How to combat dry skin in the summer: 7 Tips & Tricks

by Maria Konou Jul 18, 2022 @ 13:24

Ah, the summertime…time of tan lines, cooling breeze, warm sand, the sounds of waves, and disastrously dry and itchy skin? Sadly, yes! Contrary to popular belief, dry skin is not just a problem in the winter. In fact, the summer sun, heat, and dry air lead to a whole new set of dry skin problems and frustrations. From unrelenting sunburns to more frequent hair removal and pool swimming, your skin can transform from hydrated and supple to flaky and rough in just a matter of hours. That is why you need to be well aware of the most common causes of rough and sensitive skin in the summer and how to care for it. Having a routine that you are consistent with during the hot summer days, will ensure that your skin remains plump and super hydrated in spite of the heat. So, in this article, we will share the best tips and tricks to help you combat dry skin in the summer.

Here are the best tips and tricks for getting rid of dry and flaky skin in the summer

In this article
How to combat dry skin in the summer
#Rinse immediately
#Apply a soothing lotion
#Apply a body balm
#Prevent sun damage
#Fight excess oil and sweat
#Extra hydration
#Drink plenty of water
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How to combat dry skin in the summer

#Rinse immediately

(after swimming in chlorinated water)

It is hard to resist the tempting opportunity to go for a swim on a hot summer day. But that dip in the pool can cause damage to your skin if you are not careful. How? Chlorine actually removes natural oils from the skin and hair and can make the skin feel very dry and irritated. That is why dermatologists recommend rinsing yourself in clean water immediately after swimming in a chlorinated pool to avoid skin irritation. Moreover, try to hop in the shower immediately after coming home from both the pool and the beach. That will help you get rid of all that dirt, sweat, sand, salt, and other particles that are just sitting comfortably on top of your skin and blocking your pores. Your skin will surely thank you!

Always rinse yourself with fresh water immediately after swimming in a pool

Make sure to thoroughly clean yourself when you get back home from the beach

#Apply a soothing lotion

(after a long day at the beach)

We all go to the beach to relax, but the salt from the sea strips the skin of its natural moisture and sebum, which can irritate and dry it out. What’s more, the salt water doesn’t always wash off completely in the shower, so it’s important to apply a hydrating moisturizer after swimming to avoid losing that extra hydration. Our advice is to get 100% natural aloe vera gel and apply it to your body right after you shower. This is also one of the most amazing natural remedies for sunburn!

Aloe vera gel is super soothing and hydrating, and it helps with sunburn

Don’t forget to use the aloe vera gel on your face, as well

#Apply a body balm

(after every shave)

When it comes to body hair removal, there are dozens of hair removal options you can choose from…or don’t. As long as you are happy, you can do whatever you want and works best for you! But if you shave more often in the summer, it is important to give your skin a little extra love, too. After shaving in the shower, treat your skin with a body balm (which is applied to wet skin for better skin penetration) to soothe and refresh the skin. This will limit razor cuts and burns and ingrown hair, as well. Our advice is to also take a look into alternatives to shaving, which might work for you!

TIP: Shaving often causes a condition we call strawberry legs. If you are prone to it, make sure to check these dermatologist tips for getting rid of strawberry legs.

Shaving is the quickest method for hair removal, but there are downsides

Always apply a rich body balm to hydrate the skin after hair removal

#Prevent sun damage

(with a broad-spectrum sunscreen)

Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is important all summer long, and reapplying every two hours is vital. When choosing a sunscreen, be sure the label indicates “broad spectrum,” advise dermatologists. This ensures that you are protected from both UVA and UVB rays. In addition to protecting you from UV rays, applying sunscreen can help prevent premature aging of the skin and helps maintain an even complexion. So, sunscreen is an ABSOLUTE MUST!

Try to find a sunscreen with a consistency you like and works for your skin

You have to reapply sunscreen approximately every 2 hours and that’s a rule

#Fight excess oil and sweat

(with light cleansing cosmetics)

In the summer, your skin tends to be a little oilier due to the extra heat and sweat. This can lead to an increase in acne breakouts, which can irritate and possibly dry out your skin. To stop breakouts from appearing, it is advisable to use a mild skin cleanser – such as an anti-pimple face cream and one with a hydrating effect. The most important step is the cleanser, which will gently purify your skin without lifting your natural oils and drying out your skin even more.

You need something soothing, light, conditioning, and…milky

If you are struggling with bad breakouts, you can do a purifying clay mask once a week

#Extra hydration

(Are you constantly in air conditioning? Moisturize more!)

Air conditioning is one of the easiest ways to get cool during the summer months, but the price of standing in the cool can be sucking the moisture out of your skin. Because air conditioning absorbs moisture from the air, it can make the skin too dry if overdone, say, dermatologists. Although you may feel fine in the cool, it is important to drink plenty of water and use skin products that will penetrate the dermis and retain moisture. If your eyes feel dry, use eye drops.

Make sure to moisturize more frequently if you have the AC on often in the summer

Always have cold fresh water nearby, so you can rehydrate your body

#Drink plenty of water

(the most valuable summer tip)

During the summer months, dermatologists recommend limiting coffee and alcohol intake and drinking plenty of water. Coffee and alcohol are diuretics, substances that increase urine production and in return dehydrate the body, causing the skin to become drier, warn dermatologists. Dehydration of skin tissues can also cause premature aging of skin cells. In other words, stay hydrated from the inside out, and your skin will thank you with a fresh look.

Coffee is a diuretic, which dehydrates the body and dries out your skin