If you are wondering how to sport flawless, dewy complexion and bid goodbye to skin problems while the sun shines down, we have the answers. Ritu Ghai talks to experts and finds out how a little care can go a long way to help you look cool and battle the heat effectively
Think summer and the first words that come to your mind are sun tan and heat rashes. But if you are among those who dread stepping out in the heat, fearing it might damage your skin, then fret not. Here’s a complete guide on how to take care of your skin and look chic this season.
A little care goes a long way
Sunburns and overexposure to sunlight can damage the texture of your skin. Though the market is replete with a wide gamut of products including cleansers, toners, day and night creams, sunblock lotions and scrubs, you need to follow some basic rules to protect your skin this season. Dr Varun Katyal, consultant dermatologist and cosmetologist at the Skin Centre, New Delhi, says, “During summer, the heat and humidity can cause the oil glands to work overtime.” Cleanse your face and neck every morning and evening with a gentle, pH-balanced facial cleanser, he suggests. However, he warns that one should avoid going overboard with the cleansing routine as too much of it can break down the skin’s protective barrier, causing excessive dryness, irritation and sudden breakouts. Follow the cleansing ritual with a toner. Astringents and toners with glycolic or alpha hydroxyl acids are a good option as they help reduce the size of your pores.
Cleanse, cleanse, cleanse
Once you finish cleansing and toning, ensure that you use a water-based moisturiser or a calamine lotion. Dr Navin Taneja, Director, National Skin Centre, New Delhi says, “Always use a light, oil-free moisturiser on your face after cleansing. In humid weather, your skin requires more moisture as you sweat more and tend to lose more body water.” After a hard week at work, slough away the dead skin cells on your face with a good scrub. “Scrubs with jojoba beads work best during summer as they smoothen the skin’s surface. Pure and natural aloe vera gel, too, soothes the complexion,” he adds. Since about 90 per cent of premature aging of the skin is caused by overexposure to the sun, he suggests that you apply sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or more, 30 minutes before stepping out in the sun. “Wear sunglasses that block ultraviolet (UV) rays and protect your eyes. Avoid direct sun exposure during peak UV radiation hours from 10 am to 3 pm.” According to Divita Kanoria, Chief Wellness Officer of The Vedic Collection, an organic beauty and wellness brand, “If you aren’t too fond of moisturisers, then you can opt for gels as they are lighter and have a cooling effect. If you are sweating profusely, cool off with a face mist to hydrate your skin.”
Less is more in make-up
If you think you need to skip make-up, thanks to the scorching heat outdoors, then you are wrong. Beauty and make-up expert, Shikha Taneja believes, “The harsh weather can cause your make-up to melt. So start off with a mattifying, oil-free primer or any water-based foundation to ensure that your make-up stays for a longer time. Set the foundation with an oil-absorbent powder to avoid a cakey look. It’s best to stay away from too much shimmer or glitter as this would make your face look oily. Opt for matte bronzers instead. Use a water-proof eyeliner and mascara.” Summer is also the right time to experiment with a wide range of colourful, vivid eye shadows and eye pencils. Coupled with a good lipgloss, they help you create a bright look that instantly perks you up. Steven Mick, International creative director of Blliis by Ravissant, Salon & Spa, avers, “Think sheer and pastel shades such as brown, pink and beige when it comes to eye shadows.” Once you are done with the make-up, finish the look with the right hairstyle. “Simple braids, sleek pony tails braided with a twist, low messy buns and braided buns are the top trends for this summer,” he adds.
Romancing the sun and sand
Summers are the perfect time to lounge on the beach in your itsy-bitsy bikini with a drink in hand. But ensure you take the right precautions before venturing onto the beach. Direct heat on your exposed skin can play great havoc. To prevent this, apply a generous amount of sunscreen. Bronze eye make-up coupled with a lipgloss or light-coloured lipstick makes for an apt beach look. Be a little cautious with your hair and use some extra conditioning. Make sure that your beach bag consists of the following must-haves: suntan lotion, lip balm, leave-in conditioner and some after-sun cream for your sun-filled day. It’s a known fact that right clothing can make all the difference. But this holds more ground during summer when the rising mercury levels leave you with limited options. Dr Seema Anand, Founder of Look Beyond, a health and wellness venture, says, “One of the best ways to battle heat rash is to wear loose clothes made of pure cotton or linen.” Mick suggests that shirts, hats and pants are a good option as they help to protect you from UV rays. “Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothes. Use an umbrella and wear sun glasses while venturing outdoors. Opt for cool showers to refresh yourself,” he concludes.
