With rising temperatures, high humidity and strong sun exposure, skincare needs extra care during summer to prevent excess oil, breakouts, dehydration and sun damage.

Dermatologist Surbhi Balani has shared eight easy and effective tips to help maintain healthy and glowing skin throughout the season.

Use a salicylic acid cleanser in the shower

Using a salicylic acid cleanser in the shower effectively treats acne and unclogs pores by penetrating deep into the skin to dissolve oil. Start by using it once a day, potentially increasing to twice daily (morning/evening) if your skin tolerates it well.

Apply a small amount to wet skin, lather for 30–60 seconds (or up to 2–4 minutes for body acne), and rinse thoroughly. It is ideal for oily or acne-prone skin.

Using a salicylic acid cleanser can cause temporary purging or increased breakouts, but this usually leads to clearer skin. Ensure to apply sunscreen, as this active ingredient increases sun sensitivity.

Add niacinamide to your morning routine

Incorporating niacinamide (Vitamin) into your morning routine is an effective way to control oil, reduce redness, and strengthen your skin barrier against daily environmental stressors. It is a versatile, non-irritating ingredient suitable for all skin types.

Use anti-dandruff shampoo as a body wash

Using anti-dandruff shampoo as a body wash can effectively treat skin conditions like fungal acne, seborrheic dermatitis, or folliculitis on the chest and back due to antifungal ingredients like zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide.

Apply to affected areas, let it sit for a few minutes, and rinse thoroughly. Its active ingredients can help treat body acne caused by heat and sweat.

Choose blotting paper instead of overwashing

Choosing blotting paper over overwashing is an effective, dermatologist-recommended strategy for managing oily skin throughout the day. It helps manage oil without damaging the skin’s natural barrier.

Excessive washing strips the skin of its natural, protective oils, which can cause the skin to overcompensate by producing even more oil.

Washing or applying extra powder, blotting papers absorb oil without disrupting makeup or creating a cakey appearance.

Apply ceramide lotion after swimming

Apply a rich ceramide lotion immediately after showering with soap to remove chlorine, salt, or bacteria. Apply it to slightly damp skin to lock in moisture and repair the skin barrier stripped by pool chemicals. Look for products labeled fragrance-free, containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or shea butter for optimal hydration.

Chlorine can dry out the skin, and ceramide-based lotions help restore moisture and repair damage. Ceramides are crucial to repairing the skin barrier, which is often compromised by pool chemicals. 

Use sunscreen spray for easy reapplication

Sunscreen sprays are excellent for easy reapplication over makeup and on the go, allowing for quick, midday touch-ups without smudging your look. For effective protection, spray until skin glistens (about 2–3 passes) every 2–3 hours, particularly after swimming or sweating.

To protect your eyes and lungs, do not spray directly around the mouth or face. Instead, spray onto your hands and then pat it onto your face, or spray directly onto a sponge first. Mist lightly and allow it to settle to keep makeup fresh. Rub the spray in after application to ensure complete, even coverage and avoid missed spots.

Sprays are best suited for reapplication, not as the primary, first-time application of the day. Always use sprays in well-ventilated areas and avoid inhaling the product. 

Try benzoyl peroxide wash

Benzoyl peroxide washes (2.5%–10%) are highly effective for treating inflammatory acne, blackheads, and whiteheads by killing bacteria and clearing pores. It helps reduce bacteria and prevents body acne, especially in sweat-prone areas.

Apply to wet skin, leave on for 1–2 minutes, and rinse thoroughly to reduce irritation. It can cause dryness and bleach fabrics, so use moisturizer and caution.

Wear UPF clothing

Lightweight protective clothing can provide additional defence against harmful sun rays. UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) clothing acts as wearable sunscreen, offering consistent, long-lasting protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays that does not require reapplication.

A UPF 50+ rating blocks roughly 98% of UV radiation, far exceeding the protection of a standard white T-shirt (~UPF 5). It is ideal for consistent, all-day sun protection.

Synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, and lycra are inherently good at blocking UV rays, making them excellent for active, outdoor, or water-related activities

These simple, expert-backed tips can help keep skin fresh, clear and protected during the summer months.