I’ve always been intrigued by the kind of routine dermatologists follow outside of work. How does their expertise in skincare translate to their lives beyond their profession? Do they do their skincare any differently than the rest of us? I’ve connected with some of India’s most-renowned experts to tell me more about the kind of skincare tools and devices they swear by; their benefits; and how they’re supposed to be used. Here’s what they had to tell me.
Ask The Experts: 6 Skincare Devices Dermats Swear By For Healthy Skin
Dr. Kiran Sethi
Dr. Kiran Sethi, MD, Skin & Aesthetic Specialist, attests to the benefits of a Gua Sha. She says, “I use a normal Gua Sha most of the time—either rose-quartz or amethyst because I am quite hard on myself, and some self-love always helps. I don’t know how beneficial gemstones are scientifically, but they do make me feel nice emotionally. I do it once a week—on top of an oil, or after a facial in the clinic not for more than five minutes because I don’t have much time. I massage my face with the Gua Sha towards the direction of the lymphatic drainage, and focus a lot under my jawline and around my eyes—this is where fluids accumulate.” She swears by brands like House Of Beauty and Dromen & Co.
Dr. Nivedita Dadu
Dr. Nivedita Dadu, Founder & Chairman, Dr. Nivedita Dadu’s Dermatology Clinic, has a different approach to skincare. “A lot of tools are available in the market—like Gua Sha and rollers. Depending on their material and shape, they propose to deliver different benefits to the skin. They can improve lymphatic drainage, help in temporary lifting, reduce inflammation, and more. Even a Kansa Wand is assumed to improve acne because it’s made from copper, and copper is alkaline in nature.”
She continues, “As a dermatologist, though, I feel that they’re not as beneficial when you’re looking for corrective treatments. A skincare routine is key to maintaining healthy and glowing skin, and delaying signs of ageing. I follow my skincare routine religiously, and opt for regular treatments like medi-facials instead of relying on any tools. Since my skin is dry-to-normal, I swear by ZO Power Defense for my face, and Dermalogica Stress Positive Eyelift for my under-eye to maintain my skin’s health. These tools can help in the way massages do.”
Dr. Manasi Shirolikar
Dr. Manasi Shirolikar, Consultant Dermatologist and Founder, Online Consulting Brand drmanasiskin.com, says, “I like to use an LED mask to pamper my skin. The LED lights boost collagen and reduce acne-causing bacteria. I use it after cleansing my face with a face-wash, and applying a serum. The mask also requires you to close your eyes, and sit down for 10-20 minutes. I put on some music, and relax while doing this. It’s a self-care ritual that I look forward to. One of the best LED masks is the one by Denis Gross.”
Dr. Manjot Marwah
According to Dr. Manjot Marwah, Award-Winning Celebrity Dermatologist, Hair Transplant Surgeon, and Consultant & Director at Dr Manjot’s Clinic, “I prefer using a silicon-cleansing brush like a foreo while cleansing my face. I use it on my arms as well to avoid chicken skin. Although there are cheaper options available, you don’t always need to invest in a foreo. Epique has a good one too. This is just for cleansing. For face-massaging I don’t use anything—I prefer my fillers.”
Dr. Nishita Ranka
Dr. Nishita Ranka, Internationally-Acclaimed Dermatologist, Medical Director & Founder of Dr. Nishita’s Clinic for Skin, Hair & Aesthetics, says, “A skin-care device that is my personal favorite is the My Skin Buddy which is MSB. This is an electronic skincare tool that can help with a lot of things. It is a four-in-one device that has an LED light. It has ultrasonic vibrations along with iontophoresis, and it also has a temperature between 40 to 45 degrees centigrade. Having all of these technologies in one device really helps with a lot—be it your deep-cleansing or just cleaning the factor infusion of serums into the skin.”
“Personally, I like to use it for double-cleansing. It can also be used with your micellar water and a cotton pad—this helps in removing makeup and dirt from the face, and it gives you a little bit of a massage along with vibrations which help in breaking
up dead skin, and lifting and firming and tightening the face as well.”
“According to how my skin is feeling on that particular day, I choose the red light being for antiageing; if I’m
breaking out a little bit, I try using a little bit of the blue light as well and if there are some pigmentation-related spots, or if I have tanned my skin, I use the green light. The best part about this is also that you can use a combination of all three lights together which happens over a cyclical frequency. This is a really nice handy cordless device which takes just five minutes of usage every day. I try and use it twice weekly twice. When you’re using it as a double-cleansing method, you could use it either with micellar water or with your cleanser. And it can also be used to infuse some serums into your skin—serums like hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C.”
Dr. Nidhi Singh Tandon
According to Dr. Nidhi Singh Tandon, Board-Certified Dermatologist & Founder, The Skin Art Clinic & Wholistic Derm, tells me, “As a medical practitioner, I keep my mind open to possibilities. Though there isn’t any specific data or research on tools like Gua Sha, they have been used in Chinese traditional medicine for thousands of years. I like using rose-quartz Gua Sha and roller purely for the feel-good factor and the relaxation aspect of it—because at work, we have some of the best treatments and devices at our disposal. What I don’t like is how it’s marketed as an anti-aging replacement for Botox, and a face-lifting tool—which it isn’t. What it can do for you is reduce puffiness by increasing lymphatic drainage, and relieve any muscle-tension in your facial muscles. Tools like these also have great psychological impact on you. If you are not careful, though, you can end up traumatising your skin, and trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.”
She concludes, “It’s not a must-have tool, but if you’re a skincare junkie, and are looking to try different tools, there’s no harm in trying a Gua Sha.”
Now—you have all the insights you need to build your routine, and they’re all derm-approved.
Featured Image: Instagram
