Since India is a tropical country, the summer season tends to be harsher in some regions than others, causing havoc on the skin.
The heat and sweltering humidity often turn our skin into a breeding ground for bacteria. Excessive sebum production clogs pores and aggravates skin concerns like breakouts, especially for those with oily and acne-prone skin.
In addition, the summer heat tends to deplete the skin’s moisture levels, leaving it dehydrated and irritated.
These problems make it imperative to shield our skin against harsh weather and keep its hydration and moisture level intact. Hence, summer essentials formulated for the Indian skin and the country’s climatic conditions are best suited to add a dose of hydration to the skin. Here are a few tips that can be helpful during the summer:
1. Use Gentle Cleanser: Hard water, which tends to be slightly alkaline, is prevalent in over 80% of India. Hard water tends to disrupt our skin’s natural pH balance, making it difficult to retain moisture. So, to reverse its effect on the skin, it is recommended to use cleansers featuring humectants like hyaluronic acid to gently remove impurities and mineral buildup from the skin while keeping it supple and hydrated.
2. Apply Serum: A water-based serum is another summer essential for keeping the skin healthy and hydrated throughout the season. Serums infused with hyaluronic acid can help boost the skin’s hydration level and keep it soft.
3. Moisturizer Skin well: When our skin feels dehydrated, it produces excessive sebum to compensate for the low moisture level, which clogs pores and triggers breakouts. This makes it important to keep the skin hydrated and well-moisturized in summer.
4. Apply Sunscreen: Exposure to harmful UV rays can damage the skin’s barrier, making it difficult to retain moisture. So, to ensure hydrating products work efficiently, it is vital to protect the skin barrier against sun damage with a broad-spectrum SPF 50. One must prefer sunscreens that do not leave any white or flaky residue and allow the skin to breathe.
Things to do Post Sun Exposure
It is not uncommon to experience sunburnt skin, with discomfort and irritation, and it is necessary to soothe and nourish skin that has been overexposed to the sun, resulting in redness, peeling, and itching. Here are some of the best ways to soothe sunburned skin suggested.
- SPF Routine: Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to reduce sun damage and reapply it every two hours.
- Hydration: Sun exposure can dehydrate our skin and body. Not only is it necessary to drink water and keep your body hydrated, but it is also essential to use a gentle, hydrating moisturizer to keep our skin soft and healthy. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides will help soothe skin, lock in moisture, and restore a healthy skin barrier.
- Topical Antioxidants: Incorporate topical antioxidants like vitamin C, E, and ferulic acid to neutralize free radicals generated by UV exposure. These antioxidants reduce oxidative stress and promote skin repair and rejuvenation, aiding sunburn recovery.
- Peptide Repair: Peptides are amino acid chains that stimulate collagen production and promote skin repair. Incorporate peptide-rich serums or moisturizers to support the skin’s natural recovery mechanisms, reducing redness and inflammation caused by sunburn.
- Cool Compresses: Apply a cool, damp cloth or take a cool shower to help lower the skin’s temperature and reduce inflammation. Avoid hot water, which can further irritate sunburned skin.
- Prevention is the key: Avoid spending too much time in the sun. Stay inside and continue to apply SPF. While stepping out, wear protective clothing like hats and sunglasses to shield UVA/UVB rays.
With the above-mentioned skin routine, we can take care of our skin nicely during summer. However, in case of any irregularity, one must consult a dermatologist.
