HOW TO...
Solve Your Summer Skin Problems
Oh summer, how we’ve missed you. The
effect of sun, sea and sweat on our skin,
though? Not so much. Here’s what to do
when the warm weather gets the better of
your skin.
Heat Rash
On hot days when humidity levels are also
high, excessive sweating is hard to avoid. The
more the body perspires, the easier it is for the
sweat glands to become blocked and when
dead cells and bacteria get caught up in the
process, it leads to a clammy concoction be-
coming trapped beneath the surface, produc-
ing a bump. Eventually, this bump bursts and
re-releases the trapped solution onto the skin,
causing irritation and that well-known itchy
sensation associated with prickly heat. While
most rashes tend to disappear after a few days,
you can help speed the process along by
keeping the skin as cool as possible either by
retreating into the shade or taking a cool
shower. You should also avoid applying oil-
based or greasy moisturisers until the skin has
returned to normal; opt for soothing anti-in-
flammatory gels instead.
Sunburn
Unfortunately, one of the downsides of enjoy-
ing yourself in the sunshine is the risk of
sunburn. Sometimes, no matter how careful
you are or how much sunscreen you apply,
there are areas of the skin that get missed and
turn an angry shade of red by the end of the
day. To limit as much damage from occurring
as possible, cool and soothe the skin with a
gentle moisturiser or with a good old cold
compress. Reducing the temperature of the
skin will calm inflammation within the upper
layers and applying products that contain re-
pairing ingredients like Aloe Vera will restore
a healthy suppleness before the inevitable
dryness and peeling take over.
Uneven Tan
Ok, so your skin might not have burned during
your last sun session, but you have been left
with an uneven tan due to annoying vest straps,
patchy melanin production or the sun hitting
your body at a weird angle – hello, beautiful-
ly sun-kissed face and deathly white neck! In
these instances, the best thing you can do is
fake a perfect all-over glow with self-tanner.
Buff a small amount onto the areas that didn’t
receive the same level of sunlight as the rest
of your body, to create a seamless skin tone,
and stay out of the sun for the next few days
while your skin readjusts. Don’t be tempted
to correct a patchy tan with intense sunbath-
ing the next day; trust us, this will not work.
Breakouts
Pimples can be prolific all year round but when
you throw heat, sweat, sun cream and bacteria
into the mix, breakouts become much more
likely. The best way to combat blemishes when
the temperature rises is to keep the skin as
healthy as possible at all times, not just on
sunny days. Keep the pores clear by using
purifying cleansers daily and AHAs three
times a week, and switch to an oil-free, mat-
tifying sunscreen that won’t aggravate existing
blemishes or cause the pores to become
blocked. You should also avoid getting too
hot, as this causes the body to sweat more and,
as we previously mentioned, sweaty skin can
quickly become congested and congested skin
is never fun, even if the sun is shining.
ISSUE #04 | 2017 | SkinHealthMagazine.com 16