Dry, sensitive skin is often associated with winter weather. But summer can take its toll, too, leaving your skin parched and irritated. Here’s the good news: While you may not be able to change the weather, there are ways to address sensitivity and protect against further damage. Below, we’re sharing what could be causing your skin woes and some of our top summer skin recovery tips.
What Causes Sensitive Summer Skin?
Several factors contribute to irritated summer skin. Whether you’re spending more time outdoors or chilling in the AC, you’re probably encountering at least one of the following factors this season:
- Sun Exposure: The air tends to be more humid in the summer, but increased exposure to sunlight can dry your skin out despite the added atmospheric moisture.
- Heat: Even if you’re not out in the sun, the heat itself can cause skin irritation. Heat rash is a common reaction in which sweat ducts become blocked by built-up moisture, causing small blisters or even larger bumps. For some people, the condition produces an itchy rash.
- Sweat: Increased heat and humidity will accelerate perspiration. All that sweat can build up on your skin’s surface, clogging your pores and leading to issues like acne breakouts.
- Chlorine & Salt Water: If swimming is on your summer bucket list, know that pool chemicals and salt water can dry your skin out. Both zap natural moisture and leave your skin red, irritated, and itchy after prolonged exposure.
- Showers: If you’re bathing more frequently to deal with sweating or clean off after a pool or beach day, the hot water from your shower could be drying your skin out further and making it more sensitive. The issue is compounded if you have hard water since the minerals can accumulate on your skin’s surface and affect its natural moisture barrier.
- Air Conditioning: Even if you’re cooling off in the AC, you might find that your skin is still more sensitive than usual. Most air conditioning systems do more than just cool your indoor air; they also remove moisture. With less atmospheric moisture, your skin dries out more rapidly. If your skin appears dry, scaly, cracked, or otherwise irritated this season, even when staying inside, the AC is likely to blame.
Summer Skincare Tips to Hydrate & Soothe
Fortunately, you don’t have to put your summer plans on hold to enjoy healthy, hydrated skin. Here are a few summer skin recovery tips to soothe the effects of heat, humidity, and other seasonal factors.
Protect Against the Elements
You can still enjoy outdoor activities without damaging your skin. Just be sure to prevent sunburns by slathering on sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapplying as needed. Avoid heat rash by wearing lightweight, breathable fabrics and cooling off with wet towels or misting fans. If possible, try to steer clear of direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day, which tend to be between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Stick to Quick Showers
Rinsing off saltwater, pool chemicals, and excess sweat is a great way to avoid skin irritation. But keep showers brief and cool this season, since steamy water will leave your skin even drier. Plus, cool showers are a great way to get comfortable after spending time in the heat.
Use a Filtered Showerhead
Speaking of showers, summer is a great season to invest in a filtered showerhead if you haven’t already done so. Canopy’s filtered showerheads eliminate hard minerals and added chlorine so that you can rinse off without stripping away your skin’s natural oils.
Continue to Moisturize
While the humidity can leave your skin feeling oilier, don’t skip moisturizing altogether. Look for non-greasy formulas for your body and skin to lock in hydration and keep your skin’s natural moisture barrier strong and protected.
Run a Humidifier to Calm Summer Irritation
Your AC keeps your home comfortably cool, but if you’re running it constantly or live in a drier climate, you’ll still need a humidifier to replenish moisture. An easy-to-use cool mist delivers hydration to your indoor environment, achieving an optimal humidity level around the clock. As a result, your skin is less likely to dry out, since its natural moisture and oils won’t dissipate as quickly.
Proper humidity can also improve your skin’s overall health and appearance, reducing irritation, redness, and itchiness. Plus, it can keep your nasal passages and airways moist, helping soothe irritation from seasonal allergies and dryness from the air conditioner.
If outdoor activities and a cool, air-conditioned home are part of your summer staples, turn to Canopy for healthy, hydrated skin all season. Our original Bedside Humidifier hydrates spaces up to 500 square feet, while the Large Humidifier works in spaces up to 1,000 square feet.
For workspaces and travel, try our Portable Humidifier for hydration on the go. Enjoy three levels of humidification and your favorite Canopy aromas wherever this summer takes you.
