Summer’s here and, while we’re thankful for a little bit of warmth on our skin, there’s no hiding from the fact that it can cause a few unwanted symptoms. Breakouts, redness, even just uneven skin tone are all common during the summer months and it can have a big impact on the way we feel about ourselves.
Ayurveda has a mantra we’re here for though: beauty comes from within. And, it starts with balancing our body in order to boost overall health. Plus, you better believe there’s some beauty practices for your skin in there too.
Get to know your dosha
As with most Ayurvedic practices, it begins with your dosha. This is because your dosha - Vata, Pitta and Kapha - determines your unique body makeup and also points to your individual skin type. When your dosha is out of balance, you might also find your skin suffers too.
Light and airy, Vata skin is typically dry, delicate and prone to wrinkles. Pitta skin, which can be fiery, is prone to rashes, spots and rosacea. And Kapha skin might suffer from enlarged pores, breakouts and even eczema as the characteristics of Kapha are heavier. By knowing your unique dosha, you’ll know what signs to look out for and also how you can bring your body and skin back into check.
As summer is governed by Pitta though, it’s likely that most of us will have to work to balance out excess Pitta levels. So, keep reading for some cooling and calming Ayurvedic skincare tips.
Mix up a face mask
Sure, you could order a few sheet masks online or pop to the shops and get your favourite green tea scrub. But where’s the fun in that? Instead, we say get creative and whip up your very own face mask. Coconut Oil is a great cooling ingredient that can be used as a daily moisturiser on dry skin. It also won’t clog up your pores or weigh down your skin.
Once a week, you could also find some time for yourself and enjoy a homemade Ayurvedic face mask packed with Honey, Almond, Lemon and Turmeric. Not only can you create a mixture that’s tailored to your skin condition but you might even find that you have most of the ingredients already. Result!
Swap out your products
On the topic of homemade face masks, you might want to consider updating your skincare products for the hotter season. After all, a thick moisturiser might not be what you need this time of year. Some Ayurvedic practitioners even say that if you wouldn’t eat it, you shouldn’t put it on your face but you don’t have to go that far. Instead, why not try these quick switches?
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Exfoliate with sugar to stimulate cell turnover and lock in moisture.
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Soothe and calm hot skin with a cotton pad dipped in milk or cream. The fat and lactic acid has incredible softening and moisturising properties. Coconut Milk works just as well too if you prefer plant-based ingredients!
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Rose water can be used as a toner as roses are proven to cool skin and leave you feeling soft and supple.
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Chickpea flour can be used to dry out oily skin and T-Zones.
- Aloe Vera has been used on sunburn for many years but it’s great for promoting youthfulness and suppleness. Either apply to your face directly or mix into a smoothie for a refreshing tonic.
Eat well
Of course, we all know the old saying, ‘you are what you eat’ and this has never been truer when it comes to skin. Ayurveda goes one step further by saying ‘you are what you digest’ so it’s not just important to eat well but also ensure your body is able to digest it too. That way, you know you’ll be taking in all of the nutrients - which is what you need for healthy and glowing skin and hair.
A diet filled with fresh foods, fruits, vegetables and lots of water is ideal for optimum skin health. Plus, Ayurvedic herbs and spices like Ginseng, Turmeric, Tulsi, Amla and Ashwagandha have been proven to leave your skin glowing too.
Create your own ritual
Stress can lead to breakouts, which can lead to even more stress - it’s a vicious cycle that we’ve all been at the mercy of before. And while it’s easier said than done, managing your stress will really have a positive impact on your skin. This is because studies show that stress produces free radicals. This can lead to dry, tired and wrinkled skin as well as spots and blemishes. For this reason, it’s never been more important to create a little self-care ritual for you and your skin.
Perhaps you want to make time for a relaxing bath and self-massage, or maybe you want to include a few no-make up days in your schedule. Or, if you’re looking for an easy ritual that’s good for your skin, tastes great and looks even better, we’ve got you covered.
Enter our Rose Latte Powder. A blend of purifying and skin cooling herbs that leave you with a healthy complexion. Packed with Rose powder, Manjishtha, Coconut Milk Powder and Beetroot Powder, it works as an anti-inflammatory, detoxifier and anti-ager. Yep, it’s pretty much a one-stop shop when it comes to skincare saviours.
All you have to do is mix the powder with your milk of choice - either hot or cold - and then sit back and enjoy it as part of your self-care and skincare routine. We told you we had you covered…
Don’t forget to tag us in your photos on Instagram and show us how you’re enjoying your Glow Wild Lattes this summer. Remember to keep applying sunscreen too to avoid sun damage and sun exposure. If you’ve got any other questions or have a few summer skincare tips of your own, we’d love to hear from you too.
