In Ayurveda, summer is governed by the Pitta dosha, which is composed of the fire and water elements. While one might expect heat to cause sweating and oiliness, dry skin in summer is a common issue — and here’s why, along with Ayurvedic reasoning and treatments:
Why Skin Becomes Dry in Summer (According to Ayurveda):
Aggravated Pitta Dosha:
- The intense heat of summer increases the Pitta dosha.
- This heat “burns up” or dries out bodily fluids and moisture, including rasa dhatu (plasma and skin moisture).
- If Vata is also imbalanced (due to travel, irregular routines, stress), the dryness becomes more prominent.
Dehydration & Fluid Loss:
- Excessive sweating leads to loss of essential electrolytes and body oils.
- It depletes ojas, the essence of immunity and vitality, leading to dull, rough skin.
Wrong Diet:
- Spicy, salty, sour, fried foods increase Pitta.
- Lack of cooling, moist, sweet foods aggravates dryness and inflammation.
Sun Exposure:
- Sun has a drying and heating effect, increasing teekshna guna (sharpness) and ruksha guna (dryness) in the body.
Ayurvedic Treatments & Remedies for Summer Dryness:
1. Internal Balance (Ahaar – Diet):
Include:
- Sweet, bitter, and astringent tastes (e.g., coconut water, melons, cucumber, mint, rose sherbet).
- Ghee in small amounts — it nourishes and lubricates.
- Cooling herbs: Shatavari, Amla, Guduchi, Licorice.
Avoid:
- Excessive spicy, sour, salty, fermented, and fried food.
- Dehydrating substances like coffee, alcohol, or packaged juices.Excess or taking coffee everyday also leaches the calcium and impacts your bone health
2. Lifestyle Adjustments (Vihaar):
- Stay out of the sun during peak hours (10 am–4 pm).
- Wear cotton, breathable fabrics.
- Sleep well and avoid over-exertion.
3. External Care (Abhyanga & Ubtan):
Daily abhyanga (self-massage):
- Use cooling and hydrating oils: Coconut oil, Brahmi oil, or Sheerbsla, Chandnadi etc
- Best done in the morning before a bath.
Ubtan (Herbal paste for cleansing):
- Mix sandalwood powder, rose water, turmeric, and chickpea flour.
- Apply once or twice a week.
- Aloe Vera gel (natural) post-bath or before bed helps hydrate and cool.
4. Herbal Support:
- Amla & Aloe vera juice in the morning — rejuvenates skin and cools Pitta.
- Manjistha and Neem (in moderation) help purify blood and soothe inflamed skin.
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