16 Best Home Remedies For Glowing Skin In Summer
Dreaming of that effortless, Hailey Bieber-like glow this summer? You’re not alone, and the good news is, it’s totally achievable! Between the blazing sun, relentless humidity, and surprise breakouts, achieving that radiant glow can seem like a distant dream. But what if we told you that your kitchen holds the secrets to luminous skin?
We’ve rounded up 16 effective home remedies for glowing skin in summer, all backed by science, tradition, and generations of Indian nani-approved wisdom. No fluff, no filters, just real, natural glow.
16 Proven Remedies For Glowing Skin
If you are wondering how to glow skin naturally in summer, here’s your go-to guide:
1. Turmeric (Skin Type – All)
Turmeric has natural antibacterial properties and is a powerful antioxidant, making it a go-to spice for maintaining clear and glowing skin. It has curcumin, an anti-inflammatory agent that helps to fade hyperpigmentation and rejuvenate dull-looking skin. Turmeric also neutralises free radicals that damage skin cells and boosts collagen production, keeping the skin supple and youthful.
How to use: Mix about half a teaspoon of turmeric powder with one cup of gram flour. Add milk, water, or yoghurt to form a smooth paste, then stir in a few drops of rose water. Apply this to your face and neck, leave it on till it dries, and rinse with cool water. Avoid rubbing it off when dry — that can irritate the skin.
2. Honey (Skin Type – Dry & Sensitive)
Honey is a natural humectant; it draws moisture into your skin, keeping it hydrated even in the driest heat. It’s also packed with antioxidants and antibacterial compounds that cleanse your pores and help fight acne. This makes it a summer skincare essential, especially when your skin’s feeling dry or inflamed.
How to use: Apply a thin layer of raw, organic honey directly to your skin. Leave it on for 15–20 minutes and rinse off gently with lukewarm water. You’ll notice an instant, dewy glow.
3. Cucumber (Skin Type – All)
Cucumber is over 95% water, making it a hydration powerhouse during peak summer. It cools the skin, reduces puffiness, and soothes sunburn. Plus, cucumber is rich in vitamin C and caffeic acid, which help fade dark circles and even out your skin tone.
How to use: Blend cucumber juice with rose water and store it in a spray bottle. Spritz it on your face whenever you feel sticky, dull, or sunburnt. It’s like a spa in a bottle.
4. Papaya (Skin Type – Dry & Dull)
Papaya contains enzymes like papain and chymopapain that gently exfoliate dead skin cells, unclog pores, and leave your skin feeling soft and fresh. Its high vitamin C content helps even out your skin tone and fights sun-induced oxidative damage.
How to use: Mash a ripe papaya and apply the pulp directly to your face. Leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water. You can also add a spoon of honey for an extra hydration boost.
5. Aloe Vera (Skin Type – Oily & Acne-Prone)
Aloe vera is the OG of skin-soothing ingredients. It cools irritated skin, reduces redness, treats sunburn, and hydrates without making the skin greasy, a big win for oily or acne-prone folks.
How to use: Extract fresh aloe gel straight from the plant and apply it evenly to your face. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes and rinse. You can also mix it into your DIY face masks for added benefits.
6. Yoghurt (Skin Type – Combination)
Yoghurt is rich in lactic acid, which exfoliates the skin gently, tightens pores, and improves texture. It also provides instant relief from sunburns and irritation, thanks to its soothing properties.
How to use: Apply plain, unsweetened yoghurt directly to the skin and leave it on for 10–15 minutes. You can also mix in honey or turmeric for added nourishment.
7. Gram Flour (Besan) (Skin Type – Oily)
Gram flour acts as a natural cleanser and exfoliator, absorbing excess oil and removing dirt from deep within your pores. It’s also effective in fading tan and improving skin texture.
How to use: Combine half a cup of besan with a pinch of turmeric and enough milk or water to form a paste. Apply once a week as a scrub to get glowing, even-toned skin.
8. Lemon (Skin Type – Oily)
Lemon is packed with vitamin C and citric acid, both known for brightening the skin and fading blemishes. It acts as a natural exfoliator and helps reduce oil production, making it great for acne-prone skin.
How to use: Mix equal parts lemon juice and rose water. Apply it with a cotton pad, leave on for 5–10 minutes, then rinse. Avoid direct sunlight afterward, as lemon can make your skin photosensitive.
9. Oats (Skin Type – Sensitive)
Oats have anti-inflammatory properties and are rich in saponins, which act as natural cleansers. They are perfect for calming irritated, itchy, or inflamed skin.
How to use: Grind oats into a fine powder and mix with milk or yoghurt to form a paste. Apply as a mask and leave for 15–20 minutes before rinsing. It's gentle enough for daily use.
10. Milk (Skin Type – Dry & Normal)
Milk contains lactic acid, which gently exfoliates and brightens the skin. It also hydrates and nourishes, leaving your skin soft and supple.
How to use: Mix raw milk with rose water and apply it all over your face using a cotton ball. Leave it on for 10–15 minutes before rinsing with cold water.
11. Figs (Skin Type – All)
Figs are loaded with antioxidants, fibre, and essential nutrients that help detox the body and promote clear skin. They also improve skin elasticity and reduce signs of ageing.
How to use: Mash dried figs with a little milk to make a thick paste. Apply to the face and rinse after 20 minutes for smooth, bright skin.
