Summer heat can bring its own problems for your skin including sunburn, sun tan, itchiness, irritation and rashes. Sweaty skin, thanks to our high humidity, cloaks our pores with grime and dirt but fear not, Ayurveda can help keep your skin healthy and glowing over the next few months.

1.      Tone your skin with our rose and basil toner twice a day.  Spray over your face then use a cotton pad to gently wipe off. Keep the toner in your fridge for a refreshing way to hydrate on those really hot days (rose water is a natural cooler).

2.      Exfoliating the skin once or twice a week to remove dead cells and brighten your skin. Take sesame seeds , dried mint leaves and honey. Crush the sesame seeds coarsely and powder the dried mint leaves. Mix all the ingredients with little honey and apply on the skin. Leave for five minutes and wash off with water.

3.      Don’t use harsh soaps and moisturise your skin at least twice a day. You can apply aloe vera gel to skin after bathing as aloe vera keeps the body cool. 

4.      Follow a daily bedtime routine, exercise daily for 10-15 minutes, drink plenty of water, eat fresh fruits and vegetables and avoid junk, oily and spicy food.

Here’s some ways you can care for your skin this summer using ingredients you’ll find at home:

a.       Mash half an avocado or papaya and add a few drops of lemon juice. Mix it well and apply on dry skin. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then wash it off with water.

b.      Mix cucumber juice or pulp with watermelon cut into pieces and add two teaspoons of powdered milk. You can put the ingredients in a blender, for a smooth paste. Apply on your face and neck and rinse off with water after half an hour.

c.       Make a paste of marigold petals with milk and one teaspoon honey. Apply on the face and wash it off with water after 20 minutes. Apply the pack twice a week. It helps to keep the skin clear of pimples. This pack is ideal for oily skin. For dry skin, use the same pack with red roses, instead of marigold.

d.      Neem leaves help control rashes and pimples. Put a few neem leaves in hot water and leave overnight for it to cool. Make a paste of the neem leaves and apply it on the face. Wash off after 15 minutes.

e.       Mix two teaspoons of wheat bran with one teaspoon of ground almonds, honey, yogurt and rose water. Apply on the face, but be careful to avoid the lips and area around eyes. Wash it off after 20 minutes.