Summer Skincare: Hydration To Post Sun Exposure Routine- Essentials To Take Care Of Your Skin

The scorching heat and sweltering humidity often turn our skin into a breeding ground for bacteria, with the excessive sebum production, clogging pores and aggravating skin concerns like breakouts.

Summer Skincare: Essentials To Take Care Of Your Skin (Representational Image)

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India is a tropical country. As a result, the summer season tends to be harsher in some regions than others causing havoc on the skin. The season’s scorching heat and sweltering humidity often turn our skin into a breeding ground for bacteria, with the excessive sebum production, clogging pores and aggravating skin concerns like breakouts, especially for those with oily and acne-prone skin. In addition, the summer heat tends to deplete the skin’s moisture levels, leaving it dehydrated and irritated.

These problems make it imperative to shield our skin barrier against the harsh weather and keep its hydration and moisture level intact. Hence, summer essentials formulated for the Indian skin and the country’s climatic conditions would be the best suited to add a dose of hydration to the skin. 

Here are a few tips shared by Neha Gupta, who is the CEO of Leeford Glam.

1. Gentle Cleanser: Hard water which tends to be slightly alkaline is prevalent in over 80% of India, especially in Karnataka, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh. Hard water tends to disrupt our skin's natural pH balance, making it difficult to retain moisture. So, to reverse its effect on the skin, it is recommended to use cleansers featuring humectants like hyaluronic acid to gently remove impurities and mineral buildup from the skin, while keeping it supple and hydrated. 

2. Serum:

Water-based serum is another summer essential to ensure the skin is healthy and hydrated throughout the season. Serums infused with the goodness of hyaluronic acid can help boost the skin’s hydration level and keep it plump.

3. Moisturiser:

When our skin feels dehydrated, it produces excessive sebum to compensate for the low moisture level, which clogs pores and triggers breakouts. This makes it important to keep the skin hydrated and well-moisturised in summer. However, factoring in the tendency of our Indian skin to produce excessive sebum, it is advised to pick a gel-based moisturiser for summer, especially those featuring ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides that can help infuse hydration into the skin and lock in moisture without weighing it down. 

3. Sunscreen:

Exposure to harmful UV rays can damage the skin’s barrier, making it difficult to retain moisture. So to ensure, hydrating products work efficiently it is vital to protect the skin barrier against sun damage with a broad-spectrum SPF 50. Clogging of pores is a common skin concern for the Indian skin type. This is why it is recommended to pick lightweight and non-comedogenic formulations. Additionally, look for sunscreens that do not leave any white or flaky residue and allow the skin to breathe.

Post Sun Exposure: Calming Solutions For Sunburned Skin

It is not uncommon to experience sunburnt skin, with discomfort and irritation, and it is necessary to soothe and nourish skin that has been overexposed to the sun, resulting in redness, peeling, and itching. Here are some of the best ways to soothe sunburned skin suggested by Prachi Bhandari, Co-Founder & Head of Research, Aminu Wellness

• Hydration: Sun exposure can leave your skin and body feeling dry and dehydrated. Not only is it necessary to drink water and keep your body hydrated, but it is also important to use a gentle, hydrating moisturiser to keep your skin soft and healthy. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides will help soothe your skin, lock in moisture and restore a healthy skin barrier.
• Topical Antioxidants: Incorporate topical antioxidants like vitamin C, E, and ferulic acid to neutralise free radicals generated by UV exposure. These antioxidants reduce oxidative stress and promote skin repair and rejuvenation, aiding in sunburn recovery.
• Peptide Repair: Peptides are amino acid chains that stimulate collagen production and promote skin repair. Incorporate peptide-rich serums or moisturisers to support the skin's natural recovery mechanisms, reducing redness and inflammation caused by sunburn.
• SPF Routine: Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to reduce sun damage and reapply it every two hours.
• Cool Compresses: Apply a cool, damp cloth or take a cool shower to help lower the skin's temperature and reduce inflammation. Avoid hot water, which can further irritate sunburned skin.
• Prevention is the key: Try and avoid too much time in the sun. Stay inside and continue to apply SPF. While stepping out, make sure to wear protective clothing like hats and sunglasses to shield UVA/UVB rays. 

5 DIY Face Masks For Summer With Kitchen Ingredients

Nandita Sharma, Founder and CEO, Ame Organic suggested DIY face masks during summers that can be made using everyday kitchen ingredients:

1. Yoghurt, honey, and turmeric:

• Benefits: Uneven skin tone and texture can be troublesome, but this trio packs a powerful punch. The lactic acid in yoghurt gently dissolves dead skin cells, revealing a smoother, more refined complexion. Honey, a natural humectant, locks in moisture, while turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties combat hyperpigmentation.
• Process: Simply mix one tablespoon of plain yoghurt, one tablespoon of honey, and one tablespoon of turmeric powder until well combined. Apply the mask and let it work its magic for up to 10 minutes before rinsing.

2. Honey, Olive Oil, Egg Yolk, and Oatmeal:

• Benefits: Struggling with redness, inflammation, or acne? This calming concoction is your skin's best friend. The soothing properties of oatmeal and the hydrating benefits of olive oil create a nourishing base, while the tightening effects of egg yolk help reduce signs of ageing.
• Process: Whisk together one egg yolk, one tablespoon of honey, one tablespoon of olive oil, and half a cup of oatmeal. Apply the mask to clean skin, targeting troubled areas, and let it work its magic for 15-20 minutes before rinsing.

3. Papaya, Aloe Vera, and Cacao:

• Benefits: Bid farewell to dull, lacklustre skin with this revitalising trio. Papaya's exfoliating enzymes slough off dead cells, while cacao powder boosts circulation and brightens the complexion. Aloe vera, rich in vitamins and nutrients, soothes and hydrates for a dewy, radiant glow.
• Process: Mash one-quarter of papaya, mix with one tablespoon of cacao powder and add a generous squeeze of aloe vera gel. Apply the mask and rinse after 10 minutes for a refreshed luminous appearance.

4. Almond and Olive Oil:

• Benefits: City living can take a toll on our skin, leading to clogged pores and congestion. Combat these issues with the nourishing powers of almonds and olive oil. The fatty acids and proteins in almonds soften and condition, while vitamin E-rich olive oil neutralises free radicals that cause dullness and dehydration.
• Process: Simply mix a handful of ground almonds with two tablespoons of olive oil, apply it to clean skin, and massage gently before rinsing after 10 minutes.

5. Lemon, Turmeric, and Green Tea:

• Benefits: As we age, collagen depletion can lead to the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. This potent blend of lemon, turmeric, and green tea fights back against the signs of ageing. Green tea's antioxidants reduce wrinkles and protect against UV damage, while lemon juice tightens skin barriers. Turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties shield against discolouration and acne scarring.
• Process: Combine two tablespoons of green tea, half a tablespoon of turmeric powder, and the juice of half a lemon. Apply the mask using a cotton ball, allowing it to penetrate for three minutes before reapplying until the mixture is finished. Leave the final layer on for 10 minutes before rinsing.