Causes of Dry Skin in the Summertime
What’s the deal with dry skin in the summer?
Think dry skin is only a problem in the winter? Take a look at the causes of dry skin that can be a summer bummer and the remedies for easy healing.
No matter what your summer plans involve, taking an exotic vacation, enjoying time off from school, or just working in an air-conditioned office, dry skin can affect you. The causes of dry skin in the summer may not be the same as they are in the winter. But consider your skin could still use some TLC this summer.
How do you get dry skin in the summer? Let’s take a look.
Air conditioning
There is no better relief than walking into an air-conditioned room on a hot and humid day. But have you ever noticed how air-conditioned air can seem a bit dry? It can dry out your skin just as badly as turning on the heat in the winter. Even worse, it can leave you with the same dry air problems: difficulty concentrating, headaches, dry skin, and irritated eyes. Your skin will be craving moisture.
The solution? Add moisture to the air with a humidifier. No matter what time of year it is, sleeping in a room with a humidifier will give you the rejuvenating hydration and care your skin needs. It’s about time to get that humidifier out of storage!
Sunburn
Even when it’s not particularly sunny out, you should always apply sunscreen to protect your body’s natural barrier from powerful UV rays, which can act as a skin cell accelerator. When it does get burned, your skin dries out, becomes depleted of antioxidants, and lipids begin to deteriorate. When this happens, the dead skin cells can’t function properly to produce a waterproof layer that keeps moisture in the skin. As a result, your skin loses moisture and then it peels.
The solution? Stay hydrated and moisturized while treating sunburn. Drink lots of water to prevent dehydration, and choose lotions and moisturizers that contain soothing soy or aloe vera.
Swimming pools
Heading to the pool is a summertime must but the chemicals in them can cause dry skin or even rashes to sensitive skin. After enjoying a nice dip in the pool, be aware that the dryness and chalkiness your skin feels is a result of chlorine stripping your skin of its natural oils.
The solution? If you are planning to spend more time in the pool, apply a pre-swimming lotion that’s specifically formulated to block chlorine and protect your skin. The best thing you can do after spending time in the pool is to immediately take a shower and flush the chlorine out of your skin with soap and water. Opt for a shorter and cooler one than a very hot one. The heat will open up your pores more, letting the chlorine seep into your skin.
Being outdoors
Looking forward to a camping trip or hiking in the woods? In addition to bugs that can leave itchy bites and dry rash patches, you should be on the lookout for plants that are dangerous to your skin like poison ivy.
The solution? Repellent sprays and lotions help protect your skin against bug bites, but some can be irritating to sensitive skin. Consider natural alternatives.
The truth of the matter is that your skin can become dry no matter what season you are in. For natural, handmade bath and beauty products that won’t strip your skin of moisture, try Shmutzies. We are big believers in using only natural ingredients that don’t harm your skin.