Summer Scares for Sensitive Skin

For some sensitive skin conditions, the sun is beneficial as UV rays can help the healing process in conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. New skin growth is also speeded due to the increased amount of vitamin D that the sun’s rays produce. However, just because the sun can be good for these skin conditions, it should be noted that summer weather can trigger flare ups, catching unsuspecting sufferers by surprise. This is more likely if there is a significant change in temperature along with sudden exposure to the sun, likely as sufferers take holidays and weekend breaks.

So although the summer is a time to look forward to for most people with problem skin conditions, sufferers need to be exercise caution.

Here are seven hidden summer scares for sensitive skin sufferers and how to best avoid them:

1. Summer Danger - Over Exposure

Some sun is extremely beneficial to eczema and psoriasis prone skin, but over exposure (i;e burning or even the slightest inflammation of the skin from UV rays) can be more harmful than no sun at all. Even the mildest sunburn can trigger a flare of both eczema and psoriasis, especially in areas of very sensitive skin on the face, behind the ears and inside the arms.

How to avoid the problem:

Sensitive skin sufferers should stay out of the sun between 12 noon and 3pm and never remain in direct sunlight for more than 15 minutes at a time.

In addition prepare the skin for sun exposure by sitting out in the sun for approximately 30 minutes a day during early summer when the sun is not so strong but some vitamin D will still be generated. It will also allow your skin to adapt to the sun and increase the tannin in your skin in preparation for high summer.

If you are going away on a summer holiday, then a few sun beds to acclimatise your skin may be helpful, although this should only be a temporary measure as long-term and repeated use of sun beds have been linked to an increased risk of skin cancer.

Using a cooling skin treatment or moisturiser immediately after sun exposure is also very beneficial to sensitive skin as it will ensure that if any mild burning has taken place that it is cooled and soothed before it has a chance to cause any problems. It will also prevent any increased water loss from the skin, which often occurs after sun exposure and can be one of the things contributing to a flare up.

Cardiospermum Gel is an ideal after sun cooling treatment for people with eczema. The gel contains an extract from the Cardiospermum plant commonly known as Balloon Vine which was found in a recent UK trial to be as affective as steroids in helping to treat symptoms of eczema due to its strong anti-inflammatory effects on the skin.

For people suffering from psoriasis, Oregon Grape daily moisturising cream is a light hydrating skin cream which has been formulated specifically for people with psoriasis. It contains a natural root extract called Oregon Grape Root, which has been shown in a UK trial to be highly effective in reducing symptoms of psoriasis as well as being significantly more pleasant to use than medicated ointments such as those containing coal tar.

2. Summer Danger – Sun Bloc

It is always recommended by skin experts that people with sensitive skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis should use a sun bloc to reduce the risk of burning.

However, most over the counter sun blocs are chemical sunscreens and contain chemicals such as aminobenzoic acid, oxybenzone, and ethyl hexyl p-methoxycinnamate which absorb sunlight within the epidermis. Although very effective, these chemical sunscreens may cause irritation to people with very sensitive skin. And the higher the SPF the more chemicals the sunscreen is likely to contain, increasing the risk of irritation.

How to avoid the problem

Non-chemical, mineral-based pigments such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are sunscreens that work by forming a physical shield or barrier on the skin that reflects sunlight away from the skin. These reflective sunscreens are non-irritant and very suitable for people with extremely sensitive skin. The main problem is finding a mineral bloc with a high enough factor in (a minimum of 30SPF is recommended) without it making your skin look like you’ve been rolled in flour when you put it on.

3. Summer Danger – Swimming Pools

It’s virtually impossible and also very miserable to pass the whole summer without taking a few dips in the pool. However, for people with eczema or psoriasis this can cause a flare up because chlorine (which is present in most swimming pools) draws moisture from the skin and strips it of its natural protective oils.

