Here's Your Perfect Summer Skincare Routine

You don’t need me to tell you that summer is well & truly here, right?

The sun is shining bright, the heat is rising by the minute and we’re all sweating our way through life, looking for moments of respite from the scorching weather. The truth is it’s only going to get worse before it starts getting better – the weather, of course. But while it continues to be hot, hot, hot, you’ll do good to ensure if you’ve got what it takes to not let the season knock you down, or your skin.

A good summer skincare routine will make sure your skin is shining brighter than the sun, even as it is protected from sun damage. And when the season does shift (like it always does!), you’ll come out on the other end looking better than ever.

Summer Skincare Routine

Step 1: Cleanse

Nothing good starts without a cleansing ritual, right? Same with your skin which is battling sweat, dirt, dust and pollutants all through the day and needs to be cleaned every morning and evening. Think of it as the foundation of a good skincare regimen, especially during summers when your perspiration levels are at an all-time high. Use a good cleanser morning and evening and thoroughly cleanse your face.

Cleansers we love:

Less Care Twice As Nice Cleanser

Sebamed Clear Face Cleansing Foam

The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser

Step 2: Exfoliate

Next up, exfoliation. Because who said a face wash alone can solve your skin’s issues? The summer heat residue combined with pollution, sweat and dust will require some amount of exfoliation as well. But not every day – you should only exfoliate your skin twice or thrice a week (depending on how much and how often you’re spending time outdoors) and always in the evening.

Exfoliators we love:

Forest Essentials Sesame & Jaggery Exfoliating Face Scrub

Dermalogica Daily Milkfoliant Face Scrub

Clarins Fresh Scrub Exfoliant

Step 3: Treat

This is where your serums come in. Depending on your skin type & requirements, choosing a serum that addresses your issues and helps fight skin damage. Vitamin C is great for dealing with pigmentation, Retinol works at anti-ageing, Hyaluronic Acid provides moisture and Peptides & Ceramides strengthen your skin barrier. Take your pick and get to work.

Serums we love:

Laneige Water Bank Aqua Facial Serum

L’Occitane Immortelle Reset Serum

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair

L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Serum Le Duo

Clarins Double Serum Light Texture

Step 4: Nourish

Once you’ve used a serum, it’s important to lock its ingredients well in your skin and seal with a layer of moisture. That’s where a good moisturiser comes handy – it not only nourishes your skin with the right ingredients but also ensures your serum works better.

Moisturisers we love:

Shiseido Vital Perfection Uplifting & Firming Advanced Cream

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Cream

Kama Ayurveda Kumkumadi Youth-Revitalising Soft Cream

Clinique Moisture Surge Auto-Replenishing Hydrator

Step 5: Protect

Always remember – no amount of cleansing, nourishing and moisturising your skin will work unless you’re protecting it during the day with a good quality sunscreen. One that provides broad spectrum coverage & is compatible with your skin type.

Sunscreens we love:

ISDIN Fotoprotector Fusion Water Magic

La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMUNE400

Foxtale Glow Sunscreen

Inde Wild Sun Defense Mineral Sunscreen