Are you a person who loves those long summer days but frets about the damage the harsh rays cause? The heat dehydrates and dries out the moisture in the skin, leaving it dry and barren. The flaky, scaly skin can cause skin irritation as well. So, protecting your skin from summer dryness is inevitable.
Dry skin can be due to several factors, like using harsh cleansers, sun damage, climate change, ageing, deodorants, cleaning agents and soaps, hot showers, overbathing, underlying health conditions, genetics etc. Understanding the cause of skin dryness and your skin type can help tackle the damage and answer the frequently asked question- how to get glowing skin in summer.
In this article, we will give some pro tips that will be a game changer in your summer skincare routine for dry skin. Keep the wrinkles, dryness and age spots at bay and bask your skin outdoors, unperturbed.
What are the reasons for dry skin in summer?
- Hot summer months can take a toll on your skin. It is the time when you need to update your skin care products and bid goodbye to the products that would create havoc on your skin.
- Hot and humid summers often force people to spend time in the sun, pool, and air-conditioning, causing skin dryness.
- The sun's rays cause about 90% of injury to the skin, which means sagging, wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, thickening, and general signs of aging.
Some common causes of dry skin in summer include:
1. Dehydration
- Higher temperatures and increased outdoor activities can lead to dehydration, which affects your skin's moisture levels.
- When your body is dehydrated, your skin may appear dry, flaky, and lackluster.
- It can further worsen if you don’t drink enough water.
2. Sun exposure
- Prolonged sun exposure can lead to moisture loss and damage to the skin's barrier function.
- UV rays can break down collagen and elastin, leading to dryness, sunburn, and premature aging.
- According to AAD (American Academy of Dermatology Association), always use a broad-spectrum protection sunscreen for dry skin with SPF 30+ and water resistance 15- 30 minutes before going out in the sun.
- SPF 15 deflects 93% of sun-burning rays, whereas SPF 30 deflects 97%, as per the reports of the AAD. It protects the skin from skin cancer and sunburn.
- They are available in lotions, creams, ointments, gels, wax sticks, and sprays.
- Sunscreens contain benzophenones (oxybenzone), cinnamates (octyl methyl cinnamate and cinoxate), sulisobenzone, salicylates, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, and avobenzone (Parsol 1789), due to which it can provide broad spectrum protection from sun’s rays that cause premature aging and the development of skin cancer.
3. Air conditioning and low humidity levels
- Hot summers will force you to turn on your air conditioner and enjoy the cool gush of air for hours together.
- Spending time in air-conditioned environments can strip the air of moisture, which can contribute to dry skin.
- Cold air from air conditioners can also reduce humidity levels and lead to moisture loss from the skin.
- Apply moisturizer whenever the skin feels dry and turn on the humidifier whenever the air feels dry.
4. Chlorine water
- Swimming during the summer is the most favorite thing to do.
- Swimming in chlorinated pools can strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupts your skin’s natural pH and skin's moisture balance, leading to dryness.
- Use water-resistant sunscreen before getting into the pool.
- According to AAD, you should shower and shampoo immediately after getting out of the pool, using fresh, clean water and a mild cleanser or body wash made for swimmers.
- Moisturize well within 5 minutes of taking a shower or bath to avoid dryness.
5. Hot showers
- Hot showers are not a thing in summer, but for some, it is habitual and continues even in summer.
- Frequent hot showers can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and irritated.
- According to AAD, always take showers and baths in warm rather than hot water.
6. Over-exfoliation or scrubbing
- While exfoliation is important for removing dead skin cells, over-exfoliating or using harsh scrubs too frequently can compromise the skin's barrier and cause dryness.
- Use exfoliants like salicylic acid which gently loosens up the dead skin cells which get replaced by new cells.
- Oily types can tolerate a salicylic cleanser once a day, but those with drier and more sensitive skin should limit use to once a week to avoid irritation.
- Homemade body scrub for glowing skin in summer can cool and nourish the skin.
7. Self-tanner
- Using a self-tanner on dry skin can sometimes lead to uneven or patchy results if not done properly.
- Dry skin tends to absorb products more quickly, which can result in a darker color in certain areas.
- To control the intensity of the color, consider choosing a self-tanner specifically formulated for dry skin or diluting the self-tanner with a moisturizer before applying it.
- Always prepare your skin by exfoliating, moisturizing and following the application instructions carefully, and conduct a patch test before using a new self-tanner.
8. Inadequate skincare
- Summertime can be exhausting, but that’s not an excuse to skip your summer skincare routine.
- If you're not adjusting your skincare routine for the season, you might not be providing enough hydration and protection for your skin during the summer months.
- Avoid harsh cleansers that dry out the skin, if you need to travel, try micellar water which is a no-rinse cleansing option.
- Summertime is a dry time, so you can revamp your beauty regime with summer skincare products like additional hydrating masks, overnight masks with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C etc.
