Summers, even though beautiful, can be brutal on your skin. Extreme temperatures can dry out your skin and leave it looking dull and flaky. Understanding the reasons behind skin dehydration during summer is crucial to combat it effectively. Here are some practical tips to ensure your skin stays hydrated and radiant all summer.
Reasons for skin dehydration during summer
Like our body, our skin gets dehydrated due to the lack of water. This is quite common in summer months when the mercury levels soar through the roof. Let's look at some of the factors that cause our skin to dry out and feel dehydrated:
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Increased sun exposure
Prolonged exposure to the sun's UV rays can damage the skin barrier, causing it to lose moisture more rapidly. The UV radiation penetrates the skin, damaging the collagen and elastin fibers, which leads to increased water loss and reduced skin elasticity. Overexposure to the sun can also cause sunburns which further exacerbates dehydration.
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Soaring temperatures
The heat causes increased perspiration, which leads to the loss of fluids and essential electrolytes from the skin. Sweating, our body’s natural cooling mechanism, also causes moisture to evaporate from the skin. If not replenished, this can leave the skin feeling dry and tight. High temperatures can also cause the sebaceous glands to overproduce oil, which can mix with sweat and clog pores, leading to dehydration and breakouts.
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Air conditioning
While air conditioning keeps you cool, it also strips moisture from the air, leading to dry skin. Air-conditioned environments can create an artificially dry atmosphere, which draws moisture from your skin. Spending prolonged periods in such environments can lead to flakiness, irritation, and a compromised skin barrier.
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Chlorine in pools
Who doesn’t like a cool summer swim? However, swimming in chlorinated pools can strip your skin of its natural oils, causing dryness and irritation. Chlorine is a chemical disinfectant that can break down the natural lipids on the skin’s surface, leading to a loss of moisture. Frequent exposure to chlorinated water can make the skin feel tight and dry, and for some people, it can also cause redness and itching.
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Improper skincare routine
Using products not suited for summer can exacerbate skin dehydration. Heavy creams and non-comedogenic products can clog pores and prevent the skin from breathing. During summer, it's essential to switch to lighter, hydrating products that allow the skin to stay moisturized without feeling greasy. Over-exfoliating or using harsh cleansers can also strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to further dehydration.
Related Read: Skin Inflammation: Causes And Treatments
Tips to keep your skin hydrated
Keeping your skin hydrated is no rocket science. You need not do anything out of the box to prevent your skin from drying out. Given below are free easy tips to achieve close to perfect skin even in the hot summer:
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Drink plenty of water
The foundation of hydrated skin starts from within. Drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day helps maintain your skin’s moisture balance. If you are active or spend a lot of time outdoors, you might need even more. Carry a reusable water bottle with you to ensure you stay hydrated throughout the day. A reusable bottle means that you’re also being gentle on the earth.
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Use a hydrating moisturizer
Choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer that suits your skin type. Look for products with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe vera. Apply the moisturizer twice daily—once in the morning and once before bed—to lock in moisture and keep your skin soft and supple.
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Use hydrating serums
Hydrating serums are a great addition to your skincare routine, especially during summer. Hyaluronic acid serums are particularly effective as they can hold up to 1000 times their weight in water. Apply the serum before your moisturizer to enhance hydration.
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Sunscreens are a must
Sunscreen is a must-have in any skincare routine, especially during summer. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Sunscreens not only protect your skin from harmful UV rays but also prevent moisture loss caused by sun exposure. Reapply every two hours, especially if you are swimming or sweating.
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Use a facial mist
Facial mists are a quick and easy way to refresh and hydrate your skin throughout the day. Keep a hydrating facial mist in your bag and spritz your face whenever your skin feels dry. Look for mists that contain soothing ingredients like rose water, chamomile, and cucumber extract.
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Avoid hot showers
While a hot shower might feel relaxing, it can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness. Try taking cold showers. Cold showers help cool down the body and prevent loss of moisture. Cold showers also aid blood circulation which is great for hair, skin, and overall health.
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Eat hydrating foods
Your diet plays a crucial role in keeping your skin hydrated. Consume water-rich foods like cucumbers, watermelon, oranges, and strawberries into your meals. These foods provide essential vitamins and minerals that support skin health and hydration.
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Exfoliate regularly
Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells that can prevent your skin from absorbing moisture effectively. Use a gentle exfoliator 1-2 times a week to keep your skin smooth and ready to absorb hydrating products. Avoid over-exfoliating, as it can lead to irritation and dryness.
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Limit alcohol and caffeine
Both alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate your skin. If you consume these beverages, try to balance them with plenty of water. You can also opt for hydrating alternatives like herbal teas and infused water.
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Wear protective clothing
When outdoors, wear protective clothing such as wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and long sleeves. These not only shield your skin from the sun but also help retain moisture.
