During the ongoing summer heat and humidity, maintaining proper skin care remains important. Dr. Vicky Ren, a dermatologist and associate professor at Baylor College of Medicine, provided answers to common questions about summer skin health.
Dr. Ren recommends using broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher 15 minutes before going outdoors, even on cloudy days. She explained that sun protection is also necessary indoors if you are near windows or in a car: “If you’re indoors, next to windows or in a car, sunscreen is recommended because UVA can pass through glass,” Ren said. “If skin darkening is a concern, tinted sunscreens that contain iron oxide are recommended, even indoors. Iron oxide protects against visible light, which can come from the sun as well as indoor light sources.”
For those who commute by car regularly, Dr. Ren noted that uneven sun exposure may occur: “UVA rays contribute to skin aging, skin cancer formation, and exacerbation of photosensitive conditions. If one side of your face is more directly exposed to the sunlight through a window, then that side can show more signs of aging and sun damage,” said Ren.
When it comes to treating mild sunburns, Dr. Ren suggests gentle care: “When your skin is sunburned, it is injured and sensitive, so we recommend a lot of the same gentle skin care measures we do for those with eczema,” Ren said. Treatment options include washing with cool water, applying cool compresses, oatmeal baths or moisturizers containing aloe vera for relief. Oral antihistamines may help relieve itchiness associated with sunburn.
Regarding humidity’s effect on the skin during summer months, Dr. Ren explained that increased moisture in the air can benefit people prone to dry skin or eczema but may worsen acne or cause superficial infections due to excess sweating and occlusion. Even in humid environments some individuals still experience dryness; she advises moisturizing twice daily using fragrance-free emollients and taking short lukewarm showers lasting five to ten minutes.
“You want to use fragrance-free emollients and take short, lukewarm showers that range from 5 to 10 minutes. If you are still dealing with dry or irritated skin despite this, contact a dermatologist.” Ren said.
