Indian summers don’t just test your patience, they test your skin, scalp, and every product sitting on your shelf. The heat feels relentless, stepping outside turns into an instant sweat session, and suddenly, your usual routine stops giving the same results.
But it’s not that your products aren’t working for you, it’s that you have been treating your skin and hair differently than you need to in this season. Take this opportunity to start taking care of your skin and hair differently by allowing yourself some extra time to care for both and see how much of a difference you will notice compared to any other year.
What the expert says: It’s not your products, it’s your approach
To understand this better, we spoke to a dermatologist, Dr Hansa Srivastava from Refine Skin Clinic and the advice was surprisingly simple yet effective.
“During summers, sebum production increases and clogs pores, so always use a light-based sunscreen and gel moisturiser.”
She also emphasised technique and consistency, such as patting your sunscreen instead of rubbing it in, and reapplying it whenever necessary. She added that hydration is key, both internally (8–10 glasses of water) and externally through ingredients like ceramides and peptides.
“In the summer, not moisturising your skin is a myth; you should always use moisturisers.”
Dr Hansa Srivastava
MD Dermatology
If you think only protecting yourself from daylight is enough, well, you are wrong. Night care matters just as much, AHA-BHA serums can help control oil production, while vitamin C works well in the morning. Double cleansing at night, switching skincare with seasons, and even applying sunscreen on your body are all non-negotiable.
For men, the advice was even more direct: “Men often feel they don’t require skincare at all, but that is the most dangerous thought.”
A basic routine of cleanser, moisturiser, and SPF is essential, and after 30, adding retinol can help.
Small skincare tweaks that actually make a big difference
Your daily skincare routine is all about making small changes that create a big impact on your skin. Ice facials using aloe vera or cucumber (or both), multani mitti mixed with rose water (never plain water), and a DIY cooling mist made with rose water, cucumber juice, and one drop of glycerin can help keep your skin calm in the heat. In contrast, overwashing your face 3–4 times a day can damage the skin barrier, which may actually increase oiliness.
Simple habits like changing your pillowcase every few days can also significantly reduce breakouts. The key to summer skincare is not to fight your skin, but to work with it and understand what it needs.
The basic principles of haircare during summer are similar to any other season: more control through the right styling products, and less overload by avoiding excessive product use. “There are three major problems that most people face with their hair: dry, frizzy hair, dandruff, and hair loss (hair fall).”
Haircare decoded: What’s really causing the damage
Your hair follicles can get clogged with sweat and oil on the scalp, which is why using an exfoliating shampoo once a week can help clear build-up. Conditioning, however, is not optional. A conditioner should always be used to retain moisture and reduce frizz. If you use heat-styling tools, make sure to apply a serum and keep the temperature low, as hair tends to be drier than usual during summer.
Overwashing your hair can strip it of its natural oils and make frizz worse, so washing it a maximum of 2–3 times a week is ideal. Regular hair treatments or hair spas, covering your hair when stepping outside, and taking multivitamins and zinc can also help keep your hair in its best shape through the season.
So our key takeaway:
Summer is the season for doing less, but doing it smarter. Your skin and hair need lighter products, timely application, and a better understanding of what’s happening beneath the surface. Once you stop fighting the weather and start working with it, the season becomes a lot easier to handle.
