(By Dr M Shraddha, Director, Helios Advanced Skin Hair And Laser Clinic, Chennai)
The temperature is soaring and the sun is shining bright, it seems summer is not far. Which also means it’s time to update your skincare routine to achieve that coveted glow. Summer brings about various skincare challenges, including acne, heat rashes, prickly heat, dry skin, sunburn, and more. But with the right approach, you can keep your skin nourished, moisturized, and radiant throughout the warmer months.
Sun protection: Without a doubt, safeguarding your skin from the sun's rays is extremely important, not only during the summer but throughout the year. Ensure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily to all exposed areas of your skin, including your face, neck, and hands. You can consider a zinc oxide mineral-based sunscreen ingredient that blocks damaging UVA and UVB rays. Remember to reapply every two hours, particularly if you're outdoors.
Gentle cleansing: Opt for a gentle cleanser that effectively removes dirt, oil, and impurities without stripping away your skin's natural oils. Look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to keep your skin feeling soft and supple.
Exfoliation: Regular exfoliation helps to slough off dead skin cells, thus revealing a smoother, brighter complexion underneath. Choose a mild exfoliant containing salicylic acid or glycolic acid. Alternatively, you can look for natural options like fruit enzymes, tea tree, oatmeal, or jojoba beads to minimize irritation. To avoid over-exfoliation, restrict exfoliation to 2-3 times per week.
Moisturize daily: Lock in moisture with a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer suitable for your skin type. Go for formulas that contain ingredients like ceramides, shea butter, or squalane to replenish lost moisture and improve skin elasticity.
Hydrate: Maintain adequate hydration by consuming ample water throughout the day to promote plumpness and glow within your skin cells. Additionally, integrate hydrating elements such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and peptide-infused creams and serums into your daily skincare regimen. Explore advanced treatment options like bio-remodeling, also recognized as Profhilo, which utilizes ultrapure hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate and enhance elasticity in key areas such as the face, neck, décolletage, and hands. This process stimulates collagen and elastin production, thus promoting a healthier and more radiant skin. Another sought-after treatment is Hydroboosters like Viscoderm Hydrobooster, employing stabilized hyaluronic acid. This pain-free procedure offers dual benefits by moisturizing and revitalizing tissues. Notably, it can diminish the appearance of wrinkles, refine skin texture, and bolster elasticity, particularly in areas surrounding the mouth, eyes, and forehead.
Antioxidants: Add antioxidants to combat free radical damage caused by sun exposure and environmental pollutants. Look for products containing vitamin C, vitamin E, or green tea extract to brighten your complexion and protect against premature aging.
Face masks: Summer heat can exacerbate oily skin, leading to breakouts and shine. Combat excess oil production by treating your skin to a hydrating mask once or twice a week to give it an extra boost of moisture. Choose masks formulated with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, clay or cucumber extract to replenish hydration and restore radiance.
Lip care: Don't forget to show your delicate eye area some love. Lips can gather dead skin cells and residue just as much as other parts of your body. Look for a lip balm that contains ingredients like beeswax, lemon, shea butter, or coconut oil.
Healthy lifestyle choices: Finally, remember that skincare is not just about what you apply to your skin but also about your overall lifestyle choices. Get plenty of rest, eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and manage stress levels to keep your skin glowing from the inside out. Include foods such as watermelon, cucumbers, and leafy greens to boost your skin's moisture levels.
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