Things You Might Be Doing Wrong with Your Summer Skincare Routine

It’s finally that time of the year! Summers are all about sunny days, vacations, juicy fruits, sun dresses and self care. We’re all dreaming of lying on a beach, just chilling and enjoying a cool drink but we're stuck in our offices working all day. Every good thing comes with at least a few cons. Similarly, as much as we love summers, the unbearable heat, humidity, sun-exposure and pollution can stress your skin barriers. Most of us follow a good summer skincare routine thinking it’s working but still don’t get that summer glow on our face. This is because even though we follow a good skincare routine, we often make a few small mistakes that aren’t very evident, but play a huge role in our skin’s health.

But don’t worry! ClayCo. is here to save the day. Let’s talk about the things you might doing wrong with your summer skincare routine. Keep reading to know.

9 Things You Might Be Doing Wrong with Your Summer Skincare Routine

1.You’re Probably Not Reapplying Sunscreen Enough

Have you ever stepped out of your house or started your day without brushing your teeth? No, right?

Well, start treating your sunscreens the same. Applying sunscreen on a daily basis is non-negotiable. Even applying it just once during the day, especially if you are outdoors is not enough. This is because sun exposure, oil and dust will naturally break down your sunscreen.

But again, re-applying sunscreen every 2-3 hours especially over makeup or when you’re outdoors can be a hassle. This is exactly why we created our Sakura and Rice Water Sunmist that makes reapplying sunscreen effortless. It leaves absolutely no white-cast and helps protect skin from sun damage without taking much time. Adding this to your summer skincare routine is going to be a game changer.

2. Not Cleaning Your Face Enough (Or Over-Cleansing!)

Cleansing is important to get rid of your clogged pores due to sweat, humidity ,and pollution. But on the flip side, over-cleansing your skin is also harmful as it strips your skin from its natural oils and disrupts your summer skincare routine

Start cleansing twice a day with a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser.
Use micellar water or oil cleansers

3.Let’s Talk Exfoliation (Because Summer Skin Gets Gunky)

Still using those apricot and walnut scrubs? Stop bestie, those are very 2018 now!

More than that, such scrubs can create microtears in the skin, disrupting the barrier and causing long-term sensitivity, especially when used on already sun-exposed summer skin. This will break your skin barrier more than it will mend it.

That's where Enzyme Exfoliation comes in! Unlike traditional scrubs, enzyme-based exfoliants gently dissolve dead skin cells instead of scrubbing them off. This helps you get a smooth skin and a healthy skin barrier without all the fuss of itching and irritation.

Our Matcha Enzyme Scrub is a ClayCo. staple with antioxidant-rich matcha green tea, cellulose, AHA & BHA. It dissolves dead skin, clears pores, refines skin texture and restores glow without the grit.

4. Not Cleaning Your Face Enough (Or Over-Cleansing!)

Cleansing is important to get rid of your clogged pores due to sweat, humidity, and pollution. But on the flip side, over-cleansing your skin is also harmful as it strips your skin from its natural oils and disrupts your summer skincare routine

Start cleansing twice a day with a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser.
Use micellar water or oil cleansers

5. Ignoring Lip and Eye Sun Protection

Most of us always ignore or neglect these parts of our face when it comes to sun damage and protection during our summer skincare routine. Your lips and under eyes are extremely delicate and thus need to be taken care of as mildly as possible.

Use lip balms with SPF
Wear Sunglasses
Use SPF infused eye creams or gently dab sunscreen around the area.

6. Ditching Moisturisers

‘It’s already so sweaty and humid, I don’t need a moisturiser’. Have you ever said this?

If yes, then you’re terribly mistaken!. Sun exposure, sweat and AC can all strip your skin of essential moisture and lead to a dull and dehydrated skin which is why moisturisation is an essential part of your summer skincare routine.

Having said that, we also realise that cream moisturisers can feel pretty heavy and uncomfortable on your skin during summers. So, the best solution here is to use lightweight moisturisers. These moisturisers are light and hydrating and are the perfect moisture hydrant for you during summers. Our Hydrating Rice & Ceramide Moisturiser with Exosomes is exactly that! Light-weight, barrier repairing and hydrating- perfect for skincare for hot weather.

7. Applying Skincare in the Wrong Order

This is one of the main reasons your summer skincare routine isn’t working! Applying products in a random order without knowing their actual placement and use can reduce their effectiveness, harm your skin and cause breakouts

Follow these golden rules to start layering your skincare correctly:

Cleanse: Removes dirt, oil, and leftover makeup. Use a gentle pH-balanced cleanser to avoid stripping your skin.
Tone: Balances the skin’s pH and preps it to absorb the next products better. Look for hydrating or calming toners during summer.
Treat: Delivers concentrated active ingredients like Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, or niacinamide. Choose serums based on your skin concern-hydration, brightness, or anti-aging.
Moisturise: Seals in hydration and maintains the skin’s barrier. Opt for gel-based moisturisers in summer for a non-greasy finish.
Protect: Shields skin from harmful UV rays and prevents premature aging. Apply generously and reapply every 2-3 hours, especially when outdoors.

Let each layer absorb well before applying the next.

8. Not Adjusting Products for Summer

Following the same winter skincare in the summers? Stop right now! What worked for your skin during winter may not suit your skin during summers. This is because each climate change affects our skin in a different way. Which is why we need to keep updating our routine accordingly to keep up with our skin's health.

For your summer skincare routine, swap out heavy products for lighter, water-based textures. Introduce antioxidant-rich products to help fight UV stress.

9. Forgetting to Hydrate from Within

Hydration might seem skippable but is one of the most important parts of your summer skincare routine. Keeping yourself and your skin hydrated can bring out real differences in your skin. And this hydration isn’t limited to using hydrating products, but also drinking enough water throughout the day. If you don’t drink enough water, your skin will show it.

Increase your water intake
Drink at least 2-3 liters of water
Eat water-rich fruits
Add electrolytes to your water when needed

The Big Takeaway

With the changing seasons, your skincare routine should evolve too. What helped you during winters may not work the best during summers. Which is why we always suggest experimenting and trying different products that suit your skin and the weather at the same time.

Most importantly, listen to your skin because not everything works for everyone. Only follow trends that work for your skin to achieve the summer skincare glow you dream of. We hope all these tips help you understand your skin better and help you get that healthy glow for all your beach pictures this summer!

FAQ’S About Things You Might Be Doing Wrong with Your Summer Skincare Routine

Q1: Can I skip moisturiser if I have oily skin during summer?

A: No! Oily skin still needs hydration. Use a lightweight, non-comedogenic gel moisturiser to balance your skin without clogging pores.

Q2: How often should I exfoliate in the summer?

A: 1-2 times a week is sufficient. Over-exfoliating can damage your skin barrier, especially under the sun.

Q3: Is makeup with SPF enough protection?

A: Unfortunately, no. You’d need a lot more makeup than you think to get adequate protection. Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen under your makeup and reapply throughout the day.