Understanding Summer Skin Through the Ayurvedic Lens
I remember my grandmother always warning me not to go out between 12 and 2 PM, when the sun was its fiercest. She’d hand me a chilled glass of buttermilk infused with Curry Leaves and Ginger and tell me it would help cool my body from the inside. Summers in Kerala meant Watermelon on repeat and a steady stream of Jeera water to sip throughout the day. I didn’t know it then, but those were my earliest lessons in Ayurvedic summer skin care.
In Ayurveda, summer is governed by Pitta dosha—the energy of fire and transformation. So when temperatures rise, so does Pitta—and our skin often tells the story first.
When it’s in balance, Pitta supports vitality and a healthy glow. But in excess? That’s when we see inflammation, oiliness, breakouts and sensitivity—the classic signs of a summer skin freakout.
The good news? Ayurveda gives us a roadmap to keep our skin cool, calm and clear.
Top Triggers That Aggravate Pitta
When Pitta is already high during the summer, we want to avoid anything that turns up the internal heat even more:
- Overexposure to sun
- Spicy, acidic or fried foods
- Fruits that are typically sour and exceptionally heating or sour like ─ Bananas, Green Grapes and Cranberries
- Alcohol and caffeine
- Harsh exfoliants or synthetic skincare ingredients
- Intense workouts in the midday heat
Think of it this way: Pitta doesn’t need more fire—it needs to be soothed.
Cooling Foods That Support Radiant Skin
In Ayurveda, digestion and skin health are deeply connected. When the gut is overheated, it shows up on your skin. My family’s go-to? Hydrating, cooling foods like:
- Watermelon and Cucumber
- Leafy greens and herbs like Mint and Coriander
- Coconut water
- Aloe vera juice
Try swapping your afternoon coffee for Coconut water—it’s electrolyte-rich and instantly hydrating. And if you can, avoid overly sour fruits and anything that makes you sweat while you eat (looking at you, extra-spicy pad thai).
At-Home Ayurvedic Skincare to Calm Summer Skin
1. Start with a gentle, cooling cleanse
Harsh foaming cleansers and actives can strip the skin barrier. In the heat of summer, I always reach for our MUHKA botanical oil cleanser. It emulsifies with water to remove sunscreen, sweat and makeup without disrupting the microbiome.
2. Mist throughout the day
I never leave home without our VAYU illuminating toning mist . It’s packed with Rose and Aloe—two deeply cooling, anti-inflammatory botanicals. A few spritzes instantly refresh the skin and help calm redness or irritation.
3. Repair with a weekly detox mask
My skin needs more support in the summer—sweat and SPF buildup is real. NAVA JUNGOL, our detoxifying jungle mask with Turmeric and Neem, is my skin’s reset button. It pulls out impurities and calms inflammation in one go.
4. Cool the body and mind in the evenings
My favorite summer ritual is Abhyanga—self-massage with Coconut or Brahmi oil. It soothes the nervous system and cools the body. Sometimes I follow it with Sheetali Pranayama (a cooling breath technique). This pranayama is particularly beneficial for reducing heat, stress and high blood pressure. Ayurveda isn’t just what you put on your skin—it’s a full-body experience.
Conscious Sun Care: Smart SPF + Daily Cooling
You don’t need to hide from the sun completely—but smart protection matters. I opt for mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide and avoid harsh chemicals that aggravate sensitive skin. My go-to sunscreen is The Mineral Melt by Dune Suncare, it’s gentle, non-greasy and won’t irritate sensitive skin. Also:
- Wear breathable natural fabrics (like cotton and linen)
- Choose wide-brimmed hats
- Avoid peak sun hours (12–2 PM)
- Always cool down afterward—with a mist, Aloe or herbal tea
A Seasonal Ayurvedic Skincare Flow:
- Cleanse with MUHKA
- Tone with VAYU
- Moisturize with PRANA
- Detox weekly with NAVA JUNGOL
Final Thoughts: Your Summer Glow Starts with Balance
Summer skin care isn’t about stripping or overcorrecting. It’s about tuning in. Ayurveda teaches us that our skin is a reflection of what’s happening inside—and when we honor that connection, beauty becomes intuitive. Through small, cooling shifts in what we eat, how we care for our skin and when we rest, we find ourselves naturally glowing.
Stay cool, stay radiant. Let Ayurveda guide your skin this summer.
Love + Light,
