5 WAYS TO STAY COOL in the hot weather

The hot weather, often experienced in the month of January necessitates that you protect your skin from too much exposure to the sun along with the sweat and bad odour that comes with heat. Here are a few grooming picks that you can borrow to beat the hot weather. 

1. Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water is vital during the hot weather, whether you feel thirsty or not. This is because the body tends to lose a lot of water, and so it is necessary to take water to replace the fluid lost. Ensure your daily diet contains lots of fruits and vegetables for optimum health, as these contain various levels of water that will automatically up your fluid intake. Also try and keep off caffeine and alcohol, as these can easily leave you dehydrated. If you are exercising, ensure you are well hydrated by drinking water before and during exercise.

2. Wear appropriate clothing. Wear clothes that protect your skin from the sun’s rays as clothes provide UV protection. For instance, a long-sleeved shirt and long pants, or long skirt or dress are ideal as these cover more skin. When you work in the sun without a shirt or hat, for instance, the sun dries your sweat too quickly and prevents it from cooling the body. Consider wearing dark coloured clothes that are loose fitting as these provide more protection than light colours and the light fabric allows your skin to breathe. If possible, try and schedule outdoor tasks for the cooler part of the day such as early mornings or late evenings. Sunglasses are a must have in this weather to protect the eyes from the damaging effects of the sun’s ultraviolet rays and they also add style to an outfit. So don’t forget to carry a pair when you’re out and about.

3. Avoid sun exposure. Too much sun can be harmful to your health. People who get a lot of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays are at greater risk for skin cancer. You do not have to spend an entire day outdoors such as in the beach for you to get too much sun exposure. In fact, sun exposure adds up day after day and this happens every time you are out in the sun. To avoid too much exposure to the sun, try and take frequent breaks in well-ventilated areas with a shade out of the heat. Also consider carrying an umbrella to protect yourself from the sun.

4. Don’t overlook body hygiene. During the hot season, you are likely to sweat more than usual and hence get body odour. One of the best ways to eliminate body odour is by maintaining personal hygiene through taking a shower regularly. Strive to shower at least twice a day – in the morning and evening – to keep your body clean and fresh. Of equal importance is the need to invest in a good deodorant.

5. Pay particular attention to your nether regions. Ensure you shave the hairs in your pubic area to avoid them retaining sweat and even becoming a breeding ground for bacteria. Also do not overlook your feet. Ensure you clean them daily and air them properly to avoid smelly and sweaty feet.

Published in January 2015