Summer a time when our feet meet the beach, sand and the softness of the grass! A time when everything feels like a fairytale all bright, breezy, and sunny. It’s the time to play dress-up in cute summer dresses, sipping Pina coladas and soaking up the golden light. Although as the summer heat increases especially in regions where the temperatures soar to 40–50°C that’s when the downfall begins! Oh, the humidity, sweat, excessive sun exposure, and increased oil production. It’s like a wreckage to our overall health and also to our skin! It leaves you feeling all greasy and oily, dull, and makes you feel exhausted. That’s when our summer skincare comes to the rescue!
While we have always heard friends and family advise us to “apply sunscreen during summers” (and yes while you should), let’s not forget sunscreen alone isn’t enough to protect your skin. Although do not fret, there are many other ways to protect your skin this summer and give yourself a healthy and refreshed look! Here’s your ultimate summer skincare checklist and a look at what to keep, add and ditch in our skincare routine!
What to Keep In Your Skincare Routine:
1. Sunscreen: Sunscreen is your number one protector from the harsh heat. It not helps protect you from sunburn and tanning but also keeps your skin from premature aging and pigmentation. Use a broad spectrum of sunscreen daily with SPF 30 or a ranger higher than that. Also if you are on a vacation on the beach or swimming keep reapplying the sunscreen every two hours!
2. Use a Gentle Cleanser to exfoliate: Your skin is more prone to dust, sweat and oil in the summers and while harsh products may increase the chance of it breaking out. One must make sure they are using cleansers that balances the skin without drying it or stripping it from essential moistures. Gently exfoliate twice or thrice in a week to help remove dead skin cells and keeps the pores clean.
3. Stay hydrated Inside & Out: Staying hydrated is the key throughout all seasons. Especially in the summers water is your best friend more than chilled sodas or products that can cause more harm to the skin. Along with drinking enough fluids, incorporate humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerin in your skincare to keep your skin hydrated from the outside too.
4. Lightweight Moisturizer: Using a light weight moisturizer can feel more relaxed than heavy ones. Choose a gel-based or water based moisturizer to keep your skin maintained and hydrated without feeling greasy. Some lightweight moisturizers that one can use are Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel Light Face Moisturizer by Dot and Key, Nivea soft light cream and more!
What to Add to Your Summer Skincare Routine:
1. SPF Lip Balm: Many think that skincare is only for the face, hands and legs, although every part of your body needs skincare. And one such thing that people forget are the lips when it comes to protecting it from the sun. A must need summer skincare product is lip balm infused with SPF. This helps protect your skin from color darkening, turning dry and from sun-burn. It also helps keep the lips nourished and soft. Indē wilds dewy lip treatment, hyphens lip balm, dot and key lip balm are few of the brands amongst others that provide the best lip balms with SPF protection.
2. Toner: Use a gentle toner with ingredients like cucumber, green tea or chamomile as they help close pores, balance skin pH, calm and soothen the skin and overall offer a refreshing feeling. You can use the CeraVe Hydrating Toner, Lacto Calamine Rose Water Toner For Glowing Skin, Renée Rouleau Elderberry Soothing Toner, laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Essence Toner, etc during the summers.
3. Gel-Based Products: When you buy products make sure to test whether they are lightweight. Some products end up being sticky or oily leading to discomfort and clogged pores. So switch to products that are water or gel-based as these are typically lightweight, fast-absorbing, and less likely to clog your pores in humid weather. These products hydrate without weighing your skin down, leaving it feeling fresh and smooth.
4. Vitamin C Serum: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant as it brighten dull skin, fades pigmentation, and protect against sun damage. It boosts collagen production for a firmer, more radiant look and for the perfect summer skincare glow. You can also support your skin by consuming Vitamin C-rich fruits or using natural remedies like an orange peel mask to rejuvenate and refresh your skin.
5. Blotting Papers or Mattifying Powders– Keep blotting papers handy to quickly dab away excess oil without ruining your makeup. They help prevent that shiny, greasy look and keeps your skin feeling fresh. Mattifying powders can also help control shine throughout the day and gets your skin a smooth, velvety finish. Together, they’re your go-to duo for staying shine-free and flawless throughout the day.
6. Aloe Vera or Cooling Mist: Face mists with aloe vera, cucumber, or rose water can instantly cool down your skin and reduce redness or irritation after sun exposure. Keep one in your bag for on-the-go refreshment! You can use the Forest Essentials Facial Tonic Mist with Pure Rosewater or Plum Green Tea Revitalizing Spray Face Mist.
What to Ditch This Summer:
1. Heavy Creams and Oils– Rich creams and facial oils can clog pores and feel too heavy in the heat. They may contribute to acne or make your skin feel stickier than necessary. That is why
2. Harsh Exfoliants– Be mindful of ingredients like retinols or hydroquinones, which can increase sun sensitivity, and avoid using them before sun exposure. If you must use them, apply only at night and use high SPF during the day.
3. Alcohol-Based Toners– Toners with high alcohol content can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Choose hydrating, alcohol-free alternatives instead.
4. Heavy Makeup – Full-coverage foundations and thick layers of makeup can trap sweat and clog pores. Swap them out for lightweight, breathable options like BB creams or tinted moisturizers.
Bonus Tips for Summer Skincare:
Stay Hydrated: Drink lots of water and stay hydrated at all times. This flushes out toxins, keeps your skin supple, and helps maintain its natural glow.
Clean Your Makeup Brushes Regularly: More sweat and oil = more bacteria. So make sure to clean your brushes or any other makeup tools at least once a week.
Double Cleanse at Night: If you wear makeup and sunscreen, use an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based one to thoroughly clean your skin.
Wear Protective Clothing: Protect your skin in all ways. Wear hats, sunglasses, and breathable, full-sleeved clothing as it can reduce direct sun exposure.
Eat Skin-Friendly Foods: Skincare is not just important but also staying healthy is important. Add fresh fruits, leafy greens, and vegetables rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C to your diet. Healthy food can help maintain a healthy skin and avoid consumption of fatty and oily food.
Use Face Masks or D-Tan Packs: Summer tan can be difficult to get off the skin. So make sure you use weekly masks or use d tan packs to help soothe, detoxify, and brighten your skin after long days in the sun.
Summer skincare is all about keeping it light, fresh, and protective. By making a few seasonal tweaks like ditching the heavy stuff and embracing hydrating, sun-smart products you can help your skin stay healthy, happy, and glowing all summer long.
