Common Causes of Dry Skin and Hair in Summer
One of the best feelings in summer is sunlight on your skin as you spend the day lounging by the pool. When you leave winter behind, you may think the dry hair and skin season is over, but summer can be just as damaging. Sun exposure, air conditioning, pool chemicals, and alcohol consumption can all take a toll on your skin and hair.
Dehydration
It is easy to become dehydrated during the summer as you lose water as you sweat. You need to keep replenishing fluids if you want your skin and hair to stay healthy. Water is a large component of your skin (64%), and your hair (12-15%). Staying hydrated is also necessary for a wide range of vital body functions.
Your skin and hair need moisture and vitamins to look their best. When dehydrated, your body will direct moisture to critical functions, having a negative impact on your skin and hair. Your skin will begin to look dull, dry and uneven due to insufficient moisture in the epidermis. Your hair may lose volume and strength, grow more slowly, and may become brittle.
A quick way to deal with dehydration is with IV therapy. Drip Hydration, Restore Drip, and Mystaire offer mobile IV therapy in Philadelphia, meaning licensed nurses come to your home or office to administer sessions. It doesn’t take long for symptoms of dehydration to improve as the fluids and electrolytes go directly into your bloodstream.
Sunlight
Our bodies make good use of sunlight to make vitamin D and to keep our sleeping patterns on track, but sunlight can also cause damage.
Too much exposure to both UVA and UVB rays can affect the health of your skin. As your skin ages, it becomes less elastic and develops fine lines and sun spots. Too much exposure to the sun can even cause skin cancer.
If your hair is exposed to the sun for too long, the sun’s rays can damage the cuticles of the hair strands. It causes brittle hair shafts, broken or split ends, and frizziness or thinning.
Avoid too much sun exposure to protect your skin and hair. Try to stay in the shade and wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
Swimming
Swimming is one of the most enjoyable activities in summer, but it can wreak havoc on your skin and hair. The chlorine in a pool protects you from harmful bacteria, but it strips your skin and hair of their natural oils. This removes their protective barrier, leaving your skin dry, sensitive, itchy, and flaky.
Your hair can become dry and porous. Chlorine can change its color and weaken the strands, causing brittleness and split ends.
It helps to shower right after swimming. Use a conditioner on your hair while in the shower and a moisturizer on your skin after showering to help promote healing of any damage and lock in moisture.
Air conditioners
Most of us are grateful for air conditioners on very hot days. They provide welcome relief, but they can also dry out your skin and hair.
Air conditioners pull moisture from the air, meaning there is less moisture in the air for your skin to absorb. This can leave the outer layers extremely dry. With prolonged exposure, the inner layers are affected, too, and your skin will feel itchy and flaky.
Prolonged exposure to air conditions can also make your hair frizzy, dull, and increase split ends. Your scalp may become dry as well, which can aggravate skin disorders.
To combat the drying effects of air conditioners, make sure you keep yourself well hydrated when in an air-conditioned room. Take sips of water regularly throughout the day. Keep your skin well-moisturized, and make sure you condition your hair.
Alcohol
It is no secret that drinking alcohol dehydrates you. All those cocktails by the pool can take a toll on your skin and hair.
As stated before, when your body is dehydrated, essential organ function will be prioritized, meaning skin can be an early indicator of dehydration. Your skin may look duller, more uneven, and flaky.
Dehydration causes the blood circulation to your extremities is limited, and your hair follicles don’t receive all the nutrients they need. The generation of new hair to replace the hair you shed is limited.
If you struggle with dull complexion and brittle hair, you should try to limit your alcohol consumption and drink plenty of water while enjoying those pool parties.
