Beat the heat: 7 skincare tips to save your skin from summer sun

Benefits of sunscreen: Every time you step out or the time when you stay in, sunscreen is non-negotiable. Opt for a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and reapply every 2-3 hours (Image: Canva)

Summer months bring with them heat, sweat, and skin issues like tanning, acne, and sunburn. Maintaining a healthy complexion becomes a challenge, unless you tweak your routine. A smart and simple skincare regimen can help your skin stay fresh, protected, and glowing, even under the harsh summer sun.

As temperatures soar, our skin becomes more vulnerable to environmental stress. “Sweat, oil, and dirt can clog pores, leading to breakouts, dullness, and uneven skin tone,” says Dr Chandani Jain Gupta, MBBS & MD, Dermatologist & Aesthetic Physician,  Elantis Healthcare, New Delhi. “Add UV rays into the mix, and the damage can be more than just superficial. To beat this you need a consistent summer skincare plan tailored to your skin’s needs during hot, humid weather,” she adds.

During summer, increased heat and humidity change how your skin reacts and behaves. You may notice your skin feeling oilier or experiencing more breakouts. “There’s increased trans-epidermal water loss during summer, which can leave the skin dehydrated even if it looks greasy,” warns Dr Gupta.

Also read | Summer skin care tips: Protect your skin from the sun, prevent pigmentation

The idea is to hydrate without heaviness and protect without suffocating your skin. With a few smart switches, you can stay one step ahead of summer's skin troubles.

Dr Gupta shares the best summer skincare checklist:

• Wash face twice a day: Sweat and oil production spike in the summer. Use a gentle, sulfate-free gel or foaming cleanser to wash your face morning and night. This helps remove dirt and oil while maintaining your skin’s moisture barrier.

• Never miss sunscreen: Every time you step out or the time when you stay in, sunscreen is non-negotiable. Opt for a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and reapply every 2-3 hours. This is your best defence against sunburn, tanning, and premature ageing.

• Stay hydrated from the inside out: Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water daily. Water-rich fruits like watermelon, cucumber, and oranges also help. “Your skin reflects what you consume, hydration is the foundation of healthy, supple skin,” says Dr Gupta.

• Use light and water-based moisturisers: Switch to gel-based or water-based moisturisers. Ingredients like aloe vera or hyaluronic acid provide essential hydration without greasiness or clogging pores.

• Exfoliate once or twice a week: Dead skin cells build up faster in summer. Use a gentle scrub or chemical exfoliant like glycolic acid. Overdoing it can lead to irritation, so once or twice a week is enough.

• Avoid heavy makeup: Allow your skin to breathe. Choose lightweight, non-comedogenic, and waterproof makeup. Tinted moisturisers or BB creams with SPF can replace heavier foundations.

• Shield your eyes and lips: The delicate skin around your eyes and lips needs care too. Apply a lip balm with SPF and wear UV-protective sunglasses to guard against pigmentation and dark circles.