Good health translates to lesser skin woes. You could be healthy, but still battling dry/oily skin, occasional breakouts, pigmentation and so on. While proper nutrition is key to a healthy you, why then are some of you battling health and skin concerns? Because of the lifestyle choices we make. ‘’You are what you eat’’ – heard this very often? Dr Shetty brings to your attention some things that you probably are not doing right.

• Food: Our ancestors ate simple wholesome food, took no supplements, didn’t slog it out at gyms like we do, yet remained in the pink of health. Why so ? Because the food that they ate was truly wholesome. Meaning less processed and less genetically modified. Less toxins (read pesticides and preservatives), more local and seasonal grains, fruits and vegetables. But today, we are deprived of that basic goodness in food and left with nutritional deficiencies.
• Environment: We don’t breathe clean air any more. The same polluted air deposits dirt on our skin when we step out, leading to clogged pores.
• Sun Exposure: Ozone layers have depleted, leaving us vulnerable to the UVA and UVB rays of the sun. We all lead an active life, multi-tasking at all levels, travelling (driving included) more than ever before, thereby exposing skin to the harsh rays of the sun.
• Electronic Gadgets: These ‘essentials’ of today are big suspects in skin damage and most people aren’t even aware of the fact. Yes, blue rays emitted from your desktops, laptops, mobile phones, televisions, why, even fluorescent and LED lights impact our skin. They have the potential to penetrate skin layers and spark free radicals, and trust us, skin is the first victim.
• Hygiene: This is one of the current generation’s biggest concerns, which can affect our gut and thereby skin from within. It doesn’t help either that our hands come in contact with surfaces that carry bacteria and the same hands touch our skin several times in the course of the day. Many are still not in the habit of cleansing their faces thoroughly. Very often, a mere water and soap wash may not help. Cleansers specific to skin types is essential. Cleansing thoroughly at bedtime is another important habit to cultivate. So is proper cleansing of makeup sponges and brushes. Scalp hygiene is crucial to healthy hair. But, poor quality air and water, frequent use of dry shampoos and wrong products make it a bit of a challenge.
• Exercise : When overdone, exercise can cause harm in ways that would surprise you. If your eyebrows have shot up in shock at marathoners, fitness addicts and athletes succumbing to lifestyle diseases, you are not alone. But the fact is, strenuous and lengthy workouts significantly increase the amount of free radicals in our body. Many energy drinks are not as safe as they are made out to be too! Gymnasiums and walking tracks are not free of pollution either.
• Lifestyle: Partying, eating out, alcohol, smoke from cigarettes and late nights together are a good formula for lopsided health. Love your makeup, enhance your looks, but also be aware that chemicals leech into your skin, travel through your blood and some of them land up in your internal organs, throwing certain body systems into a tizzy.