The warmest months of the year tend to wreak havoc on our skin. Although we’re having the time of our lives frolicking in the sea, lounging at the pool or playing sports outside, our skin is exposed to extreme temperatures and sometimes harsh environments, which can result in long-term damage if we aren’t too careful. Here are the main summer skincare problems you might experience and how you can solve them.
Heat rash
Once a duct that leads from a sweat gland to the surface of the skin becomes inflamed or blocked, heat rash will occur on your skin. Sweat is then trapped underneath your skin, resulting in bumps and irritation on the surface. This annoying rash occurs during hot, humid weather conditions and can lead to blister formation in severe cases. Sit in front of a fan or wear loose-fitted clothing, if you experience it. It usually goes away on its own, but if the itchiness persists and becomes painful, we suggest seeking professional products from a pharmacy. If you’re in a pinch, look for a product in your skincare stash that is alcohol free and contains chamomile – this can also help soothe the itchiness of your rash.
Chafing
We experience chafing when skin rubs against clothing, skin or another material. The skin will appear red, inflamed and feel uncomfortably tender. To avoid chafing, wear loose clothing and steer clear of outdoor activities, such as sports, without the proper clothes and anti-chafing products. If you encounter chafing, apply a jelly-like barrier cream on the area to protect the skin and prevent further discomfort.
Read more: The Golden Rules of Sun Care
Razor bumps
Summer means regular removal of hair all over our body. Shaving is one of the easiest forms of de-fuzzing, but it comes with a few probabilities, such as cuts and razor bumps (aka ingrown hairs). Before reaching for your razor, gently exfoliate the area with a body exfoliant. It’ll help remove excess oil, dirt and dead skin cells to result in a cleaner, smoother shave. Exfoliating will also lift your hairs up and stop them lying flat against your skin in preparation for your shave. Choose a razor that contains a built-in shaving cream that moisturises and softens your sensitive skin with every swipe.
Sunburn
If you find your skin to be inflamed and hot to the touch after a long day in the sun, it’s most likely that you have sunburn. Blisters can develop and result in painful-feeling skin. Ouch. To ease your tingly skin, aloe vera would be your best bet. If you’re camping in the middle of nowhere and don’t have access to a pharmacy, look in your product stash. Do any of your products contain essential oil extract? Essential oils help soothe and replenish the skin. Dab a few dots onto the sunburnt area and gently massage it in. It works wonders.
Hyperpigmentation
If you’ve noticed a few more freckles and dark spots on your face, hands, decolletage or other parts of your body after the holidays, don’t fret. The sun is known to trigger the production of melanin, which acts as your skin’s natural sunscreen. That’s the reason for some of us getting a tan. However, excessive sun exposure disrupts this process, resulting in hyperpigmentation. To prevent this, use a daily SPF 30 on your face and limit sun exposure as much as possible. Add a serum to your routine that’s been specially created to target dark spots and pigmentation.
