Among the organs of the body, the skin is one of the first to bear the brunt of summer sun, heat and humidity, leading to problems like sun tan, sun burn, dark patches, blackheads, pimples, acne or rash. Common skin care mistakes can actually aggravate these problems. Skin care should be according to the skin type and also according to the seasons. During summer, an oily skin is more prone to problems like blackheads, pimples and general oiliness of the skin.
Most people with oily skin tend to wash their face frequently with soap and water, in the effort to reduce the oily look. This is actually a mistake. Most soaps are alkaline in nature and too much soap-and-water washing can disrupt the normal acid-alkaline (pH) balance of the skin. This leaves the skin prone to pimples and acne.A person with oily skin should apply oil-free products, like face wash, skin toner, oil-free matte moisturiser, or gel-based sunscreen.
Whether summer or winter, avoid leaving cream around the eyes all night. This can lead to puffy eyes. Wipe off the cream around eyes after 15 minutes with moist cotton wool.
Avoid using harsh astringent lotions in summer even for oily skin. This again can disrupt the normal balances. An astringent is useful in summer, especially for oily skin, as it reduces oiliness and prevents clogging of the pores. However, if it is too harsh, mix the astringent lotion with rose water in equal quantities and keep in an airtight bottle in the fridge.
Remember to use a waterproof, broad spectrum sunscreen lotion in summer, especially before swimming in an open pool or in the sea. Remember to re-apply it after an hour. Also remember to shower and rinse off the face and body with water, after a swim. This helps to get rid of chlorine and other chemicals found in the water in a swimming pool.
In summer, the skin is usually oily and sweaty. This makes dirt and pollutants adhere to the skin. So, avoid touching the face with your hands. The hands actually carry germs and bacteria, conveying them to facial skin and leading to eruptive skin problems. In fact, if there is acne, it can get aggravated if you keep touching your face.
So, with a little awareness and appropriate seasonal skin care, you can keep your skin healthy.
About Shahnaz Husain
Shahnaz Husain, pioneer of the Ayurvedic beauty movement, heads the Shahnaz Husain Group, with a global network of franchise ventures and 375 Ayurvedic formulations. A Case Study at Harvard for Brand Creation, she is now a Harvard Subject for “Emerging Markets” She was honored with the Padma Shri Award and is the first woman in 105 years to receive the World’s Greatest Woman Entrepreneur Award from Success, the U.S. business magazine. Indeed, Shahnaz Husain is a leading international beauty icon.’
