What does your skin need this summer? Mumbai dermatologists answer

As the sweltering summer months take over, even those who are indoors amid growing Covid-19 restrictions cannot skip having a skincare routine, say experts

Summer can be a tricky time for skincare. The rising levels of mercury and humidity cause all manner of damage in our skin — an oily face and frequent breakouts among them. Any gentle glow you might have achieved from meticulous moisturising throughout the winter is at risk of being robbed by the sun’s harmful rays.
With many in Mumbai working from home for the moment, the exposure to heat has dropped several notches. Still, one cannot go without giving their skin the tender loving care it needs during the season. Dermatologist Dr Soma Sarkar says, “Even if you are indoors one has to use sunscreen on a daily basis. Most of us are exposed to cooking, computers, and a lot of blue light from screens. So one has to retain a simple routine for skin.”

Dr Soma Sarkar

Dr Batul Patel, medical director, and Dermatologist, The Bombay Skin Clinic agrees. “A good cleansing routine followed by an exfoliating scrub once or twice a week followed by night creams like retinol-based creams can be used,” she suggests. “This helps to build collagen and also helps in the process of cell renewal.” When we are indoors and not as exposed to the sun, retinol creams of higher strength can be used to allow better collagen stimulation, she further explains.

Dr Batul Patel

Sweat and oily skin are two of the most common complaints during this time of the year. Dr Sarkar says, “For summer, keep the skin care lighter; you could use foaming gels as cleansers with salicylic acid or glycolic acid as components. Use gel based formulations for moisturiser, and fluid or matte-based ones for sunscreen. One can use a tinted moisturiser with SPF.”

Homemade face packs have been a tried and tested skincare regimen in most Indian households. While various products are available in the market now, such face packs remain a go-to fix. Dr Patel says they make a good addition if one has the time for it. However, the pre-face mask routine is also important, she adds. “Adequate cleansing and exfoliation of the face will allow better penetration of the active ingredient of the mask.” Keep in mind that the composition of such mixes will also depend on an individual's skin type. 

Dr Patel says she likes to add clay which absorbs the oil and dirt from the skin and leaves it looking hydrated. “French clay is a wonderful ingredient to add to the mask. For dry skin, a good mask would be French clay with avocado and honey to provide hydration. For acne prone skin, French clay with neem, basil and calendula extract with aloe vera would be a good anti-inflammatory and antibacterial mask,” she says. 

She further adds, “Adding dragon fruit or even strawberries to the French clay mask can brighten dull and tanned skin. Sometimes even a simple toning of the skin with lavender hydrosol with rose water and aloe vera can soften and hydrate it.”

Apart from face packs, one needs to be careful about their lifestyle as well. As Dr Sarkar points out, “The golden mantra for good skin is hydration with lots of water. For their diet, I always advice my clients to cut sugar and dairy products. Have lots of seasonal fruits. Be mindful about what you are eating. Maintain a good sleep cycle.”

Quick tips to remember (courtesy Dr Batul Patel)

1.    Not keeping your skin hydrated is the worst thing you can do to it. Use moisturizers twice a day and drink a lot of water.

2.    Moisturization is vital for all types of skins. For sensitive skin, use a product that offers additional protection from irritants like chemicals, weather, and pollution.

3.    Antioxidants can help keep the skin looking bright naturally. Look for antioxidants in your skincare products and eat foods that contain resveratrol and ellagic acid. These can be found in certain berries and nuts.

4.    Hydrate by applying coconut oil. It can penetrate deep into the skin and nourish it from within to make it healthy and moist.

5.    Argan oil or cold pressed almond oil also help to hydrate dry skin as they get absorbed in the skin without clogging up pores. However, avoid the use of these oils in environments that are too humid.

6.    Use of a face wash, which contain glycolic acid and mandelic acid, helps to cleanse the skin without drying it out.

Everyone has a different skin type, however. It is important to note that this article is not meant as a replacement for a medical practitioner’s advice, and people must always consult their doctor first before initiating any changes to their skincare routine, diet or lifestyle.

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