Kolkata: The temperature is rising and the heat is rather unforgiving whether you are indoors or on the move. The glaring sun is not only leaving us with low energy levels but damaging our skin, more than we can see. Owing to the weather, our skin needs a firm summer skincare routine to beat the hot summer sun.
Follow this summer special skincare routine recommended by Dr. Aparna Santhanam for glowing and flawless skin:
Cleanse: The first step to achieving and maintaining healthy-looking skin during summers is double cleansing. With origins in the 10-step Korean skin care routine, the double cleanse quite simply means using two different cleansers — one with oil, followed by another with water (micellar-based) — to try to get your face as clean as possible, without irritating your skin. Cleansing also improves the efficacy of other skincare products, due to enhanced penetration. Using exfoliating cleansers once or twice a week is also helpful in getting rid of dead cells on the surface of the skin and improving penetration of skin care products.
Moisturize: After cleansing, the next step is to moisturize. During summers, it is better to use light moisturizers, as we perspire a lot more due to the weather and the rising temperatures. Using a heavy, cream-based moisturizer in this weather causes problems such as blackheads or whiteheads, resulting in pimples or acne. Thence, it’s imperative to use a light gel-based moisturizer containing antioxidants like vitamins A and C to start your day feeling rejuvenated yet light.
Serum application: Post skin moisturizing, face serums deliver active ingredients to your skin for a head-turner glow. Serums are water-based, easily absorbed, and do not leave your face oily. You can always use a serum depending on your skincare requirements.
Anti-acne Serum – If you have an acne-prone skin, an anti-acne face serum with Salicylic acid works well. A specialist solution with 2% Salicylic acid meant for acne prone skin–exfoliates, controls oil, and prevents clogging of pores. Penetrating deep into the skin, with a unique formulation containing Niacinamide, Green Tea & Kiwi extracts, it aids in the reduction of dark spots and pigmentation, for a more even skin tone. An ultra-light formula is ideal for all skin types, soothes acne redness and reduces excess sebum instantly giving your skin an immediate radiant glow.
Hydrating Serum – A super hydrating face serum that has excellent moisturizing and nourishing properties, infused with Moisture Magnet Hyaluronic Acid, Seaweed, Chia Seed and Aloevera can provide up to 72 hours of hydration. A non-sticky and ultra-lightweight formula in a hydrating face serum that is also embedded with Pro-Vitamin B5, functions as a humectant that revitalizes and hydrates dull skin, making it look healthy and well-nourished.
Layer up with sunscreen: It has been reiterated enough times that sunscreen is very important to use throughout the year, in every season and all kinds of weather conditions. However, it becomes mandatory during summers as the sun exposure time and effects of the sun’s rays increase and peak. Post serum, it is important that you apply a sunscreen that has dual protection with an SPF value of 50. If you have oily skin, you can switch over to a gel or silicone-based or matte sunscreen. Reapply the sunscreen 4 hourly when you are outdoors as most of the sunscreen is washed off due to sweating.
Dr. Aparna Santhanam, Dermatologist & Skin Expert to ITC Charmis, says, “Summers can be really harsh, especially in India, making our skin prone to sun damage. An effective skincare regime and focus on a healthy diet with adequate hydration with plenty of water becomes the need of the hour to keep ourselves and our skin nourished and protected. Two key products to never miss whether staying indoors or stepping out are, face serum and sunscreen. Although, each skin type demands different ingredients serum as a vehicle is a great addition to every skincare routine, as it is loaded with active ingredients, is a lightweight formulation that is easy to apply and intensely hydrating. Once you have found the serum that works for you, stick to it! Don’t forget to have plenty of water, eat a healthy diet with multi coloured fruits, vegetables and protein and exercise regularly. You will be beautifully Summer Skin ready.”
