A how-to guide to summer skin care

In summer, the skin takes a lot more damage than we think, and a lot quicker too, with results that are often only visible years later!

During summer here in India, with its scorching sun, sunscreen is a must: without it, skin exposure can result in many unpleasant side-effects such as deep skin damage, wrinkle increase and skin pigmentation disorders, along with the classical sun-burn. These damages are hard to treat once done so protection should always be a priority, even more so for pregnant women who, due to high levels of hormones, are more prone to skin pigmentation disorders.

Sunscreen is a must, but face scrubs are useful as well during summer! Use it to help the skin get rid of all those dead skin cells and oil that keep it from breathing and has it over-heating. However it’s important to keep in mind that the skin’s natural peeling rhythm takes about a month, so scrubs should not be used more than once in that length of time. Indeed the scrubbing should only serve to help the skin complete the natural process, using it excessively will result, in time, in thickening your skin and blocking your pores. So let’s not be counterproductive!

Here is an easy Home Scrub recipe:

  • 1.3 cups of baking soda
  • 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, cold-pressed
  • 5 to 10 drops of frankincense essential oil (for aged, mature skin)
  • 5 drops of tea-tree essential oil ( for oily/very oily skin)
  • 5-10 drops of lavender essential oil ( for sensitive skin)

Mix all the ingredients and, if needed, add some more oil. Gently massage your face with the scrub before washing it off with clear water. Make sure to moisturize your skin after the scrub with a cream, serum or light face oil.

Skin moisture in summer is a priority: fulfill that need by drinking lots of water, use a moisturizer serum in the morning (before the sunscreen) and a cream at night. Treat you skin to a weekly hydrating mask to further help your skin to balance and harmonize.

Beauty comes from inside, so if you want a glowing complexion your preoccupations should include drinking lots of water and maintaining a healthy diet that include sufficient doses of vitamin C.  One can also avoid alcohol during heavy heat for an improved health.

And last but not least, don’t hesitate to pamper your skin all year round with morning and evening soft face washes!

Have a great summer!