With temperatures soaring during the summer season, many people rely heavily on air conditioners to stay comfortable indoors. While air conditioning helps reduce heat and humidity, spending long hours in cooled environments may also affect skin and hair health.

Health and beauty experts say prolonged exposure to air-conditioned spaces can reduce moisture levels in the air, which may leave the skin feeling dry and the hair brittle or frizzy over time.

Recent discussions on social media have also highlighted concerns that constant air conditioner use may strip moisture from the skin and contribute to dull or dehydrated hair.

Experts recommend a few simple lifestyle and beauty adjustments to help minimise these effects.

Keep Your Skin Hydrated

Staying hydrated is important during hot weather, especially when spending most of the day indoors in air-conditioned rooms.

Drinking enough water throughout the day helps maintain skin moisture and elasticity. Experts generally recommend consuming around 2–3 litres of water daily, depending on activity levels and weather conditions.

Using a good moisturiser both morning and night can also help protect the skin barrier. Products containing ingredients such as glycerine or hyaluronic acid may help retain moisture more effectively.

Protect Your Hair from Dry Air

Cold air from air conditioners can dry out hair, especially when sitting directly under vents for long periods.

To reduce dryness and breakage:

• Avoid sitting directly in the path of the AC airflow
• Use a lightweight leave-in conditioner or small amount of hair oil on the ends
• Tie long hair loosely to reduce tangling and exposure to cold air

These simple habits can help hair remain softer and more manageable.

Use Gentle Skincare Products

Experts advise using hydrating and fragrance-free skincare products if you spend most of your day in air-conditioned environments.

Overwashing the face can remove natural oils, making dryness worse. Gentle cleansers, hydrating face masks, facial oils, or occasional facial steaming may help restore lost moisture.

Reduce Continuous AC Exposure

It is also important to avoid staying in air-conditioned rooms continuously without ventilation.

Taking short breaks outside, opening windows occasionally, or allowing fresh air to circulate indoors may help reduce dryness and improve comfort.

Experts also suggest setting air conditioners between 24°C and 26°C instead of using extremely cold settings. Moderate temperatures can help maintain indoor comfort while reducing the drying effects on the skin and hair.

Small adjustments to hydration, skincare, and cooling habits can go a long way in helping people stay comfortable and healthy during the summer heat.