Tag: heat

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Beat the Heat with Skin Care Guide

Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed areas of skin, including your face, neck, and ears, and remember to reapply every two hours, especially if you’re swimming or sweating,” says Mansi Sharma, founder of The Honest Tree by Boddess…writes Lothungbeni Humtsoe

As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, many of us eagerly embrace the warmth of summer. However, the need for diligent skin care comes with the joys of outdoor activities and beach vacations.

Before diving into skin care tips, it’s essential to understand the damaging effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can lead to many skin concerns, including sunburn and premature ageing.

“One of the most effective ways to shield your skin from sun damage is sunscreen. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating to ensure comprehensive protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed areas of skin, including your face, neck, and ears, and remember to reapply every two hours, especially if you’re swimming or sweating,” says Mansi Sharma, founder of The Honest Tree by Boddess.

Hydration is key. Summer heat can take a toll on your skin, leading to dehydration and a loss of moisture. Mansi recommends to combat the heat by staying hydrated from the inside out. She says, “Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated and plump. Additionally, incorporate hydrating skincare products into your routine, such as lightweight moisturizers and serums formulated with hyaluronic acid or glycerin.”

While sunscreen provides crucial protection, it’s not the only line of defence against the sun’s rays. “Consider covering up with lightweight, breathable clothing, hats, and sunglasses to provide additional protection for your skin and eyes. Opt for tightly woven fabrics and dark colours for optimal sun protection,” adds Mansi. “When possible, seek shade during the sun’s peak hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is when UV radiation is at its strongest, increasing the risk of sunburn and skin damage. Take breaks from direct sunlight by relaxing under a beach umbrella or finding shelter in a shaded area.”

The founder of The Honest Tree by Boddess also suggests that while selecting skincare products for summer, opt for formulations that cater to the specific needs of sun-exposed skin. Mansi says, “Look for products enriched with antioxidants like vitamins C and E, which help neutralize free radicals generated by UV exposure. Incorporating a gentle exfoliant into your routine can also help slough off dead skin cells, revealing a fresh, radiant complexion.”

Even with the best precautions, sunburns can still occur. If you find yourself with a sunburn, treat your skin with care to promote healing and reduce discomfort. According to Mansi, taking cool showers or applying cold compresses to soothe the skin, and reaching for moisturizers containing aloe vera or chamomile can help alleviate inflammation.

As you embrace the warmth and beauty of summer, remember to prioritize your skin’s health and protection. By making smart skin care choices, including the diligent use of sunscreen, staying hydrated, and seeking shade when needed, you can chase the sun without compromising your skin’s well-being. With these tips in mind, you can enjoy all that summer has to offer while keeping your skin radiant and healthy.

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-Top News Environment UK News

UK govt upgrades heat-health alert to amber

Heat-health alerts have been upgraded to amber for much of England, with only the North East under a yellow one…reports Asian Lite News

The hottest day of the year is expected in the next two days, with parts of the UK already in heatwave conditions.

Areas of West Yorkshire, Cornwall, Devon and Wales passed the threshold on Tuesday, the Met Office said, although Tuesday’s hottest temperatures did not pass June’s high of 32.2C (90F)

Heat-health alerts have been upgraded to amber for much of England, with only the North East under a yellow one.

It means people of all ages could be affected, putting the NHS at risk.

Met Office meteorologist Amy Bokota said 13 weather stations had officially recorded a heatwave and she expected “a few extra” would be added to that list over the coming days. She said 32C was expected on Wednesday before a possible peak of 33C on Thursday.

“It will then be 32C right the way until Sunday for some places in the south,” she said. Heatwave criteria are met when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting the heatwave threshold – which varies between 25C and 28C across the UK.

Hot conditions will be also be felt in Wales, while parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland could see “unseasonably high temperatures”. English regions included in the amber warning are: London, the South East, the South West, the East and West Midlands, the East, North West and Yorkshire and Humber. All eight were issued with a yellow warning on Monday but this has now been upgraded.

