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Excessive
heat during the summers disturb the desperate oil-water balance in the body.
Skin in an area that's catches radiation therapy should be protected from the
sun with a bathing suit or other clothing. Solar damage is the number one
convict in causing the skin to age.
Sun exposure breaks down collagen
consequenting in
remissness of the skin and wrinkles. It impoverishes the skin's natural
capability to moisturize itself. It causes variations at the cellular level
which result in enzymes being released that cause ''age'' spots to appear. It
can result to skin cancer. Early exposure to too much sun and childhood sunburns
can lead to skin cancer over time
People having dry sensitive skin can perceive that
sun causes more dryness and irritation. In this case try to use herbal infusions
in place of tap water when cleansing your skin.
Using scrubs on the face can produce microtears in
the skin which may lead to uneven pigmentation if you're exposed to the sun.
Apply topical vitamin C before sunscreen or makeup. Sold in liquid form, it can
secure your skin against sunlight damage. Everyone spends more time outdoors
during the summer, that means environmental debris and pollutants can have an
additional concussion on your skin's ability to remain elastic.
Toning helps keep your face clear and firm.
Astringents and toners having glycolic or alpha hydroxyl acids work good. These
acids actually reduce pore size and help with ingrown hairs, which can be very
painful in hotter climes. Avoid direct sun exposure during the peak UV radiation
hours. Regularly perform self-examinations to acquaint yourself with existing
growths and be more aware of changes to the topography of your skin.
Summer Skin Care Tips
* Avoid caffeine and hard drinks.
* Try using an oil-free moisturizer if your skin feels too greasy in the heat.
* When possible, avoid being in the sun.
* Wear a sunhat.
* Use a lip balm with sun protection.
* Drink at least 8 glasses of water each day.
* Take small but frequent meals and avoid protein rich diet.
* Do not use sunscreen after expiry date.
* Recoat the sunscreen after swimming or being in water.
Here are some
suggestions to keep your skin looking beautiful all summer long:
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Drink lots
of water through the day, not only to replenish moisture lost to the heat and
sweat but also to help flush toxins out of the body and keep skin looking
clear and lustrous. Herb or spice teas, made with skin-enhancing ingredients,
offer added therapeutic benefit. To balance Pitta, choose cooling herbs and
spices such as mint, cardamom and fennel. Stay away from iced beverages
because they hinder digestion and can create toxins leading to skin breakouts.
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Eat Pitta-balancing
fruits, vegetables and herbs, which supply the skin with essential nutrients
and come with free-radical fighting antioxidant properties while they help
keep your skin cool. Carrots, lettuce, summer squash such as zucchini, celery,
asparagus and leafy greens are good vegetable choices. Sweet juicy fruits such
as pears, grapes, watermelon and mangoes both nourish and cleanse. Fresh
ginger, cilantro, mint and basil add flavor and aromas to dishes without
aggravating Pitta dosha.
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The sweet,
bitter and astringent tastes balance Pitta while the sour, pungent and salty
tastes aggravate it. Go easy on spicy or sour foods, especially if you plan to
go out and enjoy the sun for the day, to keep your skin from breaking out or
getting inflamed.
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Milk is a
cooling, Pitta-pacifying beverage that also supplies nutrients to your skin
and helps to keep it from drying out. Drink a cup of milk every day, and also
combine milk with ingredients like almond meal and rose water to make a Pitta-balancing
skin cleanser.
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Pitta dosha
governs the heart and emotions. When you feel stressed, angry or frustrated,
your skin will show it over time as furrows and small lines and breakouts.
Practice calming yoga poses or meditation to stay serene and help your body
and mind manage stress. Diffuse Pitta-balancing essential oils, such as rose,
sandalwood and lavender to keep mind and heart balanced. Walk on the beach or
through a cool shady garden.
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The sun can
increase sebum production, causing your skin to look oily on occasion. When
the oil combines with dirt and sweat, pores get clogged. Be meticulous about
your cleansing routine, morning and night. Use a non-soap based gentle
cleanser that will deep cleanse without drying out the skin. A good cleansing
mix for dry/normal skin can be made with almond meal, oatmeal, milk and
rosewater. For oily skin, try chickpea flour (found in Indian grocery stores)
or oatmeal with yogurt and a little lemon and neem powder. If you use a toner,
look for one without alcohol.
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Keep your
skin nourished with an herbal moisturizer. Look for ayurvedic formulations
that contain skin-friendly herbs such as sandalwood, turmeric, brahmi, amla
and aloe Vera. At least once a week, treat yourself to a fruit or vegetable
mask appropriate for your skin type. Cucumbers, avocados, apricots and papayas
lend themselves well to homemade masks. Puree the fruit or vegetable and blend
with some yogurt, honey, oatmeal and lemon juice (for oily skin) or rosewater
(for dry skin) and apply evenly to the face. Let stay for 15-20 minutes and
then rinse off with lukewarm water.
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Do not go
out during the hottest parts of the day, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you
exercise outdoors, do it early in the morning. Wear sunscreen, lip protection,
sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat when you go out-exposure to the sun can age
skin very rapidly. A thin mixture of red sandalwood powder and rosewater
applied to your skin 2-3 times a week can help it become more resilient. Take
an aromatherapy floral water or hydrosol along for the day to stay refreshed.
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Eyes and feet could do with
extra TLC. Each evening, splash lots of cool water on your eyes. When you can,
soak some cotton pads in cool water or rose water and place them over closed
eyes for 10 minutes. Keep your feet clean and cool. Wear sandals when you can
to let feet breathe and stay odor-free.
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