Summer can be a trying season for your skin. The scorching sun and blazing heat are merciless, and can be harmful to the skin. Environmental contaminants and pollution strip the skin of its natural radiance, thus leaving it dull, blemished and oily. Due to heat, skin pores also open up, which may cause clogging due to more oil and dirt entering them. Clogged pores trap bacteria to cause pimples, acne, and blemishes.

During summer, the temperature increases and so does heat and humidity. As a result, it increases the activities of the sebaceous gland, which works to make the skin oilier, whereas dry skin appears patchy and rough. The sun’s rays and its intensity leads to excess production of melanin pigments, which may cause tanning. While this is a known fact, most people fail to relate sunburned skin with skin aging as well as cancer.

Natural summer skincare tips for summer include the following:

1. Increase your vitamin C intake
Vitamin C is essential to maintain a healthy level of collagen, which is the supporting skin tissue that makes it healthy, strong, and firm. So, load up on this nutrient with foods rich in it such as lemon, oranges, grapefruits, green leafy vegetables, and tomatoes.

2. Exfoliate regularly
Exfoliation is essential for smoother, softer, and brighter skin. It removes the skin dirt and debris that pile up over time to make it look dull. Debris prevents the skin from breathing, causing skin congestion. A natural skincare tip is to exfoliate the skin with remedies such as oatmeal, coffee grounds, baking soda, sugar, yogurt, and sea salt. Exfoliation is extremely important for the skin, not just the face, but also the body. However, use a gentle exfoliating agent to prevent skin bruising and rashes. People with sensitive skin should choose mild exfoliators to prevent damage.

3. Hydration is the only solution
During summer, the skin requires increased moisture and hydration. To stay hydrated, drink plenty of water and fresh fruit juices. Binge on different types of cooling foods such as seasonal fruits, vegetables, and juices. Coconut water is an excellent option that provides electrolytes to the body. You can also use a hydrating mask twice a week to keep the skin supple. Invest in a good quality mask that treats special conditions such as acne, oil, and dryness.

4. Use sunscreen without fail
Do not step out of the house without wearing sunscreen. Sun exposure is the cause of skin damage such as fine lines and wrinkles. Prolonged sun exposure can cause patchy and blotchy skin with blemishes. To avoid these signs of aging, wear sunscreen suitable for your skin type. Choose one containing a broad ultraviolet spectrum ranging from 30 to 50SPF and covering UVA and UVB rays. If you are spending the whole day in the sun, reapply sunscreen every three hours.

5. Go natural
Trust natural skincare tips and remedies for the best results. Avoid all kinds of commercial products that promise to take care of the skin but fail. Rather, use ingredients such as tomatoes, milk, honey, cucumber, and lemon for best results with no side effects.