Summer can be harsh on the skin due to its excessive heat, annoying humidity, profuse sweating and prolonged sun exposure. All these often lead to tanning, acne, dehydration, rashes and skin dullness.
According to Ayurveda, the summer season increases heat and inflammation in the body. This imbalance can directly affect the skin, making it sensitive and prone to irritation and inflammation. Ayurveda focuses on maintaining internal balance through natural remedies, mindful eating, and simple skincare rituals. Experts believe that following an Ayurvedic skincare routine during summer not only protects the skin from damage but also promotes a natural glow from within.
Understand your skin according to ayurveda
Ayurveda categorises skin types in three:
- Sensitive, warm and acne-prone
- Dry and dehydrated
- Oily and more prone to clogged pores
During summer, pitta aggravation becomes common in all skin types. Therefore, cooling and soothing ingredients are highly recommended.
Stay Hydrated Naturally
Hydration is one of the most essential aspects of summer skincare. Ayurveda emphasises cooling the body from within to maintain healthy skin. Proper hydration helps prevent dryness, dullness, and premature ageing caused by summer heat.
Ayurvedic hydration tips:
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Include coconut water, buttermilk and fresh fruit juices to replenish body fluid.
- Consume water-rich fruits like watermelon, cucumber, and muskmelon.
- Add mint or fennel seeds to water for a cooling effect.
- Use Natural Skin Cleansers: Sweat and pollution can clog the skin pores during summer. If you are using harsh chemical cleansers then it is more likely to strip away natural oils and worsen irritation. Ayurveda recommends gentle herbal cleansers.
Best Ayurvedic ingredients for cleansing
Using herbal face packs or ubtans made with gram flour, turmeric, and rose water can deeply cleanse the skin without causing dryness.
- Neem: Helps fight acne and bacterial infections. Boil handful of neem leaves in water, let it cool and then use it as your natural cleanser.
- Rose water: Refreshes and cools the skin. Use pure rose water, it can be refrigerated and spitz it on your face or use cotton swab to cleanse your face.
- Sandalwood: Reduces inflammation and tanning. Mixing a teaspoon of sandalwood with few drops of rose water to prepare a paste, apply it on the face, and rinse your face after it is dry; this provides deep pore cleansing.
- Aloe vera: Soothes sunburn and hydrates the skin.
Never Skip Sun Protection
Excessive sun exposure can cause pigmentation, tanning, and early signs of aging. Ayurvedic experts advise minimising direct exposure during peak afternoon hours. Natural ingredients like sandalwood paste and cucumber juice can also help calm sun-exposed skin.
Summer sun protection tips:
- Wear cotton clothing and wide-brimmed hats.
- Use umbrellas or scarves while stepping out.
- Apply natural cooling gels like aloe vera before sun exposure.
- Reapply sunscreen every few hours if staying outdoors.Follow a Cooling DietAyurveda believes healthy skin begins with proper digestion and balanced nutrition. Eating spicy, oily, and fried foods during summer can increase body heat and trigger skin issues. A cooling diet helps maintain the natural radiance of the skin and reduces inflammation. Therefore, following a cooling diet is recommended as ideal diet by Ayurveda.
Ayurveda promotes regular self-care rituals to maintain skin health naturally. I recommend some simple practices to improve blood circulation and help detoxify the skin.
Effective weekly rituals include:
· Abhyanga (oil massage): Use coconut or sandalwood oil to calm the body and nourish the skin.
· Face steaming: Mild herbal steam helps open pores and remove impurities.
· Herbal face masks: Apply masks made from multani mitti, turmeric, and rose water for oil control and freshness.
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SUMMER SKINCARE:
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