Summer is upon us and the challenge is to stay cool and healthy. City-based health practitioners, fashion designers, physical instructors and beauticians tell us how...
Eat to beat the heat
Staying hydrated is the one of the best ways to beat the heat. Two to three litres of water, fruit juices without sugar, buttermilk and tender coconut water are ideal to flush out toxins, hydrate the skin, and keep it smooth and supple. Carrots, cucumber, coloured fruits rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants can help prevent pigmentation and have anti-ageing benefits.
Tomatoes, due to their lycopene content, help fight wrinkles. Omega 3 fatty acids in fish help to keep the skin dewy.
Consume plenty of sprouts and salads for breakfast. Lunch on pounded flakes (rice, maize, ragi or wheat). Non-vegetarians should include more vegetables in their diet. Raw mango buttermilk is a coolant.
Cut down on maida and wheat. Avoid oily snacks and reduce the intake of alcohol and caffeine which dehydrate the skin. Avoid ice water and carbonated drinks. Include juicy fruits in your diet. Sugarcane juice is also good.
Courtesy: Dr. Niranjana Raj (Dermatologist), Gangadharan, (proprietor of Pathayam Naturopathic Organic restaurant) and Salini L. S. (chief physician, Saatwika Ayurveda Centre)
Written by ATHIRA M.
Haute looks
Stay cool and look hot with garments in cotton, hemp, linen, khadi, malmals, and other natural or organic fibres this summer, say designers Sreeremya Sambath of Weavers Village and Neeraja Raman Kutty of Neeraja. “These fabrics are light and airy, which allows the skin to breathe. Dresses are a trendy option, this season,” says Neeraja. “Vibrant pastels are in vogue,” says Sreeremya. The length of the sleeves is a personal choice for many women, but both designers recommend wearing half sleeves or going sleeveless and protecting the arms from tanning with a light cotton shawl or a linen/cotton blazer.
“In case you like wearing full sleeves, ensure they are of thin cotton,” says Sreeremya. Avoid layered garments such as anarkalis with multiple linings and voluminous frills, and artificial weaves such as rayon and polyester, which are heavy and stick to the skin. Denims are another no-no this season.
“Try chinos, linen trousers, cotton pants, skirts, palazzos and the like,” says Neeraja.
Written by Nita Sathyendran
The fit bit
The lure of a warm summer day is often hard to resist; it may seem like every day is a good day to work out. And while working out to look and feel good is fine, overdoing it could be a problem if you are not careful. The best time to train is before sunrise and after sunset.
Have a light snack 30 minutes before training, especially in the morning. Not eating before a workout can result in low blood sugar, which leads to light-headedness and fatigue, says Sandy Nair, head, Department of Physical Education, Mannam Memorial NSS College, Kottiyam.
Don’t exercise rigorously when it’s hot and sultry. According to Jaindhan J., assistant professor at Lakshmibai National College of Physical Education, exercises such as swimming, walking and yoga are the best forms of workout for the season. He also advises frequent rest breaks and staying hydrated during a workout.
Keep an eye out for children who are playing in the sun and the elderly, who may not recognise the signs of dehydration. “Most importantly, listen to your body. Stop immediately if you’re feeling dizzy or nauseous,” says Sandy.
Written by Liza George
Face it Summer is the time to go light with your makeup and allow your skin to breathe. Adequate intake of liquids keeps the body and skin hydrated.
Use of sunscreens with the right Sun Protection Factor (SPF), proper cleansing and supplementation of minerals are important. People with oily and dry skin should take extra care. But there are simple ways to de-grease your face. Your skin tends to be oilier now because the heat and humidity increase the oil production from sebaceous glands. Washing your face often strips the skin of these oils and can cause irritation and overproduction of excess oil. Use gentle cleansers that don’t over-dry the skin to maintain a natural moisture balance.
Splashing the face with diluted rice water for 15 minutes twice a day will help as it is sulfate-free and contains rice starch to clean. Use an exfoliating cleanser like Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar with the Phelityl Pre-Cleansing Oil to deeply cleanse, detoxify and hydrate the skin.
Toners are especially important for oily skin. And once a week, make sure to use an exfoliator to remove dead skin cells so that your skincare products can penetrate the skin better. Go in for home remedies.
Courtesy: Strands Aaroos Beauty Salon and Day Spa at Style Plus
Written by Saraswathy Nagarajan
