For many of us, summer is the most anticipated season of the year. And do we look forward to the warm, sunny days, clearer skies, and endless possibilities? Of course! But the extra light, heat, and time outdoors means a bit of extra maintenance for our skin, too. Since we always want our skin to look and feel its best, it can be tricky to nail down the exact formula we need for glowing, supple summer skin. And this is even harder for us that deal with sensitive skin, dry skin, and skin conditions. Struggling to hydrate dry skin can happen any time of the year, but as the heat encourages us to put more skin on display, we’re ready to be consistent with a hydrating skincare routine that works in 4 simple steps.
STEP 1 – Exfoliate Weekly
We know that some days, there isn’t necessarily time for the full shower-shave-exfoliate routine. Even so, we’re obsessed with the glowing, smooth softness of our skin when we exfoliate regularly (which can get overlooked in the fall and winter when we’re cold and covering up more). An even bigger issue here is that irregular or infrequent exfoliation can actually lead to worsening dry skin. Without regular exfoliating, it’s almost impossible to hydrate dry skin, as layers of dead skin cells sit on our body’s surface sucking up moisture and hydration that’s meant to go deeper.
Once a week we’re fixing this problem with a quick, full-body natural body scrub exfoliation in the shower or bath. Not only will this help rid dull, dead skin lingering on the surface to make our body shine, but the tingly, scrubby feeling will stimulate blood flow and collagen production to improve skin texture and clarity.
The best option for sensitive skin: Lavender Body Scrub
Before freaking out, not all scrubs are made equal! We know that sensitive skin types have to be extra careful about what we use on our skin which is why the fine, natural French sea salt base pairs perfectly with calming lavender to gently polish and soothe skin; working dull skin off the surface and working in a little boost of sunflower seed oil to hydrate dry skin.
The best option for firming and tightening: Cocoa Coffee Body Scrub
This body scrub is a summer glow-up in a jar. Rich cacao and coffee deliver anti-aging antioxidants straight to the skin, imparting a bronze glow and caffeine boost for subtle tightening and toning. Pro-tip, slather all over in the shower before scrubbing away with your favorite conditioning body wash to scrub, lather, and moisturize in one go.
STEP 2 – Moisturize Daily
Though we’ve tried plenty of lazy girl methods and skincare hacks for glowing, hydrated skin, there’s really no way to hydrate dry skin other than to moisturize daily (sorry). Even still, taking care of our skin is fun when we’re using products we enjoy that smell and feel fantastic. And we’re going to be saying sorry again because these delectable body lotions and body butter are going to quickly become a growing collection we can’t stop obsessing over.
First, maybe we should answer the age-old question – what’s the difference between body lotion and body butter, and why go for one over the other? We’ll draw a comparison between yogurt and milk. These have got the same essential foundation, but where one has got higher water content making it lighter, the other has got more fat content for a richer, longer-lasting moisturizing feel. While sometimes the lightweight moisture of a body lotion is enough, sometimes body butter is a better choice to hydrate dry skin deeper for longer.
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Best option for lightweight glow: Blood Orange Nourishing Body Cream
Blood orange might just be our favorite summer citrus for the skin. The oil from this colorful, juicy fruit is whipped into this creamy, vegan body lotion because blood orange helps to protect skin from the sun, and preserve tight, ageless skin. Aloe juice, vitamin E enriched avocado butter, and soothing rosehip seed oil make an irresistible fusion to hydrate dry skin for a deep, lasting glow.
The best option for dry skin: Honey Almond Whipped Body Butter
We can’t think of anything better than smelling like sweet, fruity honey and creamy, nutty almonds while we’re sunbathing on the beach (except maybe doing it with our favorite refreshing beverage in-hand). There’s more to love about this nourishing mom & baby friendly body butter than just the soft, natural scent. Shea, argan, and cocoa butters create a moisturizing trifecta that seriously makes skin sparkle while nutrients from included fruits like goji and acai feed skin with softening and anti-aging vitamins to condition and repair.
STEP 3 – Intensify Hydration
Sometimes we need to kick our hydration up a notch, especially after long days in the sun, or just when we can’t seem to do enough to hydrate dry skin. When we started thinking about how we could get better quality hydration, we realized that by adding drops of oil or serum to our routine, our bodies could benefit from the enhanced skincare that our face does. Hyaluronic acid is one of the most hydrating skincare products and also happens to be one of the most critical ingredients in our skincare routine. Here are options for an oil or serum to mix into our body cream or butter for that extra oomph on days that we need it.
