How to Care for Dry Skin in Summer

Dry skin is more prone to damages and harms of pollution than any other skin type. This becomes especially tough to maintain in the summer season with scorching heat and harmful UV rays that are very damaging. The skincare routine for dry skin is lengthy and needs careful execution. Here are a few steps one should follow as they seek to maintain their dry skin during summer:

Use micellar water

For makeup removal, people with dry skin should use micellar water. It is mild and effective. Unlike harsh makeup removal wipes, micellar water does not harm the skin. It has minimum ingredients that gently remove all makeup and pollution from one’s skin.

Use a face mask

People with dry skin must incorporate a facemask in their skincare routine. They should use a face mask once or twice a week. A face mask nourishes the delicate skin of our face and removes impurities.  You can make your face mask by following easy DIY techniques that are readily available on the internet. For dry skin, do not use clay-based masks because the clay absorbs oil from your skin. One can use honey, shea butter, jojoba, or argon oil-based face masks for dry skin as they are more replenishing for cracked and chapped skin.

Exfoliate regularly.

Scrubbing (or exfoliating as it is popularly called) is a skincare measure that helps one get rid of dead cells and flakiness of skin. It makes the skin smoother, softer, and healthier.

Exfoliation, when not done with care, can be very harmful. It can cause abrasions and tear the skin. One should avoid scrubs that have walnut shell granules as ingredients. Walnut shell granules are said to cause minor skin tears and scratches.

Dry skin is prone to flakiness and this flakiness can be dealt with through scrubbing. One must use scrubs that are moisturizing in addition to being strong enough to peel the dead skin layer.

According to experts, one should use the scrub with very fine granules as they are more effective and cause less damage to the skin. While at the same time, thick granules can cause harm to the skin. Scrubbing might be effective but it should not be done frequently. Too much scrubbing can be counterproductive for dry skin as it will strip the skin of necessary oils.

Image Credits: Ayurveda Living

Use sun protection

Dry skin is especially prone to damage caused by the sun. The harmful ultraviolet rays affect the unprotected dry skin more than it affects other skin types. This makes it more necessary to put sunscreen for those with dry skin. One should use a minimum of SPF 30 (Sun Protection Factor).

A good sunscreen prevents aging and sun damage, which in extreme cases can cause permanent damage.  Many of us do not give much importance to sun protection which results in skin damage. Sun protection is not limited to sunscreen; one can also use hats, gloves, and scarfs to shield the harmful sun rays. 

A few of us skip sun protection thinking sunrays cannot affect us, but it is a big mistake. A good sunscreen not only protects your skin from harmful sunrays but also prevents premature aging and damage as well.

Be careful while shaving and threading

One should be careful while shaving on dry skin as it might irritate the sensitive skin. Before using the razor, make sure that your skin is not dry. Use a good shower gel as you shave. Never use a razor on dry skin.

Put natural moisturizers like coconut oil after shaving and do not expose your skin directly to sun or dirt immediately after shaving. Similarly, after getting your eyebrows or upper lip threaded, apply good quality moisturizers to protect your exposed pores.

Swear by a good moisturizer

For dry skin, a good moisturizer is the most important beauty product. One can pick from a wide range of products these days that include ointments, lotions, face oils, body yogurts, or a simple moisturizer in the form of cold cream.

While the heat of summer might give this illusion that one does not need to put a moisturizer, but the lack of moisture restoration in heat can be just as bad as it is in winter.

Moisturizers maintain the pH balance of your skin and do not trigger your sebaceous glands to over-activate. Especially in case of dry skin you need a moisturizer across all seasons.

It is not necessary that your products need to have a heavy oil-based formula. They can also be gel-based or just water-based, depending on your preference. Too much oil also clogs pores and causes acne so as you pick your cream make sure that its formula allows your skin to breathe.

Make use of a humidifier

Summer can be extra harsh on dry skin if the area where you live has no humidity in the air. In that case, you can create fake atmospheric moisture by making use of a humidifier. You can use a good humidifier in your room for a bit before sleeping to restore natural moisture in your skin.

Use a good face mist

A face mist is another away to restore the moisture on one’s skin. It is quicker and less complicated than a humidifier. For dry skin, the best refreshing face mists are oil-based. One should spray it throughout the day and each time they wash their face. It is a great way to get a burst of freshness as well.

Do not use hot water

People with dry skin should not use hot water as it removes all essential oils from one’s skin. One should use mild or cold water to maintain the presence of natural moisturizing agents of our skin.

Image Credits: Massage Magazine

Get occasional oil massage

Every once in a while, you should indulge in an oil massage and restore the balance of your skin. Pampering your dry skin with an indulgent oil massage is a good way to treat your skin right.  Coconut oil and argan oil are good options to pick for face massage.