As the scorching summer rolls around, our skin begins to experience changes. Isn’t it? With excessive heat and humidity all day, your skin starts screaming for more protection - from exhibiting those annoying rashes and sunburns to the stubborn tan and acne.

So, it’s essential that you up your skincare game right away to stay away from unwanted summer skin issues.

How Does Summer Affect Your Skin?

As the weather gets warmer and humidity increases in the environment, your skin’s sebaceous glands start producing excess sebum (natural oil). The oil secreted gets stuck on the surface of the skin, leading to stickiness, grease and blocked pores.

The Department of Health and Social Care only recommends vitamin supplements containing vitamins A, C and D.Acne breakouts are the most common problem that occur in summer. People with oily skin are more prone to it as the bacteria and oils in the skin mix with the sweat causing clogged pores and acne.

When your skin is exposed to the harmful UV rays, melanin production increases in order to protect your skin from sun damage. Melanin has photoprotective qualities. Excess melanin results in darker, tanned skin. Other problems can include itchy skin, prickly heat, sunburn and rash due to sensitivity to the sun.

How to Take Care of Your Skin in Summer?

1. Face Wash to Remove Excess Oil

In summer, oily skin can get more oily. Use a face wash suited to your skin type that can deep cleanse and remove all the dirt and grime. People with dry skin would need a non-foaming cleanser. Opt for mild, alcohol-free and pH balanced cleansers.

2. Opt for A Good Skin Care Routine

Maintain a skin care regimen and follow it religiously. Choose gel-based (for dry skin) and water based (for oily skin) rather than cream-based products as the former are lighter and non-greasy. Cleansing, toning and moisturizing twice a day will help keep your skin clean and fresh.

3. Include Antioxidants in Your Skin Care Regime

Antioxidant serums work wonders to hydrate your skin. Besides, they protect your skin from environmental damage, help to boost collagen, and scavenge free radicals to prevent damage to skin. Include a good antioxidant serum in your summer skincare routine. Alternatively, you can add it to your diet by stocking up on citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, green tea, etc.

“Vitamin C serum is a good option for a summer skincare routine. It is beneficial during summer. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant, a free radical scavenger that protects your skin from oxidant-induced damages and helps in reducing the pigmentation caused by harmful UV rays.”

4. Keep Your Skin Hydrated

Hydration is key at all times during summer. You can use a hydrating face mask after you wash your face at night for some extra hydration while you sleep. Splash your face frequently with water or carry a facial mist to freshen your skin at regular intervals.

5. Exfoliate for Healthy Skin

Use a face scrub at least twice a week to remove excess dirt and oil from the skin. Only, remember to use a scrub suitable for your skin type and massage the scrub gently in a circular motion. Make sure you exfoliate the lips and the neck too.

6. Wear Sunscreen

The sun’s UV-A and UV-B rays can be very harsh. Besides giving you a stubborn tan, they can cause premature aging, age spots, fine lines and wrinkles. A good sunscreen with SPF 30-50 is vital for the summer months for all skin types, even if you stay indoors most of the time. If you go swimming, we suggest you apply sunscreen multiple times.

7. Avoid Heavy Makeup

Heavy makeup prevents the skin from breathing. Humidity and heat also impact the skin’s ability to breathe. Instead of heavy foundation and other cosmetics, you could consider using a tinted lip balm and a tinted moisturiser if you need to wear some makeup.

8. Use A Good Toner

A good toner can be effective in closing open pores. The maximum number of sebaceous glands are found on the T-zone of the face. To prevent sweat and oil from clogging these pores, use an aloe vera or cucumber-based toner as they are lighter.

9. Moisturize Well

A moisturizer is vital to protect your skin in summer. You can choose a non-greasy formula based on your skin type. But look for ingredients like antioxidants like vitamins A and C. If it has SPF, even better. It is best to apply a moisturizer immediately after your bath.

10. Don't Forget Your Eyes, Lips & Feet

Always wear sunglasses to protect the eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. Use a moisturizing under eye gel; and a lip balm with SPF under your lipstick. Scrub your feet to exfoliate. Apply sunscreen and moisturizer on your feet too, especially if you are wearing open-toed sandals.

11. Drink More Water & Fruit Juices

Your water intake in summer should be a minimum of 2-3 litres a day. Coconut water, watermelons, and fresh juices are a good way to stay hydrated. Drinking water also helps to flush the toxins from the body. Include yoghurt and buttermilk in your diet.

12. Go for Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables

Include salads and vegetables like cucumber and lettuce in your food – these help the body stay cool from within. Seasonal fruits like watermelons, musk melons; citrus fruits and juices also help keep the skin healthy.

13. Stay Away from Sugary Drinks

Sugary aerated drinks make you feel sluggish due to the excess sugar. Additionally, they don’t add any value to the body as they have no hydrating qualities. If anything, they make you unhealthier and aid in weight gain. So, opt for a nimbu paani instead of a cola.

14. Wear Breathable Fabrics

Cotton is the best fabric to wear during summer. Wear light and loose clothing. Avoid tight fitting garments in synthetic fabrics. These can increase your discomfort and make you sweat more, which in turn makes the skin itchy and can lead to infections.

15. Have A Bath Twice a Day

Maintaining good hygiene is very important during summer. A cool bath in the night before you go to bed can help remove all the dirt, grime and sweat your body has accumulated during the day and prevent rashes. Both, the morning shower and a night bath, ideally should be followed with a cleansing, toning and moisturizing routine.