Dry skin is usually a big issue during the winter months. Central heating, open flames and cold wind can rob your skin of moisture. Neverthless, you might also notice some flaking and dryness during the summer.

If you think I'm bluffing, here are some reasons why you can get dry skin during summer and what you have to do to prevent it.

Spending too much time in the swimming pool, lake, or ocean can make your skin dry out. Water can hydrate your skin if it is ingested, but if it is on the surface of the skin it can quickly dehydrate your skin once it evaporates.

The salt in ocean water also acts as a dehydrating agent just like the chlorine in swimming pools. This is why fresh water showers are providing in public swimming pools as well as in some beaches; so that you can remove these drying agents from your body as soon as possible.

Once you have removed any irritating agent from your skin, be sure to apply a skin moisturizer in addition to your normal sunblock. This may seem tedious, but it if you want to protect your skin during summer and still be able to play in the sun, then your best bet is to follow these simple steps.

Another way to get all the dry skin relief you need without having to get out of the water, is by using a shielding lotion. Shielding lotions are applied before going into a pool or the ocean. They are used to repel water from the surface of your skin. This process is possible because this type of product contains high levels of silicone which help to keep the water from flooding your skin.

Drinking in excess, be it alcohol or caffeine, can also cause your skin to dry out. During summer it's normal for people to refresh themselves by drinking lots of fruity alcohol drinks, iced coffee, and caffeinated sodas, however, if you're not careful you're actually dehydrating your body instead of replenishing your body.

Instead try natural fruits juices and iced teas (without additional sugar) to quench your thirst. Of course, your best option is still and will forever be, fresh water. This can help you control your core temperature and keep you hydrated.

Your cleansing routine is also crucial during the summer. If you want to help your skin absorb moisturize properly, you should exfoliate regularly. Exfoliating helps you remove dead skin cells and prepares your skin to be moisturized.

Be careful when exfoliating. In fact, if you are too aggressive when exfoliating, you may cause actual damage to your skin. You can use salt or sugar for a thorough exfoliation or a natural product that contains micro-crystals for a gentle and effective exfoliation.

To help hydrate your skin even further, it is important to use the right moisturizer or moisturizing products. When treating dry skin you need a very thick and creamy moisturizer. You can even use oils, such as olive oil or rose hip oil to get a better hydration.