Summer is a great time to plan an outing or a trip. But at the same time, it brings a lot of skin problems along with it. It is a peak time for all kind of skin problems. Despite our best efforts, we may be affected with skin problems that arise due to warm weather, excessive sweating & spending our day outdoors.

Summer is a great time to plan an outing or a trip. But at the same time, it brings a lot of skin problems along with it. It is a peak time for all kind of skin problems. Despite our best efforts, we may be affected with skin problems that arise due to warm weather, excessive sweating & spending our day outdoors.

Here we are going to discuss very common summer time skin conditions and how they can be managed.

1.         Prickly Heat

2.         Sun Tan

3.         Folliculitis

1. Prickly heat (Heat Rash): Due to excessive heat our body perspires more to keep body temperature lower. This in turn triggers the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum (oil). The sebum and the accumulation of dead cells block the sebaceous ducts, that’s why the sweat gets entrapped under the skin causing a heat rash and a small itchy bumps. When bumps burst, they release sweat. Due to this, people feel a pricky sensation on their skin.

Ayurvedic Remedies for Prickly Heat

•          Margosa leaves paste (Neem) – Grind a handful of fresh neem leaves into a paste and apply the paste on affected area. Wash it after 15-20 minutes.

•          Aloe vera gel – Pluck a fresh aloe leave and cut it & squeeze out the natural aloe gel into a bowel. Apply it over the affected part and massage.

•          Mashed gooseberries (Amla)– Cut the Indian gooseberries into small pieces, then place them into a earthen pot. Pour some water over pieces and cover it, let it stand over night. Now mash the gooseberries, add the honey and drink it.

•          Cool Cucumber paste– Cut the cucumber into small slices and cool them into freezer. After that grind them into a grinder. Apply the chilled paste over the heat rash until the paste come to room temperature. Do it twice a day.

•          Tea bag application– Soak a tea bag in chilled water and apply it over affected area.

General Measures

•          Avoid application of heavy makeups,  ointments & harsh soap.

•          Avoid excessive rubbing of skin.

•          Wear light weighted white cotton clothes.

•          Take cool showers 2-3 times a day.

2.  Sun Tan

UV sun exposure and heat are major culprits in hyperpigmentation. People are exposed to both conditions mainly during summer than other times of year.

Both conditions are responsible for increase in the melanin activity of skin, which ultimately results in a sun tan.

Ayurvedic Remedies for Sun Tan

•          Turmeric paste– Take 1 gm fresh turmeric powder then add 5 gm of gramflour to it Mix it well by adding yogurt. Apply it over tanned skin for 15-20 minutes.

•          Tomato pulp– Take 2-3 cut tomatoes into 2 halves and rub the tomato pulp over the tanned skin. Repeat it twice daily.

•          Sandal wood paste– Take 3 gm of sandal wood powder. Add some rose water to it. Apply it over the tanned area. Wash it after 30 minutes with gentle rubbing.

•          Papaya pineapple punch – Mash ½ cup each of ripe papaya & pineapple. Add lemon juice and apply it to entire face. Leave it for 20 minutes and then peel off.

General Measures

•          Regular facial cleaning.

•          Always carry an umbrella when go outside.

•          Proper hydration.

•          More intake of vitamin C rich food.

3. Folliculitis

In summer when sweat mixes with bacteria and oil on our skin, it can clog the pores of hair follicles, and by this, hair follicles get infected. They turn into folliculitis. It looks like pimples, but tend to be itchy and tender. Folliculitis is most common on the face, scalp, armpits, back, chest, neck, thigh and buttocks.

Ayurvedic Remedies for Folliculitis

•          Neem decoction – Boil lots of neem leaves in 1 litre of water and when it remains 1/8th then stop boiling. When it cools down, drink it twice a day.

•          Lemon juice – Cut a lemon and rub it over the affected area. Do it 3-4 times a day.

•          Multani mitti paste – Take 5 gm of Fuller’s earth or multani mitti in a small earthen pot. Add rose water to it. Make a paste and apply it on affected area.

•          Aloevera gel – Take fresh aloevera gel and apply it locally over affected area. It ceases irritation & helps to relax.

•          Garlic turmeric paste – Make a paste of 6-7 lobes of garlic and add 1 small teaspoon of turmeric powder. Apply locally over affected area.

•          Apple cidar vinegar – Mix 1 part of vinegar with 2 parts of water and apply it on the affected are with the help of a cotton swab.

General Measures

•          Ensure salon’s cleanliness.

•          Gentle shaving, cleaning of skin and body hair.

•          Washing of sweaty clothes, head bands, towels & caps before wearing them again.