Glow All Summer: Hair and Skin Essentials

Summer can be both enjoyable and challenging for skin and hair.

- RICHA AGARWAL

Rising temperatures, humidity, harsh sun exposure, and pollution can lead to tanning, dehydration, breakouts, pigmentation, and hair damage. While sunscreen is often emphasized, a well-rounded summer beauty routine requires a holistic approach, combining skincare, hair-care, nutrition, and mindful product choices.

The first step in summer skincare is maintaining a strong skin barrier. Heat and sun exposure increase transepidermal water loss, causing the skin to lose moisture more quickly. This can lead to dullness, irritation, and premature ageing.

Begin with a gentle cleanser that effectively removes sweat, sunscreen, and pollutants without stripping the skin. Harsh foaming cleansers should be avoided, as they can leave the skin feeling tight and disrupt its natural barrier.

Toners are often overlooked but are essential in summer. Hydrating formulas with ingredients like rose water, cucumber extract, aloe vera, green tea, or hyaluronic acid help soothe, refresh, and maintain skin hydration without causing dryness.

Follow with a lightweight moisturizer. Even oily skin requires hydration, as skipping moisturizer can trigger excess oil production. Gel-based or water-based moisturizers containing niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or aloe vera help balance the skin without feeling heavy.

Sunscreen is a nonnegotiable part of any summer skincare routine. Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher protects the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays.