Summer Skin Care: How to Prevent Dry & Dehydrated Skin

As the temperature rises, so does the risk of dry, flaky, and irritated skin.
The summer months can be particularly harsh on the skin, with factors such as high temperatures, humidity, and exposure to the sun's harmful UV rays contributing to dryness and dehydration.

Causes of Dehydrated and Dry Skin during summer:

1. Hot Temperatures:

As temperatures rise during the summer months, our bodies naturally sweat to regulate our internal temperature.
Sweat helps to cool the body down, but it can also lead to dehydration.
When the body loses too much water, it can cause the skin to become dry and flaky.

2. Sun Exposure:

Exposure to the sun's harmful UV rays can also lead to dehydrated and dry skin.
UV rays can damage the skin's natural protective barrier, causing it to lose moisture more quickly. This can leave the skin feeling tight, itchy, and dry.

3. Air Conditioning:

While air conditioning can provide relief from the heat, it can also be a contributing factor to dehydrated skin.
One of the primary ways that ACs contribute to dehydrated skin is by reducing the humidity levels in the air.

ACs work by removing moisture from the air, which can lead to a decrease in humidity levels.
Low humidity levels can cause the skin to lose moisture and become dehydrated, leading to dry, flaky skin.
Another way that ACs can contribute to dehydrated skin is by disrupting the skin barrier's function.
Prolonged exposure to ACs can cause the skin barrier to weaken, leading to an increase in transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
TEWL occurs when water evaporates from the skin's surface, leading to dehydration and a compromised skin barrier.

This can lead to dry, itchy skin and a higher risk of skin infections.

4. Chlorine in swimming pools:

Chlorine is a common disinfectant used in swimming pools to keep them clean and safe.
However, exposure to chlorine can also strip the skin of its natural oils, causing it to become dry and irritated.

5. Excessive Exfoliation:

While exfoliating can help to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, over-exfoliation can have the opposite effect.
Too much exfoliation can damage the skin's natural protective barrier, leading to dehydration and dryness.

How our skin barrier is affected during summers?:

The skin barrier is the outermost layer of the skin that plays a crucial role in protecting the body from external stressors, such as UV radiation, pollution, and pathogens.

It also helps to regulate the loss of moisture and maintain skin hydration.
During summers, the skin barrier can be affected by several factors that can compromise its function and lead to a range of skin problems.

1. Sun Exposure:

One of the most significant factors that affect the skin barrier during summers is sun exposure.
UV radiation from the sun can cause damage to the skin cells and lead to the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers, which are essential for skin elasticity and firmness.

This damage can weaken the skin barrier and lead to increased water loss and decreased hydration levels.
Additionally, prolonged sun exposure can lead to sunburn, skin irritation, and inflammation, which can further compromise the skin barrier's function.

2. Heat and Humidity:

During summers, the heat and humidity levels can also affect the skin barrier's function.

3. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL):

One of the most significant environmental stressors during summers is heat and humidity.
When exposed to high temperatures, the skin's water content evaporates, leading to dehydration and an increase in transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
The stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin, is responsible for preventing water loss and maintaining hydration.
However, prolonged exposure to heat and humidity can cause the stratum corneum to swell, which disrupts its structure and function.

This can lead to a weakened skin barrier, increased TEWL, and a higher risk of skin infections.

4. Sweating:

Sweating is the body's natural mechanism for regulating temperature and cooling down during hot weather.
However, excessive sweating can also affect the skin barrier's function.
Sweat contains salts, minerals, and other substances that can irritate the skin and cause inflammation. This can lead to a compromised skin barrier and an increased risk of skin infections.

Tips to maintain healthy, glowing, and hydrated skin throughout summer:

1. Drink Plenty of Water:

The first and most important step to preventing dry skin is to stay hydrated.
Drinking plenty of water helps to flush toxins out of your body, which in turn keeps your skin healthy and glowing.

Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day and try to avoid sugary drinks and alcohol, which can dehydrate your body.

2. Use sunscreen:

It is advisable to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and apply it generously to all exposed areas of your skin.
Remember to reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

3. Exfoliate Regularly:

Exfoliating your skin regularly helps to remove dead skin cells, which can build up and contribute to dryness.
However, be careful not to over-exfoliate, as this can damage your skin.
Use a gentle exfoliating scrub or a chemical exfoliant once or twice a week to keep your skin looking fresh and smooth.

4. Moisturize Daily:

Using a moisturizer daily can help to keep your skin hydrated and prevent dryness.

Look for a moisturizer that contains hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerine, or ceramides.
Apply it after showering or bathing, and throughout the day as needed.

5. Take Short, Lukewarm Showers:

Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils and contribute to dryness.
Instead, take short, lukewarm showers, and pat your skin dry with a towel rather than rubbing it. This will help to preserve your skin's natural oils and prevent dryness.

6. Wear Protective Clothing:

Wearing protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats, can help to shield your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays.
Look for lightweight, breathable fabrics that will not trap sweat against your skin.

7. Avoid Harsh Products:

Finally, avoid using harsh products on your skin, such as alcohol-based toners and astringents.

These can strip your skin of its natural oils and contribute to dryness. Instead, use gentle, hydrating products that are formulated for your skin type.

In conclusion, preventing dry skin in the summer is all about hydration, protection, and gentle care. By following these simple steps, you can keep your skin healthy, glowing, and hydrated all summer long. With the right skincare routine, you can enjoy the sun while keeping your skin healthy and happy.

Bioderma offers range of skincare products for different skin types such as sensitive skin, combination to acne-prone skin, normal dry, irritated to atopic skin.