Why does my face feel dry in summer?
Oct 27, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Lingjuan
Introduction
Dry face during summer may be caused by non-medical factors such as dry weather, or by medical conditions including solar dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis. Treatment should be selected according to the underlying cause, including general management or medication to relieve symptoms. During this period, avoid alcohol, maintain a regular diet, and reduce intake of foods high in oil, sugar, spice, irritants, or salt. Maintain good personal hygiene by bathing and shampooing regularly.
Dry facial skin during summer may be caused by non-disease factors such as dry weather, or by medical conditions including solar dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis. Depending on the underlying cause, symptoms can be improved through general care, medications, or other treatments.
I. Non-disease Factors
In dry environments, low humidity combined with inadequate skin hydration can lead to insufficient water or oxygen supply to facial epidermal cells, resulting in dry skin. It is recommended to use moisturizing face masks two to three times per week—no more than that, as excessive use may exceed the skin’s absorption capacity.
II. Disease Factors
1. Solar Dermatitis (Sunlight-induced Dermatitis)
This condition most commonly occurs at the end of spring and beginning of summer, when the skin has not yet produced enough melanin to protect against intense sunlight. Prolonged sun exposure is the main cause. Regular short outdoor exercises can help increase tolerance to sunlight. Commonly used topical agents include calamine lotion and zinc oxide ointment. For severe acute dermatitis, diluted aluminum subacetate solution or cold milk compresses can provide comfort. In cases of severe sunburn, oral corticosteroids such as prednisone may be prescribed, and aspirin can help relieve pain.
2. Contact Dermatitis
Consider whether recent exposure to allergens such as pollen, dust, or cosmetics may have triggered the reaction. For mild cases with redness, papules, vesicles but no exudate, calamine lotion is recommended. For acute dermatitis with significant exudation, cold wet compresses with 3% boric acid solution are advised. For subacute cases with mild redness and minimal exudation, zinc oxide oil may be used; if infection is present, antimicrobial agents may be added. Antihistamines such as loratadine can be used concurrently.
3. Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition affecting areas rich in sebaceous glands. Skin lesions appear as red patches covered with greasy scales, often accompanied by dryness and itching. For infants, wash the scalp and body daily with warm water, baby shampoo, or baby bath gel, then apply moisturizing oil to maintain skin protection. Mothers who are breastfeeding should maintain a light diet and reduce intake of oily, spicy, and irritating foods. For adults, common treatments include topical antifungal combination preparations (e.g., compound miconazole cream). Topical calcineurin inhibitors (e.g., tacrolimus ointment) are suitable for severe facial rashes, and low-potency corticosteroids may be used short-term. For areas with minor exudation and crusting, 1% rivanol-zinc oxide oil or 1% chlortetracycline ointment may be applied.
In addition, acne, eczema, urticaria, and other conditions may also cause similar symptoms. It is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and follow professional treatment advice. Avoid alcohol, maintain regular eating habits, and reduce consumption of high-fat, high-sugar, spicy, irritating, and salty foods. Maintain good personal hygiene by bathing and shampooing regularly.
