Maintaining clear skin in any weather

The coast pushes humidity to extreme levels and literally transforms Karachi into a sauna.

KARACHI:

Let’s accept that Karachiites have a love-hate relationship with the coast and our beloved beach. The edge we love to flaunt to Lahoris and Islamabadis actually pushes humidity to extreme levels and literally transforms Karachi into a sauna. This combined with the scorching heat causes the weather to become almost unbearable — much to the dismay of those who want to enjoy this weather “90210” style.

The advent of summers clearly means rays from the sun literally digging into your skin and extracting the deepest reserve of oil from your pores. Ironically, most of these occasions take place smack in the middle of summers when keeping your make-up intact is mission impossible (sadly without Tom Cruise).  Acne, boils and pimples become the number one obsession for all those who have oily skin or skin which is prone to break outs. Oil oozes from ones pores making one look shiny and unattractive. So how do we enjoy the beach, the bohemian summer prints and the extravagant lawn suits, when all ones really wants to do is sit in a dark corner away from any mirrors?

If you can’t sell it, dump it!

Much to our chagrin, we can’t make money off the oil our face produces, so let’s eliminate the process altogether. For starters, whether you have a normal or oily skin, dump the unreasonably oily sunscreen. Use an oil-free or powder sunscreen, so that the powder can soak whatever bit of devil is forming in your pores. Scrubbing with a mild scrub also helps, as the small granules massage into your pores and chuck the dirt out. Be careful though, too much scrubbing could lead to irritation or inflamed skin. Make-up needs to go down to minimum in the summers, especially liquid foundations, concealers and blush that do not state that they ‘won’t clog pores’ or are not ‘oil free’.

Stress cause mess

Ok, so you have to submit a 5,000 word paper in 30 minutes, but wait, wasn’t that expected? If your procrastination tells you to live on the edge, don’t punish your skin for it. Dermatologists are still debating whether stress actually causes skin disorders, but they seem to agree that stress definitely triggers or aggravates skin conditions such as, hives, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, warts, cold sores and blisters. “And that matches the ayurvedic perspective,” says Rama Kant Mishra, world-renowned ayurvedic dermatologist. “Ongoing day-to-day stress adversely impacts your immune systems.” So stop giving stress so much protocol because the pattern is circular - stress leads to bad skin and bad skin leads to stress!

Eat to make a difference!

Regular intake of water and vitamin A, C and E has been associated with some positive results on skin. Vitamin E in almonds and sunflower seeds supports the cells that protect the skin. Vitamin C in fruits, peppers and other vegetables contributes to the skin’s production of collagen. Meanwhile, zinc and iron in meats and vitamin-enhanced cereals help with cell production and oxygenation. And the vitamin A in certain vegetables keeps skin smooth and protects it from the sun. Researchers have also found that whole grains can reduce acne. The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and nuts can lead to fewer wrinkles and flavonols in dark chocolate decrease the skin’s sensitivity to the sun.

Visit your dermatologist at least once per season, just to stay up-to-date with the changing conditions and reactions of your skin. Just in case your skin gives you a tough time, put on a floppy hat and go out in the sun without fretting too much. At the end of the day, confidence is the best solution.

Home remedies for clean skin

Rice powder helps to tighten your pores

Icing minimises pores and decreases oil formation

Soak a cloth in a bowl of skim milk and ice and apply this mix to your face

Fuller’s earth (Multani mitti) mask tightens pores

Baking soda and honey act as an amazing herbal scrub

An oatmeal and honey mask helps to cool the skin



Published in The Express Tribune, July 8^th, 2011.