Beauty treatments in summer: Experts weigh its pros and cons, share tips to get started

In humid weather conditions, a luxury retreat at salons is what the heart yearns for. Be it a scalp massage or a hydrating facial, people opt for salon beauty treatments as soon as the temperatures begin to soar. Experts say, getting such beauty treatments done during the hot weather not just leaves one with radiating skin but also helps rejuvenate it from within.

However, the journey of figuring out which treatments suit you the best is not an easy one. If you have been thinking of getting a beauty treatment done but are confused about which one to go ahead with, your struggle ends here.

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Mid-day.com sat down with dermatologists and beauty salon and clinic owners to draw you a holistic picture.

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Dr Debeshi Bhattacharjee, clinical cosmetologist, medical head and founder, Lueur Aesthetics tells us, "People can opt for clinic beauty treatments during summer, but they should consider treatments suitable for their concern and their skin type."

Dr Meghna Mour, aesthetic dermatologist, cosmetologist, trichologist, and laser specialist, founder of Skuccii Supercliniq shares, "Salons offer a wide range of services specifically designed to meet the needs of the summer season. From luxurious keratin treatments for hair to rejuvenating de-tanning facials, there is something for everyone looking to pamper themselves during the warmer months. Many individuals turn to salon beauty treatments as a way to refresh and revitalise their skin and hair."

On the flip side, Dr Rinky Kapoor, consultant dermatologist, cosmetic dermatologist and dermato-surgeon, The Esthetic Clinics highlights, "Many people take trips to salons for beauty treatments to achieve that fresh and radiant look during summer. Unfortunately, chemical-based hair treatments such as hair colouring or straightening damage the hair. Full body scrub, manicure and pedicure, facial mask, hair conditioning, and de-tan treatments should be taken only after consulting the expert as you don't know if they suit you or cause any adverse reactions."

Common beauty treatments best during summer
Mour lists down the names of a few commonly opted-for treatments.

1. Hydrafacial treatment
Procedure: Hydrafacial treatment is a cutting-edge, non-invasive facial procedure that utilises a patented device to perform a series of steps. These steps include cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, hydration, and infusion of antioxidants and peptides.

Benefits: This revolutionary treatment effectively removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores, extracts impurities, and deeply hydrates the skin. Additionally, it helps to improve skin texture, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and enhance overall skin tone and clarity.

2. Collagen facials
Procedure: Collagen facials consist of applying collagen-infused products or serums to the skin, often combined with massage techniques to maximise absorption.

Benefits: Collagen is a vital protein that gives structure and elasticity to the skin. Collagen facials are designed to replenish and enhance collagen levels in the skin, resulting in increased firmness, elasticity, and hydration. Additionally, these facials can diminish the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles, promoting a rejuvenated and youthful complexion.

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3. Skin-boosting treatments
Procedure: Skin-boosting treatments involve injectable hyaluronic acid-based fillers, such as Restylane Skinboosters or Juvederm Volite, to enhance skin hydration, elasticity, and overall quality.

Benefits: These treatments are designed to target dehydrated or dull skin, replenishing moisture levels and stimulating collagen production. By improving skin texture, reducing fine lines, and enhancing radiance, skin-boosting treatments result in a smoother, more youthful appearance.

4. Moisturising treatments:
Procedure: Moisturising treatments consist of applying moisturising products or masks to the skin, often paired with techniques like massage or steam to boost absorption and efficacy.

Benefits: These treatments are designed to replenish moisture levels in the skin, restore hydration, and enhance skin barrier function. Hydrating treatments effectively combats dryness, flakiness, and irritation, resulting in skin that feels luxuriously soft, smooth, and supple.

5. Meso botox
Procedure: Meso botox, also referred to as micro botox or intradermal botox, is a cutting-edge treatment that involves injecting diluted botulinum toxin directly into the skin's superficial layers using a specialised technique.

Benefits: This innovative procedure targets fine lines, wrinkles, and enlarged pores, resulting in smoother, tighter skin with a more refined texture. Meso botox also aids in reducing excessive sweating and oil production, leading to a matte and refreshed complexion.

The cost of facials ranges between 7,500 to 20,000, depending on the type of treatment.

Beauty treatments depending on skin types
Dr Shareefa Chause, dermatologist and cosmetologist, Shareefa's Skin Care Clinic shares treatment options based on your skin type.

Dry skin: For the face, you can opt for Hydra Memory Facial. It offers more moisture to the skin and for the body, you can opt for a simple oil massage.

Oily skin: For the face, you can try the basic cleanup and for the bod, opt for body scrub or detanning treatments.

Normal skin type: Opt for cleanup, detan, and facial for the face and for the body choose to get a detanning treatment or scrubbing.

