While dry skin is commonly thought of as a winter issue, summer can also be tough on your skin. Factors such as air conditioning, sun exposure, and even swimming pools can cause your skin to become irritated and dehydrated during the warmer months of the year.

In this article, we'll dive into common causes of summer skin issues and introduce ways to effectively combat them. 

Culprits of Dry Skin in the Summer

Air Conditioners

Air conditioners can be a lifesaver during the summer months, providing much-needed relief from the heat. However, while they work to cool us down, they can also be harsh on our skin.

As A/C units pull warm air out of your surroundings, they also remove moisture in the process, resulting in a cooler but also much drier environment. 

This reduction in humidity can strip your skin of its natural oils. Over time, you may even notice your skin feeling tight, flaky, and uncomfortable.

Swimming Pools

Jumping into the pool on a hot, sunny day is one of summer's greatest pastimes. But while the water is refreshing, the chlorine designed to keep it pristine can be tough on your skin.

This common pool chemical strips away the natural oils that shield your skin, leaving it vulnerable. After enjoying the cool waters, you may notice your skin feeling tight and itchy. And for those with sensitive skin, this irritation could even turn into uncomfortable rashes or allergic reactions.

Dietary Choices

Summer barbecues, festivals, and other fun outdoor events often lead to changes in your diet. This typically involves an increase in salty snacks, sugary drinks, and alcohol on occasions.

While fine in moderation, these dietary choices can contribute to overall dehydration, which also affects your skin’s ability to retain moisture and stay hydrated.

Sun Damage

Getting outdoors in the summer is wonderful, but spending too much time in the sun can dry out your skin, leaving it feeling tight and uncomfortable. 

Sunburns not only cause immediate redness and soreness, but may also contribute to long-term skin damage. Excessive UV exposure can even speed up the signs of aging such as wrinkles and spots on one’s face.

Dehydration

As temperatures rise and you find yourself spending more time outdoors during the summer months, it’s important to be careful of dehydration.

During the sweltering daytime, it's easy to lose more fluids than you take in, especially when engaging in physical activities. When dehydration sets in, your body prioritizes providing hydration to your essential organs and draws moisture away from your skin. This shift can leave your skin feeling dry, tight, and flaky.

Frequent Washing

To cool down and rinse away the day’s sweat, you’ll naturally want to shower more often during the summer. While frequent washing can feel refreshing and revitalizing, it might also dry out your skin by stripping away its natural oils.

At the end of the day, it's important to strike a balance between staying clean and comfortable while also protecting your skin. 

Solutions To Combat Dry Skin

Drink Enough Water

Keeping your body hydrated is crucial all-year round, and especially during the hotter months. Make it a habit to drink plenty of water throughout the day — at least eight cups (or two liters) is generally recommended.

Proper hydration not only benefits your overall health, but also helps keep your skin sufficiently moist, making it less prone to dryness and irritation.

Maintain A Healthy Diet

Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables can contribute to whole-body hydration, as well as that of your skin. 

Additionally, foods high in omega-3 fatty acids such as fish, nuts, and seeds, have anti-inflammatory properties that can strengthen your skin's natural barriers, keeping it healthy and less vulnerable to the summer heat.

Choose Gentle Cleansers

Be sure to choose gentle, hydrating cleansers to maintain your skin's natural balance. Avoid products that tend to strip away essential oils, and opt for those enriched with moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid. These ingredients help maintain your skin's moisture levels, keeping it hydrated and healthy.

Moisturize Regularly

High-quality moisturizers are also essential for a healthy skincare routine. Be sure to choose one that's gentle and suitable for your skin type. 

Look for products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and shea butter, as these can help lock in moisture and replenish dry skin.

Apply Sunscreen

The sun's rays can actually deplete your skin of moisture and contribute to dryness, so applying sunscreen with a high SPF can help maintain your skin's hydration levels.

Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Additionally, try to choose a sunscreen that is specifically formulated for your skin type, whether it's sensitive, oily, or combination. 

Use A Cool Mist Humidifier

In the dry heat of summer, your skin often needs extra help to stay hydrated and healthy. A cool mist humidifier can be a game-changer for your skincare.

By adding moisture to the air, a cool mist humidifier helps prevent your skin from becoming dry and flaky. It works by dispersing a fine, soothing mist into your surroundings, which not only maintains optimal humidity levels, but even adds a cool, refreshing breeze into your home environment. 

Final Thoughts:

While the summer brings its unique skincare challenges, taking proactive measures can help keep your skin hydrated and healthy. 

By adopting habits like drinking plenty of water, using gentle cleansers, moisturizing regularly, and applying sunscreen, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy the sunny days ahead with beautiful, glowing skin.

Additionally, introducing a cool-mist humidifier into your living space to hydrate yourself during those moments of relaxation can also go a long way to improving your skin's health. 

With these strategies in place, you’re all set to make the most of summer while keeping your skin refreshed and radiant all season long.