Summers in India can be brutal on your skin due to the heat and humidity. The combination of high temperatures and humidity can lead to excessive sweating, dehydration, and increased oil production, which can cause various skin issues such as acne, heat rash, sunburn, and overall skin dullness. It’s essential to take extra care of your skin during the summer months to keep your skin healthy and glowing. In this blog, we discuss the best skin care tips for summer in India.

Understanding Indian summers and skin

Understanding Indian Summers and Skin is the first step in choosing the best skincare routine for summer. The intense heat along with humidity during Indian summers can take a toll on your skin. Prolonged exposure to the sun’s harsh UV rays can cause sunburn, premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and increase the risk of skin cancer. Sweat mixes with the natural oils on our skin, blocking pores and leading to acne breakouts, blackheads, and whiteheads. The combination of heat and humidity also stimulates the oil glands in the skin to produce more oil, further increasing acne and other skin issues.

Additionally, the loss of fluid through sweating can leave the skin dehydrated. This makes the skin prone to dryness and irritation. Heat rash, or prickly heat, is another common skin problem during hot and humid weather, characterized by redness, itching, and small, raised bumps on the skin. Overall, the intense sun, sweat, and humidity can leave your skin feeling irritated, inflamed, and more susceptible to various skin conditions, highlighting the importance of proper skincare during Indian summers.

1. Sun protection: Shield your skin from harmful rays

Protecting your skin from sun damage is the best skincare routine for summer. Too much sun exposure causes sun spots, which continue to become a darker brown as you spend more time outside. High exposure to UV rays can cause skin cancer. UV rays can damage or even kill skin cells. It is crucial to protect your skin as it is your body’s first layer of defence.

Sunscreen protects the skin. They play an important role in blocking ultraviolet (UV) radiation from being absorbed by the skin. Choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) and applying it generously to all exposed skin areas can provide effective protection against sun damage and reduce the risk of skin cancer.

2. Hydration: Keep your skin cool and happy

Don’t wait to feel thirsty. Sip water throughout the day and drink more water than usual during hot weather. Certain fruits and vegetables contain plenty of water in addition to healthful nutrients. Watermelon, cucumber, orange, strawberry, pineapple, and blueberries are fruits with high water content.

When your skin feels hot during the intense heat of Indian summers, using Aloe Vera Gel helps to calm irritated skin and reduce inflammation. Aloe Vera has soothing and cooling properties so that applying it to the affected areas gives instant relief. Cucumber has a high water content and is known for its cooling properties. Place cucumber slices on your skin, especially on sunburned or irritated areas, to help soothe and hydrate the skin.

3. Washing your face: Keeping it clean without overdoing it

Washing the face at regular intervals can help with the removal of dirt, oil, and other unwanted debris. Washing your face removes these impurities and gives the skin a fresh look.

Dermatologists recommend the use of face washes as it helps remove dirt, pollutants, and grime that water cannot remove alone. A face wash also regulates excess sebum production in the skin. That is why skin care experts recommend using face washes twice a day.

Exfoliating once or twice a week can be beneficial for your skin, especially during Indian summers when sweat, oil, and pollution can lead to a buildup of dead skin cells. Exfoliation helps remove these dead skin cells, revealing fresh, glowing skin underneath. Therefore, while regular exfoliation can help keep your skin smooth and radiant, be cautious not to exfoliate too often, as this can disrupt the skin’s natural balance and cause more harm than good.

4. Light and easy skincare products

During summer, heavy creams that feel luxurious and comforting can suddenly become less appealing. The rich texture of these creams can feel thick and suffocating on the skin as temperatures rise. As we sweat more in the heat, heavy creams can mix with sweat and create a sticky film on the skin’s surface. This not only feels uncomfortable but can also clog pores, leading to breakouts and irritation.

To avoid feeling sticky in the heat, it’s essential to switch to light moisturizers and oil-free products that won’t clog pores. Opt for water-based moisturizers or gel formulas that absorb quickly into the skin. Look for products labeled “non-comedogenic” to ensure they won’t clog pores or contribute to breakouts. These lighter alternatives will keep your skin feeling fresh, comfortable, and free from that sticky sensation, even on the hottest days.

5. Dealing with common summer skin issues

Skin problems are common in summer due to the extreme heat. Some of the common issues are:

• Acne: Characterized by pimples, whiteheads, or blackheads caused by clogged pores.
• Dark spots (Hyperpigmentation): Areas of the skin that have become darker than the surrounding skin due to an excess of melanin.
• Uneven skin tone: Irregularities in skin colour, often caused by sun damage, or acne scarring.
• Rashes: Skin irritation or inflammation that causes redness, itching, or discomfort.

Using products with ingredients like vitamin C or aloe vera can help with these issues. Look for a serum containing L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) as it can help brighten dark spots. Aloe vera can also help fade dark spots and promote skin healing. Look for products that contain a high percentage of pure aloe vera gel.

While skincare products containing ingredients like vitamin C and aloe vera can be beneficial for many common skin issues, it’s essential to remember that some skin concerns may require professional evaluation and treatment. If you have serious or persistent skin problems such as severe acne, chronic rashes, or unusual pigmentation, it’s essential to consult a dermatologist.

6. Lifestyle changes for better skin

In addition to using skincare products, protecting your skin from the sun is crucial for maintaining healthy and radiant skin. Here are some tips to help protect your skin from sun damage:

Wear a hat: Wearing a wide-brimmed hat can provide extra protection for your face, neck, and ears. Opt for hats with a brim of at least 2 to 3 inches to provide adequate shade. Hats made from tightly woven fabrics offer the best sun protection.

Seek shade: Whenever possible, seek shade, especially during peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Shade can significantly reduce your overall sun exposure and help prevent sunburn and skin damage.

Avoid prolonged sun exposure: Limit your time in the sun, especially during peak hours. If you’re going to be outdoors for an extended period, try to plan your activities for early morning or late afternoon when the sun is less intense.

In addition to using skincare products and protecting your skin from the sun, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential for achieving and maintaining healthy skin.

Consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains provides your skin with essential nutrients and antioxidants. These nutrients help repair and renew skin cells, promote collagen production, and protect against environmental damage.

Chronic stress can trigger inflammation in the body, which can exacerbate skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as through exercise, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or hobbies, can help improve your skin’s health and appearance.

During sleep, your body repairs and regenerates skin cells. Lack of sleep can lead to dull, tired-looking skin, dark under-eye circles, and an increased risk of skin problems. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.

7. Wear protective clothing

Opt for lightweight, breathable clothing that covers your skin when spending time outdoors. Choose fabrics like cotton and linen that allow your skin to breathe while providing some protection against UV rays.

In this blog, we have discussed skin care tips for summer in India. Maintaining healthy and glowing skin during the summer months in India is about adopting a comprehensive skincare routine and making healthy lifestyle choices. Skin problems always come with summer. Extreme heat and humidity pose a challenge to skin health. The skin issues in summer can be tackled by following the tips discussed in the blog. Using skincare products along with other practices can help you to protect your skin from various problems.

Make skin care a daily routine in your life. Consider your skin health as an important factor in your life. Use skin care products and follow skin care techniques to have healthy and clean skin. Let’s beat the summer heat by providing protection for your skin.