Maria Fernandes | NT
Well-known cosmetologist and Mumbai’s most-experienced beauty therapist, Dr. Dinyar Workingboxwala was the guest on The Navhind Times talk show, ‘Talk from the Heart’ which aired recently on the Goa 365 channel. Author of several beauty books and co-founder and skin guru at BiE, he spoke about all things skin; from acne to sunscreen to home remedies while busting several skin-care myths.
What drew Workingboxwala to becoming a dermatologist and cosmetologist ironically was that he had terrible skin himself while growing up. “It started when I was in Class 5 and I had big cystic boils all over my face, shoulders, and back. Coming from a middle-class Parsi family and to be made fun of and be told that my skin condition was due to masturbation was really traumatic. Even today I suffer from an inferiority complex and am not comfortable in a crowd,” he recalled. Most skin specialists recommended the use of dish soaps and astringents as a solution to his acne, but nothing he tried helped. “It was much later when I got in to this field, that I was able to help myself,” he said. Not only that, for the last five decades, he has been patronised by actresses, models, beauty queens, housewives, and students who are all looking to heal as well.
The most common skin problem according to Workingboxwala that Indians face these days besides acne is pigmentation. “Out of 10 patients who come to me, seven have pigmentation. Daily sun exposure can cause a lot of damage to the skin and lead to tanning, premature ageing, and pigmentation. I always advise my clients to protect their skin not just with sunscreen but also with physical barriers like umbrellas, scarves, wide-brimmed hats and UV-protection sunglasses when stepping out.”
He stressed the importance of applying sunscreen even if it is not sunny or one is indoors. “Sunscreen is crucial but cleansing is equally so. Pollution, dirt, and sweat can clog pores and trigger acne. Always wash your face when you return home from outside to keep your skin clean, fresh, and healthy,” he added.
Debunking the misconception that only high SPF sunscreens prevent skin damage, he recommended a sunscreen with SPF 35 and said, “Use it twice, layering it five minutes apart.”
Discussing the impact of lifestyle factors such as stress and diet on skin health, he gave the example of conditions like PCOS and PCOD. “Earlier it was a disease but today it has become a syndrome. One of the causes is societal pressures which are increasing and are badly affecting the skin,” he stated.
He also emphasised the importance of early skincare routines, starting in one’s teens, to combat environmental damage and aging and advocated a minimalistic skincare routine. “To look after one’s skin especially if you have any skin issues, it is crucial to first understand your skin type and seek treatment accordingly,” he advised.
Several other topics like ageing, supplements, hair-care, chemical peels and supplements were also discussed.
