Dermatologists never skip these 5 summer skincare habits neither should you
Heat, humidity, sweat and UV rays can take a toll on your skin during summer. A dermatologist shares five simple habits that can help keep your skin hydrated, protected and glowing all season long.
Summer is a season many people look forward to, but it can be one of the toughest times of the year for your skin. Long hours in the sun, rising temperatures, humidity, sweat, pollution, and even spending time in air-conditioned rooms can leave the skin feeling oily, dehydrated, dull or irritated. For many people, summer also brings common skin concerns such as acne breakouts, tanning, clogged pores, sunburn, pigmentation and excess oil production.
While it may be tempting to add more skincare products to your routine, dermatologists say healthy summer skin isn't about following a complicated 10-step regimen. Instead, it comes down to making a few smart seasonal changes and following them consistently.
According to Dr Shreya Pagariya Golchha, Dermatologist, Hair Transplant Surgeon, and Founder and Consultant at Dr Shreya Pagariya's SuperSkin Clinic in Mumbai, switching to lightweight skincare products, applying sunscreen correctly, keeping the skin hydrated, cleansing properly and using antioxidants can go a long way in protecting the skin from summer damage.
Here are the five skincare habits she recommends for healthier, fresher, and naturally glowing skin throughout the season.
1. SWITCH TO LIGHTWEIGHT SKINCARE PRODUCTS
Your skin needs to change with the weather. Products that work well during winter may feel too heavy during hot and humid months.
Dr Pagariya recommends replacing thick creams with lightweight, water-based or gel moisturisers. These products provide hydration without leaving the skin greasy or clogging pores. They also help maintain the skin's natural barrier while allowing it to breathe, making them ideal for humid weather.
Choosing season-appropriate skincare products can also reduce the chances of acne and excess oil build-up.
2. FOLLOW THE TWO-FINGER SUNSCREEN RULE
Sunscreen remains the most important step in any daytime skincare routine, yet many people simply don't apply enough.
To ensure adequate protection, dermatologists recommend the two-finger rule. Apply two full lines of sunscreen along your index and middle fingers, then spread it evenly over your face and neck.
Sunscreen should be applied every morning, even on cloudy days, and reapplied every two hours if you are outdoors or sweating. Consistent sun protection helps reduce tanning, pigmentation, premature ageing and the risk of sun damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays.
3. HYDRATE YOUR SKIN FROM THE INSIDE OUT
Summer heat increases water loss from the body, which can leave the skin looking dry, tired and less radiant.
Drinking enough water remains one of the simplest ways to support healthy skin. Eating water-rich foods like cucumber, watermelon and citrus fruits can also contribute to hydration.
For people looking for advanced cosmetic options, Dr Pagariya says professional bio-remodelling treatments such as Profhilo, which contains high concentrations of hyaluronic acid, can provide deep hydration beneath the skin's surface. However, such treatments should only be considered after consulting a qualified dermatologist and are not necessary for everyone.
4. MAKE DOUBLE CLEANSING PART OF YOUR NIGHT ROUTINE
Throughout the day, your skin collects sweat, sunscreen, makeup, dust and pollution. A single face wash may not remove all these impurities completely.
Dr Pagariya recommends double cleansing at night. Begin with an oil-based cleanser or micellar water to dissolve sunscreen, makeup and excess oil. Follow this with a gentle water-based cleanser to remove the remaining dirt and residue.
This two-step cleansing method helps keep pores clean, reduces the risk of breakouts and prepares the skin to absorb nighttime skincare products more effectively.
5. ADD ANTIOXIDANTS TO YOUR MORNING ROUTINE
Even when sunscreen is used correctly, it cannot block every type of damage caused by sunlight and environmental pollution.
That's why dermatologists often recommend antioxidant serums containing ingredients such as vitamin C or Ferulic Acid. When applied before sunscreen, these antioxidants help neutralise harmful free radicals, brighten the complexion and support collagen production.
Over time, this simple addition can help reduce pigmentation, improve skin tone and protect the skin against premature ageing.
CONSISTENCY IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN A COMPLICATED ROUTINE
One of the biggest skincare myths is that glowing skin requires dozens of expensive products. According to Dr Pagariya, healthy skin is built through consistency rather than complexity.
A simple routine that includes gentle cleansing, daily sunscreen, lightweight moisturising, proper hydration and antioxidant protection is often enough for most people to maintain healthy summer skin.
Listening to your skin and making seasonal adjustments can help prevent common summer concerns before they start.
Summer can be challenging for your skin, but a few small changes can make a noticeable difference. Switching to lightweight products, applying enough sunscreen, staying hydrated, cleansing thoroughly and using antioxidants are dermatologist-approved habits that help protect your skin from heat, sweat, pollution and UV damage.
