Summer Skin Problems and Ways to Deal with Them

Summer is close at hand and so are skin woes...

Summer is fun with bright sunshine, beach plans, smoothies, and chilled beverages. But to be real and blunt, it also brings summer skin problems that can be hard to deal with and frustrating too. Oily skin gets oilier, dry skin feels flaky, and combination skin type seems to have a mind of its own.

As the temperatures rise, so does the humidity, sweat, and oil production. The sun's UV rays damage the skin barrier, making it prone to dehydration, pigmentation, and breakouts. The combination of sweat, dirt, and excessive oil clogs pores, leading to acne, rashes, and irritation. But every skin type reacts differently to summer! While oily skin becomes a grease magnet, dry skin turns dull and flaky. And if you are struggling with breakouts, sunburns, or itchy skin, you are not alone! The good news? A summer skin care routine with natural and herbal remedies can help keep your skin happy, no matter your skin type.

Common Summer Skin Problems of Each Skin Type

Each skin type reacts differently to the summer heat, humidity, and environmental changes. Below are the key concerns for different skin types and how to handle them with natural remedies.

Oily Skin

Oily skin tends to produce excess sebum during the summer season, leading to numerous concerns like breakouts, clogged pores, and an overall greasy appearance.

Excess sebum & Greasiness - The humidity levels in summer cause the sebaceous glands to become hyperactive, leading to excess oil production, making your skin look shiny and greasy, not in a good way!

Solution - Use a multani mitti (Bentonite Clay) or French Green Clay mask twice a week to get rid of the excess oil and keep your skin looking fresh.

How to use - Mix either of the two clay powders with rosewater to make a smooth paste. Apply it to your skin and wash it off after 10-15 minutes. Follow it up with a lightweight moisturizer.

Frequent Breakouts & Acne - Heat and sweat are known to create a breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria, leading to painful breakouts and dullness.

Solution - Use neem powder and wild turmeric powder as they help to reduce bacterial growth and calm the inflammation.

How to Use - Mix neem powder and wild turmeric powder with rosewater and aloe vera gel. Apply it to your face and neck area and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse it off and use a lightweight moisturizer.

Clogged Pores & Blackheads - Another prominent summer skin problem includes clogged pores and blackheads. Summer heat triggers excess oil production and buildup on the skin's surface, causing pores to clog and blackheads formation.

Solution - Exfoliate once a week using walnut shell powder. It will help unclog pores, improve the skin's texture, and remove dead skin cells.

How to Use - Mix walnut shell powder with honey and aloe vera gel to make a paste. Apply it to damp skin and massage in circular motions for 30-60 seconds. Rinse it with lukewarm water and use a gentle moisturizer.

Sweat-Induced Rashes - Also known as heat rash is caused by trapped sweat under the skin folds, leading to irritation, rashes, blisters, itching, and redness.

Solution - Use aloe vera gel, sandalwood, neem, and cucumber for a cooling effect.

How to Use - Apply aloe vera gel directly to the affected area.

• • Mix sandalwood powder with neem powder and rose water to make a smooth paste. Apply it to the affected area and rinse it after 10 minutes.

  • Directly spritz cucumber water mist on the affected area.

Dull & Tired Skin - Skin dullness is caused by excessive sun exposure which damages the skin's surface, leading to dehydration, pigmentation, and a lackluster appearance.

Solution - Use aloe vera gel and cucumber face pack to refresh your skin.

How to Use: - Mix aloe vera gel with cucumber puree and apply it to your face. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water. Use aloe vera gel to moisturize.

Dry Skin

If you have dry skin, one thing you must know is it loses moisture quickly in the summer season, caused by hot weather, sun exposure, air conditioning, and swimming pool,s leading to flakiness, rough patches, and discomfort.

Dehydration & Flakiness - Heat causes excessive water loss from the skin while producing excess oil, leading to flakiness and rough texture.

Solution - Apply aloe vera gel or glycerin mixed with rosewater to retain moisture.

How to Use: Mix 1 part of aloe vera gel or glycerin with 2 parts of rosewater. Directly apply it to your dry skin and leave it on.

