SKIN PROTECTION

MAKE YOUR SKIN SUMMER PROOF
The summer months can wreck havoc on your skin. Pimples, blemishes, dull and dry skin, patchy complexion and increase in fine lines are some of the problems you are likely to face. Here are a few handy tips to help you keep these troubles away: Cleanse your skin properly Keeping your skin squeaky clean is extremely important. Wash your face 4-5 times a day with cold water and a soap-free cleanser. This removes the build-up of sweat, dust and make-up from your skin and keeps the pores clean. Exfoliate and get regular facials Since facing the sun cannot be avoided, exfoliate twice a week and get a facial every fortnight to maintain healthy and balanced skin. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, tones and adds a glow to your face. A facial provides thorough cleansing and toning, prevents excessive darkening and helps in delaying ageing and the onset of wrinkles. Drink enough water Your body tends to lose a lot of water in the heat due to excessive perspiration. So ensure you drink plenty of water in the summer. Moisturise Your skin loses its natural moisture in summer. Hence, you must use a moisturizer daily irrespective of your skin type. Apply it on duly cleansed skin before going to bed at night, so that your skin regains the moisture it has lost during the day. Wear a sunscreen Exposure to the sun's harmful UV rays may cause sun burn, tan, rashes and pigmentation, not to mention the possibility of skin cancer. Thus, you must wear sunscreen always, to protect your skin from these harmful effects. Remember that your skin is unique and different from others. So you must take care to buy skin care products that suit your skin type and offer maximum protection from the sun in the summer months.
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM HOLI COLORS
Holi is that festival on which we all usually let our hair (and our guards) down. But in the process of having fun, we end up damaging our skin and hair. How can you have fun and yet take care of yourself? Here’s how! 1. Before the festival of colors begins, cover all exposed parts of your body with mustard oil and let your skin absorb it for 15 minutes. Then apply waterproof sunscreen. 2. Vaseline can be used on those hard-to-reach parts such as between your toes and under your nails. This will protect your skin from harsh colors and keep it hydrated. 3. For your hair, again oil is your best bet. Massage it in generously and protect it from the excessive dryness Holi colors bring with them. 4. After playing Holi, shampoo your hair and don’t forget to condition it. You might want to oil it again the following day if it is too dry. 5. Holi colors can be stubborn and cling to your skin. To remove them safely, use a mild soap with water, and do not rub too vigorously. Use cleanser and finally top it up with moisturizer to keep your skin soft.
SHAHNAZ HUSAIN RECOMMENDS THESE HOMEMADE CLEANSERS...
Renowned beauty expert Shahnaz Husain shares her ideas on how to keep your face spotless and sparkling by using these natural ingredients from your kitchen: Facial Cleansing: 1. Almonds (Badaam): Pour hot water on the almonds and allow them to soak till the skin comes off. Dry them and grind them into a powder. Keep this in a jar. Daily add a little milk to some of the powder and use the paste to cleanse the face by rubbing the skin gently with it. Almond powder can also be added to face packs. 2. Lemon: Lemon is a natural cleanser. If your hair is oily, add the juice of one lemon to the last mug of water and use it as a last rinse. 3. Cabbage: Cabbage is rich in vitamins and minerals. Boil cabbage in enough water. Cool the liquid and use it to wash the face. Hands: A mixture of sugar and lemon juice can be rubbed on the hands to soften the skin and cleanse it. Elbows And Knees: Lemon: Take two lemon halves and rub them on the elbows and knees. It cleanses the skin and lightens skin colour over a period of time. However, this remedy should NOT be used on facial skin. Gums: Baking powder: Take a little baking powder and rub on the teeth. This helps to whiten and cleanse the gums. Do you prefer using home remedies to readymade products for cleansing your skin? Express your views
SUNSCREENS - YOUR PROTECTIVE SUMMER UMBRELLA
Excessive sun-exposure can lead to loss of moisture from the skin, dark patches and even premature aging. The skin needs physical protection against harmful rays which is provided by sunscreens. A few tips on buying and using sunscreen lotions: • A good sunscreen should provide protection against the sun's UVA and UVB rays. • Check the SPF or Sun Protection Factor on the label. This is denoted by a number and is related to duration of sun-exposure. If your skin is more sensitive, choose a sunscreen with SPF of 20 and above. • Apply the sunscreen about 20 minutes before sun-exposure. This gives the skin time to absorb it. • Carry your sunscreen while holidaying by the sea or in the hills. Reflective surfaces, like water and snow actually increase the effects of UV radiation. • Reapply sunscreen if you stay in the sun for a long time. It's a good idea to carry one in your handbag. • Rubbing a mix of papaya, cream and sugar into the skin before your bath is also said to remove skin tan. • Juice of ripe tomatoes when applied over tanned body parts helps in getting rid of the tan!
TO AVOID A SUN TAN
To avoid tan and an oily face during summers avoid being under the harsh rays of direct sunlight as much as possible. It would also help to use a good sunscreen on your face with SPF (sun protection factor) ranging from 20 to 40. If your job demands that you remain outdoors for a major portion of the day, reapply sun tan half way through the day (but do wash away the grime that would have settled on your skin before reapplication). Avoid usage of an oily cream on your face, as more than doing good it could be harmful. Avoid creams especially during the nights since it clogs the pores.
THE IDEAL SUNSCREEN FOR INDIAN SKIN…
For Indian skin, the most relevant measure of sun protection is not SPF but TPI or Tan protection Index, which measures the effect of tanning caused by UVA / UVB rays. The TPI is therefore a measure of Tan protection when evaluated against unprotected skin. • It should be 100 per cent oil free. • It should maintain the skin’s natural balance. • It should provide the optimum protection from tanning due to UVA rays and adequate protection from sunburn caused by UVB rays. It should have a TPI measure of 42.