The summers are right around the corner and our skin has already started experiencing changes. Irrespective of skin type, the scorching heat and humidity can cause sunburn and tanning. Rashes and acne are common throughout summer but with a proper skincare routine and protection, you can minimize the effects and maintain the radiance of your skin.

Getting your skincare regime right makes a drastic difference in your skin health throughout summer. Oily or dry skin, with the right products and skincare steps, keep glowing throughout summer! But before jumping onto the summer skincare tips, you must understand your skin concerns.

How does summer affect different skin types?

The effects of the scorching heat are varied on different skin types. If you recognize your skin types and the problem areas, devising a skincare regime gets easier. Here are the issues different skin types face during the summer:

Oily Skin

• Summertime aggravates the oiliness of the skin
• Oiliness traps dirt and grime and eventually causes acne and clogged pores
• Oily skin is prone to inflammations due to the scorching heat of the summer

Dry Skin

• Dy skin tends to get even more dehydrated due to the heat
• Rashes and flaky skin are common problems for dry-skinned beauties
• Hyperpigmentation and dullness are more common in dry skin

Sensitive skin

• Acne, rashes and redness are very common for sensitive skin
• Sensitive skin is more prone to tanning as well

Normal Skin

The problems are very specific and vary from one person to another in the case of normal skin types. Redness, acne breakouts and mild dehydration are generally witnessed in normal skin during the summers.

Fabulous summertime skincare tips for different skin types

Irrespective of your skin type, a few basic skincare practices provide ample protection for all skin types. The key is consistency with the routine and choosing the right product.

Forget everything, but never your sunscreen!

Never run out of sunscreen if you want to survive the summers without rashes and tanning. Although a very basic skincare product, it is the most important one for all skin types. Even if you are staying indoors, using light sunscreen with SPF 30 is highly recommended since UV rays can reach you through the windows during the summers.

And when you step outdoors, sunscreen is a must and it must be a heavy-duty product. Especially in the Indian summers, sunscreens with SPF 50 are the most suitable choice. If you are worried about which is the right choice for your skin type, try our Sunscreens that is suitable for all skin types. The lightweight and the fast-absorbing formula is a blessing for dry skin beauties. If you have oily skin, you must use a gel-based moisturizer to avoid heaviness.

The right application is necessary to get the maximum benefits from your sunscreen. So, apply the sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going out and re-apply it through the day after every 2-3 hours if you’re staying out.

Cleanse…Cleanse…Cleanse Away the dirt and grime

Washing your face twice daily is important. But it is even more so during the summer. The heat and humidity lead to sweating that catches the grime and dirt from around us. Especially for oily skinned women, the problem gets dire due to the excess sebum.

A gentle cleanser ensures the dirt gets removed without dehydrating the skin and stripping off its natural oils. Double cleansing is ideal during summer to remove every speck of grime that gets settled in the fine lines and pores. But you can save all the effort with a cleanser like our Daily Duet Face Wash that doubles as a makeup remover too and comes with all benefits of double cleansing.

Feed your skin with antioxidants

The heat of summers dehydrates the skin and causes damage due to the free radicals. As a result, a skincare routine that replenishes the lost nourishment is essential. Introduce products with antioxidants like face serums which in turn boost collagen production and strengthen the natural skin barriers. Luckily, our C For Yourself Vitamin C Serum does this job perfectly. And the best part is, it is suitable for all skin types and targets skin concerns like hyperpigmentation and dullness in summer.

Use moisturizers but with a twist

Oily skin beauties often skip moisturizers during the summer, which is totally understandable but a crime! Ditch those heavy feeling creams and opt for gel-based or light, cream consistency moisturizers. Lighter moisturizers work best for almost all skin types in the summer season.

We recommend using our Ceramide Supercream Moisturizer daily to protect your skin from flakiness as well as pollution and blue light damage. It contains hydrogenated olive oil that nourishes the skin much deeper without feeling you have anything on your skin. It keeps the skin hydrated and moisturized for long hours.

Summertime is very tedious so it’s a good idea to have a minimal yet effective routine! We at Foxtale, are believers in skincare products that show results on skin and make you relax and happy while using them. Achieve efficacy with our products and add these tips for a little bit of extra happiness:

• Use ice rollers, they can be game-changing in summers
• Keep a face mist handy and use it any time of the day to feel refreshed
• To cool your skin, keep an aloe vera gel in the refrigerator for some time and then apply generously
• Try multi-masking to target different skin concerns all at once!

