The summer season has its own challenges especially on our skin. A little exposure to day light is beneficial for the body as it helps to gain Vitamin D. However, excessive exposure to the scorching sun is detrimental to our health and skin. It may result in skin irritation, sun burns, tanning and early aging.

But no need to worry! By being a little mindful you can protect your skin by avoiding some common skincare mistakes and choosing some natural ways to protect your skin from the heat.

1. Not protecting your skin from the UV rays

Skipping your morning sun protection before stepping out of your house can lead to severe tanning, sunburn, uneven skin tone, rashes, and wrinkles. If you don’t like to put laboratory made sunscreen, here are a few natural home-made tips: Aloe Vera works as one of the best soothing sun care protections. Apply it evenly on your face and neck before stepping out. Also, you can try applying a thin layer of coconut oil mixed with carrot seed oil works as a perfect natural sunscreen.

2. Not moisturizing enough

It’s a myth that during summer, you don’t need to moisturize your skin (especially for dry and combined skin type). It is very much a necessity! Your skin needs proper hydration even in summer. Natural ways to keep it fresh and moisturized: apply fresh aloe-vera gel twice a day; you can also apply natural honey once a day; also applying a thin layer of cold pressed coconut oil also helps. Moreover, to give an instant hydration boost rose water is the best; it can be used as a toner as well.

3. Not cleansing your skin

Summer is the time when you need to be extra careful with your skin, cleansing it once a day won’t help. The sweat, dust and oil build up clog the pores of your skin and it can result in pimples or acne. Instead of using chemical based products, try cleansing it naturally with these simple ingredients: raw milk mixed with turmeric; rose water paste mixed with turmeric or curd; and my personal favorite, gram flour (besan) paste mixed with turmeric. It works as a perfect natural scrubber!

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3. Not exfoliating timely

This can cause dead skin build up and it makes your skin look dull. Simple natural ways to exfoliate: apply a paste of gram flour (besan) mixed with curd and a pinch of turmeric and scrub it well. Another effective natural scrub is a mixture of oatmeal and honey; a mixture of coffee powder and coconut oil also exfoliates your skin perfectly. Don’t overuse it, once or twice a week is more than enough!

4. Not hydrating your body

Remember, your face is the direct reflection of your inner health. So, drinking enough water and fluids during this scorching heat is a must! Include coconut water in your diet; also drinking lemonade is the best way to restore the lost electrolytes in your body. Moreover, adding water rich fruits to your diet like cucumber, watermelon and oranges helps you to maintain your body as well as skin hydration.

5. Wearing heavy make up

Wearing heavy makeup can block the skin pores and trap sweat. To avoid this: try wearing minimal makeup during summer. Allow the skin to breathe as much as possible and instead of layering your skin with other chemical based products, try using aloe vera gel. Also, for blusher and lip tint, you can use beetroot juice. A perfect gift by our nature!