Heat-related Skin Conditions
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Feeling hot and bothered? How to help skin deal with the heat according to an expert
Hot Skin Problem 1: Skin flare-ups
“Those tiny, itchy bumps that can form on the skin after being in the heat are tell-tale signs of heat rash which are caused by blocked sweat glands,” says Dr Miriam Adebibe.
Fortunately, unlike some summer skin conditions, they’re nothing to worry about and can be relieved with a hydrocortisone cream or aloe vera, plus a cool shower. Where extra care is needed however is if you’re someone who suffers from skin conditions such as rosacea or eczema as these can flare up in the heat,” she continues. “Protection is key when it comes to keeping happy and healthy in the sun so my advice is to stay out of the sun where possible, especially around midday when it’s at its strongest and always make sure you keep your SPF topped up.”
Hot Skin Problem 2: Heat-induced breakouts
The heat and humidity are only half the problem when it comes to summer. Sunscreen mixed with sweat combined with heat plus sand, salt water, excess booze and air-con, and no wonder your skin’s playing up and breaking out. Dr Miriam’s advice for stopping the spots? “Choose your skincare products carefully; in the summer, sweat and SPF can cause irritation to the skin. People tend to suffer from acne in the summer because the hot weather means that we sweat more which in turn means that more oil accumulates on the skin. This then acts to block pores, fuels bacteria and ultimately results in spots. SPF is non-negotiable but try to choose one that’s oil-free.
The dreaded ‘Bacne’, or breakouts across other areas of the body such as the chest and upper arms can also be exacerbated by the heat. To avoid this, Dr Miriam says it’s very simple. “Use a product that contains a BHA such as benzoic or salicylic acid which removes all of the dead skin cells and debris to unclog pores and stop spots from forming.”
Skin Problem 3: Post- sun sensitivity
Managing skin balance is a daily challenge especially when taking the endless onslaught of sun, SPF and heat can lead to skin that feels more sensitive than usual.
‘Anti-inflammatory products are your best friend here,’ says Dr Miriam. ‘Exposure to UV radiation will release chemical messengers which cause blood vessels to enlarge so skin may feel swollen and appear red so if your skin is sensitive after sun exposure, look for soothing products such as aloe vera to calm skin. Vitamin C is also a wonder ingredient here – as well as being an antioxidant, it’s also been shown to prevent the redness caused by the sun and what’s more, it helps to revitalise sun-damaged skin and fight off fine lines.”
About Dr Miriam
Dr Miriam Adebibe is a regenerative aesthetic doctor and a specialist in nutrition. She believes that encouraging the skin to repair and rejuvenate itself is key to maintaining its long-term health. She maintains that the cornerstone of skin health is good nutrition and following extensive research within molecular nutrition, Dr Miriam is also passionate about the skin / gut connection and how this impacts the skin.
