Attributed to Dr. Lillian Khan, Brand Expert & Dermatologist for Pond's Arabia

Summer is here and we all have different plans on how we are going to spend it. For most of us, whether we are vacationing abroad or spending it at home, one thing is for sure and it's that we will be out and about.

Get a good night cleanser
Hot and humid weather will have its effect on our skin all day. It will cause accumulation of debris, dirt, and sweat. So you have to remove this layer with a chemical exfoliating cleanser that contains either AHA, Glycolic Acid, or Salicylic acid. But don't over use it or you will end up with dry sensitive skin. This kind of cleanser will also help your chosen serum to penetrate deeper and therefore result in better effect on the skin.

Choose an antioxidant rich serum!
Studies have shown that antioxidants help reduce the extent of skin damage caused by sun exposure. Therefore, choose serums with good antioxidants like white tea or green tea extracts, Vitamin C (is my favourite), Vitamin E, and peptides. Make sure you get into the habit of using it as the base on your skin in the morning, i.e. first thing to apply after the cleanser and before you apply your moisturizer, which also can be rich in antioxidants.

Choose a faux bronzed face than a real one
I get asked all the time by some of my patients, friends & family; “how to safely tan”… And I always give them the same answer “DON'T TAN!”

There are many options now for the face to get that nice summer bronzed glow which I like! Moisturizers with gradual self tanners, tinted moisturizers, and makeup bronzed powder. The powder is a great option for those with oily skin as it will also matt that excessively oily skin that becomes worse with the heat and the humidity.  Bronzed powders are also a great touch up during the day after blotting the excess oil, as it will get rid of that unwanted oily shine.

Treat That Acne!
There is nothing worse than break outs in the summer because of the hot and humid weather in the gulf region. The oil glands in oily skin types becomes more active and with the debris and dirt it clogs those pores and voila... pimples!

The thing I notice most with my new patients is that they are using a chemical exfoliating cleanser too much and over drying their skin. In this situation it is worth starting the summer with a visit to your dermatologist in order to be prescribed a treatment plan that is suitable with their skin and how it reacts to the summer season. Some of the mild non-irritating home treatments options available include topical antibiotic solutions and Benzyl Peroxide gels. There are also in-clinic treatments with Bio peels, Mild Keratolytic AHA, or Glycolic Acid peels that will boost your treatment response. Sometimes even Comedonal extraction can be done if needed.

Be careful if you have Rosacea!
The heat and the sun make Rosacea worse. So during the summer months you have to be extra careful when dealing with this type of climate. This is not to say don't enjoy yourself or keep indoors. Apply that 50+ sunscreen; the one with a good physical sunscreen is a better choice 20 min before going out in the sun. Remember that the face needs at least a teaspoon full of sunscreen to provide good coverage. Try to stay in the shade as much as possible and when resting do it in air conditioned areas. To cool down the face outdoors, use a misting mineral water spray that will evaporate which will cool the skin as it does. It is also important to keep cool with cold water drinks, and when at home apply a facecloth in ice water and apply to your neck and face to take the heat away. Stay away from spicy food and caffeine as much as you can as they can contribute to break-outs.

Pamper you self with a good facial
There is nothing better than a good relaxing facial to take care of yourself in a place where no one can disturb you. No cell phones, no kids, no husband... Let someone else take care of you for once. I suggest for my patients a good facial at the beginning of summer and before they are off on their vacation. Midsummer is also a good time for a facial, even if you are on vacation, just consider it a treat and choose a nice relaxing SPA to get a good deep cleansing and nourishing facial.  Self rewards makes us feel good and puts a smile on our face and that is the best glow the face could ever have!