The summers are right around the corner and our skin has already started experiencing changes. Irrespective of skin type, the scorching heat and humidity can cause sunburn and tanning. Rashes and acne are common throughout summer but with a proper skincare routine and protection, you can minimize the effects and maintain the radiance of your skin.

Getting your skincare regime right makes a drastic difference in your skin health throughout summer. Oily or dry skin, with the right products and skincare steps, keep glowing throughout summer! But before jumping onto the summer skincare tips, you must understand your skin concerns.

How does summer affect different skin types?

The effects of the scorching heat are varied on different skin types. If you recognize your skin types and the problem areas, devising a skincare regime gets easier. Here are the issues different skin types face during the summer:

Oily Skin

• Summertime aggravates the oiliness of the skin
• Oiliness traps dirt and grime and eventually causes acne and clogged pores
• Oily skin is prone to inflammations due to the scorching heat of the summer

Dry Skin

• Dy skin tends to get even more dehydrated due to the heat
• Rashes and flaky skin are common problems for dry-skinned beauties
• Hyperpigmentation and dullness are more common in dry skin

Sensitive skin

• Acne, rashes and redness are very common for sensitive skin
• Sensitive skin is more prone to tanning as well

Normal Skin

The problems are very specific and vary from one person to another in the case of normal skin types. Redness, acne breakouts and mild dehydration are generally witnessed in normal skin during the summers.

Fabulous summertime skincare tips for different skin types

Irrespective of your skin type, a few basic skincare practices provide ample protection for all skin types. The key is consistency with the routine and choosing the right product.

Forget everything, but never your sunscreen!

Never run out of sunscreen if you want to survive the summers without rashes and tanning. Although a very basic skincare product, it is the most important one for all skin types. Even if you are staying indoors, using light sunscreen with SPF 30 is highly recommended since UV rays can reach you through the windows during the summers.

And when you step outdoors, sunscreen is a must and it must be a heavy-duty product. Especially in the Indian summers, sunscreens with SPF 50 are the most suitable choice. If you are worried about which is the right choice for your skin type, try our Sunscreens that is suitable for all skin types. The lightweight and the fast-absorbing formula is a blessing for dry skin beauties. If you have oily skin, you must use a gel-based moisturizer to avoid heaviness.

The right application is necessary to get the maximum benefits from your sunscreen. So, apply the sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going out and re-apply it through the day after every 2-3 hours if you’re staying out.

Cleanse…Cleanse…Cleanse Away the dirt and grime

Washing your face twice daily is important. But it is even more so during the summer. The heat and humidity lead to sweating that catches the grime and dirt from around us. Especially for oily skinned women, the problem gets dire due to the excess sebum.

A gentle cleanser ensures the dirt gets removed without dehydrating the skin and stripping off its natural oils. Double cleansing is ideal during summer to remove every speck of grime that gets settled in the fine lines and pores. But you can save all the effort with a cleanser like our Daily Duet Face Wash that doubles as a makeup remover too and comes with all benefits of double cleansing.

Feed your skin with antioxidants

The heat of summers dehydrates the skin and causes damage due to the free radicals. As a result, a skincare routine that replenishes the lost nourishment is essential. Introduce products with antioxidants like face serums which in turn boost collagen production and strengthen the natural skin barriers. Luckily, our C For Yourself Vitamin C Serum does this job perfectly. And the best part is, it is suitable for all skin types and targets skin concerns like hyperpigmentation and dullness in summer.

Use moisturizers but with a twist

Oily skin beauties often skip moisturizers during the summer, which is totally understandable but a crime! Ditch those heavy feeling creams and opt for gel-based or light, cream consistency moisturizers. Lighter moisturizers work best for almost all skin types in the summer season.

We recommend using our Ceramide Supercream Moisturizer daily to protect your skin from flakiness as well as pollution and blue light damage. It contains hydrogenated olive oil that nourishes the skin much deeper without feeling you have anything on your skin. It keeps the skin hydrated and moisturized for long hours.

