What is the Best Summer Skincare Routine for Glowing Skin?

By KNK Salon | May 28, 2025 | facial
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Get radiant, healthy skin this summer with a tailored skincare routine featuring top-searched essentials: hydrating cleansers, non-comedogenic moisturizers, and broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen to shield against UV rays. Boost your glow with vitamin C serums to brighten and fight free radicals, while weekly gentle exfoliation keeps your complexion smooth. Soothe sun-exposed skin with aloe vera and stay hydrated for a dewy, luminous look that shines all season long.

The sun is giving a scorching heat throughout the day, humidity is increasing, and your skin? It’s likely throwing little summer tantrums. If you are curious about how to achieve that dewy, healthy glow despite the weather conditions, you are in the right place.

In this blog, our team at KNK Makeup Salon & Academy has discussed some important points, which can guide you through the best summer skincare routine to make your skin radiate with a natural glow.

Why a Summer Skincare Routine Matters for Radiant Skin?

As the seasons shift throughout the year, your skin’s behaviour and needs also change accordingly. What works during winter might clog your pores or feel heavy in the summer. A well-crafted skincare routine for glowing skin during the summer not only helps prevent breakouts and oiliness but also maintains hydration, evens out your tone, and enhances your natural glow.

1. How Summer Affects Your Skin?

  • Summers are all about sweat and humidity, which triggers oil secretion.
  • The sun is on the higher side, which causes pigmentation, tanning, or sunburns.
  • Afterwards, sun exposure and pollution block pores, which may cause sunscreen residue and sebum.
  • Another point is dehydration, which can make you dull and flaky.

2. Advantages of a Hydrating Skincare Routine during Summer

Among all the hassles, a hydrating skincare routine is necessary to restore moisture loss, soothe redness-prone skin, and secure your skin texture from environmental aggressors. When you are exposed to the sun, your skin acts differently, and this is where hydration helps in keeping your skin glowing.

In summer, keeping your skin hydrated can be your companion for restoring moisture loss and soothing redness-prone skin. It would enhance the look of your skin, which would keep you fresh even on sunny days.

Step-by-Step Summer Skincare Routine for Glowing Skin

1. Gentle Cleansing for a Fresh Start

Morning, wakey-wakey! Kickstart your day with a gentle cleanser; it will remove sweat, dirt, and oil without drying out your skin’s natural barrier. For starters, you can include gel-based or foam cleansers that have ingredients like aloe vera and green tea. These substances will give you a cooling sensation post-application.

2. Exfoliation for Smooth, Radiant Skin

Make a weekly plan of exfoliating, around two to three times, as this will reduce dead skin cells and clear pores. Start by applying a gentle exfoliant that contains fruit enzymes or lactic acid; steer clear of grainy scrubs that could lead to micro-tears. Additionally, you can enjoy a glowing complexion on your face during the summer months.

3. Vitamin C Serum for Summer Brightness

As much as vitamin C is good for your health, surprisingly, it can also be helpful for your skin health. Including vitamin C serums can make them your BFFs, as this will keep your skin light, fade pigmentation, and minimise sun damage. Preferably use these serums after cleansing and before moisturising for a glowing effect. 

4. Hydration with a Lightweight Moisturiser

Choose the right moisturiser during summer, let’s bust a myth that you don’t need moisturiser in summer. The truth is, you need a lighter version of moisturiser for summers; you can choose a gel-based, non-comedogenic formula containing hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture without leaving your skin greasy.

5. Best Sunscreen for Glowing Skin

Other than moisturisers, sunscreens are also important and can’t be ignored. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or above and a PA+++ rating. The best sunscreen for radiant skin is one that shields without a white cast and moisturises at the same time.

Personalizing Your Summer Skincare Routine Based on Skin Type

There are various ways to have a skincare routine for your skin, but following a suitable way with the perfect amount of products in the routine can be a go-to for achieving the desired skin.

1. Best Summer Skincare Routine for Oily Skin

  • For starters, wash twice daily using a salicylic acid face wash.
  • Use a mattifying toner, giving you a matte finish on skin.
  • Choose oil-free gel moisturisers that provide a lightweight, breathable feel on the skin.
  • Use non-comedogenic, water-based sunscreen; it would keep you safe from UVA and UVB radiation.

2. Summer Skincare Tips for Dry Skin

  • To help lock in moisture, go for a cream-based cleanser.
  • Layer hydration with a toner, serum, and cream.
  • Avoid alcohol-based products to prevent irritation and inflammation.
  • At last, use sunscreen with added moisturisers.

3. Anti-Ageing Skincare for Summer

  • Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E protect skin from free radicals and damage.
  • Use retinol at night sparingly and sunscreen during the day to promote healthy skin.
  • For consistent sun protection, make sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours.
  • Use products focusing on hydration and collagen-boosting.

Natural Skincare Routine for Glowing Skin

Occasionally, your kitchen is the key to a glowing complexion.

DIY Hydrating Face Masks for Summer

  • Cucumber and Aloe Vera Gel Mask: It can soothe your skin while delivering intense hydration.
  • Papaya & Honey Mask: Gently exfoliates and brightens.
  • Curd & Turmeric Mask: Reduces tan and adds glow.
  • For optimal results, apply once or twice a week.

What Are the Best Products for Summer Skincare?

Summer Skincare

It's summer, and you want to get rid of the scorching heat. Selecting suitable skincare products can greatly boost the success of your routine.

Top Picks for Sunscreen and Moisturisers

  • Suggested Sunscreens: La Shield, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer, and Re’equil Ultra Matte.
  • Best Moisturisers: Clinique Moisture Surge, Neutrogena Hydro Boost, Cetaphil Daily Gel Cream
  • Must-Have Vitamin C Serums for Summer
  • Minimalist 10% Vitamin C Serum
  • Plum Vitamin C Face Serum
  • Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Summer Skincare Routine

1. Over-Exfoliating and Its Impact on Glowing Skin

Affecting the natural cycle can affect your skin texture, so exfoliating daily can look tempting but counterproductive. It may lead to skin sensitivity, redness, and breakouts, so it's important to plan and follow through carefully. Schedule and carry out your skincare routine two to three times weekly.

2. Skipping Sunscreen: A Big No-No

This depends on the lifestyle; inside or outside, skipping sunscreen speeds up ageing and pigmentation and damages your skin barrier. Repeat the overall process every two to three hours for optimal protection.

How to Keep Skin Glowing in Summer: Lifestyle Tips

1. Hydration and Diet for Radiant Skin

  • Drink a minimum of 2-3 litres of water per day to keep yourself hydrated.
  • Adjust your diet by including water-rich fruits like watermelon, cucumber, and oranges.
  • Reduce sugar and processed foods, as they would affect skin health.
  • Along with the skincare regimen, your diet should also be nutrient-rich. Adding nuts, seeds, and omega-3 fatty acids can make a much bigger difference that’s noticeable.

2. Protecting Skin from UV Damage

  • Use wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses to avoid the sun’s direct exposure.
  • While travelling, wear scarves or protective clothing to block the sun.
  • Stay indoors during the strongest afternoon sunlight to reduce exposure.
  • Incorporate both vitamin C serum and sunscreen into your daily skincare routine.

FAQs

1. What is the Best Skincare Routine for Summer?

A gentle cleanser, exfoliation 2-3 times weekly, vitamin C serum, lightweight moisturiser, and sunscreen. That's your fail-proof summer skincare routine.

2. What are the glowing skin tips for summer?

Drink plenty of water, apply the right products based on your skin type, don't miss sunscreen, and take care of your skin with the right food and sleep.

3. What Sunscreen is Best for Glowing Skin?

Search for sunscreens that provide hydration with broad-spectrum SPF, such as Re'equil or La Shield. Select non-greasy, lightweight creams that function as moisturisers as well.