Come summer, and your skin and hair start to look dull and lifeless. While most of us think this is a combination of sweat and dirt, the science behind lifeless summer skin goes a bit deeper. Heat and pollution combined with the scorching summer sun can make for a noxious combination for your skin. This is why it is important to prep for it and go the extra mile to ensure that your skin gets the sustenance it needs. Not many people realize how and why summer is so bad on your skin, which is why you should keep reading!
Table of contents:
- Why is summer bad for your skin?
- What should you do for your skin in summer?
- What products are suitable to use in summer?
- You can start with cleansing
- Do not ignore your body
- Scrub away the dirt
- Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!
Why is summer bad for your skin?
Don’t start believing that summer is your worst enemy. Every season has its pros and cons, and summer can be a wonderful time too! You just have to take extra care of your skin to protect it from the harsh sun.
The summer sun doesn’t just ‘feel’ harsher because of the heat. UV radiation in summer can increase 'by a factor of 10'. UV rays can lead to skin cell damage. This makes your skin age and causes premature wrinkles. In some cases, it can also lead to skin cancer.
Harsher UV rays combined with heat, pollution, and sweat can dry your skin out and sometimes clog your pores if you do not exfoliate, moisturize, and cleanse properly.
What should you do for your skin in summer?
Summer skin essentials are a combination of topical treatments and following a healthy diet full of hydrating food items. Here are some top tips for summer skin care:
- Drink a lot of water. This cannot be stressed enough. Victoria's Secret model Bridget Malcolm had once revealed that she drinks a gallon of water every day. Now, this may or may not be ideal for you as your need for water depends on various factors like your activity level, age, weight, etc. But, as a rule of thumb, it is good to listen to your body and stay hydrated in summers to avoid dehydration and fatigue. Water also keeps your skin healthy as your skin contains 64% water.
- Eat fruits and vegetables to maintain a healthy intake of vital nutrients. Fruits are also a great way to stay hydrated, and they keep you full for a long time, which can further help with digestion and weight loss.
- Exercise enough to keep your skin young. There is a direct correlation between your skin and your workouts. While a lot of people tend to skip their workouts because of the heat, exercising can actually make your skin glow and blush. Dermatologist Peterson Pierre says that exercise can increase the blood flow in your body and “improve the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the skin.”
- Use summer appropriate products on your face and body. This includes light exfoliators, cleansing products, and moisturizers.
What products are suitable to use in summer?
Try to use natural and chemical free summer products to ensure that your skin gets nothing but nourishment. Make sure to also use a combination of exfoliators, face and body cleansers, as well as moisturizers to really see a difference.
You can start with cleansing
Do not wash your face multiple times a day as that strips your skin of essential natural oils. Instead, stick to washing your face a maximum of twice a day (or as advised by your doctor/dermatologist). Also, make sure to use a gentle face wash that is not too harsh. You can try an apple cider vinegar-based face wash as it absorbs excess oil, regulates sebum production and gently exfoliates the skin. WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Face Wash is a great pick. It comes in a bottle with an attached silicone brush that makes the application so much easier!
Do not ignore your body
Most people are guilty of only focusing on their facial skin. But remember that the summer sun is harsh on the entire body. When you wear sleeveless tops, shorts, skirts, summer dresses, etc., you end up exposing your legs and arms to the sun too. The Melon Cucumber & Aloe Foaming Body Wash can be a nice fruity experience for you this summer. Melon and cucumber naturally cool the body, and aloe vera moisturizes your skin.
The French Lavender & Chamomile Foaming Body Wash can help you unwind after a long hot day. Lavender and chamomile are known for their relaxing properties. The product also contains Vitamin E, known for its antioxidant properties.
If you are a fan of the desi ubtan, you can use the Ubtan Foaming Body Wash. Ubtan has been for years a staple skin care remedy in most Indian homes. Chickpea flour, saffron, turmeric, etc., can exfoliate dead cells and soothe sunburns.
Scrub away the dirt
Speaking of ubtans, you can also use the Ubtan Face & Body Scrub. You can use this on your face and body. Just rub it in for 2 to 3 minutes in circular motions to get rid of dead cells and dirt.
Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!
The biggest beauty myth is that your skin does not need moisturizing in summer. The truth is that moisturizing is as important in summer as it is in winter. You can pick summery undertones and fragrances like Nargis, Mango, or Moringa in body butters.
If you are a fan of oils, you can use the Thai Massage Oil, a six oil blend that can protect your skin from free radicals and restore its youthful suppleness.
The right moisturizer will depend on your skin type. There’s a wide range available from WOW. You can explore our products and pick a product you like.
Remember that nothing happens overnight. Good skin is a reflection of daily habits and routines. So, try to pay attention to your diet as well as the products you use every day. Also, keep it natural. Look for food items and skincare products that are as far away from chemicals as possible!
Sources:
- https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/skin-prep#1
- https://www.byrdie.com/exercise-for-glowing-skin
- https://www.usgs.gov/special-topic/water-science-school/science/water-you-water-and-human-body?qt-science_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects
- https://www.bebeautiful.in/articles/how-to-fight-dull-skin-in-summers
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