Summertime is very tedious so it’s a good idea to have a minimal yet effective routine! We at Foxtale, are believers in skincare products that show results on skin and make you relax and happy while using them. Achieve efficacy with our products and add these tips for a little bit of extra happiness:

• Use ice rollers, they can be game-changing in summers
• Keep a face mist handy and use it any time of the day to feel refreshed
• To cool your skin, keep an aloe vera gel in the refrigerator for some time and then apply generously
• Try multi-masking to target different skin concerns all at once!

Related Articles: 

1. Tips to Prevent and Treat Heat Rash
2. Must-Have Skincare Essentials for Summers
3. Summer Skincare Routine for a Tan-Free Skin

Don’t forget a Summer Reset for your body

While you're prepping your face with serums and gels, the skin on your body is often the first to show summer damage. Between the friction of sweat and constant UV exposure, your arms and legs can quickly become tanned and patchy.

The most effective way to prep is by switching to the Detan Body Wash. Powered by our 8% De-TanX Complex™ (Glycolic + Lactic Acid), it helps visibly reduce tan from the very first use. It features India’s first After-Sun Reset System, which prevents daily sun exposure from building up into a stubborn, permanent tan. With Niacinamide to fade pigmentation and Calendula Extract to repair the skin barrier, it’s the perfect one-step solution to keep your body skin as radiant as your face all summer long.

 “Our products are paraben free.” “They do not contain so and so chemicals.” You must have come across these statements from your favorite skincare brands, especially during the last 5-6 years where the trend of using toxic-free products has garnered a lot of attention all over the world. Even when we enter a beauty store loaded with products, it is instinctive to check the ingredients. We often come across the ingredient “paraben” that seems to permeate all types of skincare and beauty products. 

It is obvious we might not be aware of all the ingredients that are contained in a product, and there is always the familiar anxiety about whether we did the right thing in buying that product. With different claims from brands, it is a dire necessity to understand the ingredients better. But there’s nothing to worry about as we are here to provide you with all the information you need to know about Parabens and why “Paraben free” products have taken the world by storm! 

What are Parabens?

Parabens are preservatives that are synthetic chemicals used to increase the shelf life of beauty products. They prevent any kind of bacterial and fungal growth in beauty and skincare products. But then if they are so important, why are people shifting towards Paraben-free skincare?

Recently, many have proven that parabens can harm all skin types in the longer run. The primary debate is its close association with triggering diseases like breast cancer due to prolonged exposure to the chemical. Moreover, they have harmful effects on the environment as well. Thus, many brands shift towards creating products free of parabens.

How are parabens bad for our skin?

Now that you have some surface-level knowledge about Parabens, we need to jump onto the next crucial part. How is it exactly bad for the skin? Given below are a few reasons why Parabens are not the safest option for your skin. 

• Cancer formation

There is some evidence that parabens can imitate the effects of estrogen, which has also been connected to the development of cancer and infertility. This raised concerns since it demonstrated that parabens, which are commonly found in personal care products, can enter our body tissues and stay there rather than just sitting on the skin. Due to these observations, parabens may be able to cause the development of cancer. 

• Irritation 

Using products containing Parabens can cause the skin to become sensitive and prone to allergies. Regular exposure to Parabens can thus cause the skin to become irritated. 

• Easy absorption 

Parabens can enter the skin very rapidly and easily get absorbed into the skin, which over time might be harmful.

What should you use instead?

Alternatives to Parabens

There are different naturally derived and milder alternatives to parabens that are used by brands these days. Look for any of these ingredients in your beauty product to ensure it is free of parabens.

1.Phenoxyethanol

It is a synthetic preservative derived from ethyl alcohol. It is a food additive and can be used for cosmetic preservation as well. It is considered a safe alternative as it is a food-grade additive.

2.Sodium benzoate

Sodium benzoate is widely used in salads, jams, and other types of eatables. It is natural and is considered a very safe preservative for all types of eatables. As a result, it is widely considered an alternative to parabens as well in cosmetics.

Oils and herbs

Oils and herbs are natural preservatives but they are not as effective as parabens. They can keep away bacteria and other microorganisms. However, the shelf-life of products with such preservatives is not as long.

If you’re looking to incorporate paraben-free skincare, you are at the right place. Here is a minimal skincare routine that you as well as your skin can enjoy:

• Use a mild cleanser like Foxtale’s Daily Duet Fash Wash daily which is free of parabens and will gently remove dirt from your skin, leaving it refreshed and hydrated.
• Pamper your skin by giving it a boost of antioxidants with Foxtale’s C For Yourself Vitamin C Serum after cleansing.
• Moisturize the skin with a barrier repair cream like Foxtale’s Ceramide Supercream Moisturizer which is free of harmful parabens.
• Use paraben-free sunscreen daily. Foxtale offers the CoverUp Sunscreen which is mild yet provides ultimate protection to the skin. It leaves no white cast and gives a dewy finish we all secretly aspire for! 

In conclusion

When it comes to skin, it deserves the best. Now that you’re aware of Parabens and their potential harm, it is important for you as a consumer to research well before buying a product. As a consumer, you must be well aware and make conscious decisions when it comes to skincare. With so much information available, learning about the ingredients listed on the labels of our beauty products is simple. While the long-term impacts of Parabens are still being researched, in the end, it's our own decision to choose the right skincare. 

FAQs

1.How do parabens affect the skin?

Particularly on delicate or flaky skin, parabens can cause skin irritation and allergic responses. According to studies, parabens can be more inflammatory for people who already have psoriasis, eczema, or a history of contact dermatitis.

2.Are parabens cancerous?

The mechanisms of healthy breast cells can be impacted by parabens, which may also influence their abnormal growth and raise the risk of breast cancer. Several studies suggest that parabens may mimic estrogen and, as a result, promote breast cell growth.

3.Is paraben-free better?

Although many beauty products contain preservatives in one way or the other to make them have a longer shelf life, it is a safe option to use Paraben-free products. The label "paraben-free" is used to reassure customers that these toxic chemicals aren't present in the product's formulation. 

What exactly is benzoyl peroxide?

Benzoyl peroxide is a topical medication that is used to fight acne breakout. It is an ingredient found in cleansers, lotions, and creams that are primarily used to kill acne-causing bacteria and hence, combat acne. It is available as medication over-the-counter as well as cosmetics from renowned brands. It is an antimicrobial that kills and minimizes the number of acne-causing bacteria on the skin.

How does benzoyl peroxide affect the skin?

Benzoyl peroxide combats the bacteria on the skin which instigate acne. It helps to unclog the pores and remove dead skin cells which lead to blockage. It also prevents new acne from erupting.

It should be used only topically. Caution must be exercised when using a benzoyl peroxide lotion. Wash your hands well before and after the application. The product must be used daily and you will see results within 4 weeks. The full effect of the treatment is noticeable after another 2-4 months.

If you are using benzoyl peroxide for the first time, it is expected that your skin might experience redness, slight tingling sensations, or irritation. And this is where Foxtale’s super-soothing Ceramide Supercream Moisturizer comes to the picture. This is what you need to calm your skin down after using any kind of active. With skin-loving ingredients such as ceramides, sodium hyaluronate, and much more, you can enjoy using your actives and have barrier friendly skin!

Benzoyl peroxide benefits vs side effects 

Benzoyl Peroxide comes with both benefits as well as side effects. Here is a glimpse of both of them:

Benefits of benzoyl peroxide:

Side effects of benzoyl peroxide:

• Skin irritation
• Flaking and peeling of skin
• Leaves stains on clothes and hair
• Some may be allergic to it

Keeping in mind the side effects, it is best to patch-test or get recommendations from a dermatologist, before using this product. You can also consider alternate treatments. Here is something about perfecting your skin using cellular beauty that is a holistic approach to skincare.

Comparing benzoyl peroxide to other treatments

Apart from benzoyl peroxide, there are two more ingredients popular for combating acne. Here is a comprehensive comparison between benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and retinol, all of which are useful for combating acne:

When you understand the different ways in which benzoyl peroxide can affect your skin, it gets easier to incorporate the ingredient in your skincare routine while avoiding the side effects.

