Keep the sun at bay

BANGALORE: Are you constantly worried about the scorching sun getting in the way of your perfect look for the summer season?For dry skin:If you are prone to dry skin, the summer only contributes to the problem in different ways.* Start your day with a soap-free face wash instead of soap. Soaps tend to disturb the normal pH balance, thereby drying out skin even more. Look for natural ingredients like Aloe Vera and Neem in your face wash.* Avoid using harsh peels, masks, and alcohol-based toners or astringents, all of which can strip essential oil from your skin. Instead, opt for an alcohol-free toner or gentle cleansing milk. Look for Citrus Lemon and Mint in your products as it cleanses your skin and makes it more receptive to moisturising.* Moisturise twice a day using an intensive moisturiser. Moisturisers enriched with Cocoa Butter and Wheatgerm are easily absorbed by the skin and helps retain the moisture.* Before applying foundation/concealer, make sure you apply an intensive moisturising lotion. You could also mix your moisturiser with the foundation and apply. Use creamy, water-in-oil emulsions with natural ingredients like Aloe Vera and Cocoa Butter as they moisturise and hydrate the skin and restore its vitality. * Use a mild soap while taking a shower. Soaps enriched with Cucumber, Almond, Cream and Honey are good as these ingredients moisturise and hydrate skin. Do not be harsh while you scrub as it may lead to dryness and irritation.* Exposure to sun only aggravates the problem and dries your skin out even more. Your personal care routine should include a sunscreen, especially one that combines a good moisturiser and an SPF15 broad spectrum sunblock cream.* A fruit pack is a good choice for you because it does not dry the skin out. Papaya and Apple are excellent ingredients to find in your face pack. Keep a face pack for about 15 minutes on your face. Rinse with water and pat dry.* Don’t forget your feet. Keep your feet moisturised by applying a foot cream. Look for ingredients like Honey and Turmeric which not only sloughs away dead cells but also softens skin, keeping cracked heels at bay!Chandrika Mahendra, Senior Research Scientist,The Himalaya Drug Company.