Save Your Skin

For people who live in regions that experience cold winters, summer is a time to get out and enjoy activities in the sun.

But it would serve them well to take the proper precautions.

The sun can do worrisome damage to skin. Those who want to break out of the house and enjoy the sun may face various kinds of breakouts such as acne, burns, blotches, rashes and — possibly in the long run — cancer.

Experts suggest being creative and smart when it comes to skin-versus-sun scenarios.

The top advice on almost everyone’s list is to use sunscreen.

“Apply sunscreen liberally and often,” says Texas-based dermatologist Dr. Adam Mamelak.

It does not stop there.

He recommends dressing properly in the summer. Less is not more. He emphasizes covering up the head as much as possible.

“Even if you have a full head of hair, wearing a hat can help,” he says. “Hats that are opaque and tightly woven provide the best coverage. Those with wide brims can also add extra protection for the ears, the face and neck.”

Mamelak, who helped open the Austin Mohs Surgery Center in the early 2010s, also urges people to wear sunglasses and tightly woven clothes with a high ultraviolet protection factor.

He also preaches finding and purchasing the right laundry detergents. Look for the seal of recommendation issued by the Skin Care Foundation, he says.

“Detergents and laundry boosters with this seal help infuse sunscreen protection in the fibers of the clothing as it is being washed, and it really works,” he explains.

Metairie, Louisiana-based dermatologist Patricia Farris suggests easing into summer activities with light, daily sunscreen and retinol.

“The sunscreen will protect skin and give you just enough moisture for summer,” Farris says. “In the morning, protect your skin from UV rays and pollution by applying a high-quality antioxidant. And don’t be afraid of using retinol in the summer. Retinol should be used at night and rejuvenates skin while you sleep.”

The American Academy of Dermatology has an abundance of advice about taking care of skin in the summer, but focuses heavily on the damage sweating can cause.

The AAD recommends blotting sweat from the skin with a clean towel rather than wiping it off, which can cause skin irritation. The Academy also suggests washing sweaty clothes, rather than reusing them, and advises using non-comedogenic products for the top half of the body. Those products have labels stating they are oil-free and will not clog pores.

The sun is not the only thing to worry about, according to the AAD. People who swim in bodies of water such as lakes, rivers and oceans should be aware of the possibility of developing swimmer’s itch (also known as clam-digger’s itch). Welts and blisters can appear when parasites make contact with the skin.

The ADD recommends staying out of infested waters and to dry the skin with a towel quickly after exiting the body of water, as rashes could develop while the moisture on the skin is evaporating.

Swimmer’s ear is another water hazard. The Academy recommends wearing ear plugs when swimming and not cleaning ears with cotton swabs, which can push wax buildup deeper into the canal. This can cause further irritation, or even pain and hearing problems.

Lifespan.com has a list of 12 foods to eat in the summer to help maintain skin care. These foods are high in antioxidants and other skin-enhancing ingredients.

Cherries

Pomegranates

Figs

Walnuts

Watermelon

Tomatoes

Carrots

Avocado

Kale

Peppers

Berries

Rosemary