Beat the Heat: Skincare tips for scorching summer season

It is that time of the year again when the sun shines at its most but the excess heat and humidity takes a toll on your skin as well. But what type of changes does the skin experience?

As the environment’s humidity increases, certain glands on your skin start producing excess natural oil which gets stuck on its surface and as a result, causes stickiness and blocked pores. Even oily skin type is more prone to acne and clogged pores as bacteria and oils mix with the sweat caused by the heat.

When you step outside and your skin is exposed to the strong rays of the sun, your skin increases melanin production to protect itself. However, excess melanin results in a tanned skin among other problems such as itchiness, sunburn and rashes.

Hence, pull up your socks against these unwanted skin issues as we at Leal bring to you 9 skincare hacks to beat the heat.

1. Use facewash to remove any excess oil

In summer, oily skin can attract more oil and a face wash would be the best solution for such skin types to deep cleanse and remove all dirt. As for dry skin types, a non-foaming, alcohol-free and pH balance cleanser should do the trick.

2. Switch to a lightweight moisturiser

Lightweight moisturizers which are less creamy help the skin to stay hydrated without stickiness or greasiness and will keep your skin hydrated & soothe any dryness, irritation or burns.

3. Wear your sunscreen

Apart from giving you a strong tan, the sun’s UV-A and UV-B rays can cause premature aging, wrinkles and fine lines. Hence, a SPF 30-50 sunscreen is important to apply for the summer months for all skin types, even when you stay indoors. Apply it 15-30 mins before stepping outside and it must be reapplied every 2 hours.

4. Change your clothes soon after exercise and wash them

Staying in sweaty or wet clothes for a long time gives rise to a bacteria-friendly microenvironment leading to skin rashes or folliculitis (the skin follicles get infected causing inflammation and red pimples). Hence, in order to prevent such conditions, you must change and wash your clothes after a sweaty physical activity.

5. Bathe twice a day

A cold shower before hitting the bed at night not only maintains hygiene but also removes all sorts of dirt and sweat you collect during daytime and it also prevents rashes on your body.

6. Exfoliate For Healthy Skin

Any excess dirt or oil can be removed from the skin with a scrub which is to be used at least twice a week. While using the scrub more than the prescribed routine may cause skin irritation and breakouts, it is important for the scrub to suit your skin type and it should be massaged gently in a clockwise motion. Do not forget to do the same to your lips and neck also.

7. Use anti-oxidant products for better results

Antioxidants especially serums work really well to hydrate your skin apart from defending it from environmental damage, boosting collagen and removing any radical that may cause skin damage. A proper diet of fruits and vegetables enriched with Vitamin C such as citrus, green leaves and tea also acts as a booster for summer skincare.

8. Increase water and fruit juice intake

You should consume up to 2-3 liters per day during such time as it is important for you to stay hydrated. Alternatives such as coconut water, watermelons, buttermilk, yogurt and fresh juices can be incorporated in your diet to help boost immunity and detoxify the body.

9. Wear comfortable and loose clothes

During summer, you should wear light and loose cotton clothing. Tight fitting, synthetic garments should be avoided as they can cause sweating which in turn makes the skin itchy, irritated and can cause infections.

Hence, these steps are enough to make sure that your skin gets adjusted to the weather dynamics and retain its natural balance and good health. Make sure to follow a regular skincare routine, eat healthy, and resort to natural plant-based remedies and voila, you get nothing but glowing skin.

Here are few recommendations by Leal to keep your skin fresh & glowing this summer:

Hawaiian Affair Citrus Whipped Soap:  A creamy-textured and pH- balanced soap loaded with shea butter & lemon essential oil, it gently cleanses all types of skin without stripping off its natural oils and eliminates all dirt and sweat for all.

Ethereal Face Oil Elixir: A brightening, light-weight face oil elixir bottled with anti-oxidant rich oils that keeps your skin nourished and prevents any skin damage.

Tropical Escape Green Tea Lemon Sugar Scrub: Enriched with pure green tea extract & fresh lemon essential oil, our whipped sugar scrub not only ensures proper toning for your skin but also helps with tan removal and proper exfoliation and cleansing.

Avocado Body Yogurt: Lightweight but power-packed, our avocado body yogurt will provide you with instant moisturization and improving skin texture without leaving any greasiness unlike other regular moisturizers.