The sweltering summer is officially upon us and that means we’re in for at least three to four months of skin damaging, pore-destroying heat that you really can’t run away from if you live in Pakistan. Plus, if you’re a man who’s always on the go or running errands, it’s even worse!

So gentlemen, what exactly can you do to keep your skin hale until the monsoon provides some respite? Instep has the lowdown…

Befriend a daily face wash

Maintaining a clean face is key year-round, but as the sun is apt to make you sweat more, keeping pores unclogged is more challenging during warm-weather months. A deep-cleansing face wash that’s formulated for daily use is what you need and L’Occitane’s Cedrat Pure Cleanser is surely a perfect option. Made with exfoliating particles derived from lemon rind, this facial gel scrub has a deep-cleansing action, which helps remove dead cells and impurities. This is a tried and tested favourite and truly, won’t do you wrong!

Where to find: Check out L’Occitane’s official store at Dolmen Mall Clifton, Karachi.

Stay hydrated

We’re not just talking about chugging down H2O here - although that’s surely important, too. Hydrate your skin with a daily facial moisturizer to prevent your face from overproducing its own oils, leaving you with a shiny nose and forehead! For this, don’t look any further than Clinique Men Oil Control Mattifying Moisturizer! A lightweight formula that controls oil for a matte, shine-free look, this should be your hydration buddy this summer!

Where to find: Clinique products are available at any leading supermarket.

Mist it out!

While sunscreens are essential in the summer, a face mist/toner is something you really shouldn’t ever leave your home without! Whether it’s something as simple as rose water in a mist bottle or our favourite recommendation, Eau Roma Water by Lush Cosmetics, this is an elegant formula that’s suitable for even the most sensitive skin! If you need the perfect option for the Karachi heat, Roma Water will help as a quick, refreshing spritz or remove any traces of sweat, makeup or cleanser! Don’t miss this!

Where to find: Order it at Lush.co.uk

Save face

Using the same sunscreen on your body and face can irritate sensitive skin or cause acne-prone skin to break out. Instead, go for an oil-free, water-based sunscreen like Shiseido’s Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 50+, which has been made with the Asian skin in mind! If you’re able to get your hands on this hard-to-find product, buy a whole carton!

Where to find: Order it at shiseido.com

Exfoliate often

No matter how often you wash your face, use a scrub a few times a week to get a deeper clean. Exfoliating frees your skin of pore-clogging residue and dead skin cells, and that’s why it’s surely something we all need in our lives; and for that, we recommend The Body Shop’s Japanese Matcha Tea Pollution Clearing Mask. Enriched with matcha green tea, the mask purifies, gently exfoliates and liberates your skin from the weekly build-up of city pollutants and everyday impurities.

Where to find: Buy it at any The Body Shop outlet