ARE SEASONAL CHANGES AFFECTING YOUR HAIR AND SKIN?

ARE SEASONAL CHANGES AFFECTING YOUR HAIR AND SKIN?

Beat the blues caused by the weather variations. We tell you how...

    With summer almost gone and monsoon preparing to take over, Mumbai is facing troublesome weather — the city is sandwiched between two seasons. The heat is lingering on and the humidity from the occasional showers is bothersome. This can be a bad time for skin. From UVA rays and swimming-pool chlorine to excessive heat and humidity, you have a lot to battle. Cosmetic dermatologist and trichologist Dr Sadhana Deshmukh says, “Excessive heat disturbs the critical oil-water balance in the body. Too much of perspiration clogs the pores and exposure to UV rays results in premature ageing, wrinkles and sagging of the skin.” Eating healthy and drinking plenty of water is important because skin is a reflection of what you eat. Here are some simple tips to brave the weather. 

FOR YOUR HAIR In order to protect your hair in these extreme climatic conditions and humidity, you need to be serious about your haircare regimen, advises aesthetician Ritu Singh Tanwar.
    Actress Deepika Padukone says, “I indulge my hair with some tender coconut hair oil massage at least once a week. This helps me protect my hair from damage.”
    Actress Nargis Fakhri too believes that using coconut-based hair oils are good because it gets absorbed quickly and deepconditions the hair. It locks in the moisture to give smooth and gorgeous-looking hair. “A gentle massage of my hair strands from the scalp downwards to the tips in a circular motion is essential for me,” she says.
    Cosmetic dermatologist Dr Rashmi Shetty explains, “Coconut oil achieves up to 90% hair penetration right through to the cortex, thus forming a protective layer around your hair. And since coconut oil is very light, a single shampoo will remove the unwanted extra grease, unlike other oils which may require multiple shampooing, which will result in dry hair.” 

 
FOR YOUR SKIN Experts advise, on no-rain days, it is best to keep out of the sun from 10 am to 4 pm, when the sun’s rays are strongest. Dr Deshmukh says, “Use a sunscreen and remember to reapply it. An SPF 15 product blocks about 94% of UVB rays, an SPF 30 product blocks 97% of UVB rays, and an SPF 45 product blocks about 98% of UVB rays. After that, it just gets silly.”
    To prevent the sudden showers from washing your sun-protection away, use a water-resistant sunblock. There are even spray-on sunscreens for hair to prevent damage caused by exposure. Don’t forget a lip balm with sunscreen in it. Deepika says, “My daily skin care regimen includes using moisturizers with SPF during the day, removing all makeup at night thoroughly, followed by a hydrating cream.” Nargis explains, “Keeping my skin hydrated through the day is very important, which is why I choose natural ingredient-based moisturisers. Gel-based, lighter moisturisers so that you do not clog pores.” She does not wear a base. Light, tinted moisturisers do the trick. 

 
STAR TIPS

DEEPIKA PADUKONE Diet: I eat light, home-cooked food and prefer soups, fruits and tender coconut water. Also, I drink plenty of water and have balanced meals.
Hair style: The ideal look is a messy ponytail. It is stylish, yet practical.

NARGIS FAKHRI Diet: Two litres of water, coconut water and fresh juices, and balanced meals.
Hair style: Loose braids or waves work best. Tie a loose French braid or pull your hair up and make a messy bun clipping it together with floral or studded clips.