This article will go straight to your head

Your hair is not enough to protect your scalp from the scathing heat. "In summer, there are too many scalp baiters (heat, UV rays, sweating, etc), so begin your Save The Scalp project now," says Dr Jamuna Pai, cosmetologist at Blush Clinic, Mumbai. A neglected scalp is where the first signs of future hair and skin concerns show up. Here's everything you need to know about it  

1. It's prone to UV damage
If you have a thick head of hair, the skin underneath is safe. But thinning hair or even partial baldness means your scalp can get sunburn. Cover exposed areas with sunscreen and "keep your head covered with a scarf, hat or an umbrella," says Dr Rachita Dhurat, director of Mumbai's Skin, Trichology & Aesthetic Centre.

2. It needs to stay dry
"Never ever tie your hair before it is dry as trapped moisture can lead to itching and fungal infections," warns Dr Dhurat. "Be particularly careful in summer, as the scalp sweats more."

3. It gets hungry
"Drink lots of water and take Vitamins E, B6 and B12 to help replenish moisture, and eat a balanced diet that includes omega-3 fatty acids," advises Dr Shahin Nooreyezdan, senior consultant of cosmetic surgery at Delhi's Indraprastha Apollo Hospital. Smoking constricts arteries and capillaries, leading to faulty blood circulation - even to the head. Exercise. It increases blood flow to the extremities.

4. Shedding is normal
"As new cells form on the scalp, old skin cells are shed as very minute particles," says cosmetologist Dr Pai. "It is only when this scalp skin cell replacement process is disrupted that dandruff, itching, flaking and scaling crop up." So some shedding is good.

5. Oily scalps get dandruff too



Getting warm oil massages every week, even in the heat? Good going, but it's not going to keep dandruff away. "Sebum produced in the scalp lubricates it naturally," explains Dr Arvind Poswal, a hair transplant surgeon at Dr A's Clinic, Delhi. "When this gland dysfunctions, the resulting excess sebum combines with dirt, pollution, sweat and increased cell turnover to create a thick sticky, oily dandruff." 

6. Your scalp is unique
So what is an oily scalp to do? Get cleansed with a mild shampoo with an acid base. Dr Pai recommends looking for ingredients like salicylic acid, zinc pyrithione and ketoconazole (in brands like Scalpe and Salisia KT). Opt for shampoos containing coal tar, lactic acid or urea (in brands like Fongitar and Lonax T) if your scalp is dry. And remember: only those with a very oily scalp must wash every day.
 
7. It benefits from a good scrub
"Exfoliation helps remove product build-up  and dead cells. Plus, the extra stimulation boosts circulation," says Dr Nooreyezdan. Try this: mix 3 spoons of brown sugar with 2 spoons of coconut oil. Add a few drops of essential oil (tea tree, jasmine or lavender). Massage on your scalp for some time before rinsing. Use weekly. "Aloe vera gel, tea tree oil, oatmeal, yoghurt, lemon juice, onion juice, thyme and sage work well on the scalp," she adds.

8. It likes a good moisturiser too
"Oils stay on the skin longer than creams, so they are perfect to keep moisture locked in," says Dr Pai. "If your scalp is oily but your hair is frizzy, avoid oiling the scalp and roots of the hair. Focus instead on mid shaft and hair ends." Dr Nooreyezdan also recommends a weekly 20-minute hot oil treatment before your shower. 

9. It hates hot air
Would you subject your face to a hair dryer? So why torture your scalp with it? "Too much blow drying can reduce the moisture content of your scalp. So let your hair air dry naturally for as long as you can," recommends Dr Rachita Dhurat. Dhurat lets her own waist-length hair dry completely under a fan. "If you have to blow dry, try a lower heat setting or opt for cold air, and hold the blow dryer 11 to 12 inches from your hair and scalp," she says.

NUTS ABOUT YOU: Almond oil keeps your scalp’s moisture locked in.

10. It loves a good rub
Even 10 minutes of daily head massage (just using your fingertips) can keep the scalp healthy. Don't tug, pull or knead too hard. Work small circular motions from your forehead to the nape, or from the sides to the top. It will work wonders not just on your head, but on your mind too.

Massage with these
Avocado oil is rich in nutrients, amino acids, essential fatty acids, Vitamins A, B, D and E
Castor oil speeds up natural growth of hair, reduces frizz and split ends and prevents drying of the scalp.
Extra virgin olive oil conditions the scalp and provides relief for a dry scalp
Sweet almond oil ensures that moisture in your hair stays locked in and keeps the scalp healthy.
Jojoba oil is loaded with vitamin E, and is an effective moisturiser.

