Beat the Heat: Ayurvedic Skincare Routines for Summer

Summer is a time of warmth, joy, and outdoor fun, but it can also be a challenge for your skin. With the heat, humidity, and sun exposure, your skin requires extra care and attention. Ayurveda, the ancient system of medicine from India, offers a holistic approach to skincare that is perfect for the summer months. In this blog, we’ll explore the Ayurvedic principles for maintaining healthy, glowing skin during the summer and provide a comprehensive skincare routine to help you beat the heat.

Table of Contents

1. Understanding Your Skin Type According to Ayurveda

Before diving into the skincare routine, it’s important to understand your skin type according to Ayurveda. The three doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha – govern the characteristics and functions of your body, including your skin. Summer is primarily dominated by the Pitta dosha, which is characterized by heat and can lead to skin issues like inflammation, acne, and sunburn. Identifying your skin type will help you choose the right Ayurvedic practices and products for your summer skincare routine.

2. The Importance of Hydration

Hydration is a cornerstone of healthy skin, especially during the summer months when the heat and sun can deplete your skin’s natural moisture levels. Adequate hydration is crucial for maintaining the skin’s elasticity, preventing dryness, and ensuring a healthy, radiant complexion. Here are some key points to consider about the importance of hydration:

Internal Hydration:

Drink Plenty of Water: Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day to keep your body and skin well-hydrated. Water helps flush out toxins and ensures that nutrients are efficiently transported to your skin cells.
Herbal Teas: Incorporating herbal teas like chamomile, peppermint, or green tea can be a refreshing way to stay hydrated. These teas also offer antioxidants that can benefit your skin’s health.
Fruits and Vegetables: Consuming water-rich fruits and vegetables such as cucumbers, watermelon, oranges, and strawberries can provide your body with additional hydration and vital nutrients.

External Hydration:

Hydrating Ingredients: Look for skincare products that contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe vera. These ingredients help to draw moisture into the skin and lock it in, keeping your skin plump and hydrated.
Misting: Using a facial mist throughout the day can provide a quick hydration boost to your skin. Choose mists that contain soothing ingredients like rose water or cucumber extract for added benefits.
Overnight Hydration: Apply a hydrating overnight mask or a thick layer of moisturizer before bed to help your skin repair and rehydrate while you sleep.

The Ayurvedic Perspective:

In Ayurveda, hydration is not just about drinking water; it’s about maintaining the balance of the body’s fluids. Ayurvedic practices recommend sipping warm water throughout the day to aid digestion and absorption, which in turn supports skin hydration. Coconut water is also highly regarded in Ayurveda for its cooling and hydrating properties, making it an excellent choice for summer.

3. Cleansing with Natural Ingredients

Cleansing is a fundamental step in any skincare routine, and it becomes even more crucial during the summer months when sweat, oil, and environmental pollutants can accumulate on the skin’s surface. Ayurveda, with its emphasis on natural and holistic practices, offers a wealth of ingredients that can gently cleanse the skin while also providing soothing and cooling benefits, perfect for the summer heat.

Understanding Ayurvedic Cleansers

Ayurvedic cleansers are typically made from natural herbs, grains, and oils that are known for their purifying and balancing properties. These cleansers are free from harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances, making them ideal for all skin types, especially sensitive skin that can become more reactive in the summer.

Key Ingredients for Summer Cleansing

Neem: Known as the “village pharmacy” in India, neem is a powerhouse herb with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s excellent for preventing acne and breakouts that can occur more frequently in the summer.
Sandalwood: This cooling and soothing ingredient is ideal for calming irritated or sunburned skin. It also helps in reducing excess oil and gives the skin a radiant glow.
Rose: Rose petals or rose water can be used in cleansers for their cooling and hydrating properties. They are gentle on the skin and leave it feeling refreshed and soft.
Turmeric: A staple in Ayurvedic skincare, turmeric has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s great for keeping the skin clear and adding a natural glow.
Chickpea Flour: Also known as besan, chickpea flour is a gentle exfoliant that can remove dead skin cells and brighten the complexion. It’s often mixed with other ingredients to form a cleansing paste.

4. Exfoliating for Radiant Skin

Exfoliation is a key step in any skincare routine, especially during the summer when increased sweat and oil production can lead to clogged pores and dull-looking skin. Ayurveda offers a gentle yet effective approach to exfoliation that not only removes dead skin cells but also nourishes and balances the skin.

