Dermatologist shares a five-step summer body care routine for tanning, rashes and body acne
Sunscreen should be reapplied every two to three hours, especially during heavy sweating or while in water
Summer heat can be brutal on the skin. Direct sun exposure, excessive sweating, and humidity lead to a range of problems, including tanning, rashes, and body acne. To keep skin healthy and fresh during extreme heat, a proper summer body care routine is no longer optional — it is essential.
Dr Manisha Mareddy, founder of Shlok Dermatology and Wellness Clinic and an expert in advanced, interventional and holistic dermatology, shared her guide to summer body care.
"A summer body care routine should focus on barrier protection, sweat management, and photoprotection, all of which are based on how your skin functions and protects," she said.
1. Cleanse without harsh ingredients
Summer brings increased sweat production and greater exposure to environmental pollutants and dust. Whilst a mild cleanser may not leave you feeling completely fresh, harsh cleansers loaded with actives are counterproductive.
Dr Mareddy recommends using a cleanser with a skin-friendly pH of around 5.5 to set the base for skin repair.
Harsh soaps should be avoided as they disrupt the stratum corneum lipid barrier, increasing transepidermal water loss. She advises showering once or twice daily with lukewarm water and avoiding prolonged hot showers.
2. Switch to lightweight moisturisers
Humidity does not replace hydration. Dr Mareddy recommends light, fast-absorbing formulations — gel lotions or emulsions containing glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides — which restore barrier function without occlusion. Heavy butters can still be used by those with very dry skin or eczema.
3. Use activities smartly
Over-exfoliating in summer can weaken the skin barrier and increase irritation. Dr Mareddy urges caution with AHA- and BHA-based products, noting that whilst low concentrations can be beneficial when used correctly, strong actives used excessively or incorrectly can severely damage the skin barrier.
4. Sunscreen is non-negotiable
UV exposure causes tanning, premature ageing, and DNA damage to skin cells. Dr Mareddy advises applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 to 50 on all exposed body areas, using approximately a shot glass worth of product for full-body application — roughly 2 mg per square centimetre.
Sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 to 3 hours, especially during heavy sweating, and water-resistant formulas are recommended for swimming. Oral photoprotection supplements and UPF 40+ rated clothing offer additional protection during outdoor activities.
5. Sweat and friction control
In high-sweat conditions, breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen are preferable. Prescription antiperspirants can be applied at night to high-sweat areas, where increased sweat and friction raise the risk of pigmentation and infection.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor regarding any medical concerns.