Related Articles: 

1. Tips to Prevent and Treat Heat Rash
2. Must-Have Skincare Essentials for Summers
3. Summer Skincare Routine for a Tan-Free Skin

Don’t forget a Summer Reset for your body

While you're prepping your face with serums and gels, the skin on your body is often the first to show summer damage. Between the friction of sweat and constant UV exposure, your arms and legs can quickly become tanned and patchy.

The most effective way to prep is by switching to the Detan Body Wash. Powered by our 8% De-TanX Complex™ (Glycolic + Lactic Acid), it helps visibly reduce tan from the very first use. It features India’s first After-Sun Reset System, which prevents daily sun exposure from building up into a stubborn, permanent tan. With Niacinamide to fade pigmentation and Calendula Extract to repair the skin barrier, it’s the perfect one-step solution to keep your body skin as radiant as your face all summer long.

"Always wear your sunscreen!" "Don't forget to reapply it every now and then" We have all read this innumerable times in articles and blogs. But have you ever paused to consider why using sunscreen is so crucial? The saying "Less is more" can never be applied to sunscreen. Without this essential item, your skincare routine would be incomplete.  

What Is Sunscreen? 

Sunscreens SPF 50 are used to shield the skin from the sun's damaging rays. They aid in avoiding sunburn and early ageing. Sunscreens also aid in lowering the risk of skin cancer and skin responses similar to sunburn brought on by some drugs. Sunscreens' active chemicals either absorb ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun, keeping it from penetrating the skin's deeper layers, or they reflect it. There are plenty of sunscreens for oily skin available in the market in the form of Gel, sticks, creams, and lotions.  

What Is SPF? 

SPF means Sun Protection Factor. It is a unit of measurement of the protection you get from the sun’s UVB rays. The higher the SPF, the better the protection you get. The SPF 15 gives about 93% protection from the sun while SPF 50 can give up to 98% protection from the sun rays. It is recommended to choose sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher. 

So, is sunscreen necessary? Do note that no sunscreen can provide a hundred per cent protection from the sun’s rays. For complete protection, you need a lot more than sunscreen, keep on reading to know about it. 

SPF is the measure of the amount of solar energy that can burn the protected skin. The SPF wears out approximately after every 3-4 hours at most and hence one must reapply the sunscreen accordingly. The amount of sun exposure varies at different times of the day. Usually, the sun exposure is the highest around midday. Thus, a high SPF sunscreen is the safest choice during this time of the day. 

Related Read: Guide on SPF vs PA in sunscreen

What Does Broad Spectrum Mean? 

Different types of sun rays reach the earth and among these, UVA and UVB are the primary causes of skin damage. While the former causes skin aging, the latter leads to sunburns. When you buy a broad-spectrum sunscreen, it gives you protection against both types of sun exposure. It is elemental to choose a sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection so that your skin experiences optimum protection from all types of sun damage. 

Broad-spectrum sunscreen is designed to ensure absolute protection. Sunscreen which provides broad-spectrum protection comes with PA or Protection Grade which is specifically meant for UVA Protection. PA+ to PA++++ indicate the different levels of protection you get from sunscreen. 

Choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen is especially necessary for equatorial regions or wherever the sunlight exposure is the highest. Moreover, it has been witnessed that fair-skinned people are more vulnerable to sun damage which calls for high-quality broad-spectrum sunscreen usage. 

How to Choose the Right Sunscreen?

A sunscreen can truly work for you if you understand your skin type and daily sun exposure. Selecting a broad-spectrum sunscreen gives you a better chance at protection against UVA and UVB rays. The right sunscreen will prevent tanning, sunburn and long-term damage to your skin.

1. Check the SPF and PA Rating

SPF 30 or higher is best for everyday use. SPF 50 offers added protection if you spend most of your time outdoors. UVA rays that are responsible for ageing and pigmentation, but when a higher SPF is paired with a PA++++ rating, it forms a strong defence.

2. Look for In-Vivo Tested Sunscreens

A reliable sunscreen should ideally be in-vivo tested, which means the SPF and protection claims have been tested on human skin under controlled conditions. In-vivo testing ensures that the sunscreen provides the level of protection mentioned on the label when applied in real-life conditions. Choosing an in-vivo tested sunscreen increases the chances that the SPF and PA ratings are accurate and effective.

