Indian summers are unforgiving, scorching heat, pollution, humidity, and sweat can take a toll on your skin. But with the right morning skincare routine and night skincare routine, you can protect, nourish, and revive your skin naturally and effectively.
Let’s break down the differences between the two routines and how they help your skin stay balanced and healthy during summer.
Why Does Your Skincare Routine Need to Change with Time of Day?
Just like your body, your skin follows a natural rhythm. Daytime demands protection from external aggressors like UV rays and dust, while nighttime is for repair, healing, and deep nourishment.
In Ayurveda, this aligns with dinacharya (daily routine) and ratricharya (night routine), emphasizing the importance of syncing with natural cycles.
Morning Skincare Routine: Shield & Hydrate
Your morning skincare routine is your first line of defense. During Indian summers, the focus should be on cleansing sweat and oil, hydrating without heaviness, and most importantly, sun protection.
1. Gentle Herbal Cleanser
Start with a refreshing Ayurvedic cleanser that purifies without stripping.
Try: Mellow Arishtha Face Wash – enriched with neem and tulsi, perfect for oily or acne-prone skin.
2. Hydrating Mist or Toner
A natural toner, like rose water or basil toner, helps tighten pores and cool your skin.
Try: Mellow Rose Water – steam-distilled and soothing, ideal for summer mornings.
3. Lightweight Moisturiser
Opt for gel or water-based moisturisers to maintain hydration without clogging pores.
Try: Mellow Day Cream for normal to oily skin – balances oil production while keeping your skin soft.
4. Ayurvedic Sunscreen or Natural Sunblock
This is non-negotiable. Use SPF with natural zinc or herbs like turmeric and aloe vera to guard against sun damage.
Night Skincare Routine: Cleanse, Repair, Rejuvenate
Your night skincare routine is when your skin rests, repairs, and renews. Ayurveda encourages nighttime rituals that calm the mind and nourish the body, leading to deeper healing.
1. Double Cleanse (Especially After Outdoor Exposure)
Use a gentle oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based one to remove sweat, dust, and sunscreen.
2. Herbal Toning
Reapply a cooling toner like witch hazel or lavender-infused water to calm inflammation and prep your skin for deeper nourishment.
3. Night Cream or Serum
Look for ingredients like kumkumadi, saffron, manjistha, and aloe vera that heal pigmentation, reduce tanning, and nourish overnight.
Try: Mellow Kumkumadi Night Cream – a luxurious blend that enhances your natural glow while you sleep.
4. Under-Eye Nourishment
Don’t skip the under-eye area. A light herbal under-eye cream helps reduce puffiness and dark circles. Try: Mellow Kesar Under Eye cream with the goodness of saffron, which reduces fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles
Key Differences at a Glance
Step |
Morning Routine |
Night Routine |
Purpose |
Protection & hydration |
Repair & nourishment |
Cleanser |
Gentle herbal (single cleanse) |
Deep/double cleanse |
Moisturiser |
Lightweight, matte-finish |
Rich, restorative |
Extras |
Sunscreen essential |
Serums, night creams, under-eye care |
Ayurvedic Focus |
Cooling & refreshing |
Rejuvenating & balancing |
Final Thoughts
Indian summers can be harsh, but your skincare doesn’t have to be complicated. With a balanced morning and night skincare routine, and Ayurvedic wisdom on your side, your skin can stay fresh, healthy, and naturally radiant, even in 45°C heat.