Skin Care in Summer
The sunny Indian summer can be pretty harsh on your skin if its health is not taken care of. So, just like your wardrobe, your skin care too definitely needs a seasonal change.
So following products are a MUST have’s during summer explains leading Dermatologist of India Dr Deepali Bhardwaj :
Sunscreen Sunscreen
A sunscreen is essential all through the year and yes even in rains but it’s needed most during summers. Use a waterproof sunscreen with at least a 30 SPF (sun protection factor) for protection from sun’s UV ray’s A&B damage, sun burns, premature aging and skin cancer. “For oily skin, gel-based sunscreen, while combination and dry skin should use a sunscreen moisturiser with mat finish if putting make up on it else a cream based which gets absorbed well without leaving a residual layer”. Always make sure to change it’s brand every 6 monthly explains Dr Bhardwaj.
Body Scrubs
It’s important to exfoliate your skin in summers to remove dead skin and open pores. Dermatologist Dr Deepali quips “Using a scrub once or twice a week in summers for all skin types is important but, which scrub depends on your skin type”. Eg acne prone skin needs multani mitti ( fullers earth), Chandan, rose water and basil. Whereas in dry matured skin using egg white, lemon, Chandan, curd will be better and with a pinch of turmeric and besan too.
Skin Moisturiser
For summers too moisturizing is needed to maintain skin health and for that water-based moisturiser work best for normal skin types. For oily skin, gel-based moisturiser are preferred. On extra oily and acne prone skin stick to facial sprays with minerals good for skin and some moisturizing properties.
Here is Summer in all its glory with the mighty sun in Delhi at it’s full swing in June. Always remember the fear of summer ailments says Dr Bhardwaj and heat allergies by doing precautions as above and also taking a good bath daily twice once in morning and again in evening if possible. Mosquito-borne diseases are also more common in summers like mosquitoes, bees and ants. Their bites are quite itchy and annoying too and can also be serious if they bring diseases such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya etc hence, all preventive measures should be used to avoid these insect bites and not on skin but clothes to put the mosquito patch is always a good idea.
Drinking plenty of water keeps body hydrated in summers and helps prevent dehydration too hence hear stroke etc are warded away says Delhi based Dermatologist Dr Deepali Bhardwaj. Also Never wait to drink until you are thirsty as at the time of thirst body already indicates that it ran out of water and is dehydrated so instead keep having multiple small cooler drinks instead of tea and coffee’s.
Summer Diet: Fruits such as water melons, cucumber and coconut water help to prevent dehydration during summer and always nourish us from within. Take light, less fatty and nutritious food; avoid heavy and spicy food too.
Stay Cool temperamentally says dt Bhardwaj and Wear light, loose-fitting clothing to help you stay cooler specially cotton or linen.
Summer nap: Have a short rest or nap in the afternoons. This will not only refresh you but also prevent your undue exertions in heat of sun if possible with your work schedule.
For those indulging in swim and bask in sun, sun protective formula should be applied every hour and before getting out in sun atleast twenty minutes in advance so as to overcome the damaging impacts of sun burn, rashes and blister formation and allergies. Application of moisturizer containing aloe Vera extracts or for that matter at time of fresh bites applying ice or chilled yogurt after washing in running water also helps instantly.
Also as far as caring of feet and hands are concerned, soaking hands and feet in water enriched with a pinch of salt will help boost blood circulation and after than applying cream rich in urea and vitamin c should help.
Wearing a hat when in sun will help the hair colour and face both specially if it’s a broad brimmed hat. Also shampooing hair regularly in this weather is important to maintain the health of hair. So enjoy your summers cooly and sensibly says Dr Bhardwaj.
Dr Deepali Bhardwaj