Ayurvedic Exfoliation Ingredients:

Chickpea Flour (Besan): A staple in Ayurvedic skincare, chickpea flour is a gentle exfoliant that helps remove dead skin cells and impurities without stripping the skin’s natural oils. It’s also known for its skin-brightening properties.
Oatmeal: Oatmeal is a soothing exfoliant that’s ideal for sensitive skin. It helps to remove dead skin cells while providing hydration and reducing inflammation.
Rice Powder: Ground rice is another excellent exfoliant that can help brighten the skin and improve texture. It’s suitable for all skin types and can be mixed with other ingredients like yogurt or honey for added benefits.
Turmeric: A key ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. When used in exfoliation, it can help to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots.

How to Exfoliate with Ayurvedic Ingredients:

Prepare the Exfoliant: Mix your chosen Ayurvedic exfoliant with a liquid to form a paste. For example, you can mix chickpea flour with milk or water, or oatmeal with yogurt.
Apply to the Skin: Gently massage the exfoliant onto your face in circular motions, avoiding the delicate eye area. Be sure to focus on areas prone to oiliness or congestion, like the T-zone.
Leave on for a Few Minutes: For added benefits, you can leave the exfoliant on your skin for a few minutes to allow the ingredients to nourish and treat the skin.
Rinse Off: Rinse the exfoliant off with lukewarm water, ensuring that all the particles are removed. Pat your skin dry with a soft towel.
Moisturize: Follow up with a light moisturizer or facial oil to hydrate and soothe the skin.

Tips for Ayurvedic Exfoliation:

Frequency: Depending on your skin type, exfoliate 1-2 times a week. Over-exfoliating can lead to irritation and disrupt the skin’s natural balance.
Customization: Feel free to customize your exfoliant by adding ingredients like honey for its antibacterial properties or a few drops of essential oil for a soothing scent.
Patch Test: Always do a patch test before trying a new exfoliant, especially if you have sensitive skin.

By incorporating Ayurvedic exfoliation into your summer skincare routine, you can achieve radiant, smooth, and healthy-looking skin that’s ready to face the summer heat.

5. Nourishing with Ayurvedic Oils

Ayurvedic oils are a cornerstone of holistic skincare, offering deep nourishment and hydration to the skin. In the context of summer care, these oils not only moisturize but also provide a cooling effect, helping to balance the Pitta dosha, which is often aggravated during the warmer months. Here are some key aspects of nourishing your skin with Ayurvedic oils during summer:

1. Choosing the Right Oil:

Coconut Oil: Known for its cooling properties, coconut oil is ideal for summer. It hydrates and soothes the skin, providing relief from sunburn and reducing inflammation.
Sunflower Oil: Light and easily absorbed, sunflower oil is another excellent choice for summer. It’s rich in Vitamin E, which helps protect the skin from environmental stressors.
Sandalwood Oil: While not used as a base oil, adding a few drops of sandalwood oil to your carrier oil can provide a cooling and calming effect, perfect for irritated or sun-exposed skin.

2. Application Techniques:

Abhyanga: This traditional Ayurvedic massage technique involves gently massaging the oil into your skin. It’s not only relaxing but also helps the oil penetrate deeper, providing better hydration and nourishment. Get this massage done at Vardhan Ayurveda.
Oil Bath: Adding a few tablespoons of Ayurvedic oil to your bath can provide a luxurious and soothing experience, leaving your skin soft and moisturized.

6. Protecting from the Sun

Protecting your skin from the sun is one of the most important aspects of summer skincare. Ayurveda offers several natural strategies to shield your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays while maintaining its health and radiance.

Use Natural Sun-Protective Ingredients

Ayurveda recommends using natural ingredients that have sun-protective properties. Coconut oil, for example, is known for its cooling and soothing effects and can provide a light barrier against the sun. Sesame oil is another traditional Ayurvedic oil that is believed to offer natural sun protection. Applying a thin layer of these oils on your skin before heading outdoors can help protect your skin to some extent. However, it’s important to note that these natural oils are not a substitute for conventional sunscreen, especially during prolonged sun exposure.

Wear Protective Clothing

In addition to topical solutions, Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of physical protection. Wearing light, loose-fitting clothing made of natural fibers like cotton or linen can help shield your skin from the sun. Wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses can also provide additional protection for your face and eyes.

