Ayurvedic Ways To Deal With Dry Skin In Summer

Does your skin turn severely dry during summer? While the summers are known for causing sweaty and greasy skin, it's a paradox that some people experience extremely dry skin during this time.

Want to know the different causes and natural treatments for dry skin in summer? Read on.

Our Ayurvedic Doctor Speaks

"Vata is in Chaya or an increased state during the summer months. The heat of the sun dries up kapha, which checks vata. The lack of kapha action on vata, makes vata go berserk.’’

Dr. Zeel Gandhi (Bachelor of Ayurveda, Medicine & Surgery), Chief Ayurvedic Doctor, Vedix

Highlights:

• Why Does Your Skin Get Dry In Summer?
• How To Moisturize Dry Skin In Summer?
• How To Get Rid Of Dry Skin In Summer?
• Summer Skincare Routine For Dry Skin
• How To Take Care & Prevent Dry Skin In Summer?

Why Does Your Skin Get Dry In Summer?

Your skin gets exposed to extreme light and heat from the sun in summer than in any other season. This causes a high rate of evaporation of water molecules from the skin. This, in turn, leaves your skin severely dry and flaky during summers [1].

As per Ayurveda, this phenomenon is mostly observed in people with vata dosha dominance in the body. Elevated vata dosha causes dehydration internally, which contributes to dryness in your skin.

In the words of Dr. Zeel Gandhi, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor at Vedix, ''Vata is in Chaya or an increased state during the summer months. The heat of the sun dries up kapha, which checks vata. The lack of kapha action on vata, makes vata go berserk.’’

While many factors trigger vata dosha aggravation in the body, poor nutrition [2], lack of hydration, poor skincare, bad lifestyle choices, etc. can be the predominant causes of dry skin during summer.

''Dry skin is a vata disorder. During summers, an increase in vata aggravates dry skin. Kapha promoting foods and herbs help tackle dry skin issues. Buttermilk, ghee, white rice, bananas, yashtimadhu, grapes, pomegranates, aloe vera, patha, sariva, shatavari, gikshura are beneficial for these skin types, '' says Dr. Zeel.

How To Moisturize Dry Skin In Summer?

There are three ways you can moisturize your dry skin during the summer season.

1. Self-Abhyanga

It involves massaging vata-pacifying Ayurvedic oils into the dry skin [3]. You can perform self-abhyanga an hour before bath. Using warm oils for self-abhyanga promotes great absorption of oils into the skin.

Oils containing vata-balancing herbs such as yashtimadhu, ashwagandha, bala, shatavari, lavender, etc. can be used to moisturize dry skin. Sesame oil and jojoba are the best options to moisturize dry skin in an Ayurvedic way during summer.

2. Applying Moisturizer

This is usually done after a bath. Dry skin needs a moisturizer that will help to seal the water molecules in the skin and prevent evaporation. Hence, a thick moisturizer containing ingredients such as cow ghee, shea butter, aloe vera, etc. can be used to replenish the lost moisture and add a protective layer to your skin.

3. Ayurvedic Lepa Or Facial Masks

Applying hydrating herbal and fruit-based face masks once or twice a week during summer can be a real game-changer for your skin. Your skin needs aid to replenish itself with deep hydration, nutrition, and moisturization. Herbal and fruit-based face masks can help your skin heal better and faster.

How To Get Rid Of Dry Skin In Summer?

1. Ayurvedic Treatments

A. Yashtimadhu Face Pack

Famously called licorice, yashtimadhu heals your dry skin and improves the skin tone effectively.

Add a spoon of turmeric and a sufficient amount of rose water into 2-3 spoons of yashtimadhu powder to make a fine paste. Apply it as a face pack and wash it off after half an hour.

B. Shatavari Face Pack

Shatavari is a well-known anti-aging herb used to fight free radicals in the skin. Studies have found that shatavari has significant anti-inflammatory activities that help in promoting skin health. Add 1/2 spoon of raw honey and 1 spoon of rose water into 2 spoons of shatavari powder. Apply it as a face pack and wash it off after half an hour.

C. Kumari Face Pack

Kumari or aloe vera has a plethora of benefits for your skin, besides hydrating and moisturizing it effectively [4]. Add a spoon of raw honey into 2-3 spoons of freshly extracted aloe vera gel. Apply the mixture to your face and wash it off after half an hour.

D. Ashwagandha Pack

With its anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties, ashwagandha helps your skin fight against dryness and its related issues. Add a sufficient amount of water to 2 spoons of ashwagandha powder to make a smooth paste. Apply it to your face and wash it off after half an hour.

E. Vetiver Toner/Mist

Besides treating dry skin, vetiver helps in controlling the blemishes and healing scars in your skin. Soak 2-3 vetiver roots overnight in a clay pot filled with water. Strain the fragrant water the next morning and use it as a toner or facial mist throughout the day.

