Skin care should be adjusted according to seasonal needs. The skin’s needs in hot, dry weather are different from hot and humid weather. During the months of April and May, when the hot winds blow, there is a lack of humidity in the air. The skin loses moisture in the atmosphere and becomes dry.
Rose water, a must in hot weather
A good skin tonic is a must in hot weather, to cool and refresh the skin. Rose water is ideal because it is a natural coolant. Rose water refreshes the skin and leaves it feeling clean and refreshed. Store a small bowl of rose water in the refrigerator. This way it is refrigerated and ready to use. Wipe the skin several times a day with it, using cotton swabs. If you are away during the day, bring wet handkerchiefs, which are readily available. Wipe the face with them to make you feel fresh and refreshed.
Soothe your skin with cucumber
Cucumber is also refreshing and has an astringent effect – that is, it reduces fat and closes skin pores. It illuminates the skin. Mix cucumber juice with rose water in equal amounts and apply it to the skin, washing off with plain water after 15 minutes.
Watermelon has its uses too
Watermelon juice also cools the skin and relieves dryness. It refreshes and softens the skin. Apply on the face and rinse in the same way.
The many benefits of coconut water
Try coconut water to tone and soothe the skin this summer. It also helps in removing the tan and lightening the skin over a period of time. Apply to the skin and leave to act for 20 to 30 minutes.
Sunscreen is a must
In summer, the effects of the sun increase. Avoid sun exposure, especially around noon to 3 p.m. Protect the skin by applying a broad spectrum sunscreen. It offers protection against UVA and UVB rays. Apply to face and all exposed areas, such as neck and arms. Sunscreen should be applied approximately 20 minutes before sun exposure. If you are in the sun for more than an hour, you should reapply the sunscreen. Normally, a sunscreen lotion with an SPF of 20 to 25 can be used. If the skin is more sensitive and tends to burn easily, use a higher SPF. For oily skin, use a sunscreen gel.
Use honey for soft, hydrated skin
Honey is a powerful natural moisturizer and also has several beneficial properties. It is suitable for all skin types. Honey helps to make the skin soft and hydrates the skin without making it oily. It also helps improve the skin’s ability to retain moisture. It soothes the skin in case of skin sensitivity due to dryness. Apply honey to the skin and wash it off with water after 15 minutes.
Oily skin also needs care
For oily skin, mix honey with egg white or lemon juice and apply daily to the skin, washing it off after 20 minutes with clean water. Lemon juice and egg white both have cleansing effects, reducing fat, while honey softens and nourishes the skin.
Try these simple, homemade moisturizers to relieve the summer heat
- Mix 100 ml of rose water with a teaspoon of pure glycerin. It should be well mixed. Store in a bottle with a tight fitting lid. It helps moisturize oily and combination skin and is also suitable for arms and legs.
- Take 3 tablespoons of wheat germ oil, 3 tablespoons of honey, 30 ml each of rose water, witch hazel and glycerin. Mix all the ingredients completely to make a cream. Store it in an airtight jar for later use.
- Mix equal amounts of aloe vera gel and mineral water and heat until it forms a cream. When it cools, store it in an airtight jar.
(This article is written by Shahnaz Husain, Padma Shri Award winner and pioneer of the Ayurvedic beauty movement and head of a global network of franchise companies and 375 formulations.)
Posted: Apr 19, 2021 6:02 PM