There are 3 layers to the skin - epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous (sometimes named hypodermis). The epidermis is the surface of the skin. New skin cells are made at the bottom of that layer and over a period of 2-4 weeks, for a 14 year old,  the new skin cells make their way to the surface as older cells near the top die and flake off. However, by age 60 this process may take 12-13 weeks.   

The next layer down is the dermis and it is full of tiny blood vessels that deliver oxygen and nutrients to our skin cells and take away waste. The dermis also contains the sebaceous glands that produce sebum oil to keep your skin lubricated and protected.

The third layer is the subcutaneous layer and it is made mostly of fat to keep our bodies warm and to absorb shocks when we bump into something.

Your skin is smart and a primary purpose, besides holding us all together of course, is to regulate body temperature. The hypothalamus is the brain's inner thermometer. When you exert and get overheated, especially in the summer, your hypothalamus sends a message to your blood vessels to move closer to the surface so they can release some heat. This is why we get red-faced when too warm. Also to cool us down, sweat glands release sweat which evaporates and cools us.

Sure, the skin processes work miraculously on their own to keep our bodies warm, moist, and protected, however, in the summer heat we can tax these processes. We want to slough off old skin, keep our blood vessels open and flowing and detox ama from our fat cells.  Ayurveda offers skin refreshment for the processes on all skin layers. 

Three smart strategies for skin health are in the form of diet, topical applications, and herbal supports. Now that you know how skin, our largest organ, works, let's look at what you can do to enhance skin health and radiance.  

I love this simple and effective formula.  Fat-soluble toxins such as chemical residues pesticides and environmental pollutants settle in the fatty subcutaneous layer of the skin as ama (toxins).  Ama congests the lymphatic drainage system and inhibits the surfacing of new skin cells.  As we live longer, the process can become less vitalized, but we can help.  This formula can slough off the dry, dead skin to reveal healthy living skin, but don't overdo.   Some use it daily but start slowly to determine what is best for you skin.

Chickpea (garbonza) bean flour exfoliates and moisturizes naturally  and the triphala nourishes the skin by providing vitamin C to support collagen and elasticity of the skin  while pulling toxins from deep tissue layers to increase micro-circulation and repair damaged skin. Recipe from Lifespa

• 1 Tablespoon chickpea flour
• 1/4 teaspoon Triphala or Triphala Guggula powder (available at Banyan Botanicals)

• Mix into a paste with rose water .

Options  

Vata Skin Types: add 1tsp of raw honey

Pitta Skin Types: Add 1/4tsp of dried Neem or Mint leaves (if using fresh leaves, use 1/2 tablespoon of mashed leaves and mix into your paste)

Kapha Skin Types: Add 1tsp of raw honey with 1/2tsp lemon juice

Moisturize afterwards.  You might consider coconut oil which is cooling for the summer.