April is here, which means the fans are back on and stepping outside between noon and four has become an act of courage. Pakistani summers are hard on the skin – not just for those managing eczema or psoriasis, but for everyone. The good news is that a short, sensible routine is all it takes. Here is what we, at MerryDerma, focus on.
Sunscreen first, always
Use SPF 50, not 30. Most guides are written for moderate climates; Pakistan’s UV index in peak summer does not qualify. Apply it 15 minutes before going out, use enough to cover the skin properly, and reapply every two hours if you are outdoors. If you use retinol or vitamin C, sunscreen is non-negotiable – both ingredients increase photosensitivity significantly.
Switch to a lighter moisturiser
Your winter moisturiser is probably too heavy for the heat. Thick creams trap sweat and clog pores. Move to a lightweight, water-based lotion (we usually have a few options available in our store). Apply to damp skin within three minutes of washing for best results.
Cleanse gently, not aggressively
More sweat does not mean you need a harsher cleanser. Stripping the skin barrier makes everything worse. A gentle, fragrance-free cleanser twice daily is enough (again, we have a few options available in store). If you wear sunscreen daily (you should), double cleanse in the evening.
If you have eczema or sensitive skin
Heat and sweat are among the most common eczema triggers. Keep your environment cool at night (if possible), stick strictly to fragrance-free products, and consider mineral sunscreens (they are better tolerated than chemical filters on reactive skin). Our store caters to this – we’ll usually have options for mineral SPFs.
A quick note from our founders
We know we’ve been quieter than normal. Most of the challenges we mentioned last year are still there, and it hasn’t helped much with the ongoing fuel crisis perpetuated by the war in the Middle East. Our commitment to authentic, genuine and heartily selected products, though, remains the same!