With summer quickly approaching, you may want to reconsider the skin care products you use on a daily basis, particularly because some moisturisers and makeup products may be a little too heavy (not to mention greasy) for everyday use. From facial oils to retinol, here are seven things you can stop as summer begins:
1] Stop using facial oils- When the weather starts to warm up, it’s probably a safe idea to discontinue using oils in your skin care routine. The higher the temperature and humidity, the more oil your face produces. So I recommend you don’t use oils during summer time.
2] Give a rest to your facial scrub- Exfoliating facial scrubs with a grainy texture are harmful to your skin. And even more so in the summer. The abrasions caused by the scrub can cause burning and irritation especially in the summers due to excessive sweating.
3] Stop using thick moisturising facial masks – summer is an ideal time to replace heavy masks with chemical exfoliating masks. Exfoliating masks contain acids, which can be too harsh for drier winter skin. Speak to your dermatologist for a recommendation of a good exfoliating mask. If you do want to use a heavy moisture mask, you could still do so by using it only once a week at night.
4] Stop using a heavy oil based foundation- People with and without Acne-prone skin experience increased oil production when the weather warms up. Hence, Make certain that your makeup is light and non-comedogenic. Now is an ideal time to swap your oil based foundation for a mineral based foundation. Mineral makeup will not clog pores.
5] Give rest to your winter body moisturisers- Moisturiser is one of the most important measures in any skin care regimen because it keeps the skin moisturised, the skin baroodee intact and free from itchiness, especially in the winter. Thick winter moisturisers can be overwhelming for the skin in the summer, causing excessive sweating and can even clog pores on the body leading to boils. Thicker facial moisturisers should also be given a rest and you could move to moisture gels or thermal spring waters in the summer to avoid clogging pores and acne flare-ups.
6] Avoid greasy sunscreen- This is a tight rope walk. In the summers, you want a good sunscreen with good UVA and UVB protection factors, something that will not melt away with your sweat and yet not be greasy or visible! Some sunscreens can be quite heavy. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are two common ingredients that cause a white cast on the skin. Fortunately, those ingredients are now being reformulated into more mattifying versions that are ideal for oily skin types. Speak to your dermatologist to find the perfect non greasy sunscreen offering the highest sun protection.
7] Stop using creamy cleansers– While cream cleansers can be a great source of moisture for dry or sensitive skin, they aren’t always the best option in the summer. High temperatures cause more sweat, dead skin, and oil to accumulate on the surface of our skin, resulting in a dull, sallow complexion. To combat this, use cleansers containing glycolic acid, lactic acid, or salicylic acid. These ingredients can help exfoliate your skin gently and promote new collagen growth. To find out which of these acids are best suited to your skin, consult your dermatologist.
Conclusion- It is important that we take the best care in our skin throughout the year, and especially in the summer. Above, I have mentioned the 7 things that you must change in your skincare routine as the summer sets in. We must remember that there are many different skin types and all types respond differently to every weather. Although what I suggested here is a good general measure, it is always best to consult your dermatologist well before the summer sets in to formulate or tweak your summer skin care routine, so you’re ready to take on the summer and enjoy this beautiful, sunny, picnic weather without a care in your mind!
About the Author- Dr. Poorva Shah, M.B.B.S, M.D (Dermatology), is a distinguished and respectable name in the field of medical and cosmetic Dermatology (Skin, Hair & Nails). She has been running her private practice by the name of Derma Centre since 2012. Dr. Poorva Shah is a renowned Celebrity Cosmetic Dermatologist, having touched the lives of thousands of people from celebrities to many others, with her commitment to bringing the best of skincare to her patients, and changing their lives. Dr. Poorva makes use of the latest treatments and technologies to enhance her patients’ natural beauty, and make them confident in their own skin. She has been presented with the ‘Rising Star Scholarship Award’ at the 23rd World Congress of Dermatology held in Vancouver, Canada. Dr. Poorva is a member of several professional societies including the IADVL, ACSI, CDSI, IMA and Hair Research Society of India. Dr. Poorva is a faculty, and a consultant Dermatologist at Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune.