10 Summer Skin Care Tips for Dry Skin

When you think of dry-looking skin, you may associate the picture with the frigid temperatures of winter that notoriously take a heavy toll on our skin. While not as much of a woe in the summer, dry skin types shouldn’t shirk their skin care routine just because the climate is more humid. Summer can wreak havoc on dry skin too due to potential culprits like excessive sun exposure and harsh chemicals—read: chlorine pools. Here, six tips to help care for your dry skin—to help keep it supple-looking rather than scaly—during the summer months. 

TIP #1: MOISTURIZE YOUR SKIN

If your surface skin is dry, you likely have an arsenal of moisturizers on hand to help keep your skin looking nourished and feeling comfortable. Don’t store them away for summer! Use them through the warmer months after cleansing and as needed throughout the day. One of our favorites for long-lasting hydration? Vichy Aqualia Thermal Rich Cream. The formula boasts Dynamic Hydration technology to help distribute and lock water throughout all facial zones. As a result, your skin complexion will look fresher, more radiant, and plumped with moisture.! 

TIP #2: BE WARY OF EXCESSIVE TIME SPENT IN AIR CONDITIONING

Think heaters are the only artificial air source that can visibly dry out your skin? Think again. Air conditioners can suck the moisture and humidity out of the air, which may lead to dry-looking skin in the summer. If you can’t avoid them, like at the office for instance, don’t quit your day job. Just make sure to keep your skin moisturized throughout the day to help keep skin hydrated.

TIP #3: EXFOLIATE WEEKLY

Slough away dead skin cells from skin’s surface once a week with a gentle exfoliator to help smooth the appearance of skin and help give way to a refreshed complexion.

Editor’s note: Be careful not to over-exfoliate. Doing so can actually dry your skin out even more. Start by exfoliating as instructed on the product label and go from there.

 

TIP #4: HYDRATE WITH A FACE MASK 

Dry-looking skin can benefit from a hydrating mask that adds moisture in to the surface of your skin. SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Masque is formulated with vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid—an ingredient known to hold up to 1000x its weight in water —and is formulated for all skin types to help hydrate the skin.

TIP #5: LATHER ON SPF

By now, you should already know how important it is to wear water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher each and every day. When temperatures begin to rise in the summer and you’re spending more time outdoors, lather on SPF religiously and take other sun protection measures to help protect your surface skin. But it’s not enough to just apply sunscreen once. You have to continue to reapply it as the day goes on—at least every two hours—to help keep skin protected against damage on the surface of your skin that may be caused by UV rays. Opt for a broad-spectrum SPF 15 or higher, like La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60. Suitable for body and face, the alcohol-, paraben-, oil-, and fragrance-free formula helps provide sun protection with a silky finish that’s non greasy.

Editor’s note: For the best line of protection for your skin this summer, pair your daily sunscreen application with other sun protection measures. This includes seeking shade when possible indoors or under a covered awning or umbrella, as well as wearing protective clothing and avoiding peak sun hours (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.) when the rays are most powerful. 

TIP #6: EMBRACE FACE MISTS

Moisturizers and face masks are great for adding moisture to the skin’s surface. Another great product to keep in tow? A hydrating facial mist! Many people dismiss facial mists as an unnecessary skin care buy, but they can totally breathe new life into your dry-looking skin—trust us! One of our favorites is Kiehl’s Cactus Flower & Tibetan Ginseng Hydrating Mist. It’s formulated with cactus flower, a resilient desert flower that flourishes in extremely dry conditions, and Tibetan ginseng, a mountain plant known to thrive in high altitude climates, as well as lavender, geranium, and rosemary essential oils. Spritz it on to help skin maintain its essential moisture throughout the day so it’s left feeling soft and smooth. The mist is also refreshing; the perfect pick-me-up to awaken the appearance of lackluster skin whether at the office or at the beach.

 

TIP #7: REACH FOR ALOE VERA

One of the downsides of summer is the increased risk of sunburn due to prolonged periods of time spent outdoors. While applying (and reapplying) sunscreen can help keep sunburn at bay, if you’re not diligent you could still end up with irritated skin. To help soothe any irritation on dry skin or otherwise, reach for aloe vera, a moisturizing powerhouse with antiseptic benefits. From gels to lotions, you can find aloe vera in a wide range of skin care products. The best part? You can apply it onto your skin for reasons beyond just sunburns. If your skin is lacking moisture, lather it on!

Want more tips on how to use aloe vera in your skin care routine? Here, we list six aloe vera hacks you have to try ASAP.

TIP #8: STICK TO GENTLE CLEANSERS

Regardless of your skin type, cleansing is the foundation of a good skin care routine…always. Cleansers are a great way to whisk away impurities, excess oil, makeup and dirt from the skin’s surface before they have the chance to wreak havoc. However, some harsh formulas can strip your skin of moisture and cause unwanted dryness. To get your skin clean without messing with moisture levels, reach for a face wash that’s formulated specifically for dry skin types. We rounded up our favorites here. 

TIP #9: CONSIDER BODY OILS

If you find that the skin on your body is lacking in hydration, consider turning to a luxurious body oil to pamper your skin with. There are plenty of lightweight formulas that are great for nourishing the skin, without fear of greasy residue. Need a hand in finding your perfect match? Check out our list of the best body oils, here.

TIP #10: BE MINDFUL OF YOUR SHOWER TIME

Showering with hot water can feel more relaxing, but it’s not great for your skin. In fact, hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils, causing unwanted dryness and irritation, so stick to lukewarm water only. What’s more, be mindful of how long you’re in there. To help reduce the risk of further dryness, keep your shower time to a minimum.

Have some dry skin questions? We're answering the most frequently asked questions about dry skin here!