Introduction:
Everybody wants to look beautiful. Once someone says beautiful, the first thing that comes to mind is skin, so maintaining skin is never out of season. But the arrival of summer reminds people of extra skincare. The skin is the best accessory. Skincare is not superficial because when an individual has beautiful and flawless skin, it indicates inner health. It means an individual has a healthy mind and body. Extra skin care is needed during the summer because it is time for pools and beaches. Yes, an individual is more prone to sun exposure. Hence, there is a need to maintain the skin.
How Are Sun Rays Harmful to the Skin?
The harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays that reach long wavelengths are known as UVA, and the short wavelengths are known as UVB. These harmful invisible radiations can cause sunburns. Tanning of the skin is the first sign to appear after exposure to the sun. Regardless of the skin tone, every one of us is a victim of sunburn and tanning. Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer and premature skin aging. The harmful rays from the sun can even lead to permanent eye damage. Hence, protection of the skin becomes mandatory.
What Are the Common Skin Problems During Summer and How to Prevent Them?
Heat Rashes: Heat rashes are a common skin condition seen during hot and humid weather conditions. It is developed when pores are blocked and trapped by sweat. It is also called prickly heat. It appears as small red bumps on the skin. It affects both children and adults. Heat rashes are usually seen on the neck, between the inner thighs, or under the arms. To prevent heat rashes, an individual should,
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Wear loose and breathable clothes.
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Keep their skin cool and moisturized.
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Do not use thick body lotions or topical creams that can clog the skin pores.
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Avoid skin products that contain petroleum and mineral oil.
Acne: Acne vulgaris is a skin condition that develops when sweat, bacteria, and oils clog the pores. During summer, an individual can see breakouts of acne. The most common breakout spots are the face, back, shoulders, and chest. To handle acne, an individual should follow the following things.
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An individual should use a towel to blot the skin as they sweat.
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Wash the area with cold water.
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Use oil-free skin products.
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Do not rub or pierce the acne.
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Do not keep touching the acne.
Sunburn: Sunburns appear red and can sometimes be swollen and painful. It is caused by overexposure to the harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. Sunburns increase the chances of skin cancer, and the risk varies from mild to moderate, depending on the time of the day. The greatest risk is at noon when the sun's rays are powerful. After the exposure, the skin turns red in less than 30 minutes. To manage sunburns, an individual should follow underlying healthcare advice.
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Stay out of direct sunlight.
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Apply moisturizer or sunscreen.
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Drink plenty of water and keep hydrated.
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Keep a towel or take a cool bath.
Melasma: Melasma is a common skin condition that causes dark and discolored patches on the skin. The patches are darker than usual. Brownish-colored patches usually appear on the cheeks, forehead, and bridge of the nose. To prevent melasma, an individual should,
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Wear sunscreen that contains high SPF.
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Wear a hat that shields their face.
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They should cover their faces with a cloth before going outdoors.
Swimmer’s Itch: Swimmer’s itch is also called cercarial dermatitis. It appears as a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to certain parasites in freshwater and saltwater lakes. The common symptoms are small blisters, a burning sensation on the skin, and itchiness.When an individual notices a rash after swimming, they should:
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Apply cold compresses to the affected area.
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Bathe in Epsom salt or baking soda.
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Use a topical cream for itching.
What Are the Tips for Routine Summer Skincare?
Maintaining a summer skincare routine is essential for protecting the skin from harmful sun radiation. The tips for effective summer skincare are as follows:
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Use Sunscreen: An individual should apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 before going outside. If an individual is a regular swimmer or there is excessive sweating, then reapply sunscreen every two hours.
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Protective Clothing: People should wear light-weight, long-sleeved shirts, and sunglasses to protect their skin and eyes from harmful sun radiation.
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Stay Hydrated: People should drink plenty of water to get glowing and hydrated skin.
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Gentle Cleansing: People should use a mild cleanser to remove dirt and sweat from the skin. Do not use harsh cleansers because they may damage the skin.
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Skin Exfoliation: People should exfoliate their skin every one to two weeks to remove dead skin cells. Skin exfoliation can be done with gentle scrubbing.
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Lip Protection: People should apply a lip balm containing SPF to protect their lips.
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Hydrating Masks: They should use hydrating masks or serums to hydrate the skin.
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Limit Hot Showers: People should avoid hot showers. Taking hot showers may remove natural oils.
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Manage Sweat: People should use antiperspirants to minimize sweat.
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Taking Healthcare Advice: In cases of specific concerns, people should consult a dermatologist for personalized treatment recommendations.
What Are the Foods That Are Good For Healthy Skin?
Beautiful skin starts with nourishment from within. Intake is more effective than applying creams outside for healthy skin. Nutrition plays an important role in healthy skin. Food plays a main role in maintaining the skin. The foods that are good for the skin are:
Vitamin-C-Rich Foods: Vitamin C is essential for healthy skin. It is also an antioxidant. It aids in the skin’s natural regeneration process, which helps in repairing damaged skin cells. It has plenty of skin-healing properties. It prevents premature aging of the skin. Foods rich in Vitamin C include:
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Oranges.
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Lemon.
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Guavas.
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Strawberries.
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Papaya.
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Broccoli.
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Tomatoes.
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Kiwifruit.
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Avocados.
Fish: Fish are an excellent food for healthy skin. They are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining skin health. Omega-3 fatty, rich foods help to keep the skin moisturized. It reduces inflammation, which causes acne. Fish are also rich in vitamin E, one of the most important antioxidants for the skin. Fishes are also rich in proteins, which are needed for maintaining the strength and integrity of the skin.
Tomatoes: Tomatoes are high in vitamin C and carotenoids. Carotenoids help maintain healthy skin by protecting the skin from sun damage, and they also prevent wrinkling.
Walnuts: Walnuts provide essential fatty acids, which our body cannot produce. They are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-6 can cause inflammatory conditions in the skin. But omega-3 reduces inflammation. However, in walnuts, there is a correct ratio of both omega-3 and omega-6. Walnuts are also rich in zinc. Zinc is vital for the skin to act as a barrier. It also helps in wound healing.
Dark Chocolate: Cocoa can do wonders for the skin. The effects of cocoa on the skin are phenomenal. It is rich in antioxidants that can protect the skin from sun damage. It also improves blood flow and helps improve wrinkles, hydration, and skin texture.
Conclusion:
Eat the correct balance of foods, and it will feed the skin with the necessary nutrients it needs for it to stay soft and flawless. Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water and taking the foods mentioned above that can make drastic changes to the skin. For personalized advice or treatment, an individual should consult a healthcare provider or dermatologist.