Summer Skin Issues: No Fun in the Sun

Summer skin is out there — out from under layers of clothing, out soaking up UV rays, out in the pool and the ocean. As the days get longer and warmer here in Southern California’s land of year-round sunshine, the chance for summer skin issues to flare up rises like the temperature.

Here, from an alert issued by the American Academy of Dermatology, are a few of the summer skin issues you might be facing soon — and how to keep them from putting a damper on your fun in the sun.

You know already about the importance of using adequate, correctly applied sun protection, so we’ll skip that one for now. But remember, a painful sunburn isn’t the only consequence of going without sunscreen. Unblocked UV exposure ages your skin rapidly, causing invisible damage to skin’s underlying resilience. And that same damage triggers skin cancer, which can range from the merely unsightly to the deadly. So slather, slather — preferably using one of the wide range of EltaMD sun protection products we carry.

Acne breakouts are more common in summer, triggered by sweat mixing with oils and bacteria on your skin. The AAD recommends these preventative measures:

• Blot sweat from your skin with a clean towel or cloth. Wiping sweat off can irritate your skin, which can lead to a breakout.
• Wash sweaty clothes, headbands, towels, and hats before wearing them again.
• Use non-comedogenic products on your face, neck, back, and chest. The label may also say “oil free” or “won’t clog pores.”

Our own CDCOP Acne Treatment Kits contain solutions to fight summer skin breakouts, including easy-to-carry wipes for your workouts.

Dry skin can occur even in the hottest, most humid weather, especially as we age. Spending time in icy air-conditioning or in chlorinated pools are two typical culprits. The AAD recommends showering in lukewarm, not hot, water and applying a non-greasy moisturizer frequently during the day. A tinted, moisturizing foundation with UV protection, like Revision’s Intellishade, can be just the thing for looking and staying cool, moisturized, and protected.

Folliculitis is a truly annoying summer skin problem. Occurring when the follicles (pores from which body hair grows) of the skin become irritated or infected, folliculitis causes itchy, red bumps that look like little pimples. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends:

• Immediately after your workout, change out of tight workout clothes like biking shorts, and shower.
• Stay out of hot tubs and whirlpools if you’re unsure whether the acid and chlorine levels are properly controlled.So many people get folliculitis from a hot tub that there is actually a condition called “hot tub folliculitis.”
• Wear light-weight, loose-fitting clothes when it’s hot and humid.

To learn more about how to prevent other summer skin issues, see the full article from the AAD. And it goes without saying that we at Comprehensive Dermatology Center of Pasadena are here to help you with prevention products and a full range of dermatology services to keep the fun in your summer!