Connector July 2024

CONNECTOR.AE 36 CONNECTOR.AE 37 Health and Wellness Health and Wellness How To Take Care Of Your Skin For Summer As summer approaches, prioritising hydration for your body is crucial, but don’t forget about your skin’s health. Excessive heat and harmful UV rays can tan your skin and compromise its barrier, leading to issues like fine lines, pigmentation, and uneven tone. However, you don’t need to worry, as Connector spoke with skincare experts to guide you on essential summer skincare practices and must-dos to maintain healthy skin. Follow A Healthy Diet Maintaining a healthy diet is crucial for naturally glowing skin in the summer months, alongside a solid skincare routine. What you eat and how much water you drink directly impact your skin’s appearance. Adequate hydration and a balanced diet rich in fruit and vegetables, particularly those high in antioxidants, are essential for skin health. Mukta Purain, Founder of MissPalettable. com, emphasises the importance of these factors for achieving radiant skin during the summer season, and says, “Hydration and diet are crucial for summer skin health. Drinking at least two litres of water daily, with added electrolytes when outdoors, keeps skin hydrated and resilient against sun exposure. Water flushes toxins, benefiting acne-prone skin. Opt for lighter, fresh foods like berries, citrus, tomatoes, cucumbers, and watermelon rich in antioxidants to protect and hydrate from within during the summer heat.” “Exfoliation is crucial for maintaining healthy, radiant skin, especially during the summer when heat, humidity, and increased exposure to the sun can lead to clogged pores and dull skin. Exfoliate once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores. Opt for a gentle exfoliator, such as a mild scrub or a chemical exfoliant with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs). Exfoliate in the evening to avoid immediate sun exposure, as freshly exfoliated skin can be more sensitive to UV rays. Exfoliate using products depending on your skin type. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, BHAs like salicylic acid are effective for penetrating and cleaning out pores, making them ideal for oily or acne-prone skin. If your skin is dry or sensitive, AHAs like lactic acid are milder and can provide hydration while exfoliating.” Dr Ruhil Badiani, Family Physician at Cornerstone Clinic suggests that for cleansing one should start with a mild cleanser to eliminate sweat, excess oil, and impurities. Opt for a foaming or gel-based cleanser that effectively cleanses without compromising the skin’s natural moisture barrier. For exfoliation, Dr Ruhil Badiani at Cornerstone Clinic adds, “Exfoliation is essential for summer skincare, aiding in the removal of dead skin cells, unclogging Highlighting the importance of omega-3 fatty acids, Dr Parul Thakur, Co-Founder of Athena Dermatology, adds “Omega-3 fatty acids found in foods such as fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts help maintain the strength and hydration of skin cell membranes. To prevent acne, especially more common in summer due to heat and humidity, it’s crucial to limit excess sugar and processed foods, which can clog pores. Opt for hydrating foods like cucumbers, melons, and celery to support overall hydration levels in the body.” Cleanse, Hydrate And Exfoliate During summer, focus on a basic skincare routine. Keep it simple, cleanse thoroughly, hydrate with a toner and serum, and always apply sunscreen for protection. These essential steps will help maintain your skin’s natural oils and health. Mukta Purain of MissPalettable. com adds, “When adjusting your summer skincare routine, consider sun exposure, increased sweat and oil production, and dehydration. Begin by cleansing thoroughly to remove sweat and oil build-up. Follow with a hydrating toner to replenish moisture and balance pH levels. Incorporate a hydrating serum like Hyaluronic Acid and choose lightweight, gel-based for oily skin or water-based moisturisers for dry skin.” Dr Ankita Tuknayat, Specialist Dermatology, Aster Clinic, Sheikh Zayed Road, says,

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