If your summer skincare fails to deliver, you could be making mistakes that expose your skin to damage. These mistakes pile up over time, leaving you with concerns like clogged pores, tan, and a weakened skin barrier.
Let’s break down 10 such summer skincare mistakes you should avoid and dermatologist-friendly fixes for each!
Why Summer Needs a Different Routine
Summers can wreak havoc on your skin in the following ways:
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Increased UV intensity: It tans, burns, and increases pigmentation on your skin.
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Sweat & humidity: High humidity forces your skin to produce more oils. These oils, then mix with sweat, makeup, and dirt to clog your pores.
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Heat: Some people notice their skin gets drier because of water loss, while others find it oilier.
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Exfoliation: Exfoliating frequently weakens your skin's protective barrier.
Pro tip: Use at least SPF 30 (ideally SPF 50) daily. Dermatology guidelines and the U.S. FDA recommend broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to help protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Don’t forget to reapply every 2–3 hours and after swimming or sweating.
Source: U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
With this in mind, below are the 10 summer skincare mistakes you should avoid and what you can do to fix them.
Top 10 Summer Skincare Mistakes — Quick List
Fix these 10 mistakes at the earliest and enjoy the make the most out of your skincare:
Skipping Sunscreen (or Applying Too Little)
Applying little to no SPF will expose your skin to sun damage.
Fix: Apply an SPF 30-50 (2mg/cm² for the face and neck) and reapply it every 2-3 hours without fail!
Not all sunscreens are formulated the same. If you have dry skin, you may benefit from a sunscreen that also delivers hydration. Here’s how to choose the best sunscreen moisturizer for dry skin in summer.
Not Reapplying When Sweating/Swimming
Your sunscreen will eventually wear off with sweat and water. Thus, leaving you unevenly protected.
Fix: Opt for water-resistant Invisible Water Sunscreen that keeps your skin protected for up to 80 minutes and reapply it.
If you're outdoors, swimming, or sweating frequently, understanding water resistance becomes essential. Read our guide on whether your sunscreen needs to be water-resistant this summer.
Over-Exfoliating in Heat
The summer heat is already drying. Over-exfoliation makes it worse by weakening your barrier, leaving you with red, flaky, and stinging skin at times!
Fix: Reduce the frequency to 1-2 times a week as per your skin type. You can also switch to gentler exfoliants like Salicylic acid.
Using Heavy Creams That Trap Sweat
Heavy creams will trap sweat, oils and dirt and can leave you with breakouts.
Fix: Switch to lightweight gel/lotion textures that absorb quickly without clogging your pores.
Continuing Strong Actives Incorrectly (Retinoids/AHAs)
Retinoids can increase redness and dryness. Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), too, like Lactic acid and Glycolic acid can leave you with temporary burning, itching, and even blisters.
Fix: Lower the frequency of use and always follow with a sunscreen to prevent sun-induced damage.
Ignoring Body, Neck, Lips, and Hands
Your other body parts receive sun exposure as well. Some of these parts, like your lips, have much thinner and delicate skin. This makes them more vulnerable to skin damage.
Fix: Apply SPF evenly to all exposed areas. If you're going to be outdoors for a long time, wear protective clothing like hats and full-sleeved tees to keep yourself covered.
Wearing Heavy Makeup
Heavy makeup melts under the sun and clogs your pores.
Fix: Opt for lighter bases for all-day comfort. As for touch-ups, SPF powders or cushion compacts are a good choice!
Not Cleansing Sweat Properly
If you don’t get rid of all the sweat, you’re going to be itchy. You can also break out and develop heat rash!
Fix: Use a gentle face wash twice daily/after heavy sweating to cleanse without stripping natural oils.
Choosing Non-Breathable Occlusives in Humidity
Rich occlusives like Cocoa butter and Shea butter trap oils, sweat, and bacterias together, triggering breakouts.
Fix: Choose non-comedogenic, breathable skincare. For example, our Oil-Free Moisturizer for Oily Skin (3% NMF Complex + 0.2% Panthenol) delivers oil-free hydration for 72 hours!
Not Doing After-Sun Care
UV damage stays long after you're indoors. Skipping sun-care allows this damage to linger and slow down the recovery process, too.
Fix: Use a cool compress or apply soothing Aloe Vera. Follow with a moisturizer to replenish lost moisture and avoid exfoliation until your skin is healed.
Summer Routines by Skin Type — Quick Action Cards
Your skincare routine will give you the results you want when you tailor it to your skin’s reaction. These quick routines break down AM and PM routines for each skin type:
Oily/acne-prone
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AM:
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Cleansing: Wash away impurities and balance sebum with Salicylic Acid Oil Control Face Wash.
