THE SCIENCE OF SKINCARE

Shama Vig, Co-founder, The Top Knot Salon, Lucknow, believes in a holistic process that seamlessly connects lifestyle, nutrition and skincare. Kanishka Ramchandani discusses with her the evolution of professional skincare in modern times.

She calls legends Shahnaz Husain and Dr Blossom Kochhar her teachers. She has more than two decades of experience in skincare and food and nutrition. She is on a holistic journey that combines the prowess of beauty and wellness. She implicitly believes that it’s never to late to start skincare. She is Shama Vig, a beauty entrepreneur and the co-founder of The Top Knot Salon, Lucknow.

Read on to glean from her insights into the changing concepts of skincare and the need to remain holistic in your approach.

WHAT ARE THE COMMON SKIN CONCERNS YOU ENCOUNTER IN YOUR PRACTICE, AND HOW DO YOU TYPICALLY ADDRESS THEM?

The most common skin concerns are acne, hyperpigmentation and signs of ageing that include wrinkles, fine lines and laugh lines. I address them through a combination of methods, which includes chemical exfoliations and peels, microdermabrasion and change in lifestyle habits like dietary changes and stress management.

CAN YOU EXPLAIN THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING SKIN TYPES AND HOW YOU DETERMINE A CLIENT’S SKIN TYPE?

It is crucial to understand skin types as it helps to customise skincare routines. That way the products and routines are catered to suit the needs of their skin. This can be done through visual inspection, knowing the client’s skincare history and using a skin analyser to determine whether their skin type is dry, oily, combination or sensitive.

WHAT ARE THE LATEST ADVANCEMENTS IN SKINCARE TECHNOLOGY AND TREATMENTS THAT YOU RECOMMEND INTEGRATING INTO A THERAPIST’S PRACTICE?

The latest advancements in skincare treatments include micro needling, LED Therapy and laser treatments that can help improve the client’s skin and help to treat their problems and concerns.

HOW DO YOU APPROACH CREATING A CUSTOMISED SKINCARE REGIMEN FOR CLIENTS WITH SENSITIVE OR REACTIVE SKIN?

For people with sensitive and reactive skin, it is best for them to use gentle, calming and fragrancefree products that have aloe vera, green tea and chamomile. It is also advisable for them to avoid exfoliants and active ingredients like retinol that could compromise their skin barrier.

WHAT ROLE DO DIET AND LIFESTYLE PLAY IN SKIN HEALTH, AND HOW DO YOU ADVISE YOUR CLIENTS ON THESE FACTORS?

In skincare, one’s diet and lifestyle have a pivotal role to play. There are various factors at play like sleep, nutrition, hydration, sleep and stress levels. A balanced diet, healthy water intake with a good amount of sleep is always recommended.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS AND POTENTIAL RISKS OF POPULAR SKINCARE INGREDIENTS SUCH AS RETINOIDS, HYALURONIC ACID AND VITAMIN C?

Popular skincare ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C serum come with its set of advantages and disadvantages.

Retinol is great for improving texture and reducing wrinkles but may cause irritation and sensitivity.

Hyaluronic acid is very hydrating and nourishing but can be heavy for oily skin.

Vitamin C brightens the skin texture but can cause irritation if combined with retinoids or harsh exfoliants.

HOW DO YOU STAY INFORMED ABOUT THE LATEST RESEARCH AND TRENDS IN SKINCARE?

You can stay informed through continuously learning through educational and certification courses, attending conferences, subscribing to magazines and journals and also following social media platforms as well to keep up with the latest updates.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR SKIN THERAPISTS TO ADVISE AT-HOME SKINCARE ROUTINE TO THE CLIENT?

It is important for clients to have an at-home routine to maintain the results of their treatments and improve their skin health. It will help them to maintain their skin and achieve their long-term skin care goals.

HOW SHOULD A SKIN THERAPIST DETERMINE THE RIGHT TIME OR THE RIGHT COURSE OF ACTION FOR A CLIENT WHO NEEDS A DERMATOLOGIST’S HELP?

A skin therapist should determine the right course of action if the condition of the client’s skin is worsening. If there are suspicious marks or moles, severe acne or eczema then it is best for the client to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO NEW SKINCARE THERAPISTS WHO ARE JUST STARTING THEIR CAREERS?

For new skincare therapists getting in the field, focus on building your expertise by taking courses, gaining hands-on experience through internships and networking by attending events and conferences. Additionally, providing great customer service and staying updated with industry trends also help in establishing yourself.