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 a lot of time in the water (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 essentially why you are recommended to wash off with fresh water once you've come out of the ocean or pool.

Once you've washed off the irritating agents, be sure to apply a natural skin moisturizer and some sunblock. This may be tedious, especially if you're having fun at the beach and are too busy to take some time out to worry about your skin. And that's okay, we all know what it's like, but don't complain later when your skin starts feeling dry and irritated.

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 contain a high level of silicone which help keep the lipid barrier of your skin intact. The layer of shielding lotion will repel water from the surface of your skin; however, you have to make sure that you apply it before getting your toes wet.

Drinking in excess, be it alcohol or caffeine, can also cause your skin to dry out. During the summer, it's not uncommon for people refresh themselves by drinking fruity alcohol drinks, iced coffee, and caffeinated sodas. However, watch your intake or you may dehydrate your body.

Instead, prefer natural fruits juices or fruit smoothies. Of course, your best option is still and will forever be, fresh water. This can help your body stay hydrated while keeping your core temperature down.

Your cleansing routine is also important 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.

There is no need to exfoliation forcefully. In fact, if you use too much force, you can actually damage your skin. If you'd like, you can use salt or sugar to exfoliate gently, or better yet, you can use a natural skin care product that contains micro-crystals.

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