When it comes to the hot summer months, your skin might feel a little different every day. If you spend all day in an air-conditioned office, your skin could feel dehydrated. And if you spend a lot of time outside in the heat, I'm guessing you're battling oily skin, clogged pores, and maybe even acne breakouts.
Dry and oily skin are both common in the summer months—and if you have combination skin, you're probably dealing with a little bit of both! Fortunately, there are ways to find a balance to keep your skin moisturized without over-drying it.
Why Oily and Dry Skin Are Common in Summer
The sebaceous gland causes your skin to naturally produce more oil in warmer, humid weather—and this oil can get stuck on your skin's surface, which causes that greasy feeling and unwanted acne. And since it's hotter outside, you're more prone to sweat—something else that can clog your pores and leave your skin with an oily, sticky feeling.
There are a few culprits you can blame for dry skin in the summer—like the air conditioning we mentioned earlier. Another potential cause of dry skin in the summer can be UV rays, especially if you're not wearing SPF. Sunlight absorbs your skin's moisture, leaving it with that dry and flaky feeling. And if you're weathering summer in a dry, low-moisture environment (like a desert climate), the heat of the dry summer air can cause your skin to dry out.
What to Do With Oily Skin
Fortunately, there is a lot you can do to prevent and combat oily skin in the summer months. You'll need a deep cleanser, like our CBE Botanical Scrub The Day Away Cleanser. It acts as an exfoliant, so it really clears out your blocked pores. Plus, it contains Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA), which are great for oily complexions.
With oily skin, you might be tempted to reduce your use of moisturizers and sunscreens, but you should do the opposite! When you don't moisturize enough, it causes the sebaceous gland to go into overdrive, making your skin even oilier. So, reach for a lightweight moisturizer like our CBE Botanicals Fresh Face Whip.
What to Do With Dry Skin
First things first—make sure you're drinking enough water! Healthy, hydrated skin starts from the inside out. And in warm weather, it's so easy to get dehydrated.
Before you go out into the sun, apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50. Not only will this protect your skin from damaging UV rays, but it will help your skin retain moisture. If you do get a sunburn, use a super hydrating moisturizer, like the NeoGenesis Intensive Moisturizer, to repair and rehydrate your skin. And moisturizing, in general, is essential for all skin types, especially dry skin. We recommend using moisturizer on clean skin in the morning and at night.
Finding the Perfect Balance
If you're dealing with some dry skin and some oily skin this summer, don't worry—you can find a perfect balance to keep your skin in check during the warm weather. It's all about prevention! Here are some of my top tips for keeping your skin at its best in the hot summer months:
1. Hydrate: Sufficient hydration is vital to keeping your skin moisturized and supple. And when you drink enough water, it can also help prevent clogged pores by removing toxins and bacteria on the skin. This can be a game changer if you have oily, acne-prone skin.
2. Moisturize: While certain moisturizers work better for different skin types, having a moisturizing step in your skincare routine is critical. Choose a lightweight one for oily skin and a richer, more intensive one for dry skin.
3. Exfoliate: As referenced earlier, exfoliation is critical for oily summer skin to clear out blocked pores and prevent acne. And though it may seem counter-intuitive, exfoliation is also essential for dry skin. It helps remove dead skin cells on the surface and promotes healthy skin turnover. So you'll be left with more radiant, supple skin!
Personalized Solutions For Every Skin Type
Whether your summer skin type is dry, oily, or a combination, Christine Byer Esthetics has solutions to help you put your best face forward.
Want to get more support with your skincare journey this summer—and beyond? Join me in the Christine Byer Beauty Club. I offer a 14-Day FREE preview with full access to everything in the Club. Get personalized support for all of your skincare questions, as well as exclusive access to savings and the opportunity to win a FREE one-on-one consultation. If you don't find value in your membership, you can cancel within 14 days at no charge.