A dry, dehydrated skin is an uncomfortable feeling in every season. Isn’t it? After all who would like that granular skin texture surfacing with the onset of summer, instead of the soft supple dermal layer that you must have worked hard to maintain all year long? While summers for most of us are about sunny days, beach vacations, long hours at pools, and many more outdoor adventures, on the flipside dermal health can take a toll. For some individuals, the summer months bring along the challenge of dealing with dry skin. Generally dry skin is associated with the winters, but it can persist or worsen during summers, due to various factors. The article delves into causes, symptoms, and an effective skincare routine to fix this dermal health problem with simple home remedies and a detailed 7-step regimen to achieve the radiance you have lost due to scorching heat.
What Causes Skin To Become Dull And Dry?
The understanding of dry skin dates back centuries, with ancient civilizations retorting to many herbal remedies to alleviate dryness and restore skin health. The impact of dry skin varies depending on regional climate and environmental factors. In desert regions, where humidity levels are low, and temperatures are high, dry skin may be more prevalent due to increased skin’s moisture loss. In the humid areas, where humidity levels are super high, dry skin may still occur, it may be due to other related factors such as overuse of air conditioning or excessive sun exposure.
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The hot sun and its harmful UV radiation bring many dry skin issues that can affect the face, hands, arms, and other body parts, resulting in dry, coarse skin accompanied, by scaling, itching, and redness. As the problem aggravates dryness causes cracks, allowing germs and bacteria to enter the body, which may lead to skin infections. Dry skin, medically known as xerosis, occurs when the skin lacks sufficient moisture and oil to maintain its natural barrier function. This can result in symptoms, including tanning, itching, flakiness, roughness, and tightness. Dry skin can occur on any part of the body, primarily the legs and hands, and then, the face gets more affected.
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Causes Of Dry Skin In Summers
Despite you may have tried many alternatives to keep it soft, primarily the following reasons can cause the skin to become super dry in summer:
Dehydration: Hot weather and increased perspiration can lead to dehydration. This causes the skin to lose moisture and become coarse.
Excessive Sun Exposure: Prolonged exposure to the sun's harmful UV radiations can damage the skin's protective barrier and lead to total moisture loss.
Air Conditioning: Spending several hours in an air-conditioned environment can swipe off skin’s natural oils. This can exacerbate dryness and itching.
Harsh Cleansing Products: Using harsh soaps or cleansers that are high in chemicals can disrupt the skin's lipid barrier and cause flakiness and skin to become rough.
Chlorine Content Of Swimming Pools: Chlorine, a common ingredient used in swimming pools, can also make the skin lose its natural oils causing the outer layer to get tanned and dry.
Low Humidity Levels: Dry air, typical of summer weather can cause moisture to evaporate from the skin more quickly and become on of the prime causes of dry, dehydrated skin
Over-Exfoliation Of Skin: When the skin’s outer layer is exfoliated excessively, it can remove the skin's protective layer and create dryness.
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Symptoms Of Dry, Dehydrated Skin
The following symptoms indicate that our skin has lost its moisture and has become dry:
Itching Or Pruritus
Itching, known as pruritus, is one of the most common symptoms of dry skin. Dry skin is deficient in moisture and natural oils, leading to mild or severe itching. Furthermore, when the skin's protective barrier is compromised, irritants penetrate easily, and trigger extreme itching sensations. As we scratch to soothe the itch, it damages the skin and increases dryness, leading to this vicious cycle of irritation and the urge to itch.
Flakiness
Scaling or flakiness is the shedding of dead skin cells from the skin’s surface happens. Due to insufficient moisture, the outer skin layer becomes dehydrated, causing skin cells to become rough and uneven. As a result, these dead skin cells may flake off or peel away, leaving behind a rough, flaky texture.
Tightened Skin
Lack of moisture causes the skin to lose its elasticity and flexibility, leading to a tight, uncomfortable sensation. Dry skin feels coarse and tight, especially when direct exposure to environmental factors like sun, wind, or to air conditioning happens. Rough patches may develop on areas like the elbows, knees, and hands, where the skin is prone to dryness and friction.
Redness Accompanied By Irritation
Redness and irritation are common symptoms of dry skin, particularly in people with sensitive skin types. Dry, dehydrated skin is more susceptible to inflammation as the skin's protective barrier is compromised. Weather conditions, exposure to irritants, or friction from clothing can increase skin redness and irritation, leading to discomfort.
Fine Lines And Wrinkles
Dry skin and the development of fine lines and wrinkles go hand in hand, particularly with age and it can accelerate the formation of wrinkles on dry skin. When the skin loses its moisture, plumpness, and elasticity are lost, and fine lines and wrinkles become noticeable.
