Ayurvedic Skin Care Routine For Summer: Find skin routine according to your doshas

Ayurvedic Skin Care Routine For Summer: The earliest mentions of ayurvedic skincare routine in cosmetics can be found in the very first written Veda, ‘Rigveda,’ which discusses skin and hair extensively. Ayurveda, the eternal science requires us to concentrate on holistic beauty, which consists of internal and external beauty. If followed regularly, can impart lifelong grace and healthy skin.

Ayurvedic Skin Care Routine For Summer

The sun is the strongest source of vitamin D for our body, and it assists in absorbing calcium and phosphorus. But excessive exposure to sunlight and excessive heat, particularly in the summer months. It can be more damaging than beneficial. In Ayurveda, hot weather gives a boost to the heat or Pitta in the body causing dehydration, fatigue, heat stroke, diarrhea and injury to the skin. So, it is essential to take measures to cool our body and not irritate our Pitta dosha at this time of extreme heat. These Ayurvedic summer skin care and body care tips will also balance the internal doshas according to Ayurveda, and boost your health and energy.

Understanding Your Ayurvedic Skin Type

It is important that you know your Ayurvedic skin type so that you can determine which Ayurvedic skin care products work best for you. Ayurveda describes our body types based on three doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These Tridoshas describe our physical and mental traits. Each one of us has a different combination of the above three doshas – the more dominant of these three decides your body type and facial features. These tridoshas also affect our skin types.

1. Vata skin is cold to the touch, thin, dry, and susceptible to fine lines and wrinkles. They have dehydrated skin, so they need to drink a lot of water. They must apply sesame oil and moisturizers of oil-based nature and not over-exfoliate their skin.

2. Pitta skin is oily, sensitive, and prone to flare-ups and breakouts. It tans easily. Pitta skin must stay away from caffeine, harsh chemicals, and excessive sun exposure. Add cooling and soothing herbs like aloe vera, cucumber, sandalwood, and rose.

3. Kapha skin is oily, thick, and has large pores. They must cleanse and exfoliate their skin regularly. Ayurvedic skin care products with Neem, turmeric, and holy basil balance Kapha skin.

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Vata Ayurvedic Skin Care Routine For Summer

An Ayurvedic skincare routine for dry skin means to keep Vata balanced, and the inclusion of healthy oil is of utmost importance. Oil has opposite qualities than Vata; hence, it reduces the cold, acrid nature of Vata. Vata dominated people can follow the skin care regime below:

• Cleansing: To retain hydration, a gentle, creamy cleanser is advised to avoid stoppage of the natural moisture from the skin.
• Toning: Hydrating toners like rose water or infusion of more flowers helps refresh and rehydrate the skin. Use alcohol-free toners to avoid further dehydration.
• Moisturizing: Day creams or lotions that are rich in oils like sesame, almond, or ghee-infused moisturizers help balance the sebum and keeps the skin protected.
• Sun Protection: It is necessary for all the skin types to religiously apply sunscreen of atleast SPF 50.
• Night Ritual: Night is the time to repair and rest. Applying ghee or saffron-infused oils or night creams helps for deep nourishment and repair.

Pitta Ayurvedic Skin Care Routine For Summer

Due to the predominance of fire and water Pitta skin tends to be sensitive, acne-prone, and prone to redness and pigmentation.

• Cleansing: Pitta skin being prone to redness and inflammation, it is best to use a cooling cleanser infused with ingredients like sandalwood and aloe vera.
• Exfoliation: A gentle scrub is recommended for Pitta skin as it is prone to tanning quickly. To remove the daily tan Ubtan can be used.
• Toning: Cooling toners like rose water or Mogra water are the best to calm the angry pitta skin.
• Moisturizing: Pitta skin is thin and hates heavy moisturizers. Opt for lightweight moisturizers to help delicately moisturize and protect the skin.
• Sun protection: Although sunscreen is mandatory for all skin types, Pitta skin is prone to pigmentation. So it is important to always protect the Pitta skin. SPF 50 or more is recommended if there is a direct exposure to the sun.
• Night Ritual: After the day of running around, the skin needs calming down. Just like our mind and body, pitta skin needs comfort and a cool atmosphere in the form of an Ayurvedic night skincare routine.

