Did you spend all your winter indoors? If the answer is yes and you are going out in summer, especially considering spending the whole day on the beach, then you don’t want to risk it without sunscreen and other effective ways to protect your skin from sunburn.
How Does Hot Weather Affect Your Skin?
Sun, the light vital for life, can also become harmful in many ways if not appropriately directed. Undoubtedly, it’s the primary source of Vitamin D for our bones (1). Studies reveal that the Sun-induced vitamin D synthesis causes immune cells to travel to the outer layer of skin, and this process can protect and help repair damage caused by exposure to the Sun (2). Apart from being necessary, it can also be harmful if its exposure is more than an optimal limit.
Sun rays have ultraviolet rays classified as UVA and UVB rays. These rays can trigger the breakdown of biological cells.
While summer brings joy and fun, hot weather can distort our bodies’ water levels, leading to dehydration. This may result in dry skin, breakouts, rashes, and irritated skin. In addition, overexposure to sun rays can trigger moisture loss from the skin and cause dryness, loss of elasticity, and premature aging.
Common Skin Problems During Summer
Following are some common skin problems that one can suffer during hot summer days (3).
- Tanning
- Acne breakout
- Rashes
- Sunburn
- Dehydration
- Bacterial Infection
- Melasma
- Folliculitis
- Cuts and scrapes
- Athlete’s foot
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11 Tips To Keep Your Skin Glowing In Summer
1. Say Yes To Sunscreens
Higher SPF provides better protection. Most dermatologists recommend SPF 30, and it’s advised to maintain an application thickness of 2mg/cm² (4). It’s also recommended to use sunscreen when there’s not much sun exposure. Moreover, the need for sunscreen increases if you are fond of swimming or have a sweating problem. Additionally, the sunscreens shouldn’t be stored at high temperatures, and if that’s the case with your product, you better buy a new one.
2. Minimize Sun Exposure
There are certain hours when sunlight is most intense, usually between 10 am to 2 pm. It would be best to avoid sun exposure, especially during this time of the day, as you may most likely get a sunburn. If you have a specific job you can’t avoid, you should use an umbrella or proper shelter, and it is best if you have a UV umbrella. Furthermore, it would be best to use protective clothing and sun protection, even in the shade.
Avoid exposure to Sun between 10 AM – 2 PM as the intensity of sun rays is maximum.
3. Protect Your Eyes
Proper protective sunglasses are critical in preventing damage to sensitive skin, especially around your eyes. UV sunglasses protect the eyes from intense sun rays. On the other hand, you can also go for polarized glasses, as they provide better clarity and eliminate glare.
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4. Use Right Headgear
A hat with a broader brim can protect your face, neck, and ears. Baseball caps do not cover the neck and ears, so it is suggested to use sunscreen if you wear a baseball cap. UV protective clothing is a fantastic innovation that can be useful to protect you from harmful radiation. It is highly recommended to wear protective clothing if your job is outdoors.
5. Take Proper Skincare
Ensuring proper skin care is crucial, and some brands offer quality creams and serums with natural ingredients to mitigate inflammation and damage. Products like moisturizers, sunscreens, and serums often include antioxidants, making it beneficial to choose one according to your skin type. A non-soapy face wash is recommended for those with dry skin experiencing redness and rashes. Meanwhile, individuals with standard skin types can opt for a gel-based face wash. Always consider your skin type before selecting a skincare product for optimal results.
6. Hydrate Your Skin
Staying well-hydrated is crucial, especially on hot sunny days. Make it a habit to carry a water bottle wherever you go. Adequate hydration is essential to counteract excessive sweating during the summer. Drinking plenty of water not only keeps you hydrated but also aids in flushing toxins from your body. This practice improves overall health and enhances the appearance of your skin.
7. Embrace Healthy Diet
A healthy food intake is another essential part of keeping your body healthy and glowing. You should pay proper attention to your diet. You may consider Vitamin C as it protects your skin from environmental damage. The organic diet helps repair the skin and neutralize free radicals. Seasonal foods such as pineapples, citrus fruits, fresh berries, vegetables, and seafood are rich in essential vitamins and boost collagen production.