Lack Of Radiance
Dehydrated skin appears dull and lackluster, with no glow and radiance that healthy skin must possess. When the skin is dehydrated, it reflects less light, leading to a dull, tired complexion. Additionally, a buildup of dead skin cells on the surface can contribute to dullness, as light is unable to penetrate through the outer layer of the skin effectively.
Also Read: What Is Skin Purging? Causes, Signs And Effective Remedies To Heal This Condition
7-Step Regimen For A Smooth, Radiant Skin
Try this simple yet essential 7-step skincare routine this summer to maintain optimal dermal health. This will work wonders for all skin types:
1. Gentle Cleansing: Start your skincare routine with a mild, hydrating cleanser that effectively removes dirt, oil, and impurities without stripping the skin's natural oils. Look for ingredients such as glycerine, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides that help retain moisture.2. Exfoliation: Incorporate a gentle exfoliant into your routine to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. Try exfoliants containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). These can combat dead skin cells without causing irritation.
3. Hydration: Apply a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer to replenish moisture and nourish the skin. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, or squalane that help attract and retain moisture, leaving the skin soft and supple.
4. Sun Protection: Shield your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Choose a sunscreen that offers both UVA and UVB protection and reapply every two to three hours, especially when outdoors.
5. Hydrating Face Mask: Treat your skin to a hydrating face mask or a pack once or twice a week to replenish moisture and revive dull, dehydrated skin. Look for masks containing ingredients like aloe vera, honey, or oatmeal.
6. Moisturising Body Lotion: Do not forget to moisturize your body with a rich, hydrating lotion or body butter. Pay special attention to areas prone to dryness, such as knees, heels, and elbows. Apply immediately after showering as this will help to retain the moisture.
7. Powerful Mist: Always carry a hydrating facial mist when traveling. This keeps the skin fresh and hydrates it throughout the day. Whenever your skin feels dry or tight, spray for an instant boost of hydration and a dewy, radiant complexion.
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Effective Home Remedies For Treating Dry Skin
Since age-old times, methods to improve dry skin included the use of natural oils, such as olive or coconut oil, to moisturize and safeguard the skin. Additionally, herbal extracts and plant-based ingredients were a part of skincare to soothe irritation and promote skin healing. So, you can also try these home remedies and incorporate them into your skincare routine for smooth, hydrated skin all year round. We bet it will alleviate skin health, restore moisture, and add suppleness to your skin.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a natural emollient that helps moisturize and nourish dry skin. Apply organic, cold-pressed coconut oil to the affected areas of the skin and massage gently until absorbed. Leave it on overnight for maximum hydration.
Oatmeal Bath
Known for its soothing and moisturizing properties, oatmeal is an excellent remedy for dry skin. Add colloidal oatmeal or finely ground oats to warm water and soak your skin in it. Pat your skin dry.
Honey Mask
Honey is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, making it an effective remedy for dryness. Apply raw honey and leave it for twenty minutes. Rinse with warm water.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel is renowned for its hydrating and soothing properties, making it ideal for treating dry skin. Extract fresh aloe vera gel from the plant and apply it to dry areas of the skin. Let it stay for a few minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is a natural moisturizer that helps restore the skin's moisture barrier. Heat a small amount of extra virgin olive oil and massage it into dry areas of the skin using gentle, circular motions. For intense hydration, let it stay overnight.
Yogurt And Honey
Yogurt contains lactic acid, that can exfoliate dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, while honey moisturizes the skin. Mix equal parts yogurt and honey to form a smooth paste and apply it to your face. Rinse with lukewarm water after about ten minutes or so.
Cucumber Slices
Cucumber is high in water content and has cooling properties that help hydrate and refresh dry skin. Place chilled cucumber slices over dry areas of the skin and leave them on for at least twenty minutes. Rinse off with cool water for instant relief.
Rosewater Spray
Rosewater is a natural toner and moisturizer that helps balance the skin's pH levels. Transfer rosewater to a spray bottle and mist it over your face and body throughout the day for a refreshing dose of hydration.
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Conclusion
Dry skin in summer is a common concern that can be effectively managed with the right skincare regimen. By understanding the causes and symptoms of dry skin and following a skincare routine to a T, you can achieve smooth, radiant skin even during the hottest months of the year. Incorporate hydration, sun protection, and gentle exfoliation into your daily routine to keep dryness at bay and enjoy healthy, glowing skin all summer long.
References-
- Skin care in summer, Sam Hassan, Mediclinic Middle East
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344224621_Skin_care_in_summer
- Journal of Dermatology and Skin Science
https://www.dermatoljournal.com/