3. Check for New-Gen UV Filters

Modern sunscreens often include new-generation UV filters that offer better and more stable protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. These advanced filters are designed to be more photostable, lightweight, and comfortable on the skin compared to older sunscreen ingredients.

Match It to Your Skin Type

Oily or Acne-Prone Skin: Lightweight, gel sunscreen for oily skin and matte sunscreen for oily, acne-prone skin.
Dry skin: Dry skin Sunscreens with hydrating ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid
Sensitive skin: Fragrance-free formulas with skin-friendly UV filters

Additional Tip:
Consider tinted sunscreens for extra coverage and protection. They can help even out skin tone, blur pores, protect against visible light, and work well for daily wear.

Look Beyond Just Sun Protection

A good sunscreen feels comfortable, layers well under makeup, and is suitable for daily wear. You are more likely to use a sunscreen if it fits seamlessly into your routine. Your skin stays protected when you use it consistently.

What Are The Different Types Of Sunscreen? 

Unarguably, sunscreen is a quintessential product when it comes to skincare. We all love to be out in the sun, but the harmful UV rays can be damaging to our skin. That is when sunscreen comes to the rescue, as it shields our skin against tanning, pigmentation, and premature aging. In particular, there are two types of sunscreens available in the market namely, mineral and chemical sunscreen. 

1. What Is Mineral Sunscreen? 

The mineral or otherwise known as physical sunscreens settles on the skin's topmost layer and blocks the UV rays directly at the surface. They work by making the sun’s rays bounce back in the air. They contain ingredients such as titanium and zinc oxide to facilitate the same. Since most physical sunscreens leave a white cast, they might not flatter deeper/dusky skin tones. 

Usually, mineral sunscreens have a thicker texture and accentuate the parts of the skin wherever it is applied or reapplied. It has also been noticed that their effectiveness in combating UVA rays is comparatively lesser than other types of sunscreen. Above all, the mineral sunscreens might not suit the oily and acne-prone complexions due to the creamy finish. 

2. What Is Chemical Sunscreen? 

The chemical sunscreens are made with ingredients such as avobenzone, octocrylene, oxybenzone, octisalate, octinoxate, or homosalate. These ingredients aid the sunscreen to work as a sponge and absorb the sun rays. They then convert the UV rays into heat and give it out from the body so they don’t harm our skin. 

Notably, the texture and consistency of the chemical sunscreens are clear and lightweight, which makes them suitable for all skin types. Besides, they offer superior protection against UVA and UVB rays and do not require reapplication in shorter intervals. 

Related Read: Difference between 30 vs 50 vs 70 Sunscreen 

What Is The Difference Between Mineral And Chemical Sunscreen? 

There are a few factors that differentiate mineral and chemical sunscreen. They are listed below: 

Protection Tactic: The mineral sunscreen works as a reflector, thus forming a shield or a layer on the skin. On the contrary, a chemical sunscreen effectively absorbs the UV rays, converting them into heat and releasing it from the body. 

Consistency: There is a considerable variation between the consistencies of mineral and chemical sunscreens. The former has a creamy thick texture, whereas the latter has a gel-like clear consistency that feels airy-light on the skin. 

Suitability: The mineral sunscreens tend to leave a white cast on the complexion due to their denser texture. Hence, they might not blend properly with the skin or they are difficult to reapply. Conversely, the chemical sunscreens are non-sticky and lightweight, making them ideal for daily use. If you have acne-prone, sensitive, or oily skin, the chemicals sunscreens will work well as they do not clog pores. 

If you’re looking to incorporate chemical sunscreen into your routine, check out Foxtale’s Dewy Sunscreen. It has an SPF of 70+, is a broad spectrum, and PA++++ which makes it suitable for everyday wear. It applies beautifully to the skin and gets absorbed in a few moments, leaving a dewy finish. It’s a boon for dry skin beauties! 

What Are The Benefits Of Sunscreen? 

1. Avoid Sunburning 

If you don't wear sunscreen, you run a greater risk of being sunburned. Continuous sun exposure can be quite harmful to your health. This includes skin cancer, early ageing, and a variety of other skin conditions. 

2. Tackle the Signs of Ageing  

Your elastin, collagen, and skin cells can become damaged from repeated sun exposure with little to no protection. This can eventually result in early ageing symptoms such as discoloration, wrinkles, fine lines, and a leathery appearance. People who spend time in the sun without protection are more likely to experience photoaging or premature ageing. Thankfully, consistent sunscreen use can avoid these skin problems. 

