How to Moisturise Dry Skin in Summer: Causes, Remedies, and Care Tips

Dry, tight, flaky skin isn’t just a winter problem. Many of us in Aotearoa notice dryness creeping in as the weather warms, the sun gets stronger, and our days get saltier, sweatier, and more outdoorsy. If your dry skin on face feels papery after a swim or your legs look scaly by afternoon, or your make-up clings to dry patches, you’re not imagining it. Summer has its own set of skin-stressing triggers.

At Nude Kiwi, we believe glowing skin starts with a kind routine, smart ingredients, and a few consistent habits. This guide explains why skin can feel dry in summer, how to calm it quickly, and how to keep it soft, bouncy, and luminous—without heaviness—through the hottest months. We’ll also show you which of our naturally-powered formulas fit where, and how to build a lightweight routine that really holds on to hydration.

Understanding Dry Skin — What Causes Dry Skin in Summer?

What exactly is “dry” skin?

Dry, flaky skin has a compromised moisture barrier—the outermost layer of your skin, called the stratum corneum. When the barrier is healthy, it acts like a snug, flexible raincoat—locking water in and keeping irritants out. When the barrier is weakened, water evaporates faster (a process called transepidermal water loss, or TEWL), and your skin feels tight, rough, and reactive.

How it looks and feels

• Fine, powdery flakes that catch make-up or sunscreen

• Rough texture you can feel when you run your fingers over your forehead, cheeks, or chin

• Visible dry patches—often around the nose and mouth

• A “scaly” look on legs and arms that shows up especially in bright light

• Skin that feels tight after cleansing or swimming

• Occasional itchiness or sensitivity to products that were previously fine

Dryness isn’t a skin “type” you’re stuck with forever—it can be a state caused by environment, habits, and products. That’s good news: with the right routine, you can change it.

Why Is My Skin So Dry (Especially in Summer)?

Everyday causes

• Harsh cleansers: High-foam or sulphate-heavy washes can strip the lipids your barrier needs to stay waterproof.

• Dehydration: Extra sunshine, long days, and more activity mean we often sweat more and sip less.

• Over-exfoliation: Too many acids or scrubs can thin your barrier and lead to dry skin on the face and body.

• Hot showers: Lovely in the moment, but hot water dissolves barrier lipids.

• Chlorine & salt: Pools and ocean swims are iconic Kiwi summer—both can leave skin parched if you don’t replenish.

Seasonal triggers

• UV and heat exposure: Sun accelerates moisture loss, heat expands pores and increases sweat/salt on skin.

• Air-con: Indoor cooling is dry air; skin loses water faster.

• Wind: Summer winds (especially near the coast) can chap and dehydrate.

Sudden changes

Ever notice a quick switch from “fine” to “flaky”? That can be:

• A new cleanser or sunscreen that’s too astringent

• A big jump in exfoliating strength (say, moving from a weekly to daily acid)

• Travel—flight cabins and climate changes are famously drying

Dry Skin on Face, Legs, and Arms

Face-specific dryness

• Forehead: Tends to show fine dry, flaky skin and shine-and-flake at the same time

• Around nose & chin: Sunscreen build-up + wind/salt + frequent wiping can cause micro-irritation and patchiness.

• Cheeks: Often the first to feel tight after cleansing or swimming.'

Dry skin on face is often most noticeable around the forehead, nose, and chin.

What helps: a gentle cleanse, a water-binding serum, and a featherlight moisturiser that actually seals—not just sits. Targeted, non-stinging actives (like niacinamide, panthenol, and hyaluronic acid) comfort, while antioxidant oils (think sea buckthorn or cacay) support resilience without heaviness.

Legs & arms

Body skin is thicker and has fewer oil glands, so it shows scaly, dry skin on legs sooner—especially after shaving or swimming. A body serum packed with humectants during the day and a replenishing oil at night can restore that smooth, satin finish quickly.

Dry Skin Treatment & Remedies — How to Moisturise Dry Skin in Summer

How to moisturise in summer (light but lasting)

When treating dry skin in summer, the goal is hydration and barrier support without weight or pore congestion.

AM routine (summer-smart)

1. Gentle cleanse: Start soft. Our Cleansing Milk (Manuka, Grapeskin Extract, Aloe Vera, Vitamin E) removes sweat, sunscreen, and SPF residue without stripping. Massage on dry skin; add water to emulsify; rinse with cool-to-lukewarm water.

2. Water-binding serum: Apply Ultimate Repair Serum—our humectant-rich, antioxidant boost with Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide (B3), Yuzu, Sea Buckthorn, Plum Extract, Gotu Kola, Bakuchiol, CoQ10, and Cacay Seed Oil. It pulls water in and reinforces skin against summer stress.

