Dark spots, rashes, sunburn, tanning and dryness—summers can turn out to be an absolute nightmare for your skin. Certain basic precautions and effective home remedies, besides sunscreen lotion, can help you step out confidently. Says Dr Sushant Shetty, senior dermatologist and vice-president, VLCC, “Sunscreens help block harmful ultraviolet rays but they fail to act upon the pigmentation or the damage done to the skin by the heat rays. Some daily practices, however, can help to a large extent.”

COCONUT MILK: With its mineral and fat content, coconut milk acts as the best moisturiser for dry skin during summers. “The use of moisturisers in summer is usually disputed. But they are important to keep the skin from drying. Coconut milk is a perfect option. Vitamins present in it also lighten blemishes and hydrate the skin,” says Dr Chiranjiv Chabbra, consultant dermatologist, Skin Alive. Mashing pre-soaked almonds with honey and coconut milk also work on dark spots.
Use: It serves as an excellent base for scrubs or packs. You can also directly use the inner creamy lining of green coconuts. It acts as a lightening agent and reduces the darkening of inner thighs due to excessive sweating.
People with oily skin and pimples must avoid using coconut milk as it might lead to increased eruption.

URAD DAL: Generally used in ubtans (herbal packs), it is a perfect exfoliator. The dal helps remove tan and uneven patchiness of skin due to sun exposure. “It also lessens stretch marks and works best on the blackness of elbows and knees. Its rich protein content repairs and rejuvenates the skin,” explains Dr Chabbra.Use: Soak a bowl of dal overnight. Grind it into a fine paste and rub on the skin for 8-10 minutes using gentle circular strokes. You can also add a few drops of lemon juice for better results.
Over-scrubbing may lead to rashes. 

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