It is summer and the heat is rising. Hot weather adversely affects your skin and hair. Overexposure to the sun can lead to premature aging, fine lines and wrinkles. It is therefore essential to follow definite and regular summer skin care routine to ensure keeping it healthy.
Here are some important home remedies for glowing skin in summer.
1. Drink plenty of water
No matter what your skin type is: oily, dry or combination – they all need one thing in common-plenty of water. So keep your water intake to at least 8-10 glasses of water per day. You can also have herbal decaffeinated teas, fresh fruit juices without sugar, barley water, lime juice (without sugar) fruit infused water etc.
2. Add fresh organic fruits and vegetables to your diet
Increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables substantially as part of the home remedies for glowing skin in summer season. These provide you with your daily dose of antioxidants and also keep your skin cool. Antioxidants help fight blemishes and free radical damage caused to the skin by environmental toxins and pollutants.
3. Avoid the sun
Try and change your routine a bit: you can go outdoors in the early morning hours or take evening strolls. Whatever you do- avoid peak sunny hours between 10 am to 4 pm. If you are planning to spend the day at the beach or in a park- cover up your face with a wide brimmed hat or scarf. Do not forget to apply sunscreen with SPF 30 (at least) to protect against UVA and UVB rays.
4. Tips for selecting SPF based on your skin type
- Oily skin-Look for mild, alcohol based sunscreen gel/spray or lotion.
- Dry skin-Look for creams or ointments with a moisturizing base.
- Sensitive skin– Look for hypoallergenic/low irritant sunscreens.
5. Avoid tanning
Tanning-both natural and artificial, is very harmful. It can damage your skin and could also increase your risk of getting skin cancer. You can develop a natural summer glow by using makeup products. Many tanning sprays and mousses are available in the market. Look for organic varieties which give an even tan and are safe for the skin.
6. Bathe immediately after swimming
One of the best pieces of advice you can get as far as summer skin care is concerned is to bathe immediately after swimming in chlorinated pools. This is important for dry skin as well as oily skin types. Use warm water and a mild soap to keep your skin clean and healthy.
7. Home remedies to remove facial tan
Not everyone is fond of a tan, and if you are one of them, these skin brightening and whitening home remedies can help give you a glowing skin:
Aloe facial mask for bright glowing skin in summer:
If you have your own Aloe Vera plant, cut open a leaf and extract the gel. Blend 1 tbsp of gel with 2 tbsp plain yogurt. Apply all over the face. Leave on for 15 minutes before washing off with warm water. Use this remedy daily or at least 3 times a week.
Orange peel facial mask for glowing summer skin
There is a reason why commercial face masks all contain orange extracts. This fruit is packed with Vitamin C which is known to lighten age spots and brighten dull, tanned skin. So, if you have been partying in the sun without a sunscreen, use the following mask to get rid of the tan that is just starting out:
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp freshly extracted juice of an Orange
- 1 tbsp powdered fuller Earth or Clay
- 1 tbsp Fresh milk cream
Method:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Apply the mixture to the face and neck. Keep it on until the mask dries off. Wash with cool water.
Strawberry rejuvenating mask for fresher, younger skin
Like oranges, strawberries are also packed with Vitamin C and other antioxidants. This mask also contains milk cream to moisturize dry skin and Kaolin powder to help absorb excess oil. The strawberries help remove wrinkles and even skin tone.
Ingredients
- 2-3 ripe strawberries
- 1 tbsp fresh milk cream
- 1 tbsp Kaolin powder
Method
Mix the strawberry pulp with cream and beat in the Kaolin powder. Make a smooth paste and apply it all over the face. Once dried, wash off with cool water.
Turmeric and milk cream de-tanning face pack
Turmeric is a superfood that is rich in curcumin and antioxidants that can fight blemishes, reverse tanning and give you a bright glow. This mask is suitable for dry and combination skin.
Ingredients
- ½ tsp turmeric (be careful, it can stain clothes)
- 1/2 tbsp gram flour (readily available at Asian shops)
- 1 tbsp milk cream
Method
Mix the ingredients. Apply all over the dried, tanned skin. Let it sit for a few minutes before washing off. This face mask helps give a radiant glow to dull, sun damaged skin.
So, use the above home remedies for glowing summer skin and see the difference!