How You Can Look After Your Sensitive Skin This Summer

When summertime comes in the Philippines, people usually head over to the nearest resort, swim at the pool or sea, eat delicious ice cream or halo-halo, and hold a party at the beach with friends or family.  During this period, it gets warm at the beginning of the day, with the temperature increasing steadily through the afternoon. On top of that, humidity rises, making summer a sweaty season.

While summer is a great time for sand, sun, and poolside fun, the heat could leave your skin irritated. Looking after your skin is essential, especially if your skin is dry and sensitive.

Signs You Have Sensitive Skin

People with sensitive skin should take extra care to avoid developing these summertime skin problems, as they could worsen the condition and ruin summer fun quickly. Individuals whose skin is sensitive display any of the following signs:

• Your Skin Breaks out Easily – Dry, sensitive skin produces extra oils in an attempt to compensate for the lack of contained moisture. This quickly results in clogged pores, which lead to acne breakouts.
• You Are Sensitive to the Sun’s UV Rays – Photosensitivity may cause a rash to develop on the chest, outer arms, and face. Stepping into the sun without wearing sunblock or a hat could cause your skin to become beet red.
• Your Skin Flushes Easily – A common sign of sensitive skin is redness, whether the culprit is a reaction to certain ingredients or a genetic predisposition, such as rosacea.
• Your Skin Feels Itchy – Taut and itchy skin is a symptom of sensitivity aggravated easily by frequent washing with hot water.
• Ordinary Beauty Products Burn or Sting – You’ll know your skin is sensitive when it reacts negatively to beauty products, such as foundation, moisturizer, and cleanser. People who have sensitive skin tend to have a thinner skin barrier than those with normal skin. This makes the ingredients in the product sting or burn.

Summertime Skin Problems                                    

During this season, you can develop the following common but preventable summer-related skin conditions if you are not careful:

• Sunburn – You’ll have painful, red skin that feels warm to the touch if you stay too long out in the sun without wearing any form of sun protection.
• Acne Breakouts – When sweat combines with oil and bacteria on your skin, it can block your pores. This often leads to breakouts for people with acne-prone skin.
• Folliculitis – The follicle is an opening that allows the hair on your body to grow. You can develop folliculitis if the follicles become infected. An infected hair follicle will likely be tender and itchy. It may also resemble a pimple.
• Melasma – If you have gray-brown or brown patches on your face, they may become more noticeable if you’re out in the sun for too long.
• Prickly Heat – Clogged sweat glands can cause heat rash. Trapped sweat will accumulate under your skin, causing itchy, tiny bumps and a rash. You’ll likely feel a prickly sensation on your skin once the bumps burst and release sweat.
• Swimmer’s Itch – This itchy rash shows up after swimming or wading in oceans, lakes, and other bodies of water. You develop this condition when parasites in the water get into your skin. It causes small red spots on areas not covered by your swimwear. Intense blisters or hives may also appear on the affected area.

Taking Care of Your Skin this Summer

The good news is that you can enjoy summer even if you have very dry, sensitive skin. Follow these skin care tips to avoid developing summer-related skin problems and enjoy this warm and fun season:

• Reinforce the Protective Barrier of Your Skin – A variety of elements can cause sensitive skin, including air conditioning and pollution, changes in temperature, sun, wind, and inappropriate skin care treatments. If your skin is sensitive, the first step is to restore and strengthen your skin’s protective barrier. Go for products designed especially for your skin by keeping an eye out for words, such as “sensitive skin” or hypoallergenic, on the packaging.
• Opt for a Light Moisturizer – The skin tends to lose more moisture as the temperature soars, making its natural protective barrier more vulnerable. Beachgoers with sensitive skin should keep their skin moisturized during hot weather. Light formulas are okay for as long as you go with an emulsion or lotion that provides intense hydration. When shopping for a moisturizer, choose one with “24-hour hydration” on the label.
• Wear Sunscreen – During summer, the sun is the number one enemy of sensitive skin. Before heading out (and after putting on your moisturizing lotion), apply a specially formulated sunblock. This makes sure that you stay fully protected from the harsh rays of the sun.
• Spray on Some (Spa) Water – Seawater, sand, and chlorine can easily irritate sensitive skin. Thermal spa water that is rich in minerals decongests and soothes the skin. Allow your skin to absorb these therapeutic minerals before carefully dabbing the water dry.
• Get Clever with Makeup and Clothes – Try a variety of makeup products beginning with hypoallergenic ones. If you are unsure that the foundation you want works for you, dab a tiny amount of it on your inner wrist, place a plaster over the area, and see if a rash develops after 48 hours. When it comes to clothes, it’s a good idea to wear natural, breathable products, such as wool and cotton. Clothes made with synthetic materials may cause you to sweat more, which can irritate your skin.
• Wear Lip Balm – Besides your face and body, your lips should also stay moisturized. Make sure that you go with a lip balm that feels good. If your lips tingle or sting after application, switch to a product that does not cause this reaction.
• Use Essential Oils – These oils repair, soothe, and rejuvenate the skin. During summer, they come in handy to keep bugs away, repair your skin, and help you de-stress. A few of the oils you should try are chamomile, lavender, and mint.

When to See a Doctor

Many individuals with dry, sensitive skin can manage their condition by themselves. Doing so usually merely involves avoiding a beauty product or any substance that irritates your skin.

However, if these skin care tips for sensitive skin are ineffective, schedule an appointment with an allergist or a dermatologist. Your doctor can start you on a skin care routine that will keep your skin feeling and looking good this summer.

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