Summer is the perfect season for a beach vacation. But intense heat directed on unprotected skin can cause several problems, ranging from mild heat rash to severe ones like skin cancer. Know how to protect your skin from the most common skin problems during summer.

Summer Skin Preparation

The skin is the largest organ in the human body and its main role is to protect the internal parts from outside forces, such as foreign substances and pathogenic agents. Healthy skin can protect the body without fault, but dry, damaged or irritated skin cannot fully shield the body. This is because the natural skin barrier has been impaired, allowing the illegal intrusion of outside aggressors.

Moisture keeps the skin at its optimal ability and maintains the right pH levels to prevent the skin barrier from being impaired. There are several factors that can influence the right moisture level in the skin, such as:

- Hydration: Drinking inadequate amount of fluids can lead to dryness of the skin.

- Medication: Certain medications can affect the skin as part of their side effects. However, some medications prescribed by dermatologists help in reducing symptoms of skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis.

- Diet: Similar to fluids, the skin needs essential nutrients to keep skin cells healthy and strong. A diet that is high in fat and low in fiber and vitamins can make the skin prone to damage.

- Stress: Stress is a major trigger of skin problems. This is due to the rise of the cortisol hormone when people are stressed. The hormone increases the production of oil in the skin that blocks the pores and nourishes bacteria. Stress also triggers water loss and decreases the speed of the skin's natural healing ability.

- Radiation: The summer season invites people to sunbathe for them to get that natural tan look. But the exposure to the sun's ultraviolet light can dry the skin and destroy the skin barrier. The same can also occur in tanning beds that generate UV rays.

In order to protect your skin from damage caused by the heat, apply moisturizer to keep the water in the skin in place. This is very important, particularly among people with skin problems such as eczema. For a beach vacation, never forget to bring a sunscreen even if you are not planning to sunbathe. The sun protection factor or SPF can decrease the chance of sunburn by reducing the effects of the sun's UV.

Applying skin care products is not enough to keep the skin healthy against the heat of the summer season. Combine it with hydration and proper nutrition to nourish the skin cells. Drink 10 to 15 glasses of water a day, especially if you are living in an area with scorching temperatures. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables to obtain the necessary nutrients for the skin, such as vitamin C and E. Limit the intake of sugar because it causes a sudden spike in insulin production. Inflammation of the skin breaks down the collagen and elastin that leads to skin weakness and aging.

Preventable Skins Problems in the Summer Season

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, skin that has been damaged by intense heat can lead to certain problems that are preventable with proper care.

1. Acne: With the excessive oil production that blocks the pores, acne breakouts can erupt in people, especially those who have oily skin. Dermatologists advise blotting the sweat on your skin using a clean towel or cloth. Do not wipe the sweat because the motion can only irritate the skin. If you are using skin care products, always choose the non-comedogenic ones.

2. Folliculitis: Follicles are the openings in the skin where the hair grows. When oil and sweat stay too long on the skin, bacteria metabolize om them and grow. An abundance of bacteria can inflame the follicles that leads to this condition. To avoid the problem, change your sweat-soaked clothes as soon as possible and wear loose-fitted, light-weight outfits to let the skin breathe.

3. Prickly heart: Also known as heat rash that occurs when the sweat glands are blocked. The main solution for this condition is to avoid excessive sweating, such as staying in the coolest times during the day and keeping the skin cool.

4. Sun allergy: Some people have skin that reacts to sunlight, and this is characterized by an itchy red rash or a blister. The obvious solution is to avoid the sun's rays to alleviate or prevent the symptoms. Determine if your medication can cause skin allergy by consulting with a doctor or a pharmacist. Certain medications, such as painkillers and antibiotics, can trigger a sun allergy. Sun allergy or photosensitivity is also a genetic condition.

5. Sunburn: This is a skin condition that greatly increases the risk of skin cancer. When harmful effects of the sun's UV rays have severely damaged the skin, it causes damage to DNA in the skin cell, leading to malignant cell growth. According to a US study, about five serious cases of sunburn can increase the risk of skin cancer by 80 percent.

People can enjoy this summer season without encountering skin problems. As long as protecting and nourishing it is one of the many things included in the to-do list.

[메디컬리포트=Ralph Chen 기자]