When Summer comes around, most people are likely to be planning trips, heading to the beach, and getting the swimwear out. Think twice, for between trying to get that tan and cooling off, our Skin could go through harmful sun exposure and severe oil build-up inside the pores. Then there is prickly heat, dry skin, and in some cases inflammation and rashes.

Read on and protect yourself for when the summer comes around, so that you can safely soak up the sun.

Summer Skin Care

Due to a rise in general temperature and sun exposure during the summer months, the skin is prone to all kinds of issues. Aggravating tans or sunburns, dry skin, and prickly heat is not the end of it. There can also be acne breakouts, pigmentation issues, rashes, and folliculitis. It is important to exfoliate the skin, use a sunscreen, and stay hydrated. Use the tips below to form an easy-to-maintain skin care routine during the summer season.

Summer Skin Problems

• Sun Allergy – If there is a breakout of red, scaly, and extremely itchy bumps on your skin, or even blisters, chances are you have a sun allergy. Typically, hives from sun exposure could be hereditary, but this can also be triggered due to medication like tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline or ketoprofen. Check your medicine or speak to your doctor if suspect the latter.
• Sunburn – The most common form of skin condition people are affected by during the summer, sunburns, are caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight. The skin gains a heavy pigmentation (tan) and for some skin types, even becomes inflamed and cracked. Applying a sunscreen that offers a high protection factor and has water resistance is a must. Try to limit exposure of your skin by covering up or finding shaded areas when going out.

Also read: Tips To Remove Sun Tan From Face

• Prickly Heat/Heat Rash (Miliaria rubra) – At higher temperatures, sweat glands get blocked due to oil or dirt. As the glands are not clear, oil tends to build up under the surface of the skin, causing a rash or itchy bumps. Avoiding heavy creams, wearing breathable fabrics like cotton, and staying in cool and ventilated environments go a long way in preventing prickly heat.
• Acne Breakouts – This is also quite common for acne prone skin during the summer. Excess oil fills in pores leading to blocked pores, which develops into acne when in contact with acne-causing bacteria.
• Dry, Irritated Skin – Drastic temperature shifts from the heat to a cooler area is what causes the skin to become dry. People living in humid climates are no exception to this. Cleanse and moisturize exposed skin, and use a sunscreen. If you are the kind to swim a lot, make sure to shower and shampoo after as the chlorine and cleaning agents in the pool can cause skin irritation.
• Folliculitis – Hair follicles can get infected with sweat and oil build up. This leads to pimple formation and usually happens in body crevices and is also common on the face, scalp, armpits, back, and chest. Hydration and allowing the affected areas to air out will help.
• Melasma – Grey or brown patches can be a side effect of excessive sun exposure. Women are more prone to this condition than men due to fluctuations in the hormonal balance. They affect the cheek, forehead, nose, upper lip, and chin areas and sometimes can be seen on the forearms and neck as well. While there are other treatments and topical medicines that can be used to treat melasma in extreme conditions, basic sunscreen and gentle skin care products will go a long way in helping the condition.
• Poison Ivy, Oak Or Sumac Rash – If the summer months equal hiking on trails, you might encounter plants like poison ivy, oak, and sumac. They secrete an oil called urushiol, which causes rashes when in contact with human skin. Most times, these rashes go away without treatment in under three weeks. However, if you experience severe swelling, issues with breathing or swallowing, and/or out of control itching, go to an emergency room immediately to get the appropriate treatment.
• Sea Bather’s Eruption – The sea waters that are breeding grounds for jellyfish and sea anemone contain their microscope larvae that can sometimes get caught in swimming gear and then on to the skin. It is also called pica pica and the symptom is a rash. Look out for signs for infected waters or if there have been cases of the same in the areas you are visiting.
• Swimmer’s Ear – As the name suggests, this is an infection of the inner ear canal when water gets trapped inside it. Wearing earplugs while swimming and keeping your ears dry is the best way to avoid this. Avoid cleaning with cotton swabs as this can push earwax, dirt, and debris further into the ear.
• Swimmer’s Itch – This usually occurs in water bodies that are not treated with cleaning agents. The skin breaks out into tiny red spots or hives and blisters (depending on severity) due to the presence of water parasites that burrow into the upper skin layer. This occurs mainly in shallow and warmer waters. Briskly rub your skin with a towel after leaving a body of water as the parasites start to burrow only when the water evaporates.
• Razor Burn – As the summertime increases the rate of “bodyscaping” for most people, razor burns tend to be higher. Razor burn is the skin irritation that arises out of improper shaving technique or tools. The risk of infection becomes higher in such areas as they are essentially small cuts. Using proper products (shaving cream, foam, gels, etc.) with a good quality blade help avoid the burns. Shave the area after washing gently with warm water to open the pores and then rinse with cold water to close them after to prevent infections.

