Starting your day with a therapeutic regimen helps give a fresh start, and one such habit can be that of skin care. Your skin will eventually become brighter and fresher and you shall feel better about yourself too.
If you’ve never been serious about your skin, it is time to start following a regular regimen which will keep your skin healthy during this scorching heat, and even otherwise.
Exfoliate your body
Exfoliation is an absolute must at least once or twice a week. This process helps remove dead skin and leaves you with healthy and brighter skin.
“Walnut powder mixed with yogurt is an excellent exfoliator. Walnuts contain antioxidants that help remove dirt and make your skin radiant,” advises Dr Vinay Singh, a Delhi based dermatologist, who is on the health based app, Lybrate.
Sunscreen a must
Prolonged exposure to sun can lead to wrinkles, age spots and hordes of other skin issues. It is therefore important to use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 regularly. “One should also use a sunscreen even if it is cloudy or cold. A good sunscreen offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays,” says Dr Singh.
Go for minimal makeup
Do not use too much makeup, especially on a sunny day. Makeup tends to block the skin pores and does not allow them to breathe. Opt for a simple kajal and water-based moisturiser.
Make water your best friend
Hydrate yourself adequately and drink at least 8 glasses of water every day. Eat fruits and vegetables with high water content, such as watermelon and cucumber. Water also keeps your skin hydrated and glowing and helps flush out toxins from the body which end up showing on the skin.
Hydrate your body with lotion
Moisturizing the skin is an important part of a good skin care regime, regardless of the season, whether it is winter or summer. You must be wondering why during summers? Summer months are not only hot but also humid. The humidity in the air slowly draws the moisture out from your skin, leaving it dry and dehydrated.
Also, you tend to perspire more during summers which may compel you to take showers more than once a day.
“Don’t shower with hot water as it can be a cause of dry skin. Therefore, it is advised to use a water-based moisturiser, especially after taking a bath. This will help in locking water molecules and will keep your skin hydrated, soft and supple. Moisturizing is also essential while you are indoors as heavily air conditioned rooms can also make your skin dry,” says Dr Anju Mangla, a consultant dermatologist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital.
Summer glow
Summer is the perfect time to flaunt beautiful dresses, but you must pay special attention to the skin so that the golden glow does not vanish due to the heat and warmth of the sun.
“To achieve this glow, the first step is to do proper exfoliation as it helps in removing the dead skin. Secondly, applying a moisturiser is also beneficial, and especially when it can provide protection against ultraviolet rays of the sun,” advises Dr Anju Mangla.
“Pampering your skin with face masks made up of simple ingredients commonly present in your kitchen can help to refresh your skin. Lastly, as it is well known that nothing works better than water. So, don’t forget to treat yourself with fluids like fruit juices, coconut water, green tea, buttermilk or just plain water during the summers,” she said.
Don’t forget your feet
Your feet are on display during summers. However, it is tough to keep them looking their best when the weather is warm. To make them look and feel smoother, you should exfoliate at least once a week as it helps in getting rid of dry skin cells.
Another important tip is to apply lotion before going to bed. Whether you have scrubbed, buffed, soaked, and massaged your feet or are just looking for a quick fix, using a lotion seems to be an easy way to keep your feet soft.
Look for a summery polish
Forget jewellery as nail polish is the new way of accessorising your outfit. Also, adhering to hair and makeup trends can be a difficult task, but it is not the same with nails.
“You should be ready and willing to experiment with any colour that comes your way. Plenty of bright and cheerful polish shades are out this summer. Go explore them and give your nails a treat,” says Dr Anju Mangla.
