Summer is here and so are the rising temperatures. Your skin needs special care in the summer just as it does on the winter. Follow this natural healthy guide to keep your skin fresh and glowing all summer long.

Believe it or not, certain foods and beverages such as green teas, avocados, vegetables and fruit, help in purifying and nourishing the skin in summer. They also do wonders enhancing your mood and energy levels.

Eat foods high in vitamin C to protect your skin from the damage of the sun. Berries, summer fruits, broccoli and leafy greens are all packed with vitamin C.

Fresh fruits in summer like plums, peaches or nectarines are rich sources of phytonutrients and antioxidants. Researchers have shown that fruits from the sources of antioxidants are helpful to protect the skin from Ultraviolet rays. Antioxidants are very beneficial in case of presence of more than one such as in plums, nectarines and California peaches.

• Fresh plums, nectarines and peaches are useful for skin as they have low glycerin as compared to juices and other fruits.
• Antioxidants and natural acids in yogurt and fruit will lightly and nourish the skin and the oil from walnuts will lend sheen and softness. Try making a fruit salad over some vanilla yogurt topped with nuts.

Berries are also the source of antioxidant and elements of natural anti-inflammatory are used to prevent and repair the damaged skin. Sprinkle Berries on top of your morning cereal, yogurt or oatmeal for a antioxidant packed breakfast.

Eat more cucumbers and melon during the summer to cool the body and re-hydrate it. Eating the antioxidant lutein (found in dark-green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and kale) can protect your skin against some of the sun's damaging effects, say Harvard researchers. Lutein also helps lessen skin damage caused by aging, UV light, and other environmental stresses.

Bananas are one of the most nourishing fruits full of vitamins and minerals. They will serve well to prevent wrinkles and aging of the skin. Peel and soften banana to prepare the mask. Spread softened banana over your face and neck avoiding the eyes. Leave for 10-20 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and gently pat dry. Use once a week to nourish the skin regularly. Try adding a little hone and coconut or olive oil to the mix for extra smooth skin.

We’ve all heard before, drinking lots of water is absolutely essential to replenish moisture lost to the drying effects of the sun. Try adding a wedge of lemon or lime for a refreshing summer drink.

Topically

Coconut oil’s (cold-pressed, unrefined Virgin; found at most health food stores or online) ability to nourish and heal the skin has been known in the tropics for hundreds of years Coconut Oil has wonderful moisturizing and healing powers. As a saturated fat consisting primarily of medium chain fatty acids (MCTs), it is not easily oxidized and does not cause harmful free radical damage like polyunsaturated vegetable oils. Most commercial skin care products in the US today are made from polyunsaturated oils which oxidize and turn rancid very quickly causing free radical damage in the skin. There is good evidence that this is not only true for external applications, but also holds true for the oils one consumes. One of the main reasons that we experience so many skin problems in the US today is a switch in our dietary oil. Our forefathers consumed primarily saturated fats, but most people today consume polyunsaturated fats and trans fatty acids. Use topically as a moisturizer or add to your diet in place of your other cooking oils.

Before you moisturize, spritz some raw organic Apple Cider Vinegar (Use a ½ and ½ solution of vinegar and distilled water to avoid burning your skin) on a cotton pad as a toner. This will restore your skins natural PH.

Makeup

Lighten up with lighter colors: Think about lightening up a shade in shadow and blush hues for a clean summer look. Dark colors can really weigh your face down during summer months. Try warm, neutral colors such as gold, pink and turquoise are in style for this season's fresh look. Use a little bronzer to add that warm summer glow

The importance of eliminating stress and getting adequate rest cannot be overemphasized for your skin to have a natural, healthy glow of summer.