Summer Skin Care: 6 Causes of Dry Skin

Summer and the heat that accompanies it may cause some people’s skin to be oilier. However, for those with naturally dry skin, summer sometimes is no better.

Dry skin is often associated with the cooler winter months that can cause the skin to scale, itch, or crack. It is often difficult to find solutions to dry skin in the summer time. To treat dry skin in summer time, we must identify what’s contributing to the lack of moisture.

Ask one of our board-certified dermatologists today!

 

Causes of Dry Skin in The Summer

1. Dehydration

We all know that  that the body is more susceptible to dehydration in summer. The state of hydration within the body is reflected through the skin. In addition, alcohol, coffee, and soda can leave the body more quenched than satisfied. Swap your cool, iced margaritas  for water or fruit-infused water.

2. Swimming in the Pool

Chlorine melts the skin’s natural protective sebum, causing moisture loss and leaving the skin quite dry. For those who enjoy swimming, using a shielding lotion before stepping into the pool is a good way to protect the skin’s natural barrier.

3. Air Conditioner

Air conditioners may provide cool air, but they also make the atmosphere drier, causing surface skin cells to dry out even further. Try avoiding the A/C and turn on your fan. But if the heat is too unbearable, use a humidifier to reinsert moisture into the air.

To understand more about your dry skin ask one of our board-certified dermatologists!

4. The Sun

You would think the sun would add more moisture to your skin, due to the increased sweat production. but in actuality, the rays can dry the skin of its natural oil. For some, this leads to an increase in sebum production, making the skin more oily. For others, it leads to drier skin. A good moisturizer and sunscreen are crucial to creating a physical barrier between your skin and harmful UV rays. Make sure to find a sunscreen that’s right for your skin type.

5. Over-exfoliation

Exfoliating removes the dead and dull skin cells on the surface of the skin, but over-exfoliating can damage the skin’s balance. Physical exfoliants can be too abrasive, while chemical exfoliants make the skin photosensitive,. Both forms of exfoliation make the skin more susceptible to harmful effects of the sun. It can be tempting to exfoliate dry skin, but a more effective approach to replenishing the skin is incorporating hydrating products.

6. Spray Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a must for retaining your skin’s moisture, but spray sunscreens contain alcohol and are likely to further contribute to the problem.

 

These are common reasons for dry skin in the summer, but if you want to learn more or examine a specific condition, ask one of our board-certified dermatologists today!