The North East is the last remaining region to have a yellow alert in place – this means that the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions should take extra care. It also means officials do not believe there will be a significant impact on the NHS in the area.

Temperatures reached 30C on Monday in southern England and south-east Wales, according to the Met Office. The hot weather comes after what has generally been regarded as cool wet summer for much of the UK.

While July in particular was wetter and cooler than average with the maximum temperature failing to regularly reach 20C, the previous month was the UK’s hottest June on record. The warm conditions are continuing through Tuesday, with highs of 31C expected near London.

Parts of southern and western England could also see temperatures stay above 20C overnight into Wednesday, according to the Met.

“We will see good sunny conditions through the week with cloudless skies, and some high temperatures by the time we get to Wednesday and Thursday, where we could see 31, maybe 32C,” Met Office spokesman Oli Claydon told the PA news agency.

He said the high temperatures would be “quite widely spread” across the UK, with the hottest conditions mainly being felt in south-east and central England.

Claydon warned that Wednesday night could be a particularly warm with temperatures potentially not dropping below 20C, which is what is termed a “tropical night”. There could also be a tropical night on Thursday, he said.

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Fashion Lite Blogs

Heat Damaged Hair Irreversible, Says Dyson Hair Scientist

To determine if the texture has changed, one can run the fingers through the hair. Heat damaged curly hair may lose its spring and not bounce back the way it did when the hair was healthy…reports Asian Lite News

Can heat damaged hair be reversed? Jamien Lim, Senior Hair Research Scientist from Dyson says, “To simply answer the question, heat damage is irreversible. Once the protein bonds are broken and the hair cuticles are cracked, the inner cortex is exposed to all types of damage which makes it weaker and less pliable.”

Due to heat, hair strands start to split at the ends where the hair is oldest and has experienced the most damage, but those splits can move up the hair shaft splitting multiple times, making the damage worse. Because the hair has lost its elasticity, the strands are more susceptible to breakage. When the hair becomes too weak, the ends will snap off, which will eventually lead to fly aways.

While it is irreversible, Jamien Lim, Senior Hair Research Scientist from Dyson answers some important questions about heat damage.

What causes heat damaged hair?

Heat damaged hair occurs when you blow dry your hair,or usea flat iron, or curler at the highest temperature settings over an extended period while styling your hair. Most hot tools reach temperatures of more than 400°F, which affect all types of hair types starting from pin straight to tightly curled.

Why is hair heat damage irreversible?

Each strand of hair is made up of a protein known as keratin that has a natural curve called the alpha helix. This is present in both curly hair and straight hair. High temperatures permanently alter the structures of the protein bonds in one’s hair.

When the keratin is heated to temperatures higher than 400°F, the alpha helix begins melting. Once the alpha helix is melted, the change is permanent, and the hair will retain the shape of the melted keratin bonds.Once the hair starts growing past the follicle, it’s made up of dead cells. Because of this, the cells can’t adapt, and when they’re changed, it’s permanent. There are no active cells that can be sent in to repair the damage.

The damage done to the hair is cumulative. The chances to experience heat damaged hair after one blow dry or one straightening session are slim. However, using hot tools at high temperatures on a regular basis prolongs the changes to the protein bonds and moisture levels of each strand. If you continue using hot tools, the damage progresses as well.

Eight Signs of heat damaged hair

Dryness and dullness

The cuticles of your hair are whatmakeit shiny. When the cuticles are damaged, the hair loses its shine. After the hair wash, the hair should look brighter and shinier than it was. If it’s dull, that’s one of the first signs of heat damaged hair. Dryness also contributes to dull hair. Damaged hair doesn’t properly maintain moisture, leaving the tresses dehydrated and prone to breakage.

