How to Handle Skin Sensitivity and Irritation During the Summer Heat

Summer is here in full swing – the perfect time for impromptu picnics, strolls by the beach, and exploring exotic locales. The only hiccup in the plan is the mighty sun which can wreak havoc on your skin, especially if you have underlying sensitivities. Continued exposure to harmful UV rays can lead to redness, inflammation, dryness, and a gamut of other problems. But fret not, because this is where we come into the picture. 

To help you bask in summer sans any skin worries, we are bringing you an exhaustive guide to combat sensitivity and irritation. 

So grab a tall glass of water and keep reading!

What Are Some Summer Skin Concerns?

Before we get to the cheatsheet, it’s important to be well-versed in the concerns triggered by excessive heat and humidity. Here are the most common ones 

1. Sunburn: Harmful UV rays can damage your skin, leading to redness, inflammation, and a stinging sensation. Sunburns are exceptionally common, even more so with people in tropical regions
2. Heat rash: A rash or prickly heat occurs when your sweat glands get blocked. This summer concerns stem from a variety of problems – uncomfortable clothes, excessive sweating, and of course, hot and humid weather. 
3. Dryness and flakiness: Does your skin become criminally dry or flaky during summer? If yes, know that you aren’t alone. Incessant UV rays zap moisture molecules from the skin, leading to an uneven texture. 
4. Acne breakouts: Sweating profusely during the hot and muggy climate can trigger the sebaceous glands into overdrive mode. This leads to clogged pores which further aggravate and become painful breakouts. 
5. Pigmentation and dark spots: Who does love sunning by the pool? But did you know that solar exposure leads to unregulated melanin production, resulting in dark spots and pigmentation too? 
6. Eczema, Rosacea, and Dermatitis: Folks with skin concerns like Eczema, Rosacea, and Dermatitis might notice flareups due to the heat and humidity.

The Best Skincare Routine To Handle Sensitivity & Irritation

The easiest, most effective way to keep these concerns at bay? Stick to a simple skincare routine. That’s right. No complex formulas or redundant steps! Scroll ahead to learn more 

1. Cleanse – AM and PM both 

Start by using a gentle, non-drying cleanser to remove dirt, grime, and other impurities from the pores. To curb redness and inflammation, look for ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, and Centella asiatica in the formula. Take a coin-sized amount of the formula and massage in on your face with a light hand. Next, use cold water to rinse off as i seals maximum hydration into your skin.

2. Tone – once right after cleansing 

Since the sun drains moisture from your skin, keep a replenishing toner handy. This lightweight formula removes remaining dirt and makeup for a clean base. Additionally, look for antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Niacinamide to neutralize menacing free radicals.

3. Treat – AM and PM 

Use this step to address your specific summer-related concern. If you have dehydrated, flaky skin, try a Hyaluronic Acid serum. For redness, inflammation, and flareups, Niacinamide is your safest bet. Beat your nemesis, acne, with Salicylic Acid in your routine. To achieve even skin without spots and blemishes, make BFFs with Vitamin C!

4. Moisturize – AM and PM

You! Yes, you! Skipping your moisturizer in summer does more harm than good. Indispensable to healthy skin, a moisturizing formula seals hydration and treatment into the skin for best results. It also helps alleviate any redness or inflammation that may surface due to sun exposure. So, if you have innately oily skin, use a gel-based and non-comedogenic formula.

5. Sunscreen – AM only

For the final step, slather a generous amount of sunscreen. Use a broad-spectrum formula that shields the skin against both UVA and UVB rays like Foxtale’s Glow Sunscreen. This lightweight and water-resistant SPF prevents tanning, pigmentation, and premature aging. But that’s not all. The multitasker with Niacinamide and Vitamin C dwindles spots and pigmentation, granting a Golden Hour Glow to your skin. Talk about a  WIN-WIN!

Additional Steps To Handle Skin Sensitivity And Irritation

Apart from full-fledged skincare, here are some lifestyle changes for dreamy skin this summer. No more worrying about accidental flare-ups with these tricks up your sleeve –

1. Hydrate-Hydrate-Hydrate: Drink ample water to maintain the hydration levels in your skin. You can opt for infused water to supply nutrients and antioxidants for that coveted glow.  
2. Use Protective Clothing: To minimize sensitivity and irritation during summer, use wide-brimmed caps and hats while outdoors. Try to wear protective clothing to shield yourself from sunlight.  
3. Avoid The Sun During Peak Hours: This may sound like a stretch, but we are still putting it out there – avoid direct sunlight between 10 AM to 4 PM.  
4. Don’t Go Overboard With Exfoliation: For the unversed, exfoliation is non-negotiable for healthy happy skin. It helps shed dead cells and regenerate new ones for a bright, even surface. However, overdoing it can dehydrate the skin, leading to redness, inflammation, and other flare-ups. Add to that, continued sun exposure and you’re signing up for irreversible sun damage. So, be wary.
5. Weekly masking rituals: A little pick-me-up for your skin and mood this summer – face masks. Slap one on, get a cold beverage, and blow off some steam on your couch. To deal with underlying sensitivity and redness, look for whips with aloe vera, centella asiatica, hyaluronic acid, Niacinamide and so forth.

Conclusion

The heat and humidity can trigger sensitivity on your skin. You may experience out-of-the-blue redness, inflammation, flakiness, and even stubborn breakouts. To keep these problems at bay, follow a simple yet effective skincare ritual with cleansing, toning, treating, moisturizing, and SPF daily.