The main problem during summer is how to look, feel and smell fresh. Here are the cool tips…

We all try to gear our efforts towards staying cool and fragrant in summer. Perspiration is the real menace. It saps our energy, detracts from the cool feeling and worst of all, can lead to body odor.
Actually, perspiration is the body’s natural way of cooling itself. The skin contains sweat glands, which are of two kinds – the appocrine and the eccrine. The eccrine glands are found all over the body, more particularly on the palms and soles of the feet. They excrete mainly water and a little salt. The appocrine glands, found in the underarm and other regions, release sweat, which mixes with surface bacteria and decomposes fast, creating problems of odor and stained clothing. In its effort to regulate body temperature, the skin releases more perspiration as the weather gets warmer. Body odor actually forms about six hours after we sweat. The waste matter that is secreted with sweat has to be removed by washing and bathing, in order to avoid stale odor and feel fresh. The use of deodorants, anti-perspirants, talcum powder and perfumes helps to deal with the problem for a short while.

Refreshing Shower

Bath-time is a real pleasure during summer and most of us take at least two showers daily, just to stay cool. Bathing and scrubbing help to clear away germs, dirt and odor. A bath is soothing and relaxing and it even helps to refresh and revive. All parts of the body must be washed well, especially the neck, armpits and feet. These are the areas where germs accumulate and cause body odor. Adding cologne to the bath water leaves the body fragrant. Colognes also have a cooling effect. Shower gels and body shampoos, containing natural ingredients like sandalwood, rose and khus have a cooling and refreshing effect. They are natural coolants and also protect the body from prickly heat and other related rashes.

Anti-Perspirants & Mild Deodorants

The use of anti-perspirants and deodorants also help to stay cool. A spray, rather than the roll-on deodorants may be more suitable in summer, but this is a matter of personal choice. However, be sure to choose a mild deodorant as strong built-in anti-perspirant can cause skin irritation or sensitive reactions. It is always better to try them out on a small area, like on the inner arm. If the skin tingles or burns for more than a minute, you should not use it. Actually, perspiration is a natural process and should not be blocked with strong anti-perspirants. Some people find the use of talcum powders quite adequate. Although they do not really help hygiene, they do absorb perspiration and maintain freshness for some time.
Staying fresh is the main problem, especially for those who have to go out of the house during the day. If you suffer from body odor, carrying a deodorant with you is the only alternative, when you are out for long hours. Try to avoid the sun during mid-day, when the sun rays are direct. In fact, you should avoid sun-exposure from noon till 3 P.M. when the heat is at its worst. If you have to go out in the sun, remember to use a sunscreen about 20 minutes before exposure. It is also a good idea to carry a few freshening items in your handbag or briefcase. Fragrant wet tissues are a boon during summer.. They can be used to freshen up the face and neck by wiping off perspiration, dust and pollutants. Cleansing pads are also available to freshen up and provide a cool feeling. These help to remove oil and sweat deposits from the face. A small jar of talcum powder and mild cologne would also help.

Fresh Fragrance

Climate also plays a part in choosing the right perfume. In hot and humid conditions, it is better to go for light, lemony and fresh fragrances, rather than heavy ones. The effect of perfumes intensifies in hot and humid weather. A heavy perfume can be quite overpowering. In fact, some perfumes can even trigger off a headache in some individuals. In cold and dry weather, a heavier scent can be used. Lemon, rose, lavender or sandalwood are light and refreshing during hot weather. The time of day also matters. Go for light fragrances in the morning and heavier ones for the night.
Colognes can be used during summer and can be added to bath water. You can be generous with the use of colognes, even splashing them on. Colognes and Eau de Toilette constitute mainly of water, with only 2 to 5 per cent perfume. They are lighter and the fragrance evaporates, leaving a light lingering fragrance. But, when it comes to perfumes, they should be used sparingly.

Cool Cotton Clothing

Wear cottons because cool, porous materials help perspiration to escape and evaporate. Loose, light clothing is much more appropriate and comfortable during summer. Cotton shields can be used under the arms to absorb sweat and protect clothing. Change clothes daily. Choose simple lines and pastel colors. For women, loose, flowing styles look and feel cool. Stick to neutral shades and favor whites. Materials like cotton, organza, chiffon, lace and so on, look summery and feel comfortable. Tight figure hugging clothes should be avoided.

Elegant Pearls

Cut down on jewelry on hot days. Choose one striking accessory. Silver has a cooler look than gold. Pearls also make one look cool and elegant. Avoid tight chokers around the neck. Long, loose dangling chains or beads are best for summer.
Summer Hair Style
Keep your hair simply styled and away from the face. Try to keep the nape of the neck free of hair. It will make you look and feel cool. If you have long hair, put it up with the help of a large hair clip or ribbon.

Replenishing Fluids

Your diet also plays a role in keeping you cool. As much as 70 per cent of the human body is made up of water. The loss of water occurs daily and should be replenished on a daily basis. We do this mainly by drinking water. During the summer months the loss of fluids is greater and that is why we feel thirsty and drink more water and other fluids. In the normal course, we should drink about 6 to 8 glasses of water a day to meet the body’s water requirement and also keep the system flushed of toxins and wastes. Of course, the quantity of water intake increases during summer, to make-up the loss of fluids through perspiration.
Summer is the time for cool drinks, not only to replenish fluids, but also to feel cool. Nimbu Paani (lemon drink) is ideal during the summer. Add one teaspoon honey and a pinch of salt. If you suffer from any specific disease, you should take the advice of your doctor regarding any additives, like salt, sugar or honey, to cold drinks and fruit juices. Avoid aerated drinks and take fresh fruit juices instead. Fruit juices should be taken freshly extracted and diluted with water. Herbal drinks, containing extracts of rose and khus can also be taken during summer, as these are natural coolants. Add a little lemon juice to herbal drinks. Instead of a hot cup of tea, take iced tea (without milk), adding one teaspoon honey, a little lemon juice and ice. Jal jeera, taken with ice, is a suitable summer drink.

Healthy Food

Avoid heavy meals, and fried foods, with excess spices and oil. Vegetables should be lightly cooked. When you eat out, avoid rich gravies. Include clear soups, lassi, yogurt, fresh fruits, salads and sprouts in your daily diet. Fresh fruits and salads also contribute to the body’s requirement of water. In fact, nature provides us with the fruits that are suitable for the season. Melons (kharbuja), Water Melons (tarbooz) and Cucumber contain more water and help to replenish the water which the body loses through sweating. Instead of having rich desserts, take yogurt with honey or fresh fruits. These make delicious desserts too. During summer, you can end your meal with lassi This is not only cooling but helps digestion also.
Taking enough water and fluids will help cleanse the body of toxins and wastes. As far as the appearance is concerned, this is bound to reflect on the skin and body. The skin will look clearer and fresher, while such foods can help to lose excess weight and also maintain a slim figure. Most important of all it will make your feel better