SKINCARE LAID BARE 66 BREEZE BY COCO COLLECTION SEPTEMBER 2015
WELLBEING WORDS FATHIMATH LAMYA ABDULLA, PHOTOS YASSIN HAMEED/F8PRO We all know sunscreen is a must when holidaying in the tropics, but how else can we make sure our skin is looking its best when spending time in the salt, sand and sun? The equatorial tropical climate is what makes Maldives so very attractive to those that live in colder, frigid temperatures. Especially popular as a getaway destination during the harsh winters, the hot and humid weather is regarded as a welcome change by most. However, this change that you welcome with good grace might not be something that your skin welcomes so willingly. Anyone that has lived in one place for long would have perfected a skin care routine down to the dot according to their skin type and climate. However, before a trip to Maldives you might want to re-think your skin care rituals for the duration, as the procedures that you follow in cold or warm places may produce some unwanted or harmful effects on your skin in the hot and humid Maldives. Cleanse Humid weather can make your pores go into over-drive and produce more sweat to cool off your overheated body, which makes you more prone to breakouts, especially if you have oily skin. To avoid having oily skin full of excess sweat, wash your face at least once a day, using warm water and a non-comedogenic (does not block pores) skin cleanser. If you are prone to breakouts, you might also need to use an acne-care treatment that includes salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide as these help to naturally dry up the oil caused by the humidity while treating the pimple-causing bacteria. However, as these will increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, it is advised to use them during night time. In a situation where you feel extra sweaty, just splash some lukewarm water on your face. This will wash away the sweat and open your pores without stripping your skin of its natural moisture. Moisturise Exposure to the sun can dry out the skin on your face and body, and can increase the risk of skin cancer. It is best to use a moisturiser that contains a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 40 to protect your face and body from ultraviolet rays. It is advised to do this even on seemingly cloudy days in Maldives, as the weather here is quite unpredictable. When applying moisturiser on your face, skip the areas that produce the most oil, also known as the T-zone. The moisturiser may aggravate your already oily skin and make you more susceptible to breakouts. The T-zone generally covers your nose and the forehead right above your eyebrows. Humidity can be very good for your complexion too, as the damp air aids rapid cell turnover, leaving the epidermis soft and supple. However, humidity can also cause you to sweat and this can aggravate acne-prone skin. Furthermore, skin conditions like miliaria, a heat rash that occurs when sweat ducts are clogged, or folliculitis, the inflammation of hair ducts caused by microorganisms, may arise from getting over heated. There are several things that can be done to reduce the harmful effects of humid climate on your skin before they even start. Though the treatments to the various skin conditions may be different, the steps to successful prevention are quite the same. All you need to do is adapt your skin care routine to best suit the humidity, and remain cool to ward off the scorching heat. No Touching While you might experience an urge to wipe away the sweat and succumb to its complimentary itchiness, it is something that you must never do in humid weather. The ostensibly innocent action only spreads the dirt and oil present on your face, and may even introduce bacteria, making the already bad situation worse. Rather than wiping the sweat off with your hand try blotting your skin with a clean tissue. You can also use an oil-absorbing, skin-blotting cosmetic paper, that’s often sold from cosmetic stores. These extra-absorbent items help to suck the oil and sweat out of your skin giving you a more matte appearance. Exfoliate Humidity can cause dead cells to linger, rather than flake away as they would in drier climates. This is undeniably bad as it clogs pores and causes acne. Choose an oil free formula that contains round beads which are gentler on your skin compared to harsh grains. Follow up with a clay based mask to help absorb the oil. Stay cool One thing you must never be without in a humid climate such as the Maldives is a bottle of water. Drink plenty of water to keep yourself cool and hydrated. Additionally, it is best to wear cool clothing, nothing that will overheat your body or cause excessive sweating. Cotton and linen clothing would be the most suitable choice, accompanied by a hat. Doctors also do advice to shower at least twice a day using anti-bacterial soap. www.cococollection.com 67