Don’t Skip The Serum: Here’s The Perfect CSMS Skincare Regime For Each Skin Type

Summer can be a confusing time for dry skin girlies. You’re sweating all the time, so your skin shouldn’t be this dry, right? That’s not how it works, though. Not only does the sun dry out the skin even more, the natural hot water spring that our showers are these days, air conditioning, and pool days dry it out even more. It’s a good idea for those with dry skin to incorporate hydration agents such as hyaluronic acid and gentle exfoliators to their skincare routine.

Here’s a complete skincare routine:

A gentle cleanser such a Cetaphil’s is perfect for those with dry skin as it ensures that your skin is not stripped off its natural moisture and still cleans your pores of all the dust and debris that tends to stick to it the second you  step out.

Contrary to popular belief, the ideal time to add hyaluronic acid to your skincare routine is not winter but summer, when there is moisture naturally present in the atmosphere as well as your own skin, as the agent combines with existing moisture elements and enhances their impact. The L’Oreal Paris Revitalift is a popular favourite, that delivers results at an affordable price.

Moisture Surge by Clinique is a cult-favourite product, and we’re fully in favour of the popular opinion when it comes to this product. For anyone who needs to rehydrate their skin and literally see the impact of a hydrating product in a short period of time, this product should be your pick. If you’re looking to add a moisturiser to your AM or PM routine (or both), this product pairs well with most ingredients. We love it even more because of the subtle glow it settles on the skin with.

If you’re looking for a gel-based sunscreen that won’t clog your pores, go with this one by Derma Co. Hyaluronic Acid is elixir for those with dry skin, so this will only enhance all the hydration your skin gets through this routine.

However, if dark spots or pigmentation is also a concern that you'd like to resolve, the Aqualogica Dewy Sunscreen with Watermelon & Niacinamide is a fantastic option as well.

If there’s one thing people with sensitive skin care about, it is skincare products that won’t clog their pores, so they can steer clear of stubborn whiteheads and blackheads. A summer-friendly skincare routine for sensitive skin is one that gently exfoliates the skin without irritating it or taking away the natural moisture. And for that reason, it’s a good idea to add a gentle cleanser, Vitamin C, and a non-comedogenic sunscreen to the mix.

This face wash comes packed with the natural goodness of chirounji seeds, poppy seeds, and jasmine. Poppy seeds are full of antioxidants that fight inflammation and irritation, and jasmine moisturises it.

If there is one brand that you can bank on with closed eyes, it is Olay. A trusted brand for decades, Olay makes quality products and this Vitamin C serum is no different. Not only does it have exfoliating properties, but the best part is that the serum also has Niacinamide, which ensure that your skin tone is even throughout. Win win, we say!

When you have sensitive skin, the first priority when picking a moisturiser is to ensure it is lightweight and fast-absorbing so that it won’t clog your pores. The new Nykaa SkinRX moisturiser that comes packed with Vitamin C and SPF 15 is absolutely the right pick.

Nothing says balance like Vitamin C and Vitamin E in one single product. While one hydrates, the other ensures protection against the sun. Which, when paired with the SPF 50 PA +++ protection this sunscreen offers, is a winning combo. That’s not all, the product leaves no white cast.

The summer skincare routine gospel for combination skin is balance. Balance between hydration and oil control, and treating in the right spots, is very important. Your skincare routine shouldn’t bombard your skin with over-hydration, and at the same time should also cater to the needs of the parts of your face that don’t produce excess oil.

Here’s a balanced skincare routine if you’re a confused cookie.

A gentle cleanser that isn’t too harsh is perfect for combination skin as it works well on the entire face. This one by Lotus does a great job of cleaning the pores and ensuring you wash off all the dirt and pollution that settles on the skin every day.

This serum is perfect for those who need something hydrating that isn’t as strong as a hyaluronic acid, and won’t clog the pores either. Niacinamide can help the skin produce moisture and ensure that it doesn’t produce too much oil.

The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel has been a cult-favourite for a long time, because of how effective and affordable it is. Its gel finish and fast absorbing qualities make it perfect for dry face as it hydrates thoroughly and doesn’t clog the pores.

When your pores are on hydration overdrive, you can feel it on your skin, especially when you’re out and about and sweating it out. The great thing about this sunscreen by Dr. Sheth’s is that it settles in like a second skin, and doesn’t sit heavy on top. You almost don’t feel it there after wear.

Out of all of these, acne-prone skin is the hardest to navigate. You’ve to be very careful with the products you choose, and have a deep understanding of what sets off your skin to be able to have a healthy skincare routine. The thumb rule here is to steer clear of products that have irritants in the ingredients list, are very gentle on the skin, and are non-comedogenic.

There won’t ever be a day when we don’t go about singing praises of Plum’s Green Tea range. After multiple empties of this product, we still can’t get enough. The gentle foam of this face wash and the soothing properties of green tea ensure that the skin is cleansed with as less irritation as known to humankind.

Salicylic acid works very well for acne-prone skin as it breaks down oil and sebum very easily, and helps the skin detach dead skin cells faster and weed them out. Minimalist’s formulations are effective and pack a punch in a little bit of product, and are perfect for those looking for effective options on a budget.

The best part about products that have Hyaluronic Acid in them is that they suit all skin types very well. It is a myth that oily skin types don’t need hydration, in fact lack of hydration is what causes breakouts a lot of times. We love this light gel-based moisturiser by Ponds as it sits light on the skin and doesn’t weigh down on the pores.

No one in this country is a stranger to the goodness of Lakme’s Sun Expert with SPF 50 PA +++. It’s a light, spreadable formula that does a lot in just a little bit of product.