As the mercury climbs and the harsh winter dryness gives way to sweltering heat, maintaining a healthy skin becomes paramount. Herbal beauty expert Shahnaz Husain, celebrated for her plant-based skincare products, in an interview with HT Lifestyle, outlined a comprehensive strategy for restoring and protecting skin health through the power of nature. Also read | Herbal beauty expert Shahnaz Husain shares top 4 remedies to fix dark underarms naturally: Potato juice to baking soda
According to her, the seasonal transition is often the most difficult period for the skin to navigate: “The winters are gone, and your skin is left with dryness and dullness. Dealing with these skin issues is easy if you know what to do. A change in your skincare routine is all that you require.”
Core summer skincare: cleanse, protect, hydrate
Shahnaz Husain highlights that the foundation of a summer glow lies in simplicity and consistency. She vouches for a ‘less is more’ approach that focuses on lightweight textures and cooling botanical agents.
To maintain optimum health during the heat, she recommends the following daily pillars:
⦿ Double cleansing: use a mild, sulphate-free cleanser twice daily. For those using heavy sunscreen or makeup, she suggests a second cleanse at night using natural bases like honey or besan (gram flour) paste.
⦿ Mineral protection: apply a broad-spectrum, non-greasy SPF 30+ daily. She reminds people to reapply every two hours and views sunscreen as a non-negotiable ‘BFF’ for the skin.
⦿ Weightless hydration: swap heavy creams for oil-free, gel-based moisturisers. Aloe vera gel is an excellent natural alternative for keeping pores clear.
⦿ The cooling spritz: keep pure rose water or aloe-infused water in the refrigerator. A midday spritz instantly calms inflammation and refreshes the dermis.
DIY kitchen hacks
Shahnaz shares several signature ‘at-home’ treatments designed to address specific summer ailments ranging from sun-induced pigmentation to sweat-clogged pores.
⦿ Gentle exfoliant
Curd + red sandalwood powder: removes dead cells without stripping moisture.
⦿ Soothing serum
Aloe vera + almond oil: a brightening night treatment that restores natural health.
⦿ Cooling mask
Mashed cucumber + yoghurt: calms sun-exposed skin and reduces redness.
⦿ Brightening toner
Honey + lemon: clarifies the skin (best used at night to avoid sun sensitivity).
The ‘inside-out’ glow: diet and lifestyle
Shahnaz’s holistic approach extends beyond topical applications. She stresses that hydration must be systemic to be effective: “Drinking plenty of water flushes out toxins and keeps skin hydrated from within.” She also recommends incorporating antioxidant-rich seasonal fruits, such as watermelon and berries, along with leafy greens.
To prevent ‘sweat-induced irritation’, she advises wearing wide-brimmed hats and loose-fitting cotton clothing that allow the skin to breathe. For makeup enthusiasts, Shahnaz suggests switching to BB creams or foundations with built-in SPF to reduce the number of layers on the face.
A weekly ritual for restoration
To ensure long-term skin resilience, Shahnaz proposes a structured weekly ‘recharge’ schedule:
⦿ Sunday: prepare an Aloe-Cucumber gel post-shower for instant hydration.
⦿ Tuesday: use a Green Tea toner (brewed and cooled) to soothe red or inflamed areas.
⦿ Thursday: apply a yoghurt-honey mask. The lactic acid in yoghurt clears flakes while honey seals in moisture.
⦿ Saturday: utilise a chickpea-flour (besan) and rose water scrub to remove a week’s worth of sweat and pollution buildup.
By merging ancient Indian wisdom with modern sun-safety practices, Shahnaz asserts that anyone can navigate the ‘unbearable’ summer transition and emerge with a clear, luminous complexion.
Here are her quick summer tips to remember:
⦿ Exfoliate 2-3 times per week.
⦿ Apply aloe vera immediately after returning home from the sun.
⦿ Manage stress and prioritise sleep to support natural cellular repair.
⦿ Target pigmentation with a twice-weekly turmeric-and-yoghurt mask.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