Rough, Patchy Skin - Exposure to harsh sun and pollution creates rough patches.

Solution - Use coconut oil or almond oil to soften the skin.

How to Use - Directly massage coconut or almond oil onto your skin, leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse it off.

• • Mix coconut or almond oil with aloe vera gel and apply the mixture onto the affected skin.

Itchy & Tight Skin - It is often caused by heat rashes, leading to loss of natural oils, skin irritation, and tightness.

Solution - Use milk and oatmeal mask for deep nourishment with added goodness of jojoba oil.

How to Use - Mix oatmeal powder with milk and jojoba oil to make a smooth paste. Apply it to your face and leave it on for 10 minutes. Rinse it with lukewarm water and moisturize.

Fine Lines & Wrinkles - Excess sun exposure damages collagen and elastin in the skin, leading to dehydration and making existing lines appear more prominent.

Solution - Use banana peel powder with honey and aloe vera gel.

How to Use - Mix banana peel powder with honey, aloe vera gel, and rosewater to adjust the consistency. Apply it to your skin and leave it on for 10 minutes. Rinse it with lukewarm water and moisturize.

Combination Skin

People with combination skin face challenges like oily T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), and dry cheeks, making summer skincare a little too tricky.

Oily T-Zone & Dry Cheeks - The oily T-zone, which is the oily forehead and nose, becomes even more pronounced, and the cheeks feel dry.

Solution - Use a clay mask on the T-zone and a hydrating aloe vera gel on the cheeks.

How to Use - Make an oil-absorbing face mask using bentonite clay, French green clay, or kaolin clay powder. Mix it with water and apply it to the affected area. Rinse it off after 10 minutes.

• • For dry cheeks, use a hydrating aloe vera gel or any lightweight lotion.

Pimples in Oily Areas - Those with combination skin get affected by acne flares in summer in oily areas due to the combination of sweat, oil, and bacteria.

Solution - Use aloe vera gel mixed with tea tree essential oil.

How to Use - Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with aloe vera gel and dab it on the acne-affected area. Rinse it off after 15 minutes or leave it on.

Flaky Skin Around the Nose - For combination skin, while the nose remains oily, the edges and skin around it may develop dry patches.

Solution - Use aloe vera gel with honey and lemon.

How to Use - Mix aloe vera gel with honey and a few drops of lemon juice. Apply it to the skin around the nose and rinse it off after 10 minutes or leave it on.

Uneven Skin Tone - If you have a combination skin type, then it is another summer skin problem you face. The fact is that different moisture levels across the face can lead to an uneven complexion.

Solution - Use rose water mist.

How to Use - Directly spritz rosewater mist to your face and leave it on for complete absorption.

Sweaty Yet Dry Feeling - With this skin type, you may feel some areas of your skin sweat excessively while others feel tight and dry.

Solution - Cucumber water mist or Cucumber ice cubes.

How to Use - Directly spritz cucumber water mist onto your face.

Freeze the cucumber water mist or cucumber juice and apply the ice cubes over your face to refresh your skin.

Summer Skin Care Routine

1. For Oily Skin – Cleanse with a neem face wash, tone with rose water, use a clay mask weekly and apply a lightweight gel-based moisturizer.

2. For Dry Skin – Cleanse with a milk-based cleanser, use honey-based masks, and apply aloe vera gel with a few drops of coconut oil for hydration.

3. For Combination Skin – Follow a mix of both routines—mattifying clay on oily areas and hydration on dry patches.

Additional Hacks to Prevent Summer Skin Problems

• Stay hydrated - drink at least 8 glasses of water daily.

• Avoid harsh chemical-based products - to preserve your skin's natural moisture levels.

• Wear breathable fabrics - to reduce sweat-induced irritation.

• Follow a diet rich in water-based fruits - consume watermelons and cucumbers.

Conclusion

Summer can be challenging for all skin types, but with the right summer skincare routine, you can effectively manage common summer skin problems. Whether it’s excess oil, dehydration, breakouts, or uneven skin tone, nature offers the best remedies. By incorporating simple herbal solutions, you can enjoy healthy, refreshed skin all summer long.