Block that summer sun

Block that summer sun

No matter how glowing and radiant your skin is, the harsh effects of exposure to heat, extreme sunlight, humidity and pollution can be ruinous. A few basic precautionary measures though can help you maintain healthy skin.


Skin care in summer is down to one word – WATER! Drink lots and lots of water and remember diluted fruit juice is better than aerated drinks. While hydrating from the inside, you can also splash some cold water on your face to hydrate the outer layer of the skin making it look smooth and young. Avoid hot water baths – instead gently steam to open facial pores and a clean-up of the face should be limited to not more than twice a week. Mild soap or a soap-free face wash is recommended.
Heat, humidity, sweat and pollution can increase the accumulation of dead cells on the skin’s surface. Exfoliation of skin increases the skin’s sheen. Avoid coarse scrubs – instead use natural fibres, ingredients or mild scrubs twice a week.
Moisturisers increase the water content in the top layer of skin, making it glow. Moisturisers are most effective when applied at night however, for people prone to dry skin application of a moisturiser before make-up is suggested. Quite a few non-greasy gel formulations are available over the counter with your pharmacist.
The sun is a mixed blessing. While exposure to sunlight is required for the synthesis of vitamin D, excessive exposure can dehydrate the skin. Also, the UV rays breaks up the collagen in the deeper layers of the skin making it lose elasticity. Pigmentation increases making one look darker. Though sunburn is rarer for us as the pigment in our skin protects us, unlike say, Caucasian skin, the skin’s surface can still look dry and irregular with patchy discolouration.
Long sleeves, lighter coloured garments made of natural fabrics, hats, parasols and proper sunglasses help prevent over exposure. Sunscreens, with SPF 15 (Sun Protection Factor) and above are a must. A few tips about sunscreen use: apply sun-screen at least 20 minutes before exposure. Apply a generous coat and not a thin layer. At high altitudes, in or close to water (the sun’s reflection of water can have lot of UV rays) and during long periods of exposure to sun, repeat application every three to four hours. Water resistant sunscreens help protect you while swimming.
As a rule of thumb, one gets half the protection of the SPF factor of the sunscreen — so, if the SPF of your sunscreen is 30, your protection level is about 15. This is due to various factors, like time of application, thickness of the cream and location of exposure. Choose double the SPF you need, eg: if you think you need SPF 15 choose one with SPF of 30.
Though we are a nation obsessed with fair complexions, you have to admit — a smooth, radiant, healthy but dusky complexion is much more attractive than fair skin with a poor surface. Remember, the pigment in the skin protects it from many harmful skin ailments caused by UV rays. A glance at skin cancer statistics in the western skin type will reinforce the argument. Also, ageing is much slower in Indian skin, we develop wrinkles and lines much later in life — 30s for fairer skin and the late 40s for darker. So use fairness creams with caution.
Pigmentary changes, when interfering with appearance, can be treated safely with chemical peels. Micro-dermabrasion or various other exfoliation techniques can help you to get a good sheen and tone of skin. Vitamin C serums and vitamin E lotions also help but it is best to use them under medical supervision. Skin rejuvenation lasers can help improve appearance. Your plastic surgeon or dermatologist can help you to choose an appropriate technique.


Block that summer sun




source www.deccanchronicle.com