Related read: Discover Moisturizer Benefits For Face To Enhance Your Skin
Hydrate with Oteria
Oteria is a one-stop shop for all your skin-care needs. Oteria combines science with natural ingredients to promote your skin's natural healing process. Its products are made for all skin types and genders. With Oteria, you can expect effective, gentle products that won't overpromise. Here are a few products that can help your skin stay hydrated during the burning summer:
Velvet Dew Skin Lotion
Oteria’s ‘Velvet Dew Skin Lotion’ combines hydration and plumping for radiant, youthful skin. This lightweight moisturizer relieves dry skin and shows visible improvement quickly. With a 72-hour moisturizing effect, it provides long-lasting hydration, keeping skin supple and nourished. Clinically proven to increase hydration levels, it restores moisture to deep skin layers, balancing the skin naturally. This effective moisturizer addresses age-induced dryness, prevents moisture loss and promotes a healthier, more vibrant complexion.
Benefits
- Plumps the skin
- 72 hours moisturising effect
- Clinically proven to increase hydration
- Prevents age-induced skin dryness
Key ingredients
Aloe vera: Aloe Vera deeply hydrates, soothes irritation, and reduces redness. It promotes skin healing with its vitamins and amino acids and protects against premature aging with antioxidants like vitamins C and E.
Natural sugars: Natural sugars enhance skin hydration by drawing moisture into the skin and act as mild exfoliants to remove dead skin cells. Rich in vitamins and minerals, they nourish and support the skin barrier, promoting overall skin health and vitality.
How to use
Apply the required quantity of the product on the skin using upward strokes until completely absorbed.
Caution
FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. Keep protected from light and moisture at a temperature not exceeding 30°C. Keep out of reach of children.
Rosette Face Mist
Oteria’s ‘Rosette Face Mist’ intensely moisturizes and hydrates all day, tightens, and rejuvenates the skin with its pH-balancing properties. Enriched with rose extract and hyaluronic acid, it restores moisture and pH balance, soothes irritations, repairs damaged skin and promotes a youthful, radiant glow.
Benefits
- Suitable for all skin types
- Hydrates and tightens skin
- Balances pH and calms skin
- Tones and repairs skin damage
Key ingredients
Rose extract: Rose extract locks in moisture, reduces redness and soothes irritated skin. It is rich in antioxidants and protects against aging and tightens pores for a smoother complexion.
Hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates, plumps the skin, reduces fine lines, and promotes skin repair. It's gentle and suitable for all skin types.
How to use
Evenly spray the required amount onto the face and gently massage it into the skin.
Caution
FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. Keep protected from light and moisture at a temperature not exceeding 30°C. Keep out of reach of children.
Sun-kissed Suncare Gel
Oteria’s skincare hero with aloe vera and vegetable pear, the Sun-Kissed Suncare Gel shields skin from UVA damage, reduces wrinkles, and cools for outdoor perfection. This oil-free gel protects against sunburn, photo-aging, and preserves youthful skin. It's perfect for oily skin and provides instant relief and a radiant, sun-kissed glow.
Note: This is not a sunscreen.
Benefits
- Protects the skin from UVA-induced DNA lesions
- Preserves epidermal stem cells
- Shields the skin from photo-aging
- Smoothes the skin and visibly reduces wrinkles
- Improves skin tone homogeneity
- Provides a healthy lucent complexion
- Soothes & Cools Skin
Key Ingredients
Aloe vera: Aloe Vera deeply hydrates, soothes irritation, and reduces redness. It promotes skin healing with its vitamins and amino acids and protects against premature aging with antioxidants like vitamins C and E.
Vegetable pear: Vegetable pear hydrates, nourishes, and brightens the skin with its rich water content, vitamins, and antioxidants. It soothes irritation, reduces redness, and supports collagen production for improved elasticity and reduced wrinkles.
How to use
Take a pea-sized amount of gel into the palm and gently massage onto your face and neck in upward strokes.
Caution
FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. Keep protected from light and moisture at a temperature not exceeding 30°C. Keep out of reach of children.
Oteria offers a range of products that act as a shield against the brutal summer. Check out our website to know more.
Takeaway
Summers can be harsh on your skin, causing dehydration and dullness. But this does not mean that you should hide away. By following the tips discussed in this blog you can enjoy the summer and protect your skin at the same time. Oteria is a powerful shield against all things summer. We encourage you to step outside and have fun and let Oteria be busy protecting you.
FAQs
1) Why does my skin feel dry in summer despite drinking water?
Increased sun exposure and high temperatures cause moisture loss, and sweating can deplete skin hydration despite adequate water intake.
2) How can I protect my skin from dehydration caused by air conditioning?
Use a humidifier, apply a hydrating moisturizer, and drink plenty of water to counteract the drying effects of air conditioning.
3) Is sunscreen necessary for keeping skin hydrated?
Yes, sunscreen prevents UV damage and moisture loss, essential for maintaining skin hydration.
4) Can I use the same moisturizer year-round?
It's best to switch to a lighter, non-comedogenic moisturizer in summer to prevent clogged pores and maintain hydration.
5) How often should I use a facial mist?
Use a facial mist as needed throughout the day to refresh and hydrate your skin, especially in dry or hot conditions.
6) What foods help keep skin hydrated?
Water-rich foods like cucumbers, watermelon, oranges, and strawberries help maintain skin hydration.
7) Can hot showers dehydrate my skin?
Yes, hot showers strip natural oils from your skin, leading to dryness. Opt for cold showers to retain moisture.
8) Are there specific skincare ingredients to look for in summer?
Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and natural sugars are excellent for hydrating and nourishing the skin during summer.