman. My dermatologist said that that I’ve to undergo laser. I want to know if it safe to go for laser as I cannot avoid sun exposure due to work.
-Selin Collis

Hi,
Pigmentation of the face is very difficult to treat and the treatment options are not 100% effective. Most treatments only lighten the pigmentation. Also, these treatments have temporary benefit and pigmentation tends to come back if all treatments are stopped. You should definitely use a sunscreen every 2 hours and also get a prescription for some skin lightening creams from your dermatologist.
Regarding LASER, if you cannot avoid going out in the sun, then the lasers used for pigmentation have the risk of worsening your pigmentation. After each LASER session, sun avoidance is mandatory.
You can instead go for chemical peels, mesotherapy, PRP etc which are safer options.

How to treat dark elbows & knees naturally

3) Could you pls suggest the best treatment for dark knees and elbows?
-Reema

Hi,
If you are genetically dusky toned, then your elbows and knees may be dark too. Look out to see if you are applying too much pressure on your elbows or knees. Moisturize the skin in these areas at night. You can use a gentle scrub before you moisturize the elbows and knees. You can also apply something which is acidic in your kitchen like lemon juice or yoghurt in these areas. The natural acids work as a mild peel and can lighten the areas. You can use them 2-3 times a week.

How to remove acne & scars on back & arms

4) Hello Dr. Sirisha, Could you pls suggest the best treatment for acne and marks on the back and arms. I was diagnosed with Keratosis Pilaris. Is there any treatment that can provide good results?
-Neha Singh

Hi,
Keratosis Pilaris also affects the back and the arms and looks fairly similar to acne. You have some genetic tendency to get these lesions. Friction also plays a very important role. To avoid friction with clothes, use a moisturizer regularly and stick to cotton fabric. Avoid all synthetic fabrics including silk and wool from coming in direct contact with the skin. You can get a retinoid containing cream and apply it on the affected area at night. This will help minimize the lesions. The good news for you is that it usually settles down with time.

How to reduce oily skin

5) Mam my skin is oily. After washing my face with a face wash, it becomes oily within half an hour. Due to pimple, more pores appear on my cheek. For pimples, I use brevoxyl cream at night regularly. If you have any solution for oily and acne prone skin then please advise me.
-Nirupama Jena

Hi,
If you are a teenager or a young adult, this may be age related. Your skin is likely just sensitive to your internal hormones and this will settle down with time. You need to get into a good skincare routine. You need to use a gentle facewash 2 times a day, Brevoxyl cream at night is a good option. You can also exfoliate your skin twice a day. From what you tell me, it looks like your pimples are leaving behind scars which look like open pores. You need to see a dermatologist and get some prescriptions for acne. The medications will prevent new pimples and will reduce chances of further scarring.

Thanks

We’d like to thank Dr. Singh for taking out time from her hectic schedule to answer our readers’ queries. She can also be consulted at The Skin Centre, Delhi which offers the best cosmetology services including Skin Laser, botulinum toxin (botox) and injectable fillers.