Skin Dip

• Why should water be my biggest ally?
Why not? It’s cheap, it’s readily available and it’s very, very versatile, to the extent of incorporating itself into the daily CTM (cleanse-tone-moisturise) routine most of us follow, says Dr SC Bharija, senior consultant in dermatology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi.

CLEANSING
Splash water on your face as many times a day as you can. Mineral water is preferred, but tap water will do at a pinch. ‘‘You can do this up to 20 times a day as long as you don’t use very hot or very cold water, which can cause fine vein-like lines to appear,” says Dr Bharija.

Boil water in a large pan, wrap a towel around your head and the pan and steam your face—for 5 minutes if it’s dry, and 10 minutes if it’s oily. This loosens dirt in the pores and cleans the skin.

TONING
Spray just-cleaned face with rose water or cucumber juice for instant freshness. Alternatively, rub an ice-cube all over the face. If you have oily skin, you may need an astringent.

MOISTURISING
Pat the face dry with facial tissue, and dab on moisturiser while the skin is still damp. Moisturising is the most important part of daily skin care and it doesn’t stop at the face.

‘‘In winter, the skin’s natural oils solidify, whereas in summer, they flow freely. So a light all-over moisturiser is essential to keep the skin hydrated,’’ says Dr Bharija. ‘‘Slather on sunscreen half-an-hour before stepping into the sun. And use a good moisturiser before going to bed.’’

• Are there any special-attention zones?
The extremities—the hands and the feet—are most on display during summer in sleeveless tops and strappy sandals, and there’s nothing more repulsive than cracked, dirty heels or unkempt hands. Again, water comes to the rescue. ‘‘Soak the hands and feet in warm, soapy water. To max benefits, add a pinch of salt. In addition to softening dry, dead skin preparatory to removal, it gets rid of fatigue,’’ says Dr Bharija. ‘‘After 15-20 minutes, remove from water, pat dry with a soft towel and massage in moisturiser.’’

Don’t forget the hand/ foot cream routine at night either—the hands and feet have no oil glands and need all the help they can get.

• What about my hair?
First, dismiss the notion that daily washes are bad. Clean hair is healthy hair, says Dr Bharija.

‘‘Hair collects more dirt in summer, and washing it regularly—up to three times a week or more—is necessary. But be wary of over shampooing. Use small quantities of a mild, herbal shampoo.’’

Other tips: Use a conditioner, and give your head a cold rinse before stepping out of the shower to lock in the shine.

• And what about—eeks—BO?
Water makes a better spray than strong colognes because some cosmetics (read chemicals) block the natural and necessary process of perspiration. Try using flower water as a deo twice or thrice a day, top it up with a few drops of a fave congruent perfume (try Kenzo’s Flower with rose water) for an evening in or out.

Earlier in the day, use a spray deo immediately after your bath, on semi-damp skin.