Protecting your skin in B'luru's intense heatwaves

Lakshmi Prasad | NT

Bengaluru: During the sweltering heat waves that is passing through Bengaluru, and the city recording high temperature, our skin often bears the brunt of the harsh conditions.

The city's unique combination of high temperatures and humidity levels can exacerbate skin issues, from acne and excess dandruff to an increased risk of fungal infections.

Dr Neema Sandra Dias, a Consultant Dermatologist at TriLife Hospital in Bengaluru, underscores the significance of skin protection tailored to the city's specific climate.

She offers advice on maintaining skin health and safety amidst Bengaluru's soaring temperatures, emphasising the importance of a customised skincare regimen and timely professional intervention.

Dr Dias points out that heat waves can trigger acne due to increased oil production, along with excess dandruff caused by heightened oil on the scalp. She also highlights concerns like yeast or fungal infections and folliculitis resulting from sweat and bacterial accumulation.

Contact dermatitis can also exacerbate in sweaty areas like hands and feet during summer.

Emphasising the necessity of sunscreen, Dr Dias recommends, “the use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 50+ or 30+, covering both UVA and UVB rays. Reapplying sunscreen every 3-4 hours is important, especially after sweating or swimming.”

In these cases, Dr Dias suggests opting for sweatresistant or mineral-based sunscreens for immediate protection.”

Dr Dias stresses the importance of timely professional intervention to address conditions like blisters and rashes before they escalate. She advises, “A tailored skincare regimen for heatwaves, including foaming cleansers and lightweight, water-based moisturisers is important.”

She added that antioxidants such as Vitamin C can help combat suninduced oxidative stress, while retinol can be beneficial for those over 35 or 40 of age when used with adequate moisturisation and sunscreen.

Additional practices recommended by Dr Dias include bathing twice daily, wearing loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing and frequent hair washing to prevent sweat-related issues and dandruff.