It’s that time of the year when the sun is at its cheerful best but our skin is not. In a tropical climate like ours with harsh summers, it is important to pamper and take care of skin and let it breathe as much as we can. True enough that we would want to chill with glasses of iced tea or lemonade to quench our thirst, but also remember to keep your skin hydrated and happy.
As if the heat isn’t enough, most parts of India also are humid making skin prone to acne breakouts, heat rashes, sunburn etc. apart from making it oily and sticky. Here are some common skin problems in summer and how we can easily prevent rashes or take care of them.
Acne breakouts
The soaring temperatures and humidity make a perfect recipe for sweaty skin with clogged pores, rendering it a perfect breeding ground for bacteria leading to acne breakouts, especially in skin that is already oily and acne-prone. Not only is acne a nuisance aesthetically, it also can develop into painful infections.
What can you do to prevent this?
Use cosmetics and skin care products that are water-based, allowing your skin to breathe. Non-comedogenic skin care prevents the pores of the skin from being clogged and thus prevent blackheads and bad acne breakouts.
Wash your face with mild soap and water after the skin has been exposed to pollution or has been sweaty.
How to tackle acne?
The key to clearing out acne lies in the maintenance of skin that isn’t excessively oily. Using a facial cleanser containing salicylic acid will help in controlling excess oil production thus helping in clearing a breakout.
Heat rashes
A common skin issue in summers, heat rashes are not easy on the skin. A combination of heat and humidity can make the skin sweat excessively in efforts to cool down. But once these sweat glands get blocked, the heat has no way to escape from the skin, leading to a heat rash or prickly heat. Usually seen as tiny red bumps, these rashes when they burst cause itchy and irritated skin.
What can you do to prevent this?
Wearing summer-friendly fabrics that let the skin breathe and fit loose, can go a long way in preventing these annoying skin rashes.
Bathing twice, bathing after excessive sweating/workouts can keep skin healthy and fresh all day and also sweat-free.
How to tackle a heat rash?
Apply water-based gels such as aloe-vera gel to soothe skin and itchiness and offer much needed relief.
Dusting medicated powders specific for prickly heat on skin can help keep skin dry and sweat-free.
Dehydration
Water is not just essential for our system to function effectively, but also for healthy and happy skin. A common issue during hot summers is dry and dehydrated skin which happens as a direct result of water loss through sweating.
What can you do to prevent it?
Avoid taking very hot showers as hot water can rip skin off moisture and make it excessively dry. Take showers in lukewarm water instead.
Use mild soaps that are easy on the skin and help in retaining some moisture.
How can you tackle dehydrated skin?
Use a water-based moisturizer right after you step out of the shower when skin is still slightly damp. This helps in better absorption and keeping skin moisturized longer.
Sunburns.
The harsh sun rays during summer can cause sunburns and that is why it is very important to use a good sunscreen with a good SPF value each time you step out or during prolonged exposures to sun. Swimming can enhance the effect of harmful sun rays on skin and thus it is imperative to use a sunscreen that meets your particular requirement and appropriate for the activity.
What can you do to prevent it?
The holy grail to burn-free skin is applying and reapplying an effective broad-spectrum sunscreen and reduce exposure, especially when the sun is harsh.
How can you tackle a sunburn?
The first thing you should do when you are getting a sunburn is to get into a shade immediately to avoid further damage to the skin.
Applying an ointment containing hydrocortisone as soon as you are in a shade/home will offer substantial relief in some time.
Using an alcohol-free moisturizer will also help.
Body odour, sticky and itchy skin
Heat, humidity, sweat, excessively oil skin – perfect concoction for happy bacteria and unhappy skin. The bacteria release hydrogen sulfide and fatty acids, making not only others around you squirm, but also your skin uncomfortable.
How can you prevent it?
Changing clothes often and wearing clean inner-wear helps to fight body odour and so does applying anti-fungal/anti-bacterial powders, especially in fold of the skin. Use of anti-rub rash Gel like SkinEasi regina, you can prevent itchy summer skin and annoying friction rashes. SkinEasi regina acts as a second skin barrier gel and gives Every Day Skin Protection for 8+ hours. Make it a part of your daily your summer skincare routine.
How can you tackle body odour?
Using alcohol free deodorants, taking a shower twice a day and keeping sweat at bay are the best ways to get rid of body odour.
Summers can be harsh and calls for extra kindness towards your skin. With these tips you can have a happy summer and happier skin.
