For many, summer can’t come soon enough, but for those who suffer from heat-sensitive skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea and psoriasis, the rising temperatures aren’t quite so welcome.
Certain skin conditions can be made worse by the heat, particularly when the humidity is high. The increased temperatures can trigger flare-ups as heat causes water loss in the body’s skin cells that leads to dryness that further damages the skin.
Warmer days also make us sweat more, which can exacerbate conditions like eczema and psoriasis as sweat pushes irritants to the skin’s surface. The sodium in sweat can further dehydrate already angry skin
Follow our top tips on staying cool in the summer months, to prevent angry flare ups and irritations...
Turn down the heat
It seems obvious, but while you can’t do anything about the weather, you do have some control over your home and work environments. Try to keep cool with air conditioning or an electric fan, but beware of the temperature dropping too low as this will in turn dry out the skin, triggering flare-ups.
Wear loose clothing
Avoid tight clothing and opt for loose-fitting clothes made from natural fibres such as cotton or linen that keep the heat out, prevent excess sweating and won’t rub against and aggravate hot, moist skin.
Shower or bathe frequently in cool water
To prevent sweat from irritating the skin, showering immediately after exercising or a long day in the sun is recommended. Showering or bathing helps rinse the skin of sweat and other environmental irritants, such as pollen or sand, that trigger flare-ups. Keep the water temperature cool as hot water will only aggravate a skin condition.
Moisturise
Oatmeal has been used for thousands of years for its’ many skincare benefits and is particularly effective for people with sensitive skin thanks to its antioxidant property.
Oats help restore balance and hydration to dry and sensitive skin, while also acting as a natural protective barrier against skin-damaging elements and so helping to maintain the skins normal pH balance.
AVEENO® Cream and AVEENO® Lotion, containing naturally active colloidal oatmeal, hydrates and soothes dry, sensitive skin. The gentle products are suitable for adults and babies from 3 months who are prone to eczema.
Don’t avoid the sun
While the heat may cause flare-ups, the sun provides us with healing vitamin D that is essential for healthy skin. Health experts regularly recommend increased sun exposure and phototherapy in the treatment of eczema and psoriasis. Just be sun aware and...
...Wear sunscreen
Don’t leave the house without high factor sun cream in the summer, anything less than SPF 30 should be avoided, especially on the face. Even on an overcast day UVA rays - the ones that cause longterm skin damage - penetrate clouds. Look for sun lotions with natural ingredients as harsh chemicals can aggravate sensitive skin.
Exercise with caution
If you choose to exercise outdoors choose your time well. Avoid exercising at the hottest time of day (usually between midday and 4pm), ideally early in the morning when the humidity is usually at its lowest.