Naturopathy : Why home food means good skin

Skin needs extra care and protection during summer season because Sun's intense ultra-violet(UV) rays. Lack of adequate hydration and moisturisation results in premature skin wrinkles. Prickly heat is another irritating skin condition with small rashes appearing on the skin with intense itching and burning sensation.

Skin has thousands of sweat glands. If sweat glands are blocked, that results in tiny pockets of inflammation. This 'pin-prick' rash can occur anywhere on the skin, most common sites being the skin folds, under arms, groins, and areas of the body that may rub against clothing, such as back, chest, stomach, neck, etc. It is especially common in children and infants due to their underdeveloped sweat glands.

Get back the original skin by following some natural tips which are given below: Replenish the loss of fluids by drinking plenty of water and fluids such as lemon water, traditional sharbats, aam ka panna, kokam juice, faluda, coconut water, butter milk etc.

Never consume aerated, coloured cool drinks as they contain lot of sugar as well as chemicals and preservatives which may cause health problems and cannot quench thirst. Plain water is good enough.

To restore the salts eliminated through sweat, consume seasonal fruits, juicy fruits like water melon, mangoes, coconut water, grapes, pomegranate, etc. Include fresh raw vegetable salads with cucumber, beet root, tomato, carrot, radish, onion, etc. Avoid heavy, oily and spicy foods. Opt for simple homemade preparations such as gruels, porridges, soups.

Take bath twice a day. Wear only loose fitting cotton cloths during summer. Keep a wet linen cloth to wipe the excess sweating areas. Wash face with rose water every day, which has natural cooling properties.

Cucumber, papaya, water melon, curd, mud/clay, multani mitti, etc., all can go as pulp which can be applied to skin for cleansing from tan as well as exfoliating agents; rinse off with fresh water for fresh and supple skin. In case of sunburn, use a curd mask to cure it. Ice massage also helps in immediate cure.