How Hyderabad's scorching heat is changing beauty and sun-care routines for men and women

How Hyderabad’s scorching heat is changing beauty and sun-care routines for men and women

Hyderabad: Hyderabad’s relentless summer heat is doing more than making people seek shade and air-conditioned spaces. With temperatures frequently crossing 40 degrees Celsius, the city’s extreme weather is significantly influencing beauty, skincare, and sun-care habits among both men and women. From increased sunscreen usage to hydration-focused skincare and protective fashion choices, residents are adapting their daily routines to cope with the harsh climate.

Dermatologists say prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays and excessive heat can lead to tanning, pigmentation, premature ageing, sunburn, and dehydration. As awareness about skin health continues to grow, more people are investing in products and routines designed to protect and nourish their skin during the summer months.

“Earlier, sunscreen was considered optional by many people, especially men. Today, we are seeing a noticeable increase in awareness about sun protection across all age groups,” says Dr Priya Sharma, a dermatologist based in Hyderabad in an interview recently. According to experts, broad-spectrum sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher have become an essential part of daily skincare routines, regardless of whether individuals spend long hours outdoors.

The changing weather patterns have also contributed to a shift in consumer preferences. Lightweight, non-greasy moisturisers, hydrating serums containing hyaluronic acid, vitamin C-based products, and cooling face mists are witnessing increased demand. People are increasingly looking for skincare solutions that help maintain hydration without making the skin feel oily in the sweltering heat.

Women in Hyderabad are also modifying their beauty routines to suit the season. Heavy makeup products are gradually being replaced by lightweight formulations, tinted sunscreens, BB creams, and sweat-resistant cosmetics. Many beauty enthusiasts are embracing a more natural look that allows the skin to breathe while still providing adequate protection from environmental stressors.

At the same time, men are becoming more conscious about skincare than ever before. Grooming experts note that male consumers are increasingly purchasing sunscreens, face washes designed for oily skin, anti-tan products, and moisturisers. Social media awareness, celebrity influence, and greater acceptance of male grooming have played a major role in this shift.

Fashion choices are also evolving in response to Hyderabad’s scorching temperatures. Cotton and linen clothing, wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, umbrellas, and UV-protective accessories have become common sights across the city. Many residents are opting for loose-fitting garments in lighter colours, which help reflect sunlight and keep the body cooler throughout the day.

Hydration has emerged as another key focus area. Nutritionists recommend increasing water intake, consuming seasonal fruits such as watermelon and muskmelon, and incorporating electrolyte-rich beverages into daily diets. Experts warn that dehydration not only affects overall health but can also contribute to dull, dry, and irritated skin.

Bollywood celebrities continue to influence beauty and wellness trends among fans. Actress Deepika Padukone has often emphasised the importance of hydration and sunscreen as part of her skincare routine. Alia Bhatt is known for advocating minimal makeup and healthy skincare habits, while Katrina Kaif frequently highlights the importance of cleansing, moisturising, and sun protection. Male stars such as Hrithik Roshan and Kartik Aaryan have also spoken about maintaining skincare routines, encouraging more men to prioritise skin health.

Social media platforms have further accelerated awareness about sun care. Beauty influencers regularly share information about the importance of reapplying sunscreen every two to three hours, using protective clothing, and adopting dermatologist-approved skincare routines. As a result, consumers are becoming more informed about preventing long-term skin damage caused by excessive sun exposure.

Industry experts believe that Hyderabad’s intense summers are likely to continue shaping beauty and personal care trends in the years ahead. The growing demand for sunscreen, hydration-focused skincare, protective fashion, and wellness products reflects a broader shift towards preventive skin health rather than merely treating problems after they appear.

As temperatures remain high, one thing is clear: sun care is no longer a seasonal trend but an essential lifestyle habit for both men and women. In a city where the sun shows little mercy, protecting the skin has become just as important as staying cool and hydrated.

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Think You’re Beating The Heat? Oily, Sticky, Breaking Out? Your Summer Routine Might Be The Problem

Summer skincare can get a bit confusing. The moment the weather changes, skin starts behaving differently – more oil, more sweat, the occasional breakout – and most of us instinctively try to “fix” it. We wash our face more often, switch to stronger products, or stop using moisturiser altogether because everything already feels greasy.

But what’s often missing is that these quick fixes can quietly weaken the skin over time.

A lot of this comes down to the skin barrier. It’s the outer layer of your skin that holds everything together, keeps moisture in, protects from environmental stress, and helps maintain balance. And in summer, this barrier is already working overtime.

Especially now, when summers are harsher and nights don’t cool down as much, the skin doesn’t really get a break. Add to that the constant back-and-forth between outdoor heat, pollution, and indoor air-conditioning, and it’s not surprising that skin starts feeling off, sometimes oily, sometimes dry, sometimes just more sensitive than usual.

