Bring on the Glow

Get the right moisturizer for the season

Your skin needs more moisture in these months as it gets drier, making your summer face cream inadequate. Opt for a creamier moisturizer with humectants like hyaluronic acid which draw additional moisture into the skin, advises Delhi-based skincare expert Dr Varun Katyal.

Invest in a good conditioner

'No matter what shampoo you use, it is the conditioner that gives the follicles a protective covering and lends shine and volume to your hair. Pick one suited for your hair type,' says Katyal. Look for conditioners with keratin which, according to a study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, can repair bleached hair. Make sure you apply conditioner every time you wash your hair. Hard-pressed for time? Choose a leave-in conditioner.

Learn how to shampoo (the right way)

Dilute a small amount of shampoo in a mug and work the mixture through your hair, ensuring the lather touches your scalp and is rinsed out after three minutes, suggests Katyal. This activates the shampoo's detergent and washes off excess oil from your scalp.

Never skip sunscreen

Even on autumn days with gentle sunshine, you are exposed to both UVA and UVB rays.'UVA rays can penetrate glass windows, therefore you may be at risk while sitting close to one-whether in a car, at home or in the office. In addition, up to 80 per cent of UV rays can pass through clouds, so one should wear sunscreen even on a cloudy day,'says Mumbai-based dermatologist Dr Rekha Sheth. A broad-spectrum sunscreen protects you from harmful UV rays. Apply it 20 minutes before you step out.

Go easy on exfoliation

Excessive exfoliation removes the protective moisture barrier, which locks in hydration and keeps out irritants, making the skin dry and vulnerable.'Steer clear of all walnut or apricot scrubs as their large grains may damage your skin,'says Dr Soma Sarkar, dermatologist, About Face, Mumbai. Choose a mild scrub instead. Use it once a week and follow up with a ceramide-containing moisturizer to help restore your skin's barrier.  

Wipe out dark circles

The skin surrounding your eyes is the thinnest and most delicate, and its low moisture barrier makes it even more vulnerable. Choose a product formulation (cream or gel) suited to your specific skincare concern (such as puffiness or dark circles). And make sure to use a gentle make-up remover or cleanser before heading to bed-make no exceptions to this. As you get older, try a richer eye formula with shea butter or beeswax at night.

Target beauty blind spots

Chalky elbows, cracked heels, discoloured fingernails and never-scrubbed back-these are just some of the body parts we forget about. Devote one day of the week for blind spots TLC-scrub and moisturize your elbow, book a salon appointment for a manicure and pedicure, and get a back brush to scrub those unreachable zones.

Avoid dry shaves

It can irritate your skin; you're also scraping off natural oils. Moisturizing before shaving can guard against nicks and cuts. You can use lukewarm water, coconut oil or a shaving gel or foam.

Step away from the air conditioner

Spending time in an air-conditioned room can make your skin dry and stretchy. So use a body oil before or right after you step out of the bath. Avoid using perfumed oils as they dry the skin further.    

Adapted from Prevention India. Copyright January 2015 LIVING MEDIA INDIA LIMITED.