summer skin care

Top 10 – Skincare tips for the summer

1. Stay hydrated. Your body tends to lose a lot of moisture in the summer, so it’s important to regularly replenish the H2O. Drink a lot of water and liquids and your skin will stay soft and moisturised as well.

2. Sun protection. If you can, try and stay indoors between 11am and 3pm. That’s when the sun’s rays are the strongest and can have an adverse effect on your skin. Also, don’t forget to apply that all-important sunscreen 30 minutes before you step out. If you’ve been out in the sun for a few hours, touch it up again so you’re well protected.

What should you look for when shopping for a sunscreen? Find out. 

3. Use a toner. It’s important to keep your pores closed and skin cool by using a toner. Look for a brand that suits you or try rose water. Its natural cooling properties make it an excellent toner for the hot season.

4. Go for a water-based moisturiser. Don’t make the mistake of skipping the moisturising routine altogether as its essential for your skin to remain hydrated. However, if you find your regular moisturiser too oily, go for a water-based one.

5. Ditch those aerated drinks. Most people have the tendency to reach out for an ice cold aerated drink to quench their thirst on a really hot day. However, it’s important to remember that these drinks are full of sugar that is not good for your skin or your figure. Instead drink some water, fresh lime, fresh fruit juices, aam panna (green mango drink) or coconut water to stay hydrated. It’s also best to minimise the intake of diuretics like alcohol and caffeine as they reduce the water from your system.

6. Cleanse your face twice a day. At least! This is important to do even if you’ve been home all day and feel like your skin is clean. Cleansing and moisturising your skin before sleeping is an absolute must.

7. Exfoliate. More than the rest of the year, it’s really important to exfoliate your skin in the summer to remove dead skin and improve blood circulation to the face. Choose from any of the cosmetic scrubs available in the market or make one at home. Try this simple one using 4 to 5 tbsps of gram flour, a pinch of turmeric, 5 – 6 drops of rose water and milk or yoghurt. Mix it into a paste and use it to exfoliate your face. Follow it up with a facemask and moisturiser.

8. Don’t like your tan? Gram flour can also be used as a facemask to get rid of an uneven tan. Mix it with yoghurt and a few drops of lemon and apply and leave it on your face till it’s dry. The citrus properties of the lemon are very effective in removing the tan.

9. Get that warm, summer glow. Papaya is full of natural goodness and you can even use it as a homemade pack. Just mash 2 tbsp of papaya with a tsp of honey and 1 egg white. Leave the mixture on your face for about 15 minutes and enjoy the glow you get afterwards.

10. Cool your skin. Blending half a cucumber and 1 tbsp of yoghurt in the mixer can make another simple and effective homemade face pack. Apply this to your face for 15 minutes and feel completely pampered.

Bonus tip. Eat healthy, exercise and sleep well! The holy trinity of good health and glowing skin holds true for the whole year. So along with all the tips above, don’t forget to eat a balanced diet, work out for at least 45 minutes everyday and get 7 to 8 hours of sleep. Enjoy the summer!

winter skin care

1. Wash in Lukewarm Water

Hot showers and baths always feel good in the winter, but when you can, particularly when just washing your face or hands, choose lukewarm water to avoid stripping as many oils away from the skin.

2. Moisturize Immediately Afterwards

Your skin not only needs more moisture, but moisture right after you wash. Applying moisture to damp skin helps seal that dampness into the skin. Keep a bottle near the bathtub, shower stall, and at every sink and use liberally every time you wash.

3. Choose Moisturizer Carefully

Some over-the-counter moisturizers have petroleum-based ingredients that can actually further dry your skin in the winter months. Be sure to choose a smart formula that has natural, nourishing ingredients. Go for an oil-based rather than a water-based solution, as it’s more likely to help your skin retain moisture in the winter. Try Indie Lee’s natural moisturizing oils, as they’re made with natural, hydrating ingredients like lavender, chamomile, jojoba, and more, which help soothe dry, itchy skin.

4. Protect

Get used to wearing gloves and scarves to protect skin from cold winds, rain, and snow. Also, don’t forget the sunscreen. Winter sun can be just as damaging as summer sun, so apply a safe option like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to any exposed areas.

5. Humidify

Heating systems dry out the air, so consider installing a humidifier in your home, particularly in your bedroom, to put moisture back into the air and help prevent your skin from drying out.

6. Drink

We tend to drink less water in the winter because we turn to hot drinks like cocoa and tea, but don’t forget that your skin needs hydration from the inside, out. A little warm water with lemon can be very refreshing and hydrating at the same time.

7. Overnight Moisturize

Dryer areas like hands, feet, elbows, and knees have thin skin and tend to lose moisture faster than other areas on the body. Consider slathering on a deep moisturizing balm Skin Food by Weleda at night, then wear cotton gloves and socks to seal in the moisture until morning.

8. Exfoliate

We often forget to help the skin slough off dead cells in the winter, particularly on our hands. Yet moisture can’t get in if the dead cells are too plentiful. Find an exfoliating mask and use it on your face and your hands, as well as gently on your lips, then follow immediately with moisture to truly see a smoother difference. Exfoliating body washes are also helpful in the winter months.

