Keep skin supple and glowing

It is time that we take extra care of our skin. DR AJAY RANA shares tips that one can follow to keep it glowing

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to be locked at our home and self-isolate. It’s been more than two months that we are stuck at home. At this time, wearing any makeup seems to be a thing of the past. It feels so liberating not to use any makeup or skin products. It is giving our skin some time to breathe.

But at this time we almost neglect to care for our skin. Because this is the time it needs unique care and attention. We generally forget that our skin is exposed to the summer heat and dust even if you are sitting in your home. And, because we all are under the air conditioner all the time, it may just make things even worse. Some people are observing a skin breakout and many other skin problems during the COVID-19 lockdown. We should know the reasons and how can take care to avoid such skin conditions:

• During this time of summer, heat and warm weather tends to aggravate dry skin, and especially in low humidity conditions. Going outdoors under the harsh sunlight has become minimal these days, still drying of skin is unavoidable.  
• Hydrate yourself through the day, as water help to get rid of toxins in the body. Most people don’t drink water on a regular basis, and this also causes acne.  
• Stop washing your face with any soap. Always use a good face wash to clean your skin. It removes dirt from the surface of the skin and keeps the face fresh, and will not dry out the skin as soaps do.  
• Don’t eat any kind of junk food. Always take a healthy diet, exercise, hydrate yourself at regular intervals, sleep well and have foods which are rich in Vitamin D. So that it can keep your skin acne free.  
• Even if we are confined to our house, we still need to follow a dedicated skincare regime for the nourishment of our skin. Nourish the skin with a face pack once a week and follow a nightly cleansing ritual every day. These are important for a glowing and healthy skin.
• We should stop using wrong products, especially for your skin. If anybody suffers from dry skin conditions, it is mandatory to use products that are suitable for the skin type.  
• Wash your face regularly. Sitting at home does not mean that we do not need to wash our face. In this scorching heat, it makes us sweat and the dust clog the pores on the skin surface. So, it is always necessary to keep your face clean and fresh. Wash your face properly twice a day.
• But do not wash your face harshly. Splash some water on the face if you feel tired or hot. This will keep the facial skin free of excess oil, sweat and bacteria and it rescues acne and pimples like skin problems.
• Always use moisturiser especially at these times when there is high chances of dry skin. Use moisturiser two-three times a day.

The writer is Dermatologist and Aesthetic Physician, Founder-Director, ILAMED