With the arrival of summer, it’s crucial to take extra care of our skin. The scorching sun can be harsh on our delicate skin, causing damage, sunburns, and premature aging.

While there are numerous skincare products available in the market, adopting a herbal skincare routine can provide natural and effective protection against the sun’s harmful rays while promoting a radiant glow. In this article, we will share a step-by-step herbal skincare routine for summer, including herbal cleansers, toners, masks, and moisturizers that will help you achieve healthy and glowing skin.

Step 1: Herbal Cleanser

Begin your skincare routine with a gentle herbal cleanser. Look for cleansers that contain natural ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, lavender, or green tea. These herbs have soothing and cleansing properties that will help remove dirt, sweat, and impurities accumulated throughout the day without stripping away the skin’s natural oils. Gently massage the cleanser onto your damp face, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, and pat dry.

Herbal Recipe: DIY Aloe Vera and Green Tea Cleanser

Ingredients:

* 2 tablespoons of pure aloe vera gel

* 1 tablespoon of brewed green tea (cooled)

* 1 teaspoon of mild liquid soap (optional)

Instructions:

* In a small bowl, combine the aloe vera gel and brewed green tea.

* If desired, add a teaspoon of mild liquid soap to create a foaming cleanser.

* Mix the ingredients well until they form a smooth consistency.

* Transfer the mixture to a clean container for storage.

* To use, take a small amount of the cleanser and gently massage it onto your damp face. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Step 2: Herbal Toner

After cleansing, it’s essential to restore the pH balance of your skin. A herbal toner can do wonders in this regard. Opt for toners infused with herbal extracts like rose water, witch hazel, or cucumber. These ingredients have cooling and refreshing properties, which help tighten pores, reduce inflammation, and hydrate the skin. Apply the toner to a cotton pad and gently sweep it across your face and neck.

Herbal Recipe: Refreshing Rose Water Toner

Ingredients:

* 1/2 cup of organic rose water

* 1 tablespoon of witch hazel extract

Instructions:

* In a clean bottle, mix the rose water and witch hazel extract.

* Shake well to ensure thorough mixing.

* Store the toner in a cool place away from direct sunlight.

* After cleansing, apply the toner to a cotton pad and gently swipe it across your face and neck.

* Allow it to air dry, and follow up with the rest of your skincare routine.

Step 3: Herbal Face Mask

Incorporating a herbal face mask into your skincare routine once or twice a week can

provide deep cleansing and nourishment. Choose a mask that suits your skin type and concerns. For sun protection and a radiant glow, look for masks containing ingredients like turmeric, sandalwood, neem, or aloe vera. These herbs possess antioxidant, anti- inflammatory, and skin-brightening properties. Apply the mask evenly to your face and leave it on for the recommended time. Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Herbal Recipe: Turmeric and Aloe Vera Face Mask

Ingredients:

* 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder

* 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel

Instructions:

* In a small bowl, combine the turmeric powder and aloe vera gel to form a smooth paste.

* Apply the mask evenly to your cleansed face, avoiding the eye area.

* Leave the mask on for 15-20 minutes or until it dries.

* Gently rinse off the mask with lukewarm water, massaging in circular motions to exfoliate the skin.

* Pat your face dry and follow up with a moisturizer.

Step 4: Herbal Serum

A herbal serum can be a game-changer in maintaining a youthful complexion and protecting your skin from sun damage. Seek serums infused with herbal extracts like licorice root, rosehip oil, or green tea. These ingredients are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that combat free radicals, even out skin tone, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Gently massage a few drops of the serum onto your face and neck, allowing it to penetrate deeply into your skin.

Herbal Recipe: Nourishing Rosehip Oil Serum

Ingredients:

* 1 tablespoon of rosehip oil

* 3-4 drops of lavender essential oil

Instructions:

* In a small dropper bottle, combine the rosehip oil and lavender essential oil.

* Shake well to blend the oils thoroughly.

* After cleansing and toning, take a few drops of the serum onto your fingertips.

* Gently massage the serum onto your face and neck using upward motions.

* Allow the serum to absorb into your skin before applying moisturizer.

Step 5: Herbal Moisturizer with SPF

Sun protection is crucial, even if you’re following a herbal skincare routine. Choose a herbal moisturizer with broad-spectrum SPF to shield your skin from harmful UV rays. Look for ingredients such as shea butter, jojoba oil, or almond oil, which provide hydration without clogging pores. Apply the moisturizer generously to your face, neck, and any exposed areas before stepping out into the sun.

Herbal Recipe: Homemade Shea Butter Sunscreen Moisturizer

Ingredients:

* 2 tablespoons of shea butter

* 1 tablespoon of coconut oil

* 1 teaspoon of zinc oxide powder (non-nano)

* 5 drops of carrot seed essential oil (optional, for added sun protection)

Instructions:

* In a double boiler, melt the shea butter and coconut oil together until well combined.

* Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.

* Add the zinc oxide powder and carrot seed essential oil (if using) to the mixture.

* Stir well to ensure the zinc oxide is evenly distributed.

* Transfer the mixture to a clean container and let it solidify.

* Apply the sunscreen moisturizer generously to your face, neck, and exposed areas before sun exposure.

Step 6: Herbal Lip Balm with SPF

Don’t forget to protect your lips from the sun’s rays. Apply a herbal lip balm with SPF that contains nourishing ingredients like beeswax, coconut oil, or cocoa butter. Regular application will keep your lips moisturized, soft, and shielded from harmful UV radiation.

