With the blazing sun above our heads, summer is now here in its full glory. However not everything about the sun is as bright and shiny, the harsh sunrays can cause major damage to the skin. Skin is the largest organ of the body and any fluctuation in the weather can affect the skin. Summers in particular call for extra attention and care to the skin.
Summers result in dry and patchy skin, pores clogged with dirt because of excess sweating, tanning, sun spots and sun burns. A lot of times people tend to continue the same skin care routine for summers and winters. It is essential to understand that the skin requires extra attention during the summer and it is extremely essential to meet the essential skincare requirements.
A few of the basic skincare tips that can be easily followed to beat the heat and stay summer safe are;
- Stay Hydrated – Water is the most essential component for skin health and nothing works better than water. During the summer our body tends to lose a lot of moisture and hence it is important to drink water from time to time and hydrate the body. Water not only quenches thirst but also flushes out the toxins from the body. Apart from drinking water, it is also essential to consume fruits high in water content like cucumber, watermelon and tomato to keep the skin and digestive system healthy. Including green leafy vegetables in your diet also protects the skin by acting as anti-oxidants.
- Avoid extreme sunlight – Try to stay indoors during peak sunny hours when the sun is shining right above your head. This may not be possible in all cases, particularly when your job demands you to be on the go. However, it is best to avoid strong sun rays when possible
- Apply sunscreen – A lot of times people tend to underrate the need for a good sunscreen. Sunscreen is a must to avoid major skin damage, it protects the skin from uneven tanning. A good sunscreen of SPF 30 must be applied 15-20 minutes before stepping out into the sun and must be reapplied every 60 minutes. Sun screen is also not just for the body, but for the face and every other part of the body that is exposed to the sun including back of the arms, feet, neck etc.
- Sun accessories – Carry scarves, umbrella, sun glasses, caps/hats whenever possible.
- Haircare – The summer heat can have harmful effects on the hair as well. Ensure to wash the hair regularly, but not more than twice a week because over washing can drain the hair off natural oils and cause it to become excessively dry.
- Simplify makeup routine – Women who use make up should wear minimal make up during the summer as make up tends to become a mess during the summer. Use water proof make up and try to keep the skin natural when the weather gets extremely hot and humid.
- Clean and exfoliate the skin – Wash your face using a facewash twice a day (morning and evening) and exfoliate the skin with a natural scrub weekly in order to remove the dead skin cells and improve blood circulation.
- Avoid consumption of caffeine and aerated drinks – Substitute aerated drinks for lime juice or coconut water or fresh fruit juices with no added sugar. Caffeine can reduce the water content in the body and hence is best to avoid as much during the summer. Opt for herbal and flavored teas.
- Adequate sleep – Get a minimum of 7-8 hours of sleep a day because lack of sleep increases the stress level which in turn causes reduced and slow production of collagen, the main structural protein found in the skin. Lack of collagen causes the skin to lose its elasticity and it begins to look tired and droopy.
- Exercise – The heat is no excuse to stop working out. Regular exercise helps keeps the body fresh, improves the blood circulation and keeps the skin looking healthy. Mild workout like yoga can help get rid of toxins and stay healthy. Walking is also an alternative to other heavy workouts.
Always remember that healthy skin is a reflection of the overall health of an individual. If your body is not healthy the aftereffects will start showing up on the skin. Maintaining a proper and healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and moderate workout will help keep the skin fresh, healthy and glowing throughout the summer.
Specialist Dermatologist
Aster Clinic, Discovery Gardens & Business Bay
