The hot and dry Summer season is called Grishma Ritu in Ayurveda. This weather increases the Pitta Dosha both within the body as well as in the environment.
As per Ayurveda, the health of the skin is determined by the quality of the “Rasa” or nourishment of the body. So, following the right Diet and Lifestyle is as important as external Skin and Hair care. Ayurveda suggests following a seasonal regimen, or Ritucharya, of Pitta pacifying Diet and Lifestyle to avoid aggravation of the Pitta Dosha during Summer.
Skin and Hair care during the Summer should focus on cooling down the body and increasing hydration. Consume plenty of sweet, light, cooling, hydrating foods such as fresh juicy fruits, vegetables, Coconut water, Aloe vera juice and fruit juices. Avoid frequent oil massages, facial oils unless your Vata is aggravated. Applying a lot of oils can clog the skin’s pores causing acne and breakouts during the Summer season. If you see that you are experiencing breakouts, apply herbal face pack consisting of Clay, Neem, Manjistha and Turmeric along with other Ayurvedic herbs that help calm the Pitta Dosha manifesting in the skin.
Ayurveda recommends taking a short afternoon nap if there is heat exhaustion. Avoid going outdoors while the Sun’s rays are strongest. Use Sun protection measures such as hats and umbrellas if going outdoors during the day. Wear light, loose, airy clothing, preferably made of cotton.
Hot baths, showers, harsh chemical based shampoos and soaps strip the body of its natural oils and hydration, leading to dryness. Take regular cool showers and baths to help cool down, remove accumulated toxins as well as provide hydration to the body. Scrub and cleanse the body with Ayurvedic Ubtan powder which has amazing yet gentle ingredients like bean flour, Sandalwood powder and orange peel powder to cleanse, exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin that was exposed to the heat of the Sun. An Ayurvedic face pack made with rose petals, mixed with milk, cools and calms the skin for a refreshed feeling.
Whenever needed, using a facial mist with floral water, can provide extra moisture and nourishment to the skin which feels dry. Some of the natural coolers that can be used for face and body are Cucumber, Aloe vera, Rose and Chandana / Sandalwood.
Did you know that Ghee is an excellent moisturizer? It is especially good for Vata, Pitta Skin and scalp. Cultured A2 Ghee has been used for centuries in India as a natural moisturizer and also to calm inflamed skin due to Pitta. Satadhauta Ghritam, also known as one hundred times "Washed Ghee", is cooling and nourishing and ideal for the Summer season.
Use a moisturizing natural shampoo for gently but thoroughly cleansing the hair and scalp. Shikakai, Amla, Reetha, and Fenugreek make great natural cleansers. Use lighter, cooling oils such as Coconut oil, Cultured A2 Ghee and Olive oil for scalp massages.
Some of the Ayurvedic herbal preparations suitable for use during the Summer season are -
- Amalaki Rasayana
- Cultured A2 Ghee <-- 10% off with this link!
- Draksha Arishtam
- Gulkand
- Keshya Rosemary Amla Hair Oil in Coconut oil base
- Neem Tulsi Face Pack
- Rose Face Pack
- Satavarigulam
- SatadhoutaGhritam (Lami tube)
- Ubtan powder
Please Note: This post is not medically qualified. This post is written by an Ayurvedic Wellness Practitioner. If you have even the slightest doubt about any of what is mentioned in this post, please consult with your doctor about them. Please read the Disclaimer for more information.
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