Home remedies for Skin and Hair during Summer

You should never ignore summer skincare, otherwise the effects of summer will stay with you for a long time. Acne breakouts, if not treated in time, can lead to scars on the face and body; hyperpigmentation can make the skin appear dark, and sunburn and exposure to the sun without protection can cause skin cancers and permanent damage to the skin.  The skin is a very delicate organ.It needs to be cherished, otherwise the signs of ageing will appear before time, and wrinkles and patches on the skin will make you look older and tired. Dr. Rinky Kapoor, Cosmetic Dermatologist and Dermato-Surgeon, The Aesthetic  Clinics, shares easy home remedies to take care of your common skin problems in Summer.

Home Remedies:

•         Make a paste of chickpea flour and rosewater and apply on skin. Leave for 15 minutes and wash with cold water to cool the skin.

•         Apply  yogurt on rashes

•         MultaniMitti or Fuller's Earth is excellent to absorb oil and remove impurities from the face. Mix with apple cider vinegar and apply on face.

•         Add a few drops of lavender oil in your bathing water to ease  heat rashes.

•         Do not buy products that contain alcohol

•         Apply cool milk and cucumber to the skin to treat sunburn.

          Prevention and Treatment for common skin and hair problems :

1. Prickly heat: (Ghamori)
2. Itchy rash in covered body parts due to blockage of sweat glands

Prevention and Treatment:

•        Keep cool with a fan or air-conditioning.

•        Wear loose cotton clothing.

•        Calamine lotion and prickly heat powders give relief.

          MultaniMitti, sandalwood or neem paste helps.

•         Drink enough water and avoid cold drinks

2) Pimples and oily skin:

Sebum and dirt block the pores causing pimples.

Prevention and treatment:

•         Wash face using an anti-acne face wash with salicylic acid, tea tree oil and neem.

•         Remove makeup thoroughly before bedtime.

•         Cut down on sugared and processed dairy food.

•         Oil blotting sheets and anti-acne masks like black mud face packs help.

3) Sun tan, sunburn, and pigmentation:

Strong sun exposure can cause redness, peeling, sunburn, and pigmentation.

Prevention and treatment:

•         Apply a broad spectrum UVA/B and C blocking water and sweat resistant sunscreen SPF 30 +.

•         Use umbrellas, long-sleeved cotton clothing, etc., for sun protection.

•         Oral antioxidants like Vitamin C will help.

4) Bacterial and fungal skin infections:

Bacterial infections like boils and fungal infections of the body folds are common.

Prevention and treatment:

•          Use loose clothes.

•          Take a shower with antibacterial soap.

•          Use anti-fungal powders in the body folds.

•          Treat all infected contacts.

6)        Unmanageable hair:

In the heat, hair becomes static, dry, brittle and frizzy, as the humidity and heat damage the cuticle (outer layer) of your hair. Your scalp tends to get stickier because of excessive sweating.

Prevention and treatment:

•         Wash your hair 2-3 times a week. Use a mild shampoo and conditioner. Use anti-dandruff shampoo once a week if you are prone to dandruff. Leave in conditioners seal in the moisture and protect the hair from the damaging effects of the sun and pollution.

•         Diluted Apple cider vinegar after shampooing can restore the shine.

•        Tie up the hair to avoid greasiness and make it manageable.

Follow the simple tips given above and you will be able to enjoy a summer friendly skin for a long time.  Remember to see your Dermatologist in time, if your problem persists.