Skincare Routine For Summer: 5 Easy Tips To Stay Fresh & Radiant All Season

The summer is back again. This means, the sun is going to be hotter now, and its ultraviolet (UV) rays will be more intense. Your chances of exposure to these UV rays will also be at its peak. 

Don’t forget the humidity in air, resultant sweating, and accumulation of dirt, germs, and oils in the skin pores. 

That’s why a skincare routine for summer is not only useful for enhancing external aesthetics, but also taking care of your skin health to the fullest. It includes—keeping your skin hydrated, protecting it against sun damage, and more. 

Experts always ask people to not underestimate the sun’s negative impact on us, such as premature aging, sun burns, and sometimes, serious complications like skin cancer. Though researchers say that skin cancer incidences in India are much lower than in other parts of the world.

Today, we’ll look at 5 easy tips that you can punch into your skincare routine for the approaching summers to maintain healthy and glowing skin.

5 easy tips you can use in your next skincare routine for summer.

1) A sunscreen is your soulmate in summers.

You’ll always find sunscreen at the centre of an effective summer skincare routine. 

According to dermatologists, applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 defends you against both UVA and UVB rays, which are known to cause sunburns and skin cancer.

Everyday application is vital, as UV rays can puncture through clouds and cause damage to your skin. As per research, 80% of UV rays can still reach your skin even on the most overcast days.

Adequate application is fundamental to benefitting the maximum from sunscreens. Adults generally need up to 1 ounce of sunscreen (i.e. 28 g) in a go. Think about a shot glass, that is what you need to cover the face, neck, hands, and other exposed parts of the body.

There are also tinted sunscreens available with iron oxide in their compositions. They offer elite protection not only against UV rays but also visible light—preventing pigmentation and photoaging.

Additionally, you can also use powder sunscreens or spray formulations over your makeup, without altering your look. 

2) Lightweight moisturisers don’t rile your pores.

During the summer months, heat and humidity can team up and cause your skin to produce more oil. Therefore, opting for lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturisers becomes quite crucial, as you don’t want any clogged pores or acne break-outs. 

Non-comedogenic products don’t include ingredients that are known to block pores. They are a perfect choice for people with oily or acne-prone skin.

A summer moisturiser typically features a gel or water-based composition that hydrates the skin, letting it breathe and shine brilliantly.

While you look for summer skincare moisturiser, ensure that it has hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide. These lock moisture inside your skin, without leaving a greasy residue on its outer layer. Plus, they create a protective barrier on your skin, safeguarding it against environmental pollutants.

After prolonged exposure to the sun and excessive sweating, your skin may turn dry. A hydrating moisturiser can easily help fix this.

3) Exfoliate regularly—Yes!

Exfoliation, too, is an integral part of any summer skincare routine. Due to increased sweat and oil production, dead skin cells get collected more rapidly on the skin’s outermost layer and hinder pore openings.

Regular exfoliation aids in eliminating the build-up of dead skin cells, oil, and dirt from pores, revealing fresh skin. 

Chemical exfoliants don’t include scrubbing that is commonly associated with physical exfoliation. They still help manage skin tone and texture effectively.

4) Add Vitamin C into your skincare for sun protection.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps quash free radicals from skin, which are generated mainly when one is exposed to Sun’s UV radiation, pollution, dust, and other environmental stressors. 

This defensive action, in turn, reduces oxidative stress on the skin—preventing it from premature aging and dullness. On the other hand, you get a bright, even complexion.

Dermatologists suggest applying a Vitamin C serum/cream/mist toner daily, most preferably in the morning—just before you lather sunscreen on your face and neck. Doing so not only doubles the protection against sun damage, but also increases the efficacy of sunscreens. 

Topical Vitamin C is a rockstar ingredient that also promotes collagen production in skin. This helps maintain your skin, firm and elastic, diminishing fine lines and wrinkles. 

When you look for any Vitamin products, search for L-ascorbic acid on the label. Research says, this form of Vitamin C is the most stable and gets absorbed very quickly into the skin.

Moreover, foods such as berries, green leafy vegetables, and nuts are high in antioxidants. They can help fight free radical damage, and keep your skin bright and clear.

5) Stay hydrated on the daily!

Skincare in summers is incomplete without hydration. Not drinking enough water can lead to dry and flaky skin, intensifying the risks of breakouts, irritation, and itching. 

The health experts recommend:

• Men should aim for about 15.5 cups (or 3.7 litres) of fluids per day.

• For women, it is about 11.5 cups (or 2.7 litres) of fluids per day.

But individual needs are also taken into consideration, and they may vary depending on activity levels, climate, age, and personal health.

Proper hydration helps nutrients to reach your skin conveniently and strengthen its natural barrier. It also promotes skin elasticity, improving overall skin tone and texture. 

Other quick tips to add to your skincare routine for summer

A summer skincare routine primarily involves preventive measures and everyday rituals that help adjust and adapt your skin to the changing hot climate. 

Let’s quickly go through some extra tips that you can use:

• Wash your face twice each day with sulfate-free cleansers, as they are less likely to strip your skin of its natural oils. 

• Protect your lips from the sun's harmful UV rays. Use a lip balm with SPF 30 every two hours, especially after eating, drinking or swimming.

• Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, wrap-around skirts to minimise skin exposure, when you have to spend extended hours in the sun.

• Wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses with UV protection also help prevent sun damage to skin.

• Take cool showers to beat the heat. You can also go for lukewarm water. But don’t use hot water, as they rig out natural moisture from your skin, worsening dryness and irritation.

• Limit your shower time to 10-15 minutes.

• Use a hydrating body wash for showers, which is devoid of harsh detergents and fragrances. 

• After you’re done, use a towel to gently pat your skin. Do not scrub vigorously—it will only add to skin irritation. 

• After a long day out in the sun, you need a cooling lotion or an aloe vera gel to soothe your burnt or inflamed skin, and resupply hydration. Look for ingredients like—chamomile or calendula—as they help calm redness and itching.

• Diet also impacts your skin health. Avoid too much sugar and processed foods. They can trigger hormonal imbalance in the body, which may erupt as skin problems and breakouts.