Summertime brings opportunities to step outdoors, bask in the warm weather, go for adventure sports, and flaunt our summer bodies. But just like anything else, summers do not come without certain headaches for us. Excessive heat and humidity can make you feel sticky, uncomfortable, and even sick. Mosquitoes and flies are more active in the summer, and their bites can be frustrating. People become more susceptible to dehydration, fatigue, and other health problems. However, the most victimized and neglected is our skin, which becomes prone to multiple summer skin issues that can become extremely serious if not taken care of. In this article, we will focus on common skin issues in the summer, and how we can smartly fight them off with different skin remedies and solutions.

Acne Breakouts

The undisputed winner in this list of common summer skin issues will be dreadful acne. Acne is commonly caused by your pores being blocked by a buildup of bacteria and sweat, leading to awful breakouts. Additionally, dead skin cells add to the trouble, accelerating the breakout of summer pimples. These pimples can be itchy, but if scratched, they can be triggered further by the dirt and germs in your nails. Apart from avoiding touching your face with your hands and covering your face when traveling, you can fight this summer skin issue using the solution mentioned below:

• Salicylic acid: Salicylic acid can help exfoliate the skin and unclog pores. Look for cleansers, toners, and spot treatments that contain salicylic acid.
• Benzoyl peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial ingredient that can help kill the bacteria that cause acne. Similar to salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide can also be found in toners and moisturizers.
• Retinoids: Retinoids are a type of vitamin A derivative that can help improve the texture and tone of the skin. They can also help prevent acne by regulating oil production. Look for prescription-strength retinoids or over-the-counter products that contain retinol.

Sunburns

While enjoying the warm sun is one of the perks of summer, it is equally essential to understand that excessive exposure to the sun will do your skin more harm than good. The goodness of Vitamin-D is immensely overshadowed by the damage from the harmful UV rays emitted by the sun, paving the way for skin issues as mild as redness and blisters to as deadly as skin cancer. This can be avoided by the following hacks:

• Sunscreens: Sunscreens that boast SPF 50 and PA+++ are appropriate for fighting the Indian sun. In addition to warding off UV A and UV B rays, they also provide hydration for dry skin.
• Aloe vera gel: Aloe vera is a natural anti-inflammatory that can help soothe sunburned skin. Apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel to the affected area and let it absorb into the skin. Reapply as needed.
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help reduce inflammation and promote healing in sun-damaged skin. When applied topically, it can help soothe the redness and discomfort associated with sunburns while also supporting the skin's natural repair process. Vitamin C also has photoprotective properties, which can help to prevent further damage from UV exposure.

Heat Rash

Heat rash, also known as prickly heat, is a skin condition that occurs when sweat gets trapped under the skin, due to a blockage of sweat glands. This common summer skin issue leads to red, itchy bumps or blisters. To treat common summer rashes, it is important to keep the skin cool and dry. Here are some skincare products that can help:

• Calamine: Calamine has astringent properties that can help to soothe and calm irritated skin, reducing inflammation and itching. Calamine also acts as a barrier on the skin, protecting it from further irritation and promoting healing.
• Talcum powders: Application of unscented talcum powder on areas of your body which are prone to prickly heat can help sooth the itch and prevent the rash from resurfacing again. Going for powders with least or negligible chemicals will help you use it as and when necessary.
• Menthol: Menthol, when applied topically, menthol creates a cooling sensation on the skin, which can help to reduce inflammation and soothe irritated skin. Additionally, it has antipruritic (anti-itching) properties that can alleviate the discomfort caused by common summer skin rashes.

Dry Skin

Hot temperatures and low humidity can be major causes of skin dryness in summer, making your skin flaky and itchy. This is one of the most common summer skin problems. Excessive sweat can lead to a loss of natural moisture, which can cause dehydration internally. If left untreated, dry skin can lead to more serious conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. Fortunately, there are many ways available to help you treat and prevent dry skin problems in the summer months.

• Niacinamide: Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide has several benefits for dry skin. It helps to strengthen the skin's barrier function, which can reduce water loss and improve hydration. Niacinamide also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can soothe and calm dry, irritated skin.
• Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant that has numerous benefits for the skin. It is naturally occurring in the body and can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, making it an excellent moisturizer. By retaining moisture, hyaluronic acid can improve skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and promote a smoother, more radiant complexion.
• Ceramides: Ceramides help to prevent moisture loss, protect the skin from environmental stressors, and maintain a healthy pH balance. They also support the production of collagen, which can improve the skin's firmness and elasticity, thus helping with skin issues.

All the ingredients mentioned above can be easily found in a number of toners, cleansers, moisturizers, and face serums. More often than not, a combination of these ingredients when applied regularly will help you produce the best results for skin issues in summers. Moisturizing and exfoliating your skin in a timely manner can save you from letting the summers wreak havoc on your skin. We also motivate you to use vegan beauty products, which constitute natural ingredients and are cruelty free. However, it goes without saying that you need to consult your dermatologist if symptoms persist for longer periods of time. Prevention is always better than cure, and with this quick guide to skin remedies in your hand, feel free to go out and beat common summer skin problems!