Sensitive skin: People with sensitive people can go for smoothing remedy cleanup, with very minimal massage for the face

With regard to the skin type, Raghav Bhambri, owner, Toni&Guy shares the name of a few facials one can consider

Dry skin:
Treatment: Hydrating facial
Details: This facial deeply moisturises the face using serums, masks, and gentle massage to replenish lost moisture.
Benefits: Restores hydration, improves elasticity, and gives a radiant glow.
Average Cost: Rs 6660 - Rs 12490

Oily skin:
Treatment: Deep cleansing facial
Details: Targets excess oil with cleansing, exfoliation, and sometimes extractions.
Benefits: Minimises pores, reduces breakouts, and balances oil production.
Average Cost: Rs 4990 - Rs 8320

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Normal skin:
Treatment: Custom facial
Details: Tailored to individual skin needs, this facial often includes a mix of cleansing, exfoliation, and masks.
Benefits: Maintains skin health, addresses minor concerns, and promotes a clear complexion.
Average cost: Rs 5830 - Rs 9995

Sensitive skin:
Treatment: Calming facial
Details: Uses gentle products to soothe and strengthen sensitive skin, often avoiding harsh ingredients.
Benefits: Reduces redness, irritation, and improves skin resilience.
Average cost: Rs 5830 - Rs 8320

Factors first-timers should consider
According to Bhattacharjee, beginners should start with basic treatments like facials tailored (dermafacials), non-invasive treatment options to their skin type. "It's essential to consult with a qualified dermatologist or aesthetician to assess individual skin needs and goals. Tips include researching clinics, reading reviews, and asking questions during consultations to ensure comfort and confidence in the chosen treatment. Take doctor-tailored skin routine post-treatment."

Mour suggests: Before undergoing any beauty treatment, consider factors such as your skin type, concerns, budget, and lifestyle. Verify the credentials and reputation of the service provider or clinic, and inquire about post-treatment care and follow-up appointments. By thoroughly considering these factors, you can make an informed decision that prioritises both safety and effectiveness.

People with certain skin conditions must avoid these treatments
"People with sensitive skin or allergies to certain ingredients, pregnant women, and those with skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis should avoid salon beauty treatments that could irritate or worsen their skin condition," says Kapoor.

The ideal gap between two beauty treatments
Chause tells us that the frequency of beauty treatments depends on every individual's skin type and texture. A gap between two basic cleanups can be 20 days long. Any other procedure can have a gap of one month.

According to Bhambri, hydrating facials, deep cleansing facials, custom facials and calming facials should be done every four to six weeks.

When it comes to hair treatments such as deep conditioning or keratin treatments during summertime, Kapoor says the ideal gap should be seven months.

However, it is crucial to consult with your dermatologist to develop a personalised treatment plan that addresses your specific skin concerns while considering seasonal factors.

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Common misconceptions about salon beauty treatments
Salon and clinic beauty treatments are often misunderstood, leading to confusion among consumers. Kapoor states, "People believe salon/clinic beauty treatments are only for women. However, salons and clinics cater to both men and women, offering a wide range of services tailored to suit different needs and preferences. Men can also benefit from treatments like facials, manicures, and hair styling to enhance their appearance and boost their confidence."

Another misconception about beauty treatments, as Chause tells us is that people believe that once you start the treatment, you have to compulsorily continue it for a long period. This is true. You can stop with the treatments whenever you want and return to maintaining your skin health by following basic skincare steps.

Bhambri also shares, "With salon treatments, people believe they can yield desired results in no time, however, it does take time for the treatments to show their effect. Further,

Salon beauty treatments v/s home remedies
As a majority of people today prefer natural beauty treatments over chemical based treatments, we asked experts which one is more effective.

Mour opines, "Both salon/clinic treatments and home remedies have their advantages, but the effectiveness of each varies depending on the individual's skin condition and the purpose of the treatment. Professional treatments offer immediate results and utilise advanced techniques and products tailored to meet specific needs. Ultimately, a combination of both approaches may yield the best results, with professional treatments targeting specific concerns and home remedies supporting long-term skin health."

Bhattacharjee shares, "Clinic treatments often use advanced technology and professional-grade products, providing more immediate and noticeable results compared to home remedies, which may take longer to show effects. Home remedies often irritate the skin as people experiment with random things."

According to Chause salon treatments are more effective than home remedies. "The concentration of the particular ingredients required is higher in cosmetic products as compared to home remedies. Further, a combination of these ingredients stands a high chance of soothing the skin. However, this is not to say that natural skincare ingredients are bad. Since they are natural, the risk of suffering from their side effect is minimal."

Homemade beauty hacks for glowing skin in summer
Home remedies to protect skin in summer include staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen, using antioxidant-rich skincare products and adopting a healthy diet. Incorporating foods rich in antioxidants like berries, tomatoes, and green tea into your diet can help repair skin damage caused by exposure to the sun.

Those having oily skin can apply multani mitti paste on the face to control excessive oil. Those with sensitive and dry skin can apply yoghurt or milk and oatmeal mask. You can also add honey if you want for that extra glow and moisturisation. These face packs can be applied once or twice a week.

Here are some face packs you can make at home:

By Kapoor:
1. Cucumber and aloe vera face pack

Ingredients:
Cucumber juice - 2 tbsp
Aloe Vera gel - 2 tbsp

Application:
Mix equal parts cucumber juice and Aloe Vera gel. Apply it to your face for 15 minutes, then rinse off for instantly refreshed and revitalised skin

2. Papaya and honey face pack

Ingredients:
Half-ripe papaya mashed
Honey - 2-3 tbsp

Application:
Mash ripe papaya with honey to create a thick mask and leave it on your face for 20 minutes before washing it off.

By Mour
3. Refreshing Cucumber Mask

Ingredients:
Cucumber, peeled and chopped - 1/2
Plain yogurt - 1 tbsp
Honey - 1 tsp
A few mint leaves (optional)

Application:
Blend the chopped cucumber in a blender until it becomes a smooth puree. Next, add the yoghurt, honey, and mint leaves (if you want to add a refreshing twist) to the cucumber puree. Blend everything until you have a smooth paste that is well combined. Apply it on your face and let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing it off with normal water.

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(Disclaimer: This information does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a qualified specialist or your physician for personalised guidance.)