4 Tricks for Preventing Dryness in Summer Months

Dry skin is something most of us have to contend with at some point. But over the summer months, dry skin can be a real bummer. Here are a few things you can do to prevent and treat dry skin during the hotter months.

Add Moisture to the Air

While it’s true that hotter weather typically means more moisture in the air, that’s not necessarily true while you’re spending time inside. When the air conditioning is keeping your home cool, it’s also sucking the moisture right out of the air. As a result, the air inside your home is probably drier than ever and your skin could be suffering for it. So the easiest solution to avoid irritating your skin further is adding moisture back into the air. You can do this by raising the temperature in your house by a few degrees or by using a humidifier in your home. A humidifier will be particularly useful in your bedroom at night while you’re sleeping. We tend to sleep more soundly when it’s colder, but dry air isn’t great for your skin or your throat while you rest.

Cool Your Showers Down

Hot showers are relaxing no matter what time of year it is. Unfortunately, they could also be exacerbating your dry skin during the warmer months. If you want to prevent dry skin this summer, it might be time to say goodbye to those extra hot showers you love so much. Water that’s too hot can strip away all of your skin’s natural oils and lubricants. And if you’re already worried about dry skin, odds are you’re not producing enough of those things as it is. That doesn’t mean you have to take freezing cold showers all summer long though! You can get by just fine if you use lukewarm water for your showers. It’s also a good idea to consider shortening your shower time just a little bit.

Remember to Moisturize Daily

Moisturizing is one of the most important steps in any skin care routine, but it’s especially crucial if you want to prevent dry skin during the summer. If you have drier skin normally, you’re going to want to look for a moisturizer that’s oil based and that has a humectant like hyaluronic acid in it. This will help draw moisture into your skin and keep it looking supple. Like we said previously, warm weather does tend to hold more moisture in the air, but your skin isn’t going to absorb it without a little help from a good moisturizer.

Protect Yourself from the Sun

Sun damaged skin on top of already dry skin is not a combination you want to be dealing with during the summer months. While skin care for sun damage has a primary goal of returning moisture to the skin, it’s better for everyone if you don’t have to deal with that in the first place. Sunburn and even sun exposure can drain moisture from your skin. So when you’re looking for a summer moisturizer, make sure you pick one that has at least SPF 30 or higher in it. In addition, try to stay in the shade and wear protective clothing like wide-brimmed hats and longer sleeves if you’re going to be outside.

Dealing with dry skin over the summer months doesn’t have to be a challenge. If you have questions about a dry skin rash over the summer or need a new skin care routine, contact us to set up an appointment at SE Dermatology Specialists today.