Get Glowing This Summer: Simple Home Remedies, Tips and Techniques

Splotchy, lifeless, and dull are three words you never want to have associated with your skin. But, when dealing with things like stress, hormones, weather, or sun damage, these lackluster words could very well describe the state of your skin.

The good news? The natural ingredients for a glow-boosting treatment are probably already in your pantry.

Whether you need to exfoliate, tone, or moisturize—and whether you’re looking for instant results or are in it for the long haul—there’s a home remedy to suit your needs. Here are a few suggestions to get your glow on, just in time for summer.

Yogurt

It’s time to rethink your favorite snack. Yogurt acts as a natural moisturizer, and when applied as a mask, you can easily add-in other skin-healthy ingredients like aloe vera, honey, activated charcoal, or turmeric.

Greek yogurt’s thicker texture makes it easy to apply, and it holds any extra ingredients better. It’s best to stick to plain yogurt, no matter what type or brand you choose.

Approximately 1/3 and 1/2 cup of yogurt is all you will need for a face mask. Add a teaspoon or two of honey, coconut oil, or turmeric for an added boost, then apply it directly to your face. Relax for a few minutes and rinse with cool water.

Coconut Oil

Is there any scent that smells like summer more than coconut? We think not. Coconut oil is one of nature’s most nourishing ingredients. Not only does it instantly moisturize skin, but it also locks in that moisture for a long time, making it one of the best home remedies for dewy, glowing skin. Coconut oil also gets bonus points for helping repair the skin’s outer barrier, providing antioxidants, and reducing inflammation.

Coconut oil can be used on its own, or you can add sugar, baking soda, or salt to make a scrub. To use as a moisturizer, leave it on overnight and wash off in the morning. Scrubs should be left on for 15 minutes or so and then rinsed off with cool water. You should only need to exfoliate two or three times a week unless you have oily skin.

Turmeric

Turmeric seems to be everywhere you turn these days. This vibrant spice contains curcumin, which has natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. When turmeric is applied to the skin, it can heal injuries (including sun damage), treat acne, and bring out your skin’s natural, radiant glow.

Keep in mind that turmeric can temporarily impart your skin with a yellow-orangish tint. Also, some people are allergic to turmeric, so be sure to test it on a small area of skin before applying it to your face.

For a soothing turmeric mask, make a paste by combining 1 part turmeric to 2 parts water. Simmer the mixture over low heat until it thickens. Let the paste cool, and apply to skin. You could also try mixing turmeric with other natural ingredients. Mix one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of turmeric. Apply to your face, leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse, and pat dry.

Papaya

Another summer favorite, this delicious fruit is packed with vitamin A and the enzyme papain which helps remove dead skin cells. This natural exfoliation helps rejuvenate the skin, making it soft, healthy, and glowingly gorgeous. Papaya also removes the oil and dirt that can lead to acne and other skin problems.

To create a papaya mask at home, mash a few pieces of ripe papaya in a bowl. Add one teaspoon of honey and mix well to form a paste. Apply the mask all over your face and neck, leave on for 20 minutes, and rinse off with cool water.

Green Tea

Not only does green tea flush toxins from the body, but it’s also one of the most effective home remedies for fresh, glowing skin. Rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, green tea improves collagen production and promotes skin elasticity, which delays the signs of aging and makes your skin look healthy and radiant.

To make a refreshing green tea scrub, infuse green tea in hot water as directed. After the tea has cooled, place a few spoonfuls in a bowl, then add two teaspoons of brown sugar and one teaspoon of cream. Mix well and gently scrub your face in circular motions. Rinse off with cool water and repeat twice a week for best results.

Good to Glow

When it comes to glowing skin, you could apply all the products in the world, but if you don’t treat your skin at its core, you’ll never achieve that lit-from-within radiance that makes skin look flawless and healthy.

Achieving a luminous glow comes partly from using the right products (containing the right ingredients), and partly from taking care of your inner self. Adjusting your lifestyle, diet, beauty regimen, and exercise routine are some of the best ways to improve the condition of your skin. By always keeping in mind the following, you’ll not only have the best skin game in town, but you’ll also have more energy and feel less stressed to boot.

• Wear sunscreen daily
• Drink plenty of water
• Get your beauty sleep
• Take your vitamins
• Exercise
• Don’t smoke
• Limit alcohol intake

Giving your skin the attention it deserves is a necessary form of self-care that can pay off in visibly glowing skin. Stress, hormone imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, or other health conditions can make achieving your skin goals more challenging.

If you’re concerned about the appearance of your skin, speak to your dermatologist or primary care physician. Dry, patchy, or flaky skin can be signs of other health conditions.