Summer is here, and so are the summer skin woes. The rising temperatures tend to leave the skin dehydrated and dull. Skin conditions like Acne tend to flourish when oil and sweat mix. Too much exposure to air conditioning isn't helpful either.
But there’s no need to worry. Here’s your summer skincare cheat sheet to keep your skin soft, supple, and hydrated even when the temperatures rise.
Table of contents
How To Keep Your Skin Moisturized During Summer
How summer zaps your skin’s moisture
Air conditioning dries you out
Sun exposure damages your skin barrier
Frequent showers strip natural oils
Chlorine and saltwater worsen dryness
How to keep skin hydrated during summer
Switch to a lightweight moisturizer
Apply moisturizer on damp skin
Oteria: Best moisturizer for summer
How summer zaps your skin’s moisture
Summer may feel sweaty, but it doesn’t always mean your skin is well-hydrated. The hot summer can seriously disrupt your skin’s natural moisture balance. Here’s what’s happening beneath the surface:
Dehydration from within
Rising temperatures cause increased sweat production. Your body and skin can become dehydrated if you don’t replenish lost fluids by drinking enough water. When your internal hydration levels drop, your skin loses its plumpness and can appear dull and dry.
Air conditioning dries you out
While air conditioning relieves the heat, it also removes humidity from the air. This dry environment pulls moisture from your skin, often leaving it feeling tight, flaky, or irritated.
Sun exposure damages your skin barrier
Excessive sun exposure can weaken your skin’s protective barrier by damaging lipids and proteins that keep moisture locked in. This not only leads to dryness but also accelerates premature aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles.
Frequent showers strip natural oils
Taking multiple showers, especially with hot water and harsh soaps, can strip away your skin’s natural oils. These oils are essential for maintaining moisture and protecting the skin from environmental stressors.
Chlorine and saltwater worsen dryness
Swimming in chlorinated pools or saltwater can further dry out your skin. Both chlorine and salt remove lipids from the skin’s surface, making it more vulnerable and increasing its need for hydration.
How to keep skin hydrated during summer
Summer brings unique challenges for your skin: heat, humidity, and increased sun exposure can all disrupt your skin’s natural moisture balance. Adapting your skincare routine with lighter, hydrating products and smart habits can help keep your complexion healthy, comfortable, and glowing all season long.
Switch to a lightweight moisturizer
Heavy creams can feel uncomfortable in hot weather and may clog pores, leading to breakouts. Instead, choose a light, gel-based, or water-based moisturizer that hydrates without heaviness. Look for key ingredients like:
● Hyaluronic Acid: A powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin.
● Glycerin: Helps draw moisture into the skin and maintain hydration.
● Aloe Vera: Naturally soothing and moisturizing, it also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Hydrate from within
Drinking enough water is essential for maintaining skin hydration and overall health. To make hydration more enjoyable and add antioxidants, infuse your water with cucumber, mint, or lemon. Additionally, eat water-rich fruits such as watermelon, oranges, and cucumbers, which are over 90% water and support skin hydration.
Use a gentle cleanser
Frequent face washing in summer can strip your skin of its natural oils if you use harsh cleansers. Opt for a mild, non-foaming cleanser that effectively removes dirt and sweat without overdrying or irritating your skin.
Don’t skip sunscreen
Sun exposure damages your skin’s moisture barrier, causing dryness and accelerating aging. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily, even on cloudy days. Choose hydrating, non-greasy formulas. Some sunscreens also function as moisturizers.
Apply moisturizer on damp skin
For better hydration, apply your moisturizer immediately after washing your face or showering while your skin is still slightly damp. This helps seal in moisture and prevents water loss.
Avoid long, hot showers
Hot water and prolonged showers strip away your skin’s natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Stick to short showers with lukewarm water to preserve your skin’s moisture barrier.
Moisturize after swimming
Chlorine in pools and salt in seawater can be very drying to your skin. Rinse off promptly after swimming and apply a lightweight moisturizer to replenish lost hydration and soothe your skin.
Keep a face mist handy
A hydrating face mist containing ingredients like rose water or thermal spring water can refresh and moisturize your skin throughout the day. It also adds a natural, dewy glow, especially in hot weather.
Oteria: Best moisturizer for summer
Oteria is a gender-neutral skincare brand that harmoniously blends the gifts of nature with scientific advancements, focusing on supporting the skin’s natural circadian rhythm for holistic health and radiance. Oteria emphasizes skincare that works 24x7, moving beyond traditional morning and night routines to address the skin’s needs throughout the entire day. Backed by extensive research, Oteria’s approach is to restore balance and unveil the skin’s inner vitality, making skincare accessible, effective, and inclusive for all, while educating consumers about the importance of understanding and respecting their skin’s natural cycles.
