Your Summer Skincare Schedule

By Cara

Monday, March 22, 2010, 15:04

Summer is here again and you can feel the heat already! Keeping away the woollens and preparing your wardrobe with summer clothes are your weekend plans, but how have you decided to take care of your skin?

Remember, summer brings along skin woes like skin tan, sunburns, allergies, infections and prickly heat. It is not easy to take care of these once they start troubling you, so summer skin care is a must to flaunt a cool and fresh skin, this summer.

Skin Tan

The heat of the Sun is at its peak. Going out in the Sun without protecting your skin is to invite trouble. To prevent your skin from getting tanned and to retain your original skin complexion, never go out without applying the sunscreen lotion.

During summers, the ultra-violate rays are more intense and can damage your skin in no time. There are many sunscreen lotions available in the market. Choose the one that suits your skin type. The most common and effective sunscreen lotions contain SPF level 15.

Sunscreen lotions with a double SPF level provides double protection is purely a myth. So, opt for a higher SPF level, only if it suits your skin. Remember to reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours.

Sunburn

Lack of skin care and excess exposure to the sun causes sunburns. The skin swells up and turns red in colour. There is a burning and itching sensation. In extreme cases, blisters are formed. As the skin heals, the outer cover will start peeling off.

Sunburn is again caused due to exposure to ultra-violet rays. Therefore using a sunscreen lotion will protect the skin from sunburns too. If you have a sensitive skin, it is advisable not to go out in the sun between 12 noon and 5 in the evening. If absolute necessity, use an umbrella to guard yourself from the direct sun rays.

Skin Allergies

Sensitive skin is highly prone to skin allergies or rashes during summer. The slightest of irritation caused by sun rays, chemicals or even dust can cause allergies. If you are prone to allergies even after taking necessary precautions, consult a dermatologist.

Prickly Heat

Prickly heat is an uncomfortable condition of the skin which is caused by excess of sweating and exposure to direct heat. The skin turns red in colour, causing a pricking sensation. The dead skin cells and bacteria blocks the pours of the sweat glands. This results in irritation and eruption of tiny spots of blisters.

To prevent prickly heat, avoid wearing extra tight clothes. Wear loose cotton clothes. If you are wearing any other material, make sure that the fabric can breath air. Avoid wearing silk and lycra during summers. Take regular baths and make an extra effort to clean up armpits and other areas of skin folds. Use an anti-bacterial soap. Avoid moisturiser and heavy make-up in summers.

Other Basic Summer Care Tips

Drink plenty of water

Eat lots of fresh fruits

Avoid eating oily and spicy food

In a hot humid weather, to prevent pimples, wash your face more frequently.

Use a lip balm to protect your lips from drying

Wear sunglasses whenever you go out in the Sun

Take bath at least twice and stay as hygienic as possible