There’s nothing quite like long summer days, when sunshine, sandals, and spontaneous beach days are the rule, not the exception. But while the season brings plenty of joy, it can also take its toll on your skin. Whether it’s a summer sunburn, an acne flare-up, or an itchy rash, certain skin issues are common after a day in the sun.
At ICLS, we understand how frustrating summer skin problems can be. However, with a few preventive steps and the right skin treatments, you can avoid issues like dryness, irritation, and redness. In this article, we explore the most common summer skin problems and simple ways to prevent them, so you can maintain your summer glow despite the weather.
Summer Acne Breakouts: Keeping Skin Clear and Healthy
With rising temperatures and humidity, your skin may sweat more. Add sunscreen to the mix, and you have a recipe for clogged pores. Even people who aren’t typically acne-prone may find their skin breaking out more than usual during the summer.
Prevention Tips
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser after sweating. Pat dry with a clean towel.
- Look for non-comedogenic, oil-free sunscreen and makeup.
- Avoid touching or picking at pimples to reduce the risk of infections and scarring.
- Use oil-blotting sheets throughout the day to manage summer oily skin and shine.
If breakouts continue, consider professional treatments like chemical peels or prescription topicals. At ICLS, we offer advanced dermatological care for persistent acne. Book a consultation to find the best approach for your skin.
Summer Heat Rash (Prickly Heat): Tips for Staying Cool
Heat rash appears as tiny red bumps, typically in spots where sweat gets trapped, like under the arms or on the back. This type of summer skin rash happens when sweat glands get blocked. You may see it during hot, humid weather or after a workout if the sweat sits on the skin for too long.
Prevention and Relief Tips
- Wear loose, breathable clothing made from natural fibres.
- Keep cool with fans, air conditioning, and cool showers.
- Shower promptly after workouts.
- Limit outdoor activity during peak heat to minimize sweating.
Sunburn: Essential Protection from UV Damage
Sunburn isn’t just painful in the short term. It can cause lasting cellular damage and premature signs of aging, including dark spots and wrinkles.
Even a single sunburn increases your risk of various skin cancers, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. With five or more sunburns, you double the risk of developing life-threatening melanoma. By practicing sun safety, you can protect your health and slow down aging.
Sun Safety Tips
- Apply a daily broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30+, even on cloudy days.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially after sweating or swimming.
- Cover up with wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and UV-protective clothing.
- Stay in the shade or indoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., but don’t skip sun protection. UV rays can still hit your skin in the shade by bouncing off reflective surfaces or passing through leaves and branches.
Sunburn Care
- Use cool compresses on sunburned areas. Wrap in a clean, soft towel to avoid direct contact with the skin.
- Take a cool (not cold) shower or bath. Avoid harsh shower gels and soaps, as they may further irritate the skin.
- Apply aloe vera gel or a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer. Ensure it’s free of petroleum and oil, which can trap heat.
- Drink ample water to stay hydrated; add a splash of lemon juice or sugar-free coconut water to replenish electrolytes. When skin is burned, it draws moisture to the surface to help repair the damage, which can dehydrate the rest of your body.
- Consult with your dermatologist for pain management. Your doctor may recommend anti-inflammatory medication or a 1% cortisone cream to soothe redness, itchiness, and swelling.
If you’re noticing freckling, dark spots, or new moles, we recommend booking a consultation at ICLS. We offer mole screenings and sun damage treatments to help monitor and maintain your skin health over time.
Dry, Irritated Summer Skin: Keeping Skin Hydrated
You might think humid weather prevents summer dry skin, but there are other factors to consider. Between chlorine, sun exposure, air conditioning, and extra showers, your skin may feel drier than usual over the summer.
Hydration and Prevention Tips
- Use fragrance-free moisturizer after showers while skin is damp to seal in moisture.
- Opt for gentle, hydrating cleansers free of fragrances and chemicals.