In this kind of environment, a few everyday habits can do more damage than we realise:

Over-cleansing

Washing the face multiple times a day can feel refreshing, especially in humid weather. But frequent cleansing – particularly with strong or foaming face washes – can strip away the skin’s natural lipids. These lipids are essential for maintaining the barrier. Once disrupted, the skin often responds by producing even more oil, creating a cycle that’s hard to manage. A gentler approach, using mild cleansers with ingredients like aloe, neem, or tulsi, can help remove impurities without disturbing the skin’s balance.

Skipping moisturiser

One of the most common misconceptions is that oily skin doesn’t need moisturiser in summer. In reality, oil and hydration are not the same. Heat, sun exposure, and air-conditioning can all reduce the skin’s water content, even if it appears greasy. Skipping moisturiser can weaken the barrier over time, making the skin more prone to irritation. Lightweight, water-based hydration, such as gels or formulations with cucumber or fruit extracts, can help replenish moisture without feeling heavy.

Over-exfoliating

There’s also this urge in summer to constantly “clean” the skin – get rid of tan, dullness, clogged pores. Exfoliation helps, but only to a point.

When it becomes too frequent or too harsh, it can thin out the skin barrier and make your skin more reactive, especially in the sun. That’s when you start noticing redness or that slight stinging feeling.

Gentler exfoliation works better in the long run. Even traditional formats like ubtan, when used mildly, tend to be less disruptive and still effective.

Environmental stress

Summer isn’t just heat. It’s heat, UV exposure, dust, pollution, and then suddenly cold, dry air indoors. Your skin is constantly adjusting.

This kind of back-and-forth can be tiring for the skin barrier. Sometimes what helps is not doing more, but just adding a bit of calm back into the routine – ingredients that cool, soothe, and don’t overwork the skin.

Using unsuitable products

Products that work well in cooler months may not be ideal for summer. Heavy creams can feel occlusive in humid weather, while overly drying formulations can strip the skin further. Summer calls for lighter, breathable textures that allow the skin to function comfortably. There’s also a growing preference for fresher, more thoughtfully processed formulations that retain ingredient efficacy while being gentle enough for frequent use.

The larger shift

A common thread across these habits is the tendency to overcorrect. Summer skincare is often approached with the goal of controlling oil, removing tan, or managing sweat. But healthy skin doesn’t come from constant stripping or aggressive treatments. It comes from balance.

When the skin barrier is intact, the skin is better equipped to regulate itself—whether that’s oil production, hydration, or sensitivity. This is where skincare routines are gradually evolving. There’s a shift towards approaches that are simpler, more consistent, and better aligned with both the climate and the skin’s natural functioning.

In many ways, summer skincare is less about doing more and more about doing it right. Small changes like choosing gentler cleansers, not skipping hydration, or being mindful of over-exfoliation can go a long way in protecting the skin barrier. Because once that barrier is strong, everything else tends to fall into place.

(Swagatika Das is the CEO & Co-Founder, Nat Habit)

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5 Skincare Tips To Help You Deal With Malaysia's Heat & Humidity

5 Skincare Tips To Help You Deal With Malaysia’s Heat & Humidity

Humidity, or the quantity of moisture in the air – especially here in Malaysia’s tropical climate, can have an impact on your skin in both positive and negative ways. It affects your skin in a variety of ways, including moisture, oiliness, acne and breakouts, sensitivity, fungal infections, eczema and psoriasis, and heat rash.

If the weather is wreaking havoc on your skin lately, worry not! Here’s a nifty guide on keeping your skin cool and calm while preventing heat-induced breakouts:

 

Hydrate inside and out

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Hydration is something everyone should be taking seriously. Remember, drinking water will nourish your skin, while also helping to flush out unwanted toxins, and improving skin texture.

Outside of drinking plenty of water, you can also use certain skincare products to add more moisture back to your skin directly. For starters, use a lightweight gel/water-based moisturiser that absorbs quickly, and don’t forget to layer on sunscreen right after!

Calm it with a sheet mask

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One of our favourite ways to literally cool down on a hot day is to pop a sheet mask into the fridge. Nothing is more refreshing than some iced tea and a cooling sheet mask during a heat wave. Cooling down your face aids in diminishing inflammation and puffiness, and has anti-aging benefits. 

Look out for skin-loving ingredients

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Keep an eye out for skin-calming ingredients that won’t aggravate it further and to help prevent redness and inflammation. We like active ingredients such as Centella asiatica (or tiger grass), chamomile, colloidal oatmeal (especially great for dry and sensitive skin types), liquorice root, panthenol and aloe vera.

Slough off dead skin cells

Source: Freepik

Exfoliating twice a week is the right balance for your skin. Use a gentle exfoliator or chemical exfoliants like AHAs or BHAs to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, and keep your skin smooth and clear. However, you also wouldn’t want to over-exfoliate as it strips away all of your skin’s natural oils and can cause irritation or sensitivity.

Keep it natural

Source: Freepik

When it’s super humid out, the last thing your skin needs is layers of skincare products or heavy-duty makeup. Instead, wear minimal makeup or use lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic products. Don’t forget to remove your makeup before going to bed so that your skin can breathe and regenerate during the night.

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