Summer Skin Care: Tips to Keep Skin Healthy & Happy
Summer means it’s time to get outside and enjoy the warmth and fun outdoor activities. However, getting out in the sun and being active calls for more protection to keep your skin healthy. Skin is our bodies’ largest organ, so it deserves extra care to help keep the rest of our body safe. Thankfully, there are easy steps you can take to protect and care for your skin throughout the summer.
Why Protecting Skin is Important
The biggest health risk during the summer is the sun itself because prolonged exposure may cause you to develop skin cancer. In the short term, leaving skin unprotected can result in sunburns, which damages the skin and causes premature aging. Apart from the sun, summer can put skin at higher risk of acne breakouts due to an increase in sweat, cause it to become dry or irritated, and more. Providing your skin with the proper protection against all of the summertime risks will ensure you enjoy the entire season.
How to Protect your Skin During Summer
First and foremost, always apply sunscreen before heading outside, even on a cloudy day as UV rays can still make it through. Use a sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection, water resistance, and is at least SPF 30 (young children should use at least SPF 50). This will keep your skin healthy for the long-term, and in the short-term, prevent an uncomfortable sunburn that could ruin any fun. Of course, there’s other ways to keep your skin looking and feeling its best throughout summer:
- Protect Against Acne: Sweating is a part of summer, but more of it mixing with bacteria and oils in your skin could result in clogged pores and breakouts. If you’re prone to acne, don’t wipe sweat away as it can irritate the skin. Instead, blot with a clean towel. Don’t wear sweaty accessories or clothing again until they’ve been washed – this includes headbands and hats. Be sure to use products that are oil-free or state they “won’t clog pores” to wash your face, neck, back, and chest.
- Prevent Dry, Irritated Skin: Time in the sun, pool and even air conditioning can quickly dry out and irritate the skin. If you’ve been swimming, shower and shampoo immediately after getting out, and use mild cleanser on skin. Bathe in warm – not hot – water. Use fragrance-free moisturizer within five minutes after every shower or bath and carry some with you at all times to use after hand-washing or if your skin feels dry. Refrain from using the air conditioning too much to prevent the air in your home from becoming too dry.
- Prevent Folliculitis: We have a lot of hair on our bodies, and each one grows in a follicle. Folliculitis occurs when they are infected, and they appear as pimples, but are usually itchy and tender. To prevent, change out of any tight clothing immediately after working out and shower. Wear light, loose clothing when it is hot and humid. If you’re using a hot tub, be sure the acid and chlorine levels are controlled as it can actually result in “hot tub folliculitis.”
- Watch for Itchy Plants: By summertime, usually all of the plants have grown and bloomed, including poison ivy, oak, and sumac. Being exposed to the urushiol of these plants results in a very itchy rash for most people. Educate yourself on what they look like to help you avoid them completely. If you’ve been exposed, a serious reaction will need to be treated right away.
Summer should be the season of having fun and feeling carefree, but leaving your skin vulnerable can result in pain, discomfort, or serious health concerns in the future. Be proactive in keeping your skin healthy this season and throughout the year.
If you have questions about proper skin protection, or need help with healing a summertime skin ailment, visit us at one of our convenient locations today.
