Summer calling!

Sadly, summer season is taking a toll on us as we are exhausted by the heat wave and the repercussions it comes with.....

By Iqra Sarfaraz
July 02, 2019

beauty

Sadly, summer season is taking a toll on us as we are exhausted by the heat wave and the repercussions it comes with. It is the season when we face many skin problems, dry air causes hair fall and if you live in Pakistan, you bear the brunt of it by breathing in polluted air too. Also in summers, you are often unable to maintain your nails by keeping them clean and healthy. However, the hot season can be a great time to try out a new look, especially with your hair, skin or nails. And while many women are often afraid to try new things due to the risks associated with summer heat and humidity, here are some tips that will keep your new look hot and fresh...

Skin for days

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During summertime, it is imperative to keep the skin protected from the sun, especially if you’ll be exposed more to it. To prevent this, it is essential to take constant care of your skin by washing as much as possible (at least twice a day) with a gel cleanser and your preferred soap. Hydration and exfoliation are also key, particularly on the face and other areas that will be exposed to the sun. For face, a nonabrasive exfoliator and oil-free moisturiser are recommended. However, the most important skin care item during the summer is always going to be sunscreen. This should be applied throughout the day when outside. We recommend SPF 30, although SPF 15 should also be sufficient for most skin tones. Also, there are some home remedies which you can try at home while avoiding all the hassle.

  • Lemon

Lemon is a rich source of vitamin C and can easily combat free radicals. So, consuming it every day will give you a bright and healthy skin. Having bleaching properties, it can help in skin lightening as well. Plus, it also helps in detoxifying. But try to avoid stepping out of the house in the sun after application of lemon since it may give you a burning sensation.

Consuming aloe vera in summers will help your body stay cool, and its application gives your skin a soothing effect. Moreover, it also kills different kinds of bacteria, fungi and viruses. If your skin is affected by the sun, application of aloe vera will help your skin heal as fast as possible.

This dairy product has rich calcium and magnesium content, which helps in strengthening bones. Besides being a great exfoliator, when it is added with gram flour (chana daal), it acts as a whitening agent and thus helps to remove tan.

Neem has anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti -bacterial properties that not only benefit your health, but also can help you get rid of many beauty problems. Neem contains Vitamin C, which helps in getting rid of blackheads, pigmentation, dullness and ageing, thus leaving the skin with a youthful glow.

Oats are healthy and nutritious and there is no doubt about that. It has amazing healing properties for the inside as well as outside our body. The scrub made from oatmeal is ideal for the dry and rough skin.

Summer hair

Natural hair rules in the summer! Now is the season to let go of perfect, sleek hairdos and embrace that loose, natural look. Learn how to protect your hair from the heat, sun, and humidity without turning it into an endless battle.

Use a scarf or hat to cover your head when you’re out in the sun. Not only does this provide extra UV protection, but it also helps your scalp to retain moisture. A hat reduces damage caused by wind, especially if your hair is prone to tangling, and protects colour-treated hair.

A messy braid is ideal for keeping your hair under control and minimising exposure to the sun. Tight hairstyles can be damaging because they tend to pull and tear hair, especially if your hair is dry from the summer heat.

Frequent washing strips your scalp of its natural oils, which in turn stimulates additional oil production and makes you feel the need to wash it even more. Try just rinsing in the shower after a day at the beach or pool, and see if that gets rid of some extra oil. Use a homemade or natural dry shampoo, such as cornstarch, in place of regular shampoo to go a bit longer without washing.

Try to blow-dry your hair as little as possible. It is already exposed to a significant amount of heat on a daily basis in the summer, and it will probably air-dry quickly anyways, so give the blow dryer a break and go au naturel if you can. Avoid flat-irons, too, as they will do further damage to already-dry hair. Plus, a sleek hairstyle only makes that frizz stand out more.

Rinse with apple cider vinegar diluted in water for a quick natural conditioner. Use some coconut oil or shea butter (careful with this, since it can be heavy) to smooth, de-frizz, and moisturise your locks after washing. The oil will give some shine and, if you have wavy hair, create natural, air-dried curls. Try a natural deep conditioning treatment once a week to get that extra bit of moisture into your hair.

There are shampoos that contain UV protection, but most of those are chemical-laden, conventional shampoos that we would recommend avoiding. One quick way to add some protection is to run your hands lightly through your hair after applying sunscreen to your body.

Coconut, olive, and avocado oils are good at penetrating the hair shaft. Shampoo hair as usual, then work in oil from ends to roots. Rinse, then condition as usual. Your hair should feel moisturized afterward, but not greasy.

Watch your nails

Many people think that sunscreen is only applied to the skin, but this is not true. As important as it is for your skin, it’s equally important for your nails. Make sure to apply lotion when you are going to be outside, especially deep in the cuticles to keep the nails moisturised.

This will help to maintain their health and avoid cracking.

Making the right care choices can enhance your beauty inside and out. These summer beauty care tips will allow you to feel and look confident through the harsh summer months with healthy, shiny hair, flawless skin and shiny nails.

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