Split ends & Breakage

Heat damaged hair loses elasticity because applying heat on a regular basis affects the hair’s ability to retain moisture, often resulting in split ends. Split ends weaken the structure of the hair, which increases the chances of hair breakage. Exposing hair to frequent high heat also increases the risk of breakage because it loses its elasticity.

Flyaways

Flyaways are often a sign of breakage and are short hair strands that stand up after breaking off near the roots. Flyaways can be difficult to manage and tame and can affect the overall look of the hair, especially if one is trying for a sleek and polished style. Use the Airwrap multi-stylerTM flyaway attachment to tame those flyaways, especially during the monsoon season.

Rough or changed texture

To determine if the texture has changed, one can run the fingers through the hair. Heat damaged curly hair may lose its spring and not bounce back the way it did when the hair was healthy. Damaged straight hair can go from feeling smooth and silky to feeling rough and coarse. You may even describe heat damaged hair as feeling frayed or singed at the tips.

Knots and tangles

Hair cuticles are made up of “shingles”. When the hair cuticles become damaged, the shingles begin to stick out, causing strands of hair to easily knot with other strands. Knots and tangles make brushing or combing the hair more difficult and can lead to further breakage.

Incorrect hair colour

Heat damaged hair can’t properly retain colour. If your hair has become too porous, it might absorb too much of the dye and make the colour darker than you have desired for. Your hair colour might also fade faster than normal as damaged hair has high porosity, it releases more colourduring hair wash.

Hair loss

The average person has approximately 80,000 to 120,000 hairs on their head. Hair strands grow for 2 to 6 years, and it’s normal to shed hairs. During these 2 to 6 years, strands collect damage. If one has heat damaged hair, the strands are weaker therefore, one might witness more hair loss.

As it is established that damaged hair repair isn’t possible because the protein bonds and cuticles have been permanently altered. Knowing the signs of heat damaged hair will help you determine if that’s what you’re dealing with, and it allows you to start taking steps to get your hair in a healthy state once again.

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-Top News Europe

Italy braces for intense heatwave

The cities include the capital Rome, Florence in central Italy and Bologna in the north…reports Asian Lite News

Rome and other cities across Italy are under a red alert as the country is bracing for an intense heat wave that meteorologists said was likely to break records.

Forecasters have predicted temperatures around 40 degrees Celsius for the rest of this week in cities across the country as Europe has been in the grip of a heat wave for several weeks now, reports Xinhua news agency.

On Monday, the Ministry of Health issued the red alert in nine of the country’s 27 principal cities for at least one of the next three days.

The cities include the capital Rome, Florence in central Italy and Bologna in the north.

Even Bolzano, in the country’s far north, will be on red alert on Tuesday.

Another eight of the 27 cities will be on orange alert by Wednesday, and only four will be on green status, which refers to normal temperatures.

Red alerts include specific warnings for even young, healthy residents to stay indoors and take other precautions during the hottest part of the day, saying temperatures can represent a “risk to life” if mishandled.

An orange alert signals the same risks but only for the extremely young, the elderly and those with health conditions.

The alerts also mean that the affected areas’ hospitals will be ready to take in heat stroke victims.

There are warnings of possible limits on energy supplies and potential damage to infrastructure.

In some cities, the authorities may provide access to free drinking in public spaces. 

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Lite Blogs

Beat the heat with watermelon magic

3 ways to enjoy watermelon this summer

Simply quench your thirst by sipping on a Breezer Watermelon Mint with friends or stir up a quick watermelon lemonade with watermelon, mint, lemons, and lemon zest for a quick fix of hydration at home…reports Asian Lite News

There are always two sides to everything – including our love for summer! While long and sunny days are enough to instantly lift one’s mood, the scorching temperatures can make anyone scramble for respite.

Love it or hate it, you have to #BeatTheHeat. Our advice? Jump into the refreshing goodness of the season’s most refreshing fruit – Watermelons! Made of 90 per cent water and consumable in a variety of ways, watermelons are delicious, and a must-have for hydration.

So, to help you stay cool and fresh throughout the season, Breezer shared three ways to enjoy watermelons this summer.

