Ayurveda Summer SkinCare
In Ayurveda, summer is considered a Pitta-dominant season, marked by heat, intensity, and raised sun exposure. Hydration is essential to keep your body and skin healthy, radiant, and balanced during the summer. Internal purification, cleansing your stomach of toxins, and eating cooling and fresh foods to maintain digestion.
Ayurvedic tips for summer skincare:
Cooling and soothing herbs
Ayurveda recommends using cooling and delicate herbs to pacify the heat of Pitta. Some commonly used herbs for summer skincare include aloe vera, rose, sandalwood, neem, mint, and cucumber. These herbs have a calming effect on the skin and help to reduce inflammation and heat-related skin issues.
Cooling and Refreshing Foods
Summer heightens the Pitta dosha, and it is essential to eat foods opposite of Pitta's fiery quality—think sweet, bitter, astringent, cold, and even a little oily. Vegetables such as artichokes, asparagus, beet greens, bell Peppers, broccoli, zucchini, cabbage, celery, cucumbers, squash, cauliflower, cilantro, lettuce, and kale; fruits such as peaches, pears, pomegranates, raspberries, strawberries, apples, cherries, blueberries, cantaloupe, mangoes, grapes, and melons.
Sun Shield
Protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays is vital during summer. Apply a natural sunscreen with a high SPF before going outdoors, and consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat and lightweight - cotton fabric that calms the skin and clothing to minimize direct sun exposure. Ayurvedic oils like coconut oil or sunflower oil can provide natural sun protection while keeping the skin moisturized.
Mild cleansing
Choose soft, non-stripping cleansers to cleanse your skin. Avoid rough scrubs or cleansers with too many strong chemicals, as they further aggravate the skin texture. Instead, use natural cleaners like rose water, aloe vera gel, or gentle herbal powders such as sandalwood, Amalaki, bentonite clay, manjistha, orange peel, coconut milk, or milk to cleanse and refresh your skin.
Hydration
Staying hydrated is essential during summer to maintain healthy skin. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body and skin hydrated from within. Good to include cooling beverages like coconut water, cucumber-infused water, or herbal teas with ingredients like chamomile, orange, mint, or coriander to help balance Pitta and cool the body.
Cooling face masks and mists
Treat your skin to cooling face masks and mists made with ingredients like honey, avocado, sandalwood powder, rose water, or cucumber juice. These can help soothe and hydrate the skin while providing a refreshing sensation. Apply the mask or mist to cool down the skin during hot summer days. You carry this mist (refrigerate before heading out) in a small spray bottle and use it whenever your skin feels dehydrated.
Light and hydrating moisturizers
Opt for lightweight and water-based moisturizers during summer. Look for Ayurvedic formulations that contain cooling and hydrating ingredients like aloe vera rose petal, orange, or cucumber extract. These moisturizers will provide hydration without feeling heavy or greasy on the skin.
Cooling dietary choices
Ayurveda places importance on a diet for maintaining healthy skin. Avoid spicy, oily, and heavy foods that can increase internal heat and aggravate Pitta. Room temperature juices, water, and coconut water are perfect for hydration; try to avoid ice-cold drinks, which could dampen your digestive fire and cause stomach and GI issues. Salads and blended drinks with fruits are perfect meals for a Pitta summer. Avoid eating spicy, sour, salty, hot, and dry foods—avoid hot coffee, salted chips, and spicy salsas.
Stress management
Excessive stress and heat can affect the body internally and externally. Check your stress levels and address when you feel anxious and annoyed; fiery summer heightens the tension. Invite practices like meditation, deep breathing routines, or gentle yoga to keep your mind and body calm and balanced. This can help prevent stress-related skin issues and promote overall well-being.
Everyone's skin is unique, so listening to your skin's specific needs and adjusting your skincare routine accordingly is essential.
Consulting with an Ayurvedic practitioner or dermatologist can provide personalized guidance based on your individual dosha and skin concerns.