Kerala’s hot, humid, tropical rainforest climate is home to lots of vegetation. While being in this type of climate is beneficial for gardening and perceiving a beautiful environment around you, it can be quite disheartening when you realize that your skin is not able to perform as well due to humidity (causing you to sweat more). You may experience a build-up of oil on your skin, blocked pores and dull looking skin as a result of overheating from the heat and humidity, and the development of fungi and/or bacteria which can create pimples and/or acne breakouts.
When it comes to your skincare, Ayurveda is a friend. This ancient system offers holistic approaches and natural remedies. SNA Oushadhasala stays true to the principles of Ayurveda and seasonal wellness, Ritulcharya, to promote daily practices and healthy habits.
This article on the best Ayurvedic skincare routines in Kerala for a humid climate may also be of interest.
Humidity and Skin
High humidity contributes to the skin’s overactive sweat and sebum production. As a result, there can be:
- Excess skin oil
- Acne and/or pimples
- Enlarged pores
- Blackheads
- Skin infections
- Dull, sticky skin.
To counteract the negative effects experienced by the people who live in those areas they have used heavy cream moisturizers and or strong soaps. However, Ayurveda promotes the use of different herbs that are gentle and provide balance, as well as routines that take into account climate.
Morning Skincare Routine
1. Begin Each Day with Warm Water
In Ayurveda, skin can be improved with proper digestion. Therefore start each day with a glass of warm water.
You may also include seasonal fruits rich in antioxidants and stay hydrated throughout the day.
2. Cleanse with Gentle Herbal Ingredients
Using harsh soaps is detrimental as they remove the natural oils from your skin.
Use instead an herbal cleanser with gently removing herbs such as:
- Green gram powder (Cherupayar)
- Turmeric (Haridra)
- Vetiver
- Sandalwood
- Neem
3. Apply a Natural Herbal Toner
A cooling herbal toner is an easy way to refresh your skin and control oil.
Some popular choices in Ayurveda would be:
- Rose water
- Vetiver water
- Any distilled herbal water
These toners are perfect for the humid weather in Kerala to help keep your skin refreshed and your pores nice and small.
4. Use a Lightweight Moisturizer
Even with the humidity your skin is still in need of moisture.
This is best achieved with light herbal formulas that won’t add grease to your skin over the humidity burdened moisture.
5. Protect Your Skin Before Going Outdoors
Using sun protection is a must everyday and especially when you are in prolonged exposure to the sun even if it’s cloudy or during the monsoons.
- Evening Natural Skin Care Routine
- Cleanse Thoroughly
After a long day out, your skin is covered in all sorts of things. Use a gentle herbal cleanser to clear your skin out.
Apply Herbal Oils (If Suitable)
For normal or dry skin you can use a traditional Ayurvedic facial oil for your nighttime skin care.
For a really oily and acne prone skin you should avoid oil all together or do this only after a recommendation from an Ayurvedic practitioner.
Sleep Well
Quality of sleep is very important and Ayurvedic practices hold it in high regard for a natural beauty treatment. It helps your skin repair itself over night.
- Weekly Ayurvedic Skincare Rituals
- Herbal Face Packs
Incorporate herbal face packs into your routine one or two times weekly with an assortment of the following ingredients:
- Sandalwood
- Turmeric
- Multani Mitti (specifically for those with oily skin)
- Neem
- Aloe vera
- Rose petals
Herbal face packs with any or all of the aforementioned ingredients work to reduce excess oil production, calm skin irritations, and improve skin texture.
Gentle Facial Massage
Facial massage has been known to improve the circulation of blood and, as a result, improve the overall quality of the skin.
Gentle massage techniques are encouraged within the practice of Ayurveda, particularly during hot and humid months, as opposed to vigorous rubbing.
Ayurvedic Beauty Tips for Kerala Weather
- Drink plenty of tender coconut water and plain water.
- Eat a variety of seasonal fruits and veggies.
- Avoid oily and excessively fried foods.
- Clean your face after an episode of sudden and excessive sweating.
- Sleep on clean pillow cases and use your own towel.
- Yogic postures and breathing exercises are extremely helpful and will decrease the overall stress levels.
Ayurveda states that the best skin is a healthy body in balance with a mindful state, and is not achieved with external treatments alone.
Choose Herbal Skincare Products Wisely
Look for:
- Ayurvedic authentic formulations
- Herbs that have been processed in the tradition
- Herbs that have been evaluated for quality
- Efficacy towards your skin type
When selecting the products for your Ayurvedic journey, they will have the potential of being quality-based and modern if you choose the Ayurvedic manufacturers that are reputable. SNA Oushadhasala is reputable and has authentic formulations and Ayurvedic depth with over 100 years in the Ashtavaidya tradition in a scientifically managed process.
According to Ayurveda, the beauty of Healthy skin begins in the inside-out. There is an external focus of many traditional skincare methods, but according to Ayurveda, clear skin is a result of good nutrition through food (to help digestion), proper sleeping patterns (to achieve rejuvenation), regular balances of stress (to keep the body in harmony), seasonal adaptation (to remain in touch with nature), and self-care.
Ayurveda-influenced skincare offers year-round assistance to achieve a more naturally clear, healthy, glowing, and youthful appearance through an appropriate seasonal and regional-specific personalization of your skincare product and routine.
Conclusion
Kerala’s climate no longer has to mean dealing with oily and acne-prone skin. By practicing the Ayurvedic skincare traditions of Kerala, and using appropriate herbal skincare, the natural balance and health of the skin can be retained.
The principles of Ritucharya and the heritage of SNA Oushadhasala show that skincare can be aligned with nature and provide health and glow to the skin.
