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It’s getting hotter by the day and with it we are facing a range of problems, like discomfort, lethargy, and increased thirst. But one thing that often goes unnoticed till it escalates and becomes unavoidable is the damage it does to our skin. From excessive tanning and dryness to clogged pores and shiny skin, there are many issues that the hot and humid months bring about and it’s important to adjust your regular skincare routine according to the weather. However, being mindful of some simple things can help tackle these problems and give you clear, glowing skin.

Don’t over cleanse

Since the humidity tends to make our skin oily, most of us end up cleansing or washing it whenever we can. Some people even wash their faces almost three to four times a day besides wiping their foreheads and cheeks with a handkerchief or tissue whenever it feels oily. The trick is to only wash your face once or twice a day and gently dab the oil with oil blotting sheets when it feels excessively oily. Wash your face with a mild cleaner every morning and evening. You can also skip the cleanser and just wash your face with plain water in the morning and use the cleanser in the evening only. It might take a little bit getting used to but over time, your skin will adjust to this pattern and regulate its oil production.

Use a lightweight moisturizer

Many people tend to skip the moisturizer during the summer months thinking it will make their skin even more oily but the fact is that using a moisturizer is crucial all year round. It helps lock in moisture and maintain and protect the skin’s natural barrier. Moisturizers also protect your skin from environmental stressors like sun damage, heat, and pollution. Did you know that dehydrated skin is more prone to breakouts and acne? Opt for a lightweight moisturizer according to your skin type. Look for gel or cream based moisturizers that are non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores. Use a moisturizer after cleansing your face, every morning and night and put on a generous amount and gently rub it in. Doing this religiously will fix most of your skin issues over time.

Get a good sunblock

We all know the importance of sunscreen and that it should be used throughout the year. But to be honest we aren’t very disciplined about it, are we? It’s imperative to use sunscreen during the summer months and to do so without fail, even when you are staying indoors. Wearing sunscreen is one of the best and easiest ways to protect your skin. It prevents sunburn, skin cancer, and premature aging. For daily use, pick a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. If you spend more time outdoors, pick one that has SPF 60 or more. A half a teaspoon is enough to cover your face and neck. If you use a broad spectrum sunscreen, the order in which you use it doesn’t really matter. Some people find it easier to use sunscreen below makeup or moisturizer. You can do what you feel works best for you.

Exfoliate, regularly but gently

Exfoliation is important to remove dead skin cells, prevent clogged pores, and get clear skin. But during the summer, you have to be careful while exfoliating as your skin tends to become more sensitive due to exposure to harsh sun rays. Don’t exfoliate more than once or twice a week and overdoing this can lead to sensitivity and dryness. Don’t exfoliate immediately after sun exposure. If you have been out in the sun, wait until it’s evening to exfoliate. Use circular motions while exfoliating and don’t scrub too hard as it can damage your skin. Choose mild exfoliants that work for your skin type. Chemical exfoliants such as AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) which gently dissolve dead skin cells are much better than harsh physical rubs like those containing walnuts or other such ingredients.

Pay attention to details

Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and the delicate skin around your eyes during the summer months. Use a good eye cream with SPF. The same goes for your lips as well. Don’t neglect this sensitive part of your face. Protect your lips from the sun’s damaging rays by choosing a lip balm that has SPF 30 or higher. You can also exfoliate your lips once a week using a DIY sugar scrub. You can find many easy ideas for scrubs on YouTube and Instagram. You can also opt for a moisturizer that has SPF in it if a moisturizer and sunscreen feels like too much. If possible, wear little makeup or avoid it all together. You can use a tinted moisturizer to give your face that dewy glow without using other makeup products. 

It’s getting hot and humid and dressing comfortably is of paramount importance to feel at ease during this time. But does that mean we have to give style a miss and only wear baggy pants and cotton tops for the rest of the summer months? Not at all. There are easy ways to jazz up your outfits. A simple ensemble can be stylish and look well put-together with some thought and effort. Here we tell you how you can stay comfortable and classy when the sun’s out and you’d rather jump into the swimming pool than attend meetings and work. 

