Summer Essentials for Glowing and Refreshed Skin

The heat is on! Summer is right around the corner, and it seems as though we just skipped spring altogether. As much as I love the heat and everything that comes with the summertime, I also know that it can take a huge toll on my skin. Dry, chapped, sunburnt, and constantly looking red—none of which is appealing.
 
Thankfully, Ayurveda—the sister science of Yoga, has given us the exact tools we need for beautiful, glowing, and healthy skin. The best part? Most of these tools can be found right in your kitchen. The other beauty of Ayurveda is that it uses the easiest to find, simple ingredients that make the biggest impact on our overall wellbeing and health.
 
Keep these on hand, either in the kitchen or your bathroom, to combat the harsh heat to your skin.
 

• Rose: The ultimate coolant for pitta, summer, and anything heat-related. Rose is incredibly cooling, and super hydrating. For external applications, look for an organic rose hydrosol or rose water spray. Spray it on your face after cleaning it, and allow for the spray to be absorbed in. If you know that you’re going to be out in the sun all day, keep a small bottle in your bag or purse. Spray as needed to not only cool off, but to stay hydrated externally. Internally, steep 1 tsp rose petals (again, make sure you are getting organic and pesticide-free) in warm water. The same can be done in a luke-warm glass of milk. Sweeten with a touch of maple.
  
• Sandalwood: Sandalwood is an incredible herb that again is perfect for the heat. It is incredibly cooling during external application. Make a quick paste by taking some powder and enough water to turn into a paste. Apply as a face mask and notice the instant cooling and refreshing feeling. Add a ½ portion of turmeric for an added benefit to your skin!
  
• Turmeric: Turmeric is such an all-purpose herb that is great all-year around. The benefits for summer? Turmeric cleanses the blood and the liver—the ultimate seats of pitta in our body. By flushing all the toxins from our blood and liver, our internal body temperature will cool down a little bit. Again, mix in with some sandalwood to make a paste and apply as a face mask! So many great benefits of this simple little spice.
  
• Cow’s Milk: Cow’s milk is incredibly beneficial for our skin. Many traditional Ayurvedic face mask and facial cleanser recipes call for cow’s milk. Simply take a room-temperature small bowl of milk. Using cotton balls, dab the milk onto your face at night before bed. Follow by cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser.

 
Some other tips to keep in mind:

• It’s super important to stay hydrated in the summer. Be sure to drink ample amounts of water (technically ½ your body weight in ounces). Keep it room temperature and not ice cold to not mess with your metabolism. Coconut water is another great way to stay hydrated.
• Be careful not to over-exfoliate your skin. Use gentle cleansers and milk cleansers to balance the harshness of exfoliators.
• Favor cooling foods like cucumbers, limes, cilantro, and sweeteners like maple syrup. Keeping your internal body temperature will help you keep cool and refreshed.

 
Enjoy all that summer has to offer, without the burnout! Here’s to beautiful days spent out in the sun and warmth