Mastering skin hydration is not only important during heatwaves, but all year around.
Heatwaves, marked by prolonged periods of scorching weather, damage our skin. The combination of extreme heat and low humidity in some areas dehydrates our skin, making it feel dry and tense. In heatwaves, we should prioritize skin hydration as much as we do in the colder months. Here’s your go-to guide to keep your skin hydrated under the blazing sun.
Hydrate from Within
Before jumping into topical solutions, understand that true skin hydration starts from within.
Drink Ample Water: Target eight to ten glasses a day, and increase intake if you’re exercising or sweating a lot.
Eat Hydrating Foods: Incorporate water-rich foods like cucumbers, oranges, strawberries, and cantaloupe into your diet.
Cut Down on Dehydrating Drinks: Limit alcoholic, sugary, and caffeinated beverages.
Choose Lukewarm Over Hot Showers
While a hot shower might beckon, it strips essential oils from your skin. Opt for lukewarm or cool showers because they not only offer respite from the heat but also safeguard your skin’s natural moisture.
Hydration Comes Right After Cleaning
Apply a moisturizer immediately after your shower. A Damp skin absorbs and locks in moisture better.
Go for products with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or Ceramides.
Upgrade Your Moisturizers
Opt for Serums: Serums with hyaluronic acid penetrate deeper, offering intense hydration.
Facial Sprays: They are a handy way to hydrate on the move.
Overnight Masks: These masks trap moisture, allowing ingredients to seep in and hydrate extensively.
Shield Against the Sun
Sunburn severely damages and dehydrates the skin. Consistently use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Reapply every two hours, and more so if you’re swimming or sweating.
Hydrating Your Lips, Hands, and Feet
Mastering skin hydration includes not neglecting areas that can dry out quickly.
- For lips, use a moisturizing balm with SPF.
- For hands and feet, a thick moisturizer or cream with Shea or cocoa butter works wonders.
Opt for Milder Skincare
Stay away from products with alcohol, retinoids, or alpha Hydroxy-acids. Instead, pick products formulated for sensitive skin and gentle cleansers.
Use a Humidifier
During a low-humidity heatwave, run a humidifier in your room to combat skin dehydration.
Wear Breathable Fabrics
Synthetic clothes can trap sweat, promoting dehydration and possible skin irritation. Prefer loose, breathable materials like cotton, especially at night.
Limit Air Conditioning Time
While it’s tempting to remain in an air-conditioned area, it can dry out your skin. If you can’t escape the dryness, keep a humidifier on in air-conditioned rooms.
Avoid Over-exfoliating
While exfoliation clears dead skin, aiding moisturizer penetration, overdoing it can dehydrate your skin. Use exfoliating products once a week max during heatwaves.
Facing a heatwave, our skin encounters unique challenges. Yet, with some care and the right products, you can flaunt hydrated, supple skin. Even as you apply external remedies, internal hydration remains key. Stay hydrated, find some shade, and ensure your moisturizing routine serves your skin, not just the sun.
