Summer has set-in and scorchingly so in India, like always. Though we enjoy the summer vacations and swims in beaches/pools, the hot and heavily humid environment brings its own set of skin problems like excessive oily skin, acne breakouts, bacterial and fungal infections, sunburns, tanning, prickly heat, melasma, folliculitis and more.
But, let this not take away the fun things we can do in summer. Few minor changes in the skincare routine will help us enjoy the weather to the fullest. Change of season demands a change of skincare routine.
Here are a few tips to keep your skin protected best:
1. Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen! Couldn’t Press On This Enough
-Using a lightweight non-comedogenic sunscreen daily on all exposed parts of the body, will eliminate so many of the issues stated about.
-Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+, PA+++ or above, 15-20 mins before going out in the sun, reapply every 2-3 hours.
-How much to apply? You are probably not using it enough. Use the teaspoon rule- half a teaspoon for face and neck each, one teaspoon for each appendage
2. Switch To Lightweight Skincare
– Because we are more likely to produce excess oil and sebum in the summer, you’ll want to use lighter skin care products, like those that have a gel or foam consistency.
-Switch from Creamy cleansers and heavy moisturisers to Foamy/gel cleansers and gel based moisturisers and sunscreens as they won’t clog pores, make you breakout or look greasy.
3. Stock Up On Antioxidants
-Antioxidants like Vitamin C help protect your skin from free radical damage and other environmental stressors. They’re especially useful in the summer when skin is more exposed to UV exposure which causes free radical damage, hyperpigmentation etc.
-Now is the time to include Vitamin C in your routine.
Read Also: 10 Medically Approved Winter Skincare Tips
4. Wear Sun Protective Clothing
-Despite using sunscreen, wear protective clothing like hats, scarves, sunglasses.
5. Exfoliate Your Skin With Gentle Exfoliators
-Hot and humid environment of summer causes excess oil and dirt buildup in the skin, making skin dull and lifeless.
-Use gentle exfoliators like Glycolic acid, Lactic acid, Mandelic acid or Salicylic acid once or twice a week to bring the glow back.
-Always follow them up with moisturiser and sunscreen in the morning.
-Never use harsh physical scrubs as they can damage the skin barrier more, causing dryness, irritation, reverse hyperpigmentation or breakouts.
6. Don’t Forget Your Lips
-Lips become dry and chapped in summers due to dehydration and heat.
-Use a lip balm with SPF in morning and a nourishing lip balm at night.
Read Also: Few Tips To Control Acne Breakouts At Home
