Many people usually think that your skin will become oily in the summer, but it can actually become drier during the summer months. Going from hot outdoor temperatures and to indoor air-conditioning can stress the skin and contribute to dryness, making it feel tight and flaky. Also, swimming in chlorinated pools or saltwater, and frequent showers to rinse away sweat can wash away your skin's natural oils and weaken its protective barrier. If you have dry skin in the summer, learn to restore your skin's hydration and barrier health with some simple tweaks to your skincare routine.
Why Does Skin Get Dry in the Summer?
You would think heat and humidity should make your skin feel soft and hydrated, but that's not always the case. Common summer habits and environmental factors can strip your skin of moisture so it feels dry, tight, and unbalanced. Here are common causes of dry skin in the summer.
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Sun exposure from UV rays damage the skin barrier and speed up water loss.
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“Air conditioners suck moisture out of a room to bring down the humidity and cool it off,” which can dry out your skin.
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Chlorinated pools and salt water dissolves sebum, natural oils that keep your skin protected.
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Sweating more without drinking enough fluids can cause dehydration, which may cause your skin to look less radiant and feel drier or tighter.
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Over-cleansing can do more harm than good because it could wash away the natural oils your skin needs to stay balanced.
Skin Dryness in the Summer & Signs You Need To Change Your Skincare Products
Look for these common signs that you need to change your skincare products this summer.
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Skin feels tight after cleansing
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If your moisturizer no longer feels hydrating or your skin absorbs products quickly but still feels dry, your routine may not be providing enough moisture
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Flaky or rough patches
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Skin looks dull
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Increased redness, irritation, or stinging when applying products
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Your skin is both dry and shiny
How to Treat Dry Skin in Summer
A few small changes can help your skin feel healthy and radiant during the summer.
Use a Gentle Cleanser
Some foaming cleansers can leave dry skin feeling even tighter. Use a cream or gel cleanser that’s hydrating. Wash your face with lukewarm water because hot water can strip away your skin’s natural oils and weaken its protective moisture barrier. Shop recommended gentle cleansers.
Moisturize While Skin Is Damp
Apply moisturizer within a few minutes of cleansing or showering while your skin is still slightly damp because this helps seal in moisture to keep your skin hydrated and feel comfortable. During summer, use a lightweight lotion or a gel based moisturizer. Shop recommended lotions and gel moisturizers.
Exfoliate
Dead skin cell buildup can make your complexion look dull and skin feeling rough, however, over-exfoliating can do more harm than good because it can compromise your skin’s protective barrier. It’s best to exfoliate once or twice a week with a gentle formula, depending on your skin type and sensitivity.
Dry skin benefits from chemical exfoliants like Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) that hydrate as they exfoliate. For a gentle, balancing exfoliator, Sarah recommends Biologique Recherché’s Lotion P50.
Hydrate Your Skin From the Inside Out
Staying hydrated supports your skin from the inside out. Drink water consistently throughout the day, especially when you’re in the sun or exercising. Eating water-rich foods like cucumber, watermelon, and oranges can also help replenish fluids.
Never Skip Sunscreen
Sunscreen protects your skin barrier from moisture loss, so it’s very important to use a broad-spectrum of SPF 30 or higher as the last step in your morning skincare routine. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, and more often if you’re doing water activities or sweating. Shop recommended sunscreens.
Rinse Off After Swimming
After swimming, don’t let chlorine or salt sit on your skin for too long. Rinse off with fresh water to remove chemicals from the chlorine, then apply moisturizer to help restore hydration and keep it soft and comfortable.
How to Create a Summer Skincare Routine
If your skin is feeling dry even after your morning and evening skincare routine, reserve a personalized consultation with our esthetician by filling out our online form or calling us at (703) 531-9350 so we can help you find the right products for your skin type and skincare concerns. We’re located in Old Town Alexandria, and proudly serve clients throughout the DC Metro area as well.
FAQs
Does skin get drier during the summer?
Skin can get drier during the summer. Factors that can affect this are the environment, skin type, and daily habits.
Why is my skin so dry even though it's humid outside?
Humidity can help your skin retain moisture, but it doesn’t completely prevent dryness. Sun exposure, chlorine, salt water, air conditioning, frequent cleansing, and UV damage can weaken the skin barrier, causing dry and dehydrated skin.
Can air conditioning dry out my skin?
Air conditioning lowers indoor humidity, which can increase moisture loss from the skin and make dryness worse.
Is it okay to exfoliate if I have dry skin?
Yes! Just stick to gentle exfoliation once or twice a week to help remove dead skin cells and improve product absorption without over-drying your skin.
