Can You Prevent Dry Skin in Summer Months?

You likely associate dry, chapped, and flaky skin with chilly days. However, dry skin can sneak up on you in the summer months as well. Swimming pools and sun damage can leave your skin thirsty. Here’s what you should know about the causes of summertime dryness and what you can do about it.

What Causes Dry Skin in The Summer?

While summertime air is humid, the season can still cause your skin to dry out. Chlorine from the pool, air-conditioned buildings, and hours in the sunshine are all common causes of dry skin. Forgetting to moisturize and spending the whole day in dry environments can make your skin even flakier.

As you cope with summer skin concerns, it’s important to note that dry skin rashes may be a sign of a separate skin issue. If your skin is itchy, scaly, bumpy, swollen, or crusty, your dry skin may actually be a condition like eczema or psoriasis. Your dermatologist can provide a diagnosis and provide proper treatment.

How Can You Prevent Dryness?

While summer sunshine and days at the pool can dry out your skin, there are some steps you can take to help your skin retain moisture.

• Rinse off after swimming. Chlorine can be tough on the skin, leading to dryness all over the body. Rinse off after swimming whenever possible. While a gentle cleanser will remove all of the pool chemicals, water can also be effective on its own.
• Moisturize frequently. It’s easy to forget to moisturize when you’re feeling sweaty. However, your skin still needs moisture in the summer. Apply facial moisturizer and body lotion each time you shower and after swimming to help your skin smooth throughout the day.
• Prioritize sun protection. Sun damaged skin is often dry skin. Be sure to wear at least SPF 30 and stay out of the sun whenever possible to protect your skin. You should also reapply your sunscreen about every two hours and after swimming.
• Use gentle products. Harsh facial cleansers and body washes can strip your skin of its moisture barrier. So, over-scrubbing in the shower might be causing your dry skin. Switch to mild, pH balanced cleansers to keep your skin balanced and moisturized.
• See your dermatologist. Preventing dry skin in the summertime starts with understanding the cause. A dermatologist can assess your skin and lifestyle, making recommendations according to your specific needs. This could mean recommending specific products or cosmetic dermatology services like a facial.

All of these steps can help your skin stay moisturized, but it can take time to see results. Avoiding sun damage and using the right products may transform your skin. However, be sure to see a dermatologist if your dry skin persists.

Remember that a licensed dermatologist is your best resource for addressing any skin concern. The team at Pacific Dermatology Specialists is proud to offer a wide range of cosmetic, medical, and surgical services in Long Beach, CA and other locations around the Greater Los Angeles Area. Contact us today to book an appointment at our dermatology and cosmetic center.