SUMMER SKINCARE ESSENTIALS
Maintaining your skin’s health in this scorching heat can be difficult. Dermatologist, Dr Kiran Lohia, shares how to deal with various summer skin woes.
Now that the heat is unbearable and the sweat is pouring down your face, it can feel impossible to get flawless complexion again. Your frustrating uneven tan plagues you and your pores feel like they are more obstructed than ever. But what’s the cause and how do you get rid of it? Read on to get the real deal on summer skin problems and how to treat them.
Clogged Pores and Zits
The summer heat, excessive sweating and humidity obstruct your pores and cause stubborn whiteheads and blackheads. This further makes the pores look bigger than they really are. But it doesn’t stop there! These unsightly bumps can even turn into pesky zits. Here is what you can do to keep this problem at bay.
Firstly, remember that your skincare regimen should change with the season. In summers, use a face cleanser which contains salicylic acid, this acid cleanses within the pores, thereby removing all dirt, grime, oil and dead cells.
Second, look for products that are non-comedogenic, such products don’t have ingredients that clog your pores.
Finally, consult your dermatologist who will prescribe you the right treatment for these pesky zits.
Tanning
Do you notice your skin is duller and significantly darker than usual? Sun becomes stronger in summers and due to excessive exposure to it results in tanning of the complexion. The UVB rays damage the skin cells, thereby resulting in an inflammatory response. This response leads in the stimulation of pigment producing cells known as melanocytes to make melanin, thus leaving you tanned. However this is preventable and here is a bit of TLC that you need to take.
The most important factor is using your sunblock properly. Look for sunscreens with at least SPF 30 and PA++ for optimal protection. And, remember to use it generously. Think of your sunblock as a barrier – if you don’t use at least 2 tablespoons for your face, you are not getting a proper barrier from the sun. Apply it irrespective of whether you are indoors or outdoors. The sun can penetrate through windows also, so just because you are inside or in your car does not mean you are safe. Wear your sunscreen three times a day without fail.
Another way of treating the tan is InstaGlow facial. At Lumiere Dermatology, we have innovated this amazing facial, which uses oxygen in two different ways and together with the diamond microdermabrasion removes the tanned layer of the skin. Thus removing the exterior damage to reveal a complexion that is brighter and fresh.
About the procedure:
In InstaGlow, we first oxygenate the face with a topical solution that starts bubbling on application. The bubbles trap oxygen delivering it into the epidermis. A gentle tingling is felt while the skin is being oxygenated.
Then the dead cells are gently exfoliated from the entire face and also from the under eye area cells. In the end, we apply an occlusive mask that delivers an enormous amount of oxygen to the skin over 10-15 minutes. This oxygen peel oxygenates while delving deep into the skin, reducing the damaged cells and the effects caused by pollution. You walk out looking younger, brighter and fresher, and any tan is instantly removed! Its result can last up to 4 weeks, although proper sun protection is a must to prevent further tanning and damage.
Dr Kiran lohia is a NY dermatologist and medical director of Lumiere Dermatology.
