Summer skincare habits: dermatologist-approved guidance for hot weather

Summer skincare habits: dermatologist-approved guidance for hot weather

Lifestyle

-Oneindia Staff


Updated: Monday, March 30, 2026, 8:28 [IST]

Summer heat, sweat, and strong sun can irritate skin fast. Dermatologist-approved summer skincare habits focus on sun protection, gentle cleansing, and light hydration. They also help manage acne, rashes, and dark spots that may get worse in Indian weather. Simple daily steps can lower sun damage risk and keep the skin barrier steady.

Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects from UVA and UVB. Choose SPF 30 or higher for daily use. Use SPF 50 if you are outdoors for long hours. Put it on face, neck, ears, and any exposed skin. Apply 15 to 20 minutes before going out for best coverage.

Dermatologist-approved summer skincare emphasizes consistent broad-spectrum sunscreen application (SPF 30+ daily, SPF 50 outdoors) with reapplication every 2-3 hours, alongside gentle cleansing, light hydration, and sun-safe habits to manage heat-related skin issues.

Reapply sunscreen every two to three hours outdoors. Reapply sooner if you sweat a lot or wipe your face. Use about two finger lengths for face and neck. For body, use enough to form a thin, even layer. A water-resistant formula helps during sports, travel, and humid days.

Wash your face with a mild cleanser once in the morning and once at night. If you come home sweaty, rinse and cleanse again. Avoid harsh scrubs and strong soaps. They can make skin dry and cause more oil. Lukewarm water is better than hot water in summer.

After workouts, change out of sweaty clothes and shower soon. Sweat and friction can trigger body acne and heat rash. Use a gentle body wash on the back, chest, and underarms. Pat skin dry with a clean towel. Do not rub hard, especially on irritated areas.

Keep moisturiser light and steady

Many people skip moisturiser in summer, but skin still loses water. Use a light, non-greasy moisturiser. Look for labels like “non-comedogenic” if you get acne. Gel or lotion textures often feel better in humidity. Apply moisturiser after cleansing, while skin is slightly damp.

If you use active products, moisturiser becomes more important. Ingredients like retinoids or exfoliating acids can cause dryness. Dry skin can sting more in the sun. A simple routine works well: cleanse, moisturise, and sunscreen in the day. At night, cleanse and moisturise again.

Prevent tanning and dark spots with smart sun habits

Sunscreen works best with other sun-safe steps. Wear a wide-brim hat or cap and UV-protective sunglasses. Use a scarf, sleeves, or an umbrella in strong sun. Try to avoid direct sun between late morning and mid-afternoon. These habits lower tanning and help reduce uneven skin tone.

Dark spots can worsen with heat and sunlight, including melasma. Do not use home bleach mixes or harsh peels. They can burn skin and leave marks. If you use brightening products, keep them simple and add one at a time. Always pair them with daily sunscreen.

Manage summer acne, clogged pores, and heat rash

Humidity can raise oil and clog pores. Choose oil-free skincare and avoid heavy creams during the day. Keep hair oils away from the forehead and back. If you wear make-up, pick light, non-comedogenic options and remove them well at night. Do not pick pimples, as it can scar.

Heat rash often shows as tiny itchy bumps in skin folds. Wear loose cotton clothes and keep areas dry. Avoid thick ointments on rash, as they can trap heat. Cool compresses may help. If there is pain, pus, fever, or fast spread, seek medical advice.

Support skin with careful after-sun and daily hygiene

If you get sunburn, move indoors and cool the skin with a damp cloth. Use a plain moisturiser to ease dryness. Avoid scrubs and strong actives until skin heals. Drink enough water through the day. It supports normal skin function, though it does not replace sunscreen or shade.

Keep personal items clean to reduce breakouts. Wash pillowcases and face towels often. Clean phone screens and sunglass pads. Do not share razors or make-up. If you shave, use a clean blade and shave with a gentle gel. Irritated skin can darken faster in summer sun.

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Dermatologist-Approved Anti-Ageing Treatments for Men: What Works & What Doesn’t

Dermatologist-Approved Anti-Ageing Treatments for Men: What Works & What Doesn’t

Skin is the largest multifunctional organ of the body, yet it still gets neglected when it comes to anti-ageing treatments for men. Generally, it is considered that skincare and anti-ageing treatments only resonate with women, but with changing social phenomena, men are also understanding the importance of healthy skin, which brings glow as a bonus. Due to several lifestyle and environmental factors, anti-ageing treatments have become a necessity. These aim to slow down the visible signs of ageing, such as wrinkles, dark spots, age spots, and damaged skin.



As anti-ageing treatments for men are blooming, we spoke to Dr Pranjal Joshi, Cosmetic Dermatologist and Hair Transplant Surgeon, Varsity Skin & Wellness Clinic in Malviya Nagar. He explains the major concerns for men regarding ageing and the most suitable treatments.

Major Skin Concerns for Men Regarding Ageing

According to reports, men skin requires more hydration than women because of the higher thickness and sebum production, along with rough skin due to regular shaving. Dr Pranjal Joshi shared that the major skin concerns for men regarding ageing are dull skin, fine lines, under-eye bags, and poor skin elasticity.