3. Light, sealing moisturiser: Brightening Day Cream (Marine Collagen, Liquorice Root) gives a dewy cushion without feeling greasy, softens look of fine dryness and helps even tone.

4. Eye area (optional): Blueberry Bright Eye Gel (Niacinamide, Caffeine, Bakuchiol, Blueberry, Cornflower) for puff-deflating hydration that won’t melt in heat.

5. Sunscreen: Every day. Reapply, especially after swimming or sweating.

PM routine (repair mode)

1. Double cleanse on SPF/heavy days: Start with Cleansing Milk, rinse, repeat gently if sunscreen/make-up linger.

2. Targeted resurfacing (2–4× a week): Resurfacing Serum (Glycolic Acid, Niacinamide, Manuka, Chamomile, Oat Extract) refines flaky build-up so hydration sinks in. Start 1–2× weekly and build up.

3. Replenish & seal: Rotate between:

• Overnight Repair (Flaxseed & Marine Collagen) for comforting, plush moisture without heaviness.

• Recovery Concentrate Oil (Pumpkin Seed, Black Sesame, Olive Squalane, Jojoba, Black Cumin) to seal hydration and fortify barrier lipids—use alone or press 2–3 drops over your cream.

Pro tip: In humid heat, try a serum sandwich—serum → micro-layer of cream → one drop of oil pressed on top. It’s surprisingly breathable but locks hydration in for hours.

How to protect skin in winter (so summer starts strong)

It may sound off-season, but glowing summer skin is made in spring and protected in winter. Through the cooler months:

• Keep exfoliation moderate and steady (not daily scrubs).

• Seal night-time hydration with Recovery Concentrate Oil.

• Use Overnight Repair to calm and cushion cold-stressed skin.
  Arriving in summer with a healthy barrier means fewer dry patches once the UV index climbs.

Quick fixes for overnight hydration

• Hydration stack: Mist (or dampen skin), then Ultimate Repair Serum, then a generous layer of Overnight Repair, sealing with a drop of Recovery Concentrate Oil.

• SOS for flaky makeup days: At night, smooth a thin layer of Resurfacing Serum (skip if very sensitive), follow with serum + cream. You’ll wake up noticeably smoother.

• Body bounce back: Apply Body Serum (Squalane, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Green Tea, Hydrolysed Wheat Protein, Vitamin E) after shower on damp skin, then spot-seal drier areas with Body Oil.

Best Products & Natural Remedies for Extremely Dry Skin

What’s good for extremely dry skin?

When choosing dry skin treatment, look for a three-part combo:

1. Humectants (pull water in): Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Aloe.

2. Barrier lipids (seal water in): Squalane, Jojoba, Pumpkin/Black Sesame seed oils, Ceramide-like support.

3. Soothers/strengtheners: Niacinamide, Oat, Chamomile, Manuka, Gotu Kola.

Nude Kiwi picks for very dry days

• Cleansing Milk: Gentle daily cleanse that doesn’t disrupt the barrier.

• Ultimate Repair Serum: Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide + antioxidant botanicals for deep, bouncy hydration.

• Brightening Day Cream: Cushions and brightens with Marine Collagen and Liquorice Root.

• Overnight Repair: Plush night cream to reduce tightness by morning.

• Recovery Concentrate Oil: Our sealing step for long-lasting comfort—mix a drop into your cream on extra-dry nights.

• Body Serum (day) + Body Oil (night): Light layers that keep limbs supple without stickiness.

Natural solutions you can layer in

• Aloe Vera: Lightweight water magnet and skin soother—great pre-serum on damp skin.

• Honey masks: Natural humectant (do a patch test; skip if sticky textures aren’t your thing).

• Plant oils: Jojoba (skin-similar), Squalane (fast-absorbing), Pumpkin Seed (barrier-friendly), Black Sesame (rich in antioxidants). Oils don’t hydrate on their own, so always pair with a water-based step first.

Lifestyle tips that quietly change everything

• Hydrate smarter: Staying hydrated is key to preventing dry skin, especially in summer.

• Shower tweaks: Keep water warm—not hot—and moisturise within three minutes of towelling (the “3-minute rule,” more below).

• Sunscreen always: UV accelerates moisture loss; SPF is non-negotiable.

• Post-swim routine: Quick rinse to remove chlorine/salt, then re-apply serum + moisturiser.

• Gentle laundry: Harsh detergents can make body skin itchy and dry.

• Diet for skin: Think healthy fats (avocado, nuts, olive oil), colourful produce (antioxidants), and protein to support collagen.

