Summer can be very harsh on our skin. Hot weather, sweat, pollution, and sun rays can damage the face if we are not careful. Many people follow different skincare routines in summer, but sometimes they use products or home remedies that are not good during hot weather.
In this article, we will talk about 3 common things you should not apply to your face in summer, and why avoiding them is important for healthy skin. We will also give you some simple skincare tips to keep your face fresh and glowing all summer long.
Why Is Skincare Important in Summer?
During summer, your skin faces:
- Strong UV rays from the sun
- Excess oil and sweat
- Dust and pollution
- More chances of acne and skin infections
That’s why your summer skincare should be light, clean, and free from heavy or harmful ingredients.
Do Not Apply These 3 Things on Your Face in Summer
Let’s now look at the 3 things you must avoid:
1. Petroleum Jelly or Heavy Creams
Many people use petroleum jelly or thick moisturizers, thinking they will keep the skin soft. But in summer, this can do more harm than good.
Why it’s bad:
- It blocks pores and does not allow your skin to breathe.
- It traps heat and sweat, which can lead to pimples and rashes.
- Your face may feel sticky and oily.
What to do instead:
- Use gel-based moisturizers with aloe vera or hyaluronic acid.
- Go for light, water-based creams.
2. Lemon Juice
Lemon is popular in many home remedies because it has vitamin C. But applying lemon directly to the face during summer is risky.
Why it’s bad:
- Lemon is acidic and can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
- It can cause redness, burns, or dark patches when exposed to the sun.
- It may also dry out your skin.
What to do instead:
- If you want vitamin C, use a mild vitamin C serum made for the skin.
- Always use sunscreen after applying any vitamin C product.
3. Perfumed Products or Alcohol-Based Toners
Products with strong perfume or alcohol may feel fresh for a while, but they are not suitable for hot weather.
Why it’s bad:
- Alcohol and strong fragrances can dry out your skin.
- They may cause itching, irritation, or allergies, especially if your skin is sweaty or sunburnt.
- These products remove natural oils and damage your skin barrier.
What to do instead:
- Use gentle, fragrance-free toners.
- Rose water or cucumber toner is a good, cooling option.
Some Summer Skincare Tips
Now that you know what not to apply, let’s see how you can care for your skin in summer:
1. Use Sunscreen Daily
Choose a sunscreen with SPF 30 or more. Apply it 15 minutes before stepping outside and reapply every 2–3 hours if you’re in the sun for a long time.
2. Wash Your Face Twice a Day
Use a mild face wash to clean your face in the morning and evening. This removes dirt, sweat, and oil.
3. Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water. You can also eat fruits with high water content like watermelon, cucumber, and oranges.
4. Choose Light Skincare
Go for non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), oil-free products in summer. Gel creams, light serums, and aloe vera-based products are best.
5. Exfoliate Gently
Exfoliate once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells, but don’t scrub too hard. Always moisturize after exfoliating.
Final Advice
Remember, not everything natural is safe, and not everything sold in stores suits all skin types. Summer skincare should be simple, clean, and cooling. Avoid using products that block pores, burn your skin, or dry it out. Always do a patch test before using any new product, even natural ones. If you face any skin problems like redness, itching, or acne, talk to a skin doctor (dermatologist).