Even in general life, when we think of water and oil- they just do not mix. Yet they are two vital elements necessary for our skin.

Although they are incompatible and do not mix, our skin attracts both and needs them to stay healthy, hydrated, and radiant. Hence, striking a balance is the base for good skin. A proper balance is needed to retain the youthfulness of your skin. This is where the water-oil balance becomes essential for your skin. Hydration and moisturization are the two necessities for healthy skin. They are achieved when the water-oil balance is perfect. Today, let us dive deep and find out how water and oil affect skin texture.

Water: Hydration 

Water is the basis of the hydration of your skin. Though often used interchangeably, hydration and moisturization are not the same. Water hydrates the skin but does not moisturize it. Our body contains 70% water however it cannot produce water voluntarily. We can retain water from external sources, such as humectants, which in turn help to keep our skin supple and youthful.

However, when we grow older, the skin’s ability to retain water gets reduced. Drinking enough water and following a proper diet help to keep the skin hydrated. At the same time, good quality hydrating products for skincare are also essential. The key is to get products that have ingredients known for their water retention ability.

This includes Sodium Hyaluronate and Niacinamide. Niacinamide prevents the skin from losing water to external elements and free radicals. On the other hand, Sodium hyaluronate keeps the skin plump and firm by retaining enough water for a longer period.

Our Foxtale Daily Duet Face Wash contains sodium hyaluronate which is a derivative of hyaluronic acid and penetrates the skin much better. It ensures deeper hydration. Thus, even though it is a face wash, your skin will not dry out at all. You can get the benefits of niacinamide from our Foxtale Cover Up Sunscreen which not only gives optimum sun protection but also prevents water loss from your skin. This is because Niacinamide is one of the primary ingredients in it. Both these products also make up for the perfect AM routine!

Oil: Moisture

Using oils for skincare dates back to ancient times. Natural oils help to strengthen and maintain the lipid barrier of your skin. This in turn protects the inner layers ensuring that your skin remains healthy for a longer time as well as keeps the hydration level of your skin intact.

Oil can soothe sensitive skin and unlike popular belief, the right one won’t clog your pores when used in the right way. Striping your skin of oil makes it even oilier as your skin starts producing excess sebum to meet the deficit.

These days, facial oils are gaining popularity once more and so are many different oil-based products. This is because oil can attract water and hence induce better hydration and also break down pollutants. A few drops of any facial oil or even an occlusive can help retain the water and seal the essential fatty acid to strengthen your skin further. You can get the maximum benefits of oil-based products when they are used together with water-based skincare products as well.

How to keep a balance of water & oil in your skin?

Now that you have a fair idea about how water and oil play an influential role in your skincare, it's time to understand their role in different skin types. Not every skin type requires the same ratio of water and oil. Here is a breakdown of the different skin types so you can make the most of both the elements:

Dry Skin:

Dry skin doesn’t just lack hydration, it does not even produce enough sebum. Moreover, hydration is lost quickly on such skin types. Thus, products with ingredients that can retain water well are particularly suitable. Look for ingredients like niacinamide and sodium hyaluronate (a better version of hyaluronic acid). Such skin also requires intense moisturizing hence, a thick yet lightweight cream or lotion is highly recommended. Try our Foxtale Ceramide Supercream Moisturizer which can keep the skin moisturized for a longer time. 

Oily skin:

As the name suggests, this skin type has excess oil and sebum production which can clog the pores and lead to acne. But the excess oil production also forms a protective barrier that helps retain enough water and keeps the skin moisturized. Such skin type will require more focus on oil control to strike the balance. Gel-based moisturizers and lotions as well as face serums are the best choices. A good option would be the Foxtale C For Yourself Vitamin C Face Serum which is lightweight and helps to control excess oil while keeping the skin hydrated.

One can rightly say, striking the water-oil balance is a lot about understanding your skin type well. When you work out the basics of your skin’s requirements, choosing a suitable product gets easier. Maintaining the balance means choosing a suitable product that is tailor-made for your skin’s requirements and you can do so easily when you understand the individual purpose served by water and oil in skincare.