1. Exfoliate your body

The ground rule of basic skincare is to exfoliate your skin. Your body sheds skin cells at an amazing rate every minute of every day. If you don't get rid of them, they'll just set in on your skin making you look dull and dry. No matter how much lotion you use, you're never going to have glowing skin if you don't exfoliate. Grab a body scrub and hit the shower. Gently rub your exfoliator in circular movements on your entire body from the shoulders down (you'll want a facial exfoliator for your face and neck) and rinse clean. Continue to do this 2-3 times a week for year-round beautiful skin.

2. Sunscreen is a must

Throw away last year's unused sunscreen for a new bottle. Sunscreens aren't meant to last forever, and seeing most people don't use as much as they should. Buy a new sunscreen that has UVA and UVB products and comes in SPF 30 and SPF 70. You should be using a shot glass full for your body and a full teaspoon just on your face. Reapply it every 1-2 hours that you are in the sun to ensure a summer full of safe sun fun.

3. Go for minimal make-up

During summers less make-up is best. Under the intolerant sun, natural looks are best. If you intend to use foundation then also apply face powder with SPF to avoid patchy skin. To protect your lips always use a gloss or a lip balm with an SPF of 15 to make your lips fresher. Eye make is something which should be very much avoided in summers.

4. Make water your best friend

At least 8 glasses of water are needed. If possible, carry a water bottle with you and remember to drink at least once every 30 min. Water not only helps you feel fresh, but it also prevents dehydration and will help wash out a lot of toxins.

5. Hydrate your body with a lotion

Find a summery lotion that you won't forget to put on. It's time to pack away your thick winter body butters for more light summery lotions. You don't have time to wait for your lotion to sink in, so look for something light fast absorbing. Gels and purees are perfect fast absorbers. Nothing spells summer more than a light refreshing fruity lotion. Make sure you apply right after you dry off from your shower. You need to seal in the moisture your body just soaked in.

. Summer glow

You have so many choices when it comes to adding a little summer tint to your skin, and the tanning bed shouldn't be one of them. Using a sunless tanner will give your skin a beautiful start to summer. Even if you're not a fan of sunless tanners all over your body, you can happily use them on your face. If you alternate your facial moisturizer with one that builds a bit of colour, you'll have a healthy glow that will make it look as though you just spent the weekend on the beach. Most facial tanners build colour gradually, by alternating with your regular moisturiser; you'll never get too dark.

7. Don't forget your feet

Winter boots have long since been packed away; it's sandal season ladies. Either go or get a pedicure (try a beauty school if cost is a factor), or give yourself an at-home pedicure. You scrub off the dead dry skin to reveal your sandal ready feet. Nothing is worse than seeing dull dry feet inside cute sandals. It doesn't have to be a big ordeal. Keep a foot scrub and file in your shower and scrub your feet a few times a week. You'll notice a big difference in the softness of your feet.

8. Look for a summery polish

Buy a bold new polish for your toes. Toe nails can be painted a much bolder colour than you would usually put on your fingernails. Pick out something that screams summer. Polish tends to stay on your toes much longer than your hands because you don't abuse your toe nails like you do your finger nails. Apply a clear base coat, two applications of colour and a clear top coat to protect. Go barefoot or put on your flip-flops for at least a couple hours to make sure your polish won't dent.

Aloe Vera for Beauty

Bill C. Coats writes, "Since the skin needs nutrition of its own, Aloe Vera, when formulated into a properly designed personal care regimen, can treat, exfoliate, restore, reveal and provide constant, impressive nutrition to the human skin." And we're about to show just how you can do that. Once you move past the slimey texture of natural aloe vera gel and apply it to your skin, you'll notice how soothing and cooling it is. And it's for these exact reasons that Ayurveda refers to aloe vera as the miracle herb that can be used to treat wounds, minor cuts, dry skin and severe burns.


1. Aloe Vera for Dry Skin - Take some aloe vera, a pinch of turmeric, a teaspoon of honey, a teaspoon of milk and a few drops of rose water. Blend this mix till you get a paste. Apply it and leave in for about 20 minutes or so.

2. Aloe Vera Scrub - Grab half a cup of fresh aloe vera gel, a cup of sugar and two tablespoons of lemon juice. The sugar will help exfoliate and scrub off dead skin, the aloe vera will deep clean the skin and the lemon will help fade out scars and tan. Stir the three ingredients together and use it to scrub both face and body.

