The Importance Of Hydration For Healthy Skin

One of the most essential tasks associated with healthy skin is creating a routine to keep it hydrated. This will make skin look and feel supple and soft, and will also build an important defense system that can ease itchiness associated with dry, dehydrated skin.

And experts say this should be a year-round commitment because harsh weather conditions in each season can create the potential for damaged skin.

"The barrier of the skin is compromised in the winter when you have the cold, dry air," Dr. Diane Berson, an associate professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine/New York-Presbyterian Hospital, said in an interview with weather.com. "And it’s compromised in the summer when you have heat, humidity, moisture, perspiration and also sunlight and air conditioning."

Anything that can potentially reduce the barrier will make the skin feel itchier, according to Dr. Berson. Your skin will be less healthy, and more vulnerable to the elements. Once you have a compromised barrier, you’re more likely to get an infection, irritation or allergic reaction. This can also lead to premature fine lines and wrinkles.

S​kin Protection During Summer

Summer temperatures and sun exposure can also create more potential for skin irritation, fragility and damage.

“Humidity mixing with perspiration on the surface of the skin can act almost like an irritant and cause the skin to be more sensitive,” Dr. Berson said. “If you are inside with air conditioning, that also dries out the skin.”

She also recommends a regular moisturizing routine that’s associated with the bath or shower.

“Immediately pat dry and when the skin still feels a little bit moist to the touch, slather on the moisturizer,” she said. “That will seal in the moisture.”

Dr. Berson suggests selecting a moisturizer that includes hyaluronic acid, a substance that's good at retaining water and helps skin stretch and flex.

“Hydration is something that is important year round, no matter the climate,” she said. “It’s important for the skin 365 days a year because hydrated skin is healthier skin and better protected skin.”

B​ianca Barr is the branded content editor for weather.com. Her professional experiences include radio and television broadcast news, teaching and strategic communications at a popular (and large!) university in Pennsylvania and digital service journalism within the weather vertical.

The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM.