Home » Health & Wellness  » Preventive measures »  Stay cool! Summer is here! Changing climates will make you automatically choose clothes suitable for the prevailing weather conditions. Similarly, you will have to adopt a whole new skin care regimen to protect yourself against the changing weather.

• Never ever forget your sunscreen. It is your single most effective protection against the harmful rays of the sun. Try and avoid going out when the sun is at its peak - which is between 11:00 am and 3:30 pm.
• Use a good, cool, menthol based cleanser which will help to open clogged pores
• Remember that the skin needs moisturisers more in winter rather than in summer, so keep the moisturiser to a minimum. This will help you tackle the seat problem.
• When the sun is so hot it is a temptation to go swimming. Protect yourself well with sunscreen and remember to rinse yourself well after the swim to remove all trace of chlorine and salt
• Use of a good facial mask once a week will deep clean pores and restore the skin's pH balance. Keep a cool mist and keep spraying this on your face when the heat is too much

With proper care you will not need any cosmetic aids to cover your blemishes. By avoiding going out in the sun, you will save on an expensive visit to the dermatologist.

Summer also brings another danger to the fore. We are talking here of allergies that are generally rampant during hot days. While anti allergy medicines are available, it is better to avoid contracting allergies rather than finding cures for them.

• All biting and stinging insects venture out in summer. Stings can produce really bad reactions so it is better to be careful when you are outdoors. Avoid wearing flowery prints or dark colours as these attract bees. Flowery smelling perfumes, hair sprays etc are a big no-no. Never walk barefoot as there are chances of being attacked and bitten by ants and spiders. Carry an insect repellant with you when going out.
• Swimming may be cooling, but what about the chlorine in the pool? Many people are allergic to chlorine so it is always better to take extra care. Take a shower immediately after the swim to wash off the effects of chlorine. This will prevent skin rash.
• Pollen allergy is one of the most common allergies that makes most people's lives miserable. Day time is when these allergens are most active, so start your day's activities later in the afternoon when the pollen levels are much lower. Those suffering from pollen allergy have to pay attention to the food they eat as some foods may prove cross reactive to certain kinds of pollen. Check with your doctor about your allergic reactions.
• Summer is also the time when molds thrive the most, triggering off many airborne allergies. Avoid going near breeding grounds of molds like garbage dumps, cut grass from lawns, wooded areas, ground strewn with fallen, rotting leaves etc.
  

Take good care of your skin, avoid contracting allergies, and your summer can be a relaxing and enjoyable period!

Tags: Summer,sunscreen, moisturizer