Building a foolproof skincare routine for summer is easier than you think— yes, you just need to start with the right products. Go for formulas that are sweat-resistant, gel-based, fight acne, and protect you from harsh sun rays. This quick guide, curated by our in-house skincare and beauty writers, walks you through a 5-step, 5-product summer skincare routine so you always know the tweaks to your skincare routine as and when required.
From the best facewash for summer to a feather-light moisturizer and SPF, these essentials turn everyday face care in summer into a simple daily routine for a glowing skin. Grab them using Nykaa Gift Cards and avail additional discounts.
Top Summer Skincare Routine 2025 Picks
1. Summer Skincare Routine 2025: Dot & Key Watermelon & Vitamin C Face Wash
Dot & Key is a popular skincare brand focusing on effective, dermatologically tested products infused with natural ingredients. The Watermelon & Vitamin C SuperGlow Gel Face Wash is literally summer in a tube. It’s designed to cleanse the skin while keeping it hydrated and fresh. With watermelon extract for hydration and Vitamin C for brightening, this face wash is a powerhouse in tackling sweat, oil, and dirt buildup during hot and humid weather. It’s the best face wash for summer, as it gives instant glow and a cooling effect. It also has the goodness of hyaluronic acid, which helps in moisture retention. The overall formula of this face wash ensures your skin feels soft and supple post-cleansing. Face care in summer is ultimately vital to avoid all kinds of breakouts and excessive oil. Lightweight gel texture like of this face wash, makes it perfect for daily use, preventing clogged pores and breakouts.
Why You Need a Dot & Key Face Wash
- Helps remove sweat, oil, and dirt buildup.
- Prevents clogged pores and acne.
- Instantly cools the skin without overdrying it.
- Reduces dullness for luminous skin.
Dot & Key Facewash is Ideal for
It’s ideal for oily and acne-prone skin. Helps deep cleanse the face, leaves a cooling effect.
Application Tips for Best Face Wash for Summer
- Use the face wash twice a day (AM & PM).
- Dampen your face with a soft towel or tissue.
- Use a toner or serum after washing your face.
Dot & Key Face Wash Price
Rs. 249
Gift Card Discount
Get an additional 3% OFF using Nykaa Gift Cards from GyFTR.
2. Summer Skincare Routine 2025: L’Oréal Paris Revitalift 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum
L’Oreal Paris is a global leader in beauty and skincare. They are popular for innovative formulas such as the Revitalift 1.5% Hylauronic Acid Serum, which provides deep hydration without making your skin greasy. It’s lightweight formula and hylauronic essence that helps with plumpiness and hydration makes it the best face serum for summer in India. It’s a myth that one should not use a serum in summer or that layering is wrong. As with this lightweight face serum, with a fast-absorbing formula that is suitable for all skin types, it hydrates and plumps your skin. With regular use, this face serum can enhance skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Make sure to always patch test before applying it to your face. This face serum also helps retain the moisture your skin naturally has, and that’s why in hot weather it becomes an essential step in your summer skincare routine.
Why You Need L’Oreal Face Serum
- Helps lock in skin moisture.
- Lightweight formulas hydrate without greasiness.
L’Oreal Face Serum is Ideal for
It suits all skin types, and the presence of 1.5% Hyaluronic acid helps maintain hydration and plumpness.
Application Tips for the Best Face Serum for Summer
- Use the face serum twice a day (AM & PM).
- Gently massage 2 to 3 drops of serum on samp skin post-cleansing.
L’Oreal Face Serum Price
Rs. 999
Gift Card Discount
Get an additional 3% OFF using Nykaa Gift Cards from GyFTR.
3. Summer Skincare Routine 2025: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Neutrogena is a dermatologist-recommended brand known for its power-packed skincare solutions. Their Hydro Boost Water Gel is one of the most popular moisturizer for summer at present. It’s loved for its oil-free and lightweight texture. Whether you have an oily base or a dry one, this gel boost moisturizer will leave your skin looking glowy and plump. Just a pea-sized amount of this moisturizer is enough to hydrate your skin. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid and has a water-based gel texture that absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a sticky residue, making it the best moisturizer for summer. Most of us skip using moisturizers in summer due to the heavy build-up they might cause, but this one right here will hydrate and replenish your skin in the humid weather. Regular usage of this moisturizer strengthens the skin barrier, protecting it from environmental aggressors.
Why You Need Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
- A non-greasy moisturizer keeps your skin balanced.
- Even oily skin types need hydration!
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel is Ideal for
Suited for oily and dry skin. Has a lightweight formula with the goodness of hyaluronic acid.
Application Tips for Best Moisturizer for Summer
- Apply after serum, morning and night.
- Don’t skip it even if your skin feels oily.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Price
Rs. 1,109
Gift Card Discount
Get an additional 3% OFF using Nykaa Gift Cards from GyFTR.
4. Summer Skincare Routine 2025: Dr. Sheth’s Ceramide & Vitamin C Sunscreen Spf 50+ Pa+++
Dr. Sheth’s is a dermatologist-developed skincare brand that focuses on formulations tailored for Indian skin. The Ceramide & Vitamin C Dr Sheth Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA+++ is a powerhouse product that not only offers superior sun protection but also nourishes the skin. Unlike traditional sunscreen SPF 50 that can feel heavy or greasy, this one has a lightweight, fast-absorbing texture that blends seamlessly. It contains ceramides, which help strengthen the skin barrier, and Vitamin C, which brightens the skin while fighting free radical damage. It’s no cast and light weight texture makes it the perfect sunscreen for oily skin and sensitive skin. With broad-spectrum protection, it shields against UVA, UVB, and blue light, preventing tanning, premature aging, and pigmentation.
