Stay Cool and Hydrated this Summer!
With its high UV index that sometimes reaches 12 and humidity of 71-85 percent, the Philippine heat can be tough on your body. To protect your health and skin, especially this Summer Season, here are some tips to combat the blistering heat:
Regularly Use Moisturizer and Sunscreen
Apply moisturizer first to hydrate the skin.
The best moisturizer will depend on your skin type. According to Healthline, there are different types of moisturizers that best suit a certain type of skin: Heavy moisturizers are for dry skin, water-based moisturizers are for oily skin, water-based moisturizers infused with ingredients like tea tree, aloe, etc. are good for sensitive skin, and oil-based moisturizers are best suited for ageing skin to lock in moisture.
Apply Sunscreen with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.
In a humid country like the Philippines, use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin from the damage the UV rays can cause. The heat of the sun during the summer season can be quite brutal, so always apply sunscreen after your moisturizer.
Reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours.
When you work outdoors or have some activities that require you to go outside, apply sunscreen after wiping your sweat to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays. This principle is also applied when you go swimming. One-time application of sunscreen is not enough. So, be religious when using your sunscreen if you are outdoors.
2. Never Forget to Hydrate!
Drink plenty of water throughout the day (at least 8 glasses).
Fruit juices are fine, but nothing beats the wonders of water. Upon waking up, hydrate your body to cope with the water you lost during sleep. When you go out and about your day, remember to always carry a bottle or jug of water. Carbonated drinks might feel refreshing at first, but they’re not the best alternative to fully hydrate your body since two common ingredients are caffeine and sugar, both of which can hinder hydration.
3. Cleanse Gently but Thoroughly
Wash your face twice a day to remove sweat, oil, and pollution.
Bathing twice a day is quite common in a tropical country like the Philippines. Washing your face morning before you go to school or work and in the evening before going to bed is a must! Washing your face twice a day not only removes dirt and pollution but also rejuvenates your skin, letting it breathe after those layers of moisturizers, sunscreens, and make-up.
Avoid harsh scrubs. Opt for a gentle cleanser suited to your skin type.
With so many skin care products popping out on the market, minimalism is the key to having better results. According to doctorrogers.com, the more products you use, the more your skin will experience inflammation and irritation since the skin barrier cannot handle the products forced upon it. In short, you only need a good facial wash, moisturizer, sunscreen (for morning), and a night treatment (like retinol, niacinamide, etc.) to have an effective skin care routine.
4. Wear Protective Clothing
Hats with wide brims, UV-protective sunglasses, and lightweight, long-sleeved clothing help reduce sun exposure.
Wearing jackets, long sleeves, caps, and even carrying an umbrella despite the hot weather has become a “Filipino Trope”. But did you know the reason for this is not an aesthetic but a form of protection from UV rays? Yes, Filipinos value the health of their skin, hence the typical scenario of jackets in summer heat. Even tourists visiting the country are encouraged to do so; it might be uncomfortable at first, but it is also a way of taking preventive measures from the painful sun rays and heat.
5. Avoid Peak Sun Hours
The sun is strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM. If possible, stay in the shade or indoors during this period.
Instead of wandering out and about during the peak hours, stay indoors or choose where air conditioning is available, like the mall or any public establishments. Even when you are out swimming, the heat on the hours between 11:00 am - 2:00 pm (or even on 3:00 pm) is quite intense, so it is best advised to dip in the pool or the sea in early mornings or the afternoons.
6. Watch Your Diet
Eat antioxidant-rich foods (like fruits and vegetables) to support skin health and reduce sun damage.
Beat the summer heat inside and out! Aside from taking good care of your outer body, don’t forget the inside. Take more fruits and vegetables to support hydration and the immune system to combat the diseases that usually occur during the summer. In the Philippines, the available fruits to have are mangos, watermelons, pineapple, and papaya.
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