3. Decreases Inflammation 

Our skin can become painfully red and swollen when exposed to UV light. For people with skin conditions like psoriasis or rosacea, this can be particularly difficult. Daily use of sunscreen helps to reduce the risk of inflammation brought on by UV rays. Look for a sunscreen with soothing chemicals like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide if you have delicate skin that is prone to redness. Additionally, you should stay away from spray-on sunscreens because they may have harsh ingredients like alcohol that can dry out your skin. 

4. Minimize Skin Discoloration 

Living with skin discoloration can be challenging, particularly when it develops later in life. These discolored spots, which are often tan to brown in hue, are also known as "sun spots" or "liver spots." Both men and women are susceptible to them, and they frequently manifest on the face, head, hands, and arms. Applying sunscreen frequently throughout the day can aid in preventing the development of these spots on your skin.

How to Apply Sunscreen on Face? 

Applying sunscreen the right way is just as important as choosing the right SPF. A sunscreen forms a protective layer when you use it correctly. This layer prevents sunburn, tanning, and long-term skin damage.

Step 1: Choose the Right Sunscreen

Start by selecting a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. SPF 30 or higher works best to give you reliable sun protection daily.

Step 2: Apply in the Right Order

A common question you may ask is what to apply first moisturiser or sunscreen. The rule is simple. Moisturiser comes first, and then apply sunscreen before makeup. Sunscreen should always be the final step of your skincare routine.

Step 3: Use the Right Amount

How much sunscreen you apply can also make a big difference. Follow the two-finger rule while using sunscreen. Apply a full strip of sunscreen along the length of your index and middle fingers to cover your face and neck properly.

Step 4: Apply Evenly

Shake the bottle well before use. Dot the sunscreen across your face and massage it.

Step 5: Allow Absorption

Give sunscreen at least 15 minutes to form a protective layer before going out in the sun.

Step 6: Reapply Regularly

You need to apply sunscreen again after two hours. Sweating, swimming, or towel-drying can remove sunscreen, so apply again immediately after it. Take time to apply it on your ears, hairline and back of the neck. You can protect your skin year-round by making sunscreen a daily habit. 

When to Apply Sunscreen?

Applying sunscreen is the final stage of your daily skincare routine before starting any makeup application is a crucial step in making sure you're properly protected from damaging UV radiation. 

Apply your sunscreen liberally after washing your face in the morning and before using any skin care products, such as toners, serums, moisturizers, or oils. In the same way that you wait for the first layer of nail paint to dry before applying a second coat to ensure it sets well, sunscreen should also be given some time to settle on your face before applying makeup. Give your sunscreen at least two minutes to absorb into your skin before doing any makeup on top of it. During this period, refrain from touching your face.  

Who Should Wear Sunscreen? 

By now, we all have understood the importance of wearing sunscreen and the side effects of not wearing sunscreen. But the question is, who should wear it? So, anyone who is under the sun or has direct contact with sunlight must wear sunscreen. This makes it pretty obvious for anyone outdoors to wear sunscreen and also for someone who stays indoors and has a window nearby from where direct sunlight hits you. 

How Often Should I Reapply Sunscreen And How? 

When you are in the sun for a long time, it is essential to reapply your sunscreen every 2-3 hours. This makes sure you are well-protected from the harmful rays of the sun. Sunscreens fight the UV rays constantly and this makes them break down over time which is why reapplying them is important. If you don’t have any makeup on, reapplying with a good, easily blendable sunscreen is a piece of cake. However, if you have your full-glam makeup on, it is a little difficult to reapply sunscreen. So, what can you do? 

One of the easiest ways to reapply sunscreen over makeup is by using spray sunscreen all over. This way neither your makeup gets disturbed, nor is any inconvenience caused. But if you don’t have spray sunscreen, just take some of your lotion-based sunscreen (much more than you usually do) and apply it with your beauty/makeup sponge. 

Can I Apply Sunscreen Without Moisturiser?

Yes, you can apply sunscreen without a moisturiser, but it depends on your skin type and the formula you are using. Most modern sunscreens can double up as moisturisers, so they are suitable for direct application on clean skin.

