Summer means spending more time outdoors. However, the increased exposure to things like sunlight, insects, and poisonous plants can cause some itchy and painful rashes. Fortunately, there a few simple steps people can take to avoid unwanted rashes, which can quickly sideline summer fun.
Blot sweat from your skin with a clean towel or cloth. Wiping sweat off can irritate your skin, which can lead to a breakout.
Wash sweaty clothes, headbands, towels, and hats before wearing them again.
Use non-comedogenic products on your face, neck, back, and chest. The label may also say “oil free” or “won’t clog pores.”
Dry, irritated skin. When outdoor air is hot and humid, you can still have dry irritated skin. The biggest culprits are spending time in the sun, pool, and air-conditioning. If your skin starts to feel dry and irritated despite the humidity, try these tips:
Shower and shampoo immediately after getting out of the pool, using fresh, clean water and a mild cleanser or body wash made for swimmers.
Apply sunscreen before going outdoors, using one that offers broad-spectrum protection, SPF 30+, and water resistance.
Use a mild cleanser to wash your skin. Soaps and body washes labeled “antibacterial” or “deodorant” can dry your skin.
Take showers and baths in warm rather than hot water.
Slather on a fragrance-free moisturizer after every shower and bath. Moisturizer works by trapping water in your skin, so you’ll need to apply it within 5 minutes of taking a shower or bath.
Carry moisturizer with you, so you can apply it after washing your hands and when your skin feels dry.
Turn up the thermostat if the air conditioning makes your home too dry.
PREVENT DRY, IRRITATED SKIN
Shower and shampoo immediately after getting out of the pool, using fresh, clean water and a mild cleanser or body wash made for swimmers.
Blot sweat from your skin with a clean towel or cloth. Wiping sweat off can irritate your skin, which can lead to a breakout.
Wash sweaty clothes, headbands, towels, and hats before wearing them again.
Use non-comedogenic products on your face, neck, back, and chest. The label may also say “oil free” or “won’t clog pores.”
Dry, irritated skin. When outdoor air is hot and humid, you can still have dry irritated skin. The biggest culprits are spending time in the sun, pool, and air-conditioning. If your skin starts to feel dry and irritated despite the humidity, try these tips:
Shower and shampoo immediately after getting out of the pool, using fresh, clean water and a mild cleanser or body wash made for swimmers.
Apply sunscreen before going outdoors, using one that offers broad-spectrum protection, SPF 30+, and water resistance.
Use a mild cleanser to wash your skin. Soaps and body washes labeled “antibacterial” or “deodorant” can dry your skin.
Take showers and baths in warm rather than hot water.
Slather on a fragrance-free moisturizer after every shower and bath. Moisturizer works by trapping water in your skin, so you’ll need to apply it within 5 minutes of taking a shower or bath.
Carry moisturizer with you, so you can apply it after washing your hands and when your skin feels dry.
Turn up the thermostat if the air conditioning makes your home too dry.
PREVENT DRY, IRRITATED SKIN
Shower and shampoo immediately after getting out of the pool, using fresh, clean water and a mild cleanser or body wash made for swimmers.
