Pakistan’s summer has come with a BANG!  With such intense heat this means lots of sweating (yikes!) and tons of skin problems like tanning excessively, a lot of  sun burns, acne, heat rashes, blemishes, chapped lips, dry skin and the list goes on and on! Are you worried!? Don’t be because we’ve got you covered (SPF Style!)

Here’s how you can protect your skin against the harsh sun and this unforgiving heat:

Ice Ice Baby!

One of the easiest things you can do for your skin is to ice your face! Icing will not only cool off your skin but also soothe it in this heat. Apart from icing your face, avoid hot showers and turn that tap the other way! Hot showers cause dry skin and we don’t want that! Showering in cool water reduces dry skin, unclogs your pores after you’ve been sweating and reduces your acne breakouts! Brrrrrr-illiant!

Hydration!

Here’s the age old advice: drink as much water as you can! Tip: You can add cool cucumber and lemon wedges to your water for extra detox benefits! Our desi Lassi is also one of the best thirst-quenchers and hydrates you well!

Exfoliate

Include this extra step in your shower routine at least twice a week! Exfoliating your skin will get rid of your dead skin cells and will leave your skin feeling much softer and cleaner. It will also unclog your pores which will allow rich moisturises to penetrate the skin deeper, allowing your skin to be soft, moisturised and glowing.

You Glow Girl!!

 Apply a face mask and relax allowing your mind and body to recover and feel restored. Try placing a sheet mask in the fridge or freezer for 5-10 minutes and then apply as this will not only feel cool on the face and reduce swelling and puffiness but it will also hydrate your skin and make it glow. If you don’t have any sheet masks, don’t fret! Make one at home! All you need to do is, cut half a tomato, dip it in some lemon and rub it on your face – leave for a few minutes and wash – et voila!

Eat Mangos!

Yes you read that correctly! Mangoes are given to us in this season for a reason! They are packed with anti-oxidants that help regenerate skin cells, improve skin elasticity and also contain beta-carotene and vitamin A which help fight against skin- ageing and protect you against the sun-rays! Think of it as a natural SPF.

Finally, apply sunblock!

Everyone needs to use sunblock! It not only protects against skin burns and tanning but also stops your skin from ageing prematurely! Try to apply sunblock half an hour before you step out into the scorching sun! Pro-tip: if you’re in the car, try to put shades against windows, it’ll keep your car cool and help to avoid direct sun-exposure!