Whenever the summer season is just around the corner, we find ourselves rushing to the stores to purchase sunscreens, moisturisers and all things that may help us sail through those hot months in a breeze. But have you ever wondered if these skincare products are truly effective, or do they contain harmful chemicals that are likely to cause damage to your skin in the long run? In reality, there's not just one factor but several that influence your skin's natural health. Luckily for you, with our easy-peasy guide to summer skincare essentials, you can now make informed choices and quickly put together a foolproof skincare routine that helps you sail through those hot months. Sunscreens, sheet masks, and face mists are not enough to get a permanent glow from inside. You have to hydrate your skin. Try to have adequate water, at least 3-4litres daily, and incorporate fresh fruits, vegetables, and natural collagen supplements in your daily diet.

Why is it essential to hydrate your skin in summer?

The most important thing a person can do for their skin is keeping it hydrated. The outermost layer of the skin has a certain amount of water in it that is replaced daily by the underlying layers of the dermis. When the skin becomes dehydrated, it loses its elasticity and feels rough, tight and irritated. Conversely, hydrating your skin rejuvenates its appearance to look and feel healthy and soft. Your skin contains three layers: the epidermis, the dermis and the subcutaneous tissue.

When your skin does not have enough moisture, you may experience flaky, dry or irritated skin. Many people with dry, itchy skin often do not drink enough water to keep their skin hydrated. Staying hydrated will allow this outermost layer of your skin to flush out toxins more efficiently and carry more nutrients to your epidermis cells. This reduces your sensitivity to irritants and germs that can slip through your lipid barrier when your skin lacks moisture. Dehydrated skin also can exaggerate fine lines and wrinkles because dry skin cells shrink.

Ways to dehydrate your skin:

Eat Foods Rich in Essential Fatty Acids: Try to eat foods rich in essential fatty acids like salmon, olive oil, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds. A healthy diet can help keep your skin healthy and rejuvenated by improving your skin's hydration levels.

Use Warm Water for Bathing & Showering: You could be robbing your skin of the moisture it needs to be healthy and soft by taking baths and showers in boiling water. By simply lowering the water temperature, you can help your skin stay hydrated.

Use A Moisturiser: A moisturiser to your skin a few minutes after showering or bathing will help your skin absorb lost moisture while your pores are open.

Exfoliate Your Skin: By exfoliating your skin once a week, you can remove dead skin cells that prevent the absorption of moisture and hydration.

Food to hydrate your skin:

Coconut:

Coconut is also a good source of lauric acid, saturated fat in nature in only two sources: breast milk and coconuts. In addition, coconut water is an excellent source of electrolytes, making it a valuable rehydration fluid after exercise. You can use the natural source of electrolytes in place of synthetic sports drinks, which are often loaded with sugar and artificial ingredients. It also helps keep your body adequately hydrated, which is key to having healthy-looking skin. Coconut water is loaded with antioxidants, making it an excellent beverage for your overall health, but it also keeps your skin looking youthful.

Avocado:

Avocado is packed with good-for-your-skin vitamins such as vitamin E, beta-carotene, and lutein. It's also a great source of healthy oils and fats essential for your skin's proper development and maintenance. The fat in avocado keeps your body hydrated, while the protein provides structure and firmness to your skin's structure. In addition, the vitamins in avocado help nourish your skin and reduce sun damage.

Sweet potatoes:

Like most brightly coloured vegetables, sweet potatoes are rich in carotenoids, which function as antioxidants in the body. Antioxidants help neutralise free radicals that can damage cells and contribute to ageing of the skin and cancer. Sweet potatoes are great for acne-prone skin because they don't clog pores and have an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin. They're beneficial for all skin types, especially for sensitive or irritated skin. In addition, sweet potatoes contain vitamin A, which plays a significant role in wound healing and cellular growth by stimulating blood flow to the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin). The nutrients in sweet potatoes may help treat many different kinds of dermatitis (eczema), including diaper rash and seborrhea.

Carrot:

Carrots are loaded with vitamin C, a precursor to collagen production for the skin. Collagen is essential for skin elasticity. In addition, the vitamin A found in carrots attacks free radicals and can prevent wrinkles and uneven skin tone." Vitamin A also stimulates fibroblasts, the cells responsible for developing the tissue that keeps skin firm and healthy. Carrot oil applied directly to the skin has been shown to increase blood flow to the area, supporting cell renewal and growing cells' oxygenation by allowing them to breathe. Oxygenated cells are healthier cells; they regenerate faster, making your skin look younger.

Nuts and seeds:

Almonds: Almonds are loaded with Vitamins A and E, beneficial for oily skin. They also contain zinc which helps maintain the oil balance of your skin. In addition, it prevents the clogging of pores on your skin due to excess oil secretion.

Walnuts: Walnuts are one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids that our body needs to stay hydrated. They also reduce inflammation by moisturising your dry skin from within.

Pistachios: Pistachios have a good amount of Vitamin E in them that hydrates and nourishes your skin from within. They also prevent water loss from your body by maintaining the supply of natural oils in your skin.

Hazelnuts: Hazelnuts contain an antioxidant called catechins that protects your skin from free radicals like sun rays.
Collagen supplements:

You can take plant-based collagen powder, like andMe's collagen supplements, to increase collagen production naturally. It consists of Ayurvedic goodness and leaves no side effects on your health.