3. Aloe Vera for Acne - Take some aloe vera gel, blended walnuts with a flour like consistency and honey. Aloe vera's healing properties coupled with the anti-oxidants from honey will leave you with smooth and clear skin.

4. Aloe vera for Sensitive Skin - Grab some aloe vera gel, cucumber juice, yoghurt and rose oil and blend them to a paste. Apply and leave for around 20 minutes, then rinse it off.

loe Vera for Weight-Loss

It's not just the beauty industry that's obsessing over the benefits of aloe vera, the health industry can't stop raving about it either. According to Britt Brandon, the author of The Everything Guide to Aloe Vera for Health, "Aloe vera can improve the effectiveness of your diet and maximise your weight-loss potential. With ample amounts of vitamins and minerals that contribute to weight-loss, as well as amino acids, enzymes and sterols, aloe vera ensures your diet is not only supportive of weight-loss, but also improves the body's absorption and utilisation, improving overall health as well as weight-loss success."

rich in anti-oxidants which means it helps cut out free radicals in the body and boost your immunity. It's also a good source of protein so it helps muscle development and gives you copious amounts of energy. There are countless studies that prove how effective aloe vera is for weight-loss, but it should be consumed regularly and over a long period of time for it to really work.How to drink aloe vera juice: The natural taste of aloe vera is so bitter that you wouldn't think of consuming it as is. Take the gel, dice it into small pieces and blend. Now mix a bit of this with some other fruit or vegetable juice that's preferably sweet. You can also use the leaves of aloe vera, blend them, strain and drink. If you find it too bitter then mix it up with honey and drink. You can also add some lemon to this mix.

Aloe Vera for Hairfall

Aloe vera contains something called proteolytic enzymes which repairs dead skin cells on the scalp. It also acts as a great conditioner and leaves your hair all smooth and shiny. It promotes hair growth, prevents itching on the scalp, reduces dandruff and conditions your hair. Diane Gage, author of  Aloe Vera: Nature's Soothing Healer says, "Keratin, the primary protein of hair, consists of amino acids, oxygen, carbon, and small amounts of hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulphur. Aloe vera has a chemical make up similar to that of keratin and it rejuvenates the hair with its own nutrients, giving it more elasticity and preventing breakage."

The perfect pack: Here's a delicious hair mask that you should apply once a week or every fortnight. Apply and leave it in for as long as possible for strong, smooth and bouncy hair

What does summer do to our skin?

According to Dr. Deepali, warmer temperatures mean it is time to change your skin care routine. The sunny Indian summer can be pretty harsh on your skin if you don't take care of your. So, just like your wardrobe, your skin care too definitely needs a seasonal change.
 
Too much sun is bad for your skin. Not only can you get tanned (which is not always a bad thing) but over exposure to sun rays can cause premature ageing of skin too. Our skin contains a pigment called melanin and too much exposure to sun causes more melanin to be produced. This is why a prolonged stay under the direct sun can cause a change in your skin colour or even tanning. This is also why sunscreens are recommended irrespective of your skin-type.

Here's a holistic list of summer skincare tips that would help all skin types.

1. Face care

Your face is your identity to the world, so you should look after it 365 days of the year. Summer months though, warrant a special skin care regimen – one that hydrates and keeps it clean and grime-free. Make sure you keep your face clean of dust and sweat through these hot months. A lot of people encounter break-outs and pimples in these months. If you are one of them, make sure you splash your face with water at least 3-4 times every day. No need to use a face wash every time, clean water would do just fine.

Dermatologist Dr Deepali also suggests exfoliation as a method to keep your face clean, "Using a scrub once or twice a week in summers for all skin types is important but, which scrub depends on your skin type. Acne prone skin needs multani mitti (fullers earth), chandan, rose water and basil whereas if you have dry and matured skin you should use egg white, lemon, chandan and curd with a pinch of turmeric and besan too".

. Use weather appropriate products

The thick creams you were using through the winter months won’t do you any good now. Pack them away or use them for very dry areas of your body like the feet. Summer months need products that let your skin breathe naturally. Go for lighter lotions and serums. Products that block pores can cause more problems.

