Does Ocean Water Help Or Hurt Your Skin?

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During the summer, humid air can create unwanted effects for your body. If your hair begins to frizz, or your skin becomes stickier and more prone to acne outbreaks, humidity is likely to blame.

When it’s humid, there is more water vapor in the air. As a result, hydrogen bonds form between the proteins in your hair, causing it to curl up and frizz. Humid environments can also increase the bacteria on your skin and lead to more breakouts. Long exposure to such environments can lead to excessive sweating and heat rashes.

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Humid weather can be a nuisance to your hair and skin and even lead to health risks. Here are some ways to beat the humidity and keep your hair and skin healthy:

(MORE: The Health Risks Of Humidity)

Take Cool Showers

Experts say that cool showers are better for taking care of your hair and skin. Using cool water helps your hair retain moisture and decrease frizziness, making it both look good and easier for you to manage. As a bonus, cool showers can help keep the humidity in your house down.

Remember To Moisturize

Providing your hair with the moisture it needs will make it less prone to drawing in water from the humid air. Experts say that how often you should moisturize depends on your hair type, ranging from a few times a week to daily. For your skin, use a light moisturizer and also remember to exfoliate regularly to prevent bacteria from building up and triggering outbreaks.

Turn Up The AC Or Use A Dehumidifier

Both of these tactics will help decrease humidity inside of your house and allow you to best manage your hair and skin before you go out. Dehumidifiers work by drawing in warm air and removing moisture from it through condensation. If your home is more humid inside than it is outside, consider opening a window instead.

(MORE: Protect Your Home From Heat And Humidity)

Place Houseplants Outside

Through photosynthesis, plants release moisture into the air around them, increasing your home’s humidity. If you can, place your plants in a greenhouse or outside for the summer to best regulate indoor humidity. Or, you can also buy some plants like Boston ferns or peace lilies that absorb water vapor from the air and reduce humidity.

Drink Lots Of Water

Humid weather makes it easier for you to become dehydrated. Usually when it’s hot, you produce sweat, which evaporates off the body to cool itself off. However, when there is high humidity, that sweat may not evaporate, depriving your body of its cooling mechanism. To stay hydrated, experts recommend pairing fluids with sodium and adequately hydrating before going outdoors.

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.