5 Most Common Skin Problems You Face During Summers And Their Solutions

“Summer afternoon, summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.”-Henry James

The American writer summed it up aptly, summer is one of the most beautiful times in a year. The whole world seems to be full of possibilities in the sultry summer days. At the same time, summer brings its own set of skin related issues. We need to look after our skin and our skin will reward us by being healthy and luminous.

Skin Care in Summer – Common Problems and Solutions:

Summer is the season which brings number of skin problems. Let us look at the 5 common summer skin care issues and the measures to tackle them:

1.  Sun Tan And Sun Burns:

The skin gets more exposure to the harsh UV rays of the sun during summer. This leads to redness and inflammation. Exposure to sun can also lead to basal cell melanoma.

Prevention:

• Cover up even when the weather is cloudy. Opt for a wide brimmed hat to provide ample coverage to your face. Choose scarves for lightweight protection. Throw on a shrug to protect your arms.
• Avoid being outside during 10 am to 4 pm.
• Opt for a waterproof sunscreen lotion with at least SPF 30 or more. The mantra is to apply it every 2 hours. Cure:
  
• For relief from painful and inflamed skin, you need to cool yourself down by using a shower or an oatmeal bath.
• Opt for cooling after sun face gel to alleviate the skin damage.
• To treat redness mix around 25-30 drops of essential oil (lavender) with almond oil (100 ml) and apply on the affected skin.

 

2. Mosquito Bites:

Summer season is mosquito season and they thrive everywhere, especially outdoors. Not only mosquitoes cause unsightly and itchy red welts on our skin, they are also harbingers of diseases.

Prevention:

• Choose a DEET and children safe insect repellent. Odomos is a good spray. You can also use mosquito repellent bands and patches for kids.
• Remove any stagnant water in and around your residence.

Cure:

• The pain and itching can be managed with topical application of ice on the bitten area.
• Essential oil, such as lavender can be applied on the bite. Use only 2 drops of undiluted oil for instant relief.

3. Prickly Heat:

Perspiration moistens the skin. The moist skin is a target for dirt and other impurities. They block the pores and lead to summer rashes and acne giving an appearance of small pimples.

Prevention:

• Wear loose and comfortable cotton clothes that allow the skin to breathe and wicks away the sweat.
• Avoid using heavy lotions that block the pores.
• Don’t scratch your skin as it will inflame the skin.

Cure:

• Try and reduce the sun exposure during the peak times of 10 am to 4 pm.
• Use talcum powder to soak up the sweat.
• Cleanse your skin without fail.

 

4. Summer Acne:

Summer means sweating and clogged pores. Sunscreen application further adds to the mix. Clogged pores lead to summer acne breakouts.

Prevention:

• Keep your skin clean and dry by removing oiliness. Try clean and clear oil control face wash, which is hydrating and removes grime and excess oils.

Cure:

• Opt for a cleansing, toning and moisturizing routine. Follow the cleansing with an alcohol-free toner
• While moisturizing, opt for a cream that will control the oil on your skin. Also, opt for a sunscreen that is suitable for oily skin

5. Dry And Parched Skin:

The intense heat, exposure to sun and our need for air conditioning makes our skin dry. Lesser water intake makes the skin tight and parched.

Prevention:

• Follow the mantra of drinking 8 glasses of water every day to hydrate the skin.
• Moisturize your skin with a lightweight and water-resistant lotion and sunscreen. Ensure application and reapplication of sunscreen lotion.

Cure:

• The cure lies in the application of an intensive repair night and day cream.
• For dry hands and feet, apply the cream and opt for cotton socks and gloves to seal in the moisture.
• You can even opt for a natural oil massage spiked with essential oils. Choose a carrier oil like almond oil (100 ml) and add up to 2 drops of geranium and 5 drops of lavender essential oil.

Now shoo away the skin maladies with the above mentioned summer skin care routine. And you are all set for fun and frolic.

Share your ideas of  skin care in summer in the comment section.