Velvet Dew Skin Lotion
Velvet Dew Skin Lotion is a 72-hour hydrating, lightweight moisturizer that deeply nourishes and plumps the skin, leaving it soft, supple, and refreshed. Infused with soothing Aloe Vera and moisture-boosting Natural Sugar extracts, it’s clinically proven to increase skin hydration and maintain a healthy glow. Perfect for everyday use, this lotion delivers long-lasting moisture without feeling heavy or greasy.
Benefits
● Plumps the skin
● 72 hours moisturising effect
● Clinically proven to increase hydration
● Prevents age-induced skin dryness
Key ingredients
Aloe Vera: Binds moisture to the skin, relieving dryness.
Natural Sugars: Soothes dry, acne-prone skin, leaving it radiant.
How to use
Apply the required quantity of the product on the skin using upward strokes until completely absorbed.
Caution
Apply the required quantity of the product on the skin using upward strokes until completely absorbed.
Disclaimer: Results based on subjective evaluation.
Plumpy Skin Serum
Plumpy Skin Serum is a powerful formula enriched with Polypeptides and Hyaluronic Acid, designed to deliver deep skin moisturization while targeting fine lines and wrinkles. With advanced wrinkle-reduction technology and a botox-like lifting effect, it helps boost collagen production for firmer, more youthful-looking skin. This lightweight yet potent serum sinks in quickly, leaving your skin visibly plumper, smoother, and refreshed.
Benefits
● Instantly lifts skin
● Increases skin elasticity
● Immediate wrinkle lifting effect
● 55 % wrinkle volume reduction in 2 weeks
● Elasticity increases (+49%) in 2 weeks
● Decreases crow feet depth by 150% in 2 weeks
● Reduces frown lines depth by 14.3% in 2 weeks
● Reduces nasolabial folds depth by 87.5% in 2 weeks
● Advanced wrinkle reduction
● Provides deep skin moisturisation
Key ingredients
Polypeptides: Relax facial muscles for a Botox-like effect.
Hyaluronic Acid: Deeply hydrates for a plump, healthy look.
How to use
Using the dropper, apply a pea-sized amount of serum on your face. Gently dab it onto your skin and massage until completely absorbed.
Caution
FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. Keep protected from light and moisture at a temperature not exceeding 30°C. Keep out of reach of children.
Disclaimer: Results based on subjective evaluation.
Keeping your skin moist and plump during summer should not be a challenge. All you need to do is understand and listen to your skin. You can maintain healthy, supple skin even in the peak of summer heat by choosing lightweight, hydrating products, staying consistent with your sun protection, and embracing smart habits like moisturizing after showers or swims. With products like Oteria’s Velvet Dew Skin Lotion and Plumpy Skin Serum, you’re not just protecting your skin from summer dryness but giving it the nourishment it needs to glow from within. So go ahead, enjoy the sunshine, and let your skin shine too!
FAQs
1. Why does my skin feel dry even though I’m sweating all the time in summer?
Sweat doesn’t equate to skin hydration. Excessive sweating can lead to dehydration if you're not drinking enough water. Combine that with sun exposure and air conditioning, and your skin can become dry and dull despite the humidity.
2. What kind of moisturizer should I use in the summer?
Opt for a lightweight, water-based, or gel moisturizer that hydrates without clogging pores. Look for ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, or Aloe Vera, which help retain moisture and soothe the skin.
3. How often should I moisturize my skin during the summer?
Moisturize twice daily - morning and evening. Additionally, reapply after swimming, showering, or any activity that may strip your skin’s moisture. For an extra boost, use a hydrating mist throughout the day.
4. Does drinking more water help with skin hydration?
Yes! Hydrating from within is just as important as external moisturizers. Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily and include water-rich foods like watermelon and cucumber to keep your skin plump and refreshed.
5. Can I skip moisturizer if I have oily or acne-prone skin?
No, skipping moisturizer can worsen oiliness and breakouts. Choose a non-comedogenic, oil-free moisturizer like Oteria’s Velvet Dew Skin Lotion, which hydrates without adding greasiness or clogging pores.
6. How does sun exposure affect skin moisture?
UV rays damage your skin barrier, leading to moisture loss, dryness, and signs of premature aging. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, preferably one with hydrating ingredients, every single day.
7. Why does air conditioning make my skin feel tight and flaky?
Air conditioning removes moisture from the air, creating a dry environment that zaps your skin’s hydration. Combat this by using a face mist or humidifier indoors, and don’t skip your moisturizer even if you’re indoors all day.
8. How can I hydrate my skin quickly after swimming or sun exposure?
Rinse off immediately after swimming to remove chlorine or salt, then apply a lightweight, hydrating lotion like Velvet Dew Skin Lotion. For a deeper moisture boost, use Plumpy Skin Serum with Hyaluronic Acid and Polypeptides to rehydrate and repair.