Skin functions^1-3

The skin has many functions, including acting as a physical barrier and helping maintain body temperature.

When water evaporates from the skin it takes heat with it. When the body temperature is high, which can occur due to external temperature, physical exercise or illness, we sweat to produce more water for evaporation and therefore expel more heat.

Sebum, a natural oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin, forms a protective barrier that reduces water loss to regulate body temperature and helps to keep the skin moisturised.

Any imbalance between the water and sebum levels of the skin can cause issues. Many summer activities can cause these imbalances:

• Excessive bathing – customers may bathe more due to sweating, wanting to remove suncream or socialising more, if they are on holiday
• Scrubbing the skin while washing, or using harsh soaps that dissolve the protective layer of sebum
• Swimming in pools treated with chlorine can cause dry skin
• Hot, dry weather can increase water loss
• Frequent exposure to wind and sun can evaporate water from the skin, making the surface feel itchy and dry
• Dry air in air conditioned environments increases the risk of dry skin.

You can help customers to prevent these issues by advising them to:

• Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• Reduce the length of their bath or shower and use warm (rather than hot) water
• Avoid harsh soaps and bubble baths
• Shower and shampoo immediately after getting out of the pool, using fresh, clean water and a mild cleanser or body wash made for swimmers.