Combat Summer Dry Skin With This Surprising Remedy

No matter your summer plans, the last thing you’ll want to be dealing with is dry, rough skin. So what causes dry skin in the summer…and what can you do to remedy it? Here’s what you need to know to enjoy a summer filled with sun and fun – as well as healthy, dewy skin. 

What Causes Dry Skin in Summer?

We’ll share our tips for keeping your complexion soft and glowy all season long in a moment, but first, let’s talk about what causes dry skin on the face and the body in the summer. 

Dry Climates

If you live in an area that gets especially dry in the summer (think desert and mediterranean climates), you are likely going to see that dryness reflected in your skin. When the air is completely devoid of humidity, our skin typically follows suit. Without natural moisture in the air, the skin is left looking and feeling parched. Research has even shown that just a few hours of exposure to a low humidity environment can lead to a decrease in the water content in the stratum corneum (AKA the outer layer of the skin). 

Cranked Up Air Conditioning

Living in an area that gets humid in the summer? You aren’t completely in the clear. Sure, you might not have to worry about a dry natural environment – but you still need to be wary of the AC. 

There’s nothing better than the relief of an air conditioned room on a sweltering day. However, the AC zaps moisture from the air, creating a dry indoor environment. As you can guess, this can lead to dried out skin – especially if you’re spending hours with the AC blasting. 

Excessive Sun and Heat Exposure

We love soaking up the sun just as much as the next person. But unfortunately, that strong summer sun can lead to dryness – in more ways than one. 

Overexposure to UV rays can damage the skin barrier – the protective layer that is responsible for defending the skin against aggressors and keeping it hydrated. When the barrier is compromised, your risk of transepidermal water loss can increase, leading to dehydration. On top of that, a damaged barrier is also way more prone to infections and signs of aggravation. 

That’s not all. When spending more time in the heat, we’re naturally going to sweat more. If we’re not replenishing our fluids through food and beverages (think juicy watermelon or electrolyte drinks), this can lead to mild dehydration, which can show up on our skin.  

Swimming

If you love cooling off in the pool or ocean on a hot summer day, we have some bad news: it’s not doing your skin any favors. Both the chlorine from pools and the salt in the ocean can dry the skin, leaving us feeling parched from head to toe. 

How Do You Heal Dry Skin in Summer? Our Top Tips

We know, we know – how are you supposed to maintain a soft and supple complexion in the summer when practically every factor that makes the season what it is contributes to dry skin? It might seem like a lot, but you just need to implement a few simple changes in your routine to combat summer dryness. 

Goodbye, dry skin summer. Here are our tips for battling dryness to keep your skin plump and glowing all summer long. 

Use Sun Protection

Keep your complexion and your skin barrier safe and healthy this summer by applying (and reapplying) sunscreen every day. Additionally, whenever possible, try to also use physical sun protection methods. When you’re hanging out outside, stay in shaded areas to reduce your skin’s exposure to direct sunlight. You can even try UV protective clothing to add an extra layer of defense. 

Hydrate and Strengthen Your Skin from Within With Probiotics

For the most surprising tip in this list of remedies, we turn to the gut.

The right probiotic supplement can be your handy tool for unlocking dewy, healthy skin that lasts through the summer and beyond. Studies suggest that certain probiotic strains (like L. acidophilus, L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus, and L. paracasei) can help enhance skin barrier function and reduce transepidermal water loss to boost skin hydration levels. 

Glow Biome is a skin probiotic supplement formulated with six clinically validated probiotic strains – including all of those mentioned above! In a clinical trial, participants who took 2 capsules of Glow Biome daily for 12 weeks experienced a 20% increase in skin hydration by week 6, and 41% increase in skin hydration by week 12. 

Stay on Top of Your Water Intake

With all that extra sun, heat, and sweat, we’re typically much more at risk of dehydration in the summer. This can be bad news for our skin (and, of course, our overall health). Keep up with your body’s hydration needs by drinking plenty of water with electrolytes throughout the day and snacking on water-rich foods, such as melons, strawberries, celery, and cucumber.

Use a Humidifier

If you’re living in a super dry environment or running the AC constantly (or both!), a humidifier can be a lifesaver. It will add some moisture back to your environment, working to give your skin a little extra bit of relief from the dryness. 

Shower After Sweating or Swimming

As soon as possible, be sure to jump in the shower after swimming or sweating excessively to rinse away any drying salt or chlorine. Be sure to also use lukewarm water, as scalding hot water can strip away your skin’s natural moisture, exacerbating the issue. Don’t forget to moisturize post-shower to replenish your skin! 

Adapt Your Skincare Routine

Our skin changes with the seasons, which means we also need to make some changes to our skincare routine. If you’re using a more aggressive cleanser, consider swapping it out for a mild hydrating cleanser. It will work to wash away sweat, oil, and debris without further drying out your skin.