With the heat wave taking its toll, it is very important to follow a strict summer grooming routine to ensure healthy hair and skin. Dr Madhuri Agarwal, Founder & Medical Director, Yavana Aesthetics, tells us about must-follow summer grooming routines.
Grooming routines are essential during the summer to manage sweat and oil, protect against sun damage, maintain hydration, care for your hair and feet, prepare for outdoor activities, and enhance self-confidence and well-being. By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can look and feel your best throughout the summer months.
Here’s the excerpt from the interview:
Grooming routine for maximum benefits:
- Switch from heavy, creamy, thick textured products to lighter, lotion or gel-based formulations. Change to a high potency sunscreen and add body sunscreens, too.
- Incorporate multi-tasking products that are easier to use and do not give a layered, clogged feel in summer.
- Short hairstyles and beards are comfortable to manage in summer.
Factors to keep in mind before switching up the routine:
- The choice of summer products will depend on whether the skin type is oily, combination, dry, or sensitive.
- For skin allergies, choose products that are safe for your skin type and will not cause reactivity. When in doubt, do a patch test on the side of the neck.
- Lifestyle plays a crucial role in your grooming routine. Consider the exposure to sun, pollution, and other environmental exposures.
Must-do changes for summers?
- Changing to foamy, oil control face cleansers.
- Add a chemical exfoliant containing AHA or BHA for decongesting the pores.
- Use a non-comedogenic, oil-free moisturiser.
- Swap to a higher SPF and PA factor sunscreens and try to reapply the sunscreen when outdoors.
- Apply lip balm with sun protection as lips also darken due to sun exposure.
- Invest in good cotton clothes as they are breathable fabrics.
- The diet should be high in fluid content – fruits like melons, green veggies, juices, coconut water, and chia water are good choices for the heat. At the same time, avoid spicy and processed foods. These changes will help you regulate sweat and other gland secretions.
- Do not self-medicate. If you are facing a skin problem that is not healing by itself and you are in doubt, consult a dermatologist.
Non-negotiable steps for men:
- Cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen.
- Add multipurpose products as they give various skin benefits in a single product.
- Use a cleanser containing AHA/BHA that will work as a mild exfoliant and cleanse the skin.
- Add sunscreen with antioxidant ingredients like vitamin C in the daytime and apply a moisturiser with ceramides at night to hydrate the skin.
Skin Treatments during summers:
Tanning and acne are common problems in the summer.
- Treatments such as chemical peels and carbon peels help to tackle these issues.
- Medifacials such as Aqua Revive and dermal infusion cool the skin and clear the congestion.
- Laser hair reduction is another treatment good for summer to tackle body hair.
- Botox for excessive sweating helps to ease sweat irritation and body odour.