KT For Good: Get that summer glow with right skincare

In Part 8 of our #BeSummerSafe campaign, specialists share how you can take good care of your skin during the hottest months of the year.

What does summer do to our skin? Oily skin gets oilier and dry skin gets patchy. There are breakouts and pimples, rashes and roughness, and that acne just wouldn't go away.
Too much sun is bad for our skin. Not only can we get tanned - which is not always a bad thing - but over-exposure to sun rays can cause premature ageing of skin, too.
Our skin contains a pigment called melanin, and too much exposure to the sun causes more melanin to be produced. A prolonged stay under the sun can cause a change in our skin colour or even tanning. This is also why sunscreens are recommended, irrespective of our skin type.
Just a few simple changes in our everyday skin care regimen can ensure that we are all set to glow through this season.
Here's my advice: Make sure you keep your face clean of dust and sweat throughout these hot months. A lot of people encounter breakouts and pimples at this time of the year. Wash your face with a cleanser at least twice or thrice a day.
But before you put anything on your skin, check the products first and ensure that they are weather-appropriate.
Water-based moisturisers work best for normal skin types. For oily skin, gel-based moisturisers are preferred. For extra oily and acne-prone skin, stick to facial sprays with minerals that are good for your skin.
You may think your skin won't get dry during summer, but that's a myth. Moving in and out of air-conditioned areas alone can cause your skin to dry out. So, follow the age-old principle of cleaning, toning and moisturising at night before sleeping.
During the day, don't forget to wear sunscreen before heading out. UV rays can be harmful for your skin at any time of the year, but more so in the summer months when our exposure levels are higher. A minimum SPF of 30 is recommended and must be applied 20 to 30 minutes before going out.
In addition, don't forget your eyes. The sun's rays are the harshest between 12pm and 4pm during summer months. Avoid stepping out around these times. If you do step out, make sure your eyes are covered with sunglasses.
Maintain good hygiene. Overall hygiene can go a long way in tackling the heat. Having a bath twice a day will not only keep your skin fresh, it will also help combat summer lethargy.
Eat 'cooling' foods. Go for seasonal fruits and vegetables and stay away from sugary drinks.
Lastly, don't be afraid of the sun as it is a mood enhancer. Sunlight helps us produce more serotonin, a mood-boosting hormone. Just make sure you maintain a good skincare regimen.

• KT For Good