Common Skin Problems In The Summer and Solutions

The intense heat and humidity of the summer months can be severely damaging to your skin. From full-on acne outbreaks to rashes and sun burnt skin and from a sticky, oily face to body odour and fungal infections, summer is really unkind to your skin. The harsh rays of the sun along with environmental pollutants make it impossible to have clear skin in this weather. Fear not, though! Summer months can be cruel to your face but with a few preventive measures, you can steer clear of common skin problems.

1. Sunburn/sun tan: Unfortunately constant exposure to the unforgiving sun in this weather can really do a number on your skin. A tanned skin is actually your skin’s way of protecting itself from intense UV rays but things can get really uncomfortable pain when the tan quickly turns into a burn. A sun burn is potentially serious skin condition leading to redness, peeling and itchiness. So how do you avoid a burn? Wear sun screen! We know you’ve all heard it a million times but it’s true – sun screen really is your best friend in the summer. A minimum of SPF 30 is essential in the summer and it’s best to wear a water-resistant formula to counter the profuse sweat.
2. Acne/pimples/freckles: Avoiding that nasty pimple seems next to impossible in the summer and this becomes especially annoying when you’ve planned an evening out and suddenly an angry, red bump appears smack in the middle of your forehead. Acne and pimple management can be tricky in the summer but you can still manage to keep your skin clear if you keep your skin clean. Get a face wash that contains acne-fighting ingredients (and doesn’t over dry your skin) such as salicylic acid and wash your face with it every time you come after being out in the sun. Also, make sure to hydrate. Dehydrated skin is a hotbed for pimples so drink plenty of water, fresh juices and eat fruits and vegetables with a high water content. The more you hydrate your skin, the less the chances of a breakout. Despite all this, if you still suffer from acne or freckles, be sure to use an over-the-counter cream like Stillman’s Freckle Cream to spot-treat the problem area. A few applications overnight should make that pimple go away in no time.
3. Prickly heat or heat rash: Blocked sweat glands often lead to prickly heat commonly known as a heat rash that appears as itchy, red bumps on the skin. When these bumps burst, sweat is released and you feel a prickly sensation on the skin. The goal is to try and sweat less and you can do that by wearing loose-fitting, cotton clothing or any fabric that is breathable (lawn remains a popular choice here in Pakistan). If you must exercise outdoors, try and do it during the coolest parts of the day such as early morning or late evening after the sun has set. Finally, try and keep your skin cool by sitting under the fan, taking cold showers and using the air-conditioning when possible.
4. Brown spots/pigmentation: Skin pigmentation is a common summer occurrence where the skin becomes patchy thanks to the appearance of unsightly brown spots. Again, it’s important to wear sun screen as a preventive measure. If the spots appear even after using a sun screen, exfoliate your skin with a gentle scrub or creams that are especially formulated to tackle discoloration. Once again, Stillman’s Freckle cream can help combat discoloration.
5. Excessive oiliness: We’ve all dealt with at some point – ‘shiny’, sticky summer skin that could put your car’s headlights to shame. Overactive sebaceous glands are the culprit that produce excess oil, thus giving you that summer ‘shine’. But don’t worry, you can make it disappear by using a toner that contains salicylic acid. Add this toner to your morning routine right after you cleanse. It minimizes the shine by removing the dead, sticky cells from the top of the skin. Make sure to use Stillman’s Fairness and Daily face wash which are oil free and give you the radiant that lasts.
6. Bug bites: Being outdoors in the summer means you’re prone to being bitten by bugs. This leads to itchy, red bumps that could potentially get infected. Be sure to slather your skin generously with bug repellent to prevent any nasty bites but just in case you’ve been bit, icing the affected area or using a cold compress can help reduce the inflamed site. You can also take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. However, make sure you go to the doctor if there is no relief or if the inflammation continues to get worse.