Create a summer wardrobe

Take a look at what you have and pull out all the clothes that aren’t comfortable or those that you haven’t worn in a while. Choose pieces that you want to wear, the ones you feel comfortable in and keep them aside. Fold or hang them where you can access them easily. This makes getting ready a lot easier than having to hunt for clothes when it’s time to go out. Once you know what you have, decide what you want to buy and invest in a few summer pieces like an oversized white cotton shirt, a flowy dress, some skirts, and perhaps even a few co-ord sets that you can wear together or mix and watch with other items in your closet. 

Take a look at your accessories

Summer calls for dainty jewelry and light accessories rather than bulky ones that feel heavy and look out of place when paired with a breezy ensemble. So, evaluate your jewelry and accessories situation. Invest in some light earrings and belts. A neutral color bag that doesn’t have flashy hardware or too many buckles can accessorize any summer outfit. Accessories can make or break any outfit and the problem with summer outfits is that your jewelry and other things that you use can weigh it down. You have to get the balance right. Choose lightweight pieces and dainty silver jewelry to compliment your outfit and don’t over accessorize. Stick to one or two pieces at the most. 

Don’t go all baggy

We tend to wear loose fitting clothes during the summer because the thought of body hugging jeans and tops make us sweat more than the actual heat. But pairing an oversized jeans with an oversized top makes you look sloppy and bigger than your actual size. It’s also not a good outfit choice for office and formal occasions, never mind the oversized suit trends you see on Instagram. Pair one loose clothing item with another well fitted one. For example, wear a well-fitted trouser with a flowy top instead of a loose harem pant with a flowy top. The key is to make sure one thing fits properly. It doesn’t have to be a body hugging piece. You can opt for tailored cotton pants or linen leggings. 

Opt for pastel colors

Dark colors trap heat and make you feel uncomfortable. Light colors reflect sunlight and have a cooling effect. Pastel colors look really good during the summer months. They give you an airy feeling while looking proper and put together as well. Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics and make sure they are in a lighter shade for the extra impact. Soft hues like baby blue, lavender, peach, and mint are perfect for summer. It’s not that you can’t wear dark colors during summer but try to avoid it when you can, especially during the day. 

Pay attention to the details

Wear comfortable shoes. Avoid closed, heavy shoes that can trap sweat. Opt for sandals and breathable sneakers in canvas instead. Keep your makeup light so that it doesn’t melt in the heat and also doesn’t make your look sweaty and shiny. Opt for just a moisturizer and sunscreen when you can as a natural look is more practical during the summer. This way, you can use oil blotting sheets to dab away the excess oil from your face during the day. Layering might seem counterintuitive but it can help you transition from outdoor heat to indoor ac with ease. It can also protect your skin from sun damage. The trick is to use light or sheer fabrics when layering. And lastly, choose the right undergarment. Avoid padded bras and synthetic materials. 

World Environment Day is celebrated on June 5 every year. In Nepal, different activities are carried out to promote eco-friendly habits and for environmental awareness. But experts argue that green initiatives must be run all year round to negate the impact of climate change. ApEx spoke to three people to find out what they think and how we can make our planet a cleaner, greener place to live. 

Sanjog Limbu

I feel that nowadays smoke from vehicles like old buses and trucks is the main reason for pollution. Urbanization is another factor that contributes to pollution in the long run. I also see a lot of people using plastics with little to no awareness about its harmful impacts. I think we must minimize the use of plastic if we want to preserve our planet. Another thing that needs attention is proper waste disposal. Many people are still dumping waste in rivers and streams. This makes the whole area smell foul. I believe small everyday actions can make a huge impact in preserving the environment in the long run. 

Riya Shrestha

Deforestation is a serious issue in Nepal due to increasing urbanization and agricultural needs. It leads to habitat loss, soil erosion, and affects the water cycle and biodiversity. Forests are vital for Nepal’s ecological balance and climate regulation so this issue deserves more awareness and action. Additionally, plastic is widely used because it is easily available, inexpensive, and very convenient for everyday tasks like packaging, carrying goods, and storing items. It’s also difficult to avoid since it’s so ubiquitous. This shows a conflict between convenience and environmental concern. If I could make one law it would be the use of biodegradable or reusable alternatives instead of single-use plastics. This would reduce plastic pollution and promote sustainable habits. 

