Summer’s arrival means it’s time to hit the beach and enjoy the great outdoors, but it’s also a season when people need to be extra careful with their skin. Changes in temperature, humidity, and sunlight exposure often trigger many common skin problems, so it’s a good idea to do some research before heading outside. Discover how to properly deal with common skin problems, like acne, rosacea, and sunburns, while still getting time outdoors.
Acne Vulgaris
Acne vulgaris is the medical name for common acne, which is different from more severe types, like cystic and nodulocystic acne. Common acne affects people of all ages and all skin types—it even affects animals! If you’re suffering from an acne outbreak, you’re not alone. Luckily, there are things you can do to mitigate the problem.
The first thing to do is take stock of your daily skin care and other factors, like exercise, diet, and medications. Acne sometimes arises due to hormonal factors from menstrual cycles and pregnancy, but oily foods and certain medications can also play a role. Frequent exercise can also make your body sweat more often, which contributes to clogged pores.
Your best bet is to wash your face every day with a gentle skin cleanser dedicated to treating acne and follow up with an oil-free moisturizer. You may also want to lower your intake of sugary and fatty foods. If these simple tricks don’t work after a few weeks, it’s probably a good time to see a doctor.
Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea (ETR)
While there are several types of rosacea, ETR is the most common form, and it looks like large patches of irritated, red skin around the cheeks and eyes. Unlike acne, doctors aren’t sure what causes rosacea, but it’s more common in people with fair skin. Underlying causes may include genetics, bacteria on the skin, and enlarged blood vessels from sunlight exposure.
Also, unlike acne, you probably can’t make your rosacea go away at home. Your doctor may prescribe topical or oral medications in an attempt to reduce swelling. You can also try laser therapy and microneedling, which can help treat rosacea symptoms.
Solar Erythema
Don’t let the fancy medical name throw you off—we’re talking about plain old sunburns. Sunburns happen whenever you spend too much time outside without protecting your skin unless you have lots of melanin. For lighter-toned individuals, it’s imperative that you protect your skin with sunscreen and clothing layers whenever you go out in the sun. Don’t forget to protect your lips, eyes, and ears, too!
If you get a sunburn, you’ll need to be careful with your skin while it heals. Apply aloe vera, drink lots of water, and take aspirin (if you’re able) to treat pain and swelling.
We hope this list of ways to deal with common skin problems has been helpful. Summer should be a season of fun outdoor activities, so stay up-to-date on the best methods for protecting your skin. That way, you can keep your skin healthy without sacrificing summer fun!
