Even in the scorching heat, girls and women in the city are queuing up outside beauty salons to get their skin treated for several ailments.

Acne, rashes, red patches, pigmentation and tan are some of the most common skin problems face during summer.

Alka Ranjan, the VLCC manager in Patna, said: “Skin tanning and pimples are the most common problems girls face during summer. Those having dry skin are more prone to tan, as they are very sensitive while those having oily skin are prone to acne and pimples.”

Beauticians suggested that taking up skin treatment is not the only solution for skin problems.

“Always avoid stepping out in the sun between 11am and 3pm, as the sun rays are strongest during that time and penetrate deep inside the skin,” Ranjan said.

Regular beauty regime, including anti-tan facial, skin treatment, spa and cleansing, can definitely help protect the skin. “It is important to use a toner that can keep the pores closed and the skin cool. It is also important to choose the right brand of cosmetics. Rose water can also be used as it is a natural toner,” Alka said.

That sunscreen helps protect the skin from the sun’s ultra-violet rays for hours is a myth, say beauticians. Pooja Sinha, centre manager of Schwarzkopf Professional, said: “It is important to apply a sunscreen with sun protection factor 30 because it helps protect the skin from sunrays for 30 minutes. To stay well protected, it is necessary to reapply the sunscreen,” Sinha said.

Apart from tanning, rashes and boils are also few common problems during summer. City-based dermatologist Shashikant Tripathi said: “Sweat rash mainly occurs in hot and humid conditions. Boils generally happen due to skin infections. Though sweating is natural during summer, regular bath can help avoiding multiple boils.”

Some of the skin boils are harmless and vanish in a week’s time but few others cause pain and irritation, Tripathi added. “One can get rid of tanning by applying sunscreen and moisturiser on a daily basis. In case the tanning is severe, it would remain for 4-5 months. People with serious tanning problems should take de-pigmentation agents that will help lighten the colour of the skin,” he said.

Home-made tips, too, are not a bad option to avoid the summer skin problems. Homemaker Sushmita Sinha is worried about her daughter’s skin.

“The scorching sunrays affect the skin during the summer. I asked my mother for some natural and chemical-free skin treatment. She advised me to apply an ice-cube wrapped in a soft cloth or tissue on the skin for 10 minutes before and after the exposure in the sun,” Sushmita said.