While we often associate dehydration with winter, hot summer weather can be just as challenging for the skin. High temperatures, increased UV exposure and humidity can all cause a damaged skin barrier and increase transepidermal water loss, meaning moisture evaporates from the skin more quickly. At the same time, sweating can leave skin feeling damp, uncomfortable and prone to breakouts, and can also contribute to dehydration if fluids aren't replaced.
A busy work day can make the problem worse. Whether you're dealing with a sweltering commute, getting blasted by air conditioning all day in the office, spending time outdoors, or simply forgetting to drink enough water, these daily occurrences can gradually deplete skin hydration. Air conditioning is particularly drying, as it reduces moisture in the air, while sun exposure during your lunch break or commute can weaken the skin barrier, making it dry, dull and harder for the skin to maintain hydration.
How supporting skin hydration helps maintains a healthy skin barrier during hot weather
Luckily, there are things you can do to help - supporting skin hydration is one of the most effective ways to keep the barrier functioning as it should during periods of hot weather. Look for certain ingredients in your skincare like humectants, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin and polyglutamic acid, which help attract and bind water to the skin, or emollients and barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides, squalane and fatty acids, which work to reduce moisture loss. Make sure to keep your complexion hydrated even if you’re oily or blemish-prone, as dehydrated skin can trigger excess oil production in an attempt to re-hydrate itself, potentially leading to congestion and breakouts.
A healthy, well-hydrated skin barrier is also better equipped to defend against daily environmental stressors and recover from UV exposure. It also means your skin feels smoother, softer and is less likely to experience irritation from active ingredients such as vitamin C, retinoids or AHAs.
Other things you can do is reapply your SPF throughout the day (as you should be anyway, every two hours or more frequently if you’re heavily sweating). Reapplying SPF adds a hit of hydration and of course, protects the skin barrier from UV damage. You could also spritz a facial mist a few times a day, or apply a hydrating serum if you’re working from home, to provide an extra boost of comfort if your skin starts to feel dry or too hot.
Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don't feel particularly thirsty. Regular hydration helps replace the fluids lost when you sweat and supports your body's natural cooling process. It's also a good idea to stay indoors or in the shade during the hottest part of the day (typically between 11am and 3pm), when UV levels and temperatures are at their highest. If you do need to be outside, wear lightweight, breathable clothing and protect your skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen - or our newest SPF launch, which we go into below.
Offering broad-spectrum SPF 60+ protection, this lightweight sunscreen uses FDA-approved UV filters to shield skin from both UVA and UVB rays, helping to prevent sun damage and premature signs of aging. SPF 60 isn't commonly seen yet in SPF ratings, but rest assured that this formula has been tested to meet strict US regulatory standards, giving you reliable, high protection. Its featherlight texture absorbs quickly, leaves no white cast and feels comfortable on the skin, (there’s no greasy residue here) making it suitable for all skin types, including those with dry skin or sensitive skin.
It’s also packed with skincare benefits. Centella asiatica extract helps calm redness and strengthen the skin barrier, while hyaluronic acid delivers long-lasting hydration to keep skin feeling soft and plump throughout the day. Ceramides help replenish the skin's natural lipid barrier, locking in essential moisture for a healthier, hydrated complexion.
Apply generously to the face and neck as the final step of your morning skincare routine, after moisturiser and before makeup. Don’t forget to reapply every two hours when exposed to the sun to maintain protection, or reapply immediately after swimming or sweating. For even more hydration and barrier support, pair it with the Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence, which combines probiotics, ceramides and fatty acids to help strengthen the skin barrier while boosting moisture and radiance - you’re welcome.
The clinical trial results
We tested the UV protection index, with an in vivo result of 375.90 nm and an in vitro result of 72.6 ± 13.7, SPF 64, meaning strong protection against UV rays.
Final thoughts
Everything is better for your skin when it’s well hydrated. It's more able to retain moisture, defend against environmental stressors and recover from exposure to heat, UV rays and air conditioning. The best thing you can do is to use hydrating skincare, wear sunscreen everyday and reapply it when you need to. Combine this with simple habits like drinking enough water and avoiding long periods of sun exposure, and you can help maintain a strong skin barrier that looks and feels comfortable and healthy.
