When you think about dry skin, most people picture cold winter air and heaters on full blast. But here’s the truth: summer can be just as harsh on dry skin, sometimes worse.

If your skin still feels tight, flaky, or dehydrated during the warmer months, you’re not alone. Let’s break down why this happens and what you can do to protect your skin all season long.

In this blog post we'll discuss

1. Heat = Water Loss
2. Chlorine, Salt Water & Sweat Are All Drying
3. Lightweight Doesn't Mean Long-Lasting

1. Heat = Water Loss

As summer comes around, the temperatures begin to rise and increases transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Transepidermal water loss is just a fancy way of saying your skin loses hydration faster than it's bringing it in, and hot temperatures increases the loss rate. Naturally, when we get hot, our bodies sweat to keep the body in balance. When our skin sweats to cool us down, it evaporates and often takes natural moisture with it. Add sun exposure or long beach days, and our skin barrier seriously takes a hit. A disruption in your skin barrier makes it harder for your skin to hold on to hydration. We protect our skin barrier by using products that strengthen the barrier 

🔍 Pro tip: Skin doesn’t just need hydration, it needs sealing. That’s where ingredients like kokum butter and mango butter come in.

2. Chlorine, Salt Water & Sweat Are All Drying

We wait almost eight months for fun pool days, beach trips, and the last minute trying to get our bodies right for summer lol! But we're quickly reminded how chlorine and salt water are tough on your skin’s protective layer. 

Whether it’s pool days, beach weekends, or hot yoga, your skin’s up against:

• Chlorine –  which strips natural oils, increases dryness and irritation, and worsens conditions like eczema or psoriasis

• Salt water – which dehydrates skin and can make the skin more sensitive to the sun, increasing the risk of sunburn and skin damage

• Sweat – which shifts your skin’s pH and when mixed with oil, dirt, and bacteria, can clog pores, leading to acne and breakouts

That post-sun tightness? It’s not your imagination.

🔍 Pro tip: Use a gentle body scrub to remove buildup, then follow with a body oil or cream while skin is still damp. This helps seal in moisture and replenish what’s been lost.

3. Lightweight Doesn't Mean Long-Lasting

Many people switch to lighter products in the summer, thinking “less is more.” But if your skin is already dry or moisture-deficient, those lighter lotions often evaporate before they can really help.

Instead, focus on:

• Water-based hydration (like aloe vera or niacinamide)

• Barrier-repairing butters (like shea, kokum, mango)

• Non-comedogenic oils (we skip coconut oil for a reason)

🔍 Pro tip: If your products feel like almond milk and doesn’t seal in moisture or support your skin’s barrier, they might not be doing the job. Especially for naturally dry or sensitive skin. Here, we balance hydration and moisture so your skin stays soft without feeling greasy, even in the heat.

So, What Can You Do?

• Switch to barrier-supporting body care. Look for products with humectants (like aloe), emollients (like mango butter), and occlusives (like kokum butter) to both draw in and lock in moisture. 

  

• Scrub smarter. Use body scrubs at least 1–2 times a week to remove buildup and help your creams and oils absorb better. 

• Hydrate after sun + shower. Apply your body cream and oil within minutes of toweling off. Your skin is most absorbent while your pores are open; this is often when your skin is still slightly damp.

• Keep a mini in your bag. Touch up dry patches midday, especially elbows, knuckles, or hands with a mini oil or mini cream. Whether you're on a plane, sitting poolside, or taking a road trip, your skin can always be replenished.

  🔍 Pro tip: The truth? Dry skin doesn’t clock out for summer. But with the right rituals, it doesn’t have to hold you back.

Want summer-soft skin?

Explore our clean, coconut-free skincare designed for women who want to look good and feel good—no matter the season.

👉 Shop our bestselling body creams and oils

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Thanks for being here and letting me be part of your skin's story.

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Your Skin Has A Story.

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." - James 1:2-4

        
With love and gratitude,
Ashley R.