The heat. The sweat. The scorching sun. Do you find your skin bearing the brunt of the summer? Does it look tanned and worn out? Here are some tips to keep your skin glowing this season.

Block the sun

Keep your tube of sunscreen handy. Sunlight has damaging UVA and UVB rays. While UVA causes tanning and rashes, UVB causes sunburn. Protection against both of these is necessary to avoid skin damage. So choose and apply sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB. SPF (sun protection factor) is only a parameter to judge effectiveness of a sunscreen against UVB. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB, rather than only relying on SPF. Any broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 and above is fine. Apply liberally on all exposed areas including face, lips, ears, hands, and neck at least 15-30 minutes before going out in the sun. Reapply it every three-four hours if you are constantly in the sun.

Even your kids need sun protection, especially during their summer holiday, which means only playtime. From swimming to cricket, they are constantly in the sun. Apply sunscreen on children above two years to avoid sun-induced tanning and skin damage. Be sure to reapply after swimming or sports.

Dress code

Wear light-coloured, loose cotton clothing. Not only is it more comfortable, they also allow the skin to breathe.

Hygiene hows

Infections are common in summer due to humidity and sweat. Fungal infection in the groin is common, followed by furuncles or boils. Treat them early by appropriate medical advice whenever necessary to prevent them from becoming chronic. Also maintain good personal hygiene by bathing daily with soap.

Readdress routines

In summer, it is essential to reassess your skin-care regimen because your skin tends to become sweaty and oily, leading to pimples and rashes. Use a mild daily cleanser twice a day and remember to moisturise your skin to replenish the water lost due to sweat and dehydration even if your skin doesn’t look dry.

Ditch cold creams and switch to water-based moisturising lotions. Don’t exfoliate your skin more than once a week. You can consider using steam to clear blocked pores once a fortnight for glowing and healthy skin but be sure to close the pores with a pack or ice cubes.

Make-up must

Smudged make-up is the biggest bane of summer. Moreover, excessive cosmetics can block pores causing rashes and acne-like eruptions. It is important to use cosmetics only when needed this season since it is essential to let your skin breathe. Use your foundation sparingly. Don’t forget to use sunscreen before your make-up base if you are going to be in the sun. Use smear-resistant kohl, eyeliner and eye-shadows. Stick to natural light shades for your facial cosmetics. If you like a bold, bright, summer look you can play around with bright nail polish. Use sun-protective lipsticks to prevent lips from tanning.

Feet first

Summertime for many means smelly feet and fungal infections. Keep your feet clean and dry. Wash them at least twice daily and apply moisturiser to keep them smooth. Wear open footwear and if you have to wear covered shoes, dab talcum powder before wearing them. Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes two days in a row. Go for a manicure and pedicure.

Tress talk

Humidity and sweat attract a lot of dust to your hair making it dirty and lacklustre. Shampoo your hair at least twice a week and use a conditioner after shampooing. Avoid hair gels as they make hair sticky and messy. If one has to be in the sun with open hair, use UV-protective hair sprays.

Banish B..

Excessive sweat is decomposed by skin-surface bacteria, giving rise to body odour. This is especially common in the underarm area. To avoid this, shave your underarms every day, cleanse with soap and apply talcum powder twice daily. Also use deodorants that not only neutralise bad odour but also reduce local bacterial concentration.

Sip 'n' bite

•Your body weight is 50-55 per cent water so replenish fluids that are lost due to sweating by drinking six to eight eight-ounce glasses of water a day.

•Avoid heavy, fried foods.

•Eat small, frequent meals.

•Include citrus fruits and melons in your diet.

•Avoid caffeine and alcoholic drinks.

Sachin Varma is consultant dermatologist, Apollo Gleneagles Calcutta.
Reach him at t2@abpmail.com