The heat can cause havoc on your skin.
Image: Pexels
As temperatures soar during the summer months, the intense heat can take a toll on your hair and skin.
Excessive sun exposure, humidity, and dehydration can lead to dryness, sunburn, frizz, and other issues.
However, with the right care and precautions, you can keep your hair and skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing even in the hottest weather.
Here’s a guide to help you navigate the challenges of extreme heat.
The sun’s UV rays are strongest during hot weather, making sun protection a top priority.
Use sunscreen daily: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, even if you’re indoors.
Reapply every two hours if you’re outdoors or after swimming or sweating.
Seek shade: Avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella for added protection.
Wear protective clothing: Opt for lightweight, long-sleeved clothing made from breathable fabrics like cotton to shield your skin from UV rays.
Hydration is key to maintaining healthy skin and hair in hot weather.
Drink plenty of water: Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water daily to keep your skin and scalp hydrated from within.
Eat water-rich foods: Incorporate fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumber, oranges, and strawberries into your diet for an extra hydration boost.
Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.
Image: Andrea Piacquadio / Pexels
Hot weather can strip your skin of its natural moisture, leading to dryness and irritation.
Use a lightweight moisturiser: Switch to a non-greasy, water-based moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated without clogging pores.
Apply Aloe Vera gel: Aloe Vera is a natural soothing agent that can help calm sunburned or irritated skin.
Avoid hot showers: Opt for lukewarm water to prevent further drying out your skin.
The sun, sweat, and humidity can leave your hair dry, frizzy, and prone to breakage.
Wear a hat or scarf: Protect your hair from direct sun exposure by wearing a hat or scarf.
This also helps prevent scalp sunburn.
Use UV-protectant hair products: Look for leave-in conditioners, serums, or sprays that contain UV filters to shield your hair from sun damage.
Limit heat styling: Avoid using hot tools like straighteners and curling irons, as they can further damage your hair in hot weather.
Wear a hat to protect your scalp.
Image: C'Pho Ngondo R.Rouge / Pexels
Humidity can wreak havoc on your hair, causing frizz and unmanageability.
Use anti-frizz products: Apply a smoothing serum or cream to tame frizz and keep your hair sleek.
Opt for protective hairstyles: Braids, buns, and ponytails can help keep your hair under control and minimise exposure to humidity.
Avoid overwashing: Washing your hair too often can strip it of natural oils, making it more prone to frizz.
Hot weather may require you to tweak your skincare routine to suit your skin’s changing needs.
Switch to gel-based cleansers: These are lighter and more refreshing than creamy cleansers.
Exfoliate gently: Use a mild exfoliator once a week to remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores.
Incorporate antioxidants: Vitamin C serums can help protect your skin from free radical damage caused by UV rays.
These delicate areas are often overlooked but need extra care in hot weather.
Use a lip balm with SPF: Protect your lips from sunburn and dryness with a lip balm that contains SPF.
Wear sunglasses: Shield your eyes and the surrounding skin from UV rays by wearing sunglasses with UV protection.
IOL Lifestyle
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