The heat and humidity of summer can take its toll on your body. Dr Sneh Thadani tells us about skin care to beat the summer.

Summers can be severe. The Skin feels the heat too. Proper care needs to be taken for it to radiate even when the temperatures rise. Dr. Thadani guides us by giving us some useful pointers. Read on..

Effects of the summer heat and humidity on the skin

Excess heat increases Sweat production and the humidity hinders its ability to evaporate away from the skin. This means more oil is available to clog pores which can exacerbate acne. Also, extreme heat and humidity can facilitate bacterial infections such as impetigo and fungal infections like athlete’s footor intertrigo, which are rashes seen in body folds. This is that time of the year when a lot of patients who battle those conditions become very uncomfortable.

Essentials of skin care

Nothing is more important than wearing sunscreen (ideally, spf 30) every day. Many dermatologists even recommend layering sunscreens with a chemical blocker first followed by a physical blocking sunscreen which contains zinc and/or titanium. This way the sun’s rays are primarily reflected away, but what does get through is then absorbed by the chemical sun-screen beneath.

Acne breakouts:

When sweat mixes with bacteria and oils on your skin, it can clog your pores. If you have acne-prone skin, this often means breakouts. Dermatologists recommend the following to help prevent acne:

• Blot sweat from your skin with a clean towel or cloth. wiping sweat off can irritate your skin, which can lead to a breakout.
• Wash sweaty clothes, headbands, towels, and hats before wearing them again.
• Use non-comedogenic products on your face, neck, back, and chest. The label may also say “oil free” or “won’t clog pores.”

Dry, Irritated skin

When outdoor air is hot and humid, you can still have Dry Irritated Skin. The biggest culprits are spending time in the sun, pool, and air-conditioning. If your skin starts to feel dry and irritated despite the humidity, try these tips:

• Shower and shampoo immediately after getting out of the pool, using fresh, clean water and a mild cleanser or body wash made for swimmers.
• Apply sunscreen before going outdoors, using one that offers broad-spectrum protection, spf 30+, and water resistance.
• Use a mild cleanser to wash your skin. soaps and body washes labeled “antibacterial” or “deodorant” can dry your skin.
• Take showers and baths in warm rather than hot water.
• Slather on a fragrance-free moisturizer after every shower and bath. moisturizer works by trapping water in your skin, so you’ll need to apply it within 5 minutes of taking a shower or bath.
• Carry moisturizer with you, so you can apply it after washing your hands and when your skin feels dry.
• Turn up the thermostat if the air conditioning makes your home too dry.
• Steer clear of thick and heavy foundations.

Prickly heat (or heat rash)

Blocked sweat glands cause this because the sweat cannot get out, It builds up under your skin, causing a rash and tiny, itchy bumps. When the bumps burst and release sweat, many people feel a prickly sensation on their skin.

Anything you can do to stop sweating profusely will help reduce your risk. Tips that dermatologists offer to their patients to help them sweat less and thereby lessen their risk of getting prickly heat include:

• Wear light-weight, loose-fitting clothes made of cotton.
• Exercise outdoors during the coolest parts of the day or move your workout indoors where you can be in air-conditioning.
• Try to keep your skin cool by using fans, cool showers, and air-conditioning when possible.

Sun allergy: You can develop hives (an allergic skin reaction) when you’re in the sun if you:

• Take certain medications
• Have a sun sensitivity (usually runs in the family) If you have an allergic reaction to the sun, you’ll see red, scaly, and extremely itchy bumps on some (or all) bare skin. Some people also get blisters. To prevent an allergic skin reaction:
• Check your medication container to find out if it can cause an allergic reaction when you go out in the sun. Medications that can cause an allergic sun reaction include ketoprofen (found in some pain meds) and these antibiotics — tetracycline, doxycycline, and minocycline. If the medicine can cause a reaction, stay out of the sun.
• Protect your skin from the sun. You can do this by seeking shade, wearing sun-protective clothes, and applying sunscreen that offers broad spectrum protection, water resistance, and an SPF of 30 or more.

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Dr. Sneh Thadani

MBBS DNB DERMATOLOGY

Head of Dermatology Department, SSD Hospital