This article was compiled by Alipta Jena.
Stay sunny and safe this summer with some pro skincare tips
Following the dry winters, summer may make you feel relaxed and carefree, but you still need to take special care for protection and be on your best skincare behaviour.
While you might go in for lighter makeup and lighter creams, the TLC you put in now will pay off later with dewy and radiant-looking skin.
As you may know, the sun has two sides to it: We enjoy the sun and take vitamin D from it, but at the same time it’s the biggest cause of skin cancer. The thing to keep in mind is that summer is not just about skincare and shorts. Physical sun protection is a vital component.
In the summer, it is important for both men and women to wear sunscreen to protect their skin because long exposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause damage to the skin cells. This can cause premature ageing of your skin, wrinkles, and dark spots.
Some ways by which you can keep your skin safe are:
- Use a hat, scarf, & sunglasses. The eyelid skin is thinnest, most sensitive, and is actually a common site of chronic sun-induced skin cancer, even in Indians.
- UPF clothing is materials that block UV light from penetrating the skin, and are great options for sportswear and swimming. These are available at shops like Decathlon.
- Full sleeves, full pants are recommended if you happen to be spending many hours outdoors.
- Darker coloured clothing absorb and don’t allow light to penetrate to the skin (black or bright colours are better protection against the sun than white) and close-knit materials are better than loosely woven linen, too.
- Hydrate: More than 2 litres of liquids in a day are essential in the Indian summers, drink whatever liquids you want to. I personally recommend avoiding fizzy carbonated and alcoholic drinks.
General tips for sun protection
- When to apply sunscreen?
At present, dermatologists recommend applying sunscreen once in the morning when you wake up, and once more after 3 hours or so if you are staying indoors.
- If you are moving in and out, reapply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before you head outdoors (that means ideally use it thrice a day)
- Don’t forget to apply on the exposed neck when you use sunscreen.
- How much?
An index fingertip-full is the minimum to use for the face and the same amount for the neck.
Tips to combat dry heat:
- Moisturize with a cream-based moisturizer. Moisturize plenty of times a day.
- Silicon-based matte-finish sunscreens are nice but may make dry skin feel drier, so you can use cream-based sunscreens instead.
- Use gentle cleansers and alternate with a face wash meant for oily skin. Though you are feeling hot, the skin gets dry and a soap-free cleanser makes sure your skin doesn’t turn red with excess dryness.
- Avoid too much time in an A/C environment as it dries the skin.
Haircare in the summers
- Avoid washing hair daily if the hair feels dry too.
- You can use a conditioner if your hair feels dry and avoid blow-drying hair. Hair turns limp in low humidity, it may actually seem easier to tame.
- If it goes too limp, you can try volumizing shampoos.
- Use gel or cream type of hair styling products.
Skincare when masked up:
- Wear an inner cloth mask if you can, it can help if your skin is reacting to surgical masks.
- Moisturize with a light moisturizer first. And after you remove the mask, cleanse with a gentle cleanser.
- Don’t forget a good non-scented lip balm (non-tinted, if wearing a mask) to prevent chapped lips.
- Avoid using retinol creams, AHA/ BHA serums (exfoliating agents) unless prescribed by your dermat in this weather- it will make you feel very dry, in turn making the skin look dull.
The other kind of face mask
It is only meant for that spa-like indulgent feeling. A serum infused sheet-mask can help for that feel good effect once in a few weeks, for 10-15 mins. Pop it in the fridge a few minutes before you use it.
Tips to combat humid heat:
- Light liquid moisturizers or gel-based ones are the best for this type of skin, they are less likely to clog pores if you are acne-prone.
- Use liquid-based or gel sunscreens for easy spreadability and less stickiness.
- Avoid makeup, especially since wearing a mask is compulsory, and will clog pores making you more prone to acne breakouts
- Use a salicylic acid-based face wash for oily skin, but you can always alternate between this and a gentle soap-free cleanser, as the skin may go dry with excessive washing.
- You can cool down oily skin with a clay mask for 10-15 mins once in a few weeks. These are great for temporarily reducing oiliness.
- Don’t overdo the AHA/BHA leave-on serums or retinoids (exfoliating agents) even if you have oily skin. If you must, then don’t use it more than twice a week. Stick to one prescribed by your dermatologist.
- Avoid DIYs at home for redness or acne. You can never tell when you might develop a reaction, and the UV light in this season makes your skin more prone to reactions.
Hair removal
Since you will probably be shaving the most during the warm summer months, it’s important to always prepare your skin properly:
Here’s are a few shaving-specific tips:
- Shave after you bathe- giving time for the hair to become soft and easy to cut.
- Swap out dull blades for clean, sharp razors.
- Apply some soap-free cleanser or plain mild soap before you shave.
- Moisturize liberally after, and you can ice the skin to reduce sensitivity.
Some keywords that might help you select products:
- Soap-free cleanser
- Oily skin cleanser
- Non-comedogenic (for acne-prone skin)
- Fragrance-free (for sensitive skin and rosacea)
Along with daily cleansing, moisturising and sun protection, light exercise helps you to stay healthy, improve circulation and get glowing skin.
Eat right by adding some good sources of vitamins and antioxidant nutrients to your diet. Include orange or yellow vegetables such as carrots, yellow bell peppers, green leafy vegetables such as spinach, and broccoli, and other fruits in your diet.
Drink plenty of water to function well, look youthful, and avoid getting dehydrated and add some fruits with high water content, like watermelon.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare practitioners before undertaking any changes in your diet or adding supplements.
ProactiveForHer is a digital clinic for women, offering accessible, personalized, and confidential healthcare solutions. We offer products and services for out-patient health concerns of Indian women, across their lifetime - from puberty to pregnancy to menopause. To know more on the sexual and reproductive health of women, visit https://www.proactiveforher.com/