Amit Lama

The main cause of pollution in urban areas in Nepal is the smoke that old vehicles emit coupled with stubble burning. Unmanaged road construction adds to our woes. I think we need stricter environmental policies to combat pollution and our worsening environmental conditions. Banning plastic, removing old vehicles from the road, and making people aware about the importance of recycling and reusing things can help make a difference. I think these initiatives must be put in place through good policy and effective monitoring of its implementation. I think the onus lies first on the government to come up with a plan to reduce pollution and then on the people to make sure they follow the rules and regulations. 

Does the thought of cleaning your bathroom leave you anxious? Do you dread it and put it off till it’s too late and you left scrubbing and hosing down the entire space in a frenzy? Cleaning the bathroom is often not a chore that many of us enjoy particularly because we don’t know how to do it. It seems like no amount of cleaning can give it a fresh feel and there are just so many difficult to reach nooks and crannies that it’s almost impossible to be thorough. But that doesn’t mean you have to have a less than perfect bathroom or go through a crazy cleaning session every once in a while. There are many little things you can do, on a daily basis, that take less than a couple of minutes to have a neat and clean bathroom. We are here to give you some helpful tips.

Tip #1: Give it a wipe down after each use

Wipe the basins, towel rack, shower area or whatever it is that you use and get water on after each use. Keep some rags handy under the sink and just grab one to wipe off the water after you are done using the bathroom for whatever purpose. This way it will instantly appear cleaner and you will also be preventing pesky water stains in the long run. This simple trick will take less than five minutes but it will go a long way in making your bathroom appear fresh and clean. 

Tip #2: Clean the shower when you shower

Take two minutes to clean the shower when you are in the shower. If you share a bathroom, you can take turns to clean it as well. Simply use a sponge soaked in soap to give your shower area a quick scrub before you start showering and let the water from your shower wash it all away. You will be saving time and water both this way. Use an old toothbrush to clean grime away from the space between your tiles but don’t scrub too hard. Even if you do a small section every day, you will soon have cleaned the whole shower area with minimal effort.

Tip #3: Keep the counters neat and organized

One of the reasons why your bathroom looks unkempt is because the products you use tend to gather on the window sill or the counter over time. Don’t let this happen. Put back what you don’t use and install corner shelves for shampoos and body washes. Don’t keep them on the window sill. It will only gather dust and grime besides making your bathroom appear ugly. If you must have skincare products on the counter next to the bathroom sink, organize them in pretty ceramic or glass trays.

Tip #4: Don’t hang clothes to dry in the bathroom

Oftentimes, your bathroom tends to have an unusual odor. It doesn’t matter how many times you clean the commode or change the air fresher, there’s a lingering smell that you can’t seem to get rid of. This happens mostly in bathrooms where wet towels are left on the towel rack or washed clothes are hung to dry. One way to ensure your bathroom has a fresh appeal is to make sure you never leave wet clothes in there. It’s as simple as that.

Tip #5: Ventilate properly

Proper ventilation can ensure your bathroom’s freshness. If you use curtains in the bathroom, including shower curtains, make sure they are never left damp. Open them out and let them dry between showers. Open the windows and allow the bathroom to air out between uses too. Many bathroom issues like murky smell and mold can be fixed by simply ventilating the bathroom. If you can, have a fan installed.

Tip #6: Clean mirrors and glass with vinegar

Keep a mixture of vinegar and water in a spray bottle and use this to wipe your mirrors and shelves and enclosures made of glass. Take two minutes every evening to do this. Lightly mist your mirror and glass and then use a microfiber cloth to wipe them down. You can then use the dry side of the same cloth to buff it later. You can also use a scrunched up newspaper to make the mirrors and glass shine.

Tip #7: Tend to your cleaning tools

We use a range of items from brushes to sponges to clean the bathroom. But when was the last time you cleaned the cleaning tools? Not cleaning the tools can mean your bathroom isn’t as hygienic as it should be. The brushes and sponges will harbor bacteria and dirt so it’s important to clean these regularly too. But you don’t have to spend too much time or effort on it. Simply soak them in a bucket of hot soapy water and let them dry out in the sun every week or so. On a daily basis, make sure you are storing them away from other items and that you give them a quick rinse after every use.