COOL FORHOT TIPS MEN!

T he sun can cause damage in ways we can’t even imagine. And summer skin care is not just for women; men too should take it seriously. Though your skin requires care and protection all throughout the year, the need is more during summers. Harmful UV rays can penetrate your skin and cause not just tanning but serious problems such as wrinkles, ageing, and cancer, in worst cases. And there are plenty of products available for men to get started with the skin care regime. Since men’s skin is different than women’s, it is necessary to look for the one’s especially made for men (so, no more stealing your sister’s, wife’s or mother’s face wash or creams).

To make it easier for our male readers, Dr Blossom Kochhar, from Blossom Kochhar, and Jay Kishan Pawar, from Truefitt & Hill, share simple tips for skin care during summer.

WASH YOUR FACE

Our skin undergoes changes all throughout the year. In fact, it changes every three months. And hence, skin care should not be restricted only for summers. But it becomes important during the sunny days, because heat and humidity causes a lot of damage to the skin. Cleaning your face properly is crucial as a man’s skin is oilier than a woman’s skin. A good face wash or cleanser is very significant for a man’s daily skincare regimen, as it is necessary to get rid of all the pores, excessive oil and dirt during the summer season. If you have oily skin, rinse your face at the interval of 2-3 hours a day, and just dab your face post-wash, do not forcibly dry your skin. If you have dry skin, moisturise as soon as you are done with the face wash. As our face has sensitive skin compared to the rest of the body, do not wash your face with soaps. Using soap messes with the PH balance of your skin, which makes it look wrinkled and dull and can damage your skin.

EXFOLIATE

Natural glow during summers for men can only be maintained when the old dead skin cells are removed and the younger skin cells are nourished thoroughly. Therefore, it is very essential for men to go in for deep exfoliation once a week. Though scrubbing is good for oily skin, but it should be done with care, as frequent scrubbing can rid your face of natural oils, making it drier. So care must be taken while exfoliating or scrubbing, as excess can causes skin damage. Do not scrub often, rather use a daily facial skin cleanser. Using harsh scrubs can result in redness, marks and irritation and make your skin vulnerable to more harm. It is necessary to know your skin type as oily skin have the tendency to bear more exfoliation than dry or sensitive skin.

USE A GOOD SUNSCREEN

Before heading outdoors in the piercing heat, application of a sunscreen is indispensable. For men who have dry skin, opt for moisturizer with SPF, as it gives the benefit of both, moisturiser and sun protect. Also, the number of SPF will depend on your skin profile and type of work. If you are on the field with continuous exposure to sun, opt for SPF 30 or higher. And if you are indoors, use SPF 15. Men should re apply the sunscreen every couple of hours in summers as it automatically wears off due to sweating. It is also important that the sunscreen be applied on all exposed areas and not just the face.

BODY WASH

As men have a great tendency to sweat in summer due to the outside temperature, an anti-bacterial body wash becomes a must. An effective body wash with a good aroma would do the needful.

BEARD CARE

A lot men these can be seen either with a beard or stubble. And since we sweat a lot during summer, beard becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. It can also cause breakouts in the beard, allergy and skin irritation. Hence it is mandatory to pat dry the beard and not let the sweat settle in or dry on its own. If the sweat is allowed to rest and air-dry, the salt that can be found in the sweat will leave a residue which in turn will cause several skin problems. Also, if you are someone who prefers the clean shaven look, try not to shave off too often in summer. Shaving often causes razor burns, cuts and ingrown hair and during summers the affect can be more irritating for your skin especially if you have dry skin.

Say no to too many showers: It’s natural to feel sweaty and tired in summers and a cold shower seems like a perfect solution to beat the heat, but showering too many times a day can leave your skin feeling irritated. Even though water is hydrating for your skin, it also has a drying effect and can irritate your skin. However, post every shower try and moisturise your skin.