SHIELD YOUR SKIN FROM THE SUN THIS SUMMER

For children and adults alike, summer is a time for fun and holidays. It’s a time to swim, visit the beach and generally relax and rejuvenate. However, with higher temperatures predicted this summer, it’s vital to take precautions to protect yourself, and most especially your skin, from the effects of the sun, so that you can continue to function at peak and look your best.

Apart from taking care to hydrate your body by drinking plenty of water and cooling liquids, it is essential to keep out of the sun. Some uncomfortable skin problems that arise due to over exposure to the harsh sun’s rays, include the following:

Roseacea:

This is a condition when your skin turns red due to over exposure to the heat and the sun. The redness is a result of your blood vessels dilating due to excess heat. Prevent Roseacea by always taking time to apply sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher.

Sunburn:

This is caused when ultra violet radiation burns the skin after a prolonged period of being under the direct rays of the sun. You will know that your skin is experiencing the effects of sunburn when you see darkened patches on your skin, which peel away and can often be painful. You can prevent sunburn by staying indoors from 10am to 4pm when the sun is at its fiercest.

Sun tan:

Nobody wants their skin to darken as an effect of over exposure to direct sunlight. Sun tan dulls the skin and detracts from your skin’s health. The only way to prevent sun tan is to avoid the sun, but if you are outdoors, then it is recommended that you repeat application of sun block of SPF 30 or higher, every two to three hours.

Prickly Heat:

This reddish rash is itchy and uncomfortable, and is caused due to sweat and humidity which leads to a bacterial skin infection. Avoid prickly heat by showering in cold water at least thrice a day and wearing loose cotton clothes.Use a medicated talcum powder or calamine lotion on the affected areas if you are already suffering from prickly heat, and keep the area dry and clean.

Foot infections:

It is important to keep your feet clean and dry as foot infections increase during summer due to heat and sweat.Always scrub your feet and toes thoroughly each day, taking care to carefully wash in between your toes. Use a good anti-bacterial powder if you experience itchy feet and sense the onset of a bacterial infection, and consult a Dermatologist immediately.

Dandruff:

Heat and constant sweating aggravates dandruff. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo every other day to keep dandruff away. Use a good dandruff shampoo twice a week and make sure that you keep your body cool so that you don’t suffer the ill effects of a constantly sweaty scalp.