• Back Acne – Another issue that is aggravated by sweat, back acne gets worse if it is exposed to the sun. Antibacterial cleansers and using non-panthenol (hair conditioner ingredient) products will help reduce the chances of the spread. Speak to a dermatologist in extreme cases.
• Oily, Sticky Skin – Oily skin types get even oilier during summer. Drying cleansers and toners actually aggravate the situation by being temporary in effect. Avoid products with sodium lauryl sulphate, mineral oils, petroleum, and petrolatum if you belong to this skin type.
• Body Odour – Body crevices and folds are areas that promote the growth of bacteria due to the moisture levels. These bacteria break down some gland secretions to produce hydrogen sulphide or fatty acids, which have a distinct odour. Regular baths, talcum or antifungal powder, and clean clothes and undergarments will help.
• Heat Boils – This is another condition caused by bacteria on the skin as they breed on the moisture-rich skin. The boils are called furuncles and can be treated with antibiotics.
• Fungal Infections – This is prevalent in the areas not exposed to sunlight, but particularly in hot or moist weather, fungal infections must be taken seriously. Often caused due sweaty clothing or undergarments, these can spread quite quickly. Visit a doctor or dermatologist and avoid using over-the-counter medication as this could worsen the situation.

Also Read: Natural Skin Care Tips For Healthy Glowing Skin

Summer Skin Care Tips

• Exfoliation – Use a scrub on your skin before you shower and use a body cream or oil after one. This helps clean the pores of the dead and dry skin and gets it ready for the summer heat.
• Cleansing – A micellar cleanser or any other mild cleansing agent tackles sweat and oil on the exposed areas of the skin. Remember to do it only twice a day to make sure the skin does not dry out.
• Toning – After thoroughly cleaning your skin, a toner takes the role of closing the pores. Use it sparingly and as a preventive measure for excess oil production.
• Moisturize – Dry heat and humid climates alike can result in dry and cracked skin. Light moisturizers (even with sunscreen) are good for keeping your skin breathing in the heat. Avoid using heavy creams as they may clog the pores.
• Use Sunscreen – Do not leave home without it. Look for UVA and UVB products in SPF 30-70 and wait for it to dry once applied, before stepping out.
• Makeup Tips – With summer seasons, less is more. Favour a more natural look and if you are using products, favour those with an SPF rating.
• Hydration Tips – Drinking water is even more important in the summer months. It keeps you hydrated and washes out toxins that could be responsible, in part, for skin issues. A light and fast absorbing lotion will help lock in some moisture in your skin keeping it hydrated from the surface as well.
• Don’t Forget Your Feet – With summer comes the sandals. Exposed footwear equals exposed skin. Exfoliate the skin on your feet with a pedicure and remember to protect them with sunscreen as well.
• Protect Your Pout – Use a textured lip balm with SPF 15 or higher and keep the chapped lips at bay. Reapply regularly to keep your lips protected throughout the day.
• Spritz Your Scalp – A sunscreen spritzer (spray) is a good solution for areas where creams are harder to reach (for example, the skin along the hairline). These can be used on the face and body.
• Take A Cold Shower – A cold shower will help close the pores of your skin, helping prevent acne breakouts and other issues.
• Sip Some Red Wine – Red wine contains a naturally occurring (red grape skin) phenol called resveratrol, which is proven to reduce redness from acute sunburns. Remember to drink responsibly!
• Powder Your Nose – To avoid re-doing your makeup after applying sunscreen, look for mineral makeup that contains SPF 50 and dust it on. You can then conveniently stay protected from the sun and avoid the hassle.
• Wear A Hat While Traveling – A wide brim hat is just a simple and logical solution to help cover areas of the face and shoulders. They also come into fashion around summer, so you have plenty of stylish options to choose from.

• Treat Sun Spots – To help tackle dark spots, certain shelf or clinical strength (speak to your dermatologist) fade creams can lighten pigmentation caused by sun exposure. Apply them nightly or as directed by the dermatologist.
• Fight Acne All Over – Use an antibacterial soap or cleansing pads twice a day to prevent bacteria from infecting your pores. If the skin dries out, remember to moisturize slightly.
• Go Easy On The Eyes – A cream can protect the sensitive skin around the eyes, which helps with wrinkles and lines that can be aggravated by sun damage during summer.
• Don’t Forget Your Hands – The skin on your palms and hands can also be prone to wrinkles, pigmentation, and sun damage. Hydrate them with an SPF 15 cream to keep them soft and protected.
• Feed Your Face – Foods rich in vitamins and electrolytes help keep the body hydrated and allow for the removal of toxins. Certain fruits like strawberries or lemons can be sliced and applied to the face for a few minutes to brighten dark spots.
• Find A Lighter Formula – If the creams feel too heavy or greasy, find something lighter that works for you. Speaking to customer service representatives at beauty stores or salons might give you a lead.
• Wear Sunglasses When You Go Outdoors – Protect your eyes and the skin around them with a pair of fashionable shades. Maybe even try a cooling filter to beat the summer brightness and remember to get lenses with UV protection.
• Give Yourself A Vitamin C Boost – Ample in all skin care products, a vitamin C supplement will also help reduce discoloration, promote collagen production, and minimize fine lines and wrinkles.

With all the information and tips above, you can now make your summer plans a breeze. Remember to stick to the basics of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing; and always have a sunscreen on hand.

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