Why You Need Dr Sheth’s Suncreen
- UV rays cause tanning, premature aging & pigmentation.
- Sunscreen is your skin’s armor.
Dr Sheth’s Suncreen is Ideal for
Provides high sun protection, is sweat-resistant, and suitable for sensitive and oily skin.
Application Tips for Best Sunscreen for Summer
- Apply 15–20 minutes before stepping out.
- Reapply every 2–3 hours if exposed to the sun.
Dr Sheth’s Sunscreen Price
Rs. 499
Gift Card Discount
Get an additional 3% OFF using Nykaa Gift Cards from GyFTR.
5. Summer Skincare Routine 2025: Dot & Key Night Reset Retinol + Ceramide Cream
Dot & Key’s Night Reset Retinol + Ceramide Cream is designed for a nighttime skin repair regimen. With a powerful blend of retinol and ceramides, this night cream works overnight to restore the skin barrier and elasticity. This retinol night cream helps reduce fine lines, wrinkles and combat damage caused by the sun. A good night cream is a must in your summer skincare routine, as this helps the skin to rejuvenate while your body rests. This cream has hyaluronic acid and Vitamin E that provide deep hydration and nourishment. Unlike harsh retinol based night cream, this formula is gentle yet effective, ensuring that your skin doesn’t experience irritation. This step is vital in your summer skincare routine, as during night time even our skin goes through a resting and transformative stage. Using a night cream is recommended once you are in your late 20s.
Why You Need Retinol Night Cream
- Night is when your skin regenerates.
- Helps calm sun-exposed skin and boosts overnight repair.
Retinol Night Cream is Ideal for
It repairs skin, boosts collagen, and reduces early signs of aging.
Application Tips for Night Cream
- Use on a clean, dry face at night.
- Start 2–3 times a week if you’re new to retinol.
Retinol Night Cream Price
Rs. 695
Gift Card Discount
Get an additional 3% OFF using Nykaa Gift Cards from GyFTR.
Summer Skincare Routine Tips for the Changing Weather
As seasons shift, your skin’s requirements change, too. The summer heat brings excessive sweating, oil buildup, and increased sun exposure. This means you need to switch to a summer skincare routine in order to protect your skin. Heavy creams can feel suffocating, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. Instead, opt for water-light moisturizers and face serum with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe vera to keep your skin hydrated. Let’s break down summer skincare routine using only 5 products for an ever-glowing and fresh skin:
Step 1: Wash your face with cold water and use a gentle facial cleanser.
Step 2: On your clean face, apply 2 to 3 drops of a lightweight serum. Gently dab it and massage it.
Step 3: Use a gel or water-based, lightweight moisturizer.
Step 4: Apply sunscreen evenly all over your face and neck.
Step 5 (optional): It’s mandatory for nighttime. You can apply a retinol-packed cream during your night skincare regimen.
Also, don’t forget to exfoliate your skin once a week to remove sweat and dirt. Lastly, drink lots of water and incorporate water-rich foods like watermelon and cucumbers in your everyday diet.
Shop Summer Essentials During Upcoming Nykaa Sale 2025
Prepare to upgrade your summer skincare routine with the upcoming Nykaa Sale 2025, anticipated to my skinacre enthusiasts all year round. Shop smarter this summer by lining up your wishlist and skincare shopping budgets. Make the most of new brand launches on Nykaa beauty, and keep checking Nykaa app for everyday offers. Apart from Nykaa’s much waited Nykaa Hot Pink Sale, there are plenty more occasions that will help you save money on skincare and makeup. Nykaa Summer Sale and Nykaa Monsoon Rush Sale are also great occasions to avail up to 50 to 60% OFF on popular brands.
To further maximize your savings on skincare for summer, use the Nykaa Gift Cards from GyFTR and get an additional 3% OFF. Using a Gift Card alongside Nykaa sale discounts enables you to maximize savings, resulting in the ultimate beauty haul at unmatched prices. If you require a skin-refreshing gel moisturizer, a sweat-proof SPF, or a glow-enhancing serum, this sale is your opportunity to shop wisely and save significantly. Keep an eye out for official dates and exclusive early-bird offers!
FAQs – Summer Skincare Questions Answered
Do I really need a moisturizer in summer?
Yes, use a lightweight face wash.
Can sunscreen replace moisturizer?
No, they both have different purpose, Sunscreen protects, and moisturizer provides hydration.
What’s the ideal SPF for Indian summers?
SP 50 is probably ideal for harsh Indian summers.
Can I skip night cream if I’m tired?
Try not to, as nightime is the time when your skin replenishes.
Is toner necessary in summer?
Yes, hydrating toners can help refresh your skin.
How to prevent oily skin from breaking out?
Double cleanse your face, use gel face wash, apply lightweight creams.
What ingredients should I avoid in summer?
Body butters, heavy creams, oily serums.
Can I use Vitamin C in summer?
Yes, also pair it with a good sunscreen.
Do face mists actually work?
Yes, they hydrate your face throughout the day.
How to treat sunburn at home?
Use aloe vera gel to soothe the sunburn, and apply ice.
Conclusion
Summers can be really harsh on your skin and can cause skin issues like tans, pigmentation, acne, and more. To avoid such a situation, you need to be picky about what you are applying on your face. The same skin care product cannot help you care for your skin all year round. So, you need to switch to a summer skin care regimen, face wash, toning, moisturizer, and sunscreen. These 4 to 5 products can protect you from all kinds of skin damage during hot weather. Get all these from Nykaa and avail additional discounts using Nykaa Gift Cards from GyFTR!
