Dry Skin In Summer Got You Down? We're Here to Help
An expert shares how to keep your skin from becoming as dry as a sandbox this season.
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Dry skin may be one of the most common winter skincare concerns but it can also happen in summer. To avoid dry skin come summertime — or any time of year for that matter — it's wise to adapt your skincare routine to the season. To help us out, we turned to the president and founder of Skyn Iceland, Sarah Kugelman, who has made taking care of her skin her business. Ahead, she shares all of her best advice for keeping her skin in tip-top shape during the summer — and beyond.
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Keep reading for eight expert-approved tips for summer dry skin.
Be Smart About Exfoliation
Thanks to warmer temperatures, you may notice that you're more sweaty and oily come summertime (lovely, right?). This can lead to more buildup on the skin, which is why exfoliating is key. Just remember not to overdo it (i.e. no more than two times a week) since over-exfoliation can strip skin of much-needed moisture resulting in dryness.
Also, keep in mind that exfoliating can make your skin photosensitive, adds Kugelman. That means only exfoliating at night and following up with SPF in the morning (more on that, ahead).
Related: 6 Essential Summer Skincare Tips From Dermatologists
Wear SPF Daily
As you already know — but we'll emphasize it here — you must always, always, always incorporate SPF into your daytime skincare routine, even if it looks overcast or you're indoors. The sun's UV rays are stronger during summer and can do serious damage — not to mention, seriously dry out and irritate skin (read: sunburn) — if you're not protected.
Invest In an Effective, Yet Gentle, Cleanser
As for her daily routine, Kugelman starts with a cleanser that cleans the SPF on your face as well as the grime but still protects it from drying out. We would suggest something like Tata Harper's Purifying Pore & Blackhead Detox Cleanser for Blackheads.
Related: The 17 Best Face Washes of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Get an Extra Dose of Hydration
During the warmer months, Kugelman suggests adding hydrating ingredients to your skincare routine. "In the summer, I often use a hydration booster in between my serum and moisturizer. A pure form of sodium hyaluronate or hyaluronic acid is good. This gives skin an extra boost of hydration."
Don't Forget to Moisturize
Follow up your serum with a lotion or cream to seal in all the good moisture. "A lot of people like lotions in the summer because they are lighter in the warm weather, but I tend to still like cream as I find my skin is dry in summer. I go for something fast absorbing and not heavy/greasy with a light scent, like Skyn Iceland’s Pure Cloud Cream," says Kugelman.
Related: The 10 Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin in 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Refresh With a Face Mist
Another summertime skincare must-have? Face mist. "I also carry around a face mist, like Skyn Iceland's Arctic Face Mist, to continuously add moisture to my skin throughout the day and especially before/after a workout," Kugelman tells us. "This is key to keeping skin moist."
Related: Do You Have a Sunburn? Here's What You Need to Do
Try a Face Mask
There's a face mask for every skincare concern these days — dry skin included. To restore and revive skin, consider applying a mask with hydrating ingredients, such as Tammy Fender's Restorative Radiance Masque.
A good exfoliating face mask can also improve skin's tone and texture, adds Kugelman. "It's critical to do a mask once a week. Again, that helps detox skin, remove dead skin, and open the pores. This also won't make your skin more sensitive to the sun if you do it at night."
Related: Sheet Masks vs. Rinse-Off Face Masks: Which One Is Better?
Use a Face Oil — At Night
If your skin is super dry, Kugelman suggests applying face oil during your nighttime skincare regimen, but not during the day since certain oils can create sun sensitivity. Anyone can use face oil, however, for best results, choose one that works for your specific skin type — especially if you're prone to breakouts.
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