Kapha Ayurvedic Skin Care Routine For Summer

• Cleansing: Kapha skin is prone to secreting more sebum, in turn making the skin look too oily. Cleansing is an extremely important step for Kapha. They are advised to use a detoxifying cleanser with ingredients like neem, saffron, and lemon to purify the skin.
• Exfoliation: Removing the dead skin cells, which may obstruct the pores, is an important ritual for Kapha skin. It is recommended to at least scrub 2 times a week with gentle ingredients like aloe vera infused with finely hand-milled walnuts
• Toning: A purifying toner with the capacity to help reduce pores is important to control excess oil and acne breakouts. Ingredients like tea tree, Tulsi, and clove oil are important.
• Moisturizing: Kapha skin dislikes heavy textured cream; hence, using light moisturizers keeps the skin breathable and helps control the sebum production.
• Sun Protection: It is necessary for all the skin types to religiously apply sunscreen of atleast SPF 50.
• Mask Ritual: Kapha skin suffers from open pores and wishes to tighten the skin making the pores less visible. For this masking, once a week is an excellent idea, as they are the powerhouse of nutrients that focus on deep nourishment and instant glow.

Ayurvedic Remedies for Summer Skin Issues

Following Ayurvedic remedies can assist you in overcoming this imbalance and achieving glowing summer skin. Let us discuss the usual skin problems encountered during summers and how to overcome them.

1. Sunburn: Prolonged exposure to the sun may cause redness, sensitivity, and also blisters. The extent will vary depending on the duration and intensity of sun exposure and sensitivity of skin. Aloe vera is also a great solution for sunburn. Spread fresh aloe vera gel over the sunburned area to calm and mend sunburned skin. Coconut oil can also be applied to minimize irritation.

2. Prickly heat: Prickly heat or heat rashes develop when sweat glands get clogged, leading to small, itchy bumps on the skin. Bathe in water boiled with neem leaves. You may also apply a sandalwood paste with rose water to relieve itching. Dress in loose, cotton clothing.

3. Acne: Breakouts and acne may be caused by heat and humidity. The excessive sweating and sebum can clog pores that result in pimples. Use non-comedogenic moisturizers and sunblocks and wash your face twice daily. Consume lots of fluids and avoid caffeine

4. Black Spots and dermal damage: Prolonged exposure to sunlight causes damage to the skin and spots. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen of a minimum of SPF 50. Apply a turmeric-milk face pack for spot reduction.

5. Eczema: Excessive summer sweat can initiate eczema. Drink lots of water and dress in loose garments. Stay away from chemical-based sunscreens and opt for physical sunscreens with zinc or titanium oxide.

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Lifestyle Changes for Body Care Tips

1. Drink up

With rising temperature, you tend to sweat more, and this can leave you feeling dehydrated and weak. Replenish the lost body fluids by drinking at least 2-3litres of water throughout the day. Drinking water also helps to flush the toxins from the body. Buttermilk(chaas), curd, yoghurt, lemonade, coconut water, watermelons, and fresh juices made of vegetables and fruits not only help you stay hydrated but maintain the electrolyte balance in the body.

Sattu (a drink made using Black chickpea flour and water), Panna made from raw mangoes and Khus (vetiver), Rose sherbet (made from dried rose petals) and Kokum (garcinia indica) sherbets are the perfect tried and tested, local beverages that protect you from the summer heat.

2. Eat Light:

Our digestion gets affected when the weather heats up, so eat light, freshly-prepared meals. A well-balanced and light diet is easy to digest and helps us stay healthy and hydrated. Try to include plenty of seasonal fruits and vegetables in your diet. Water-intensive gourds are one of the best vegetables for this season. Cooling salads, eaten with digestive spices like chat masala or light dressings are great.

3. Dress comfortably:

You may cover your body to avoid exposure to the sun but do so by wearing loose clothes made of lighter fabrics like cotton, which let your skin breathe and absorb sweat thus keeping the body temperature in check.

4. Rest your body:

While the longer days in summer give you a longer time frame to work, it is advisable to balance it with an adequate amount of rest. Since the nights are shorter now, a short power-nap in the middle of the day can re-energize you. Do not over-exert your body and sleep well at night.

Apart from following the above tips to pacify the pitta dosha, you could try a few simple yogic exercises, meditation and breathing techniques like Pranayama to help you manage your emotions better. A balanced, calm and relaxed mind will keep you healthy and glowing on the outside as well.