Here are some simple tips to maintain the sheen and beauty of your skin during summer and afterwards.
With summer around the corner, most people are eagerly looking forward to spending their days on the beach. Before enjoying your perfect summer activity, you must not forget to consider two factors that may act as eventual downers for your skin – UV rays and salt.
The prolonged exposure to high UV index rays can cause tanning of the skin, skin burns and also contributes to premature ageing of the skin. Along with this, the high salt content of sea water tends to dehydrate the skin and make it look parched and wrinkled.
Prepping-up before summer season for the perfect glow
1. Never forget the C-T-M:
If you do not have a regular cleansing, toning, moisturising routine, this is a good time to start. If you have problematic or sensitive skin, get your dermatologist to prescribe suitable products. As it is too hot, many people avoid using a moisturiser on the arms and legs as it makes one feel sticky. This results in the skin in these areas to become dry and increases the UV damage during summer. A gentle soothing moisturiser should be used regularly so the skin is soft and well hydrated.
2. SPF yourself:
A sunscreen of SPF 30 or more should be used regularly and more so for a few weeks before summer. It will protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV light. Many people who use a sunscreen on the face skin skip the arms and legs. As a result, the skin of these areas gives away the age. For convenient re-application, use a sunscreen spray every two hours.
3. Shed the dead skin:
A mild scrub should be used twice a week. This will get rid of the dead cell layers. Not only will this add to the glow of your skin but also enhance the penetration of active ingredients used on the skin.
4. Take care for the perfect pucker:
A good lip balm with an SPF of 15 or more should be used regularly. This should be used before applying any lipstick or lip gel.
5. Eat right, live right:
Drinking two to three litres of water a day, eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, regular exercise, and a good relaxing sleep also help in maintaining a well-toned body in addition to the skin benefits.
Skin Care during summer to maintain that sun-kissed glow
1. Keep up the C-T-M routine:
Continue with your cleansing, toning, moisturising routine and use of any medicated creams prescribed by the doctor. Moisturise the skin at night by using a gentle soothing moisturiser all over the face before retiring to bed. This allows the skin to heal and renew during the night.
2. Ensure UV protection:
Water-resistant sunscreens are available which are effective for up to an hour while in the water. A broad brimmed hat and sunglasses are the best for additional sun protection. It is also advisable to try and stay under a beach umbrella or gazebo during the peak sun hours from 10 am-3 pm when the UV index is at its peak.
3. Rinse and dry:
It is best to wash off the salt water as soon as practically feasible as salt on the skin can cause dehydration, cuts and abrasions.
4. Keep your skin and body regularly hydrated and healthy:
Dehydration is a big issue due to the high salt content. It is advisable to keep sipping on cold water, fresh fruit juices or snacking on juicy citrus and other fruits while at the beach. This will provide you a healthy dose of anti-oxidants in addition to keeping your skin well hydrated. It is better to avoid alcohol as that can cause further dehydration.
5. Hydro-conditioning:
Swimming would be a great cardiovascular exercise and will help to keep your body toned and burn off any excess calories consumed during the vacation.
Revitalising your skin post summer
1. Never break away from the C-T-M routine:
Continue with your regular cleansing, toning, moisturising routine. Although one is back from the beach, a sunscreen should be used regularly to protect the skin from the high UV index.
2. Don’t be the doc, visit one:
If you have come back with a sunburn, it is advisable to see a dermatologist. They will be able to prescribe creams to cut down the inflammation early so that there is no chance of the skin healing with pigmentation.
3. Home spun masks:
A face pack containing anything sour in the kitchen like yoghurt, vinegar or lime juice may be used in combination with gram flour or sandalwood powder. The acidic nature of the sour ingredient works as a natural peel and helps take the tan away. The same pack can be applied on arms, legs, hands and feet to get rid of the tan naturally and gently.
4. Hydration and colourful diet is the key:
Drink plenty of fluids like water, coconut water to keep the body hydrated and cool. Eat plenty of brightly-coloured fresh fruits and vegetables. The high dose of anti-oxidants will promote healing of the skin.
5. Get detoxed:
Most people would have had excess alcohol during the holidays. It is better to avoid alcohol and let the body detox for a week to 10 days.
6. Sweat it out to glow:
An active healthy lifestyle of exercising regularly and getting adequate rest at night will help the mind stay relaxed and will help the skin to heal.
About Dr. Sirisha Singh:
Dr. Sirisha Singh is the Founding Member and Partner Consultant of The Skin Center. She is a well-known name in the dermatology and academic circles and keeps in touch continuously with all the latest trends in anti-ageing medicine and dermatology by regularly attending and presenting in conferences worldwide.