“Due to higher levels of testosterone, male skin tends to lean more on the oily, thicker side with larger-than-normal pores. Post-shave irritation is also a concern, which results in damaged skin tissues, making it not just rough but also dark and dull,” mentioned Dr Joshi.

Also Read: International Men’s Day 2025: Study Reveals High Suicide Risk In Men Driven by Emotional Isolation, Expert Shares How To Overcome

Poor lifestyle habits, such as smoking and eating junk food, and increased air pollution, have drastically changed the skin tissues’ life cycle, resulting in faster ageing. Although women are known to start anti-ageing skincare first, men are typically the last to take noticeable action.

Do Men Need To Buy Specific Skincare?

Reports indicate that men do not need to buy specifically men skincare products, as the ingredients in the products are mostly the same with women skin skincare products. Dr Joshi underlined the same saying that skincare brands market male-specific products, but it’s typically not necessary to buy products labelled for men.

“More important than the label on the product is the efficacy of the active ingredients in the formulation. A basic skincare routine, which includes retinol, Vitamin C, and sunscreen, is necessary and important to use,” said Dr Joshi.

Today, more and more men want healthy and youthful skin, and hence, explore different anti-ageing treatments and skincare products. This has also fuelled the market for skincare products. Dr Joshi suggests understanding your skin type and opting for a general, simpler, and healthier skincare routine instead of going for any specific approach.

Anti-Ageing Treatments For Men

While there is a lot of information and misinformation available online, some anti-ageing treatments are quite effective, while others are gimmicky or overhyped at best. It is important to understand what really works or doesn’t work so that one may choose the most effective option and build a long-lasting and efficient skincare strategy. Dr Joshi shared the anti-ageing treatments that genuinely work and those that don’t.

What Work

Retinoids

When we talk about anti-ageing, retinoids are the gold standard. They help with the production of collagen, brighten the skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and contribute to the improvement of skin texture. Dr Joshi said, “Retinol is available in different forms. Some mild forms are available over the counter, while the stronger formulations may only be available upon prescription and provide stronger results.” For retinol to work effectively, consistency is the key, and significant improvement is typically observed in 2-3 months.

Sunscreen

Dermatologists all across the globe consider sunscreen as the most basic and effective anti-ageing product. “Around 80% of visible skin ageing happens because of UV radiation-induced skin damage. Regular sunscreen use with an SPF of 30 or higher prevents skin ageing and associated signs such as wrinkles, dark spots, and even something as grave as skin cancer,” Dr Joshi stated. Hence, for those men who tend to spend a lot of time outdoors or drive often, the use of sunscreen is non-negotiable.

Vitamin C-based Serums

Serums that are enriched with Vitamin C help with skin brightening by reducing pigmentation and offering protection against free radical-induced damage. “Men, especially in their 30s and 40s, should incorporate it into their daily morning skincare routine,” Dr Joshi stated.

Clinic-based Procedures

Dr Joshi highlights that for the treatment of wrinkles, acne scars, and uneven tone, treatments like chemical peels, micro-needling, and lasers work effectively. The more effective and stronger treatments include the use of neuromodulators and dermal fillers, which can help achieve a much younger appearance in a relatively short period of time.

Also Read: Did You Know New Fathers Face Paternal Postnatal Depression and Hormonal Shifts? Tips to Manage and Control

What Do Not Work

Anti-Ageing Face Washes

There are many face washes available in the market that claim to be effective at providing an anti-ageing effect. However, as shared by Dr Joshi, face washes do not stay long enough on the face to provide any effective skincare benefits.

Face Yoga

Yoga for various facial expressions is routinely advertised as a miracle; however, the science behind its long-term anti-ageing benefits is absolutely lacking. Practising yoga regularly provides significant health benefits and helps keep you feeling young, but it does not work as an anti-ageing treatment.

Cosmetic Products with Unclear Formulations

Many creams manufactured by cosmetic brands market non-scientific formulations, but they do not effectively work as an anti-ageing treatment. Dr Joshi noted, “Using multiple formulations, albeit in very low concentrations, does not work at all. It is not the brand that works but the molecules such as retinoids, peptides, and antioxidants that help.”

Home-based LED Mask Devices

The home-based LED devices are going viral on social media, trending with claims of magical responses; however, doctors suggest that they work in very modest ways or are absolutely ineffective.

Using an effective home-care regimen along with intermittent use of clinic-based medical treatments yields the best results for men looking for anti-ageing skincare treatments.

Bottom Line

With the changing times and awareness, men are becoming more accepting and responsive towards anti-ageing treatments. However, several brands are marketing their gimmicky products that are actually modestly or zero effective. Before using any products, it is important to check the ingredients in the product. 

FAQ

  • What is the best skin care routine for men?

    A good skin care routine for men includes a gentle cleanser, vitamin C serum and sunscreen.

  • What are anti-ageing treatments for men?

    There are several anti-ageing treatments available in the market for men, including skin peels, HydraFacial and micro needling.

 

 

 

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Disclaimer

How we keep this article up to date:

We work with experts and keep a close eye on the latest in health and wellness. Whenever there is a new research or helpful information, we update our articles with accurate and useful advice.


  • Current Version

  • Nov 19, 2025 17:21 IST

    Published By : Sameeksha Sharma

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