Skin care tips for the summer

The summer heat may be the perfect excuse to show some skin, but make sure you're protected before heading out in your swimwear.

 

After enjoying a day at the beach, you don't want to come out looking like a lobster, or worse, lechon. Dr. Gwendolyn Wong, consultant and head of  St. Luke's Medical Center's Dermapathology Unit, gave some important tips about summer skin care in an interview with Kara David on News to Go on Wednesday.

 

Keep safe, use sunblock

 

Avoid a bad sunburn by using the right kind and amount of sunblock. The trick isn't to look for the highest SPF (Sun Protection Factor), but to choose sunblock with good quality and consistency. 

 

Wong explained that some sunblock with SPF 50 are even better than others with SPF 100. "Kung 'yung quality nung consistency at 'yung absorption ng SPF 50 eh mas maganda naman doon sa isang SPF 100, pareho lang 'yung maa-afford nilang protection, and minsan mas maganda pa 'yung isang SPF 50," she said.

 

Citing studies, Wong said sunblock can only protect skin up to a certain level, and there is no way of knowing whether products that are marked SPF 100 actually afford better protection than products marked SPF 50, which are already good for walking outdoors and going swimming.

 

For sunblock to be effective, it has to be applied 30 minutes to one hour before sun exposure. "Mali 'yung before you jump into the pool, or magpunta sa beach, magswi-swimming ka na saka mo lang ipapahid 'yung sunblock. Hindi effective 'yun," Wong said.

 

Asked how much sunblock should be used, Wong recommended a coin-sized amount of sunblock per arm, and around one centimeter per cheek for the face.

 

It is very important to reapply sunblock after two hours, especially after swimming. Wong said to dry the skin before reapplying sunblock. "Importanteng mag-reapply ulit kasi na wash off na po 'yung product habang nagswi-swimming," she said.

 

Cool down 

 

For painful sunburn, Wong recommended placing a towel in ice, and using this as a cold compress. "Kasi what you feel kapag 'yung nararamdaman mo 'yung sunburn is init ng katawan," Wong said, adding that using ointment will only make it feel warmer.

 

Instead of using sticky ointments, creams, or lotion, Wong recommended using aloe vera soothing gel, which has a cooling effect due to its high water content.

 

Choose mild soap

 

Wong said some soap that is used for daily baths can cause white uneven patches when the skin is exposed to the sun. "Minsan naglalagay ng mga cologne, mga alcohol sa katawan tapos naaarawan, tapos marami ngayong mga antibacterial soaps sa market na kalimitan (sinasabi natin), 'Uy gusto ko ito kasi ang bango bango.' So 'pag naaarawan 'yun, 'yun ang nagkakaroon ng puti-puting patches sa mukha," she said. 

 

She explained that the antibacterial component of such soaps causes photocontact dermatitis. This can be seen on sun-exposed areas and is itchy. And although it is not a fungal infection, has an appearance similar to an-an. "Kalimitan, napahiran na ng mga (antifungal cream), akala nila nakuha sa swimming pool," she said.

 

Wong recommended using moisturizing soap with little fragrance, and applying moisturizer after bathing. "Minsan sa dryness ng balat and then naaarawan, swimming ulit, naaarawan," she said, noting that kids are especially prone to white patches on the skin, since they like to swim for hours.

 

Avoid sun exposure between 11 a.m. and three p.m., Wong also advised. "'Yun 'yung mga harmful rays of the sun na nakaka-cause ng mga photodamage ika nga," she said.

 

Jellyfish stings 

 

If you get stung by jellyfish, Wong said a simple first aid solution is to urinate on the area that was stung. "If you're out in the sea and may jellyfish, na lumapit sa 'yo, nakagat ka, dumikit, 'di umaalis, ihian mo. Puwede 'yan," she said. Vinegar can also be used, if available.

 

Wong also advised getting a checkup, especially if the sting leaves dark marks or blisters. "'Yun 'yung mga delikado. And 'yung ibang jellyfish, we have to be aware, may mga neurotoxin," she said.

 

Skin care for staycationers  

For those who choose to stay home, Wong recommended using moisturizers, many of which already have SPF. "If you're not going to get sun exposed, 'yung mga regular na mga a little moisturizer with SPF that's fine. Sa arms di naman kailangan if you're just inside the house," she said. 

 

Wong said bathing is important in order to avoid fungal infection. "'Yung mga nasa loob, mga congested na area na hot and humid, kailangan may hygiene. Laging maligo every day. Huwag iiwanan na magpapawis kasi you'll be prone to fungal infection," she said.

 

It's also important to drink lots of water and stay hydrated, especially if you go outdoors. "Drink a lot of water. Kasi baka ma-dehydrate kapag nasa beach," Wong said. —Carmela G. Lapeña/KG, GMA News Illustrations by Analyn Perez, GMA News