By Haricharan Pudipeddi
Chennai, April 11 (IANS): From homemade formulas, Ayurvedic solutions to dietary rules - male actors from the country's southern film industry follow myriad ways to ensure their skin is well-cared for during summer.

Vanity is as important to men as it is to women, and so IANS turned to popular south Indian actors to share tips on how to protect your skin.

Actor Nakul, who strongly advises to "stay away from all chemical-related products", follows simple homemade skin recipes.

"I make it a point to not use chemical products on my skin. I follow simple skin recipes recommended by most grandparents. Cucumber and malai (cream) is one of the best skin coolants I have come across. I occasionally use them on my face," Nakul told IANS.

"It is also very important to hydrate your skin during summer. Therefore, one needs to drink as much as water as possible and also wash the face at regular intervals. Most importantly, people should refrain from changing soaps during summer," he added.

The best way to beat the summer heat and protect the skin from tanning is by following Ayurvedic recipes, said actor Ganesh Venkatraman.

"I'm a strong proponent of Ayurveda. For the summer, make a face pack of neem leaves. Make a thick of paste and apply it on your face and leave it on for half hour. It gives great results," Ganesh said.

For sunburns and tanning, he said: "Apply thin layer of curd on your face and let it dry. Curd helps in cooling down your skin and it sucks body tan and sunburns. Wash your face wish rose water as it helps in revitalizing your skin".

But the most recommended tip for healthy skin is good nutrition.

"Your face is a reflection of your stomach," said Ganesh, and added: "Make fruits a part of your daily diet. Have as much as possible of watermelon and musk melon."

Nakul said: "Avoid oily food during summer and cut down on spicy food as well."

Don't sunscreen lotions help protect the skin?

"Multiple layers of sunscreen will help to an extent," said actor Rahul Ravindran.

"A single layer of sunscreen won't protect much as we spend a lot of time shooting under the sun. We need to reapply it every few hours," Rahul added.

Model-turned-actor Harshvardhan Rane prefers organic skin remedies to beat the summer heat.

"I'm strictly against skin products. I apply tomato or papaya pulp on my face and other areas that are usually exposed to the sun. I know it's a little messy, but as actors, we have to do all this to look good," he said.

But Harshavardhan also said that a bit of sun is equally important for the skin.

"It's extremely important to face the sun everyday. Early morning sun rays are very good for skin, so step out of your house and soak in it. Just avoid stepping out in the sun during the afternoon between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. (when the sun is at its strongest)," he added.

Irrespective of your sex, skin needs care and attention. After all, why should girls have all the fun?