Saturday Star

How to take care of your skin this summer

- VUYILE MADWANTSI vuyile.madwantsi@inl.co.za

WITH summer quickly approachin­g, everyone is gearing up for an exciting season. However, it is critical to understand the consequenc­es of sun exposure.

Too much can be harmful: over time the sun can cause skin changes which can later develop into skin health issues like acne. Wearing sunscreen religiousl­y is crucial. Plan your exposure to avoid the direct sun at its peak times.

Skin problems can be more common due to the extreme heat, exposure to the sun’s harmful rays and the dehydratin­g effects of air conditione­rs.

Daria Jelavic, Foreo public relations manager for the MEA region, shares her advice on how to best handle summer for skin health. She lists typical skin issues and ways to treat them: Acne

Make-up, oil and perspirati­on together can clog pores and cause breakouts. Make sure to wash your face twice daily if you frequently break out.

The chance of a breakout is reduced by using a gentle foam cleanser, which removes impurities deep in your pores.

Apply a mild cleanser to a dampened face in circular motions for just a minute, or until your skin feels clean. Sunburn

With the hot summer sun, it’s easy to get sunburnt. If you do, hydrate well and treat the affected area with a cool compress.

Dry and irritated skin

If you typically have dry skin, swimming pool water or excessive sun exposure can aggravate the condition.

Use moisturisi­ng products appropriat­e for your skin type and a mild cleanser. To get rid of dead skin cells, exfoliate once or twice a week. Using SPF every day in addition to moisturisi­ng is crucial for good skincare. Heat rash

Heat rash or “miliaria” is a rash that develops when sweat glands become clogged. This can occur after time in a sauna or steam room, or in hot and humid weather. Skin will develop small, red bumps that are itchy and uncomforta­ble. Try cooling the area with a compress. To help lessen irritation, dress in comfortabl­e, loose-fitting clothing.

Insect bites

You might experience itching, swelling and redness if you get bitten by a mosquito, tick, or other insects. Wear protective clothing. Additional­ly, LED light therapy can help with rashes and insect bites, and reduce signs of ageing, visibly revitalisi­ng skin. Hives

Sun allergy (“hives”) is your immune system reacting to sunlight, causing itching, redness and bumps. Limit your exposure to sunlight and wear protective clothing outdoors.

 ?? ?? WEARING sunscreen religiousl­y is crucial. | Unsplash
WEARING sunscreen religiousl­y is crucial. | Unsplash

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