Tips for caring for your skin in summer

Learn how heat affects the skin in summer and discover some practical tips to help care for and protect it during this time of year.

Higher temperatures, greater sun exposure and other environmental factors associated with summer can affect the skin, contributing to photoageing, dehydration and other dermatological problems. Below, we explain some measures that can help reduce these effects and support healthy skin during the summer months.

How heat affects the skin

Heat and high temperatures can contribute to faster water loss from the skin for two main reasons. First, summer clothing leaves a larger proportion of the skin exposed, which can increase water evaporation from the skin surface. Second, higher temperatures cause us to sweat more and therefore lose fluids more quickly.

Greater dehydration can leave the skin dry, tight, itchy or irritated and may also cause flaking. Dehydrated skin may also appear rougher and less supple, making fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable.

To counteract these effects, it is important to maintain adequate hydration and support the skin barrier in order to limit excessive water loss.

Dehydration and photoageing in summer

Sweating is a natural physiological process that plays an important role in regulating body temperature. In summer, increased sweating is normal. As well as replacing the fluids and mineral salts lost through perspiration, it is important to keep the skin clean and dry, as accumulated sweat in skin folds may cause irritation.

Chlorine, wind, seawater, beach sand and, above all, solar radiation are other factors commonly associated with summer that can affect the skin.

Chlorine can irritate and disrupt the skin barrier, wind can increase water evaporation and salt water may dry and irritate the epidermis. Rinsing the skin with fresh water after swimming can help remove chlorine, salt and other residues.

If sun exposure is going to continue afterwards, sunscreen should then be reapplied. Sun exposure is one of the main dermatological concerns during the summer because inadequate photoprotection increases the risk of sunburn, pigmentation changes and premature skin ageing.

The cumulative changes associated with ultraviolet exposure, known as photoageing, include the development of wrinkles, reduced collagen levels and progressive thinning and structural changes in the skin.

For this reason, another important aspect of summer skincare is to apply a moisturiser to the face and body at the end of the day, preferably after showering with lukewarm rather than very hot water, which can further dry the skin.

What to drink and eat to support hydration

Dietary habits also influence skin health. During hot weather, it is important to maintain an adequate fluid intake to compensate for increased water loss caused by higher temperatures and greater sweating.

Water should be the main drink of choice. Other options may include unsweetened cold infusions or natural fruit-based drinks.

Seasonal fruit and vegetables also provide water together with fibre, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Antioxidants help counteract free radicals involved in oxidative stress and skin damage.

Cold soups such as gazpacho, together with fruit and vegetables, can also provide carotenoids such as beta-carotene. These naturally occurring pigments are responsible for many of the yellow, red and orange colours found in plant foods and act as precursors of vitamin A. Their antioxidant activity contributes to general skin health.

Cosmetic products for caring for the skin in summer

Moisturising lotions and creams can be useful during the summer to help maintain hydration and support repair of the skin barrier. These products should help preserve the skin’s hydrolipidic film and reduce excessive water loss.

Hyaluronic acid is widely used in skincare because of its ability to retain water and can be included in daily moisturising products. Ingredients such as shea butter, argan oil and rosehip oil may also help moisturise and soften the skin.

For facial care, it is important not to assume that sunscreen and moisturising products should be avoided in summer because they make the skin oily or cause spots. Well-hydrated skin is not the same as oily skin. For people who dislike heavier textures, oil-free formulations, gels and lightweight fluid products can provide more comfortable alternatives.

Thermal water sprays and facial mists may also provide a refreshing sensation and temporary relief from dryness or tightness associated with dehydration.

The original article also recommends gentle exfoliation approximately once a week to help remove superficial dead skin cells. Keratolytic products can help reduce excessive build-up of the stratum corneum and smooth the skin surface.

After periods of sun exposure, moisturising or aftersun products may also help soothe dryness, tightness or discomfort and support restoration of skin hydration.

In all cases, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist for individualised advice on how best to care for and protect your skin during the summer.

Article updated. First version published on 25 July 2022.

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