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By eating right, filling up on liquids and covering up. iTALK brings you a smart guide to saving face this summer
The sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays penetrate the secondary layers of your skin, destroying the collagen matrix, leading to the dehydration of the strateum corneum or the uppermost layer, leaving your skin looking dry and lifeless. Along with the danger of skin cancer, UV rays can also accelerate the ageing process by leaving it thick, wrinkled and leathery. Itches and sunburns are common, especially during summer.
 Less clothing may keep you cool, but is far from healthy
There's really no avoiding stepping out in the summer sun, especially if you are on holiday at a beach destination. Instead of being reckless, equip yourself with smart tricks.
>>Schedule your sun time for early or late in the day. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, shades and clothing that covers most of your body.
>>Never step outside without your sunblock. And apply the sunscreen at least 20 minutes before you go outside, because it takes time to start working.
>>For best face protection, try using sunblocks that contain zinc. The blob of white that you have seen covering lifeguards' noses, is a sort of zinc sunblock. But newer products contain tiny particles of zinc that block harmful rays, but are invisible when applied.
>>Carry a bottle of water.
>>Dilute toner with water, and spritz your face and body every time you feel hot.
>>If you swim, re-apply waterproof sunblocks after you are immersed in water.
Make-up rules
>>In the heat, use as little make-up as possible. Skin pores close up easily with sweat and dirt. Let your skin breathe.
>>Swap face foundation for tinted moisturiser since foundation can feel heavy.
>>Waterproof cosmetics are best for hot weather.
>>Look for a moisturiser, foundation and lip colours that have built-in sun protection.
Ditch the cola, opt for paani
>>To eat healthier in summer, enjoy the fresh fruits that make a seasonal appearance. Pick from raspberries, strawberries, melons and mangoes. You can even blend some of them together to make a refreshing smoothie.
>>Make a habit of increasing water intake. Instead of cracking open a soda pop or beer, quench your thirst with a glass of water.
>>Avoid fattening ice cream, grab a popsicle instead. Although popsicles are high in sugar, they tend to have low or no fat.
>>Drink fresh fruit juices. Chaas is another healthy option.
>>Increase your intake of green, leafy vegetables since they are high in protein and low in carbohydrates.
>>Avoid meats, fried foods, fast food, potatoes and pulses.
Don't apply cream to a sunburn
>>If your skin gets sunburnt, use lotions with Aloe Vera to soothe and cool the skin. Calamine lotion is effective.
>>Apply cool water compresses to the burn areas.
>>Wash the affected area with an anti-bacterial soap.
>>Do not burst any blisters. They form a natural protection to help the sunburnt skin heal faster.
>>Do not apply creams, butter, petroleum jelly or any other greasy substance to a sunburn. They cause more damage by trapping the heat and make the burn deeper.
Cleansing routine for summer
Establish a regular cleansing routine especially during the summer months. It's vital that you get rid of the grime, sweat build-up and pollutants. Use a moisturising soap to cleanse your skin. After washing your face, apply your favourite facial lotion to match your skin type, to seal in moisture.
Which sunscreen will suit your skin?
>>A Meroxyl rich sunscreen protects your skin from premature wrinkles.
>>For dry skin, use sunscreen with SPF 30 to guard your skin against ageing and skin cancer.
>>For oily skin, use a sunscreen with SPF 15, or higher for better results.
For oily skin, use alpha hydroxy face wash says cosmetologist Medha Chaphekar
Along with using a sunblock and drinking lots of fluids, make sure you give your skin the care it needs depending on its type. If you have oily skin, excess sweating can cause pimples. Wash your face with a face wash that contains alpha hydroxy or beta hydroxy. You could also use a medicated soap and go for regular clean-ups, rather than facials. If you have dry skin, use a water-based moisturiser instead of an oil-based one.
Char sawaal for Riddhima
Actor Ranbir Kapoor's sis Riddhima Kapoor Sahni replaces Aditi Govitrikar as Kaya's brand ambassador. We got her to reveal her secret skincare routine:
What is your daily skin care routine?
The 3 usual but vital steps cleansing, toning and moisturising. After removing my make-up, I clean my face, sometimes exfoliating it too, and finally splash on a toner. I apply a light moisturiser, and never step out with wearing sunscreen.
Do you change the way you eat in the summer?
I stay away from greasy food; it's a killer for the skin. I gorge on apples, oranges and bananas, drink lots of lime and orange juice.
How do you suggest women battle wrinkles?
It's best to use an anti-wrinkle cream. You can also go in for botox, but it's good to gather necessary information before you go in for the procedure.
Is it healthy to apply moisturiser to your skin before you sleep, or should you let it breathe?
Instead of applying a moisturiser, it's better to apply a light night cream. In summer, you tend to keep the AC on full blast and that sucks the moisture out of your skin. The night cream will help seal in the moisture. | 
