How Does A Heatwave Affect Your Skin?

As much as we love to have glistening sun-kissed skin, the unfortunate reality of particularly hot summer days is that they can be pretty brutal on your skin, and you need to ensure you protect yourself.

This is especially true during heatwaves, where a sunny day tips over into potentially dangerous weather, not only for your skin but for your overall health.

An important step is to keep yourself hydrated, and an in-clinic hydrating booster can keep your skin hydrated and prevent the dryness that can come from long-term exposure to the sun.

Skin Conditions Caused Or Exacerbated By Heatwaves

• Heat rash, which typically takes the form of a flare-up of red bumps and is caused by increased sweating.
• Grover’s disease, which usually appears on the chest and back, but the heat rash it causes can last for years before it completely clears up.
• Sunburn, the risk of which is intensified by the heat.
• Eczema is not caused by heatwaves, but its symptoms can get significantly worse due to the irritation caused by sweating.
• Rosacea symptoms are also intensified by the heat, as the flush redness is intensified by dilating blood vessels and attempts to cool down.
• Melasma and other hyperpigmentation disorders get worse with heat and can cause patches on the face.
• The risks of skin cancer are increased not only by UV radiation exposure but also by being exposed to higher temperatures for longer.
• Fungal infections tend to get worse due to the heat.
• Skin damage caused by dehydration.

How Can You Protect Your Skin?

• Use a high SPF sunscreen.
• Wear clothing made of breathable, natural materials.
• Take cool showers.
• Moisturise your skin more.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Wash off sweat at the end of the day.
• Stay in the shade, especially during peak times in the sun.
• Visit a skin clinic to check your conditions and consider any beneficial hydration treatments.