Youth Incorporated Magazine

There are a number of things you do out of habit that could actually be harming your skin. Pallavi Borkar brings to you a list of skin care blunders you should avoid this summer

Taking multiple showers
Yes it’s hot and yes you are sweating but having too many showers can lead to a dry epidermis making you look like a prune. Stick to one or two showers at most and moisturise right after. Also, hydrate internally by drinking lots of water.

Taking hot showers
While hot showers may help soothe nerves and knots, it is a strict no-no in the summer. Hot water strips the skin of its natural moisture content leaving it feeling itchy. Luke warm water or water of room temperature is a much better way to go.

Scrubbing and/or exfoliating
The purpose of scrubbing and exfoliating is to remove dead skin cells and acne. But your skin is extra sensitive due to the summer heat and overdoing either of these can lead to excessive pigmentation making your skin feel raw and look blotchy.

Moisturising rituals
Don’t go overboard trying to keep your skin soft and supple. While heavy creams are good for the winters, they can block your skin in the summer prohibiting it from absorbing moisture and trapping dirt and dead skin cells. A mild night cream or something with vitamin C should do the trick!

Using too many products
Refrain from using a bunch of different skincare/makeup products. The more layers you apply, the more trapped your pores become. Stick to two to three quality products and use them consistently so that your skin can get used to them.

Sunbathing
Bad idea! The Indian sun is harsh and sunbathing in the summer is as good as inviting sunburns and cancer from UV exposure. Avoid tanning beds as well. If you must, go for tanning creams or tanning mists.

Sleeping with your makeup on
Failing to remove your makeup at the end of your day is never recommended but is especially damaging in the summer. For skin to stay healthy, it needs to successfully regenerate during the night. If you sleep with your makeup on, the chemicals and agents restrict this from happening.

Volume 4 Issue 10