How Summer Destroys Your Skin

 

Summer is here, and the heat is on. Finally, you can shed your wool suit and unveil your tanned, toned body . . . or not. This season can be especially hard on your skin and cause issues that can quickly send you back into hibernation. Here’s what you need to know to safely sport your summer skin all season long.

SUNBURN
By now it should be a no-brainer: Bare skin + sun = sunburn. Wear SPF of 30 or higher with UVA and UVB protection every single day and reapply after swimming or sweating. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, be sure to check your medicine cabinet before stepping outside. “Many people don’t realize that certain medications can increase their photosensitivity and put them at greater risk for sunburns,” says Clifford Perlis, M.D., a dermatologist at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia. The antibiotic doxycycline and blood pressure medication hydrochlorothiazide are especially powerful photosensitizers. “If you know you’re going to be at the beach, pool, or on vacation, talk to your doctor about the medications you’re taking and whether they increase your risk of sunburn,” he says. “Discuss whether you can switch medications to one that won’t boost your sensitivity.” Otherwise, be extra vigilant about protection to minimize the risk of sunburn, skin damage, and skin cancer.

FUNGAL INFECTIONS
First, the good news: Sunlight can decrease certain conditions like acne, psoriasis, and eczema. In fact, light therapy is one of the treatments for some of these issues because the UV rays may suppress overactive immune system cells that cause skin inflammation. However, heat and humidity may up your risk for other topical troubles such as fungal infections. Certain areas, such as your feet, underarms, and genitals, tend to stay warm and moist, which allows fungi to thrive and can lead to infections, Dr. Perlis says. He recommends using an antifungal powder like Tinactin in those hot spots every day, or every other day after showering. “The powder helps dry out the area, and the antifungal medication makes it no longer hospitable for fungus to grow,” he adds.

DRY SKIN
Getting wet could lead to feeling dry. Chlorine strips the layer of oil on the surface of your skin, which locks in water. While you can’t control what happens to your dermis while taking a dip, what you do afterward can make a big difference. Hit the shower and strip off your suit. Thoroughly clean your skin with soap and water, then smear on lotion—like Cetaphil DailyAdvance—while your skin is still damp to help replace the moisture-locking barrier.
MILLARIA
Also known as heat rash or prickly heat, you may see tiny red painless bumps that are plugged-up pores. Usually due to heat, humidity, and sweat, the bumps are totally benign—but can be annoyingly itchy. The best way to avoid heat rash is to minimize sweating. It often clears up once your skin cools down, too. Keep your air conditioner running throughout the warm months to cool your home, and wear lightweight clothing so moisture can escape when you sweat.

BUG BITES
“You may develop itching and inflammation around the area of a bite, either due to a toxin from the insect’s bite or your reaction to the toxin,” Dr. Perlis says. Smear on a low-dose topical steroid like Cordisone 10, or a cream with lidocaine to help reduce inflammation and pain. If you have more severe symptoms such as fever, nausea, hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling, call 911 or see a doctor right away. You could be having an allergic reaction.