It’s here. The season of long school vacations and mangoes is upon us. It is also the season of “chubti jalti garmi” and a number of irritating skin problems. No amount of prickly heat powder is enough to take care of your skin during the hot, humid, sunny Indian summers. The only way to ensure your skin remains blemish free and glowing is to take care of it from inside out. I have always maintained that good skin is a result of good health, diet and exercise as well as products and care regimen and this holds especially true in summer. Here is what I recommend:

IT’S ALL ABOUT HYDRATION – The best way to stay cool and ensure healthy skin (and stave off heat strokes) during a hot Indian summer like this one, is to keep yourself hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids (sugar free/non-aerated) through the day. Fill a glass jug with a few slices of lemon or sliced orange and sip on it all day. Or have fresh coconut water, chilled lassi (salted only) and buttermilk. Roasted jeera added to salted buttermilk not only keeps the body cool but is also excellent for digestion. Add fruits and vegetables with high water content, such as cucumbers, melons, tomatoes, celery, grapefruit, oranges, zucchini, peppers, and dark leafy vegetables to your diet.

SUPPLEMENTS- Have 1000 mg Vitamin C and zinc potent antioxidants which help in collagen formation and tissue repair. This is the best combination for skin health and is good for strengthening immunity as well. Also, start taking Omega 3 supplements. This will help to keep your skin moist from inside out.

HEALTHY FATS-

According to the ancient science of Ayurveda, ghee is cooling and soothing for the body when taken in moderation. It improves, strengthens digestion while repairing and nourishing body tissues. It keeps your skin glowing and is excellent for the lactose intolerant as it does not trigger any allergies. Add a bit of ghee to your regular diet, it will slow down the ageing process and boost overall well-being.

LET YOUR SKIN BREATHE- Go easy on the products. Too many products in weather that are hot and humid will make your skin oily and clog your pores. Let your skin breathe by keeping your skincare regime very simple. Skip your day oil for the next few months. But you can apply retinol based oils at night.They don’t clog your pores and in fact, help get rid of your summer tan, spots, pigmentation, and heal and hydrate the skin; Wash your face with a good face wash and use a light scrub suited to your skin type twice a week. Follow this with rose water, serum, and a light hydrating moisturiser. If you have oily skin use a good oil free moisturiser. This will not make your skin oily and yet provide the hydration that it needs during these months. Finally, do not skip your sunblock. Use an oil-free sunblock that is suitable for all skin types.

Try out some of the tips and tricks mentioned here and let me know how they work for you. Write to me below or using #stayrealstayyou on Instagram @shagunkhanna