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

Although air conditioners can provide much-needed relief from the heat, they also remove moisture in the process, resulting in a 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

There’s nothing better than a refreshing swim on a hot day, but the chlorine used to keep pools clean can be tough on your skin.

Chlorine strips away the natural oils that act as a protective barrier, leaving your skin dry and vulnerable. For those with sensitive skin, this can lead to itchiness, rashes, or even allergic reactions after a day at the pool.

Dietary Choices

Summer events often mean more salty snacks, sugary drinks, and alcohol. While fine in moderation, these can dehydrate your body, making it harder for your skin to retain moisture.

Sun Damage

Enjoying the summer outdoors is great, but spending too much time in the sun dries out your skin, causing tightness and discomfort. Sunburns lead to redness and soreness while excessive UV exposure accelerates aging, causing wrinkles and dark spots.

Dehydration

Hot summer days and outdoor activities can cause your body to lose fluids faster than you replace them. When dehydration sets in, your body pulls moisture away from your skin, prioritizing essential organs. This 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.