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For a radiant summer look

With summer comes the fear of blemishes and pimples. No more, says SAJINI V. SAHADEVAN, as she speaks to skin care specialists in the city

REJUVENATING Facials are the best for summer and for the skin

The summer is here in full strength bringing along with it blemishes, pimples and all things undesirable.

Keep yourself immune to the harsh rays of the sun by following these easy steps from the experts. "Summer time calls for more cleansing. Just washing the face with water four to five times a day will do. Start with hot water and finish off with cold water. This will help keep the pores clean," says Anila Joseph of Anila Joseph Beauty Care Solutions.

Retaining the natural charm

"All we need is enough care to retain the natural charm of the skin. Since facing the sun cannot be avoided we need to take measures to keep the skin healthy," says Karthika Ajith, manager of Lakme Salon.

The salon has introduced a number of summer indulgences as part of its `Happy Hour Services' like the Happy Glow Facial with the goodness of almond and ylang ylang and the Lakme Sunsafe Facial for the face and back which comprises of refreshing citrus fruit to bid goodbye to that tan.

Dermatologist Dr. Rajesh Nair of the Skin Care Clinic also reiterates the importance of caring for the skin and keeping at bay the harmful consequences that occur at a later stage. "Most people think they will not be affected by a few hours in the sun. Turning a blind eye can fasten the ageing process," he points out.

However all skin care personnel have one advice in common, "Drink plenty of water." The easiest thing to do, the other thing would be to wash ones face and feet as soon as one gets home. Switching to a fruit based diet during summer is also a good alternative.

Natural ingredients

Natural ingredients like fruits and vegetables are the best treatment for the skin. According to Anila, an effective way to beat the heat and increase the blood circulation is by soaking a few wads of cotton in a bowl containing rose water mixed with ordinary water and wiping the face with it for a refreshing feeling.

Skin tends to become dry in the summer and it requires more care at night. A massage using moisturizer before bedtime and wiping it off using a wet cloth after half an hour will help retain enough moisture.

A remedy for dry skin is a grated mixture of potato, carrot, cucumber and fruit or cocoa butter mixed with orange juice left on the face for half an hour and rinsed off with cold water.

Rubbing the face lightly with green gram powder and the cream of milk acts as a natural cleanser. Almonds soaked in milk overnight, peeled and grated to a paste in the morning and mixed with cream of milk and rose water can be preserved in the refrigerator to be used once a week for 20 minutes.

"A few drops of eau de cologne added to water just before ending a bath will provide a scent to the body and restrict sweating. An oil massage once a week and a rinse with shampoo should be followed by conditioner which is essential to prevent hair damage and dryness.

"Have a chap stick or petroleum jelly for the lips in handy. Try to use liquid make-up to prevent it from running when out in the sun,"' says Anila.

A daily hair wash to keep the dust and grime from accumulating is essential. Henna, according to Karthika, helps cool the scalp.

No make-up in bed

Leaving make-up overnight and going to bed is an absolute no-no. The cleanse-tone-moisturize routine is advisable and is better if done twice a day. An astringent should be used in the place of toner for oily skin. "Dab on sunscreen at least ten minutes before heading out," adds Karthika.

Dr. Rajesh strongly recommends sunscreen as he says a majority of his patients approach him with remedies for rashes and pigmentation caused by exposure to UV rays. "Sunscreen acts as a protective film on the skin. It also protects the collagen and elastic fibres of the skin and delays the appearance of wrinkles. Age catches up sooner with those who overlook skin care," he observes.

There are however different types of skin and each has their own requirements. For those with dry skin, try a sunscreen with a moisturiser as a base. A non-greasy medicated sunscreen with zinc oxide is most suited to the climate here.

People with oily skin should avoid sunscreen with moisturizers in them.

Non-vegetarian meals should be avoided at night as the metabolism is slower due to inactivity, plus it will only add discomfort to the heat.

A little effort is all it takes for skin that looks great no matter what the weather.

So get glowing and face the summer with a radiant glow on your face and a smile to match it.

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