Like many working women, the lady doctor is in a profession that entails meeting and dealing with people. So, she needs to look good too, because it imparts self-confidence. Yet, in the medical profession, she must go easy on the powder and paint. The skin should be healthy and clear, while the hairstyle should look professional and neat.

Cleansing of the skin is of great importance for the working woman, who may be battling through traffic and exposing herself to the grime and pollutants in the air. Cleansing the skin at night is imperative to remove make-up, stale sweat, oil deposits, impurities and pollutants.

 A tulsi neem face wash would be ideal for summer, as it would also protect the skin from eruptions and rashes. After cleansing in the morning, tone the skin with chilled rose water or a rose skin tonic. It refreshes the skin, closes the pores, stimulates blood circulation to the skin surface and adds a glow. A matte (non-shiny and oil-free) day cream or moisturizer is ideal if the weather is hot and humid. Apply a sunscreen 20 minutes before sun-exposure. For oily skin, a sunscreen gel is better. Oil-free day creams are also available.

Use a facial scrub two or three times a week. A facial scrub helps to remove dead cells and provides deep cleansing of the skin. It brightens and refines the skin. For dry skin, nourish it at night, after cleansing. Apply a nourishing cream and massage it into the skin, using outward and slightly upward strokes. Wipe it off with moist cotton wool before bedtime.

The hair attracts dirt and pollutants from the environment just like the skin. Use a scarf or a chunni to cover the head while traveling to work.  This helps to protect the hair from dust and sun-exposure. The frequency of shampoo depends on the hair type and the weather. For normal to dry hair, shampoo and condition the hair twice a week. For oily hair, wash the hair three to four times a week and use a hair rinse.

Once or Twice a week heat pure coconut oil and apply on the hair. Then dip a towel in hot water, squeeze out the water and wrap the hot towel around the head, like a turban. Keep it on for 5 minutes. Repeat the hot towel wrap 3 or 4 times. This helps the hair and scalp absorb the oil better. Use a mild herbal shampoo. Use less shampoo and rinse well with water. After shampoo, apply a creamy conditioner, taking less quantity and massaging it lightly into the hair. Leave on for 2 minutes and rinse off with plain water. Or, apply a hair serum and leave it on. If there is dandruff, after shampoo, add two tablespoons apple cider vinegar to a mug of water and use it as a last rinse. Avoid keeping your hair loose. Put it up in a roll, pin it up or tie it back with a hair accessory.

To refresh your make-up, you need to carry a few items in your handbag. During summer, a small jar of fragrant wet tissues can be most refreshing. Use them to cleanse the skin and remove grease and sweat. A powder compact of pressed powder is really handy. It also helps to get rid of that oily look. First wipe with the tissues and then dab powder. You also need a lipstick to touch-up after lunch. Apply powder on the lips and then apply lipstick. Remember to carry a small bottle of cologne, or your favourite deodorant.