Know About 6 Common Summer Skin Problems and How To Deal With Them

Summer is almost here with temperatures soaring and bringing with it a bout of unpleasant skin conditions unique to the hot, humid weather this season. Spending too much time indoors or outdoors, both can cause skin problems which can be treated and prevented with a few easy precautions. Here are some common summer skin problems and how to deal with them.

1. 1. Dry and irritated skin

What causes it?

Dry skin is not just a winter problem, but it can be caused due to harsh summers too. Too much air conditioning, extended periods of swimming and spending too much time in the sun can cause irritated and itchy skin.

Here’s how you can deal with it:

1. 1. • Apply a water-resistant sunscreen with 30+ SPF no matter how sunny or cloudy the day
      • Shower and shampoo after getting out of the pool and follow up with plenty of moisturiser
      • Use soaps and deodorants sparingly as they can dry your skin further
      • Gently exfoliate dry skin so your moisturiser can penetrate your skin better
   2. Folliculitis

What causes it?

Folliculitis is a problem caused by sweat build-up in hair follicles and can be aggravated by fungus or bacteria creating angry red bumps on the skin. Folliculitis stems from factors that irritate skin like shaving or wearing clothes that irritate skin.

Here’s how you can deal with it:

1. 1. • Change in to fresh clothes after doing anything that makes you sweaty like outdoor activities, gymming or just good old summer heat
      • Do not enter in to swimming pools without checking their chlorine levels as water containing high levels of chlorine can cause folliculitis too
      • Wear light-weight and loose fitting clothes that don’t irritate skin
      • If you wax or shave, ensure the salon’s cleanliness and follow up with soothing gels and agents
   2. Melasma

What causes it?

Melasma or brown spots on the skin are called Melasma and it is easy to get one in summer. Melisma turns up as patchy brown spots, tan or gray discoloured patches due to overproduction on pigment on skin from sun exposure. Melasma can also result from hormonal changes in women.
In some cases, it can be triggered by pregnancy or oral contraceptives too.

Here’s how you can deal with it:

1. 1. • The best way to prevent melisma is by protecting yourself from the sun. Wear sunscreen, light clothes and cover your face when you step out.
      • Melasma fades on its own with time, but can also be treated with creams that contain hydroquinone or tretinoin.
      • Other skin lightening products like kojic acid or azelaic acid.
      • Procedures like chemical peel and microdermabrasion can help remove stubborn spots off your skin.
      • Harsh skin products can further irritate your skin and can further aggravate your melisma, so stick to gentle ones.
   2. Yeast infection

What causes it?

Yeast infections occur due to the shift of acidic balance in the body due to consumption of antibiotics, birth control pills, or during pregnancy or menstruation. Many women are vulnerable to yeast infections during the summer as the naturally warm and humid summer months promote the growth of yeast in our bodies. The symptoms of yeast infection include redness, itching, rashes or a thick white vaginal discharge.

Here’s how you can deal with it:

1. 1. • Visit your doctor immediately
      • Wear cotton underwear during summers and change them at least twice a day
      • Slow down on birth control during the summers
      • Have a cup of yogurt every day to restore fungal balance
   2. Prickly heat

What causes it?

Blocked sweat glands cause prickly heat or heat rash. Blocked pores don’t let seat seep out of your pores causing itchy tiny rashes and bumps that can be itchy and irritating.

Here’s how you can deal with it:

1. 1. • 1. Wear light and loose-fitting clothes
      • 2. Try to keep your skin cool with soothing gels and moisturisers
      • 3. Use gentle products and hydrate yourself
   2. Hives

What causes it?

Hives are allergic reactions caused by sun exposure if you are on certain medication or a familial condition.

Here’s how you can deal with it:

1. 1. • Check if your medication can cause sun exposure allergies
      • Protect your skin from the sun by wearing sun protective clothes
      • Apply a 30+ SPF water-resistant sunscreen

Follow our simple tips and precautions to fight the summer heat. Make the best of this season skin problem free !