The Indian skin has more melanin - the pigment that gives our skin and hair its colour - and so has a higher risk of burns especially with lasers, IPL (intense pulsed light) and most chemical peels.

However, all the procedures listed below are safe for the Indian skin.

OBAGI BLUE PEEL

This is the best peel treatment for hyperpigmentation especially melasma (skin discolouration that appears on sun-exposed areas of the face) which is most difficult to clear.

The complexion after a blue peel is radiant and lighter in tone.

The peel also clears acne scars and wrinkles.

ND-YAG (CUTERA) LASER

This is a treatment using laser. The laser has a wavelength that makes it the safest and most effective for permanent hair removal.

It's a treatment most appreciated by women who have had to live with beards and moustaches.

PROSHOCK

A popular solution for those unsightly bulges especially around the tummy, hips, above bra straps.

It is non-invasive and is a combination of two technologies, cooling system and ultrasound to eliminate fat cells.

DARK EYE CIRCLE TREATMENT

Many Indians have dark circles under their eyes and, unfortunately, this is a difficult condition to treat.

But with advances in technology, there are solutions through medical grade eye creams, laser therapy, chemical peels and fillers for the sunken lower eye area.

HAIR LOSS TREATMENT

Hair loss has become a common problem not just for men but also for women and it is happening at a young age.

Since the causes are hormonal and/or nutritional, effective treatments have to be medical.

This fortnightly column by Dr Komathy Rajaratnam (founder of The Lifestyle Clinic at 16-03 Camden Medical Centre, tel: 6733-0788), will deal with beauty and aesthetic issues relevant to the Indian body type.