Summer is easily one of the best seasons of the year. Beautiful weather, plenty of outdoor activities, much-anticipated vacations, and more time with friends and family—but more fun in the sun often wreaks havoc on your skin.
Common summer skin issues like sunburn, body acne and bug bites are super annoying—especially when you’ve waited months to finally wear that cute bathing suit and sundress.
Good news! Those stubborn skin conditions don’t have to ruin your summer after all. All it takes is knowing how to prevent them in the first place and taking care of them when they do occur.
So, without further ado, here are your top summer skin issues explained and solved.
The 411: Not only is sunburn painful, it can also lead to sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and even skin cancer. Ultimately, the best remedy for sunburn is prevention. Be sure to use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 daily, then reapply every two hours when out in direct sunlight. Try to stay out of the sun by seeking shade or wearing a hat and protective clothing whenever possible.
The Remedy: If you do happen to get a sunburn, start by taking frequent, cool baths or showers and drink plenty of water. Then, use a skin barrier repairing moisturizer with ceramides or apply aloe vera to the affected areas. Pro tip: The Fresh Start Face Oil works wonders if you have a mild sunburn on your face, but avoid using it on any areas that blister.
The 411: Just like sunburn, prevention is always the way to go with bug bites. Make sure you’re using a bug repellent while outdoors, especially for camping and hiking when you just know the bugs will be bad. We recommend looking for one that’s more natural like Hello Bello’s Natural Bug Spray (Deet-Free) or California Baby’s Natural Bug Blend Bug Repellent Spray.
The Remedy: If you do get a few of those pesky bug bites, apply ice for a few seconds to help with the itching. You can also try mixing together a paste made from oatmeal, honey and water to apply directly to the mosquito bites.
The 411: Increased sweat mixed with oil and bacteria is your one-way ticket to skin breakouts—and we’re not just talking about your face, either. Acne on your upper back and shoulders is common in the summer months, especially for those who exercise regularly. This can be prevented by changing out of sweaty clothes and showering after workouts. Also, consider switching to an antibacterial soap in the summer months like Dial’s Manuka Honey 2 in 1 Beauty Bar Soap.
The Remedy: If you notice breakouts on your body, treat it with products that target those hard-to-reach areas, like a mist. Versed Back-Up Plan Acne-Control Body Mist is formulated with 2% salicylic acid, tea tree oil and witch hazel, making it both easy to use and effective, too.
The 411: Keratosis Pilaris, aka “chicken skin,” is a common skin condition that causes dry, rough patches and tiny bumps, usually on the upper arms. Truth be told, summer isn’t the only season for Keratosis Pilaris—however, it’s definitely more noticeable in the warmer months when most of us are wearing short sleeve shirts, tanks, and swim suits.
The Remedy: The best way to treat Keratosis Pilaris (KP) is to regularly exfoliate. But beware of overdoing it, as this can ultimately worsen the condition. Use a gentle exfoliating solution or serum like our Multitasker Night Serum for 5-7 days, and then periodically as needed. If you happen to suffer from a particularly stubborn case, you may need to see your dermatologist for a prescription-strength urea cream.
The 411: Melasma is a pigmentation issue that causes dark, brown or grey patches to appear on your cheeks, nose, forehead, chin, and upper lip. This can worsen in the summer months with increased sun exposure, especially for those who are pregnant or on birth control pills, as hormones tend to trigger this condition. Melasma can be one of the most stubborn pigmentation issues, so at the risk of sounding like a broken record, it’s best to prevent it. Always use a good SPF 30 on your face, and if you’re out in direct sunlight, be sure to wear a wide-brimmed hat. Lastly, always use gentle skincare products and avoid waxing your skin, as this often leads to irritation and inflammation, which can worsen this condition.
The Remedy: Just like Keratosis Pilaris, the best way to treat melasma is to gently exfoliate—but it may take 8-12 weeks to notice a difference. FYI, aggressive exfoliating has a tendency to worsen melasma (yikes). Our recommendation? Use a gentle exfoliating serum like our Multitasker Night Serum paired with our 20% Vitamin C Fresh Start Face Oil. Used for more than 2-3 months, this dynamic duo can help visibly even your complexion and fade discoloration. For extreme cases of melasma, see your dermatologist to consider prescription topical treatments and possibly laser treatment.
The 411: Our hair grows out of openings called follicles. When these openings get infected, it causes folliculitis. Folliculitis is a pimple-like infection of the hair follicle that can be itchy and painful. Prevention is key when it comes to folliculitis. Wear loose-fitting clothing whenever possible while keeping skin clean and dry in areas folliculitis might occur.
The Remedy: Hair removal such as shaving, waxing, and even treading can lead to folliculitis. Always gently cleanse the area with mild soap and warm water before hair removal. Shave in the direction of the hair growth, making sure your razor blades are not dull. Follow hair removal with witch hazel or even a mild exfoliating serum like The Multitasker Night Serum to prevent breakouts. Just remember that mild stinging may occur!
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