The Indian summer is notorious for its harsh heat, high humidity, and relentless sun. One day, your skin may feel balanced and fresh; the next, it can be oily, irritated, or prone to breakouts. For those with sensitive or acne-prone skin, maintaining a healthy glow can feel like an uphill battle. Wrong choices, harsh cleansers, skipped moisturisers, or forgetting sunscreen can quickly throw your skin off balance.

To understand how to survive the season while keeping skin healthy, India Today spoke to Gunjan Sharma, co-founder of Lumae, who emphasises the importance of a consistent routine. Summer skincare isn’t about quick fixes. “Your skin thrives on rhythm from the early morning rays to the calm of night,” she says.

Sharma explains that using products that blend science with natural ingredients is key. Heat, sweat, pollution, and UV rays challenge the skin every day. “A mindful AM-PM routine can help it stay protected, hydrated, and radiant,” she adds.

Morning Rituals for a Fresh Start

A gentle, structured morning routine can prepare your skin to face the heat:

• Cleanse: Use a sulphate-free, pH-balanced cleanser to remove oil and impurities. Ingredients such as ashwagandha and glycolic acid can calm and refresh the skin.

• Tone: Apply an alcohol-free toner like rose water to tighten pores and boost hydration.

• Serum: Vitamin C brightens skin and protects against UV damage, while niacinamide or salicylic acid regulates oil and reduces breakouts.

• Moisturise: A lightweight, gel-based moisturiser with hyaluronic acid or aloe vera hydrates without heaviness.

• Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every morning, and reapply if you are outdoors for long periods.

Evening Care: Repair and Restore

Nighttime is when your skin recovers from sun exposure and environmental stress

• Double cleanse: Remove makeup or sunscreen with an oil-based cleanser, then follow with a gentle face wash.

• Tone: Sweep a calming, hydrating toner over your skin.

• Repairing serum: Apply a serum with peptides, plant-based retinol alternatives, and botanicals such as ashwagandha and mulberry. These actives boost collagen, reduce inflammation, and restore balance.

• Night cream: Use a nourishing cream with antioxidants like astaxanthin and botanical oils to repair cells, improve elasticity, and reduce fine lines overnight.

Everyday Habits That Support Skin Health

Summer skincare is also about lifestyle choices

• Stay hydrated: Water-rich fruits like watermelon, cucumber, and citrus help maintain hydration and support clear skin

• Use lukewarm water: Hot water can strip natural oils. Exfoliate 2–3 times a week to prevent clogged pores

• Wear breathable fabrics: Cotton and other natural fibers reduce irritation and help skin breathe

Skincare is a daily decision, not a trend. Even in the intense Indian summer, a consistent and thoughtful routine can help your skin thrive. With the right care, it can stay balanced, hydrated, and radiant from sunrise to sundown.

– Ends