How to Stay Hydrated While Working In The Heat
While we often associate dehydration with winter, hot summer weather can be just as challenging for the skin. High temperatures, increased UV exposure and humidity can all cause a damaged skin barrier and increase transepidermal water loss, meaning moisture evaporates from the skin more quickly. At the same time, sweating can leave skin feeling damp, uncomfortable and prone to breakouts, and can also contribute to dehydration if fluids aren't replaced.
A busy work day can make the problem worse. Whether you're dealing with a sweltering commute, getting blasted by air conditioning all day in the office, spending time outdoors, or simply forgetting to drink enough water, these daily occurrences can gradually deplete skin hydration. Air conditioning is particularly drying, as it reduces moisture in the air, while sun exposure during your lunch break or commute can weaken the skin barrier, making it dry, dull and harder for the skin to maintain hydration.
How supporting skin hydration helps maintains a healthy skin barrier during hot weather
Luckily, there are things you can do to help - supporting skin hydration is one of the most effective ways to keep the barrier functioning as it should during periods of hot weather. Look for certain ingredients in your skincare like humectants, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin and polyglutamic acid, which help attract and bind water to the skin, or emollients and barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides, squalane and fatty acids, which work to reduce moisture loss. Make sure to keep your complexion hydrated even if you’re oily or blemish-prone, as dehydrated skin can trigger excess oil production in an attempt to re-hydrate itself, potentially leading to congestion and breakouts.
A healthy, well-hydrated skin barrier is also better equipped to defend against daily environmental stressors and recover from UV exposure. It also means your skin feels smoother, softer and is less likely to experience irritation from active ingredients such as vitamin C, retinoids or AHAs.
Other things you can do is reapply your SPF throughout the day (as you should be anyway, every two hours or more frequently if you’re heavily sweating). Reapplying SPF adds a hit of hydration and of course, protects the skin barrier from UV damage. You could also spritz a facial mist a few times a day, or apply a hydrating serum if you’re working from home, to provide an extra boost of comfort if your skin starts to feel dry or too hot.
Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don't feel particularly thirsty. Regular hydration helps replace the fluids lost when you sweat and supports your body's natural cooling process. It's also a good idea to stay indoors or in the shade during the hottest part of the day (typically between 11am and 3pm), when UV levels and temperatures are at their highest. If you do need to be outside, wear lightweight, breathable clothing and protect your skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen - or our newest SPF launch, which we go into below.
The Centella Calm Cloud SPF
Offering broad-spectrum SPF 60+ protection, this lightweight sunscreen uses FDA-approved UV filters to shield skin from both UVA and UVB rays, helping to prevent sun damage and premature signs of aging. SPF 60 isn't commonly seen yet in SPF ratings, but rest assured that this formula has been tested to meet strict US regulatory standards, giving you reliable, high protection. Its featherlight texture absorbs quickly, leaves no white cast and feels comfortable on the skin, (there’s no greasy residue here) making it suitable for all skin types, including those with dry skin or sensitive skin.
It’s also packed with skincare benefits. Centella asiatica extract helps calm redness and strengthen the skin barrier, while hyaluronic acid delivers long-lasting hydration to keep skin feeling soft and plump throughout the day. Ceramides help replenish the skin's natural lipid barrier, locking in essential moisture for a healthier, hydrated complexion.
Apply generously to the face and neck as the final step of your morning skincare routine, after moisturiser and before makeup. Don’t forget to reapply every two hours when exposed to the sun to maintain protection, or reapply immediately after swimming or sweating. For even more hydration and barrier support, pair it with the Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence, which combines probiotics, ceramides and fatty acids to help strengthen the skin barrier while boosting moisture and radiance - you’re welcome.
The clinical trial results
We tested the UV protection index, with an in vivo result of 375.90 nm and an in vitro result of 72.6 ± 13.7, SPF 64, meaning strong protection against UV rays.
Final thoughts
Everything is better for your skin when it’s well hydrated. It's more able to retain moisture, defend against environmental stressors and recover from exposure to heat, UV rays and air conditioning. The best thing you can do is to use hydrating skincare, wear sunscreen everyday and reapply it when you need to. Combine this with simple habits like drinking enough water and avoiding long periods of sun exposure, and you can help maintain a strong skin barrier that looks and feels comfortable and healthy.