Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Hyderabad
Save your skin from the su
|
Tips to keep the skin shining and smooth when the temperature is rising
|
Keep glowing: Simple skin care regimen
Your responses to the articles on aromatherapy have been encouraging and there is more to come.
Today we will focus on skin care during summer because I have received a lot of queries on this.
Here are some common tips that will help to keep your skin glowing despite the heat.
* Avoid direct rays of the sun because the ultraviolet rays are harmful to the skin. They will cause premature ageing of the skin. Always use a sunscreen when you are out in the sun. A moisturiser or foundation containing sunscreen is recommended for everyday use. Gentlemen, this is for you too. Otherwise, you will end up with brown patches on your skin and hyper pigmentation. Before buying a sunscreen check the label for the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) index. For our climatic conditions, we need a SPF of at least 20-30. If you are going for a holiday to a hill station, don't forget to carry your suncreen. Sunscreen lotion for normal skin, a sunscreen soufflé for oily skin and a sun block for sensitive skin are also available. Wear a cap or carry an umbrella when you step out of home or office. Always wear a sunglass, which has UV protection.
* Drink plenty of water, at least eight glasses a day. Your body is composed mainly of water and it is an essential component for all the natural processes. Water not only hydrates your body but also your skin. Cold water is an excellent skin toner during summer. Add a few drops of rose water to plain water, keep it in the fridge and splash it on your face whenever you can. This helps to close pores and control sweating. Never use ice directly on the face, it can lead to broken capillaries or even ice burns. You can use ice water, but only by dipping cotton wool in it.
Foam cleanser
* You may think you need a strong cleanser to remove the increased oil production on your face in the hot months, do not use soap, instead go for a foam face cleanser. A form cleanser, deep cleanses your skin by removing impurities and make-up residues. It is a soap-free formulation that leaves the skin soft and supple without drying it.
* During summer go easy on make-up, and if you must apply remember to remove it thoroughly. At night, exfoliate the skin with a mild, deep cleansing scrub to get rid of the dead skin and unblock pores. Make your own scrub.
Mix besan or oats and milk to make a paste, apply on your face and let it dry. Pat with water and scrub in circular motion all over the face, giving special attention to the area around the nose and chin. Wash with cold water.
* Fruit mask is another summer treat. Active ingredients in fruits help refresh and clear the skin. Soak a piece of cheese cloth or muslin cloth in mashed fruit or juice and leave it on your face for 10-15 minutes. For dry skin, use papaya, grapes, melons, plums and banana. Carrot juice is excellent for a fruit mask as it contains vitamin A. For oily skin and enlarged pores, use cabbage, tomato, cucumber and water melon. For combination skin, orange juice is best. Remove the fruit mask by wiping with damp cotton wool and rinse with cold water.
Caution: Always do a patch test of the fruit you want to use by applying behind your ears. If there is no itching after 2-3 hours you can use the fruit safely on your face.
* Avoid using perfume when in the sun. It tends to irritate the skin.
* Do not use alcohol-based toners or astringents, as they are harsh and a reaction can darken your skin. Stick to using rose water.
* Avoid oil-based foundation or kajal.
* Avoid using too much talcum powder as it will mix with sweat and block pores. Pan cake powder too should not be used frequently.
* Avoid lip gloss, try using lip pencils instead.
* Last but not the least, research has shown that prolonged exposure to the sun is one of the causes of Melanoma (skin cancer), apart from causing wrinkles, roughness and sagging.
So, this summer make it a point to use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Reapply every 2-3 hours if you are in the sun for long periods. While applying a sunscreen keep in mind areas such as your lips, neck and the top of your hands, where the sunrays can wreak havoc.
LILY MADHOK
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Hyderabad
|
