Your perfect skincare guide for this summer

By Dr Priya Puja

With the onset of summer, accompanied is the rise in temperature due to which your skin and hair undergo a lot and need extra protection, love and care. It also brings with it a variety of problems such as rashes, acne, tanning, sunburn, skin infections, pigmentation etc… Thus it becomes extremely important to understand what your skin is going through and accordingly treat it or else follow a routine which prevents any damage.Dr Priya Puja recommends a few tips for a carefree and skin friendly summer –

Relax, Rejuvenate and fall in love with your skin

Screen the sun –

Small amounts of sun is beneficial for the skin and essential for production of vitamin D. However, prolonged exposure to solar UV radiation may have a hazardous impact on the skin. If you are going to be out in the sun it is essential that you wear a sunscreen or sunblock.

Not all sunscreens are made alike – some provide a physical barrier (minerals) while others provide a chemical barrier that absorbs ultraviolet rays. Zero down on a sunscreen that best meets your requirements and contains sun protection factor (SPF). SPF 30 is best recommended for Indian skin types. Apply sun screen 20 to 30 minutes before stepping out and ensure you wear sunscreen every day, even when you are indoors. Reapply the sunscreen every 3-4 hours to maintain the protection. Kaya ultra-light aquagel sunscreen is a perfect option for a lightweight sunscreen which is suitable for oily skin types whereas people with normal to dry skin types can use the Kaya daily moisturizing sunscreen.

Cleansing, Toning and Moisturizing – 

From dry air-conditioned homes to walks in the sweaty weather outside, one needs to pay special attention to summer skincare. Follow the CTMritual twice a day for best results. Summers are usually a troublesome time for individuals with acne. To keep your skin acne-free use a cleanser that contains salicylic acid that helps reduce acne and prevent future breakouts. People with Oily skin type may benefit from the Purifying range of Kaya products.

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Exfoliate – 

Incorporating exfoliation into your skin care regimen is a must to avoid dull skin! Exfoliants remove dead skin cells, toxins and other deposits; it further allows new skin cells to surface. Scrub your elbows and knees at least twice a week to get rid of dead tissues. Rub a slice of lemon with sugar every alternate day to keep them clean and to remove tan.

Hair Woes –

Since hair tends to be moisture-deprived during summers, overuse of any kind of chemical and hair styling tool should be avoided. Frequent shampooing due to the immense heat often results in loss of shine and moisture as well. Consider switching to a gentle shampoo and use a deep conditioner to replenish the loss of moisture. Massage your hair with a mixture of coconut oil, castor and olive oil regularly to keep your hair nourished.  And if you are one of them who is keen on trying homemade remedies, then whisk 2 egg yolks with 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise and apply this mask on the bottom 2/3rds of your hair. Wash it off after 15 minutes.

Happy Feet – 

During summers our feet become the target of a variety of potential foot maladies including eczema, fungal infections, and embarrassing “smelly feet”. Start with wearing an open sandal in the summer to keep your feet dry and give them a chance to “breathe”. Your feet are subject to sunburn just like the rest of your body. Use sunscreen during the day and during the evenings apply a lightweight moisturizer. A foot powder is a must as it helps to soak up excessive moisture that can breed fungi and bacteria. Head for a pedicure once every week. This will keep your foot clean. Trim your toe nails to avoid dirt and dust from accumulating under your toe nails.

Maintain a healthy diet – 

Make fruits your best friends this summer. With summers in full swing, it is advised that apart from drinking lots of water, a special summer diet consisting of light and healthy food would ensure a cool mind and body. To keep your skin hydrated, eat lot of fresh fruits and green vegetables. Include fruits and vegetables like bitter gourd, spinach, cucumber, watermelons, oranges, cherries, plums and lychee to your diet. They are highly nutritious with an abundant supply of fiber, vitamins, anti-oxidants and minerals.

About the Author

Dr Priya Puja, M.B.B.S, M.D., SCE (MRCP), is the Head Medical advisor (North and East) of Kaya Ltd.