How To Protect Skin From The Sun In Summer?

While sun exposure is most important to stimulate vitamin D production in our body, but limiting harsh UV rays of the sun is important too. As over exposure to sun light may cause serious skin conditions. It begins with a small inflammation and a rash, and may result into blistering or progress towards deeper tan (especially Indian skin) and skin allergies further. Thus it is important to understand summer skin care routine and keep all essentials ready before heading out in the sun.

Also Read: Laser Treatments For Pigmentation Due To Sun Exposure

Top 10 Common Summer Skin Problems And Solutions

Skin problems peak during extreme weather conditions. Specially during summer, we may often feel dehydrated, and so is our skin prone to the excess heat. There are ample skin problems which start showing up during hot weather.

• Tanning – The increase in melanin production can lead to an overall darkening of the exposed areas of the skin such as the face, neck, arms, and feet. Sun tanning is the most common effect of increased sun exposure.
  Solution – Laser sun tan removal, and chemical peels can help in treating the tan effectively.
• Acne breakouts – This is also quite common for acne prone skin during the summer. Excess oil fills in pores leading to blocked pores, which develops into acne when in contact with debris and acne-causing bacteria.
  Solution – Acne control peels are given by skin clinics, which are helpful in treating these skin breakouts. Apply benzoyl peroxide foam wash, antibacterial cleansers and non-panthenol (hair conditioner ingredient) products to prevent the chances of spread. Also using non-comedogenic products, oil free sunscreen, glycolic exfoliation and wearing natural fiber like cotton can help prevent further worsening of acne during summer.
• Wrinkles and sunspots – UV rays can cause damage to the collagen, elastin, and connective tissue in the skin by creating free radicals. Damage to these essential structural components of the skin can lead to fine lines and wrinkles, by decreasing the skin’s elasticity. Sun exposure can also accelerate the production of melanin, the brown pigment in the skin. Increased melanin production in certain areas can lead to the formation of hyper pigmented spots called sunspots.
  Solution – Laser treatment, botulinum toxin and dermal fillers can help in treating these wrinkles and sunspots effectively.
• Sun allergy and prickly heat – Sun allergy refers to extreme sensitiveness to sunlight. It may be hereditary or induced by external factors. While prickly heat is rashes or itchy bumps caused by blocking of sweat glands. In both cases there is a breakout of red, scaly and extremely itchy bumps on your skin, or even blisters.
  Solution – Mild cases may be treated with the usage of prickly heat powder and sunscreens but for more severe cases steroid creams or pills may be recommended by your dermatologist.

  Also Read: Why Should You Wear Sunscreen?

• Sunburn – It is the most common skin problem during summers due to prolonged exposure to sunlight. Dark skinned people get tanned and for light skinned people the skin gets red and burnt. It may even become inflamed and cracked.
  Solution – Chemical peels and laser toning are the most advanced treatments for sun tanned skin and they can be easily proceeded at a good skin clinic.
  For prevention, apply a suitable sunscreen that offers a high protection factor and is water resistant. Additionally, cover your skin, wear hat and shades. For sunburnt skin, visit your dermatologist for soothing creams and other medications.
• Folliculitis – Hair follicles can get infected with sweat and oil build up. This leads to pimple formation and usually happens in body crevices. It is common on the face, scalp, armpits, back and chest.
  Solution – Antibacterial medicines (both topical and oral) help in treating folliculitis. Drink lots of fluids and wear breathable fabrics.
• Melasma – These are grey or brown patches on skin, more prominent on Indian skin types. Especially seen in pregnant women, or females who consume oral contraceptives.
  Solution – Chemical peels of plant extracts can give quicker results in treating melasma, also laser toning and medications may be recommended by your dermatologist, based on your skin condition.

  Also Read: What Causes Melasma On Skin & How To Cure It?

• Uneven skin with redness – Melanin goes haywire due to extreme sun exposure. Thus the tone pigments are uneven and resulting in spots and uneven skin.
  Solution – Chemical peels, laser toning and exfoliation done by a cosmetic dermatologist can help in repairing this condition.
• Oily, sticky skin – Oily skin gets even more greasy during summer. Drying cleansers and toners actually aggravate the situation by being temporary in effect.
  Solution – Chemical peels may be given at skin clinics to treat this condition. Avoid products with sodium lauryl sulphate, mineral oils, petroleum, and petrolatum if you belong to this skin type.
• Fungal infections – This is prevalent in the areas not exposed to sunlight, but particularly in hot or moist weather. Often caused due sweaty clothing or undergarments, these can spread quite quickly.
  Solution – Visit a doctor or dermatologist and avoid using over-the-counter medication without consulting, as this could worsen the situation.

Also Read: How To Get Rid Of Oily Skin Permanently?

