By Hansa Makhijani Jain
India recently became one of the hottest countries on the planet. And of course, our skin will take a beating for it, too. According to Harvard Health Publishing, extreme heat poses numerous health risks, some of which are visible on our skin. These include heat rash, eczema, rosacea, the discolouration of melasma, and many other skin conditions sparked or worsened by high temperatures.
As we navigate conditions in the Subcontinent that are close to unliveable, how do we ensure the optimal health of our skin? How do we ensure it doesn’t get fried, irritated, parched and angry in the heat? Your favourite moisturiser from winter might not cut it anymore in the scorching season where almost every South Asian city is red on the weather map.
Light, cool, and calming formulations are the need of the hour in such weather, says Sanjana Balani, founder and CEO of Potion Inc., a biotech-powered skincare brand blending botanicals with advanced skin science. Keeping the skin light and breathable is key to avoiding congestion and buildup.
Hot environments cause the production of more sweat, sebum secretion, trans-epidermal water loss, greasiness and reduction in skin pH, states a study in Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.
“Use water-based, lightweight formulations that hydrate the skin without feeling heavy or greasy. In hot and humid climates, textures play an increasingly important role versus the rest of the year, as people are less likely to moisturise if the product feels uncomfortable throughout the day,” adds Balani.
Apart from guzzling lots of water and munching on fruits and salads with a high moisture content, making a change in your daily moisturiser is highly recommended. “From a formulation perspective, first ensure the base ingredient on the label is water, or ‘aqua’. Then look for hydrating ingredients like glycerine and hyaluronic acid. As humectants, they act like magnets to keep water within the skin, maintaining hydration longer,” suggests Balani.
These products work for all skin types; however, you may need a little extra if you have dry skin. This is because dry skin needs additional barrier support and some degree of lipid replenishment to reduce daily water loss, says Balani.
Water-based formulations may perform better for dry skin when combined with ingredients such as ceramides, squalane, fatty acids or lightweight emollients that help seal hydration into the skin, she adds.
With the sun robbing your skin (and soul) of hydration, water-based skincare might just be the best idea for the season. eShe picks out some tried-and-tested products to add to your cart now!
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel, ₹1190
A bouncy formula that absorbs in a jiffy, thanks to the electrolytes inside. It delivers 5x hydration and the amino acids help retain it.
Dot & Key 72HR Hydrating Gel Moisturizer, ₹495
This oil-free gel formulation provides non-stop hydration for 72 hours. It is also loaded with probiotics that help improve skin texture, making it a superb choice for acne-prone skin.
Sereko Hydra-Crème 100H Water Lock Formula, ₹1200
This one is great for dry skin as it comes loaded with ceramides and peptides. It repairs the skin barrier, providing all-round skincare in the summer.
CeraVe Hydrating HA Water Gel, ₹999
Apart from being an oil-free formulation that provides 72 hours of hydration, it also protects the skin from pollution for eight hours.
Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-replenishing Hydrator, ₹2250
It’s been around for ages and continues to be a celebrity-favourite. It provides 100 hours of stabilising hydration in an oil-free gel-cream formula topped up with antioxidants and we highly recommend it for sensitive skin.
Nykaa Skin Hydra Plump Water Gel Creme Moisturiser, ₹499
We love its cooling and plumping effect – and the fact that it’s so easy on the pocket. It combines its hydration benefits with some anti-ageing properties, making it a winner for mature skin.
Potion Inc. Ready Set Green Tea Moisturiser, ₹1,295
It combines water-based hydration with glycerine, green tea, and skin-nourishing oils. This means it’s suitable even for dry skin while maintaining a lightweight gel texture that’s breathable and doesn’t clog the pores during summer.
Lakmé Hyaluronic Dewy Gel Crème, ₹925
Boasting of up to 72 hours of hydration, this is a great option for those who want moisture with a side of glow. Because why wouldn’t you want to look good while feeling fab, too.
Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Crème, ₹449
It works for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Offering 100 hours of hydration, it contains pentavitin that provides deep and long-lasting moisture.
WOW Skin Science Aqua-Sphere Moisturiser, ₹499
Providing up to 48 hours of hydration, this gel formula is watermelon-infused and also packs in omega nutrients. At this price, it’s a steal!
And yes, after applying a hydrating moisturiser, don’t forget to seal the deal with a generous helping of sunscreen.
eShe’s beauty editor Hansa Makhijani Jain may as well have been born with a lipstick in her hand. She’s been writing about the beauty biz for almost two decades. Follow her on Instagram.
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