Summer
season brings along various skin related problems including rashes, tanning and
sunburn. From following the essential routine of cleansing, toning and
moisturising to maintaing a healthy diet, expert suggests various tips of
taking care of yourself in the hot and humid weather.
Doctor
Sangeeta Velaskar, vice president and head, Medical Services and R&D, Kaya
Skin Clinic, recommends a few tips for a carefree and skin friendly summer:
Screen the sun: Zero down
on a sunscreen that best meets your requirements and contains sun protection
factor (SPF). SPF 30 is best recommended for Indian skin types. Apply sun
screen 20 to 30 minutes before stepping out and ensure you wear sunscreen every
day, even when you stay indoors.
Follow the essential routine: Follow the
cleansing, toning and moisturising ritual twice a day for best results. Summers
are most nightmarish time for skin issues, specially acne. To keep your skin
acne-free use a cleanser which contains salicylic acid and helps reduce acne
and prevent future breakouts.
Exfoliate: Incorporating exfoliation into your
skin care regime is a must to avoid dull skin! Exfoliants remove old, dry, dead
skin cells, toxins and other deposits and allow new skin cells to surface.
Scrub your elbows and knees at least twice a week to get rid of dead tissues.
Rub a slice of lemon with sugar every alternate day to keep them clean and to
remove tan.
Hair woes: Since hair tends to be
moisture-deprived during summers, overuse of any kind of chemical and hair
styling tool should be avoided. Shampooing often results in loss of shine and
moisture. Consider switching to a gentle shampoo and use a deep conditioner to
replenish the loss of moisture. Massage your hair with a mixture of coconut
oil, castor and olive oil regularly to keep your hair nourished.
Happy Feet: Start with wearing an open sandal in
the summer to keep your feet dry and give them a chance to "breathe".
Your feet are subject to sunburn just like the rest of your body. Use sunscreen
during the day and during the evenings apply a lightweight moisturiser.
Maintain a healthy
diet: With summers in full swing, it is advised that apart
from drinking lots of water, a special summer diet consisting of light and
healthy food would ensure a cool mind and body. To keep your skin hydrated, eat
lot of fresh fruits and green vegetables. Include fruits and vegetables like
bitter gourd, spinach, cucumber, watermelons, oranges, cherries, plums and
lychee to your diet.