Can you use moisturizer in summer?

Why can skin feel dry in summer?

Hot, humid weather does not prevent dryness. Sun exposure, swimming pools and air conditioning can leave skin dry and irritated. Air conditioners remove moisture from the air, and frequent washing or long, hot showers can also contribute. Look for tightness after bathing, roughness, flaking or itching rather than deciding by the temperature outside. Moisturizer adds moisture and helps stop water escaping from skin.134

Which moisturizer should you use?

You can switch to a lighter moisturizer for summer, even if the winter jar considers itself a permanent employee. The right texture depends on how dry or oily your skin actually feels.45

• For mild seasonal dryness, a lotion can be enough.
• For oily skin, consider a light gel or skipping moisturizer if you do not need it. Too much moisturizer can clog pores in some people.
• For combination skin, moisturize the dry patches and leave oily areas alone.
• For persistently dry skin, a cream or ointment retains more moisture than a lotion. A lighter summer texture is an option, not a requirement.
• For sensitive or dry skin, choose fragrance free products. Ceramides and hyaluronic acid are moisturizing ingredients to look for.
• For skin prone to breakouts, look for noncomedogenic products, meaning products formulated not to block pores.

If sunscreen, lotion and makeup together coincide with more breakouts in the heat, try leaving out the lotion. A summer routine can have fewer layers without filing a missing product report.6

How should you apply it?

1. 1Wash with a mild cleanser. For bathing, use warm rather than hot water and keep showers to 5 to 10 minutes.
2. 2Pat your skin dry, leaving it damp rather than rubbing it completely dry.
3. 3Apply moisturizer within five minutes of finishing your shower or bath to trap water in the skin.

For a light summer facial routine without dryness, once daily is a reasonable starting point if you want a separate moisturizer. Dry skin needs a different schedule: moisturize two to three times daily or as needed, including after handwashing. Carry moisturizer if your skin becomes dry during the day. The calendar can suggest a lighter routine, but it cannot inspect the bathroom shelf on your behalf.123

Do you still need sunscreen?

Yes. Use broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and choose water resistance for outdoor summer activities. Apply sunscreen before going outdoors and reapply every two hours, especially outside. Moisturizing does not replace these steps. Shade and protective clothing also belong in your sun protection routine.124

What if you have eczema?

Keep moisturizing in summer if you have eczema, a condition that causes dry, itchy, inflamed patches. Choose a fragrance free, hypoallergenic moisturizer after bathing and throughout the day; a lighter, less greasy texture can suit warm weather. Sweat, chlorine and saltwater can trigger irritation. After swimming, rinse immediately and then moisturize. Avoid products that worsen your eczema, and seek medical help if flares remain uncontrolled.5

When should you get help?

Contact a doctor if dryness and itching interrupt sleep, scratching causes open sores, or moisturizing does not help. Painful cracking, bleeding, persistent stinging or a worsening rash also deserve assessment rather than another seasonal product swap.134