Summers make an excellent time for enjoying beach days, vacations, and pool parties. However, with the rise in temperature and heat waves during summer months, it's crucial to take extra care of your skin. The hot and humid weather can lead to skin problems such as sunburn, acne breakouts, and rashes. For this reason, it's essential to follow a skincare routine that not only keeps your skin healthy but also protects it from the harsh sun rays. There are some important tips to keep in mind to maintain healthy and glowing skin during a heatwave. Read on to learn about some of them. 

1. Apply Sunscreen Frequently

Protecting your skin from the sun is crucial during the summer season. Not only does it prevent premature ageing, but also reduces the risk of skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, using SPF 15 daily can reduce the risk of developing melanoma by 50% and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by around 40%. When choosing a sunscreen, make sure it has at least SPF 30 and provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. Remember to make sure that the sunscreen you choose protects your lips too as they are also vulnerable to sun damage.

2. Wear Lighter Makeup

During hot weather, heavy makeup can feel uncomfortable and may even come off due to sweating. It is best to simplify your makeup routine and allow your skin to breathe. Giving your skin a break from heavy makeup can prevent the clogging of pores and other skin issues. So, embrace the summer season by using a gel-based moisturizer and a lot of sunscreen.  

3. Exfoliate the Skin

Sunscreen is essential to protect your skin during a heatwave, but it can also clog your pores. Sweating, despite being your body's natural way to cool off, exacerbates this problem. This is where exfoliation can help as it removes dead skin cells and unclogs pores, reducing blemishes. While it's okay to exfoliate more frequently during the summer season, limit it to not more than twice a week. Exfoliating too often can cause the skin to become red, cracked, tight, and scaly. Avoid exfoliating if you have sunburn, as it can irritate the skin and impede the healing process.

4. Put on Sun-protective Clothes and Accessories

Along with sunscreen, incorporating certain clothing items can help protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. According to experts, wide-brimmed hats can help shield your eyes and face, while UV-400 sunglasses offer optimal protection. Wearing light-coloured clothes with woven fabric or UV absorbers can also be beneficial. 

5. Don’t Over Shower

During summer, many people feel the urge to wash their face or shower more frequently due to the heat. However, experts advise against over-washing as it can strip away the skin's natural moisturising factors that retain water in the skin, leaving the top layer of skin dehydrated. Instead, it’s advisable to shower only once a day and after exercising. It’s a good idea to use lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser to rinse your face in the morning and at night. If you experience excessive sweating, then try using blotting paper that can be used to absorb sweat from the face.

Taking care of your skin during a heatwave is important to maintain its health and appearance. By following the aforementioned tips, you can enjoy the summer season while keeping your skin safe and healthy. If you need expert advice,

Consult Apollo’s Expert Dermatologists

Medically reviewed by Dr Sonia Bhatt