Dr. Meghna Gupta, Dermatologist and Founder of Delhi Skin Centre, shows you how to summer-proof your skin

The various environmental changes that arrive with each season of the year might impact your skin in one way or another. As a result, you must modify your skincare regimen every season if you want to provide the best possible care. Now that summer is in full swing, Dr. Meghna Gupta shares a few tips that could be excellent summertime additions to your skincare routine.

1. Switch to a Gel-Based Moisturiser: Summer heat tends to make your skin oily and sticky, and so, using a gel-based cream is the best choice during this weather. Such moisturisers have a water-based formulation that works well for all skin types. This helps to hydrate the skin without making it oily.

2. Keep Layering to the Minimum: Layering skincare products can be tempting, but it’s not such a good idea in the summer. Too many layers of skincare products can make your skin feel heavy and sticky. Instead, keep the layering minimal and let your skin breathe. Swap your heavy cleansers with gentle foaming ones.

3. Use Non-Comedogenic Products: Choose non-comedogenic products as they feature ingredients/actives that do not clog the pores. If you have oily or acne prone skin, this is a must.

4. Try Thermal Spring Water After Sun Exposure: Thermal spring water helps in calming your skin after sun exposure. The minerals in thermal spring water have antioxidant qualities that may help fight free radicals and soothe your skin.

5. Use an Exfoliating Ingredient to De-Tan the Ski: Summertime requires exfoliation as the weather, pollution, and dirt can lead to blocked and congested pores. This results in comedones and acne, especially if you have oily skin. However, don’t exfoliate on a daily basis.

6. Avoid Overuse of Multiple Actives at Once: Overusing actives like salicylic acid, retinol, and glycolic acid can lead to an impaired skin barrier. Which then leads to an increase in redness, dryness, and acne.

7. Use a Lightweight Moisturiser for the Body: The last thing you want to do in India’s hot and muggy weather is to apply a thick body lotion that will make your skin feel sticky. Instead, you need a body moisturiser that absorbs quickly and won’t feel greasy.

8. Stay Hydrated: Hydration is key when it comes to skincare in the summer. Your skin may become dehydrated due to UV damage and extreme heat. Thus, it’s crucial to stick to an efficient skincare routine to give your skin the boost it needs.

9. Include More Oral Antioxidants in Your Diet: Free radicals are also produced by UV radiation. These dreaded substances harm our tissues and speed up the ageing process of our skin. You can include antioxidants in your diet and skincare routine to help your skin defend against their negative effects. Vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits, bell peppers, strawberries, tomatoes, etc. will give your body a healthy dose of antioxidants.

10. Use a Topical Vitamin C Serum in the Morning: Vitamin C is an excellent supplement to your beauty routine. In addition to reducing lines and wrinkles and brightening and balancing skin tone, it also offers protection from the effects of photodamage. A vitamin C serum is to be applied after using a cleanser and before moisturising. Start integrating the product slowly into your skincare routine.

11. Use a Broad Spectrum Sunscreen and Don’t Forget to Reapply: Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays, which can cause sunburn, premature ageing, and increase the risk of skin cancer. However, it’s not enough to just apply sunscreen once and forget about it. Sunscreen should be reapplied every 4 hours or after sweating or swimming, as it can wear off or become less effective over time.