By Dr Kiran Godse
COVID19 lockdown has gradually lifted and offices, schools, public transports etc. are slowing opening its doors for communities to resume life as usually. This has come at a time when summer is right here smiling back at us. We have spent a year inside our houses well-protected from the scorching heat of the summer. Is our skin ready to beat the heat?
SKIN DURING SUMMER:
When summer approach, temperatures rise and so does the humidity level. Humidity brings in a lot of changes in our skin and hair behavior. Our skin becomes sweaty, oily, develops acne flare ups, blackheads, whiteheads, and is prone to fungal infections, heat boils, body odors etc. Even our hair becomes frizzy with an oily scalp, dandruff, etc.
SO HOW TO TACKLE SKIN PROBLEMS DURING SUMMER?
For having a healthy skin during these hard summer days, few tips can be helpful.
- Cleanse your skin well with a gentle cleanser-twice daily is optimal. In case your body becomes excessively sweaty or one suffers from body odors, bathing twice daily will be helpful
- Make sure to dry your skin well before layering clothes, preferably even use some dusting powder, since it helps absorb excess moisture and thus, prevents fungal infections, heat boils or prickly heat issues
- Using a sunscreen is crucial, especially for those who suffer from Hyperpigmentation and sun sensitivity
- Wearing closed footwear for a prolonged period can give rise to fungal infections and soft corns in the web spaces, so using dusting powder on the foot before wearing socks or shoes, aids in keeping your feet dry and clean
CARING FOR YOUR HAIR DURING SUMMER?
During summer, while it is necessary to care for your skin, it is equally important to take good care of your hair.
- Cleansing hair at least twice a week is optimal. For those suffering from an itchy or dandruff prone scalp, using an anti-dandruff shampoo regularly keeps dandruff at bay
- Oiling your hair shouldn’t be done frequently as it can lead to heat boils on scalp with acne flare ups on the forehead and trunk. Just a teaspoon of oil an hour before hair wash, once a week, is adequate. In case the above steps don’t help your skin, consult a Dermatologist.
BEWARE OF THE STEROIDS THAT MAY DAMAGE YOUR SKIN:
Avoid taking drugs or applying over-the-counter-creams recommended by friends or the pharmacist, since majority of them contain steroids which may worsen your skin condition.
- Avoid using topical steroid creams sold over the counter to treat fungal infections
- Keep your body well hydrate in summer! Drink lots of water, juices and eat plenty of fruits rich in Vitamin C.
THINGS TO DO TO SAFEGUARD YOUR SKIN & HAIR WHILE STEPPING OUT:
While stepping out, one must ensure that a generous coat of a broad spectrum sunscreen is used in summer. Reapplication of the same every 2-3 hourly is necessary to avail adequate sun protection, especially if one is constantly out in the sun. Also it is not necessary to apply sunscreen under your mask, as it may cause irritation and acne flare-ups since the occlusion inside the mask damages skin barrier and makes skin more prone to irritation. Apart from using a sunscreen, wearing protective clothing helps. Light colored loose cotton garments should be preferred to avoid any excessive sweating and friction.
Wishing you all ‘happy summer skin days’!
About the Author
Dr Kiran Godse is a, Dermatology & Cosmetology, Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi-A Fortis Network Hospital.