How to avoid the problem

So avoiding swimming pools is the best idea but is not always the most enjoyable. Eczema and psoriasis sufferers can enjoy a quick dip in the pool (it is better to keep it to a dip rather than a long soak) if they take precautions afterwards. Immediately showering once you leave the pool gets rid of the majority of chlorine on your skin. In addition applying a hydrating moisturiser, such as those mentioned about, which are designed specifically for your skin condition will help lock in moisture. The best time to do this is when your skin it still slightly damp from the shower.

4. Summer Danger – Sweating

Increased sweating under summer clothes can exacerbate skin conditions and may even trigger an outbreak. It is the drying of the sweat on the skin and the abrasion caused from damp clothes that pose the biggest danger, rather than fresh sweat. Sweating is particularly problematic for people with Inverse Psoriasis, which mainly affects the skin in the armpits, groin, under the breasts and around the genitals and causes smooth patches of red, inflamed skin. It's more common in overweight people and is exacerbated by sweating.

How to avoid the problem

Wear dark loose clothing. It’s a misconception that dark clothing absorbs more heat. Dark clothing tends to create a proper barrier to UV rays where as light clothing can actually let some UV rays in, letting your burn under your clothes.

The important thing is to wear natural fibre clothing in light fabrics like cotton or silk and to keep the clothing loose and airy. This summer’s trend for kimonos is perfect for people with sensitive skins. A lovely olive green or navy kimono is ideal summer holiday attire for people with extra sensitive skin.

5. Summer Danger - Dehydration

Dehydration is common in the summer and can trigger a flare because the skin is the first place where moisture is taken from if the body is suffering from a lack of fluids. Dehydration is particularly bad for people suffering from eczema, although a flare up of psoriasis can cause as much as 20% moisture loss from the skin.

How to avoid the problem

Drink more water than normal, and keep coffee, tea and alcohol to a minimum as they are diuretics that cause more water loss from the body. Use a skin moisturiser twice a day and also after showering or swimming to lock in moisture into the skin. Keep out of dry winds, which can lead more quickly to dehydration and can dry out the skin.

6. Summer Danger - mosquito bites

Being bitten by mosquitoes is irritating at the best of times for people with sensitive skin conditions and being bitten can have more serious consequences. If you are bitten on or around areas where your skin condition often occurs, then the itching and inflammation of the bite is likely to trigger a flare up in that area.

How to avoid the problem

Using an over the counter insect repellent will probably contain a chemical called DEET, which can irritate or inflame sensitive skin conditions. So the best route is to find a natural repellent.

There are a number of natural insect repellents available which contain various botanical combinations which can help repel mosquitoes, although it is commonly agreed that these are not as effective as DEET based products. However if you are prone to eczema or psoriasis you should seek alternatives to DEET, and just apply them more often. However try to avoid ones that include clove oil in them as this can also be irritating to sensitive skin.

Lemon Grass has been found in some published studies to be about 60% as effective as DEET products as a repellent when applied as a lotion to the skin and it is also considered as non-irritating to sensitive skin.

In addition many natural therapists suggest taking a vitamin B complex (namely vitamin B1 (Thiamine) up to two weeks before you leave for your holiday which can help repel mosquitoes as you secrete the thiamine through your skin and mosquitoes hate the taste of it. However, only anecdotal evidence currently exists for this remedy, so no scientific studies have confirmed the effect.

7. Summer Danger – Hotel soaps & detergents

Detergents in soaps and toiletries, particularly cheap ones used as complimentary items in hotels, can irritate sensitive skin conditions and cause flare ups. In addition detergents used to clean sinks, toilets and baths in hotels can have a similar irritant effect as they are often harsher than even your usual household detergents.

How to avoid the problem

Always wash out your sink and bath with fresh water before using them and make sure you wipe down the toilet seat with a damp cloth before use.

Take your own body and face wash products which you know are suitable for your skin. Bare in mind that due to increased sun exposure and temperature changes your skin may be more sensitive than usual so using an ultra-mild chemical free face and body wash is important in hot weather.