Instead of chasing quick fixes, focus on building a routine that you can follow every day. Healthy, glowing skin is not about perfection—it's about taking care of your skin consistently, one habit at a time.
Summer is a season many people look forward to, but it can be one of the toughest times of the year for your skin. Long hours in the sun, rising temperatures, humidity, sweat, pollution, and even spending time in air-conditioned rooms can leave the skin feeling oily, dehydrated, dull or irritated. For many people, summer also brings common skin concerns such as acne breakouts, tanning, clogged pores, sunburn, pigmentation and excess oil production.
While it may be tempting to add more skincare products to your routine, dermatologists say healthy summer skin isn't about following a complicated 10-step regimen. Instead, it comes down to making a few smart seasonal changes and following them consistently.
According to Dr Shreya Pagariya Golchha, Dermatologist, Hair Transplant Surgeon, and Founder and Consultant at Dr Shreya Pagariya's SuperSkin Clinic in Mumbai, switching to lightweight skincare products, applying sunscreen correctly, keeping the skin hydrated, cleansing properly and using antioxidants can go a long way in protecting the skin from summer damage.
Here are the five skincare habits she recommends for healthier, fresher, and naturally glowing skin throughout the season.
1. SWITCH TO LIGHTWEIGHT SKINCARE PRODUCTS
Your skin needs to change with the weather. Products that work well during winter may feel too heavy during hot and humid months.
Dr Pagariya recommends replacing thick creams with lightweight, water-based or gel moisturisers. These products provide hydration without leaving the skin greasy or clogging pores. They also help maintain the skin's natural barrier while allowing it to breathe, making them ideal for humid weather.
Choosing season-appropriate skincare products can also reduce the chances of acne and excess oil build-up.
2. FOLLOW THE TWO-FINGER SUNSCREEN RULE
Sunscreen remains the most important step in any daytime skincare routine, yet many people simply don't apply enough.
To ensure adequate protection, dermatologists recommend the two-finger rule. Apply two full lines of sunscreen along your index and middle fingers, then spread it evenly over your face and neck.
Sunscreen should be applied every morning, even on cloudy days, and reapplied every two hours if you are outdoors or sweating. Consistent sun protection helps reduce tanning, pigmentation, premature ageing and the risk of sun damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays.
3. HYDRATE YOUR SKIN FROM THE INSIDE OUT
Summer heat increases water loss from the body, which can leave the skin looking dry, tired and less radiant.
Drinking enough water remains one of the simplest ways to support healthy skin. Eating water-rich foods like cucumber, watermelon and citrus fruits can also contribute to hydration.
For people looking for advanced cosmetic options, Dr Pagariya says professional bio-remodelling treatments such as Profhilo, which contains high concentrations of hyaluronic acid, can provide deep hydration beneath the skin's surface. However, such treatments should only be considered after consulting a qualified dermatologist and are not necessary for everyone.
4. MAKE DOUBLE CLEANSING PART OF YOUR NIGHT ROUTINE
Throughout the day, your skin collects sweat, sunscreen, makeup, dust and pollution. A single face wash may not remove all these impurities completely.
Dr Pagariya recommends double cleansing at night. Begin with an oil-based cleanser or micellar water to dissolve sunscreen, makeup and excess oil. Follow this with a gentle water-based cleanser to remove the remaining dirt and residue.
This two-step cleansing method helps keep pores clean, reduces the risk of breakouts and prepares the skin to absorb nighttime skincare products more effectively.
5. ADD ANTIOXIDANTS TO YOUR MORNING ROUTINE
Even when sunscreen is used correctly, it cannot block every type of damage caused by sunlight and environmental pollution.
That's why dermatologists often recommend antioxidant serums containing ingredients such as vitamin C or Ferulic Acid. When applied before sunscreen, these antioxidants help neutralise harmful free radicals, brighten the complexion and support collagen production.
Over time, this simple addition can help reduce pigmentation, improve skin tone and protect the skin against premature ageing.
CONSISTENCY IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN A COMPLICATED ROUTINE
One of the biggest skincare myths is that glowing skin requires dozens of expensive products. According to Dr Pagariya, healthy skin is built through consistency rather than complexity.
A simple routine that includes gentle cleansing, daily sunscreen, lightweight moisturising, proper hydration and antioxidant protection is often enough for most people to maintain healthy summer skin.
Listening to your skin and making seasonal adjustments can help prevent common summer concerns before they start.
Summer can be challenging for your skin, but a few small changes can make a noticeable difference. Switching to lightweight products, applying enough sunscreen, staying hydrated, cleansing thoroughly and using antioxidants are dermatologist-approved habits that help protect your skin from heat, sweat, pollution and UV damage.
Instead of chasing quick fixes, focus on building a routine that you can follow every day. Healthy, glowing skin is not about perfection—it's about taking care of your skin consistently, one habit at a time.
