Summer is here! The scorching heat of the sun will tan our skin and have other detrimental consequences. Our skin varies with the weather. As a result, our skin undergoes significant changes over the summer. Summer skincare is thus necessary to preserve our skin from the intense heat and humidity.
The 2023 heatwave has raced over numerous sections of Northern India in recent days. In the month of May, maximum temperatures in some cities exceeded the dreaded 49 degrees Celsius mark.
The Delhi heatwave is very severe. We can only imagine how tough it is to keep our skin in good condition throughout the peak summer season, let alone during a heatwave. Only customized skin care regimes can protect us from irreversible UV damage, and some professional advice can also help.
Quick Tips to Care for Your Skin in Summer:
During the summer months, it is important to take extra care of your skin as the heat and humidity can cause dehydration and dryness. Here are some tips for hydrating your skin during the summer:
Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated from the inside out is crucial for healthy skin. Drinking plenty of water helps to keep your skin plump and hydrated.
Use a moisturizer: Apply a lightweight moisturizer that contains humectants such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid to your face and body after showering or bathing. These ingredients help to attract and retain moisture in your skin.
Wear sunscreen: Sunscreen not only protects your skin from harmful UV rays but also helps to prevent dehydration. Look for a sunscreen that contains hydrating ingredients such as aloe vera or coconut oil.
Use a hydrating mist: A facial mist containing hydrating ingredients such as rosewater or aloe vera can provide instant hydration to your skin throughout the day.
Avoid hot showers: Hot showers can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dehydration. Take lukewarm showers instead and limit your shower time to 10-15 minutes.
Consuming foods that are high in antioxidants can help to protect your skin from damage caused by the sun and other environmental factors. Here are some food items that are high in antioxidants and great for your skin during the summer:
Berries: Berries such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are packed with antioxidants such as vitamin C, which helps to protect your skin from UV damage.
Tomatoes: Tomatoes are high in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that can help to protect your skin from sun damage and prevent premature aging.
Citrus fruits: Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are rich in vitamin C, which helps to boost collagen production and protect your skin from free radical damage.
Dark chocolate: Dark chocolate contains flavanols, which are antioxidants that can help to improve skin hydration and protect your skin from UV damage.
Green tea: Green tea is rich in catechins, which are antioxidants that can help to protect your skin from sun damage and reduce inflammation.
Leafy greens: Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are high in antioxidants such as vitamin C and beta-carotene, which can help to protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals.
Protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays is crucial for maintaining healthy skin, especially during the summer months when the sun is more intense. Here are some tips for protecting your skin:
Wear sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and apply it generously to all exposed skin. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
Use protective clothing: Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs, and a wide-brimmed hat to shade your face and neck.
Use sunglasses: Wear sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection to protect your eyes and the delicate skin around them.
Avoid peak sun hours: Stay out of the sun during peak hours, typically between 10 am and 4 pm when the sun’s rays are strongest.
Seek shade: Seek shade under trees, umbrellas, or other structures to avoid direct sun exposure.
Use a lip balm with SPF: Protect your lips with a lip balm that contains SPF.
Protection During Summer
During the summer months, the hottest hours of the day can be particularly intense, and it is important to take precautions to protect your health and wellbeing. Here are some tips for avoiding the hottest hours of the day:
Plan outdoor activities early in the morning or later in the afternoon/evening when temperatures are cooler.
Check the weather forecast and plan your day accordingly. If temperatures are expected to be particularly high, consider staying indoors or in shaded areas during the hottest parts of the day.
Take frequent breaks if you need to be outside during the hottest parts of the day. Find a cool, shaded area to rest and hydrate.
Avoid strenuous physical activity during the hottest hours of the day, or reduce the intensity of your activity if you must be outdoors.
Use air conditioning or fans to stay cool indoors. If you do not have air conditioning, consider visiting a public place that does, such as a library or community center.
If you see any skin rashes, consult with your dermatologist. Infections of the skin, sun-induced rashes, skin barrier degradation, and melasma are all frequent summer problems.
Last but not least, drink plenty of water, fresh fruit juices, buttermilk, and lassi. Drinking plenty of fluids can benefit not only your body as a whole, but also your skin!
Summer can be the ideal time of the year to let your hair loose and invade the most exotic beaches near to us but it also calls for the need to protect yourself, your skin and hair at any given moment to stay safe from the side effects of exposure to UV rays.
