Summer vacation is here, and while it's a time for fun in the sun, it's also crucial to pay extra attention to your skin. Water makes up about 60% of your body weight and plays a vital role in keeping your body functioning properly. Your skin is no different and requires adequate hydration to maintain its elasticity, firmness, and overall health. When your skin is dehydrated, it becomes dry and flaky, and can even crack, leading to premature ageing and other skin concerns, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and even acne.
Drinking plenty of water is the first step to keeping your body hydrated, but it's not enough. Your body needs hydration from the outside as well to keep your skin healthy. That's where the role of natural skin care products comes in. To know more about it, we spoke to Dr Chandrika Mahendra, General Manager - Personal and Baby Care R&D, Himalaya Wellness Company.
Natural Ingredients To Look For
"When it comes to summer skincare, using natural ingredients is the way. They are gentle on the skin, and they provide powerful hydration and nourishment," said Dr Mahendra.
Here are some of the best natural ingredients to look for in your summer skincare products.
Aloe Vera
"Aloe vera is a popular natural ingredient that is known for its soothing and hydrating properties. According to research published by the Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences also available on the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) portal stated that aloe vera gel has demonstrated the ability to enhance skin flexibility and decrease fragility due to its high water content, constituting approximately 99% of the gel's composition.
To this Dr Mahendra added, "It contains enzymes and antioxidants that help to reduce inflammation and redness, making it an excellent ingredient for sunburned or irritated skin."
Also Read: Expert Answers: Does Drinking Water Really Improve Your Skin Health?
Neem and Turmeric
Neem and turmeric are excellent skincare ingredients known for their antibacterial properties. Dr Mahendra said, "They also improve general skin health and combat bacterial infections like acne."
"Turmeric has been used as an antiseptic for centuries and is regarded as one of nature's most powerful healers. The herb aids in balancing and harmonising your skin tone and complexion, making it a superb ingredient for inclusion in a face wash. Turmeric has strong anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe your skin," explained Dr Mahendra.
Cucumber
Cucumber is another natural ingredient that is known for its hydrating properties. "It contains vitamins and minerals that help to soothe and hydrate the skin, making it an excellent ingredient for summer skincare," said Dr Mahendra.
Green Tea
Dr Mahendra, "Green tea is a natural antioxidant that can help to protect the skin from free radicals and environmental stressors." She added that it contains caffeine, which can help to reduce puffiness and dark circles around the eyes.
Rose Extracts
Rose extract is known for its hydrating properties and is widely used in skincare products. "The extract is derived from the petals of the rose flower and contains natural oils, vitamins, and antioxidants that help to moisturise and nourish the skin," she stated. "Rose extract also has astringent properties that help to tighten the pores, giving the skin a smoother and more youthful appearance," she explained.
Edelweiss Herb
Edelweiss is a herb that is well-known for its hydrating properties and is often used in skincare products. "Edelweiss is rich in antioxidants, which help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals," said Dr Mahendra.
She added that this herb is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe and calm the skin. Additionally, edelweiss contains compounds that help to retain moisture in the skin, making it an effective ingredient for hydrating dry skin.
Also Read: Summer Skincare: 5 DIY Summer Fruit Face Packs To Try This Season
Products To Pack In Your Summer Skincare Bag
Now that you know the best natural ingredients to look for, let's talk about the products you should pack in your summer skincare bag.
Lightweight Moisturiser
"In the summer, you should avoid heavy creams and lotions that can clog your pores and leave your skin feeling greasy. Instead, opt for a lightweight moisturiser like face gel that contains natural ingredients like rose, neem, aloe vera, and kesar to hydrate and nourish your skin without weighing it down, stated Dr Mahendra.
Sunscreen
Dr Mahendra suggested that sunscreen is a must-have for any summer skincare routine. "Look for a sunscreen that contains natural ingredients, like greater galangal, crab apple, and aloe vera to protect and soothe your skin while providing broad-spectrum protection against ultraviolet rays," she advised.
Lip Balm
In addition to these, you should not forget about your lips. "This is because the skin on your lips is thin and delicate, and it can easily become dry and chapped," explained the doctor. Thus, a lip balm can provide the protection it needs.
[Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. If you suffer from a skin condition, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider or dermatologist to get a diagnosis and treatment as per your needs.]
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