"Water-based moisturizers work best for normal skin types. For oily skin, gel-based moisturizers are preferred. For extra oily and acne prone skin, stick to facial sprays with minerals good for your skin', says Dr. Deepali. "Natural moisturizers like glycerin and rose water added to the bathing water helps a lot and applying plain curd for 10-15 minutes on all dry areas of the body before bathing works wonders too," she adds.  

3. Stick to the basics

You may think your skin cannot get dry during summers but that’s a myth. Moving in and out of air-conditioned areas alone can cause your skin to dry out. This is applicable not just to facial skin but the entire body. Make sure you follow the age old principle of cleaning, toning and moisturizing at night before sleeping. Sweating can cause our skin pores to open up. You need to use a toner (after making sure the skin is clean) to help close these pores. Sticking to the basics during summers is even more important given the UV rays of the sun that could result in premature ageing and wrinkles.

4. Importance of sunscreen

Don't forget to wear sunscreen! UV rays can be harmful for your skin any time of the year, but more so in the summer months when our exposure levels are higher. Pick a sunscreen that gels into your skin and gets absorbed. A minimum SPF of 30 is recommended and must be applied 20-30 minutes before you head out into the sun. If you are going to be swimming, then keep re-applying as and when it gets washed out. Sunscreen application can go a long way in minimizing sun related spots and could even help delay the onset of fine lines and wrinkles.

Dr. Deepali suggests changing the brand you use every 6 months. And yes, people with oily skin must apply sunscreens too. “For oily skin, gel-based sunscreen is preferred, while combination and dry skin should use a sunscreen moisturizer with a matte finish if putting make up on it. Alternatively, use a cream based one which gets absorbed well without leaving a residual layer," she says. 

5. Natural remedies

Never underestimate what your grandma said! There are ingredients in your kitchen which can help soothe the skin during summer. Lemon and tomato are very good for keeping your skin fresh. A quick way to use tomato is to juice tomatoes (don’t add water) and freeze the juice using your regular ice-trays. Use this as a gentle scrub every alternate day and let the juice dry on the skin before washing it off. The lycopene in tomato does wonders for the facial skin.

6. Don’t forget the eyes and lips

The sun’s rays are the harshest between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. during summer months. Avoid stepping out around these times. If you do step out, make sure your eyes are covered with sunglasses and lips protected with a balm. We often forget that the skin around the eyes is very delicate and needs extra attention. If too much heat is making your eyes burn, then wash them with clean and cold water. A couple of cold cotton pads dipped in potato juice can be soothing too. If the problem persists, do consult a doctor.

7. Maintain hygiene  

Overall hygiene can go a long way in tackling the heat. Having a bath twice a day will not only keep your skin fresh, it will also help combat summer lethargy. If you are prone to prickly heat – a bucket-bath with neem leaves can help. People who suffer from body odour can also benefit from regular bathing. Chlorine water can speed up the process of tanning, that is the reason why we tan more in the pool than ordinarily. Make sure you bathe after a swim to get the chlorine off your body. 

"Soaking hands and feet in water enriched with a pinch of salt will help boost blood circulation and after that applying a cream rich in urea and Vitamin C should help too," adds Dr Deepali.

8. Eat cooling foods

What we eat has a lot to do with how we look and feel. Eating heavy food is bound to make you sluggish in a weather like this. Additionally, it can make your skin oily and susceptible to breakouts. Go for seasonal fruits and vegetables. Stay away from sugary drinks that are full of calories. Make sure your intake of water is an optimum 8-10 glasses at least. Try vegetable juices and natural alternatives like nariyal pani to hydrate yourself and feel fresh.

9 Don't fear the sun

Lastly, don’t be afraid of the sun as it is a mood enhancer. Sunlight helps us produce more seratonin – a mood boosting hormone. That’s exactly why days of no sun during winters can make you feel low. Just make sure you balance the outdoor travel with a good skin care regimen and protect yourself from the harmful impact of sun rays.

Have a happy summer!

You Will Need

• Rose water
• Cotton pad

What You Have To Do

Dab some cool rose water onto a cotton pad and apply on the rashes.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this 2-3 times in a day.

You Will Need

Extra virgin olive oil

What You Have To Do

1. Take a few drops of olive oil and apply on cleansed skin.
2. Leave it on overnight.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this every night before going to bed.

