Delhi Heatwave: 6 Ways You Can Protect Your Skin and Hair In This Sweltering Heat

Declaring it as an extreme danger zone, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has now issued a red alert for Delhi, warning vulnerable groups to exercise caution. The exponentially high temperature is not just harmful to your health, it literally roasts your hair and skin. Dr Khushboo Jha, MD, Chief Dermatologist and Founder of One Skin Clinic, Faridabad, suggests 6 ways you can protect both in this sweltering heat.

Delhi Heatwave: 6 Ways To Protect Skin, Hair

Dr Khushboo Jha writes that extreme heat isn’t just uncomfortable — it’s a genuine stressor for our skin, scalp, and overall health.

“In Delhi’s current heatwave, the skin’s protective barrier and hair’s protein structure can break down under continuous UV exposure, dehydration, and dust. From sunburn to scalp inflammation, this is your body signaling distress,” she adds.

She suggests 6 functional ways to deal with it:

1) Focus on Internal Hydration

Water alone may not be enough. Add natural electrolytes like lemon water, coconut water, or soaked chia seeds to support your skin’s hydration at a cellular level.

2) Protect The Skin’s Barrier Defenses

Use a physical sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) every 3 hours. Look for formulations with antioxidants like Vitamin C or E to neutralize heat-induced free radical damage.

3) Anti-inflammatory Diet

Add anti-inflammatory foods to your diet which include cucumbers, watermelon, mint leaves, amla, turmeric, etc. as they will assist in preventing cellular oxidation of the skin and hair follicles.

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4) Skincare Post-sun Exposure

After you know that you have been exposed to the sun, use a cool compress on your face. You can even use rosewater or chamomile tea. For the scalp, a rinse with cooled green tea or diluted apple cider vinegar helps calm itching and restore pH balance.

5) Hair, Scalp Health

Opt for a mild, sulfate-free shampoo 2–3 times a week. Avoid hot showers. Use coconut or moringa oil before washing to prevent protein loss.

6) Don’t Use Toxic Aids

Avoid heavy makeup, chemical hair sprays, and unnecessary heat styling. These worsen the inflammatory load on already stressed skin and hair.

“Chronic heat exposure can unmask underlying deficiencies (like B vitamins, iron, or zinc), impacting hair and skin. If you’re noticing persistent hair fall, rashes, or fatigue — get a functional evaluation done. This summer, don’t just treat symptoms. Protect, nourish, and listen to your body’s signals,” wraps up Dr Khushboo Jha.