The scorching rays of sun takes away brightness of skin making it look unappealing and dark. The dark tone and spots are usually caused by the UV rays that directly strikes the skin. Over exposure to sun rays can also result in the production of pigment called melanin causing tanning of the skin.
Apart from production of melanin the excessive exposure to sun rays can lead to pre-mature aging, wrinkles, fine lines, sweat and uneven skin discoloration. One of the main concern for the people with acne prone skin is that the sunlight may cause them acne or can even worsen the break outs.
Since getting rid of the sun rays is not entirely possible but there is always a method by which the damage can be prevented. The summer skincare routine may differ from person to person because of the difference in their skin texture. However, there are some general skincare rule that must be followed by everyone.
REASONS TO CHANGE SKINCARE ROUTINE IN SUMMERS:
As the cold breezy wind of the winters is replaced by warm scorching rays of sun and all the cloths are transformed from heavy warm to lighter and thin similarly the skincare routine must also be changed. The basic concept of skincare however remains the same but some products must be swapped to best alternative for example if you are using cream then you should replace it with lotion as lotion is lighter than the cream.
- The exposure to UVA and UVB rays increases with the summers which results in breakout, wrinkles and age spots.
- Excessive sweat during summers increases dead cell turnover which may result in rash and itching.
- The sebum and accumulation of dead skin cells results in the acne.
GENERAL SUMMER SKINCARE RULES:
Following are the integral steps that one must adopt to prevent the damage of the skin cause by the heat during summers
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WEARING SUNSCREEN:
To avoid aging (sun spots, inflammation, uneven skin tone, rough texture, fine lines, wrinkles, loss of collagen and dehydration), tanning and redness on skin wearing sunscreen before heading out is essential especially between 11 am to 4 pm. It is recommended to use sun screen with SPF (Sun Protected Factor) of 30 however people with fair skin complexion or prone to sun spots may opt for SPF 60. Since sunscreen requires time to absorb in your skin so it is recommended to apply it 20 to 30 minutes before going out.
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ADDITION OF VITAMIN C:
Vitamin C consists of anti-oxidants that protects skin from sun damage and wrinkles adding a layer of vitamin C serum beneath the sunscreen helps to neutralize the damage caused by the sun rays despite of the sunscreen.
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STAY HYDRATED:
The heat during summers takes away the moisture of the skin and causes dehydration making skin looks patchy and dry. To reduce toxins and bacteria causing acne and maintain a significant moisture level of the skin it is necessary to drink at least 8 glasses of water daily this amount may vary according to your daily tasks and the outside exposure.
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CUT ON THE FACE MAKEUP:
To beat the summer heat, it is suggested to use minimum makeup product as possible. Pardown your makeup routine so that your pores can be exposed to actual oxygen. If you are not willing to go Makeup free then go for FRESH-FACED look just by using lip balm, mascara and concealer
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TRY LIGHT MOISTURIZERS:
Unlike winters, summer requires moisturizers with light base usually water based moisturizers are preferred. The heat of summers takes moisture of the skin away making it dry and patchy. But thick creamy moistures are not recommended as they can assist in blockage of pores and results in breakouts.
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FACE MASKS AND FACE SCRUBS:
The oil texture of skin that is often seen on the face during summers it is because of the dirt, impurities and the makeup. To avoid any breakouts and tanning from them it is recommended to use face scrub and face mask twice a week during summers.
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USE LIP BALM:
Summer usually comes up with unwelcoming gift of dry and parched lips. This is due to the dehydration caused by the heat. It often results in the bleeding from the lips. To avoid this lip balm with SPF (Sun protected factor) of 30 or higher should be used.