2. Home Remedies

A. Papaya Mask

With the richness of vitamin A and C, papaya helps to fight dryness in the skin and prevent premature aging signs. Prepare a smooth paste by mashing a few papaya pieces. Apply it as a face mask. You can use a big tissue to cover your face with the fruit mask. After 30 minutes, wash the fruit mask with plain water.

B. Yogurt Mask

Yogurt is the best ingredient to retain moisture in the skin. Also, it helps in giving a soft and smoother skin texture. Add a spoon of raw honey to 2 spoons of yogurt. Mix the ingredients well and apply it as a face pack. Leave it for about 30-45 minutes, before washing it off.

C. Cucumber Mask

Cucumber helps in soothing dry skin during summer by hydrating it well. Also, it has cooling properties that relieve skin irritation and inflammation. Studies suggest that cucumber is very effective in alleviating sunburn pain. Add 3 spoons of oats, and 1 spoon of yogurt into 2-3 spoons of freshly made cucumber juice. Apply the mixture as a face pack and wash it off after half an hour.

D. Watermelon Mask

Applying watermelon not only helps in treating dry skin but also helps in reducing the pore size and leaves your skin glowing brightly. Mash a few pieces of watermelon into a fine paste. Add 2 spoons of coconut milk and empty 1 vitamin E capsule into it. Apply the mixture to your face and wash it off after half an hour.

E. Orange Peel Mask

Orange peel gives your skin a refreshed and clearer look. It helps deal with dry skin during summer while rejuvenating it with vitamin C [5]. Add a spoon of raw honey and a spoon of yogurt into 2-3 spoons of orange peel powder. Mix the ingredients well and apply it as a face pack. Wash it off with plain water after half an hour.

Summer Skincare Routine For Dry Skin

Choose products that are hydrating and vata-dosha-pacifying in your summer skincare routine. You can choose herbal skincare products containing vata balancing herbs such as yashtimadhu, sariva, shatavari, kumari, etc. A good summer skincare routine for dry skin, should include the following steps.

Step 1: Cleansing

Start your summer skincare routine by washing your face with a hydrating, gentle, non-foaming cleanser. This will help to clear the dirt, sweat, and sebum from your skin pores and prep it to absorb the products that you apply later.

Step 2: Exfoliating

Dry skin can result in a lot of dead skin accumulation. Exfoliation is the best way to clear the dead skin from the epidermis, keeping your skin bright and flawless. It is recommended to exfoliate your skin, not more than twice or thrice a week.

Step 3: Using A Toner

Natural toners such as rose water, witch hazel, etc. can be the best way to replenish your dry and dull skin during summer. Besides hydrating your skin well, toners help in cleansing the dirt off and shrinking the pores. This gives a firm and smooth skin texture.

Vedix Tip:

Always opt for a toner that is free of alcohol and other dehydrating chemicals.

Step 4: Moisturizing

Moisturization is an essential skincare step, which needs to be followed irrespective of your skin type and season. For dry skin, it is recommended to opt for a cream-based moisturizer, containing oils and emollients along with hydrating agents.

Step 5: Applying Sunscreen

Apply sunscreen as the last layer of protection to your skin before applying make-up. It prevents your skin from exposure to UV radiation, which is one of the primary causes of dry skin during summer. Make a habit to re-apply sunscreen every 2-3 hours, especially during summer.

How To Take Care & Prevent Dry Skin In Summer?

• Stay away from alcohol consumption and smoking.
• Cut down salty, sweet, fried, and processed foods. Drink enough water throughout the day to keep your body as well as skin well-hydrated.
• Avoid consuming too much coffee and other caffeinated drinks.
• Apply sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 every day. Do not skip this step even if you are not stepping out. Also, reapply the sunscreen every 2-3 hours religiously.
• Use a towel gently on your skin. After bath or face washing, rubbing your skin vigorously with a towel can do more damage.
• Stay away from harsh skin products. It is always recommended to use herbal soaps or body washes that are mild and gentle on your skin.
• Do not take hot showers as it can dry out your skin severely. Summers are the best time to take bath with water at normal temperature.
• Always wet your skin before shaving. It is recommended to use a shaving gel, cream, or soap to prevent dry skin after shaving. Also, use only new or sanitized blades.
• Using a humidifier can help in retaining the moisture in your skin, especially in places that have dry summers.
• Do not overdo your make-up. Let your skin breathe by going low on make-up during summers.
• It is recommended to always carry a facial mist with you in summer. It helps to rehydrate your skin every 2-3 hours.

Important Note:

Consult your dermatologist or Ayurvedic doctor before using any of the treatments and remedies mentioned in this article for your skin.

The Last Word

Factors such as UV radiation and pollution can cause dry skin during summers. Hydrating and vata pacifying herbal ingredients suggested by Ayurveda, not only help to deal with dull and dry skin but also revitalize the skin with nourishing nutrients. However, visit a dermatologist if the dry skin does not improve with natural treatments.

At Vedix, we understand your skin type and customize an Ayurvedic skincare regimen that caters to your skin needs.