It’s important to take care of your skin all year round, but on hot days, it’s especially so. Here is what you need to know about some common summer skin problems and what you can do in order to take care of your skin on hot days.
Common Summer Skin Problems
Unfortunately, there are all sorts of skin problems you may experience during the summer – and heat can exacerbate them. Some of them are as follows.
Sunburn
Sunburn is the most common summer skin concern. If you get sunburned, it’s important to treat it properly by drinking plenty of fluids and applying cool compresses. If your sunburn is severe, you should seek medical attention.
Acne
Acne breakouts are another common summer skin problem. This is because the combination of sweat, oil, and skincare or makeup can clog your pores. You’ll need to adjust your skincare routine accordingly for the summer months. Tempting as it may be, don’t pop any pimples that pop up. If your acne bothers you, see a dermatologist for treatment recommendations.
Dry And Irritated Skin
Summer heat and humidity can dry your skin out and cause it to become irritated. Exposure to the sun or pool water can make the problem even worse. Using gentle skincare products focused on hydration can help. If your skin is painfully dry or irritated, a dermatologist can help you.
Bug Bites
From pesky mosquitoes to ticks, summer is unfortunately the season where it’s not only brutally hot – the bugs are also out in full force. Wearing bug spray can help deter them, but you may still end up with itchy, swelling bug bites. Cool compresses and over-the-counter antihistamines can help. If you are concerned about your bug bites, you can see a doctor. If you are allergic or something like that, they will be able to help you.
Heat Rash
Heat rashes happen when your sweat glands are blocked. They can include: small red bumps, itchiness, discomfort, and other such symptoms. Loose, breathable clothing and cool compresses can help while the rashes heal. If they are severe, you can see a doctor for treatment.
How To Take Care Of Your Skin On Hot Days
Fortunately, there are steps that you can take in order to protect your skin on hot days. Some of the best ways to take care of your skin during the summer months are as follows.
#1. Wear Sunscreen
Yes, even if you tan instead of burn. Yes, even if you have darker skin. Yes, everyday. You should be wearing sunscreen on a daily basis already – more on this in our previous blog: 4 Important Reasons Why You Need To Wear Sunscreen Every Day. However, most people only wear sunscreen when they’re going on a hike or to the beach.
You should wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen that’s at least 30 SPF. It will need to be reapplied every 2 hours in order to continue to protect your skin from the sun. Many people don’t realize that getting tanned from the sun rather than burned is still skin damage. Not protecting your skin from the sun can result in early skin aging, sun damage, and increased risk of skin cancer.
As such, wearing sunscreen is the most important thing you need to do in order to take care of your skin on hot days.
#2. Adjust Skin Care Appropriately
Many people have to adjust their skincare routines to different seasons, and summer is no different. You sweat more, which can cause makeup and certain skincare products to clog up your pores more easily. You may need to go lighter on your skincare and makeup in order to let your skin breathe and make it easier to clean.
A dermatologist can provide you with personalized skincare advice so that you can rest assured that what you’re doing is what your skin needs.
#3. Cover Up
This isn’t dissing on tank tops and shorts – we know it’s hot out there! But as great as these clothes are for keeping you as cool as you can be in brutal heat, they leave a lot of skin vulnerable to the sun. If you wear clothes like this, make sure that you’re putting sunscreen on all of your exposed skin and wearing a hat and sunglasses.
If you’d rather not have to worry about putting sunscreen everywhere, opt for longer, lightweight layers, like a UV-resistant sun shirt. The more your skin is covered, the more protected it is from the sun.
#4. Stay Hydrated
Yes, we know, everyone is telling you to drink water all the time, for XYZ reasons. Isn’t it amazing that one drink provides so many different health benefits? Your skin is no different. One of the best ways to take care of your skin on hot days is to ensure that you’re staying hydrated. This is especially important if you’re going to be out in the heat or if you suffer from dry and/or blemish-prone skin already.
When you’re dehydrated, your skin is more prone to acne, flaking, and dryness. Drinking enough water helps your skin thrive – as does using hydrating skincare products.
Ensure Your Skin Is Healthy: Schedule A Checkup
Do you want to be sure that your skin is healthy and that you’re taking proper care of it? While the internet has advice and tips galore, none of that is personalized to you. What works well for one person’s skin may be terrible for someone else. As such, the best way to ensure that you are taking proper care of your skin is to consult with a dermatologist.
Not only can dermatologists advise you on the ideal skincare for your skin’s unique needs, they can also address any skin concerns you may have, such as whether or not you should be worried about that mole. Allen-Taintor Dermatology is here to help you achieve and maintain healthy skin. We treat a wide variety of skin conditions and provide skincare products to fulfill your skin’s specific needs.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment so you can ensure your skin stays as healthy as possible – or if it needs treatment, it gets it!