Cool Off

It’s that time of the year again when the scorching sun makes it almost impossible to step out during the day. And,if you do,then keeping your skin safe and healthy should be a priority. Skin specialists advise special attention to exposed skin during this season. “We often tend to ignore our skin during the summers. The summer dry spell has a greater impact on skin than winters. We get more wrinkles during summer. This is because the sun’s rays damage the collagen by penetrating into the inner layers,” says dermatologist,Dr C Gharpuray. This damage mostly occurs between 10 am and 4 pm. “So one should dress properly while stepping out during the day,” Dr Gharpuray adds.

With summer comes tans,dryness,itchiness,heat boils and cracks. Perspiration is a main cause of heat boils and eruptions. Summer rashes happen very often but if it is accompanied by swelling,dizziness,nausea and lack of appetite,then one needs to consult a doctor immediately. “It is normal to have rashes but the eruptions can spread if the skin is dry or prone to allergies. Avoid eating food which is high on spice,” says Dr N S Chavan,general physician.

Doctors suggest protective clothing,preferably cotton,to beat the heat. “Cotton fibres keep the skin hydrated and allow air circulation as well,” adds Chavan. However,while exercising,one should stick to dry-fit clothes as they absorb the sweat and dry it quickly. These fabrics absorb moisture from the skin thus preventing chafing of the skin.

Diet is also very important. “Meals should consist of vegetables which are low in spices and oil,a watery daal and more of rice because of the starch content. A salad consisting of cucumbers,carrots and other seasonal vegetables is also a good source of water for the body,” says nutritionist Anuradha Palnitkar.