How To Address Heat-Related Skin Issues Like Heat Rash, Acne, Dryness, Oiliness, And More
With summer still in full swing, we looked up the top causes of and treatments for common skin problems
Summer has been really harsh on everyone this year, especially since most of us are stuck at home, and some are without 'round the clock air conditioning from our offices or the malls.
Early this month, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has reported the highest heat index for Metro Manila, reaching 41 degree Celsius. And living in temperatures of 40 degrees with high humidity levels is not just uncomfortable—it can be detrimental to our health. At that temperature, the body starts to struggle to cool itself down, which can then lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or even heatstroke.
Our skin is also very susceptible to problems during extreme temperatures like the heat, which may cause existing skin conditions to worsen or even new ones to appear. When our bodies react to the hot weather, the increased sweat production to help the body cool the skin may be bringing tons of different problems. And sometimes, just drinking water throughout the day may not be enough.
Here are some common heat-triggered skin conditions, what causes them, and what are the best treatments to address these concerns.
Heat-Related Skin Issues
Heat-Related Skin Issues
Oily Skin
When our body tries to cool itself, it’s not just sweat that we’re prone to produce. Sebaceous sweat glands are also prone to secreting an oily product that slows the evaporation of regular sweat. That means that an oily skin may be a sign that your skin is actually dehydrated, and needs to be replenished. So instead of using harsh foam cleansers and products that promise to strip your face of oil, focus on light hydrating products to keep your skin hydrated. Did you know that using the right oils also help? Low-comedogenic oils such as Jojoba, tea tree, squalane and marula oils are light in texture and won’t add to your greasiness. For natural remedies, honey is revered as a natural humectant, and can keep the skin moist, but not oily. To use as a mask, spread thin on your face, leave for 20 minutes, and rinse with warm water.
Photo Credit: SheKnows.com
Acne
Acne is caused by clogged pores that are usually brought about by excessive oiliness, bacteria, sweat, and stress. And when it’s hot outside, expect your acne to be more aggressive because of the increased sweat and oil your body produces—not to mention the stress of having to deal with the heat! Exfoliating, whether with a physical or chemical exfoliant, is a good practice when dealing with acne because it helps prevent breakouts by declogging your pores and keeping them clear. When exfoliating, look for these good ingredients that will make your skin happy: salicylic acid, glycolic acid, polyhydroxy acids, and lactic acids. Just be sure not to over-exfoliate, because doing so will only trigger your pores to produce more oil. For a natural remedy, try an exfoliating tomato mask since tomatoes are rich in salicylic acid. Just combine one teaspoon of sugar to the pulp of one tomato, apply and leave on the skin for 5 minutes, before washing with warm water. It’s also a good practice to always wash items, hats, or clothes that you’ve perspired on before wearing them again.
Photo Credit: Cottonbro/Pexels
Eczema
Something even worse that the summertime could bring is eczema, a common skin condition that causes itchy, dry and cracked skin. While eczema can be triggered by a lot of things like food allergies and stress, extreme temperatures like the heat may also cause a flare-up. To avoid eczema flare-ups, avoid getting sweaty and stick to indoor activities when it’s too hot. Avoid wearing stiff fabrics like wool, nylon, and rough linen, and stick to breathable cotton. Be wary of certain food that may exacerbate your condition such as dairy, eggs, and wheat. If you’re prone to flare-ups, make sure that you always have your medicine with you. Some people are prescribed medicine like cetirizine or oral steroids, so make sure you’re well stocked up, especially since drugstores are open on limited capacities nowadays. For natural remedies, some people swear by aloe vera, whose wound-healing properties may soothe broken skin and promote healing. Virgin coconut oil has also been found to combat inflammation and improve the health of your skin barrier.
Photo Credit: Daniel Grill/Getty Images
Dry and irritated skin
Spending time in the pool (if you have one at home) or prolonged airconditioning may feel great when it’s hot, but it can also trigger dryness and irritation in your skin. To prevent dryness, try to apply sunscreen whether you’re going out or even if you’re just staying inside. Because even though your windows can effectively block UVB rays, UVA rays can still go through and damage your skin. When taking a bath, opt for mild cleansers, as well, because those labeled “antibacterial” or “deodorant” can dry your skin. Your room may also benefit from a humidifier, which can add moisture in the air and prevent your skin from drying up. If you notice that your face is unusually dry, switch to a gentler facial wash, or avoid washing your face more than once a day. Some people with dry skin find it better to wash and cleanse only once, at night. Keep your exfoliation down, maybe to at most once a week. We’ve also aways seen women putting cucumbers on their face in the movies—but is that effective? Actually, yes. Cucumbers are high in Vitamins A and C, which are both vital for dry skin care. You can eat them or juice them to keep hydrated, or just use them topically.
Photo Credit: Cottonbro/Pexels
Heat Rash
The burning, itchy feeling of heat rash is one of the most irritating and painful experiences that come with a hot and humid climate. And similar to acne, heat rash develops when blocked pores trap perspiration under your skin. To prevent heat rash, try to wear loose and lightweight clothing. If you don’t have airconditioning, try to avoid exercising when it’s still too hot, and wait for the temperature to go down first. When dealing with heat rash, try to bathe in cool water with non-drying soap, and let your skin air-dry instead of drying aggressively with a towel. For a topical solution, calamine lotions help calm itchy skin. Aloe vera is also a great topical product, because it has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe and cool your skin without clogging the pores. You can also keep applying aloe vera up to five times a day since it’s not really harmful for your skin. 99% aloe vera gel in tubs are very popular nowadays, which you can get from any drugstore.
Photo Credit: Andrea Piacquadio/PEXELS
Lead photo via @violetgrey
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