9. Avoid Toxins, Specifically Allergens and Irritants

Particularly if you have eczema, dermatitis, or psoriasis, you have to avoid allergens and irritants that may trigger a flare up. Winter skin is more fragile, so avoid irritating fabrics (like wool) and chemical-laden detergents, and use mild cleansers and moisturizers designed for sensitive skin.

10. Hydrate From the Inside Out

Eating foods high in water content can help hydrate your skin from the inside out. Try watermelon, cantaloupe, apples, oranges, kiwi, and watery veggies like celery, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, and carrots. Make sure you’re getting enough vitamin C and zinc to support the healthy production of collagen and elastin. Also consider an omega-3 supplement, or consume more fatty fish and flaxseed to give your skin the building blocks it needs to appear supple and smooth.

11. Change Your Cleanser

Cleansers can be extremely drying to the skin. If you’re used to using options that contain glycolic or salicylic acid, rotate with a more hydrating version that contains moisturizing ingredients. Try like Suki Naturals Moisture-Rich Cleansing Lotion, or for really dry skin, try a cleansing balm like Ren No. 1 Purity Cleansing Balm. After cleansing, don’t leave the skin naked for more than 30 seconds, as this can dehydrate it, leading to increased dryness. Apply a hydrating toner and moisturizer to seal in moisture.

12. Use DIY Masks

Homemade hydrating masks can provide needed moisture in the winter months. Use natural moisturizing ingredients like honey, avocado, yogurt, olive and jojoba oils, almond oil, bananas, and aloe. Mix what you like together to create a cream or paste, and leave on skin for 10-30 minutes for lasting hydration.

spring skin care

spring skin care 

Exfoliate: If you haven't scrubbed those dead skin cells off your face all winter, it’s definitely time to 

start. You should be exfoliating two to three times per week. (How to Exfoliate)

You can exfoliate by using a washcloth or loofah, either of which can be purchased at any drugstore for a few dollars. If you want an easy DIY scrub recipe, mix up an easy concoction of sugar, salt, or oatmeal together with your face and body wash. If you have dry skin, add honey, olive oil or milk to your mix for a dose of lasting hydration. (More DIY Skin Care Recipes)

Drink Water: Despite years of thinking otherwise, we now know that drinking lots of water each day does not have an effect on your skin. (See Dr. Oz’s thoughts on water and skin.) But that doesn’t mean that drinking water isn’t good for your body. Drinking water can even aid in a reduction of the winter comfort food pounds that snuck up on you.

Aim for eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. An easy way to break it down is to drink an 8 ounce glass first thing in the morning, mid-morning, late afternoon, and before bed. Then, have a glass of water before each meal or snack. This will not only get you to your 8 glasses, it will help fill you up, causing you to eat less and potentially lose weight. You'll also likely see an increase in your energy levels and an improved mood, so get drinking.

Pay Attention to Your Feet: We’re guessing you have seriously neglected your feet over the winter. With feet bundled up constantly in thick socks and boots, who can blame you? With flip-flop season right around the corner though, it's time to give your feet some attention. (At-home pedicure instructions.)

Fill a foot basin or other container with six cups of warm or hot water and two cups of milk. The milk is a mild exfoliator and will also soothe your skin. Sit back, relax and soak for 5 to 10 minutes. This step will soften your skin, getting them ready for exfoliating.

After soaking, use a pumice stone (available at most drugstores or dollar stores) to remove dry, calloused skin from your feet. Focus especially on your heels, which often build up the thickest skin. Scrub gently with the stone for several minutes.

Last, apply a thick moisturizer to your feet. Use a moisturizer you already have on-hand or use an oil such as argan oil or coconut oil. Rub the moisturizer into your feet well and put on a pair of cotton socks to keep the moisture in.

Shave Smart: Along with not paying enough attention to your feet, we’d guess you didn’t shave as often in the winter as you do in the summer. After all, if you're all covered up anyway, why bother? But with spring and summer comes bare skin so it’s time to get to work.

Before you grab the razor, exfoliate your entire body to remove dead skin cells. You can easily make a body scrub at home by simply mixing two cups of coffee grounds (used), a half-cup of sugar, and a half-cup (or less) of olive oil. Using your hands, scrub from your neck down to your toes.

After you've finished shaving, apply moisturizer before you leave the humid bathroom. This will help seal the moisture into your skin and reduce the chance that you develop razor rash or shave bumps.

Protect Your Skin From the Sun: Though you may feel like spending as much time as possible in the sun after a long winter, keep in mind that those UV rays are doing serious damage to your skin. It's very easy to be sunburned in the spring, which also increases your odds for developing skin cancer later on in life. Sun also the number one cause of aging in skin. (Sun safety tips.)

Protecting your skin from sun damage is of the utmost importance. Remember, the more frequently you use sunscreen now, the better you'll look 10 years down the road. Apply sunscreen half an hour before you head outside. Reapply every 2 hours or less and sooner if you are sweating or in the water.

Bump Up Your Vitamins: One of the best things you can do for your skin is to increase your intake of antioxidants, which helps protect skin from free radicals. Free radicals are found in food, as well as tobacco smoke and polluted air. Free radicals cause skin damage and, over time, contribute to aging by destroying collagen. The less collagen you have, the more wrinkles you get. (5 top vitamins for healthy skin.)