It's that time of year in India again - the season of endless sunshine, scorching temperatures and lazy beach days. Ah, summer - the season of sunny days, cool pool moments, and endless cold treats. But with the joys of summer come some not-so-fun side effects that can demand certain changes in your skincare routine. Indian summers are notorious for their heat waves and high humidity levels, which can cause a range of skin problems, from sunburns to acne breakouts.
But fear not! In this blog, we'll be exploring exactly how the summer impacts our skin, as well as some tips and tricks for protecting your precious epidermis against the harsh summer elements. So grab an iced drink and let's dive in!
The summers in India can be harsh, with temperatures often reaching well over 40°C. This can lead to a number of problems for our skin, including sunburn, dehydration, and heat rash.
The heat and humidity of Indian summers can cause our skin to produce more oil, leading to breakouts and enlarged pores. Sweating can also lead to acne, as it clogs pores and traps dirt and bacteria. And if you don't cleanse your skin properly after sweating, this can lead to further irritation and inflammation.
The warmer temperatures can damage your skin by dehydrating it. When the air is dry, it sucks the moisture out of your skin, leaving it dull and flaky.
The sun's UV rays can also cause hyperpigmentation, which is the darkening of the skin. Hyperpigmentation can cause the skin to look uneven, and it can be challenging to get rid of. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can also increase the risk of skin cancer. Also, The sun's UV rays can accelerate the ageing process of the skin, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots thus snatching your youthful glow.
Summer can also trigger acne breakouts due to the increase in sweat and oil production. Sweat and oil can clog pores, leading to the formation of pimples and blackheads.
Another way Indian summers can damage your skin is by increasing your risk of sunburn. The sun’s rays are stronger during this time of year, so even if you’re not spending time outdoors, you can still get burned if you don’t take precautions.
In hot and humid conditions, it's common to experience heat rash, which is a red, itchy rash that occurs when sweat gets trapped in the pores. This can be uncomfortable and can even lead to infection if left untreated.
The hot and humid weather of Indian summers can wreak havoc on our skin. Here are some tips to help you keep your skin healthy and damage-free during the summer months.
During hot and humid days, your skin tends to produce more oil, which can lead to breakouts. So, it is essential to cleanse your skin frequently, especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin. Wash your face at least twice a day with mild facewash to keep for keeping your skin free from excess sweat and dirt.
Sunscreen is a must-have during the summer months. Make sure you apply it every day, even if you’re not spending a lot of time outside. Choose a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapply every two hours if you’re spending time outdoors.
Hydrated skin is always happy skin. Drinking plenty of water will keep your skin hydrated and prevent it from drying out in the heat. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day, and try to avoid sugary drinks or alcohol, which can dehydrate your skin.
If you aren’t a fan of water, you can stay hydrated with refreshing drinks and beverages. Go for lemonade or hearty and healthy desserts like milkshakes, falooda, thandai and others.
Be it hot summer or a chilling summer, regular exfoliation is important for removing dead skin cells and keeping your skin looking fresh and healthy. Use a gentle exfoliating scrub once or twice a week to avoid over-exfoliating.
Even if the season has completely changed from winter to summer, moisturizer should not be left out of your skin care regimen. Yes, but the heat of summer months makes the skin sweaty most of the time so heavy moisturizers can be too much for your skin in the summer months. Look for a lightweight moisturizer that will keep your skin hydrated without feeling greasy or heavy. Choose light moisturizers like body milk.
Your body is tolerating enough heat in the risen temperature, hot showers should be a big NO for your skin. Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and irritated. Take cool or lukewarm showers instead to help maintain your skin’s moisture.
Hats not only protect your face from the sun’s harmful rays, but they can also help keep your scalp from getting burned.
Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can help keep your skin looking its best. Foods high in antioxidants like berries, leafy greens, and nuts can help protect your skin from damage.
The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If possible, avoid spending time outdoors during these hours, or seek shade if you need to be outside.
The heat can cause your skin to produce more oil, leading to breakouts. Stay cool by using a fan or air conditioning, and avoid wearing heavy, tight-fitting clothes that can trap heat.
Wearing loose-fitting, lightweight clothing can help to prevent sweat and irritation, which can lead to breakouts. Also, cotton clothes are better as they are cooler in nature.
In conclusion, summers can be harsh on your skin if you are not prepared for it. It is important to understand and anticipate the potential skin damage that can occur with summer and take appropriate steps to protect yourself from all forms of UV radiation. With a little bit of know-how and preparation, you’ll be well on your way towards taking full advantage of all those balmy days while keeping your skin healthy and happy!
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