Common skin problems in summer

Some common skin problems we may experience in summer because of warm weather and cumulative sun exposure are dehydration and pigmentation. Summer is a popular time to plan a trip or hit the beach. But at the same time, summer brings a lot of skin problems along with it. In spite of your best efforts, you may face skin problems due to the warm weather and also as a result of spending more time outdoors.

These are just some of the common skin problems that you may experience in summer:

Dry, irritated skin

Despite the humidity, you may experience skin dryness during summer. The main causes are spending time outdoors, swimming in chlorinated pools, and exposure to air-conditioning. If your skin is showing signs of dryness, a HydraFacial skin resurfacing treatment can help to restore moisture and reduce irritation.

Folliculitis

Every hair on your body grows out of an opening called a follicle. When follicles get infected, folliculitis can develop. Infected hair follicles look like pimples, but they tend to be itchy and tender. If you’re experiencing folliculitis as a result of shaving, laser hair removal offers a longer-lasting and more convenient alternative.

Prickly heat or heat rash

Due to excess heat and overworking of sweat glands to cool down the skin, sweat glands may get blocked and cause a rash, with tiny, itchy bumps appearing on the skin. When the bumps burst, you may feel a prickly sensation.

Acne breakouts

Excess heat and overworking of sweat glands can cause active acne and breakouts, especially in people who are prone to breakout. If you find summer is worsening your acne, various acne treatment options are available that can assist in controlling breakouts.

Freckles and pigmentation

UV rays and heat are the main reason for uneven skin tone. Even with the application of sunscreen, overexposure to the sun and the heat from being outdoors can trigger skin inflammation and increase melanocyte cells activity, leading to freckles and hyperpigmentation. Fortunately, laser pigmentation removal offers a safe and non-invasive way of minimising the appearance of hyperpigmentation and freckles.

Sunburn

UVA and UVB rays from the sun can damage unprotected skin and leave it dry, inflamed and even blistered. It’s crucial to keep sunburnt skin moisturised to soothe the skin and prevent further damage.

Why does my skin feels dry in summer?

While winter can be much worse for dry skin, as humidity keeps moisture in the air during summer, there are some triggers that can make your skin become dehydrated in summer. When the weather turns warm, people spend more times outdoors. Swimming, water parks and camping become more popular during summer. Even with the application of sunscreen, your skin can get dry and irritated when it’s overexposed to the sun and hot weather. The heat causes your body to sweat a lot during summer, which can dehydrate your skin from the inside out and cause dryness.

How can I protect my skin in summer?

Here are some top tips to help you keep your skin safe this summer:

• Try to seek shade where possible
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
• Wear lightweight, loose fitting and long sleeves clothes
• Apply sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, water resistance, and an SPF of 30 or more
• Have a regular shower with warm rather than hot water
• Keep your skin hydrated with an application of moisturiser after every shower
• Use non-comedogenic skincare and makeup products
• Exercise during the coolest parts of the day, or move your workout indoors where you can be in air-conditioning