What does your skin need this summer? Mumbai dermatologists answer

Summer can be a tricky time for skincare The rising levels of mercury and humidity cause all manner of damage in our skin mdash an oily face and frequent breakouts among them Any gentle glow you might have achieved from meticulous moisturising throughout the winter is at risk of being robbed by the sunrsquos harmful raysWith many in Mumbai working from home for the moment the exposure to heat has dropped several notches Still one cannot go without giving their skin the tender loving care it needs during the season Dermatologist Dr Soma Sarkar says ldquoEven if you are indoors one has to use sunscreen on a daily basis Most of us are exposed to cooking computers and a lot of blue light from screens So one has to retain a simple routine for skinrdquoDr Soma SarkarDr Batul Patel medical director and Dermatologist The Bombay Skin Clinic agrees ldquoA good cleansing routine followed by an exfoliating scrub once or twice a week followed by night creams like retinolbased creams can be usedrdquo she suggests ldquoThis helps to build collagen and also helps in the process of cell renewalrdquo When we are indoors and not as exposed to the sun retinol creams of higher strength can be used to allow better collagen stimulation she further explainsDr Batul PatelSweat and oily skin are two of the most common complaints during this time of the year Dr Sarkar says ldquoFor summer keep the skin care lighter you could use foaming gels as cleansers with salicylic acid or glycolic acid as components Use gel based formulations for moisturiser and fluid or mattebased ones for sunscreen One can use a tinted moisturiser with SPFrdquoHomemade face packs have been a tried and tested skincare regimen in most Indian households While various products are available in the market now such face packs remain a goto fix Dr Patel says they make a good addition if one has the time for it However the preface mask routine is also important she adds ldquoAdequate cleansing and exfoliation of the face will allow better penetration of the active ingredient of the maskrdquo Keep in mind that the composition of such mixes will also depend on an individuals skin typeDr Patel says she likes to add clay which absorbs the oil and dirt from the skin and leaves it looking hydrated ldquoFrench clay is a wonderful ingredient to add to the mask For dry skin a good mask would be French clay with avocado and honey to provide hydration For acne prone skin French clay with neem basil and calendula extract with aloe vera would be a good antiinflammatory and antibacterial maskrdquo she saysShe further adds ldquoAdding dragon fruit or even strawberries to the French clay mask can brighten dull and tanned skin Sometimes even a simple toning of the skin with lavender hydrosol with rose water and aloe vera can soften and hydrate itrdquoApart from face packs one needs to be careful about their lifestyle as well As Dr Sarkar points out ldquoThe golden mantra for good skin is hydration with lots of water For their diet I always advice my clients to cut sugar and dairy products Have lots of seasonal fruits Be mindful about what you are eating Maintain a good sleep cyclerdquoQuick tips to remember courtesy Dr Batul Patel1 Not keeping your skin hydrated is the worst thing you can do to it Use moisturizers twice a day and drink a lot of water2 Moisturization is vital for all types of skins For sensitive skin use a product that offers additional protection from irritants like chemicals weather and pollution3 Antioxidants can help keep the skin looking bright naturally Look for antioxidants in your skincare products and eat foods that contain resveratrol and ellagic acid These can be found in certain berries and nuts4 Hydrate by applying coconut oil It can penetrate deep into the skin and nourish it from within to make it healthy and moist5 Argan oil or cold pressed almond oil also help to hydrate dry skin as they get absorbed in the skin without clogging up pores However avoid the use of these oils in environments that are too humid6 Use of a face wash which contain glycolic acid and mandelic acid helps to cleanse the skin without drying it outEveryone has a different skin type however It is important to note that this article is not meant as a replacement for a medical practitionerrsquos advice and people must always consult their doctor first before initiating any changes to their skincare routine diet or lifestyleShop NowSR NOProductShop Now1Himalaya Ashvagandha TabletsShop Now2WOW Omega3 Fish Oil TabletsShop Now3Dove Deeply Nourishing Body WashShop Now4WOW Aloe Vera Multipurpose Beauty GelShop Now5Biotique Bio Fruit Whitening Face PackShop Now