Nothing beats cooling off at the pool during these hot and humid summer days. Whether you lounge pool-side or head to the sandy shores, the sun and water can strip your skin of its moisture. How do you treat dry, tight and itchy skin after a quick soak? Your Knoxville Dermatology friends have some tips.

First things first. Before you step outside, make sure you’ve applied plenty of sunscreen to your face and the rest of your body. Use a waterproof sunscreen if you know you’re going to be sweating, swimming or splashing around. This preparation will protect your skin from sunburns, peeling and premature aging. To protect from chlorine and salt water, apply a thick moisturizer with squalene and zinc before putting on sunscreen. Protect your hair with a few drops of hair oil or serum to create a barrier between your hair and the water.

Once you get to the pool or beach, reapply sunscreen every 40 minutes to ensure continuous protection. Take a shower at your earliest convenience because the chlorine will continue to dehydrate your skin.. Use a gel instead of soap and a mild shampoo for best results. Do not blow dry hair, but apply a few drops of hair oil to re-moisturize your locks. Towel dry skin and hair and apply a thick lotion all over, even between fingers and toes!

Your skin and hair can survive a scorching summer with these easy steps. Your friends at Knoxville Dermatology are all about helping you celebrate this season with surf, sand, and pool-side fun – without sacrificing your summery glow!

If you have any questions about changes in your skin, please call us today at 865-690-9467. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.