Summer is the time of the year that coincides with long vacations from school, universities, travel, among others. However, it is also the season in which the ambient temperature rises, causing more sweating and affecting us when performing daily, work, recreational or sports activities, mostly outdoors. This increases the time of exposure to the sun, especially when we go to beaches and swimming pools. Dr. Carlos Sordo, dermatologist of our clinic, gives us valuable recommendations to mitigate the impact that solar radiation can have on our skin.

• Wear thin cotton garments that allow sweat to evaporate, but with tight weave and colors that reflect light without retaining heat. Also, choose appropriate socks and footwear according to the activity to be performed.
• Daily hygiene with mild soaps, avoiding abrasives, germicides, and excessive disinfectants, helps prevent skin irritation and dehydration. Drying the skin well and changing clothes daily are essential practices. Subsequent baths can be limited to refreshing or lightly used in necessary areas. After bathing, light moisturizers can be applied to keep the skin hydrated.
• Avoid walking barefoot in the street and wearing rubber sandals when showering outside the home is recommended to prevent infections. Athletes should bring their own utensils and towels to the gym or saunas to minimize risks.
• Seek shade and wear light hats or caps with tightly woven fabrics, as well as dark glasses to protect the eyes. When going to the beach or swimming pool, it is advisable to use thick awnings and umbrellas, avoiding the hours of greatest radiation and heat, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Do not apply irritating substances or colognes before sun exposure.
• If photoprotector is used, apply it 30 minutes before exposure to daylight and reapply it every 2 hours depending on the activity.
• Do not use tanning beds, as they deliver a large amount of radiation in a short time, causing damage, photoaging and increasing the risk of skin cancer.
• These precautions should be taken with children, the elderly and pregnant women, as well as those suffering from diseases, as they are more vulnerable. Children, whose skin begins to produce melanin at 2 years of age, should not be excessively exposed to the sun before this period, requiring constant protection. It is advisable to use neutral soaps, avoid colognes and, in children under 6 months of age, if necessary, use mineral photoprotectors or justifyto prevent allergic reactions.
• Maintaining a balanced diet provides essential nutrients and vitamins to preserve skin health. In addition, it is advisable to ingest the right amount of water daily, considering age and physical activity or exposure to the outdoors.

Remember:

• Sunlight and warmth are fundamental to life on Earth as we know it. Despite current challenges, such as environmental pollution, it is possible to protect ourselves through preventive measures and contribute to the preservation of the Earth by respecting its ecosystem as much as possible.

Dr. Carlos Sordo
Dermatologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma