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Yet some people never have skin problems no matter how much they sit in the sun. "Photosensitivity is not the same for everyone,"

"It is a fundamental principle of Ayurveda that your physical strengths and weaknesses depend on the climate and geographical area you live in, the time of the year, your genetic make-up, and your skin and body type." Having fair skin or a predominance of Pitta dosha, the principle of heat and metabolism in the body, for example, will make you more sun-sensitive. And in the summer season, when Pitta Dosha is on the rise, everyone needs to protect their skin from the sun.

Heat Inside, Heat Outside
From the ayurvedic perspective, the body is made of five different elements. Fire, called tejas, has the qualities of transformation, burning, reflecting, shining, and sharpness.

"In the environment, this element of fire is found in the sun, while in the body, the element of fire is found in the eyes, Fire gives us the ability to see light, but it also gives the quality of being visible, of radiating light so that others can see us." The fire element is also found in the subdosha Bhrajaka Pitta, which governs the enzymatic changes of the skin. Normally, there is a natural balance in the skin -- if it gets too heated, the skin has natural means to moisturize and cool itself.

"But if Bhrajaka Pitta is too heated, then the ultraviolet rays from the sun penetrate the skin and aggravate Bhrajaka Pitta, The overheated skin burns up the moisturizing functions of the skin."

When this happens, people get sunburned even with a few minutes' exposure to the sun. If this happens on a daily basis, it can cause early aging, because there isn’t enough moisture to prevent wrinkles and age spots from forming.

Preventing Sun Damage
To prevent damage to the skin in summer, you'll want to avoid any foods or behaviors that increase Pitta dosha. Eating red chili peppers, vinegar, or sour foods will heat your body. Consuming leftovers, alcohol, genetically modified foods, or foods with lots of preservatives, will also aggravate Pitta dosha.

Avoid pungent, sour, or salty foods and favor the sweet, astringent and bitter tastes. This will have a cooling effect on your body and mind.

Avoid constipation, as this can cause heat to build up in the body. Drink plenty of pure water, and eat more squashes, cantaloupe, and watermelon.

Stay away from strong, chemical-laden, artificial skin creams, lotions, soaps, or shampoos, as these directly aggravate Bhrajaka Pitta and increase your sensitivity to sun damage.

The Skin, Emotions, and Eyes Are Linked
Heated emotions can also heat the skin. This is because different subdoshas of Pitta govern the emotions and the skin, so they are closely linked. Watching violent movies, living with people who are angry, or feeling too much anger yourself can heat the emotions, and through them, your skin.

"You can see the connection between heated emotions and heated skin, because when people get angry, their faces turn red."

There is also a connection between the eyes and the skin, because both are governed by Pitta dosha. "Wear sun glasses to protect your skin. When the eyes get overheated, that heats the emotions, and the heat reflects back to the skin."

Cooling Sunburned Sensitive Skin
In summer, you can massage your skin with a massage oil that has cooling coconut oil as its base.

If you work or play in the sun, then wear a good pair of sunglasses to screen out the UV rays, and of course, protect your skin by wearing a hat and sunscreen.

In the evening, splash your eyes with cool water. Apply a little Rose Water to a cotton pad, then lie down with your eyes closed and the pad over your eyes for five minutes. Do this daily for a refreshing effect on your eyes, and consequently a cooling effect on your emotions and skin.

"You'll feel the emotional stress subsiding. It's cooling for the heart, mind, and eyes."

Applying watermelon puree to the facial skin also helps cool and moisturize the skin. Mash it into a paste, apply it on your face, avoiding the area just around the eyes, leave on for two or three minutes, and rinse.

By cooling your skin inside and out, you can enjoy the summer sun without damage.