Summer Skincare Routines To Follow Based On Your Skin Type

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Repeat after us: "Summer skincare routine is not the same as my usual skincare routine". This is necessary to note because in summers your skin that was until now facing a dry spell starts facing a lot of heat, in turn producing a lot of sweat, which also gives you oily skin. If you continue using products from winter, then your skin is just going to get oiler, resulting in sebaceous filaments in the T-zone and clogged pores. This will make your skin break out and push you further away from the dream of a glowy dewy skin. 

To avoid that, follow a strict skincare routine filled with lightweight products and loads of sunscreen that ultimately help your skin pull through the summer healthily. These are the skincare routines you should follow based on your skin type:

For Dry Skin

In winter, it's normal to use oily, heavy and creamy products, but that is just harmful in summer. To avoid the clogging of pores because of moisturising, cleanse your skin about twice a day. This keeps it clean without making it too dehydrated in the heat. Opt for cleansers that nourish the skin and are mild, like as the Quench one with Vitamin E, aloe vera and rice water that will exfoliate and hydrate the skin. 

We also suggest using a hydrating serum like hyalrunonic acid or ceramide based serum to help repair the skin barrier while also deeply hydrating it. 

Then moisturise the skin twice a day to keep it plump and soft, while you using sunscreen in your morning skincare routine.

The Dot & Key moisturiser is a personal favourite as it does the job of hydrating deeply, is perfect for dry skin, and also does not give an oily finish that worsens with the sun. 

All in all, be mindful of opting for products with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and other natural ingredients that hydrate and nourish the skin without being too heavy on it. 

Pro tip: See this for the best serums to replenish dry skin and here are the best sunscreens to check out. 

Dot & Key 72hr Hydrating Lightweight Gel Face Moisturizer

Dot & Key 72hr Hydrating Lightweight Gel Face Moisturizer

₹495
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Quench Rice Water & Vitamin E Face Wash

Quench Rice Water & Vitamin E Face Wash

₹249
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For Oily Skin

This is the most difficult season for people with oily skin. Regardless of what you do, the natural oil production of your skin is at an all-time high. The best way to deal with this is to use products that are water-based and contain ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide, green tea, and other ingredients that keep it light and oil-free.  

If you're unable to cleanse your face mid-day, that's alright as long as you never skip your AM and PM routine. For morning and night skincare routines, follow it up with a hydrating moisturiser, but for rush times you can just use a nourishing sunscreen that is lightweight.

Use clay-based masks at least twice a week for declogging the pores while following it up with serums to keep the skin hydrated.

Always try to opt for a mattifying sunscreen every day that has a non-greasy formula, keeping your skin from getting too oily. We highly recommend the Foxxtale one which is a good choice that leaves no white cast and is lightweight yet moisturising on the skin with SPF 70 and PA +++ coverage which is great! 

Pro Tip: Check out the best clay masks for oily skin here. For sunscreen sticks, you can check this out. 

Foxtale SPF 70 PA++++ Mattifying Sunscreen

Foxtale SPF 70 PA++++ Mattifying Sunscreen

₹595
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Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid + LHA Face Cleanser

Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid + LHA Face Cleanser

₹299
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For Combination Skin

If your skin gets oily on the T-zone or a few parts and stays dry on the other, you have a combination skin type and need products that are hydrating yet not overly oily and heavy. Look out for ingredients like niacinamide acid, squalene and vitamin C in your products that are gentle and mild.

Cleanse your face at least twice a day with a non-soapy face wash to get rid of excessive oil and dirt. The Clinique Type 2 or Type 3 & 4 cleansers are meant for combination skin depending on whether it is more oily or dry. They are either mild or extra mild for a gentle wash and soap-free so they don't strip your skin of its natural oils. 

Since we're fans of the CSMS routine, we're always fans of using serums in your AM and PM routine. Opt for a  serum that is nourishing enough to keep the skin protected and hydrated in the hot and humid weather. Such as this one from Plix, which has 10% Vitamin C as well as Hyaluronic acid to keep the skin protected, glowing and hydrated throughout the day. 

When it comes to a sunscreen, we'd suggest opting for a mattifying sunscreen that will keep the skin non-greasy and light just like the one recommended for oily skin.

Pro tip: Read the whole routine recommended by a dermatologist here

Clinique Liquid Facial Soap Facewash (30ml)

Clinique Liquid Facial Soap Facewash (30ml)

₹950
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PLIX 10% Vitamin C Guava Face Serum

PLIX 10% Vitamin C Guava Face Serum

₹600
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For Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is most prone to damaged if the skincare routine is skipped. Getting rashes and breakouts from being out and about in the sun and heat is very easy. Sensitive skin requires products with ingredients that protect the skin and strengthen the skin's barrier, all the while being gentle on the skin itself. Soothing ingredients like ceramides, aloe vera, and chamomile in skincare products are the best for this skin type as they don't irritate the skin, and add barriers that penetrate the skin to calm the irritation caused by pollutants, and the likes.

