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Whether summer leaves your skin oily, dry or sunburnt (remember to use sunblock next time!) there are several natural solutions that are packed with vitamins, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties to help clean and soothe summer skin. You may even find some of these solutions in your kitchen!

Let’s explore a few natural skincare products, their benefits and how to use them.

Aloe vera juice

We’re not talking about the sugary, flavoured drinks that you may find in your local grocery store. As refreshing as those drinks may be, we’re referring to the pure aloe vera juice you’re more likely to find in your local pharmacy.

Aloe vera juice is rich in vitamins and antioxidants that may help to repair sun-damaged skin. It also contains 98% water that will not only help to cool and soothe your skin, but hydrate it too. Aloe vera juice may also help to reduce acne, eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis.

You could use aloe vera juice directly on your skin, or freeze it as ice cubes to rub over your skin as a refreshing moisturiser.

Raw honey

If oily summer skin is leaving you with those unwanted blemishes, raw honey helps to balance the bacteria on your skin. This makes it especially great for treating acne. Honey is also beneficial for treating eczema and psoriasis.

Use raw honey as a spot treatment, or use it with other natural ingredients, such as cinnamon, to make a face mask or exfoliator to brighten your skin.

Warning: If you’re allergic to bee venom, other bee-related products, pollen or celery, do not use honey. It’s important to do a patch test on the inside of your arm if you’re not sure whether you’re allergic or not.

Cucumber

Before you use all those cucumber slices in your salad, put some aside for your skin. Cucumber is high in water that helps to cool and hydrate skin. Cucumber is also high in vitamins and antioxidants, so it should help to reduce dark circles and inflammation around your eyes, and even extract toxins and waste. Cucumber may also help to treat sunburn and brighten your skin.

You can place cucumber slices on your eyes, or rub it on your skin. Remember to wash a cucumber before cutting it. Cut slices about 1cm thick and consider removing the skin to reduce the risk of pesticides from getting in your eyes or on your skin.

Warning: Don’t use cucumber if you are allergic to it.

Rosewater

Rosewater is made by distilling rose petals with steam, or steeping them in water. Don’t worry, you don’t need to make your own. Your local pharmacy should keep it. Rosewater’s anti-inflammatory properties may help to reduce skin redness and puffiness, as well as soothe eczema and rosacea. It’s antibacterial properties may also help to treat acne.

Rosewater is suitable for all skin types, including very sensitive skin. You could use rosewater as a toner to remove excess oil by dabbing it on your face with cottonwool. To refresh your skin on the go, use a clean spray bottle to spritz it on.

Rosehip oil

Rosehip oil is pressed from the seeds and fruit of the rose plant. Like aloe vera juice and rosewater, you should be able to find rosehip oil at your local pharmacy.

It has many properties that are great for your skin. Rosehip oil is rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6. These nutrients may help to treat acne, eczema and dermatitis. The antioxidants may also help to soothe sunburn and fight free radicals that cause sun damage.

Rosehip oil also helps to hydrate dry and itchy skin, and improve and even skin tone. It may also even help to reduce fine lines, wrinkles and stretch marks. This sounds like our kind of natural skincare product!

You could massage rosehip oil into your skin twice day as a skin treatment, or use it as a moisturiser for very dry skin both morning and night.

Bestmed’s network pharmacies

For aloe vera juice, rosewater, rosehip oil and even honey, visit or order online from one of Bestmed Medical Scheme’s network pharmacies countrywide.

References

Better Living. 2020. 6 Natural summer skincare tips you need to try. Available [Online]: https://onbetterliving.com/summer-skincare-tips/. [Accessed: 15 November 2021].

Bhardwaj, D. (Dr). 2020. Summer skin care: Home remedies for flawless skin. NDTV Food. Available [Online]: https://food.ndtv.com/beauty/summer-skin-care-home-remedies-for-flawless-skin-1836742. [Accessed: 15 November 2021].

Davis, K., FNP. 2020. How to use aloe vera on the face. In: Medical News Today. C. Cobb. DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP (Medical reviewer). Available [Online]: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/aloe-vera-for-face. [Accessed: 16 November 2021].

Gotter, A. 2017. Rosewater: Benefits and uses. In: Healthline. D. R. Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC (medical reviewer). Available [Online]: https://www.healthline.com/health/rose-water-benefits#contains-antioxidants. [Accessed: 16 November 2021].

Millar, H. 2021. Can cucumbers be beneficial to undereye skin? In: Medical News Today. R. Patel, MPA, PA-C (Medical reviewer). Available [Online]: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cucumbers-on-eyes. [Accessed: 15 November 2021].

Salyer, J. 2020. 9 Healthy benefits of drinking aloe vera juice. In: Healthline. K. Marengo, LDN, R.D. (Medical reviewer). Available [Online]: https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/aloe-vera-juice-benefits#no-sugar. [Accessed: 16 November 2021].

Watson, K. 2019. How applying honey to your face can help your skin. In: Healthline. D.R. Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT (Medical reviewer). Available [Online]:https://www.healthline.com/health/home-remedies-for-oily-skin#wash-your-face. [Accessed: 17 November 2021].