While dry skin is often associated with the harshness of winter, many are surprised to find it just as common during the hot summer months. Even oily skin can start to look and feel dehydrated when temperatures rise or humidity levels spike.
According to dermatologists, several summertime culprits can cause dry skin in people of all ages. Fortunately, this guide offers practical tips to help you maintain a smooth, balanced complexion, even in the summer heat. One tip is to start incorporating high-quality skincare topicals, such as hyaluronic acid (HA), to help restore your skin’s suppleness and hydration. Read on for more tips to help you keep your glow, no matter where your summer takes you.
Skip the Long, Hot Showers
Long, hot showers or soaks can feel incredibly relaxing, but too much cleansing can work against your skin. Prolonged exposure to hot water strips away the natural oils that help protect and hydrate the skin. When those oils are depleted, your skin is more likely to feel dry, itchy, or irritated.
To maintain your skin’s moisture balance during the summer, keep the water temperature at a comfortable lukewarm level and aim for just one shower per day. While it might be tempting to cool off with frequent rinses, over-washing can disrupt the skin barrier and leave your complexion vulnerable to dryness.
Skincare professionals recommend keeping showers or baths brief, ideally between 5 and 10 minutes. Going beyond that window increases the risk of removing your skin’s protective layer of oils, allowing essential moisture to escape, and leaving the skin less resilient to environmental stressors.
Choose Gentle Cleansers and Skip the Fragrance
Take a closer look at your cleansers to see what they contain. Bar soaps, for example, tend to be harsh on most skin types. A gentle liquid cleanser is often a better choice. Use warm water to wash your face, and pat your skin dry with a soft towel. Make sure the water is warm, but not actually hot.
Also, try to avoid products with added fragrances. These are commonly found in cleansers, body lotions, deodorants, and fabric softeners. Fragrance can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier, making it harder for the skin to retain moisture, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Beat Hard Water With Smart Skincare Solutions
Hard water could be contributing to your dry summer skin. It leaves behind a film on the skin due to its high mineral content, including calcium, magnesium, lead, and zinc.
While home filtration systems can reduce this buildup, they can be pricey. Dermatologists recommend using skincare topicals containing vitamins A and C to help break down hard water residue and restore balance.
Daily sun protection is also key, as hard water may make skin more sensitive to UV damage. A good option is a high-quality mineral sunscreen. These advanced formulas feel light on the skin, blend effortlessly, and help support hydration. They’re also ideal for sensitive skin, providing broad-spectrum protection while soothing redness and reinforcing the skin’s moisture barrier.
After the Pool or Ocean: Rehydrate and Repair
Time spent in the pool or ocean can be enjoyable, but chlorine and saltwater can both contribute to summer dryness. Chlorine has a pH of around 7.3, which is higher than the skin’s natural level of about 5.5. That means it can disrupt the skin barrier in minutes and trigger dryness, dehydration, and irritation. Salt water, though therapeutic in small doses, also carries a high pH and can be drying with repeated exposure.
To prevent moisture loss, apply hydrating skincare products after swimming. For severely dry skin, lipid-based formulas can help shield the skin and replenish what water strips away. Look for physician-formulated, clinical-grade products with proven results. These offer concentrated active ingredients without the harsh side effects. HA, for example, is excellent for boosting moisture and helping skin appear naturally plump and refreshed.
Combat AC-Induced Dryness With a Humidifier Boost
It’s not just winter heating systems that dry out the skin—your air conditioner can also reduce humidity levels, leaving skin dry, cracked, and uncomfortable. Air conditioning removes moisture from indoor air. While this makes spaces feel cooler, it can also make skin more vulnerable to dryness.
A study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information found that low humidity can impair the skin’s ability to shed dead cells, reduce elasticity, and increase roughness. To counteract this, dermatologists recommend using a humidifier at home or at work to help restore indoor moisture levels and soothe dry skin.
Weight Loss and Skin Health: Keep Your Glow
Many people aim to slim down for summer, but weight loss can affect the skin more than you might expect, particularly if it is rapid or assisted by medication. Rapid weight loss, including that caused by GLP-1 medications, often results in a reduction of collagen, elastin, fat, and muscle volume in the face. This can lead to visible dryness and sagging.
A targeted solution is a scientifically advanced firming face cream designed to restore hydration, firmness, and overall skin texture. These formulations help replenish lost moisture, support skin structure, and improve elasticity, making them a smart addition to any summer skincare routine.
Summer Skin Can Shine—Even in the Heat
For many, summer is the ultimate season for fun in the sun, but it can also bring on dry, irritated skin faster than you might expect. With the expert tips above, you can stay ahead of summer’s skin challenges. Remember, skin regeneration is a continuous, natural process, and a thoughtful skincare routine can help you maintain a healthy, radiant glow at every stage of life.