1. When You Can Skip Moisturiser?

You may not need a separate moisturiser in the following situations: 
1. Your sunscreen contains hydrating ingredients, such as Glycerin, Hyaluronic acid, or Ceramides.
2. You have oily or combination skin that feels heavy with multiple layers.
3. You are using a daytime sunscreen formulated for daily wear.

2. When Moisturiser Is Still Important?

So the question is, can we use sunscreen without moisturiser? You should apply a moisturiser before sunscreen if:
1. Your skin feels tight, dry, or flaky.
2. You have dry or sensitive skin.
3. Your sunscreen has a matte or oil-control finish.

You need to listen to your skin. You can skip the moisturiser if your sunscreen keeps your skin comfortable and hydrated. You can use a light moisturiser before sunscreen for your comfort and smoother application.

Busting Myths About Sunscreen 

Myth 1: People with Darker Skin Tones Don’t Need to Wear Sunscreen 

Sunscreen is the single most important product in your skincare routine; it is a game-changer for everybody, no matter your skin tone. However, people still believe that sunscreen is only for fair skin and not dark skin. They believe that dark skin has melanin that is enough to protect someone from the UV rays which is a myth. 

Fact: The fact is that although melanin does provide natural protection to some extent, it is not sufficient to prevent the damage and you might still have sunburns. Moreover, UVA rays which are the major cause of wrinkles and premature aging, cannot be blocked by melanin. 

Myth 2: You Only Need to Wear SPF When You are Outside 

One of the myths that disturb us the most is that people believe it is not necessary to wear sunscreen when at home. Since they are not under the sun, they don't need to protect themselves from its rays. 

Fact: The truth is, if you stay at a home where you have windows or open gates, from where the sun’s rays enter inside, you need to wear your sunscreen. UVA and UVB rays can easily penetrate glass windows and you do need to wear sunscreen. If you stay in a room for hours from where no sunlight enters, you can choose to avoid it. 

Myth 3: I Don’t Need Sunscreen Because My Makeup Contains SPF 

In order to get enough protection from the sun, experts and dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 when indoors and SPF 50+ when outdoors. It has been observed that most makeup products offer up to an SPF of 15 only. Yet, people believe that makeup with SPF is enough for wide protection. 

Fact: You need at least half a teaspoon worth of sunscreen in one application to completely cover your face and neck and protect it from the UV rays. Even if your makeup has SPF 50, this is not the quantity that you use while applying it. We use makeup in small amounts but SPF has to be applied in much more amounts to ensure maximum protection. 

Myth 4: Sunscreen Should be Applied Only Once a Day 

Fact: Your moisturizer might last for 6 hours, but your sunscreen only lasts for a couple of hours if you’re outdoors. Hence, reapplication becomes necessary to maintain your skin’s health. Reapplying your sunscreen every 2-3 hours is a good idea as sunscreen breaks down in sunlight and loses its effectiveness, leaving you prone to all the side effects of not wearing it. 

Myth 5: Sunscreen Provides 100% Protection Against UV Rays 

People believe that wearing sunscreen is enough to protect themselves completely from the UV rays. They believe that it gives them 100% protection against the rays. Even our atmosphere (the ozone layer, known as the Earth’s shield) is unable to protect us from the UV rays completely. How could one think about sunscreen giving us 100% protection from the UV rays? 

Fact: No amount of sunscreen can shield us completely; sun protection is a lot more than just wearing sunscreen. Whenever you step outside, make sure to apply your sunscreen 20 minutes before, wear a hat, a scarf, long sleeves clothing, or hand gloves, and your shades to be on the safer side. 

Hopefully, by now, we’ve made you realize how important sunscreen is in your skincare routine. Now every time you head out, don’t forget to carry it with you so that you can enjoy being in the sun at the beach and not worry about its harmful effects. Remember, when you cover-up you #SayHiToHappySkin! 

Related Articles: 
1. Guide on mistakes to avoid while using Sunscreen
2.  Importance of daily sun protection

The Conclusion

The bottom line is that the sooner you include sunscreen in your routine, the better it is for your skin in the long term. Follow a proper sunscreen routine . The secret- you need to reapply it every two hours, particularly after activities like swimming. But one needs to be careful on how often to apply sunscreen when they go outside they go outside. Mere activities like a brief lunchtime stroll could be harmful to your skin. Ensure to carry your sunscreen with you at all times. When feasible, seek out shade and put on wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, or other protective apparel