- Adding a hydrating serum such as hyaluronic acid serum to your summer skincare routine can provide dry skin relief and replenish moisture for plumped, youthful-looking skin with bounce.
- Spraying with a refreshing face mist is an excellent summer skin care tip to soothe and hydrate your skin.
How to prevent dry skin in summer?
Dry and irritated skin is the last thing you want in the summer! Preventing dry skin during the summer requires a combination of a proper summer skincare routine for dry skin, hydration and protective measures.
Here are some summer skin tips to help you maintain hydrated and healthy skin throughout the warmer months:
1. Hydrate from within
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated.
- Proper hydration supports your skin's moisture balance and overall health.
- Hydration inside by including water-rich fruits and veggies in the diet can tackle dryness and compromised barrier function.
- Omega-3 fatty acids found in foods like flaxseeds, can help maintain skin hydration.
- But limit excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption as it can contribute to dehydration, which may affect your skin's moisture levels.
2. Choose gentle bath products
- Warm water showers are essential in cleaning the sweat and dirt accumulated on the skin during summer.
- Opt for a mild and hydrating cleanser that won't strip your skin of its natural oils. Avoid harsh, drying cleansers that can contribute to dryness.
- Opt for lukewarm showers and limit your time in the water, as hot water strips your skin of natural oils.
- Soaps and body washes labeled “antibacterial” or “deodorant” can dry your skin.
- If you have dry skin, use a mild exfoliant 1-2 times a week to prevent the buildup of dead skin.
3. Moisturize regularly
- Use a rich, hydrating moisturizer to lock in moisture, if you have dry skin.
- Apply moisturizer after showering or bathing while your skin is still slightly damp to seal in hydration.
- The salt in perspiration along with heat, can cause more dehydration.
- Oil-based moisturizers for dry skin, barrier repair creams or hydrating skincare products that contain hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and aloe vera are suitable for dry skin.
- Avoid using products with harsh ingredients, fragrances or alcohol, as they can exacerbate dryness and irritation.
4. Reapply sunscreen
- Summer vacations are meant to be long outdoor time basking in the sun. It can be a nightmare if you do not reapply the sunscreen.
- Sunscreen is a highly recommended defense against sunburn and skin cancer.
- Sunblock for dry skin is crucial to protect your skin from UV damage.
- The sun's rays cause about 90% of injury to the skin, which means sagging, wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, thickening, and general signs of aging.
- Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and reapply every two hours if you spend time outdoors.
- It is available in the form of lotions, creams, ointments, gels, wax sticks, and sprays. Sunscreen sticks and sprays are convenient for reapplication without fail every time you are out.
- The best sunscreen lotion for dry skin is creamy sunscreens.
- Additionally, wear lightweight, breathable clothing that covers your skin when you're exposed to the sun. This can help prevent sunburn and reduce moisture loss.
5. Limit air conditioning exposure
- The increasing heat due to climate change is becoming unbearable, and the number of people using air conditioners at home and office is increasing.
- If possible try to minimize prolonged exposure to air-conditioned environments, as they can contribute to moisture loss.
- If you need an air conditioner, consider using a humidifier to add moisture to the air and prevent skin from excessive drying.
6. Hydrating and anti-inflammatory masks
- Summer skincare should include the skincare ingredients for dry skin as the skin loses moisture fast.
- Using a moisturizer for dry skin in summer, trying home remedies for dry skin in summer etc. will improve the skin's hydration levels.
- Another skin care tip for dry skin includes incorporating hydrating face masks into your routine once or twice a week to provide an extra boost of moisture.
- Look for products that contain hydrating skincare ingredients for dry skin like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and aloe vera.
- Soothing anti-inflammatory masks can help the skin fight and recover from acne, rosacea, sunburn, and allergic rashes, common during summer.
- Cooling formulas containing aloe and chamomile are better for drier complexions.
7. Get that extra sun protection
- Apart from donning sunscreen and summer cream for dry skin, some other tips can protect your skin from harsh sun rays.
- Hats with broad brims protect harmful rays that reach your scalp and your ears.
- Try using garments with Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating, as articles with UPF 30, for example, allow only 1/30 of UV light to penetrate.
- Also, garments made of unbleached cotton, high-luster polyesters and satiny silk can absorb or reflect UV radiation, preventing damaging rays from reaching the skin.
- Dry lips are common during summer, and these cracked, peeling, scaly lips are a common site of lip cancer origin due to prolonged exposure to the sun. Always wear lipstick with SPF 15 or more or apply a lip conditioner with SPF and antioxidants under lipstick for extra moisture and protection.
- Wear broad sunglasses with UV 400 protection outdoors, as UV rays can cause eye problems, such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
- For that additional protection, choose makeup with broad-spectrum SPF and UV-filtering qualities.
What is the summer skincare routine for dry skin?
