Skin care with Ayurveda in Hot Summer

In Ayurveda, summer is known as Grishma Ritu, a season dominated by the Pitta dosha. During this time, the sun’s intense heat dries up the moisture in the environment and the body, leading to a depletion of strength (Bala) and an increase in dryness (Vata). This manifests as physical and emotional imbalances.

Common signs of Pitta imbalance in summer: 

Skin issues: Inflammation, heat rashes, breakouts, and redness. 

Sun damage: Sunburn and hyperpigmentation. 

Physical discomfort: Excessive sweating, acidity, dehydration, and headaches. 

Emotional shifts: Increased irritability, anger, and mental fatigue. 

Ayurveda offers a vast type of Sita Virya (cold potency) herbs that naturally pacify Pitta and restore internal harmony. These herbs can be used both internally and externally in skincare routine to soothe the skin. 

Cooling Herbs for Summer: 

Amla (Indian Gooseberry): Rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, it detoxifies the body and supports healthy, glowing skin. 

Aloe Vera (Kumari): Acts as a natural skin barrier and good for sunburns and inflammation. 

Sandalwood (Chandana): Renowned for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, it reduces heat rashes and restores radiance. 

Rose: Helps to tighten pores, calms redness, and balances emotional intensity. 

Neem: A powerful blood purifier that supports healthy liver function and clears summer breakouts. 

Mint: Often called nature's air conditioner, it instantly cools the system and uplifts the senses. 

Rejuvenating Routine 

External application is one of the most effective ways to provide instant relief from summer heat. Using natural ingredients from your kitchen, you can create masks that hydrate, brighten, and soothe irritated skin without the use of harsh chemicals. 

Homemade Summer Masks: 

For Acne and Glow: Mix 2 tbsp sandalwood powder with 1 tbsp turmeric and enough rosewater to make a paste. Apply for 20 minutes. 

For Oil Control: Combine 1 tsp Multani Mitti and 1 tsp sandalwood powder with rosewater to unclog pores  

For Deep Hydration: Mix 1 tbsp sandalwood powder with 1 tbsp raw honey to nourish dry, sun-exposed skin. 

Post-Sun Soother: Apply a compress made of 2 tbsp rose water and 1 tbsp aloe vera gel to sun-damaged areas for 10-15 minutes. 

Summer Lifestyle: Diet and Routine (Ritucharya) 

Adopting a Grishma Ritucharya or summer regimen involves moving in harmony with nature’s cycles. This includes modifying your exercise, sleep, and eating habits to ensure your internal digestive fire (Agni) remains stable despite the external heat. 

Diet: Favor sweet (Madhura), cold (Sheeta), and liquid (Drava) foods that are light to digest, such as rice, lentils, and fresh fruits. 

Hydration: Drink plenty of coconut water, buttermilk, and water infused with cucumber or mint. 

Avoid: Minimize spicy, salty, sour, and fermented foods, as well as sour curd, which can slow down digestion. 

Exercise: Limit heavy workouts, opt for cooling activities like swimming, walking, or gentle yoga during the cooler morning or evening hours. 

Sleep: Follow an "early to bed, early to rise" routine. Short afternoon naps (under 20 minutes) can help pacify Pitta. 

Pranayama 

Specific yogic breathing techniques, known as Pranayama, have the power to lower body temperature and calm the mind instantly. These are especially beneficial during high-heat periods to prevent heatstroke and reduce anxiety. 

Recommended Techniques: 

Sheetali (The Cooling Breath): Inhale through a rolled, straw-like tongue to immediately cool the mind and body. 

Chandra Bheda (Moon Breathing): Inhale through the left nostril and exhale through the right to release excess heat. 

Bhramari (Bee Breathing): Helps reduce mental stress and heat-induced anger through a soothing humming sound. 

Specialized Care at Sreedhareeyam

At our center, we combine traditional methods with specialized clinical protocols to treat severe summer-related conditions like sun allergy and deep-seated Pitta imbalances. We go beyond general advice by offering proprietary formulations and therapies tailored to your unique constitution. 


Faq(Frequently Asked Question)

1. How does summer affect the body according to Ayurveda? 

According to Ayurveda, summer (Grishma Ritu) is dominated by Pitta dosha. The Sun's intense heat dries up moisture in the body, leading to a depletion of strength (Bala) and an increase in dryness (Vata). This imbalance often manifests as skin inflammation, heat rashes, and irritability. 

2. What are the common skin problems during summer as per Ayurveda? 

Common skin problems during summer include inflammation, heat rashes, breakouts, and redness caused by Pitta imbalance. Additionally, the sun's intensity often leads to sun damage, such as sunburn and hyperpigmentation. 

3. Can summer cause hyperpigmentation and sunburn? 

Yes, summer can cause sunburn and hyperpigmentation. The intense heat during this season leads to sun damage that manifests as these specific skin issues. 

4. How does dehydration affect the skin in hot weather? 

In hot weather, the sun's intense heat dries up the moisture in the body, leading to a depletion of strength (Bala) and an increase in dryness (Vata). This dehydration manifests on the skin as inflammation, heat rashes, and redness. 

5. Why do heat rashes and breakouts increase in summer? 

Heat rashes and breakouts increase because the intense summer heat causes an imbalance in Pitta dosha, leading to skin inflammation and redness. This excess internal heat, combined with increased sweating, clogs pores and triggers breakouts.