I spent many of my summer in Kerala, India, a state found in the southern tip of India that is populated with coconut trees, dense tropical foliage and a plethora of spices and holistic wisdom. Summers there are no joke, it is humid and can reach grueling temperatures. In preparation for the weather, there were many little wisdoms that eased the body through these extreme temperatures. According to the medicinal science of Ayurveda (Ayur = Life Veda = Science), summer is Pitta season.  Pitta means fire in Sanskrit, and when this fire energy manifests itself in our environment, it can really take a toll on your body and skin. If precautions are not taken to keep the body balanced it can manifest its unhappiness on your skin via hives, rashes, sunburn, and acne. With this new season, comes an opportunity for us to expand our practices of wellness and amp up your skincare routine.  Here are some ways to enhance your summer skincare:

STAY OUT OF THE SUN FROM 12PM TO 2PM

All I can remember was that my grandmother was adamant about us not going in the sun from 12 – 2pm because it is considered the pitta part of the day, the hottest part of the day. Your metabolism and digestive energy is the highest at this time and we should try not to exacerbate it. Keeping your body cool and calm can keep the skin from displaying outward symptoms of aggravation like breakouts, rashes and other skin irritations. It helps to prevent premature aging, fine lines and wrinkles. This can also help elevate your mood.

KEEP SKIN COOL THROUGHOUT THE DAY

Throughout the day spritz your skin with soothing botanical hydrosols which can help prevent skin from being irritated while calming and refreshing your skin. The heat can also dry out skin, create sensitive skin as well as put your skin's sebum into overdrive, which is why many a time people experience oily skin in the summer months.  Rich in anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, these hydrating plant essences help prevent breakouts and keep pores clean. I kept all of this in mind when formulating our VAYU illuminating toning mist to keep skin glowing, hydrated and happy with natural ingredients Tulsi, Rose, Cucumber and Aloe. Keeping your toner in the fridge is a cooling and refreshing treat for sensitive skin, large pores and acne prone skin. I believe in the power of natural ingredients and its effectiveness, which is why we make our products 100% free of GMOs, toxins, fillers, artificial colors, artificial fragrances, or synthetic chemicals.

EAT HEAT PACIFYING FOODS

During the summer, diets would change in preparation for the high temperatures to come. Ayurveda, recommends food that is easier on the digestive system and rich in water content to be favored instead of heavier root vegetables. Also, the focus is on seasonal vegetables as they believed nature offers what our body needs each season based on where you live. Eat foods that help keep your body cool and to get relief from the heat. Melons, pears, apples, berries, prunes, plums and all green veggies are great for the summer. Try to avoid foods like beetroots, carrots, cauliflower, garlic and spicy food as they create more heat in the body. 

OIL UP!

In Kerala Coconut Oil is a staple in every home. Not only used to cook, Coconut Oil is used to moisturize and soothe the body. Since I could remember, I was always instructed to massage my hair, scalp and body with moisturizing Coconut Oil before a bath because it would help cool and purify the body. According to Ayurveda, it eliminates excess heat in the skin to provide a respite from the hot temperatures. The added bonus is it leaves your skin healthy, soft and supple.

HYDRATE TO KEEP SKIN HAPPY

Coconut water is abundant in Kerala. You step outside of your house and it is more than likely you have a few coconut trees sprinkled throughout your property. Cutting a coconut down and indulging in a drink of its nectar was a consistent memory of my times in Kerala. Thirst quenching and revitalizing, Coconut water is nature’s treat, full of electrolytes and skin hydrating vitamins that help elasticity and increase collagen production while leaving your complexion with a glow. 

Hopefully these sprinkles of wisdom from my childhood can be incorporated into your summer days to keep your skin radiant and leave you with a luminous glow.

 

Love + Light,