Written by OSEA Staff | Published September 16, 2024
Summer’s heat and humidity are a welcome change after winter and spring, as we can shed coats and jackets in favor of shorts, sundresses, and swimsuits. If you have sensitive skin, summertime might not be your best friend. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Many factors influence how your skin responds to climate and temperature changes. Due to the higher temperatures and humidity in the summer, those with sensitive skin might want to adjust their skincare routine.
Below, explore how your skin might respond to summer weather, what safety precautions to take, and advice on skincare for sensitive skin to remain comfortable throughout the season.
How Summer Weather Can Affect Sensitive Skin
Sun Exposure and Heat
You might spend more time outdoors during summer. Soaking up the sun has numerous benefits, but direct exposure and heat might make sensitive skin appear red, dry, or irritated.1
Wearing sunscreen and staying in the shade2 are excellent ways to prevent discomfort and reduce the risk of sunburn. Choosing the proper attire is also a kind gesture to your sensitive skin. Don a wide-brim hat and cover up with tightly woven, lightweight clothing to create a barrier between your delicate skin and the sun. The sun is most intense from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.,3 so plan outdoor activities and outings accordingly.
Humidity
Because of the humidity, we sweat a lot during summer. Sweating helps the body flush out toxins. Be mindful, however, that sweat clings to the skin. To avoid the irritation that might occur when sweat lingers, take a shower to keep your sensitive skin happy.
Dry, Hot Climate
Many states are dry and hot year-round. While we love the idea of living in a warmer area, taking proper precautions is still important to keep your skin in tip-top shape. This way, you can avoid skin dryness, tightness, and flakiness4 that occur in dry air and heat.
Remember to stay hydrated. Drinking water helps prevent dehydration and replenishes water lost through sweat. It’s recommended to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily for the ultimate hydration. Your skin (and body) will thank you!
Summer Skincare Tips for Sensitive Skin
1. Use a Gentle Cleanser
Choose a cleanser that does not contain fragrances and other ingredients that could affect your sensitive skin. Wash with a mild cleanser that removes sweat, dirt, and makeup — preventing that sticky feeling without stripping your skin.
Our Ocean Cleansing Milk is a fragrance-free, pH-balanced formula that contains alcohol-free witch hazel to cleanse and a skin-identical moisturizing complex to hydrate.
2. Look for Moisture-Retaining Ingredients
Think of your sensitive skin as a marathon runner. It needs to remain hydrated to prevent challenges that affect its performance. The best skincare for sensitive skin contains ingredients that support moisture retention, including hyaluronic acid.
Our Hyaluronic Sea Serum contains 2 molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, plus Japanese miru seaweed to aid skin’s natural moisture levels and snow mushroom to lock in moisture. Our Hyaluronic Body Serum features 5 molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to hydrate your skin while giving it a more youthful, plumper-looking appearance.
Our Undaria Algae™ Body Lotion also features hyaluronic acid, plus Undaria algae and peptides. Check out the fragrance-free version, which has been dermatologist-tested for sensitive skin.
3. Hydrate Sun-Exposed Skin
If your skin is dry and irritated, it likely needs extra hydration. First, take a cold shower after a day out in the sun, as cold water won’t strip your skin of oils and moisture like hot water does.
Next, use skincare products that help retain as much hydration as possible. Our Seabiotic® Water Cream is a nutrient-rich cream that is clinically proven to deliver powerful hydration for 72+ hours. This dermatology-tested cream is fragrance-free, perfect for sensitive skin. Seal in its effects with our Dayglow Face Oil®. This Undaria seaweed-infused day oil uses a concentration of Omega 6 and 9 to support the sensitive skin barrier, leaving it moisturized.
Sources
1. 12 Summer Skin Problems You Can Prevent. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Retrieved June 20, 2024, from 12 summer skin problems you can prevent (aad.org)
2. Kraft, S (April 24, 2023). How to treat and prevent sunburn. Medical News Today. Retrieved June 20, 2024, from Sunburn: Treatments, home remedies, and prevention (medicalnewstoday.com)
3. Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation and Sun Exposure. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved June 20, 2024, from Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation and Sun Exposure | US EPA
4. 5 Common Skin Problems in Desert Climates and How to Treat Them. Skin And Cancer Institute. Retrieved June 20, 2024, from 5 Common Skin Problems in Desert Climates and How to Treat Them | Skin And Cancer Institute