Seek Shade

Ayurveda advises avoiding direct sunlight during the peak hours of the day when the sun’s rays are the strongest, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Seek shade whenever possible and try to plan outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon.

Use Herbal Sunscreens

Ayurveda also supports the use of herbal sunscreens that contain natural ingredients with sun-protective properties. Ingredients like aloe vera, turmeric, and red sandalwood are known for their skin-soothing and sun-protective effects. These ingredients can be found in some natural and Ayurvedic sunscreen formulations. Always look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an appropriate SPF (Sun Protection Factor) to ensure protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

7. Soothing Sunburn with Ayurvedic Remedies

Sunburn is a common issue during the summer months when the sun’s rays are at their strongest. Ayurveda offers several natural remedies to soothe and heal sunburned skin, helping to reduce inflammation, redness, and discomfort.

Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe vera is renowned for its cooling and healing properties. Apply pure aloe vera gel directly to the sunburned area. Its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties will help to soothe the skin and speed up the healing process.
Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is known for its cooling and soothing effects on the skin. Gently apply a thin layer of virgin coconut oil to the affected area. Its fatty acids help to moisturize the skin, while its antioxidant properties aid in healing.
Sandalwood Paste: Sandalwood has a natural cooling effect and is beneficial for reducing inflammation and redness associated with sunburn. Mix sandalwood powder with rose water or milk to create a paste, and apply it to the sunburned area. Leave it on for about 20 minutes before rinsing off with cool water.
Cucumber: Cucumber is another excellent remedy for sunburn due to its cooling and hydrating properties. You can either apply cucumber slices directly to the affected area or blend a cucumber into a paste and apply it as a mask. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before washing off with cool water.
Coriander and Turmeric Paste: Coriander has cooling properties, and turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory and healing effects. Make a paste by grinding fresh coriander leaves and mixing them with a pinch of turmeric powder and a little water. Apply this paste to the sunburned area to soothe and heal the skin.
Rosewater Spray: Rosewater is soothing and can help to reduce inflammation and redness. Keep a bottle of pure rosewater in the refrigerator and spray it on the sunburned area for instant cooling relief.
Chamomile Tea Compress: Chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe sunburned skin. Brew a strong cup of chamomile tea, let it cool, and then soak a cloth in the tea. Apply the cloth as a compress to the affected area for 15-20 minutes to reduce inflammation and discomfort.
Neem Oil: Neem oil is known for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Dilute a few drops of neem oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil and gently apply it to the sunburned area to aid in healing and prevent infections.

It’s important to remember that while these Ayurvedic remedies can provide relief from sunburn, prevention is always the best approach. Make sure to protect your skin from excessive sun exposure by wearing protective clothing, using a broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during the peak sun hours.

8. Incorporating Cooling Face Masks

Face masks are a luxurious and effective way to deliver concentrated nutrients and hydration to your skin. During the summer months, incorporating cooling face masks into your skincare routine can provide a much-needed respite for overheated, irritated skin. Here are some Ayurvedic ingredients and recipes for cooling face masks that you can easily prepare at home:

1. Sandalwood and Rose Water Mask:

Sandalwood is renowned in Ayurveda for its cooling and soothing properties, making it ideal for summer skincare. Mix 1 tablespoon of sandalwood powder with enough rose water to form a smooth paste. Apply this mask to your face and neck, and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with cool water. This mask will help calm inflammation, reduce redness, and leave your skin feeling refreshed.

2. Cucumber and Aloe Vera Gel Mask:

Cucumber is known for its hydrating and cooling effects, while aloe vera gel is soothing and healing. Blend half a cucumber to a fine paste and mix it with 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel. Apply this mixture to your face and leave it on for 20 minutes before washing off with cool water. This mask is perfect for hydrating your skin and providing relief from sunburn.

3. Yogurt and Honey Mask:

Yogurt is a natural coolant and moisturizer, and honey has antibacterial and soothing properties. Mix 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt with 1 tablespoon of honey to create a smooth paste. Apply this mask to your face and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off with cool water. This mask will help soothe sunburned skin and restore moisture balance.

4. Mint and Neem Mask:

Mint and neem are both known for their cooling and antiseptic properties, making them excellent choices for summer skincare. Grind a handful of fresh mint leaves and a few neem leaves to a fine paste. Apply this mixture to your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with cool water. This mask is great for reducing acne and cooling the skin.

