How to protect your skin this summer

Did you know that calamine lotions -- that contain zinc oxide -- work as antiseptic on heat rashes?

It's summertime and your skin needs maximum attention.

You must be already bogged down by several summer skin woes.

So how can you shoo them away?

Dr Geeta Oberoi, managing director and founder member of the Skin and You clinic shares quick tips on how to manage your skin this summer.

Natural Remedies

• Good hydration is important. Eat lots of fruits with high water content like water melons and lemons. Decrease tea and coffee as they dehydrate the skin.
• Avoid stepping out between 10 am and 4 pm as the sun rays are hardest at that time.
• Protect the skin with physical blockers like a cap, bandana or jackets to avoid a tan.
• Use good Syndet bars to wash and use a medicated powder to avoid heat rashes. You can also use anti itch lotions.

Beauty Products

• Avene or Evian thermal mist water contains antioxidants minerals. It soothes and refreshes the skin, reinforces the skin's natural barrier and protects the skin from environmental heat and pollution.
• Calamine lotion contains zinc oxide. Keep it in the refrigerator and it works as an antiseptic on heat rashes, anti-itch and also works on sunburns.
• Acne prone skin can use face masks with keoline or bentonite like acnin face pack.
• Aloe vera fresh from the plant or forever living aloe vera jelly used cold.
• Aveeno anti itch lotion.

Sun Protection and Hydration

• Sun protection is most important. Use a good matte light weight sunscreen, non comedogenic with a good SPF. 
• You can try the La Shied sunscreen or the bio derma range of sunscreens. For people who cannot tolerate sunscreen, you can use a plain zinc oxide containing sunscreen like Sunkroma Nano.
• Avoid using any lightening creams in the day as the sun is too sharp and these creams harm than help the skin.

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