6 Summer Products That ELLE's Beauty & Health Editor Loves

Just like our wardrobe (goodbye, knitwear), our skincare routine needs a switch as the season changes. Why? Because every season brings changes in temperature, humidity, wind and UV exposure—all of these affect the look and feel of the skin. I make it a point to edit my skincare products as the season's change. Here’s what my summer dresser looks like, with new products but tried-and-tested ingredients.

1. Clean Chit

During summers, my skin gets so oily by mid-day that you can fry an egg on my face! Which is why I start my day with a soap-free face wash that keeps the oil in check. My favourite is Avene Cleanance Gel, which is formulated with glyceryl laurate to control sebum production.

Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel, INR 1,510

2. Vitamin C

My skin is prone to hyperpigmentation, which typically goes into an overdrive during these hot months. But a few drops of vitamin C on my skin in between cleansing and moisturising ensures that the pesky blemishes are kept in check.

iS Clinical Genexc Serum, INR 9,500

3. All Clear

I moved on from physical exfoliators to chemical ones a while ago, and full disclosure—I do sometimes cheat on my AHAs and BHAs with grainy scrubs! But it doesn’t even come close to the effectiveness of salicylic acid. It’s been my trusted ingredient for a decade.

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid, INR 2,700

4. Plump Up

There are days when I’m tempted to skip this step, but I have to remind myself that the oil sitting on my face does not count as a moisturiser. I have found the perfect emollient for hot, sunny days—Clinique Moisture Surge. This new gel-based moisturiser soothes my skin and provides hydration without feeling sticky.

Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator, INR 1,800

5. SPF, SPF, SPF

To make this clear once and for all, sunscreen is important year-round, but it’s imperative when you’re using actives like vitamin C and salicylic acid. My skin currently loves the newly launched Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen. It’s super lightweight and feels more like a serum than a sunscreen. It sinks into the skin right away and leaves no white cast, and isn’t that a win!

Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel SPF 50+ PA++++, INR 1,680

6. Muddy Marvel

Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask; INR 1,100

I switch to clay masks during this time of the year to absorb the oiliness and impurities. I am experimenting with the Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask and it seems to be working. It’s packed with volcanic ash, AHA, bentonite and kaolin clay. These ingredients unclog pores and make the skin feel fresh and bright.