Dry, dull skin in summer, oily in rainy season: how to care?

Dry, dull-looking skin in the hot season, or oily skin and breakouts in the rainy season, relate mainly to UV, sweat, oil and air conditioning, so the care is on the outside: sunscreen every day even when cloudy, gentle cleansing twice a day and after sweating, non-comedogenic products and moisturiser.

Why does skin get dry and dull-looking in the hot season?

Stronger UV

UV is the main external driver of oxidative stress in skin, and the effects of sun exposure build up over the years (Gromkowska-Kepka et al. 2021). In the hot season, clearer skies and more time outdoors mean more UV. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) notes that the sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Air conditioning and frequent bathing

In hot weather we spend longer in air-conditioned rooms and bathe more often. DermNet lists excessive air conditioning, frequent hot baths and contact with soap among the causes of dry skin.

More sweat and oil

When it is hot, the body sweats more and sebaceous glands produce more oil, so pores can look more visible. The AAD lists washing your face throughout the day and drying out your skin among habits to avoid.

Why does skin get oily and break out in the humid rainy season?

In hot, humid weather skin tends to feel tacky and you may sweat through the day. Oil, sweat, makeup and dead skin cells sit on the skin together, so pores clog more easily. Some habits make it worse, such as rubbing sweat off hard, touching your face during the day and sleeping in makeup.

A cloudy sky does not mean no UV. The AAD notes that up to 80% of UV rays can pass through clouds, so the rainy season still calls for sun protection.

How should you care for oily, breakout-prone skin?

The AAD recommends:

Cleansing

• Wash your face no more than twice a day, when you wake up and before bed, and after sweating. Washing throughout the day does not help.
• Use a gentle foaming face wash, and avoid oil-based or alcohol-based cleansers.
• Do not scrub, even to remove makeup. Use your fingertips in gentle circles.

Products and makeup

• Choose cleansers, moisturisers, sunscreen and makeup labelled oil-free and non-comedogenic, meaning they do not clog pores.
• Still apply moisturiser after cleansing, even with oily skin, because over-dried skin gets irritated too.
• Always remove all makeup before bed, and do not share makeup brushes or applicators.

During the day

• Gently press blotting paper against your face and leave it for a few seconds. Do not rub, as that spreads oil to other areas.
• Do not touch your face throughout the day.
• When you sweat, pat it off gently with a clean towel instead of rubbing.
• Do not pop or squeeze spots, as it increases inflammation and the risk of scarring.

How should you use sunscreen in hot weather?

The AAD recommends:

• Choose a broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB), water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. With oily skin, choose a non-comedogenic one.
• Most adults need about 1 ounce, roughly a shot glass, to cover all skin not covered by clothing.
• Apply it to dry skin 15 minutes before going outdoors.
• Reapply about every two hours, and immediately after swimming or sweating.
• If your shadow is shorter than you are, seek shade, and add a wide-brimmed hat and covering clothing.

What should you drink and eat in hot weather?

Drinking and eating in hot weather are a matter of general health rather than skin care, and follow the same guide as any other day.

When you sweat a lot from heat or exercise, the NHS suggests drinking extra fluids, with water as the best choice.

How do you care for heat rash, sunburn and dry skin?

Heat rash and itchy bumps

Heat rash usually comes from sweating a lot: sweat glands get blocked and sweat is trapped under the skin. The UK's NHS suggests loose cotton clothing and lightweight bedding, cool baths or showers, a damp cloth or a wrapped ice pack for up to 20 minutes, and avoiding perfumed shower gels or creams. See a doctor if it does not improve after a few days.

Sunburn

Sunburn happens after skin gets too much UV, with stinging, redness and sometimes blistering. What you can do is protect skin before going out in the sun, as in the sunscreen section above. If a burn is extensive or blistering, see a doctor.

Dry skin from air conditioning

DermNet explains that dry skin relates to the barrier function of the outermost layer of skin (stratum corneum), which contains lipids such as ceramides, cholesterol and free fatty acids. When these lipids are reduced, skin holds water less well. What you can do is bathe in warm rather than hot water, use a soap substitute rather than ordinary bar soap, and apply moisturiser while skin is still damp after bathing. DermNet advises applying moisturiser often, particularly shortly after bathing and when skin is itchy.

If a skin problem is persistent, painful or spreading, or breakouts do not settle after several weeks of this care, have it checked by a dermatologist.