Summer is almost here! After a long winter–and let’s face it, long year, it’s fair to say most of us are looking forward to all the joys of summer. The thrill of the grill, outdoor concerts, ball games, or cooling off in the pool–the things we love to do and CAN do now that the pandemic is (thankfully) starting to ease!
The warm weather opens up a whole new world of outdoor activities…but it can also prevent a whole new set of problems for your skin. Learn a bit more about some of the most common summer skin issues and our Lash + Company tips to get relief from the heat.
Summer Skin Problem #1–Acne Breakouts
The sweltering heat often means working up a sweat. As you perspire, the sweat starts to swirl with bacteria and residue on your skin, causing the pores to clog. When this happens, the skin can react, leading to breakouts.
Solution:
- Cleanse the face and body thoroughly every day.
- Some experts recommend stepping up your cleansing routine after rigorous physical activity or extended periods of time in the sun and heat.
- Acne is generally not an overnight fix, but good skincare habits go a long way to help prevent acne breakouts.
Summer Skin Problem #2–Heat Rash
Not only can extra sweat lead to breakouts in the skin, but it can also take a toll on your glands in the form of a heat rash. A heat rash occurs when the extra perspiration causes sweat glands to become congested. When these glands are clogged, the sweat builds up and prevents it from leaving the body. This sweat buildup starts to rise to the skin surface in the form of a rash with small, itchy bumps. A heat rash is often referred to as “prickly heat” since the skin often feels itchy or prickly due to the inflammation.
Solution:
- Stay cool by opting for comfortable, loose-fitting clothes if you are outside in high temperatures for lengthy periods.
- Try to find shade where you can and cool off periodically.
- Stay hydrated!
- Clear away sweat to prevent buildup in the glands and keep cool using fans and towels to keep perspiration at bay.
Summer Skin Problem #3–Dry Skin
Dry skin is not just a winter problem–it can occur in the summer! With the season’s scorching temperatures and humidity, our skin can still become dry and irritated. Additional summer dry skin culprits include prolonged exposure to the sun, air conditioners, and chlorine commonly found in swimming pools; all of these can be profoundly dehydrating and drain the skin of its moisture.
Solution:
- Remember to drink your daily water intake to keep the body hydrated.
- After swimming, shower and use mild soap or shampoo to restore the skin and hair’s balance.
- Use moisturizer as part of your routine and reapply as you start to feel your skin getting dry.
Summer Skin Problem #4–Folliculitis
What is folliculitis? It’s a condition when hair follicles become infected, often due to a buildup of sweat and bacteria in the hair follicles. This condition is common in the summer, especially with hot weather. Folliculitis looks similar to pimples in the form of small bumps and can feel irritated and sore. However, it is typically a mild condition and can be treated with a few simple measures.
Solution:
- Use a warm, wet cloth to the infected area. This technique helps relieve the symptoms and can drain the bumps.
- An over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can reduce inflammation and itching.
- If you haven’t changed your razor in a bit, now is a good time for that. This helps reduce any residual irritation and bacteria.
- If symptoms do not improve or become worse, contact a doctor for a more advanced treatment plan.
Summer Skin Problem #5–Sunburn
Fun in the sun is amazing, but overdoing it and not taking precautions can lead to the dreaded sunburn. Overexposure to the sun can lead to severe pain and blistering and could take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to fade away. So don’t let sunburn scorch your summer plans, avoid it with a few precautions.
- Make sure you wear sunscreen. Experts recommend at least SPF 30 every day to shield your skin when in direct sunlight. Keep reapplying as needed; there are many sweat-proof and waterproof formulas available.
- Cool off in the shade and wear a hat and sunglasses to avoid exposing the face and eyes to harmful UV rays.
- Most cases of sunburn are mild, and you can find relief with topical treatments like aloe vera. However, if the problem persists or worsens, contact a dermatologist for more options.
Summer only lasts so long–be sure to make the most of these bright and sunny times!
If you are looking for even more out of your summer look, check out our fabulous Lash + Company treatments!