From HT Brunch, April 14

- See more at: http://www.hindustantimes.com/brunch/brunch-stories/this-article-will-go-straight-to-your-head/article1-1043209.aspx#sthash.sDyFDuCM.dpuf

Dr. Pai at the AMWC - 11th Anti-Ageing World Congress in Monaco

Dr. Jamuna Pai chairing and presenting at the 

Anti Ageing World Congress in Monaco, 2013

The 11th annual AMWC Congress hosted in Monaco attracts medical and anti-ageing experts from over 95 countries making it one of the largest and most sought after medical anti-ageing congresses in the world.

Dr. Pai was invited to chair and present her ground breaking work on non-surgical rhinoplasty (nose reshaping) techniques with the use of dermal fillers and Botox injections at the AMWC - Anti Ageing World Congress hosted in Monaco in April 2013.

9th Annual Doordarshan Hirkani Awards

Dr. Jamuna Pai receiving the 9th Annual Sunsilk 

Doordarshan Sahyadri Hirkani Award from Mr. Johnny Lever

Doordarshan Sahyadri hosted the 9th Annual Sunsilk Doordarshan Hirkani Awards function on the 5th of March at Ravindra Natya Mandir. 

A brainchild of Mr. Mukesh Sharma (DDG, Doordarshan) the Hirkani Award honors women for distinguished services ranging from various social causes to women empowerment.

This year Nine women were nominated by a jury to receive the Hirkani Award.

Dr. Jamuna Pai was one of the recipients of the award for her pioneering role in the field of cosmetology in India which is today one of the fastest growing sectors. Dr. Pai has been a skincare expert to the Miss India pageants for more than 15 years. Also through her clinics Blush, Dr. Pai has trained and empowered hundreds of women.

Among the distinguished guests present were Mr. Johnny Lever, Mr. Ajit Wadekar, Ms. Rohini Hattangdi, Mr. Ujjwal Nikam, Mr. Amin Sayani to name a few.

Other recipients of the Hirkani Award were: Neela Satyanarayan IAS (Maharashtra's first woman Election Commissioner), Sharada Sathe (first woman commission – Mahila Aayog, Maharastra), Neelima Mishra (in the field of rural micro credit in Maharastra), Grace Pinto (MD Ryan International Schools), Priti Patkar (founder member of Prerna), Indira Jaising (first additional solicitor general), Dr Devayani Borole (senior polar woman) and Prema Jayakumar (all India CA exam topper).

Love the skin you're in !!

Besides a flawless skin as a whole, the eyes and the mouth are two treatment sites that one can look at to enhance especially on the occasion of Valentine's Day. The eyes need to be big, bright, free of wrinkles, having smooth arched eyebrows and the mouth should be framed with fuller and more sensual lips and upturned corners giving a happy look.

The eyes can be opened up and the "crows' feet" or the wrinkles around the eyes can be erased with BOTOX, also younger girls can opt for only a brow lift. One can highlight the brow with dermal fillers, the under eye dark and sunken areas can be freshened up with dermal fillers. These are treatments that have no downtime and no side effects.

The mouth can look sensuous with full bodied lips and upturned corners. Both of these can be achieved with hyaluronic acid based dermal fillers. The lips being the focal point,"pouting" them a little makes all the difference to a girl's confidence. With the right technique and experience ,the swelling and bruising may be avoided or kept to a bare minimum and not visible.

The skin of course needs to be blemish free, lightened, tightened,textured and toned and at Blush Clinics our peels,lasers and exclusive range of MediFacials aim at doing exactly this!

So for this VALENTINE'S DAY, gift yourself a flawless & glowing skin with big beautiful fresh looking eyes and a pair of very sexy lips and feel on top of the world! 

Always wishing you Good Skin, Love & Happiness
Dr. Jamuna Pai

ICAD 2013 - Dr. Jamuna Pai

Dr. Pai - Keynote Speaker at the ICAD 2013, Thailand

The International Congress in Aesthetic Dermatology hosted it's 4th annual congress from the 24th-26th of Jan 2013 in Bangkok, Thailand.

The ICAD brings together doctors from all around the world who are experts in the field of Aesthetic and Cosmetic Medicine.

Dr. Jamuna Pai was invited to chair sessions and be a keynote speaker on topics including Dermal Fillers, Botulinum Toxin and Acne.

Dr. Pai also conducted workshops demonstrating her skills in combining Botulinum Toxin and Dermal Fillers for lower face rejuvenation along with demonstrations on how lip fillers can enhance one's face and personality.

