Head to toe, simple ways to keep skin and hair healthy and looking great this summer

(BPT) – Warm weather, bright sunshine, cool dips in the pool — many of the best aspects of summer can cause dry skin and damaged hair. Winter may get the blame for chapped lips and chill-chafed fingers, but summer can be just as hard on your skin. In some ways, it’s even worse!

Trouble spots like hands, feet and elbows are more exposed as you shed heavy layers of clothing in favor of lighter attire, sandals and flip-flops. Hot weather also means you’ll sweat more, which can also dry out skin. And exposure to bright sun, pool chemicals, sea salt and sand at the beach can all take their toll on your skin and hair.

If you’re already prone to dry skin, it’s important to protect your trouble spots with products and tactics specifically designed for those areas of your body. Here are some pointers on what to look for in summer skin and hair care products:

Skin care for trouble-prone spots

Dry skin is extremely common, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Dry, flaky and itchy skin is the result of a lack of moisture in the skin’s outermost layer. Extremities are the most likely spots where you’ll experience dry skin in summer, but it can affect your whole body, too.

Choose a long-lasting lotion that’s specifically designed for intense hydration. Opt for products that contain urea, a natural component of skin tissue that helps maintain a healthy moisture balance, and keeps skin soft and supple. Developed by dermatologists, Excipial 10% Urea Hydrating Healing Lotion works to provide all-over moisturizing, while Intensive Healing Cream with 20% Urea delivers intensive moisturizing for targeted areas such as hands, knees, elbows and feet. Visit www.excipial.us to learn more. 

Sunscreen for dry skin

Of course you know it’s important to protect your skin from sun damage throughout the year, especially during summer months. However, some ingredients commonly found in sunscreen can actually contribute to dry skin.

Before buying sunscreen, be sure to read the ingredient label. Look for mineral-based ingredients that don’t penetrate the skin such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Also, consider a sunscreen that contains moisturizers like lanolin, oils or silicones. Of course, you can always apply a good moisturizer before putting on sunscreen. Or, you can opt for physical barriers like long-sleeved garments made from UV resistant materials.

Whatever sunscreen you choose, be sure it offers broad-spectrum protection, meaning it blocks both UVA and UVB rays.

Summer care for hair and scalp 

Outdoor activities that make you sweat and daily dips in the pool may have you washing your hair every day. Fortunately, you can do a lot to protect your hair and scalp from dryness during the summer. Start by drinking plenty of water and eating lean protein-rich foods — which can nourish from the inside out.

Choose shampoos that moisturize hair. You can also moisturize your hair and scalp with a weekly oil treatment. Finally, during the summer, minimize the amount of heat styling you do. Hot curling irons or flat irons can contribute to dry scalp and damaged hair.

With the right products and some precautions, you can keep your skin and hair healthy, moisturized and looking great throughout the summer.