When to See a Dermatologist

Sometimes extremely dry skin or persistent flaking signals a medical condition that needs tailored care

Red flags to watch

• Persistent redness, itch, or rash that doesn’t settle with gentle moisturising

• Thick, silvery plaques (possible psoriasis)

• Cracks that bleed or frequent infections

• Sudden widespread flares after a new product or medication

• Baby/child dryness with intense itch (possible eczema/atopic dermatitis)

If you recognise these, press pause on actives, keep things very gentle, and see your GP or a dermatologist. They can diagnose properly and, if needed, prescribe treatments that sit beautifully alongside a barrier-friendly routine.

Putting It All Together: A Simple Summer Routine (Face & Body)

Morning (Face)

1. Cleansing Milk

2. Ultimate Repair Serum

3. Brightening Day Cream

4. Blueberry Bright Eye Gel (optional)

5. Broad-spectrum SPF (reapply diligently)

Evening (Face)

1. Cleansing Milk (double if heavy SPF/make-up)

2. Resurfacing Serum (2–4× weekly; otherwise skip)

3. Overnight Repair

4. Recovery Concentrate Oil (press 1–3 drops over drier areas)

Body

• Day: Body Serum post-shower on damp skin

• Night: Body Oil to seal; focus on shins, knees, and elbows

Prefer a ready-made starting point? Our Dry Skin Rescue bundle (Overnight Repair, Ultimate Repair Serum, Recovery Concentrate Oil) is designed to replenish and seal without heaviness. For mornings, the Morning Glow bundle (Brightening Day Cream, Ultimate Repair Serum, Blueberry Bright Eye Gel) keeps summer skin fresh and bright.

Conclusion

Dry skin in summer is common and fixable. Between sun, salt, wind, and air-con, your barrier works overtime—so meet it halfway with gentle cleansing, hydration that actually binds water, and lightweight lipids that keep it there. Keep exfoliation thoughtful, moisturise within minutes of bathing, and reapply SPF like it’s your job.With a few steady habits and barrier-loving formulas, you can prevent dry flaky skin and keep a soft, hydrated glow all season.

FAQ

How do I take care of dry skin in summer?

Think light layers with purpose:

• Gentle cleanse (Cleansing Milk)

• Hydrating serum (Ultimate Repair Serum—Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide + antioxidants)

• Featherlight moisturiser (Brightening Day Cream)

• Daily SPF
  Reapply hydration after swimming, and keep a drop of Recovery Concentrate Oil to press over drier spots at night.

Which moisturiser is best for dry skin in summer?

Look for something that’s cushiony but breathable. Brightening Day Cream gives a soft glow with Marine Collagen and Liquorice Root, layers well under SPF, and doesn’t feel heavy in heat. At night, Overnight Repair restores comfort without a greasy film.

How do I treat dry skin on the face during pregnancy?

Keep it gentle and consistent:

• Mild cleanser, humectant-rich serum (Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide), and a simple moisturiser.

• Many expectant parents choose to avoid high-strength acids and retinoids; bakuchiol (present in our Ultimate Repair Serum and Blueberry Bright Eye Gel) is often used as a gentle alternative, but every pregnancy is unique—please check with your healthcare professional before making changes.

• Daily SPF is essential.

What is the “3-minute rule” for moisturiser?

Moisturise within three minutes of stepping out of the shower or cleansing. Skin is still slightly damp and more receptive—humectants pull that water in, and your cream/oil helps lock it there. This single habit massively reduces daytime tightness.

Is moisturising three times a day OK?

Yes—frequency follows feel. In summer, thin layers win. If your cheeks feel tight after a swim or the office air-con kicks in, apply a small amount of Ultimate Repair Serum followed by a pea of Brightening Day Cream. At night, seal with a drop of Recovery Concentrate Oil. More important than frequency is using enough water-binding hydration and then sealing it.

What is the best moisturiser for eczema?

Eczema needs barrier-first care and a clinician’s guidance. Fragrance-light, barrier-supporting formulas often help. In our range, Cleansing Milk (non-stripping) plus simple hydration (Ultimate Repair Serum) and a sealing step (Recovery Concentrate Oil or Overnight Repair) can be a gentle base. However, eczema is medical—if you’re flaring, please see your GP or dermatologist for a plan that may include prescription treatments.

Final Tips for Happy Summer Skin

• Keep a small “post-swim” pouch: mini cleanser, hydrating serum, and moisturiser.

• Exfoliate strategically (2–4× weekly with Resurfacing Serum) to keep flakes from blocking hydration.

• Layer body care too: Body Serum → Body Oil over drier zones.

• Drink water, eat the rainbow, and don’t forget SPF.

If you’d like help choosing a routine for your exact skin mood right now, message us—Nude Kiwi is here to build your simplest path to glow.