Dr. Pai conducting workshops on Botulinum Toxin and Dermal Fillers for Facial Enhancement at ICAD 2013, Thailand

Skin Tips for the Festive Season

With Christmas and New Year around the corner it is imperative you look your very best. Here are a few skin tips by Dr. Jamuna Pai that will get you through the festive season looking fresh and re-energized.

a)      Dark circles tend to get aggravated due to late nights and irregular eating habits. Try and sleep 7-8 hours and apply creams that contain vitamin C, kojic acid, tranexamic acid etc.

b)      Do not wax the hair on your face, chest or back especially if you know you are having hormonal imbalance. Whole body bleach if done with care may be a better idea. This will give you the comfort of looking ‘hair-free’ and the skin all over the body will glow and look smoother. 

c)      Get your facials and clean-ups done from reliable and renowned clinics.

d)      A very important aspect of skin care is proper make-up removal. Clogged pores caused by stale make-up can lead to oily skin and occasional break outs. Understandably, late nights may cause you to go to bed without removing your make-up once in a while. But it is extremely important to follow a strict cleansing routine on a regular basis. For the eyes, an oil- based eye make-up remover used on a cotton swab is the most effective and it is a fool proof way to ensure that there isn’t an unsightly residue left over the next morning. For the face, steer clear of using soap and use a cleanser instead.

e)      Limit intake of sweet and fried food as they cause dullness and even breakouts besides gaining that unwanted weight.

f)       Increased alcohol consumption during parties causes dehydration of skin leading to a tired and more aged skin. Make sure you consume at least 2-3 liters of water daily.

g)      If on a diet during this period, make sure you drink lots of vegetable juices to keep the skin nourished.
h)   Never forget to moisturise your skin in the day and use a nourishing night serum/cream at night before going to bed.

i)      Last but not the least, your regular exercise is the only sure way to keep not only your skin glowing, but you in a great shape too.

Hello, botoxed bride !

Hello, Botoxed Brides !!

Featured in Delhi Times - Dec 28 2011

Botox brides are trending and how. They are a new breed of multitasking individuals – qualified, mature, career-oriented, experienced, and, on the other side of 30. As the wedding day has always been the most important day for a bride and going all out to look her best is a given, the need to go under the scalpel to look so, is no longer a luxury, but a necessity almost, according to some dermatologists.

ON THE RISE

Dermatologist Dr Jamuna Pai says, “Women are getting married at an older age and the demand for botox has escalated, because they want to look perfect.” Dr Meenakshi Agrawal, dermatologist agrees that the ‘botox bride’ is the latest trend, “especially because women are focusing on career and development and are getting married post 30.” Cosmetologist Dr Jaishree Manchanda says, “Botox is one of the most popular treatments used during pre-wedding preparation. It gives a nice, firm look and also disables the overactive sweat glands.” Dr Rekha Gonsalves, who specializes in cosmetology, hair treatment and weight management explains, “Botox is a natural protein derived from bacteria clostridium botulinum. Its cosmetic effect relaxes wrinkles, frown lines between eyebrows, crow’s feet and horizontal forehead lines. Results vary and can last for up to eight months, creating a smoothed, rejuvenated and youthful skin for the bride.” But botox has many other uses apart from these. An embarrassing problem of excessive sweating in the underarm area or on the palms can be easily resolved with it. Dr Pai says that when taken around the eyebrow area, it is possible to gain a shapely pair or arched brows even. “A slender neck with no loose bands of flesh is also now a possibility with the Nefertiti Neck procedure using botox. Defined jaw lines with no excess facial fat, sensual lips and high cheek bones are all the rage today. The jaw can be contoured with botox and full cheek bones and a perfect pout can be created using fillers,” explains Dr Pai. THERE’S MORE...From botox to de-tanning to liposuction, brides have a variety of alternative treatments to choose from. Dr Pai says, “Botox is not the bride’s only option any longer. From the cheeks to the tips and the neck, there are multiple options. The new-age hyaluronic acid dermal filler is a magical invention that can change your face completely.

The material is absolutely safe and is found in the ground substance of our skin, eye chamber and in the joints.” She explains that since there is a negligible downtime, filler treatments are usually seen as a last minute procedure and can be taken just two to three weeks before the Dday. The perfect lips, high cheek bones, symmetrical chin can all be achieved relatively painlessly assure cosmetologists. Skin brightening and polishing by using chemical peels, dermabrasion and medi-facials are also very popular and can make a bride’s skin look fresh and young. “Skin tightening using the thermage is a great way to gain taut skin on the face and body,” says Dr Pai.

Stressful and demanding lifestyles tend to show up as fine lines and a disturbingly tired look on the would be bride’s faces. With the wide range of non-invasive cosmetic procedures easily available with dermatologists, ironing out facial wrinkles, plumping up the skin and taking a decade off, is easy. To maintain the perfect look, however, it is also important to pay attention to one’s diet. Dr Agarwal cautions, “A personalised diet plan and a specific skincare regime suggested by qualified doctors needs to be followed in order to maintain the effect.”