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Journalism of Courage
IF SKIN is the most obvious evidence of wellness, the oldest skincare ingredient known to man comes only occasionally in a bottle. Drink it, bathe in it, splash it on, sweat it out, water is summer8217;s aide no. 1.
8226; How is summer harsh on the skin?
For perfectly PH-balanced skin, weather changes would have no impact. Unfortunately, most of us aren8217;t blessed with perfection or anything close. And summer, the harshest of seasons, is when our skin requires the most care. Exposure to the elements dries out the skin, or ups the sweat factor, the complexion becomes sallow, free floating pollutants clog pores and perspiration traps them in8212;all of which means the skin is screaming 8216;SOS!8217;
Why not? It8217;s cheap, it8217;s readily available and it8217;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. 8216;8216;You can do this up to 20 times a day as long as you don8217;t use very hot or very cold water, which can cause fine vein-like lines to appear,8221; says Dr Bharija.
Boil water in a large pan, wrap a towel around your head and the pan and steam your face8212;for 5 minutes if it8217;s dry, and 10 minutes if it8217;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 doesn8217;t stop at the face.
8216;8216;In winter, the skin8217;s natural oils solidify, whereas in summer, they flow freely. So a light all-over moisturiser is essential to keep the skin hydrated,8217;8217; says Dr Bharija. 8216;8216;Slather on sunscreen half-an-hour before stepping into the sun. And use a good moisturiser before going to bed.8217;8217;
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WATER BABY
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8226; Drink at least 15 glasses of liquids a day during summer, says nutritionist Dr Shikha Sharma. Bring in variety through fruit juices, nimbu paani, aampanna. Remember, aerated water, cold coffee and iced tea don8217;t count. Papaya and watermelon do. |
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8226; Are there any special-attention zones?
The extremities8212;the hands and the feet8212;are most on display during summer in sleeveless tops and strappy sandals, and there8217;s nothing more repulsive than cracked, dirty heels or unkempt hands. Again, water comes to the rescue. 8216;8216;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,8217;8217; says Dr Bharija. 8216;8216;After 15-20 minutes, remove from water, pat dry with a soft towel and massage in moisturiser.8217;8217;
Don8217;t forget the hand/ foot cream routine at night either8212;the hands and feet have no oil glands and need all the help they can get.
8226; What about my hair?
First, dismiss the notion that daily washes are bad. Clean hair is healthy hair, says Dr Bharija.
8216;8216;Hair collects more dirt in summer, and washing it regularly8212;up to three times a week or more8212;is necessary. But be wary of over shampooing. Use small quantities of a mild, herbal shampoo.8217;8217;
Other tips: Use a conditioner, and give your head a cold rinse before stepping out of the shower to lock in the shine.
8226; And what about8212;eeks8212;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 Kenzo8217;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.