5. Coconut Water and Multani Mitti Mask:

Coconut water is incredibly hydrating and cooling, while Multani Mitti (Fuller’s Earth) helps to remove excess oil and impurities. Mix 2 tablespoons of Multani Mitti with enough coconut water to form a smooth paste. Apply this mask to your face and let it dry for about 20 minutes before washing off with cool water. This mask is ideal for oily skin, as it helps to regulate oil production and cool the skin.

6. Turmeric and Milk Mask:

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, and milk is soothing and hydrating. Mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with 2 tablespoons of cold milk to form a paste. Apply this mask to your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with cool water. This mask will help to soothe irritation and brighten the complexion.

When using these cooling face masks, always perform a patch test first to ensure you don’t have any adverse reactions to the ingredients. Incorporating these masks into your summer skincare routine once or twice a week can help keep your skin calm, hydrated, and radiant throughout the season.

9. Balancing with Ayurvedic Toners

Toners are an essential part of any skincare routine, especially in the summer when the heat and humidity can throw your skin’s natural balance off-kilter. Ayurvedic toners, made with natural ingredients, not only help to restore your skin’s pH balance but also provide a cooling and soothing effect that is much needed during the warmer months. Here’s how you can incorporate Ayurvedic toners into your summer skincare routine:

Choosing the Right Ayurvedic Toner:

For Pitta Skin (Sensitive/Combination Skin): Choose toners with rose, sandalwood, or lavender. These ingredients are known for their cooling and soothing properties, which can help calm inflammation and redness.
For Vata Skin (Dry Skin): Opt for hydrating toners that contain ingredients like aloe vera or licorice. These ingredients help to moisturize and nourish the skin, preventing dryness and flakiness.
For Kapha Skin (Oily Skin): Look for toners with neem, tulsi (holy basil), or witch hazel. These ingredients help to control excess oil production and keep the skin feeling fresh and clean.

Benefits of Ayurvedic Toners:

Restoring pH Balance: After cleansing, your skin’s pH balance can be disrupted. Ayurvedic toners help to restore this balance, ensuring your skin remains healthy and resilient.
Reducing Pores: The astringent properties of many Ayurvedic ingredients can help to tighten and reduce the appearance of pores, giving your skin a smoother and more refined look.
Soothing Inflammation: Ingredients like rose water and sandalwood are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to soothe irritated skin and reduce redness.
Hydrating the Skin: Many Ayurvedic toners contain hydrating ingredients that help to replenish moisture levels in the skin, leaving it feeling soft and supple.
Preparing for Moisturization: By balancing the skin’s pH and hydrating it, Ayurvedic toners prepare the skin to better absorb the benefits of your moisturizer.

How to Use Ayurvedic Toners:

Cleanse your skin: Start by cleansing your face with a gentle Ayurvedic cleanser to remove impurities and prepare your skin for toning.
Apply the toner: Soak a cotton pad with your Ayurvedic toner and gently swipe it across your face and neck. Alternatively, you can pour a small amount into your palms and gently pat it onto your skin.
Follow with moisturizer: Once the toner has dried, follow up with a light Ayurvedic moisturizer to hydrate and protect your skin.
Use twice daily: For best results, use your Ayurvedic toner twice daily, in the morning and at night, as part of your regular skincare routine.

By incorporating an Ayurvedic toner into your summer skincare routine, you can enjoy the benefits of balanced, soothed, and hydrated skin, even in the heat of the season.

10. Embracing a Holistic Approach

Finally, Ayurveda teaches that true beauty comes from within, so it’s important to embrace a holistic approach to skincare. This includes eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, practicing regular exercise, and taking time for relaxation and stress reduction. By caring for your body, mind, and spirit, you can achieve radiant, healthy skin all summer long.

In conclusion, Ayurvedic skincare routines offer a natural and holistic approach to maintaining healthy, glowing skin during the summer months. By understanding your skin type, incorporating natural ingredients, and embracing a holistic lifestyle, you can beat the heat and enjoy beautiful skin all season long. If you are looking for ayurvedic skin radiance treatment and massage for a holistic approach we invite you to visit us at Vardhan Ayurveda Hospital. Our team of experienced Ayurvedic doctors and therapists will work with you to provide a personalized treatment plan that will help you manage your symptoms and improve your overall health and wellbeing. Feel free to contact our team via call +91 905 905 92 92 for more information.