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Serum: Improve dull and tanned skin with 10% Vitamin C Serum.
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Moisturizer: Lock in moisture with an Oil-Free Moisturizer.
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SPF: Finish with Gel Sunscreen.
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PM:
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Cleansing: Get rid of the day's dirt, oil, and makeup.
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Treatment: Apply a Salicylic Acid Face Serum to clear pores and fade acne marks.
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Moisturization: Deeply hydrate your skin with a lightweight moisturizer.
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Texture: Lightweight gel/fluid formulas are your go-to picks!
Dry
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AM:
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Cleansing: Use a Hydrating Face Wash to cleanse and hydrate.
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Serum: Apply Hydrating Face Serum (2% Hyaluronic Acid + 1% Niacinamide) for long-lasting moisture.
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Moisturization: Layer the Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer to keep your skin deeply hydrated.
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SPF: Finish with Fluid Brightening Sunscreen.
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PM:
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Cleansing: Gently cleanse and get rid of all the buildup.
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Target treatment: Apply a hydrating and even-toning 10% Niacinamide Brightening Serum if required to overcome pigmentation
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Moisturization: Replenish your skin’s moisture with a moisturizer.
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Texture: Pick non-greasy emulsions with hydrating ingredients.
Sensitive
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AM:
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Cleanse: Rinse with a Hydrating Face Wash (0.5% Amino Acids + 0.1% Hyaluronic acid)
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Serum: Apply a 10% Niacinamide Brightening Serum to enhance your dull, uneven skin.
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Moisturization: Reinforce your skin's barrier and moisture with Skin Soothe Moisturizer with 1% Ceramide + 0.2% Bisabolol.
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SPF: Protect with barrier-strengthening Ceramide Gel Sunscreen.
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PM:
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Cleanser: Use a gentle cleanser to remove all the buildup from the day.
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Treatment: Apply a serum to calm your skin (optional).
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Moisturization: Finish with a moisturizer to hydrate and repair your skin.
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Texture: Opt for skin-soothing ingredients and a mineral SPF. Keep skin-drying alcohols and fragrances at bay!
Hyperpigmentation-prone
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AM:
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Cleanse: Use a Vitamin C & Niacinamide Face Wash to improve dullness and reduce dark spots.
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Serum: Apply Clearing Niacinamide Face Serum to target your acne marks and tanning.
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Moisturization: Apply Vitamin C Brightening Moisturizer to fade spots.
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SPF: Protect with Vitamin C Gel Sunscreen to prevent further tanning and sun damage.
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PM:
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Cleanser: Cleanse your skin with the face wash.
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Treatment: Target tanning and pigmentation with 10% Niacinamide Brightening Serum
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Moisturization: Finish with a moisturizer to nourish your skin.
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Texture: Choose lightweight formulas with sun-protective active ingredients.
| Concern | Best Texture | Practical Options |
|---|---|---|
| Oily / Acne-Prone | Gel, Fluid | Gel Sunscreen, Oil-Free Moisturizer |
| Dry | Lotion, Emulsion | Hydrating Face Serum, Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer |
| Sensitive | Mineral, Fragrance-Free | Skin Soothe Moisturizer, Ceramide Gel Sunscreen |
| Hyperpigmentation | Lightweight layers with sun-protective ingredients | Vitamin C & Niacinamide Face Wash, Vitamin C Gel Sunscreen |
After-sun Care & What to do If You Burn
If you've just come back after spending a long day outdoors or find your skin red and burnt, try these after-sun care tips:
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Make a cool compress in a bag with ice. Wrap it with a thin cloth and apply it to your skin.
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Apply Aloe Vera or a gentle emollient like a Ceramide moisturizer.
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Drink extra water to prevent further dehydration.
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Stay away from exfoliation until the skin gets normal. When to see a doctor.
If you experience blisters, fever, or chills, it is best to see your doctor.
Pro tip: Consistent SPF use and protective clothing reduce sunburns more effectively than after-care alone.
FAQS
How do I reapply sunscreen without ruining makeup?
Use a Sunscreen Spray to reapply your sunscreen. The hands-free spray format allows for quick and mess-free reapplication over makeup. You can also use SPF powders.
Can I use retinol in summer?
Yes, you can if you follow it with a sunscreen and moisturizer, as Retinol can make your skin more sensitive.
How often to reapply SPF indoors near windows?
Reapply every 4-6 hours when you're indoors near the window.