Best option for sensitive skin: Rose Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Great for skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, this gentle blend of aloe, rose, and hyaluronic acid can help feed and calm the skin even through the changing heat of the summer months. Add a bit onto the knees, elbows, and any dry spots as a spot treatment to hydrate dry skin.
Best option for glow: Organic Marula Oil
We all dream of that sparkling and glowy magazine type of skin, but we’re here to say that the models’ secret is conditioning oil. This pure organic marula oil added onto the body after a shower or with a complimentary body butter helps to deliver the lightweight but brightening and softening benefits of this well kept secret skincare ingredient.
STEP 4 – Use Sunscreen
We’re not out to be a broken record, but the facts just speak for themselves; SPF continues to be one of the best ways to protect our skin from the harsh sun, and yet not enough of us use it regularly. Perhaps a fun summer skincare routine can change that! Incorporating a natural SPF daily that doesn’t turn the skin blue or make it all greasy will be like a subtle skin makeover that we can promise our skin will thank us for 20 years from now.
Best natural option: Green Tea SPF 30
We’re warding off dryness and flakes with not only a skin lotion to hydrate dry skin but an SPF that’s natural and locks in that extra moisture we need. The protective and toning antioxidants in starring ingredient green tea makes for a soft, light, and fortified formula that makes putting on sunscreen feel a lot less like a chore and more like self-care.
Best on-the-go option: Yerba Mate Mist SPF 30
Skincare that sprays makes taking care of our skin even easier, and this mattifying formula provides full UVA/UVB protection for all-over wear. This SPF 30 is loaded with antioxidant-rich yerba mate, which may boost firmness and elasticity in the skin.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dry Skin in Summer
What are the best ways to hydrate dry skin during summer?
Use a Hydrating Cleanser: Opt for a gentle, hydrating cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils.
Moisturize Regularly: Apply a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer right after washing your face to lock in moisture.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
Humidifiers: Use a humidifier at home to add moisture to the air, which can help keep your skin hydrated.
Avoid Hot Showers: Hot water can strip your skin of natural oils, so opt for lukewarm showers instead.
Hydrating Masks: Use hydrating masks once or twice a week to give your skin an extra boost of moisture.
Facial Mists: Carry a hydrating facial mist with you and spritz your face throughout the day for a quick refresh.
How can hyaluronic acid serums intensify skin hydration?
Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant, meaning it attracts and retains moisture. Here’s how it intensifies skin hydration:
Moisture Retention: Hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it highly effective at retaining skin moisture.
Plumping Effect: By attracting water to the skin, hyaluronic acid helps to plump up the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and making it look more youthful.
Skin Barrier Function: It strengthens the skin’s natural barrier, helping to prevent moisture loss and protect against environmental damage.
Improved Absorption: It enhances the skin’s ability to absorb and retain moisture from other skincare products.
Why is it important to use sunscreen for dry skin?
Prevents Further Dryness: Sun exposure can lead to dehydration, making dry skin worse. Sunscreen helps to protect against this.
Protects Against UV Damage: Dry skin is more susceptible to damage from UV rays, which can lead to premature aging and sunburn.
Maintains Skin Barrier: Sunscreen helps to maintain the integrity of the skin barrier, preventing moisture loss and keeping the skin hydrated.
Reduces Risk of Skin Cancer: Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays reduces the risk of developing skin cancer.
What are the best 100% PURE products for moisturizing dry skin?
100% PURE Hydra Drench Cream: This ultra-hydrating cream is formulated with natural ingredients like chia seed gel and rose water to deeply moisturize and nourish dry skin.
100% PURE Restorative Sea Culture Hydrating Toner: A hydrating toner that uses seaweed to restore moisture and balance to the skin.
100% PURE Super Fruit Oil Nourishing Moisturizer: Packed with antioxidants and vitamins, this moisturizer helps to nourish and hydrate dry skin.
100% PURE Multi-Vitamin + Antioxidants Ultra Riche PM Treatment: A rich nighttime treatment that uses vitamins and antioxidants to deeply moisturize and repair the skin.
What natural ingredients are effective in hydrating and protecting dry skin in the summer?
Aloe Vera: Known for its soothing and hydrating properties, aloe vera helps to cool and moisturize the skin.
Coconut Oil: A great natural moisturizer that also has antibacterial properties.
Shea Butter: Provides deep moisture and helps to create a protective barrier on the skin.
Honey: A natural humectant that draws moisture into the skin and has antibacterial properties.
Cucumber: Contains high water content and is soothing and cooling, making it ideal for summer skincare.
Avocado: Rich in fatty acids and vitamins, avocado helps to nourish and hydrate the skin.
Jojoba Oil: Mimics the skin’s natural oils and provides long-lasting moisture without clogging pores.