6 easy steps to get your skin summer ready

With the onset of summer in most parts of India, you have to start taking care of your skin and prep it for the warmer weather. Regardless of what your skin type is – it could be combination skin, oily and acne-prone skin; or sensitive skin or dry skin – it is important to follow these simple steps to get your skin summer ready with a radiant, healthy glow.

Different skin types are recommended different types of products that suit their skin. For instance, those with an oily skin type are often recommended water-based products; and those with a dry skin often use gel-based products.

Before starting any kind of skincare regime, it is important for you to identify your skin type and use the products accordingly.

Now, before the scorching summer is here upon us, add these 6 steps to your skincare routine to get that healthy summer glow:

1. Sunscreen! Sunscreen! Sunscreen!

• This is a summer skin staple – there’s nothing known as too much sunscreen, apply it often and especially 30 minutes before you go out or leave your house and expose your skin to the sun.
• One of the most important things during summer is to protect your skin against the harmful UV exposure, and lower your risk of skin cancer and skin damage. Sun exposure can damage your skin and can lead to accelerated photoaging, hyper-pigmentation and wrinkles.
• Sun or no sun, it's important to religiously apply a sunscreen that suits your skin type.
• What to look for in a sunscreen: Buy sunscreens that have at least 30 SPF (you can wear anything between 30-50 SPF). Check that it has ‘Broad Spectrum Protection’, which means it protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Apply SPF on your body too!

2. Moisturise

• Keep moisturising, because your skin can dry out in summer as well. Again, use a moisturiser that is tailored to your particular skin-type.
• However, in general it is recommended to use a light-weight moisturiser during high-temperatures and humidity, because a lighter moisturiser will provide the apt amount of moisture for the skin.
• A heavy moisturiser could lead to clogged pores and breakouts.
• Choose a non-greasy formula for your skin type, with antioxidants like Vitamins A and C.

3. Go light on your makeup

• Heavy makeup makes it difficult for your skin to breathe; as do heat and humidity.
• Wear minimal makeup (the no-makeup makeup look is trending!) and if you intend to use a foundation or any kind of base – use the one which comes with SPF.
• Always carry a compact powder in your purse for quick-fix to your makeup to get a matte-finish glow; avoid patchy skin and a sweaty face.
• Don’t forget to protect your lips by applying a gloss or lip balm, ideally with an SPF 15. 

4. Stay hydrated and eat right

• Stay hydrated with at least 3.7 litres of water every day for men; and 2.7 litres of water for women every day.
• Make water your best friend during summer to get a healthy and clean skin.
• Water helps you maintain that healthy radiant face glow, helps get rid of toxins and prevents dehydration.
• Drinking fresh juices like coconut water, watermelon, orange helps your body to get the glow from within that reflects on your skin as well. Also, eat summer fruits that are rich in Vitamin C.

5. Include antioxidants in skincare and diet

• Include antioxidants in your skincare regime and diet.
• Antioxidant serums that have Vitamin C and niacinamide are quite popular – these serums help hydrate your skin, protect from environmental damage, slow down skin aging, help boost collagen, and scavenge and remove free radicals to prevent damage to skin.
• Apply the Vitamin C serum before applying moisturiser and sunscreen.
• Eat food rich in antioxidants such as citrus fruits, drink green tea, green leafy vegetables, nuts and whole grains.
• Food rich in Vitamin C brightens and evens out the skin tone as well as reduce lines and wrinkles.

6. Cleanse deeply and exfoliate face and body

• Wash your face – but not constantly, because excessive washing can deplete your skin of the natural oils and the top layer of the skin can become dehydrated and patchy. Use a facewash suited to your skin type, and deep-cleanses and removes the dirt, excessive oil and grime from your face.
• Mild, pH balanced and alcohol-free cleansers are recommended.
• Oily skin types are recommended a foamy cleanser with salicylic acid to prevent clogging of pores and breakouts.
• For dry skin, consider using a non-foaming, gel-based cleanser to keep your face clean and refreshed.
• Using a gentle face scrub that is either bought, or exfoliate with homemade face packs made with natural ingredients.
• Exfoliating your face one-two times a week helps get rid of dead skin cells, dirt and unclogs pores and adds that shine to your face.
• Use mild exfoliators that are tender on your skin. Exfoliate your body too!
• Take cool showers and wash your face with cold water because it gives you a healthy glow, helps wake your skin up, improves blood circulation, and gives you a tighter and firmer skin. It also retains natural oils in your skin and hair and keeps your skin hydrated.

Does your existing summer skincare regime include these steps?