Are you Summer Ready?

With Summers knocking at the door,there is something as important as the spring cleaning itself..yes and that is..preparing your skin for the summer heat.
Before you knew it, summer was here. .The time to prepare is now. Here's how: 
Step 1: Exfoliate

One of the best ways to prepare your skin for summer is with gentle exfoliation. This process gets rid of dead, dry skin cells, allowing your body to ‘shed’ its winter layer and prepare healthy skin for the start of a new season. Regular exfoliation can be a part of a healthy skin regimen no matter the season; as long as your skin is not sensitive, exfoliation can help you achieve smooth, healthy-looking skin that makes you look more glowing and youthful. The Indian market is flooded with scrubs of all price ranges and to suit all skin types..get one or DIY one!

Step 2: Cleanser

There are several alternatives to soap and water cleansing - facial cleansers which have been developed to deal with cleansing different skin types, and to avoid drying the skin as traditional bar soaps tended to do. These maybe in any form such as creams, milks, liquids, foams, oils, gels and lotions.  In summers,I personally try to avoid creamy,foaming cleansers and use gel cleansers instead.

Step 3: Toner

Refreshing and cooling your skin, toners and astringents quickly evaporate after being applied with cotton wool. They can also remove excess oil from the surface layers of your skin. Those with dry and sensitive skins should avoid these products, as they can be too drying. Generally, if the product stings your face, move onto a gentler foundation or weaken it by adding a few drops of distilled water. Rose water makes a refreshing spray, especially in the dryness of air-conditioned rooms. Since I have a dry skin and it turns combi in summers,I generally don't overdo with toners.

Step 4: Moisturizers/Body Lotions 

After you exfoliate, your skin is in one of its most vulnerable stages. This is the most important time to moisturize and re-hydrate your skin. It’s also essential to understand that dry skin has a decreased capacity to heal, making it far more susceptible to various forms of skin damage, such as over-exposure to the sun. Generally, the drier your skin the thicker the moisturizer you should choose. All skin types need a moisturizer, and one of the most valuable ingredients to look for is a UV filter. This ensures your moisturizer will give your skin year-round protection from the burning rays of the sun.But in case of summers try shifting from thick,creamy moisturizers to light weight ones with an SPF.

Step 5: Sunblock

Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen..The use of sunscreen is by far one of the most essential habits to adopt in order to protect your skin from burns, wrinkles, dehydration, early aging and skin cancer. Experts recommend you utilize a water-resistant SPF of 30 or more, even on cloudy days, and reapply approximately every 2 hours.

 Step 6: Smooth Skin

If your summer forecast calls for sunny days outdoors, you may be putting some effort into removing unwanted hair. But once you rip off the wax strip, it’s also important to care for the skin that’s newly exposed to the elements. Give your skin some time to recover before getting active outdoors.Waxed skin is photosensitive and more susceptible to burning, so take extra care to so cover up and wear SPF after waxing. Even aloevera gel is said to have amazing soothing effects for people with sensitive skin. Also,post waxing, a proper at-home exfoliation regimen is key to preventing in-grown hairs.

Step 7: Treat You Feat

If you’ve stuffed your feet inside shoes/boots all winter, they probably need a lil' attention for the sandal/flip flops weather. Jump-start your program with a pedicure. Relax and soak your feet in warm water for a few minutes. Then exfoliate your feet, paying special attention to your heels and toes.Another favorite tricks is to massage your feet with a heavy cream, and then put on a pair of socks before hitting the pillow. Apply your favorite summery shades of nail paints..and you are 'feet ready' :)

P.S. I'm so excited to push away the blacks and blues in my nail paint stash behind and bring forth the corals and pinks :)