This summer, follow these easy skincare tips to protect yourself

For an at-home-spa indulgence, cucumber and aloe vera mixture gels the best for a perfect moisturised summer skin. It has the classic hydrating qualities required by your skin in the heat. Now taking care of your skin is as easy as walking into your kitchen

Summer is a stress test for your skin. From humidity to dry heat, our skin bears the brunt of it all. Dr Smriti Naswa Singh, consultant - dermatology and cosmetology at Fortis Hospital Mulund, shares an easy, expert-approved guide to keeping your skin cool, calm, and cared for - with things you likely already have at home.

"People often face acne if they have oily skin, or itching if their skin is dry," she explains. "Prickly heat and also heat boils is common around the neck area. Dehydration also shows up as chapped lips or dull skin." Her first suggestion? Hydration. "People underestimate the need to drink two to three litres of water. Coconut water, seasonal fruits like musk melon, and nimbu paani work as natural electrolyte boosters," she says.

For at-home spa indulgence, Dr Singh recommends kitchen staples. "Cucumber and aloe vera are great for oily skin. Just grind them together and apply. For dry skin, yogurt, honey, and a pinch of turmeric make a soothing pack," she suggests. "Multani mitti is fantastic, too. It hydrates dry skin and controls oil for acne-prone skin." For a quick DIY spa day, she suggests, "Use aloe vera and cucumber as a cooling face wash. My mother used to apply vegetable water or fluid on my face as it is rich in antioxidants. Dab it on your face."

However, warning against certain common mistakes, she adds, "Avoid rubbing vegetable peels directly on your skin - it can aggravate allergies or worsen dryness, especially if you're already dehydrated." One common myth she wants to bust: Skipping moisturiser in summer. "Even oily skin needs moisture. If you don't moisturise, your skin compensates by producing more oil. Use a lightweight, gentle formula - it makes a difference."

Finally, she reminds us that skincare isn't just about what you apply. "Your skin is an excretory organ too. Exercise helps push out toxins. Eating processed foods and sugary drinks only adds to the load. Stick to clean, hydrating foods and move your body."