Skincare during monsoon- by Dr. Priti Shukla, Cosmetic/ Plastic Surgeon, Ambrosia Clinic, Hyderabad

• With climate change in India and temperatures rising above bearable limits, it is important to take good skin care .

• Skin tends to feel oily . Wash your face 2-3 times a day with skin appropriate face wash

• Sun shines in-between the rains and therefore sunscreen should not be neglected . Good sunscreen of spf above 30 , and UVA and UVB rays protection should be used every 4 hours when in sun

• Remove all make up in night and moisturize your skin , use anti ageing cream containing retinol to keep the skin healthy .

• Try to stay indoors between 11am to 3pm when sun is more harsh.

• Apply sunscreen on all exposed areas at least 20-30 minutes before stepping out. Use sunscreen of spf 30 or more and star rating at least 3 plus. Spf means protection from Uvb rays which cause sunburn, star rating depicts protection from uva rays which prevents tanning.

• If you develop sensitivity to sunscreen, use physical blocker with zinc oxide .

• Boost your protection with antioxidants with skincare products containing vitamin C and E.

• Exfoliate at least 2-3 times a week.

• Don't avoid moisturizing your skin, use light water based moisturizer. Use milder toners.

• Use lip balm regularly with spf protection. Use a good soothing eye cream every night.

• During summer, body tends to lose a lot of moisture everyone tends to succumb to dehydration and so it’s important to replenish water levels.

• Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water.

• Wear cottons with lighter shades which don’t absorb light. Wear hats & goggles if you are out on holiday.

• Add lots of melons , curd to your diet , coconut water help to replenish electrolytes and take green tea rich in antioxidants to protect your skin from uv damage.