Summer is finally right around the corner! Before you fire up those barbeques or head to the beach, learn what you can do to prevent these 5 common skin problems and keep you summer worry free.
Acne Breakouts
A build up of sweat, bacteria, and oil on your skin can lead to clogged pores and acne breakouts. Keep your workout clothes and towels clean, including hats and headbands, by washing after every use. Look for skin care products labeled “non-comedogenic”, “oil free”, or “won’t clog pores”.
Product Spotlight:
- Optimal Skin by Twin Ports Dermatology Acne Exfoliating Pads. These are perfect for on the go! Just use on acne-prone areas, as directed.
- EltaMD UV Clear This is a sunscreen with SPF 46 specifically designed for acne-prone skin to keep your skin protected during those summer workouts.
Melasma
Sun exposure causes dark patches and uneven pigment on your skin to darken. This can be prevented by wearing a sunscreen every day of SPF 30+ and reapplying every 2 hours. Wide-brimmed hats provide a physical barrier to keep those rays off your face.
Product Spotlight:
- Intellishade TruPhysical This is a 5‐in‐1 anti‐aging moisturizer with 100% all‐mineral broad‐spectrum sunscreen SPF 45 that corrects, protects, conceals, brightens and hydrates the skin.
- Optimal Skin by Twin Ports Dermatology Advanced Brightening Pads – use nightly, as directed to help with pigmentation.
Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac
Coming into contact with one of these plants often leads to an itchy, blistering rash due to an oil called urushiol. The rash is a delayed reaction usually not appearing until 1-3 days after exposure. The rash is not contagious however, lingering oil on clothing or other objects can be transferred onto the skin. Prevent this rash by learning how to identify and avoid these plants: http://www.poison-ivy.org/identify-poison-ivy-poison-oak
If you have come into contact with one of these, wash your skin with warm soapy water and wash clothing, gardening/lawn equipment, shoes, pets, etc. to prevent transferring oil.
The rash usually goes away on its own in 1-3 weeks but if it is severe or on the face or genitals, you may need a prescription from your dermatology provider.
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Sunburn
Not only is sunburn uncomfortable, but it also increases your risk of developing skin cancer. Avoid the sun by seeking shade and avoiding outdoor activities from 10 am-2 pm when the sun is at its peak. Wear wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and sun-protective clothing- look for “UPF” on clothing labels. Wear sunscreen. Look for the label to say “broad spectrum” or “UVA & UVB protection”. Use an SPF 30+ and reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating.
Product spotlight: EltaMD UV Aero This is a broad-spectrum SPF 45 water-resistant UVA/UVB aerosol sunscreen for all skin types. It is easy to apply to spray for on the go sun protection. This is a popular product among men.
Bug Bites and Stings
Bug bites and stings are annoying but usually resolve on their own. However, some can be dangerous if you have an allergy or the bug is carrying a disease. Avoid bug bites by walking in the middle of trails that go through the woods. Wear long sleeves and pants, tucking your pants into your socks. Inspect your skin (and your pets!) after time spent outdoors to check for ticks.
If you have been bitten by a tick and develop a red bullseye shaped rash it could be a sign of Lyme Disease. Have the rash evaluated by your dermatology provider in case you need to be treated with antibiotics.
Take the Next Step
These and many other products are available at Twin Ports Dermatology to help you have a safe and enjoyable summer! There are also dermatology providers available for same-day appointments to assist with all of your summer skincare needs.