You Will Need

Plain Greek yogurt

What You Have To Do

1. Apply cool Greek yogurt directly on the rashes.
2. Keep the yogurt on for 10-15 minutes.
3. Rinse it off with regular water.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this once every day.

You Will Need

Extra virgin coconut oil

What You Have To Do

Melt the oil in between your fingers and apply on the rashes directly.

How Often You Should Do This

Apply this every night before going to bed.

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons water
• Cotton

What You Have To Do

1. Dilute the ACV with water and soak the cotton ball in this.
2. Apply this solution using the cotton to the affected area.
3. Let it dry naturally.
4. Wash it off after 10 minutes or so.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this once every day.

You Will Need

A piece of ripe papaya

What You Have To Do

1. Mash the papaya and apply it on your skin.
2. Let it stay for about 20 to 25 minutes before washing it off with tap water.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this every alternate day or as and when required.

You Will Need

1/2 cucumber

What You Have To Do

1. Peel the cucumber and cut long and thin slices.
2. Cool these in the fridge for a couple of minutes and then place them on the rashes until they come back to room temperature.
3. Repeat this if required.

How Often You Should Do This

Apply cucumber slices every day on your prickly heat rashes.

You Will Need

• Few Indian gooseberries
• Water
• Earthen vessel

What You Have To Do

1. Halve a few Indian gooseberries and place them in an earthen vessel.
2. Pour some water over the pieces and cover it. Let it stand overnight.
3. The following morning, use the same water to mash the gooseberries.
4. Strain, add honey and drink this.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink this concoction every day for a week to facilitate fast healing.

You Will Need

Raw honey

What You Have To Do

1. Cleanse the area and apply honey directly on it.
2. Let the honey stand for about 15 to 20 minutes before washing it off.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this 1-2 times every day.

You Will Need

• A lime
• A glass of water
• Honey (optional)

What You Have To Do

1. Squeeze a fresh lime into a glass of water.
2. You can sweeten it with honey and drink it.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink three to four glasses every day.

You Will Need

• Few teaspoons henna powder
• Water

What You Have To Do

1. Make a thick paste of henna powder using some water.
2. Apply it on your rash.
3. Leave it for about 15-20 minutes before rinsing it off.

How Often You Should Do This

A single application of this remedy will have lasting results.

You Will Need

• 2-3 ice cubes
• A soft towel

What You Have To Do

1. Place the ice cubes in the towel and gently place this on the affected skin.
2. Keep it on for as long as you can.

You can also put the ice cubes in some water and let them melt. Use a soft cloth soaked in this chilled water to dab the affected skin.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this as and when you feel irritation and itching.

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• A bowl of water
• Washcloth

What You Have To Do

1. Make a mild solution of baking soda with some cool water.
2. Dip a clean, soft, washcloth in the solution and gently rub on the affected portions of the skin to heal prickly heat.
3. Leave the solution for a couple of minutes before rinsing it off.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 1-2 times every day.

You Will Need

• 3-4 tablespoons fuller’s earth (multani mitti)
• Rose water

What You Have To Do

1. Take the fuller’s earth and mix it with a few drops of rosewater to make a paste.
2. Apply the paste on the affected areas and wash off with cold water after about 20 minutes.

How Often You Should Do This

Apply this pack every day initially and then every alternate day until the prickly heat is completely gone.

You Will Need

• 2-3 tablespoons chickpea flour
• Water or rose water

What You Have To Do

1. Make a thick paste of chickpea flour using some water.
2. Apply the paste on to the affected part and let it stand for about 15 minutes.
3. Use cool water to wash off the paste.

How Often You Should Do This

Apply this pack every day.

You Will Need

An aloe leaf

What You Have To Do

1. Pluck an aloe leaf and cut it. Squeeze out the natural gel in the leaf into a bowl.
2. Apply this onto the affected part of the body and massage it in.

If you cannot lay your hands on an aloe plant, use an aloe-rich moisturizing lotion.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this once or twice every day until you get relief from prickly heat.

You Will Need

• 1-2 cups oatmeal
• Lukewarm water
• A bathtub

What You Have To Do

Run an oatmeal bath and soak yourself in it for 15-20 minutes. You can also use the oatmeal to scrub the affected areas gently.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this every 2-3 days.