Dr Kranthi R Vardhan - Weekly Newsletter - Issue#138

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the 138th edition of our Ayurvedic Wellness newsletter! The scorching summer months bring with them a host of skin troubles—acne, rashes, sunburn, prickly heat, pigmentation, and excess oiliness. 

According to Ayurveda, summer (Grishma Rutu) is dominated by Pitta dosha, and the skin, being a Pitta-sensitive organ, is especially vulnerable to heat, dehydration, and inflammation.

In this edition, we’ll explore simple and effective Ayurvedic practices, herbs, and diet to keep your skin clear, cool, and glowing naturally—even in peak summer.

The Ayurvedic View of Summer Skin

Ayurveda identifies Bhrajaka Pitta as the sub-dosha of Pitta that governs skin color, texture, temperature, and sensitivity. When aggravated by seasonal heat, it leads to:

• Redness, itching, rashes
  

• Pimples and acne flare-ups
  

• Burning sensation on the skin
  

• Dehydration and dull complexion
  

The goal is to pacify Pitta, maintain hydration, and detoxify the skin gently.

Ayurvedic Skincare Rituals for Summer

1. Apply Cooling Oils Before Bath:

• Use coconut oil or chandanadi taila for self-massage. These calm Pitta, reduce itching, and nourish the skin.
  

2. Use Herbal Ubtan Instead of Soap:

• Mix sandalwood, neem, turmeric, and gram flour with rose water for a refreshing natural cleanser.
  

3. Bathe with Cooling Decoctions:

• Add vetiver, rose petals, or neem leaves to your bathwater to relieve skin irritation.
  

4. Use a Natural Toner:

• Spritz rose water or cucumber juice on your face to cool and hydrate your skin throughout the day.
  

Summer-Friendly Ayurvedic Diet for Radiant Skin

1. Hydrating, Pitta-Pacifying Foods:

• Coconut water, soaked raisins, cucumbers, watermelon, bottle gourd, ash gourd, and mint keep skin hydrated and reduce heat.
  

2. Avoid Pitta-Aggravating Foods:

• Cut down on spicy, oily, fried, fermented, and salty foods that increase internal heat.
  

3. Include Natural Skin Rejuvenators:

• Amla: Rich in Vitamin C, supports collagen and skin repair.
  

• Aloe vera juice: Soothes heat from within and hydrates tissues.
  

• Turmeric and saffron: Add to warm milk or face packs for clear skin and reduced pigmentation.
  

Herbal Remedies for Summer Skin Issues

1. Manjistha:

• A powerful blood purifier and anti-inflammatory herb that clears acne, pigmentation, and eczema.
  

2. Neem:

• Antibacterial and cooling—ideal for acne, itching, and skin detoxification.
  

3. Sandalwood (Chandana):

• Cools, brightens, and tones the skin. Excellent as a paste or powder in face masks.
  

4. Khadira (Acacia catechu):

• Traditionally used for chronic skin conditions, it purifies blood and heals inflamed skin.
  

5. Sariva (Indian Sarsaparilla):

• A cooling herb that relieves burning sensations, allergies, and heat rashes.
  

Lifestyle Tips to Protect Skin in Summer

1. Avoid Midday Sun Exposure:

• Limit outdoor activities between 10 AM – 4 PM. Use natural sunscreen like aloe vera gel or a sandalwood base.
  

2. Stay Cool Internally:

• Practice Sheetali and Sheetkari pranayama (cooling breaths) daily to reduce internal heat.
  

3. Wear Light and Breathable Fabrics:

• Prefer cotton and linen clothes in white or pastel shades to reduce sweating and skin irritation.
  

4. Prioritize Sleep:

• Adequate sleep cools Pitta, promotes cell repair, and maintains healthy skin tone.
  

Ayurvedic Therapies for Glowing Skin

1. Twak Prasadhana Chikitsa (Skin Rejuvenation Therapy):

• Uses herbal lepas, steam, and medicated oil treatments to cleanse and brighten the skin.
  

2. Raktamokshana (Bloodletting Therapy):

• For severe skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis (done under expert supervision).
  

3. Panchakarma Detox:

• Clears heat, toxins (Ama), and improves skin clarity and texture from within.
  

Key Takeaways for Summer Skin Care

• Pacify Pitta: Cool your body inside and out with hydrating foods, herbs, and breathwork.
  

• Detox Gently: Use herbs like Manjistha, Neem, and Amla to cleanse the blood and reduce skin eruptions.
  

• Nourish with Natural Oils: Coconut and sandalwood oil soothe and protect the skin barrier.
  

• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Stick to natural skin care and cooling herbal powders.
  

Final Thoughts

Glowing skin is not just about what you apply—it's a reflection of internal harmony. This summer, choose to nurture your skin the Ayurvedic way. By balancing Pitta, eating right, staying hydrated, and following mindful rituals, you can enjoy soft, radiant, and healthy skin—naturally.

Stay connected for more seasonal and skin-specific Ayurvedic tips in upcoming editions!

With cool and radiant wishes,
Dr. Kranthi R Vardhan
 www.vardhanayurveda.com

P.S. Battling acne, rashes, or summer skin dullness? Call us at 7997 108 108 for customized Ayurvedic skin therapies and herbal solutions. Share this newsletter with friends who’d love to glow this summer—naturally. Access our newsletter archive here.