Follow the complete classic skincare ritual of cleansing, toning, serum, moisturiser and sunscreen without skipping any steps. But make sure to be gentle on your skin as you massage and dry the skin only by patting it with a microfibre towel to avoid further irritating the skin. 

Start with a makeup cleanser that is not too harsh on the skin. Follow it up with an extra gentle cleanser and toner which are meant specifically for sensitive skin rather than going for the one for all skin types. Doing this ensures that you use products that not only get the job done, but also heal.

When it comes to a basic CTM routine, we blindly suggest the Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser while the toner from Biocule has all the required ingredients, so you can go for it without a doubt.

Besides the general routine, also exfoliate the skin one twice a week since dust particles can penetrate and irritate the skin which isn't always removed by a mild cleanser. Since scrubs are easily irritable to sensitive skin, this one from Thalgo is the one to go for as it is formulated with ocean blue extract, phytic acid and jojoba oil to solve this exact issue.  

Pro-tip: If you're not a fan of scrubs, opt for an AHA BHA peel

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser Dry to Normal Skin with Niacinamide

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser Dry to Normal Skin with Niacinamide

₹399
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Biocule The Calm Soothing Face Toner

Biocule The Calm Soothing Face Toner

₹499
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Thalgo Gentle Exfoliator

Thalgo Gentle Exfoliator

₹3900
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For Acne Prone Skin

If you are prone to acne, then it is likely you also fall under the combination or oily skin type. Keeping your skin clean is the main goal through the summer while working on repairing damage and blemishes on the skin. It's best to opt for products with strong ingredients that are effective on the skin with a mix of ingredients that are nourishing and healing. Such as ceramide, neem, salicylic acid and vitamin C. 

Make a strict routine for morning and night and stick to it to see your acne clear up gradually. Follow a whole regime of cleansing, exfoliating, mask, toning, serum and moisturiser at least once a week and the classic CSMS routine every day and night. The sunscreen from Dr Sheths is specially meant for acne-prone skin as it controls oil and soothes the skin while protecting it. Another step you should consider adding is a night gel that works on healing acne as you sleep. This one by Dot & Key with niacinamide, cica, hyaluronic acid and green tea is what we recommend as it is loved by users and provides all clearing benefits with the combination of ingredients. 

You can also try using acne patches to try and pop those pimples away from the skin, here are our top picks to get online. 

Also, keep an eye on your gut health and what you are consuming, avoid oily and hot foods to maintain a healthy gut. 

Pro tip: Here is all you need to know about acne and how to treat it from a dermatologist, once you have that down, check out brand recommendations for summer acne from a dermat too!

Dot & Key CICA & Niacinamide Calming Renewing Night Gel Cream

Dot & Key CICA & Niacinamide Calming Renewing Night Gel Cream

₹495
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Dr. Sheth's Centella & Niacinamide Oil & Acne Control Sunscreen (50 g)

Dr. Sheth's Centella & Niacinamide Oil & Acne Control Sunscreen (50 g)

₹699
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For Normal Skin

Even if you have normal skin, it's no exception to have a must-have summer skincare routine. The weather plays a major role on our skin which makes it all the more important to follow through with your routines day in, and day out. Use products with ingredients that give a mix of healing and nourishing with each step and especially products that are constantly repair your skin's barrier. 

Cleanse your skin twice a day thoroughly with a pore-cleansing face wash, and follow it up with a serum that is specific to your need, such as a Vitamin C serum for glow. Use a moisturiser that is light but also has healing properties and a sunscreen that is not just protective but also nourishing. Apply sunscreen even if you are indoors as it will keep the UV rays away and help the skin heal consistently. 

We love the Nykaa SkinRX moisturiser as it is not only hydrating but has SPF 15 protection from sun rays perfect for indoor usage. When it comes to a toner we swear by the one by Plum that is gentle and perfect for normal to sensitive skin types. Another step we recommend doing over the weekends is a healing and hydrating face mask that will give your skin the glow it needs, especially if you're lax with your skincare routines we love this one by Quench that gives the skin an instant glow thanks to all the natural ingredients.

Pro Tip: If you're looking for some extra glow and radiance, see these skincare essentials for anti-ageing. 

Nykaa SkinRX Vitamin C Face Moisturizer

Nykaa SkinRX Vitamin C Face Moisturizer

₹399
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QUENCH Cherry Blossom Sheet Mask

QUENCH Cherry Blossom Sheet Mask

₹149
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Plum Bulgarian Valley Rose Water Alcohol-Free Spray Toner With Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrates & Refreshes

Plum Bulgarian Valley Rose Water Alcohol-Free Spray Toner With Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrates & Refreshes

₹225
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A pop-culture nerd who consumes and analyses content like breathing. Find me always talking about anime, books, fashion and DIYs. With 3 years of experience in social media marketing and writing.