A Soothing Routine For Dehydrated Summer Skin

We tend to think of dry skin as a winter problem: cold temps, low humidity and indoor heating rob skin of its essential moisture. It is pretty common and usually requires a switch to a more nourishing cream. But, perhaps more surprising is that summer can bring out dryness, too. In the warmer months, we assume skin will be sweaty and extra oily. But climate, sun, water exposure and the products you use can all leave your skin parched, dehydrated and feeling quite irritable—even if that’s not usually the norm for you. Here, we’ll take a look at what’s causing your summer dryness and introduce the best summer skincare regimen for hydrating and soothing sensitive skin. 

What’s drying out your summer skin 

Whether you’re spending time at the beach or just hanging in your own backyard, you may notice some seasonal changes in your skin. Even if you’re not usually prone to dryness, your skin may be looking thirsty and feeling even more sensitive than usual. Dry and irritated skin may be the result of a pH imbalance.

You may remember learning a bit about pH, a measure of how acidic or alkaline something is, back in high school science. But if it’s been a while, here’s a quick recap about pH and skin: your skin functions best when its outer layer, or barrier, is at a slightly acidic 5.5. At that level, the barrier keeps moisture in, and irritants out. But if the outer layer is too alkaline (skin’s pH is higher than that 5.5), that barrier doesn’t do its job well. Moisture (water) escapes, leaving skin dry and flaky. Irritants, allergens, and germs can then get a fast pass into your skin leaving it more sensitive and red. 

So, what affects skin’s pH levels and barrier function during summer? Quite a few things, actually: 

• Climate: Not all summer weather is hot and humid. You may live (or vacation) in a region that is incredibly dry. High temps coupled with low moisture in the air can increase water loss in your skin, leaving it with that uncomfortable dry and tight feeling. Or, maybe you do live in a humid climate, but spend a lot of time inside in central air. That causes a similar effect in your complexion. Air conditioners are designed to eliminate humidity in the room—which means it can also pull important hydration from your skin. 
• Sun: Basking in the sunshine (while wearing SPF, of course) may be a rite of passage when summer finally arrives, but it can leave your skin feeling dry. That’s because UV light can deplete the skin’s store of fatty acids, which are essential for barrier function and keeping skin supple and smooth. If you get a sunburn, your skin gets red and eventually peels as it tries to rid itself of the surface damage. As it goes through this process, you’ll see scaly, flaky, dry, dead skin. Plus, too much sun exposure over time yields long-term sun damage that includes a dry, dull complexion. 
• Water: Saltwater has many great skin benefits and can be soothing, but if you’re spending a lot of time in saltwater, it can also dehydrate your skin. Swimming pools pose a similar threat. Chlorine strips skin of essential oils, which may make it feel dry, tight and irritated after a long day floating in the pool. 
• Sweat: When you’re outside in the heat, your skin may get sweaty as a result. Your skin may feel wet, but it’s not getting extra moisture from all that perspiration. In fact, your skin may feel drier after it evaporates. Plus, components in sweat such as sodium, urea, and lactate can even irritate skin and make it sting, especially if you already have dry skin or a condition such as eczema.
• Summer skin products: Sunscreen is essential and non-negotiable if you want to keep your skin healthy and well-protected against sun damage. But certain formulas, such as sprays that contain alcohol, can dry out and irritate skin. 

Your summer skincare solution 

If your skin is feeling dry and cranky, you don’t have to avoid the sunshine or stay out of the ocean or pool this summer. But you do want to switch to a more soothing skincare routine that will help to hydrate, and calm your dry, irritated skin. Using a regimen that includes a nourishing cream to moisturize, ingredients to help visibly calm sensitive skin, as well as those that help skin’s pH remain balanced, can help keep skin happy and healthy and offset any dryness and its associated sting.

Enter Perricone MD’s Hypoallergenic CBD Sensitive Skin Therapy Collection. This line is formulated with 99% pure Cannabidiol (CBD), extracted from hemp plants in the United States and known for its calming and soothing properties. It’s also free of 26 known allergens—ingredients that are known to make sensitive, allergic skin reactive. The dermatologist-tested, non-comedogenic formula (that means it’s formulated with ingredients that aren’t likely to clog pores) is so gentle, it’s been recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation as being safe for soothing sensitive skin. Here, a look at the best calming products for your summer skin. 

• Hypoallergenic CBD Sensitive Skin Therapy Gentle Cleanser: Formulated with skin-calming CBD as well as nourishing cannabis sativa seed oil and glycerin, this low-foaming cleanser effectively cleans skin without stripping away essential oils. Skin is left soft and hydrated, not dry and tight. 
• Hypoallergenic CBD Sensitive Skin Therapy Rebalancing Elixir: It’s designed to bring out-of-balance skin back to the correct pH, which may help boost skin’s barrier function. This refreshing elixir also helps to calm and soothe skin on contact.  
• Hypoallergenic CBD Sensitive Skin Therapy Soothing & Hydrating Eye Cream: This nourishing cream hydrates delicate under-eye skin without stinging. CBD soothes while marigold extract adds non-greasy moisture. 
• Hypoallergenic CBD Sensitive Skin Therapy Nourishing & Calming Moisturizer: This cream calms irritated and dry skin without feeling too heavy for the summer season. After a long day at the pool or before you go to sleep in the AC, this moisturizer will help in keeping skin supple and soft.  

Bottom line: Dry skin is not just a winter issue. Summer can dehydrate skin, too. Using a soothing skincare regimen can off-set any summer dryness and keep skin healthy all season long.