12. Almonds (Skin Type – Dry & Mature)
Almonds are rich in vitamin E, which protects the skin from UV damage and promotes cell regeneration. They also reduce the appearance of fine lines and scars.
How to use: Soak 4–5 almonds overnight, grind them into a paste with milk, and apply it as a night mask. Rinse off in the morning for soft, glowing skin.
13. Coconut Oil (Skin Type – Dry)
Coconut oil is deeply moisturising and packed with antibacterial and antifungal properties. It forms a protective barrier on the skin and locks in moisture.
How to use: Gently massage a few drops of cold-pressed coconut oil onto your face before bed. Wash off with a mild cleanser in the morning.
14. Sandalwood Powder (Skin Type – Sensitive)
Sandalwood cools the skin and helps fade dark spots and scars. It’s been used in Ayurvedic skincare for centuries to promote even-toned, glowing skin.
How to use: Mix sandalwood powder with rose water to create a paste. Apply to your face and wash off once it dries.
15. Rose Water (Skin Type – All)
Rose water tones, hydrates, and refreshes the skin instantly. It balances skin pH and controls excess oil without drying you out.
How to use: Use it as a toner after cleansing, or mix into face packs for extra glow. Keep a small bottle in your bag and spritz throughout the day.
16. Mint (Pudina) (Skin Type – Oily & Acne-Prone)
Mint is a cooling herb that works wonders for inflamed, irritated, or acne-prone skin. It contains salicylic acid, which helps prevent clogged pores and reduces acne. Its antimicrobial and astringent properties control excess oil while tightening your pores and refreshing your skin in the sweltering heat.
How to use: Crush a handful of fresh mint leaves and mix with rose water to form a paste. Apply it to your face for 10–15 minutes and rinse with cold water. It instantly revives tired skin and leaves it feeling fresh and minty-clean.
Myths vs. Facts: Let’s Set the Record Straight
Let’s clear up some of the most common skincare misconceptions that might be secretly sabotaging your glow-up goals because glowing skin isn’t just about what you apply, but also what you believe.
Myth 1: Only dry skin needs moisturiser.
Fact: All skin types, including oily and acne-prone, require moisturisation. Dr. Madhuri Agarwal, a renowned dermatologist from Mumbai, explains that skipping moisturiser can lead to increased oil production as the skin tries to compensate for the lack of hydration. Opting for non-comedogenic, gel-based moisturisers can help maintain skin balance without clogging pores.
Myth 2: More scrubbing equals more glow.
Fact: Over-exfoliating can damage the skin's protective barrier, leading to irritation and breakouts. Dermatologists recommend gentle exfoliation 1–2 times a week using mild agents like lactic acid or oatmeal to maintain skin health without causing harm.
Myth 3: Sunscreen is only necessary on sunny days.
Fact: UV rays penetrate clouds and windows, making sunscreen essential even on cloudy days or indoors. The Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists, and Leprologists (IADVL) emphasises daily application of broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen to protect against UVA and UVB rays.
Myth 4: Natural ingredients are always safe.
Fact: Natural doesn't always mean safe. Ingredients like lemon juice can cause skin irritation or photosensitivity. Dr. Rashmi Shetty, a leading cosmetic dermatologist, advises conducting a patch test before applying any natural ingredient to ensure it doesn't adversely affect your skin.
Myth 5: Drinking lots of water alone clears the skin.
Fact: While staying hydrated is crucial for overall health, clear skin also depends on a balanced diet, proper skincare routine, and lifestyle factors. Water aids in flushing out toxins, but it's not a standalone solution for skin issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q.1) Should we follow home remedies or cosmetics for glowing skin?
Both have their place. Home remedies are natural and gentle, while cosmetic products can offer faster, targeted results. Use what works best for your skin type and concerns.
Q.2) What is the home remedy for instant glowing skin?
Try a quick honey + lemon mask. Apply for 15 minutes and rinse — you’ll get an instant fresh glow!
Q.3) How to get 100% clear skin?
Follow a consistent skincare routine, eat clean, stay hydrated, sleep well, and protect your skin from the sun.
Q.4) How to get Korean glass skin?
Focus on layering lightweight hydrating products like toners, essences, and moisturisers. Exfoliate regularly and never skip sunscreen.
Final thoughts
Glowing skin in summer isn’t about perfection; it’s about balance, nourishment, and self-care. Whether you're team turmeric or squad sandalwood, the right natural remedy (paired with healthy lifestyle habits) can work wonders for your skin.
Your glow-up doesn’t need a 10-step routine or fancy serums, just a little consistency, a few kitchen ingredients, and a whole lot of love for your skin.
Read also
- 10 Winter Skin Care Tips For A Healthy Glow
- 5 Skin Care Myths You Need To Know
- 10 Best Ways To Take Care Of Your Skin
References
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4l5omxZFz8
- https://journals.lww.com/mgmj/fulltext/2024/11020/traditional_indian_home_remedies_for_minor.1.aspx?context=latestarticles
- https://ijdvl.com/need-for-a-well-balanced-sunscreen-to-protect-human-skin-from-both-ultraviolet-a-and-ultraviolet-b-damage/
Disclaimer:
This blog is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice. Always do a patch test and consult a dermatologist before trying new remedies, especially if you have skin concerns.