Dry skin isn’t just a wintertime issue. For those naturally prone to dryer skin, summer can be just as—if not more—uncomfortable. While dry skin rarely warrants surgical intervention from a skin surgeon, it’s an unsightly and, sometimes, painful problem. The first step to addressing it is to know the cause. Below are three common causes of dry summertime skin.

What Causes Skin to Dry Out in the Summer?

1. Dehydration

Warmer temperatures, combined with increased activity levels, sap the body of its water supply. When the body is dehydrated, there isn't enough fluid to flush toxins out of the skin, so the skin’s surface becomes clogged and dry and more prone to eczema, psoriasis, and other issues. To stay properly hydrated, sports medicine professionals, dermatologists, and skin surgeons recommend drinking 16 to 20 ounces of water one to two hours before an outdoor activity. Then, drink six to 12 ounces of water every 10 to 15 minutes that you’re outside.

2. Swimming Pools

On a hot day, there are few activities more enjoyable than a dip in a cool swimming pool. But chlorine is rough on the skin; it dilutes and melts the protective oil called sebum safeguards and locks moisture into the skin. If you're a frequent summertime swimmer, apply a layer of moisturizer with an SPF of at least 30 before getting into the pool.

3. Air Conditioning

Frequent air conditioner use is another common trigger for dry skin. Air conditioners pull moisture out of the air to prevent humidity while blowing cool air into the room. Less moisture in the environment means less moisture for the skin. Aim to keep air conditioning use to a minimum, and use the fan setting on its own whenever possible. If you need to run the air conditioner more routinely, consider a humidifier to inject the air with some additional moisture.

For help combating dry skin any time of the year, contact skin surgeon Lauren A. Daman, MD, PC. Dr. Daman and her team provide skin care solutions to residents in the Hartford County, CT, region. They will help you identify the best ways to treat your dry skin, which might include specialty products or treatments like peels or microdermabrasion. They offer a variety of services, including spider vein and age spot treatment, Botox®, and scar removal. Call (860) 246-3533 to schedule an appointment with a skin surgeon or visit them online to browse their services.