With the scorching heat outdoors, it’s time to flaunt your summery dresses and shorts. But before you go out in them, give your hands and feet a bit of care

Summer time brings about a whole new set of problems for your feet and hands. When outdoor temperatures are soaring and your feet are enclosed in tight shoes, it makes them susceptible to a variety of infections — psoriasis, blisters, fungal infections and smelly feet. When you are stepping out in the sun in a sleeveless top or a short dress, your arms and legs are directly exposed to the harmful UV rays of the sun, causing tanning and rashes.

During the evenings, apply a lightweight moisturiser with mint and coconut milk extracts. Keep fungal infections, the accumulation of dirt and bacteria away by using an anti-bacterial soap to wash your armpits. Before going out, remember to keep a deodorant at hand. The application of a mint-based moisturiser at night will cool the rashes and reduce tanning and instantly cool the skin, keeping it refreshed for the entire day.

Take care of your elbows

Most of us neglect our elbows and so they remain darker compared to the other parts of our body. Scrub your elbows at least twice in a week to get rid of the dead tissues. You can use mustard oil or coconut oil and lime.

Feet

Soak your feet in lukewarm water

Sun protect

Before stepping out in the sun, make sure you have applied a generous amount of sunscreen on your feet as well.

Use a foot powder

Foot powders are the best way to soak up excessive moisture during the hot months. A lightly-scented powder will help you stay refreshed the entire day and ease you from the trouble of ‘smelly feet’.

Go for a pedicure

Head in for a foot massage once every week. This will keep your foot clean. Trim your toe nails to avoid dirt and dust from accumulating under your toe nails.

Hands

Wear gloves

Due to the harmful rays of the sun, it is important to keep your hands moisturised the entire day to avoid wrinkles and calluses.

Protect them from the sun

Use a sunscreen before you go out in the mornings and afternoons. Dr Sharad advises to use a hand scrub to remove the dead skin from your hands at least once a week.

Use a hand cream

Use a rich moisturising hand cream containing emollient plant oils and anti-inflammatory ingredients to pamper your hands, nails and cuticles.

Knees

Exfoliating is a must. To keep your knees soft and smooth, be sure to make exfoliation a part of your daily skin care routine.

Skin lightening

Your knees tend to get dark every day due to exposure to the sun and the accumulation of dirt. Slice a lemon in half and rub it on your knees before you shower. Lemon contains citric acid which acts as a natural lightener and exfoliator.