Recommendations for skin care in the summer
Date Added: 29 June 2020, 10:32
Last Updated Date:17 November 2020, 10:08
Asst. Prof. Dr. Didem Mullaaziz, specialist doctor at the Department of Skin and Venereal Diseases of Near East University Hospital, delivered explanations about various skin diseases possibly experienced in the summer season due to some factors such as hot weather, ultraviolet rays of the sun, sea and pool water.

Various skin problems experienced in summer
Stating that our skin is exposed to different weather conditions associated with the seasonal changes and can react differently in accordance with the changes in weather conditions, Assistant Professor Didem Mullaaziz underlines that various factors such as hot weather, UV rays of the sun, sea and pool water, as well as air conditioners may cause skin dryness, skin flaking, skin blemishes and even various skin diseases in the summer.

Expressing that insect bites and bee stings are very common in the summer season, Assistant Professor Mullaaziz delivered further information: “Insect bites and bee stings and allergies associated with these bites and stings are very common in summer. “Prolonged exposure to sun rays without any protection may cause severe sun burns in all age groups, especially in people with fair skin color. In particular, it is much more important to protect children from the sun, and although it causes sunburn in the short term, it significantly increases the risk of developing skin cancer in the long term".

Prolonged exposure to the sun may cause skin cancer
Expressing that wrong practices such as applying toothpaste, yogurt and dry ice on the sunburn do not treat sunburn, Asst. Prof. Dr. Mullaaziz underlines that such wrong applications may worsen the sunburn and cause much complicated problems difficult to solve. “Such wrong applications may cause allergic reactions, worsen the sunburns, further increase the sun damage and cause permanent skin blemishes. Prolonged exposure to the sun may cause premature aging, skin wrinkles, skin pores, skin blemishes, increase in capillaries and skin cancer formation over the years” noted she.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Didem Mullaaziz; “Products that help mattify the skin should be preferred for oily and acne-prone skins
”Stating that people should also apply a skin care routine appropriate to their skin type in the summer as in every season, Assistant Professor Didem Mullaaziz underlines the importance of using a cleanser day and night to remove excess grease formed on the surface of the skin due to sweating. She draws attention to the crucial role of using a skin cleansing product that recommended by a dermatologist in removing everyday impurities and oil from the surface of the oily skin without over-drying. “Especially for oily and acne-prone skins, tonic and skin care products like a mattifying face mask should be used in addition to daily skin cleansing to balance the pH levels in the skin. It is important to add exfoliating as an essential step in the weekly skin care routine to help slough away dead skin cells. One with oily skin or acne-prone skin should avoid putting on make-up, using alcohol-heavy toners, acidic toners, or any with harsh astringents, intense concealer, foundation, powder, colored moisturizers and cosmetic products known as BB cream. Such products can cause blackheads, oil buds and pimples by blocking oil secreting pores in the skin. After moisturizing the oily skin with a moisturizer recommended by a dermatologist, it’s important to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF. For daily use, oil-free and non-comedogenic moisturizing and sunscreen products should be preferred".

Prefer indoor spaces especially during the sun’s peak hours
“Expressing that sunscreen products should be recommended by the dermatologist by taking into consideration the age, skin type, accompanying skin problems and pregnancy status, Asst. Prof. Dr. Didem Mullaaziz draws attention the crucial role of selecting the products that protect the skin from both UVB and UVA rays. "The SPF value on the sunscreen product refers to the protection against UVB. It is also very important that UVA protection is indicated on the product. Along with a broad spectrum sunscreen, it is important to take other measures such as wearing UV-blocking sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat when going out. Indoor spaces should be preferred especially during the sun’s peak hours.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Didem Mullaaziz: "Sunscreen products should be purchased from pharmacies upon the recommendation of the dermatologist"
Stating that sunscreen products should be purchased from pharmacies upon the recommendation of the dermatologist, Asst. Prof. Dr. Didem Mullaaziz highlights that sunscreens should be reapplied at least every four or five hours-and immediately after swimming or sweating as these products lose their effects after swimming, sweating or toweling. “Children over six months must also be protected with chemical-free sunscreen products. Although tan is considered as a healthier and more beautiful appearance, there is actually no such thing as healthy tanning. It should be remembered that tanning is a result of the skin's defense against the sun. In addition, wrong applications such as using cocoa butter, carrot oil, baby oil for faster and easier tanning increase the sun damage of the skin. After swimming in the sea or pool, one should definitely take a shower and apply plenty of moisturizer to prevent over dryness”.

Attention to hair, nail and foot health in the summer
“As in all seasons, especially in the summer, the use of chemical hair styling products such as paint, jelly, foam and spray should be avoided. With the effect of both sun and sea or pool water may cause dryness, dullness and breakage in the ends of the hair. For this reason, the time spent in the sea or pool should be kept short, showers should be taken immediately after swimming, hair moisturizing shampoos, hair care masks and sunscreen cream (with UV protection) recommended by the dermatologist should be used” noted she.

Expressing that some products such as acetone, nail polish, gel, prosthesis applied to the nails contain chemicals preventing the nails from getting air, Assistant Professor Didem Mullaaziz notes that these products may cause color and structural changes on the nails. “For this reason, it is recommended to use nail-strengthening balms with protective properties against external factors. In addition, disposable or personalized sets should be used during manicure and pedicure applications. It is also important to follow the hygiene rules in nail care” said she.

Expressing that it is possible to experience foot skin problems in the summer, Asst. Prof. Didem Mullaaziz states that dryness, cracking and thickening of the skin can be observed especially in the heels. Stating that foot health can be maintained by applying intensive moisturizing daily care creams to the feet, Asst. Prof. Dr. Didem Mullaaziz underlines that moist facilitates the development of fungal infections. "The fungus thrives in warm, moist environments. It's commonly found in showers, on locker room floors, and around swimming pools. In this regard, open shoes preventing sweating should be worn in summer. One should avoid using common slippers and entering common showers with barefoot” said she.