Winning in the sun!

The sweltering heat calls for prompt and regular skin care. Here are skin commandments to follow right away...

Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise!: When you don’t  moisturise during the summer, your skin produces excess sebum. This clogs the pores and makes it difficult for your skin to breathe. Switch to lighter products like the oil free or gel based formulated moisturisers, moisturising milk or lotions. These absorb easily and do not leave a greasy residue.  Mix the moisturiser with your sunscreen for better results.

SPF protection even when indoors: Non application of sunscreen causes dark spots, pigmentation and uneven skin tone. UV radiation can penetrate indoors. Even computers emit some amount of UV radiation. So, wear a sunscreen regularly and do reapply every four to five hours.

Practice a good cleansing ritual: The skin tends to become oilier during these hot months. Use a Salicylic acid based face wash to lessen the ‘greasy’ feel from the skin. Never sleep without removing make-up, no matter how tired you are.

Hydrate well:   Drink lots of water and fluids; eat a lot of fruits, vegetables and salads. Limit your coffee intake as it can be harsh on the skin .  Limit the intake of alcohol to occasional basis; avoid consuming too much sweet and oily foods; add vitamin C and omega fatty acids to your diet.

Sweat it out, anyway: Exercising during summer can pose a problem due to the humid weather, which makes you sweat excessively. Do not compromise- rearrange your schedule to fit in exercise during the coolest time of day. It will help not just the body but also the skin to stay healthy and regenerate.

The writer is a skin expert.