Treatments To Safeguard The Skin In Summer

Skin problems peak in summer, and thus it is important to understand the treatments which can help in alleviating the summer skin woes. All of these procedures must be strictly proceeded at a top rated skin clinic, under an expert dermatologist.

• Chemical peel – From acne control peels to anti-tan peels, plant extracts are extremely useful in treating summer skin problems. Here, acidic solutions of specific strength, are applied on skin, to even the skin tone, reduce dullness and make the pores smaller and tighter, thus making the skin glow.
• Laser toning– Here rays of light or laser beams target the damaged tissues. It breaks down the excessive melanin into fragments and is then removed from the skin by the body’s natural mechanism.
• Radio frequency – This microneedling treatment helps in tightening the skin and thus reduces the displeasing sagging of skin.
• Laser resurfacing – It helps in reducing facial wrinkles and skin irregularities. Short and concentrated pulsating beams of light are passed, which remove the deformed skin layer by layer. Thus making the skin appear nourished, radiant and rejuvenated.

Also Read: How Much Does Laser Skin Resurfacing Cost In India?

• Dermal filler – These are injected in the skin to enhance the contours, reduce the lines and creases on face, remove wrinkles and improve the appearance of scars. This helps in bringing back volume and fullness of face.
• Exfoliants – Exfoliation at a skin clinic can help in removing the dead skin cells from upper layer of the skin which may cause dullness and blemishes. It helps in skin lightening and fading the spots.

Recommended Products To Prevent The Skin From Summer Damage

Direct sunlight and exposure to sun for long hours, can cause a lot of damage to the skin. So to prevent the skin from extreme effects of harsh UV rays, we must follow a regimen, comprising of specific products, which will not just protect your skin but also make it radiant and rejuvenated. Check with an expert dermatologist for best suited contents for your skin type.

• Sunscreen (suitable for your skin type and with adequate SPF)
• Cleanser to wipe off the day’s makeup and sweat
• Toner to restore the pH balance of the skin and softening it
• Hydrating lip balm with SPF to cure chapped lips
• Anti-tanning creams
• Liquid moisturizer which sinks in the skin quickly
• Eye gel to minimize dark circles in summer
• Body scrub to get rid of dead and darkened skin cells
• Hair spray to prevent dryness of hair
• Exfoliant cream to hydrate rough patches.
  Check with your dermatologist before choosing any product. Also go for a patch test before elaborate application on the face or body.

Also Read: How To Lighten Your Skin Permanently?

How To Take Care Of Skin From Sun?

Summer skin care can be tricky if you do not adhere to the usual cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing routine. Acne, fungus, tan and sunburn are popular skin diseases which may hinder the natural glow of your skin. It is also important to keep the skin optimally hydrated and moisturized by consuming a lot of fluids and applying moisturizers regularly. Be sure to clear the make-up before bedtime. And use products which do not dry out your skin, to prevent dry flaky skin patches.

Summer Skin Care Tips And Routine

• Follow an adequate skin cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing and toning routine.
• Apply adequate SPF sunscreen to block the harsh UV rays from sun, and keep touching it up every few hours. A sunscreen spritzer (spray) is a good solution for areas where creams are harder to reach (for example, the skin along the hairline). These can be used on the face and body.
• Drink a lot of fluids and eat fresh produce to prevent dehydration. Avoid spicy, oily and junk food.
• Pay heed to the damaged skin and visit your dermatologist before it aggravates.
• Eat more and more vitamin rich foods for glowing and radiant skin.
• Avoid sunlight between 10 am and 3 pm, that is when the sun is at its peak.
• Be aware of the medicines that cause increased sensitivity towards sun, like the NSAID’s, antibiotics, anti-histamines and some oral diabetic medicines.
• Avoid using tanning beds as they produce harsh UV rays.
• Wear light fabrics like cotton for airy feeling.
• A cold shower will help close the pores of your skin, thus preventing acne breakouts and other skin issues.
• A wide brim hat is just a simple and logical solution to help cover areas of the face and shoulders.
• Use an antibacterial soap or cleansing pads twice a day to prevent bacteria from infecting your pores. If the skin dries out, remember to moisturize slightly.
• To help tackle dark spots, certain shelf or clinical strength (speak to your dermatologist) fade creams can lighten pigmentation caused by sun exposure. Apply them nightly or as directed by the Dermatologist.
• Increase vitamin C supplements to help reduce discoloration, promote collagen production, and minimize fine lines and wrinkles.

Skin problems in summer, can be prevented if we pay attention to early signs of skin damage. Home based treatments are not recommended, as they can aggravate your condition. Visit a good skin clinic as consultation with your dermatologist will help you alleviate and cure your summer time skin ailments.