- Keep showers brief and lukewarm (not hot).
- Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from within.
Melasma and Sun Spots: Managing Summer Hyperpigmentation
Summer melasma (sun spots) appears as dark patches on the face. It often shows up on the forehead, cheeks, or upper lip and worsens with sun exposure. Summer sun can also cause other types of hyperpigmentation, like age spots or freckles.
Prevention Tips
- Wear an SPF 30+ sunscreen daily without exception.
- Block the sun with hats, sunglasses, protective clothing, and other physical barriers.
- Stay out of the sun during peak UV hours if possible.
From chemical peels to laser treatments like Broadband Light Therapy, ICLS offers a variety of treatments to reduce pigmentation. At your initial consultation, our dermatology team can help customize a treatment plan for your needs.
Summer Sun Allergy: Preventing Sun-Induced Hives
For some people, even a few minutes in the sun can cause an allergic reaction. Summer skin allergies can result in hives, redness, or intense itching, often on the arms, chest, or face.
Prevention Tips
- If you take medications, look for sun sensitivity warnings. Certain antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, oral contraceptives, retinoids, and other medications may increase photosensitivity.
- Acclimate your skin to sunlight. Gradually increasing your time spent in the sun can help you manage sun allergies.
- Use sun-protective clothing and a high-SPF sunscreen.
Summer Poison Ivy Rash: Outdoor Safety Tips
Poison ivy, oak, and sumac all contain urushiol, an oily resin. If it touches your skin, it may trigger an itchy, blistering rash, known as contact dermatitis. A rash can appear hours or even days after exposure.
Prevention Tips
- Learn to identify and avoid poisonous plants. The saying “Leaves of three, let it be” applies. However, keep in mind that poison sumac typically has clusters of seven to 13 leaves.
- Wear gloves, pants, and long sleeves when hiking or gardening.
- Wash your skin and clothes immediately after potential contact with a poisonous plant.
For severe or widespread rashes, seek immediate medical attention from a dermatologist. Reach out to ICLS with any questions about plant-induced rashes.
Summer Folliculitis (“Hot Tub Rash”)
Folliculitis happens when hair follicles become inflamed. It can occur due to sweating, shaving, or using contaminated hot tubs. Folliculitis often resembles acne bumps but may also cause itchiness or tenderness.
Prevention Tips
- Shower immediately after swimming or sweating heavily.
- Avoid pools or hot tubs that appear unclean or poorly maintained.
- Wear breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics during workouts.
- Change out of sweaty clothing promptly.
Mild folliculitis may resolve on its own. Self-treatment may include using warm compresses and mild antibacterial soap on the affected areas. If folliculitis persists, you may need prescription topical or oral antibiotics, depending on the severity of the condition.
Summer Eczema Flare-Ups: Comfort for Sensitive Skin
Summer weather can be challenging for people prone to eczema. Heat, sweat, allergens, and chlorine can all trigger flare-ups.
Care Tips
- Apply gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers frequently to affected areas.
- Keep skin cool and dry. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
- Use a hypoallergenic sunscreen specifically designed for sensitive skin.
- Manage flare-ups with topical hydrocortisone or oral antihistamines.
At ICLS, we conduct eczema trials led by Dr. Sheetal Sapra and Dr. Julie Khanna. If eczema is causing chronic discomfort this summer, contact us to learn more about our advanced eczema treatment options.
Healthy Summer Skin Starts With Expert Care
Summer should feel carefree and easy, but skin issues can sometimes put a damper on the fun. By staying consistent with sun protection, skincare, and proper hydration, you can avoid many of the issues we’ve covered.
Whether you’re concerned about pigmentation, rashes, or breakouts, ICLS is here to help. We combine medical expertise with compassionate care to address each patient’s unique needs.
To learn more about advanced treatment options, schedule a consultation today. We can create a personalized plan to help you achieve and maintain youthful, healthy-looking skin, not just in summer but all year long.