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Keeping Cool

The major problem during summer is how to look, feel and smell fresh. This not only involves efforts to keep cool, but to stay clean and fragrant. Excessive perspiration can become a real menace during the hot summer months. However, perspiration is linked with the body’s process of cooling itself and is one of the important functions of the skin. It also helps the skin to excrete waste matter.

The skin contains sweat glands, which are of two kinds – the appocrine and the eccrine. The eccrine glands are found all over the body, more particularly on the palms and soles of the feet. They excrete mainly water and a little salt. The appocrine glands, found in the underarm and pubic regions, excrete sweat which mixes with surface bacteria and decomposes fast, creating problems of odour and stained clothing. In its effort to regulate body temperature, the skin excretes more perspiration as the weather gets warmer.

The waste matter, which is excreted with sweat, has to be removed by daily washing, in order to eliminate the problem of odour and also to feel fresh and clean. It is not really necessary to specify that the best way to deal with it is to take a daily bath. In fact, bath-time is a real pleasure during the summer and many of us take two or three showers daily, just to cool off. A bath is also relaxing and helps to remove fatigue. Bathing and scrubbing help to clear away germs, dirt and odour. All parts of the body should be washed well, specially the neck, armpits and feet, where germs tend to accumulate. Washing the body daily is an adequate form of hygiene, but may not help to overcome the problem of perspiration.

The use of deodorants may help to some extent, as most deodorants are also anti-perspirants. Be sure to choose a mild deodorant, because strong anti-perspirants and deodorants can irritate the skin in some instances. It is better to try them out on a small area first. If the skin smarts or tingles, or burns longer than a minute, they should not be used. Actually perspiration is a necessary process and should not be stopped. Roll on deodorants can also clog the pores in the underarm region, leading to sebaceous cysts. If you cannot find a suitable deodorant, stick to normal washing and the use of talcum powders. Shower gels and body shampoos, containing natural ingredients, like sandalwood and extract of white rose, have a cooling and refreshing effect. They also protect the body from prickly heat and other related rashes.

A good toning lotion is a must in hot, humid weather. Not only does it refresh the skin, but keeps it cleansed and tightens the pores. Keep a flower-based skin freshener, containing rose or lavender, in a bowl in the refrigerator. Soak some cotton wool pads in it and keep it ready for use. Wiping the skin with this chilled skin freshener or tonic is most refreshing during summer. You can also carry a bottle of skin freshener so that you can refresh the skin during the day.

Pay special attention to your feet. After washing them well. Dry thoroughly and apply talcum powder. If you wear closed shoes, sprinkle some in the shoes too. In the hot season, slippers and open sandals are best, as they allow the perspiration to evaporate. However, open footwear attracts dirt and foot hygiene becomes all the more important. After a hot day, soak your feet in cold water, to which some salt has been added.

Your Summer Diet:

70% of the human body is made up of water. The loss of water occurs daily and must be replenished on a daily basis too. We do this mainly by drinking water. During the summer months the loss of fluids is greater and that is why we feel thirsty and take in more water and other fluids. In the normal course, we should drink about 6 to 8 glasses of water daily. This would meet the body’s water requirement and also keep the system flushed of toxins and wastes. Of course, the quantity of water intake increases during summer, to make-up the loss of fluids through perspiration.

Summer is the time for cool drinks, not only to replenish fluids, but also to feel cool. This is also another way of meeting the body’s fluid requirement. Fresh lime is an ideal drink during the summer. Add the juice of a lemon to a glass of water. You can add one teaspoon honey and a pinch of salt. If you suffer from any specific diseases, you should take the advice of your doctor regarding any additives, like salt, sugar or honey, to cold drinks and fruit juices. Crushed mint leaves can be added. They are said to have a cooling effect. Try to avoid aerated drinks and take fresh fruit juices instead. Fruit juices should be taken freshly extracted and diluted with water. Herbal drinks, containing extracts of rose and khus (vetiver) can also be taken during summer, as these are natural coolants and have been used since the ancient times. Add a little lemon juice to herbal drinks. Instead of a hot cup of tea, take iced tea (without milk), adding one teaspoon honey, a little lemon juice and ice. Jal Jeera, taken with ice, can also be a suitable summer drink. Crushed mint (pudina) leaves can be added to nimbu paani or jal jeera. It is said to have a cooling effect.

Avoid heavy meals, with excess spices and oil. Avoid fried foods. Your vegetables should be lightly cooked. Even when you eat out, avoid rich gravies and sauces. Include clear soups, lassi, yogurt, fresh fruits, salads and sprouts in your daily diet. Fresh fruits and salads also contribute to the body’s requirement of water. In fact, nature provides us with the fruits that are suitable for the season. Melons, Water Melons, Cucumber, contain more water and help to replenish the water which the body loses through sweating. Instead of having rich desserts, take yogurt with honey, or fresh fruits. These make delicious desserts too. During summer, you can end your meal with lassi. This is not only cooling, but helps digestion too.

Taking enough water and fluids help to cleanse the body of toxins and wastes. As far as the appearance is concerned, this is bound to reflect on the skin and body. The skin will look clearer and fresher, while such foods can help to lose excess weight and also maintain a slim figure. Most important of all it will make your feel better.

Summer Sun Care

Exposure to the sun increases the production of melanin, which is the skin’s pigment and gives the skin its colour. Melanin actually protects the skin from the sun’s radiation. Once it is produced, it moves up to the skin surface. Since melanin is dark in colour, the skin also becomes dark, or gets tanned, on sun-exposure.

In summer, the effects of the sun increase. That is why we should try to avoid sun-exposure as much as possible. At least, one should avoid going out in the sun around noon, when the sun is directly overhead. The skin should be protected from the effects of sun exposure and the daily care routine should also be adjusted to deal with these effects.

Before going out in the sun, apply a sunscreen. This is easily available nowadays. Do not compromise on quality and buy a sunscreen of a good company. The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) should be mentioned on the label, of the product you buy. This is denoted by a number. If you stay out in the sun for long durations, choose a sunscreen with SPF of 15 to 20 or above. The sunscreen should be applied about 20 minutes before you go out in the sun. If you stay out in the sun for more than 20 minutes or so, reapply the sunscreen. Choose a sunscreen which has a built-in moisturiser. Most sunscreens are in the form of a lotion and also moisturise the skin. This helps to prevent loss of moisture. The sun’s radiation effects increase near water bodies. Therefore, if you go swimming in the sea or an open pool, you should reapply the sunscreen after half an hour.

Many people find that the skin becomes darker after repeated exposure to the sun. During summer, use a facial scrub after washing or cleansing the skin. You can buy a facial scrub according to your skin type. To remove tan or make the skin colour lighter, apply curd on the face daily. Wash it off after 20 to 30 minutes. This helps to counteract the effects of sun-exposure. Keep a bowl of rose water or a rose-based skin tonic in the refrigerator. Using cotton wool, wipe your skin with it, two or three times in the day. This refreshes the skin and removes oil and sweat deposits. This is good for all skin types.

As far as specialized products are concerned, we have introduced a Pearl Cream to counteract the effects of sun tan and sun exposure. It contains powder of pearls, which is said to protect the skin from the sun’s radiation and also has an effect on melanin. Used regularly, it removes tan and lightens skin colour. It is also a powerful moisturiser and rehydrates the skin.

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