6 Tips for Preventing Dryness in Summer Months
Who doesn’t love summer? The bright sun, the warm weather, beaches, and pool parties. But when we’re out and having a good time in the summer sun, it can really start to take a toll on our skin. The fact of the matter is, as beautiful as the sun may be, it is vicious to our skin. Between the heat and the radiation, the sun can be truly problematic. One of the most annoying problems caused by the sun? Dry skin. From itchy, flaky skin to sudden heat rash and sunburn, having dry skin is an absolute summer buzzkill. Luckily it doesn’t have to be. There are many ways to prevent dry skin and protect yourself from the harsh sun. Let’s check them out!
Why Do We Get Dry Skin in the Summer?
Though the main culprit behind dry skin in the summer is the harsh sun, there are several other factors that make their own contribution.
- Dry Air
When the sun is shining high and bright, it can evaporate any droplets of water that may be in the air. These droplets of water are what we call humidity and without humidity, you will find that the air is harsh and dry. So when you step outside into an arid climate with no protection, you can expect your skin to react like vegetation and dry up.
- Air Conditioning
In the hot summer months, we tend to crank up the AC. Though it may cool us down, it’s also drying out our skin. The forced cold air removes any moisture that would have naturally been on top of the skin.
- Swimming
No one can deny that swimming pools are an essential part of summer fun, but they can leave our skin feeling brittle and dry. Thanks to the chlorine that is in swimming pools, the moment we step out of the pool, our skin is completely stripped of natural oils. These harsh chemicals are even more damaging for those with sensitive skin and can lead to rashes and flaky skin.
- Excessive Sun Exposure
As we mentioned, the sun is good for whisking moisture out of anything and everything, and that includes our skin. The more time you spend in direct sunlight, especially without protection, the more your skin will become dry and brittle. Moreover, overexposure of the sun can cause sunburn, heat rash, and lead to skin cancer.
How to Prevent Dry Skin in the Summer
- Hydrate
Most people underestimate the importance of staying hydrated. Dry skin prevention works from the inside out. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can ensure that your body produces enough natural oils and water to keep the skin hydrated.
- Protect Yourself from the Sun
We cannot stress enough the negative effects overexposure to the sun can have. To best protect your skin, find the right sunscreen for you and limit the amount of time you spend in direct sunlight.
- Moisturize
Even though most people are aware of the importance of moisturizing, many fail to do so. Keep in mind that your skin can dry out for many different reasons, and applying moisturizer can go a long way in preventing and tackling it. Apply moisturizer whenever you leave the shower or bath, after you go swimming, before you step outside, even before you go to bed.
- Avoid Harsh Soaps
Certain soaps can really throw our skin for a loop. Why? Because many cleansers use harsh chemicals that strip away our natural oils, leaving our skin bare and dry. Shop around for soaps and cleansers that have moisturizing properties.
- Take It Easy on the AC
You want to stay cool, but it’s best if you don’t put your air conditioner on full blast. ACs can suck all the moisture out of the air and dry your skin. So take it easy and use the low or medium settings.
- Use a Humidifier
If you find that your home seems a little dry, don’t be afraid to pull out the humidifier. This will add just enough moisture to the air to give your skin a little TLC.
With these tips, you’re sure to have the ultimate summer fun without worrying about annoying dry skin.
If you are in the Cincinnati, Ohio area, feel free to reach out to our experts at The Dermatology Group and we can give you more information and help you explore other dryness prevention options. Give us a call today!