In the Middle East, with great summers comes great responsibility towards health and beauty. To look fresh and relaxed through those steamy morning commutes, adapt to a skin-care regime that works towards cooling you down and shielding your skin from the sweltering heat and humidity. We’re focusing on the key ingredients to look for that contain self-cooling properties and keep you looking on point through the peak temperatures.
Menthol
The popular organic compound with its characteristic minty smell can be derived from natural sources, such as peppermint and eucalyptus plants, or produced synthetically. The invigorating and soothing properties of menthol for skincare make it a versatile ingredient in sun relief creams and lotions to refresh and revive stressed skin. The cooling effect to touch signals the brain to release the heat reserve in the body and allows the body to quickly cool down and produce less sweat. Be sure to stock up on menthol imbued SPFs and after-sun creams.
1. SUSANNE KAUFMANN, Cooling Foot Cream | 2. ELEMIS, Instant Refreshing Gel | 3. SACHAJUAN, Scalp Shampoo | 4. MURAD, Blemish Control Clarifying Cleanser | 5. MILK MAKEUP, Cooling Water^
Aloe Vera
Apart from being a go-to sunburn ointment for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties, aloe vera has been used as a natural coolant for years in beverages, as it effectively hydrates and soothes the body leaving behind a chilling sensation. Be sure to look for organic products that use natural aloe, instead of synthetic imitations for a wholesome beauty saviour regime. Tip: when in exotic destinations such as Asia, cut open natural Aloe Vera plants and smooth across skin for the most authentic and effective coolant.
1. ORIGINS, No Puffery Cooling Roll-On For Puffy Eyes | 2. OLE HENRIKSEN, Aloe Vera Deep Cleanser | 3. BBROWBAR, Aloe Vera Gel | 4. CAUDALIE, Fleur De Vigne Shower Gel | 5. NUXE, Dry Skin Moisturising Crème Fraîche de Beauté Enrichie ^
Cucumber
Our mothers have always taught us to use sliced cucumbers to refresh the eye area, and with good reason. Cucumbers are well known as natural toners and astringents, due to their cooling properties that can be credited to the high level of ascorbic acid, which helps get rid of oiliness in skin leaving only the natural glow. Its 95 percent water composition leaves the skin nourished and drenched. Look for a cucumber infused product if you need to de-puff tired eyes or reduce redness from sunburn.
1. ELEMENTAL HERBOLOGY, Watermelon and Cucumber Body Moisturiser | 2. SISLEY, Moisturiser With Cucumber Jar | 3. KIEHL'S, Cucumber Herbal Alcohol Free Toner | 4. HAMPTON SUN, Bronze Shimmer Cooling Spray | 5. PETER THOMAS ROTH, Cucumber Gel Mask^
Yogurt
Fro-yo may well be trending as the go-to low-fat dessert of the year, but by being rich in lactic acid and zinc, yogurt is also a natural exfoliating and cooling agent for skin. Not only has it been an age old remedy for treating sunburn, acne, and mild skin infections, it's a guilt-free snack not just for the summer months.
1. MILKSHAKE, Active Yogurt Mask | 2. FOREO, Awakening Radiance Yogurt Day Cleanser | 3. KORRES, After Sun Greek Yoghurt Cooling Gel^
Turmeric
Popular as the golden spice from the East, turmeric has been a key coolant in health and beauty for centuries. According to Ayurveda, the Indian spice is classified as an important anti-inflammatory in diet for its valuable pitta pacifying properties. Lucky for us, the soothing qualities of the wonder ingredient can also be found in turmeric infused beauty products. Tip: two tea-spoons of tumeric, a dash of honey and hot water makes for a suprisingly cooling drink while helping to detoxify the body.
