We all love for our skin to be popping, right? No one wants to walk around looking ashy. But did you know the skin needs different care as the seasons change? Having the same skin care routine all year round may not yield the optimum results you’re after. Let’s look at some top tips to keep the largest organ in the body healthy in hot weather.
Sunscreen
‘Black don’t crack’ is a phrase that’s gained a lot of traction in the past few years. You may dismiss sunscreen as unnecessary for melanated folks, but all skin needs tender care. The harsh ultraviolet sun rays have punishing effects on the skin over time. So when should you wear sunscreen? As long as there’s sunlight. Yes, even on cloudy days since UV rays are present with the light. An SPF 15 sunscreen blocks out about 93% UVB radiation, while SPF 30 cuts out up to 97%. Be on the lookout for fakes though!
Hats
A simple step that can save your gorgeous skin a great deal. Just pop on a stylish hat to complement your outfit and you’re good to go. Depending on the heat level of the day, choose one with an appropriate brim size. Wider ones work particularly well for those blazing hot days, especially if you live in the tropics.
Stay out of Direct Sun
This not only keeps you away from those UVA and UVB rays, but also prevents drying out of skin. We can’t have our skins feeling like animal hide now, can we? Studies show that avoiding direct sun between 11 am and 4 pm is best. If you’re itching to bask, do it under a tree as this provides intermittent cover.
Hydrate!
This isn’t just a point thrown around by fitness freaks to sound cool. For our skin to be truly supple, we need to attack dryness both from the outside (lotions, etc) and inside (drinking water). Carry with you a water bottle to take small sips throughout the day as opposed to waiting until you feel thirsty. Hydrating replaces the water we lose through sweat, cleans out toxins from the skin and keeps it supple.
Face Mist
If feeling a bit extra/ glam, you may also use a face mist. It’s a great pick-me-up to refresh the skin when it feels dry. Some of the common ingredients of face mists include aloe vera, rose water and glycerin. These are superb moisturizers that are gentle on the skin. You can either make a D-I-Y mix or purchase a ready-made one from beauty shops.