Care for Different Skin Types in Summer
Below are a few tips for common skin problems during the summer: oily skin, dry skin, and acne-prone skin.
Oily Skin
The increase in temperatures and humidity during the summer leads to an overproduction of oil. Here's how to manage oily skin:
Blotting Papers: Keep these handy to gently blot away excess oil without stripping your skin.
Mattifying Products: Look for moisturizers and sunscreens that have a mattifying effect to help control shine throughout the day.
Clay Masks: Use a clay mask in your weekly routine to help absorb excess oil and unclog pores.
Dry Skin
Even in the humid summer months, dry skin can still be an issue, particularly with overexposure to air conditioning and the sun. Here's how to soothe dry skin:
Hydrating Serums: Products containing hyaluronic acid attract moisture to the skin and help it to keep it hydrated.
Avoid Over-Cleaning: Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser to prevent clean natural oils from your skin.
Nighttime Moisturization: Apply a richer moisturizer at night to help your skin repair and rehydrate while you sleep.
Acne-Prone Skin
The combination of sweat, oil, and sunscreen can be particularly challenging for acne-prone skin in the summer. Consider the following tips:
Non-comedogenic Products: Ensure your skincare and makeup products are labeled "non-comedogenic" to avoid clogging pores.
Exfoliate Wisely: Use a gentle exfoliator to help keep pores clear without aggravating your skin. Avoid over-exfoliating, as this can lead to more oil production and irritation.
Spot Treatments: Keep a spot treatment containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide on hand to address pimples as soon as they appear.
There are some common skincare tips you must follow regularly for healthy skin.
1. Use sunscreen daily.
One of the most important steps in your summer skincare routine is to always apply sunscreen before stepping out in the sun. The harmful UV rays cause sunburn and skin damage & increase the risk of skin cancer. Look for broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Reapplication is key to staying protected. Sun exposure weakens sunscreen's defense, and sweat or water washes it away. Every two hours, or after swimming/sweating, replenish your sunscreen to maintain a strong barrier against harmful UV rays that cause sunburn, premature aging, and even skin cancer.
2. Stay hydrated to keep your skin healthy & prevent dehydration, especially in hot weather. The hot and humid weather leads to dehydration, which causes your skin to become dry and flaky. You can also include water-rich fruits and vegetables in your diet, such as watermelon, cucumber, and oranges, to help maintain your skin's moisture levels.
3. Cleanse your skin gently to remove excess oil and sweat without stripping its natural oils, preventing clogged pores and breakouts. During the summer months, your skin produces more oil and sweat, leading to clogged pores & breakouts. Avoid harsh exfoliants or scrubs that can irritate your skin.
4. Opt for lightweight, oil-free moisturizers in the summer to provide hydration without feeling heavy or greasy on your skin, keeping it balanced and moisturized. While it may seem unreasonable to apply moisturizer in the summer, it's important to keep your skin hydrated and balanced. Look for lightweight, oil-free moisturizers that can provide hydration without feeling heavy on your skin.
5. Protect your lips from the sun's harmful rays by using a lightweight lip balm with SPF to prevent dryness and chapping, and remember to exfoliate them gently to remove dead skin for smoother lips. Just like your skin, your lips can also become dry and chapped during the summer months. Avoid licking your lips as this further dries them out, and try to exfoliate your lips with a scrub once a week to remove dead skin.
6. In addition to sunscreen, wear protective clothing made of lightweight, breathable fabrics to shield your skin from the sun's harmful rays and minimize sun exposure. In addition to sunscreen, wearing protective clothing can help protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics that cover your arms, legs, and face to minimize sun exposure. Wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses can also provide extra protection for your face and eyes.
7. After sun exposure, take cool showers to soothe your skin, remove excess sweat and sunscreen, and avoid hot showers that can strip your skin of natural oils, leading to dryness.
After spending time in the sun,
⦁ Take a cool shower and remove any excess sweat and sunscreen.
⦁ Avoid hot showers
⦁ Pat your skin dry with a cotton towel instead of rubbing to avoid irritation, and apply a soothing moisturizer to lock in hydration.
8. To protect your skin from sun damage and reduce the risk of skin cancer, limit your time in the sun during peak hours, seek shade, wear protective clothing, and reapply sunscreen regularly.
Lastly, try to limit being outdoors in the sun during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) when the sun's rays are strongest. Look shade whenever possible, and use umbrellas or hats to protect yourself from direct sunlight. If you have to be outdoors for an extended period, take breaks in the shade and reapply sunscreen regularly.
If you're interested in learning more about skincare tips, it's suggested that you book an appointment with the dermatology department at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital
