| Not having fun in the sun? Here's how you can look your best even on the hottest day of the season. Looking forward to wearing that sexy sundress and strappy top that you stashed away for a special summer brunch? Wait, just as you begin to enjoy your new summer body, the sun plays spoilsport and your super toned legs are tanned, your sexy top has (heaven forbid) sweat patches and your deo is not as effective as you thought (double ouch)?.Don't worry, we tell you how to check these summer bummers. Sun Tan: A protective reaction by the skin to the sun's harsh sun rays and skin darkening is increased melanin production. Therefore to avoid tanning, protection is a must. Always use a broad spectrum sunscreen (protects from UVA and UVB rays). A formulation with an SPF of 20-30 usually works well for Indian skin tones. Apply the sunscreen 20 minutes before you leave the house. "A bottle of about 175 ml should be enough for two months. If it lasts longer, it means you aren't using enough," warns Dr Narmada Matang, head, Medical Operations, Kaya Skin Clinic. Re-application is the key. If you're out in the sun (especially during the peak hours of 10 am to 4 pm), re-apply every two hours. "Clean your face with a wet wipe (aqua-based and hypoallergenic) before re-applying," adds Matang. If you're on the beach or in the hills, beware of the sand and sun factor. You need to use a higher SPF (30 and above) and re-apply frequently. You can never be overprotected from the sun, so carry that umbrella, put on those dark glasses and wear that scarf. A sunburn is a severe case of tanning where skin can turn red, painful and even itchy, says Dr Jaishree Sharad, Mumbai-based dermatologist. Splash your face with cold water or apply ice after sun exposure to prevent redness and skin burning, advises Dr Rekha Sheth, cosmetic dermatologist. To remove a tan, apply curd or buttermilk on all exposed skin zones and wash off after 30 minutes, suggests Shahnaz Husain, beauty expert. Sweat: This is the body's internal mechanism to cool itself down. But those sweat patches on your clothes can be very embarrassing. Plus, high temperature and moisture BUMMERare ideal breeding grounds for fungi and can result in infections and body odour. Be particular about hygiene-take a shower twice a day, dry yourself thoroughly especially on body folds and between your toes and wear loose cotton clothes, says Sharad. Use anti-fungal powder all over. If you do have excessive sweat issues, underarm botox is an option. "A relatively painless and simple procedure, it slows down the working of the sweat glands for about four to six months," says Sharad. Oily Skin: High temperature causes the sebaceous glands to swell up, leading to overproduction of oil. This combined with sweat causes results in greasy skin. "Wash your face two to three times a day with a mild cleanser with 2% salicylic acid. However, don't leave it on your face too long," advises Matang. The hot summer air can also make your skin dry, so do use a hypoallergenic moisturiser, recommends Sheth. To reduce oiliness, apply a mix of fresh tomato juice (2 tsp) with a few drops of lemon juice. Apply this to your face at least once a day. This will help to control sebum production, but at the same time, won't dry out your skin, says Dr Jamuna Pai, Mumbai-based cosmetic physician. Greasy Scalp & Sun Damaged Hair: Sweat and excessive oil production result in a greasy scalp. Wash your hair frequently, even every day if required. Avoid touching your scalp or running your fingers through your hair, advises Sumit Israni, hair expert, Geetanjali Salon, New Delhi. The sun is also harsh on hair, particularly if it is coloured. It's a good idea to use a protective serum and cover your hair with a scarf before stepping out. To restore the shine to sun-damaged and brittle hair, take half a cup of apple cider vinegar and dilute it with a cup of water. Pour this on your hair after shampooing, recommends Pai. Reduce oiliness by applying egg white on hair half an hour before washing, advises Husain. Skin Breakouts: Excessive oil, sweat and pollutants can cause clogging of skin pores, leading to breakouts, rashes and even aggravation in acne. Of course, acne can have other causes as well but if oily skin is the reason for your acne condition, then summer could see a return of those skin woes. Heat boils are also very common during this season. The high temperature combined with sweat can cause hair follicle infection leading to painful boils, warns Sharad. It's important to maintain good hygiene, wear cotton clothes and use generous amounts of anti-fungal powder. Sandalwood paste applied on pimples, acne and boils can help calm the skin, says Husain. However, if you continue to be plagued with acne, it's best to consult a dermatologist. Runny Make-Up: Always use pressed powder over liquid foundation, advises make-up expert Ashima Kapoor. Not only is it easy to carry around for touch-ups, it also keeps sweat away. Choose a powder blush as well. "It's a good idea to use primer before applying the foundation as it helps the make-up stay longer," says Kapoor. Also, waterproof mascara, eyeliner and lip liner will prevent the make-up from melting in the sun. Opt for make-up with an SPF for added sun protection. |
