Skin problems in summer are the last thing you need when you’re enjoying sunny beaches and warm weather. Luckily, with a little everyday prevention, you can prevent these dermatological issues from ruining your fun. Here is an overview of the 3 most common summer skin problems and how to avoid them.
How to Prevent the Most Common Skin Problems in Summer
#1: Acne Breakouts
Blackheads, whiteheads, and painful red acne bumps can put a damper on your vacation. They tend to occur due to a build-up of sweat, bacteria, and oil in your pores. In the case of blackheads, this build-up oxidizes, hence the dark color.
Here are a few simple ways to avoid acne breakouts:
- Wash your face and body with a gentle cleanser, especially after sweating and at the end of the day.
- Wash sweaty clothes, towels, and hats before wearing or using them again.
- Avoid wiping sweat from your face or body, which can lead to irritation and trigger a breakout. Instead, gently blot the moisture from your skin.
#2: Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation occurs when certain spots or patches of skin become darker in color than the rest of your skin. You may experience these dark spots after a pimple has healed, after extensive sun exposure, and after experiencing skin irritation or inflammation. Melasma is a more severe form of hyperpigmentation, where you experience large, uneven patches of skin on your face.
You can help prevent or reduce the appearance of dark spots and melasma by:
- Wearing an SPF of at least 30 in the sun. Re-apply after 2 hours or after going in the water.
- Not touching or picking at present acne. This can introduce more bacteria into your skin and further irritate the area, leading to dark spots after your breakouts have healed.
- Incorporating L-ascorbic acid or glycolic acid into your routine. These are two ingredients well known for their ability to help brighten hyperpigmentation.
- We can also prepare a customized bleaching formula for darker areas that are hard to treat.
#3: Sunburn
Brought about by sun exposure, sunburn is a condition that can lead to red or peeling skin. The most obvious way to prevent sunburn is to wear sunscreen and re-apply throughout the day — be sure to wear SPF 30 sunscreen, but SPF 50 is ideal. However, there are other ways to avoid sunburn:
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat to shield your face from UV rays.
- Stay in the shade. Bring an umbrella with you on hot days or stay under the shade of trees.
- Stay out of direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day — between 10 AM and 4 PM.
Need a Prescription Strength Solution?
Some skin problems in summer may be more severe than others, particularly if they worsen or last more than a few days or weeks. If over-the-counter solutions don’t work, you may need a stronger treatment. After consulting your dermatologist, reach out to our compounding pharmacists at (305) 665-4411.
We may be able to create customized solutions for severe acne, stubborn hyperpigmentation, and other skin issues. For instance, if certain ingredients irritate your skin, we might be able to create a formula without those irritants.
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