Herbal Recipe: DIY Coconut Oil Lip Balm with SPF

Ingredients:

* 1 tablespoon of beeswax pellets

* 1 tablespoon of coconut oil

* 1 teaspoon of cocoa butter

* 1 teaspoon of zinc oxide powder

Instructions:

* In a heat-resistant bowl, combine the beeswax pellets, coconut oil, and cocoa butter.

* Place the bowl over a double boiler and melt the ingredients together.

* Once melted, remove from heat and let it cool for a minute.

* Add the zinc oxide powder and mix well until thoroughly incorporated.

* Pour the mixture into lip balm tubes or small containers.

* Allow the lip balm to cool and solidify completely before using.

* Apply the herbal lip balm generously to your lips throughout the day, especially before sun exposure, to keep them protected, moisturized, and soft.

Step 7: Herbal Sunburn Soother

Despite your best efforts, sometimes your skin may still experience sunburn. In such cases, a herbal sunburn soother can provide relief and aid in the healing process. Look for products containing ingredients like aloe vera, lavender oil, or chamomile. These herbs possess soothing and cooling properties.

Herbal Recipe: Soothing Aloe Vera and Lavender Sunburn Gel

Ingredients:

* 1/4 cup of pure aloe vera gel

* 10 drops of lavender essential oil

Instructions:

* In a small bowl, mix the aloe vera gel and lavender essential oil.

* Stir well until the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

* Transfer the mixture to a clean container for storage.

* Apply a small amount of the soothing gel to the affected areas of sunburned skin.

* Gently massage the gel into the skin until absorbed.

* Reapply as needed for soothing relief.

Step 8: Hydrating Herbal Mist

Throughout the day, especially when exposed to the sun, it’s important to keep your skin hydrated and refreshed. A herbal hydrating mist can be a fantastic addition to your skincare routine. Look for mists containing herbal extracts like rose, cucumber, or mint. These ingredients offer instant hydration, soothe the skin, and provide a cooling sensation. Simply spritz the mist onto your face whenever your skin needs a quick pick- me-up.

Herbal Recipe: Cooling Cucumber and Rose Hydrating Mist

Ingredients:

* 1/2 cup of rose water

* 1/4 cup of cucumber juice (blended cucumber)

Instructions:

* In a spray bottle, combine the rose water and cucumber juice.

* Shake the bottle well to mix the ingredients thoroughly.

* Store the mist in the refrigerator to keep it cool and refreshing.

* Spritz the hydrating mist onto your face whenever you need a burst of hydration or a cooling sensation.

Step 9: Herbal Eye Cream

The delicate skin around your eyes deserves special attention and protection. Choose a herbal eye cream that contains ingredients like chamomile, rosehip oil, or cucumber extract. These herbs have anti-inflammatory properties, reduce puffiness, and help diminish the appearance of dark circles. Gently dab a small amount of the eye cream around the eye area using your ring finger.

Herbal Recipe: Soothing Chamomile and Rosehip Oil Eye Cream

Ingredients:

* 1 tablespoon of chamomile-infused oil

* 1 tablespoon of rosehip oil

* 1 teaspoon of beeswax pellets

Instructions:

* In a heat-resistant bowl, combine the chamomile-infused oil, rosehip oil, and beeswax pellets.

* Place the bowl over a double boiler and heat gently until the ingredients melt and form a smooth mixture.

* Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.

* Transfer the mixture to a clean container or jar.

* Dab a small amount of the eye cream around the eye area using your ring finger.

* Gently pat and massage the cream into the skin until absorbed.

Step 10: Herbal Night Cream

Completing your herbal skincare routine, a nourishing herbal night cream can work wonders while you sleep. Look for night creams infused with herbs such as lavender,

calendula, or jasmine. These ingredients promote relaxation, rejuvenation, and skin repair. Massage the night cream onto your face and neck before bedtime, allowing it to penetrate deeply overnight and

Herbal Recipe: Rejuvenating Lavender and Calendula Night Cream

Ingredients:

* 2 tablespoons of shea butter

* 1 tablespoon of almond oil

* 1 tablespoon of lavender-infused oil

* 1 tablespoon of calendula-infused oil

* 5 drops of jasmine essential oil

Instructions:

* In a heat-resistant bowl, combine the shea butter, almond oil, lavender-infused oil, calendula-infused oil, and jasmine essential oil.

* Place the bowl over a double boiler and gently heat until the shea butter melts and all the ingredients are well combined.

* Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes.

* Transfer the cream to a clean container and let it solidify completely.

* Before bedtime, take a small amount of the night cream and massage it onto your face and neck using upward strokes.

* Allow the cream to absorb into your skin overnight, providing nourishment and repair.

Remember, consistency is key when it comes to any skincare routine. Follow this herbal skincare routine diligently to protect your skin from the harsh summer sun while achieving a radiant glow. Additionally, it’s essential to stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet, and avoid excessive sun exposure to maintain overall skin health.

Incorporating herbal skincare products into your routine not only benefits your skin but also allows you to embrace the power of nature. These natural ingredients provide effective protection, nourishment, and revitalization, all while minimizing the use of harsh chemicals. So, go ahead and embrace the herbal route to attain healthy, glowing skin all summer long.