Cold winter days leave us longing for the summer. But the hot, humid summer is equally challenging for the skin. Dry skin is especially in danger of developing patches and small cracks during the summer that may lead to premature aging signs.
All skin types need protection against the sun and free radicals, but dry skin needs hydration more than others. If you have dry skin, read on to learn how to adequately care for dry skin care in the summer.
10 Skin Care Tips for Dry Skin in Summer
Hydration is the biggest challenge for dry skin. The burning sun, heat, and lots of sweating during the summer don’t help. To keep the skin healthy, hydrated, and well-nourished, follow these summer skin care tips for dry skin.
1. Drink More Water
Eight glasses of water is the average amount you need to drink every day—except in summer. During hot days when you’re losing more moisture due to heat and sweating, you need to up your daily water intake. Have a water bottle with you at all times and sip at least every half hour.
2. Cleanse in the Morning and Evening
Cleansing is an important step in the skin care routine because it removes dirt, sweat, grime, and dead cells that accumulate during the day or overnight. However, be careful not to strip your skin of natural oils and overdry it.
Use gentle, oil-based cleansers with vitamin E, aloe vera, or cucumber that maintain the right moisture levels. EltaMD Oil-In-Gel Cleanser is a great choice for dry and sensitive skin.
3. Hydrate from the Outside
Dry skin needs season-appropriate moisturizers.
Since the skin loses a lot of moisture during the summer, look for lightweight serums with potent moisturizing agents like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and B vitamins.
If your skin is extra dry, always carry a face mist and spray it on your face several times a day. We recommend Osmosis MD Infuse Nutrient Activating Mist because it contains fulvic and humic acids that provide the necessary hydration and antioxidants to protect the skin from pollutants.
4. Sunscreen Is a Must
Never leave the house during the summer without sunscreen.
Use products that are labeled “broad spectrum” and include zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These ingredients protect the skin from both types of UV rays—UVA and UVB. The sun protection factor (SPF) should be at least 30.
Note: For more tips, check out our guide on how to choose a sunscreen.
5. Double Up on Antioxidants
Antioxidants are ingredients that increase the skin’s barrier function and protect it from the sun and toxins in the air.
Look for potent antioxidants like vitamin C and E in your day and nighttime moisturizing serums and creams. They protect the skin from harmful free radicals during the day and help the skin repair from free radical damage during the night.
Note: Learn more about the importance of antioxidants in skin care and discover products that will help you incorporate them into your routine.
6. Exfoliate to Remove Dirt
Exfoliation is an important step in every summer skin care routine because it removes the buildup of dead cells and dirt that regular cleansing doesn’t.
To avoid overdrying your skin, use gentle exfoliating products like Osmosis MD Polish Cranberry Enzyme Mask, which contains citrus enzymes and essential oils. Don’t use it more than twice per week.
7. Treat Yourself to a Face Mask
People with very dry skin will benefit from hydrating face masks a few times a week. For best results, use it after exfoliation when the pores are clean and the nourishing ingredients in the face mask can penetrate deeper into the skin. Look for products with gentle hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, cucumber, papaya, watermelon, and glycerin.
Note: For more product recommendations, check out our guide on summer skincare products.
8. Eat Antioxidant-Rich Foods
An antioxidant-rich diet combined with proper skin care for dry skin ensures you’re protected from dehydration and the summer’s environmental pollutants from the inside out. Some examples of antioxidant-rich foods are berries, kale, red cabbage, and artichoke. Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits, and you can’t go wrong.
9. Protect Your Skin with Adequate Clothing
Sunscreen and antioxidants are powerful, but they don’t offer 100% protection against the burning sun. If you spend time outside during peak sun hours, wear a wide-brimmed hat and comfortable cotton clothes that cover your arms and legs.
10. Use Humidifiers
Air conditioners suck moisture out of the air and cause dry skin, even in people with other skin types. If you spend a lot of time in an air-conditioned space, use a humidifier to avoid overdrying your skin.
What Causes Dry Skin in Summer
Several factors may cause dry skin in the summer:
- Living in an area with a dry climate
- Spending time in air-conditioned spaces
- Insufficient water intake
- Excess alcohol intake
- Inadequate diet that causes dehydration
- Overexposure to the sun and heat
How to Prevent Dry Skin in Summer: Bonus Tips
In addition to maintaining proper skin care and nutrition, avoid the following things to keep your skin hydrated, healthy, and radiant.
Sunbathe, but in Moderation
Dry skin may be the least severe skin issue resulting from exposure to direct sunlight. Try a smart alternative to sunbathing, like self-tanning lotions or tinted sunscreens that protect your skin from damaging sun rays and give it a tanned glow.
Avoid Hot Baths
Avoid hot baths if you have dry skin. Hot water strips your skin of natural oils. Lukewarm or cold showers are appropriate (and refreshing!) during summer.
Drink Water When Drinking Alcoholic Beverages
Alcohol dehydrates the body, leaving your skin dry and dull looking. Drink plenty of water whenever you consume alcohol to restore moisture levels in your body.
Limit Sugar, Salt, and Carbs
Eating lots of sugar, sodium, and carbs depletes water from the body, causing dehydration. Prolonged consumption of these foods leads to dry and patchy skin.
Limit Caffeine, or Drink More Water After Coffee
Caffeine is a well-known diuretic and has a dehydrating effect on the body. If you can’t limit your coffee intake, make sure you drink plenty of water to make up for the caffeine-related loss of moisture.
Conclusion
Your skin needs extra care during the summer. Regardless of your skin type, moisture loss during summer may lead to dry, dehydrated, and patchy skin. Tiny cracks in dry skin make it easier for pollutants to penetrate and cause infection and premature aging. To maintain smooth, healthy skin, follow our tips for proper skin hydration, nourishment, and protection during hot summer months.
If you want to learn more about dry skin, make sure to learn our article what causes dry skin and how to treat dry skin properly.
