Maybe it is time to start taking care of your skin in 2008. Dr Raj Parikh, Consultant Dermatologist, Vichy Laboratories, Loreal India, guides you to the right skin care regime during and post office hours.

Does spending almost 8 hours in an AC room affect our skin? What can we do prevent the negative effects of AC?

Air conditioning no doubt gives you a lot of comfort as far as the temperature is concerned. But it absorbs the moisture from the skin leaving the skin dehydrated.

Do we need sunscreen inside the office also? If yes, why so?

We are exposed to the harmful effects of the UV rays. UVA rays are emitted even from the computer screens, Gas stoves, burners and also from the lamps used in our houses. The radiation is too less, but still if protected from them, it always has long term beneficial effects.

How many cups of tea and coffee can woman have during our working hours? Does excess tea or coffee harm the skin?

Tea is a good anti-oxidant. So drinking tea is not so bad. However, coffee is not so good for health. Apart from that, both these beverages, when had excessively will stain the teeth as well.

Also, the sugar content in coffee and tea is one of the major culprits and adds unnecessary calories.