Make juicy watermelon popsicles at home: Nothing beats the heat like an icy popsicle on a sunny day, especially one that’s made from fresh, juicy watermelons straight from the kitchen. Luckily, it’s incredibly easy to make your own quick popsicles to go! Blend watermelon and sugar into a thick juice-like consistency, pour it into popsicle molds available at a store or online, freeze until firm, and enjoy. If you don’t have a mold available, simply repurpose empty watermelon shells as molds to make it a truly watermelon-y experience.

4 different types of Watermelons(IANSLIFE)

Enjoy a cold watermelon drink for instant rejuvenation: Some summer days can get unsparingly hot, making you want to unwind with a rejuvenating drink after a long day outdoors. Simply quench your thirst by sipping on a Breezer Watermelon Mint with friends or stir up a quick watermelon lemonade with watermelon, mint, lemons, and lemon zest for a quick fix of hydration at home.

Keep it simple and slice it up – fix it in salads or even burgers: Fruits are an essential part of a healthy diet, and it’s often recommended to have the whole fruit to reap its full benefits. Sliced-up watermelons can be consumed as a dessert or a quick snack to help you stay hydrated all summer long. To keep things interesting, you could also add feta cheese and mint to your serving and fix yourself a quick, easy, and delightfully refreshing salad. If you’re feeling more creative, consider giving plain-jane burgers a summery makeover by adding a big slice of watermelon and some feta to fresh whole wheat burger buns, alongside a patty of your choice – and your watermelon feta burgers are ready to be devoured!

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-Top News Europe UK News

Met Office issues first ever extreme heat warning

The amber warning covers large parts of Wales, all of south-west England and parts of southern and central England, the BBC reported…reports Asian Lite News.

The Met Office has issued extreme heat weather warnings for the first time.

Much of England can expect hot weather, particularly in the South West and parts of southern and central England. High temperatures are also expected to persist in these areas overnight offering little respite throughout this period.

The amber warning covers large parts of Wales, all of south-west England and parts of southern and central England, the BBC reported.

It will be in place until Thursday, when temperatures are expected to peak. It warns of the potential impact of the heat on people’s health, as the UK experiences a prolonged period of sweltering conditions.

“The high temperatures are going to continue through a large part of this week, with temperatures regularly in the high 20s and low 30s Celsius by day, along with high overnight temperatures,” Chief Operational Meteorologist at the Met Office Steven Ramsdale said.

“Many areas of the UK will continue to reach heatwave thresholds, and whilst the highest temperatures are likely to be in central and southern parts of the UK, some of the most unusually high temperatures are likely to be seen over parts of the west, particularly over Northern Ireland.”

“There’s also a continuing risk of isolated thundery downpours late in the afternoons but most should stay dry until later in the week. Temperatures should fall for most areas into the weekend along with some more unsettled conditions also looking to develop,” he added.

All four UK nations recorded the hottest day of the year over the weekend, and forecasters warned temperatures would continue to climb and could reach 33C (91.4F) in some western areas.

Meanwhile, Public Health England (PHE) has extended its heat-health alert as the Met Office forecasts the current hot weather will last until Thursday 22 July.

Health risks can increase over a prolonged period of heat. PHE has issued a Level 3 heat-health alert which is supported by an amber extreme heat warning issued today by the Met Office.

heatwave

“Everybody can be affected by high temperatures and most people are aware of good health advice for coping with hot weather. However, it’s important to keep checking on those who are most vulnerable such as older people and those with heart or lung conditions,” Dr Owen Landeg, Scientific and Technical Lead at PHE, said.

“As we experience the first hot weather episode of the year, it’s important for everyone to remember to adapt their behaviours. This is particularly important during the pandemic with many people self-isolating.”

“Most of us want to enjoy the sun. Remember to look out for signs of heat exhaustion and follow our simple health advice to beat the heat,” Dr Landeg added.

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