A summer skincare routine for dry skin should focus on providing deep hydration, sun protection, and gentle cleansing while addressing any specific concerns you may have.
Here's a suggested morning and evening skincare routine for dry skin during the summer, that are the best tips for glowing skin in summer.
1. Morning Routine
- Start with a gentle and hydrating cleanser to cleanse your face without stripping away natural oils, or you can completely avoid the cleansing part in the morning to help prevent over-drying in the case of dry skin.
- Apply a hydrating and alcohol-free toner to balance your skin's pH and prepare it for the next steps, or skip it in your summer skincare routine.
- Use a hydrating serum containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin. Serums help lock in moisture and provide a smooth base for makeup. Or, apply a vitamin C moisturizer instead which is an antioxidant.
- Choose a rich and nourishing, best brightening moisturizer for dry skin that provides long-lasting hydration. Look for ingredients like aloe, shea butter, ceramides, or jojoba oil.
- Apply a broad-spectrum zinc-based sunscreen for dry skin with at least SPF 30 to protect your skin from UV damage. Do not forget to reapply every two hours if you're spending time outdoors.
- Lastly, gently apply a hydrating and lightweight eye cream to the delicate skin around your eyes to protect them from moisture loss.
2. Evening Routine
- If you wear makeup, use a gentle makeup remover like micellar water or cleansing oil to remove makeup and sunscreen.
- Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser to remove impurities and buildup. You can use a mild chemical exfoliant containing alpha- and beta-hydroxy or glycolic acids to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover once or twice a week.
- Choose a richer night cream, the best cream for glowing skin in summer, as it locks in the extra moisture or a hydrating sleeping mask to provide intense moisture and nourishment while you sleep.
- Also, apply a hydrating lip balm to keep your lips moisturized and protect them from cracking with moisture loss.
Tips to pick the right summer skincare product for dry skin
Choosing the right summer skincare products for dry skin requires careful consideration of ingredients, formulations and your specific skin needs.
Here are some tips to help you pick the right products for your summer skincare routine for dry skin:
- Visit a dermatologist and determine the type of your skin, and if it is dry skin, ask for recommendations on how to get glowing skin in summer.
- Opt for products that contain hydrating skincare ingredients for dry skin, like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, aloe vera, shea butter and plant oils. These ingredients help lock in moisture and soothe dry skin.
- Steer clear of products that contain alcohol, fragrance, and other harsh ingredients that can further dry out your skin or cause irritation.
- Choose creams and lotions with a rich and creamy texture to provide a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss. The best body lotion for dry skin in summer is the tinted moisturizer with SPF, which serves the purpose of two in one.
- Never skip the sunscreen and look for sunscreens labeled as "moisturizing" or "for dry skin" to combine sun protection with hydration.
- Finding the perfect products for your dry skin may involve trial and error. Be patient and open to adjusting your routine as needed. Perform a patch test on a small area of your skin to check for any adverse reactions or allergies.
- Try sample sizes of products before buying full bottles. It allows you to check the product compatibility with your skin and save money and product wastage. If a product causes redness, irritation, or worsens dryness, discontinue use and try something else.
- Always be conscious and read the label to understand what you are feeding your skin.
- Home remedies for dry skin in summer can be made of ingredients like aloe vera, honey, cucumber, coconut oil, oatmeal, avocado etc., making a hydrating and soothing anti-inflammatory mask that would calm your sun-attacked skin.
- Other summer skin tips include carrying a hydrating facial mist to refresh and hydrate your skin whenever needed. Rose water, cucumber juice, aloe vera gel etc., are natural toners and can be used as mists.
Conclusion
Summer skincare routine for dry skin largely depends on the right combination of ingredients and formulations for your skin type. Selecting summer skin care products by professionals for personalized product recommendations based on your skin's specific needs can save you a lot of time and money.
Introduce one new product at a time, and give your skin a chance to adapt before incorporating more changes into your routine. Pay attention to how your skin responds to each product and adjust your routine.
Tips for glowing skin in summer include using a hydrating sunscreen, drinking enough water, using a gentle cleanser, and incorporating hydrating products into your skincare routine can all help maintain your skin's moisture balance.
With rising cases of skin cancer, it is always necessary to protect the skin from the harsh sun rays. So next time you plan your vacation during summer, remember to pack the essentials, the summer skincare products.
Who said you can’t have glowing skin during the summer?? Slather the best body lotion for dry skin in summer, and enjoy your time outdoors to the fullest!
Meet our expert
GHBY Team
GHBY TeamMeet our expert
GHBY Team comprises content writers and content editors who specialise in health and lifestyle writing. Always on the lookout for new trends in the health and lifestyle space, Team GHBY follows an audience-first approach. This ensures they bring the latest in the health space to your fingertips, so you can stay ahead in your wellness game.
How was the experience with article?
We'd love to know!