8. Improve Lifestyle
Maintaining healthy skin is the most essential and crucial part of skincare. Avoid smoking and drinking for better and instant results. Treat your skin with mild soaps and moisturizers. Avoid hot showers as much as possible, as they will likely strip away the essential oils from your skin. Engage in stress-reducing activities as it can delay aging signs. Moreover, sleep at least 7-8 hours/day to get proper rest (5).
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9. Go For Minimal Makeup
Avoiding heavy makeup during summer is recommended, as it can clog pores and make breathing difficult for your skin. Instead, apply minimal makeup that is easy on your skin. You may also consider a tinted moisturizer with an SPF.
10. Exfoliate Regularly
Using an exfoliator is a great idea to slug off dead skin cells during hot sunny days. This will ensure soft, supple, and radiant skin. You can use an OTC product or quickly make your DIY exfoliating mask.
11. Moisturize Regularly
Your skin needs constant hydration to be soft, supple, and radiant. Therefore, locking the skin’s moisture level is paramount, even during summer. You may reduce the usage of a moisturizer during summer; however, completely stopping its use is not recommended.
Bonus Tips – Avoid Specific Medications
The OTC drugs and antibiotics can make the skin more sensitive to the Sun. Moreover, Benadryl, NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs), ibuprofen, aspirin, antidiabetics, and Tetracyclines can enhance sensitivity. Furthermore, certain antidepressants and antipsychotic drugs can also make the scenario worse. Therefore, you should always consult a pharmacist to know the possible side effects of medications, especially if you’ve sunburn problems or skin diseases.
How to Get Tanned
People are going crazy to get tanned. Many prefer to tan their bodies directly under the Sun; others use tanning beds frequently to get their bodies tanned. Unfortunately, tanning beds produce harmful UVA and UVB rays, increasing the risk of skin cancer and even melanoma (the most deadly among skin cancers). In addition, tanning beds are harmful because the rays used in this procedure can disturb the average composition of DNA. So, if you consider getting your body tanned, you better research how it reacts to certain conditions.
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Care for Kids
Sunscreen should not be used for newborns and kids younger than six months, but they should be protected from sun exposure using other means, such as glasses, caps, or protective clothing (6).
Regular Skin Checkup
Stay vigilant for the emergence of freckles, moles, or any questionable spots on your skin. Additionally, be attentive to any alterations beyond typical skin changes. It is advisable to undergo routine skin and health checkups conducted by your dermatologist or healthcare provider. By closely observing changes in your skin, you increase the likelihood of addressing any potential issues at their initial stages, minimizing the risk of severe effects.
Summary:
Summer brings plenty of skin issues along with it. Some of the most common ailments are Tanning, Acne breakout, Rashes, Sunburn, Dehydration, Bacterial Infection, Melasma, Folliculitis, Cuts and scrapes, and Athlete’s foot. With proper usage of sunscreen lotion, headgear, adequate hydration, can save you from summer skin ailments. Following all these tips, along with a healthy diet providing all the nutrients, plenty of water and proper sleeping habits can help you achieve reasonably superior protection in summers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should apply to face in summer?
Wear a sunscreen lotion with SPF 30+, cut down on your makeup, hydrate your skin, exfoliate regularly, and use a refreshing toner.
Which oil is best for the skin in summer?
For oily skin, use Primrose oil or jojoba oil. For dry skin, use Almond oil or lavender oil. For combination skin, use Olive oil and ylang-ylang oil.
Is coconut oil good for the skin in summer?
Yes, you can embrace the benefits of coconut oil during the summer. It will lock the natural moisture of the skin. However, avoid it if you are experiencing frequent breakouts.
Why does my face break out in the summer?
Summer comes with hot and humid weather. It leads to more sweating and accumulation of oil in the skin. This results in clogging of skin pores and acne breakouts.
Which facial is best in summer for oily skin?
Go for an organic facial and exfoliate your skin regularly. Try Multani mitti face packs 2-3 times a week.
References –
- “How to get vitamin D from sunlight” – NHS.uk
- “Could Some Sun Be Good for Your Skin?” – webmd.com
- “9 Tips to Protect Your Skin This Summer” – mayoclinic.org
- “Simple dosage guide for sunscreens will help users” – ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- “In search of sleep” – health.harvard.edu
- “When is it OK for a baby to wear sunscreen?” – mayoclinic.org
