Sweat! Sunburn! Clogged pores! With so many summertime hazards, it’s a wonder we love frolicking out of doors during the warmer months so much. Lounging in the sun also has plenty of benefits - everybody likes getting a healthy, outdoorsy glow and a few extra freckles. Besides the sun, summer comes with a unique chemical cocktail – between the chlorine in the pool and the mystery ingredients in self-tanner, opportunities for skin damage and beach blanket bingo go hand-in-hand. With the skin care tips below, you can make sure that your skin stays healthy and glowing this summer.
Summer Treatment for Acne
The threat of sweat is enough for the acne-prone to avoid a wide range of healthy, outdoor activities during the summer. Now is the perfect time to get acquainted with your skincare options. For over-the-counter acne treatments, benzoyl peroxide is recommended for reducing redness, while salicylic acid works better for treating blackheads. Ask a dermatologist if you should consider a prescription acne medication, such as doxycycline. Doxycycline is a common acne medication, developed to target the bacterium that causes acne.
To prevent clogged pores, consider adding an astringent to your makeup routine during the summer. Before you apply makeup, or when you retire from a long day of huffing and puffing in the sun, dab some salicylic acid astringent onto your face, especially on your forehead and nose, generally the oiliest areas.
As the dermatologist has probably already told you, washing your face too much can actually cause more problems than it prevents. With constant washing, glands can become over-stimulated and manufacture more oil and breakouts. Continue your morning and evening routine as usual, but if you feel the need to freshen up in between, consider simply rinsing your face with water.
You’ve probably also heard that getting a little tan can clear up acne. While a sun tan may reduce the visibility of acne, a sun burn damages your skin, irritates your pores, and can make your skin even more likely to develop acne. You may also feel tempted to avoid sunscreen for fear it will cause acne. Read the labels of the over-the-counter sunscreen in your drugstore to find one that’s oil-free. Protecting yourself from the sun doesn’t have to feel greasy.
The Truth about Tanning
You can treat sunburns with a little bit of aloe, either from a bottle or directly from the leaf of the spiny plant, but the danger of sunburn doesn’t fade with the redness. Your risk of getting skin cancer later in life increases with every severe sunburn. Often you only remember to apply sunblock once you’re already out in the bright sun. Take a moment to read the instructions on the back of the bottle – it’s actually best to apply it 15 minutes before you go outside!
It’s tempting to get a tan going before the summer gets going. However, if you’ve ever listened to a doctor about anything, consider the medical effects of tanning beds. They increase your risk of skin cancer at an alarmingly high rate.
Drink up!
During the summer, even casual exertion can work up a sweat. Dehydration can leave you feeling woozy, lethargic, and downright grumpy. Don’t be the weak link on the impromptu beach volleyball team! Get a water bottle and keep it with you at all times. Staying hydrated doesn’t just ward off a parched throat - it benefits your whole body, including your skin.
For more information about medical skin care or acne treatment visit our Skin Care Conditions page and Acne Overview Page. At these pages, you’ll also find free discounts for popular skin care and acne medications.
