Summertime is allergy time: how to keep your skin healthy
16.7.2019
Translation: machine translated
Summer, sun and... allergies. The supposedly most beautiful season of the year is upon us, and with it, unfortunately, the beloved rash. What to do?
Do you suffer from sun allergies in summer? Then you're like many people, including me. Doctors still don't know why sun allergies develop in the first place. In my case, it manifests itself in the form of spots and reddened skin on my neck, décolleté and, if things get really bad, my face. Over the years, I've tried a few things to keep my rash in check. Here are the tricks that work for me.
Gel instead of cream
Sunscreens are often heavy and cover your skin like a film due to their high oil content. This clogs the pores, making it harder for the skin to breathe. In combination with sweat and perhaps salt water, this quickly leads to an unsightly reaction, which often manifests itself as red pustules, blisters, itching or pimples. That's why my dermatologist recommended gel-based products to me.
A gel is light and absorbs quickly. Many manufacturers now offer a gel-based allergy line. However, there are differences here too. If you use sun protection without emulsifiers, fats, fragrances, colourings or preservatives, you are usually on the safe side. Emulsifier - what? I had to look up this word too. Emulsifiers are artificial additives that combine two immiscible liquids, such as water and oil. And as is often typical of artificial additives, they can promote unpleasant reactions.
My favourite for the body: the Sensitive SPF 30 Gel from Daylong. Although I am one of the fairer skin types, I rarely use SPF 50 as it is heavier and therefore clogs the skin. I only use the Daylong face gel cream on my face. It is light, does not leave a film on the skin and is economical. It's also no problem under make-up. And because it's so small and practical, I always have it with me.
Keep your hands off the sun oil
We would love to have a sun-kissed complexion all year round. It's understandable that many people want to get there faster with sun oil and a high sun protection factor. But you're not doing your skin any favours. Dermatologists generally advise against it - with or without sun allergies. This is because sun protection of up to SPF 15 is as good as no protection at all. As sun oil dissolves more quickly from the skin, you need to reapply plenty of oil. However, if you apply too much, an oil film is created that acts like a burning glass. Although this speeds up the tanning process, it also increases the risk of sunburn. If you have oily skin, combination skin or recurring acne, it is better not to use oil.
Fishing hats? What a thing!
It's hot. You want to wear as little as possible and sometimes you simply forget that you've been walking, swimming or doing anything else in the sun all day. Not only does your skin get tired quickly, but so does your head. That's why I realised that fishing hats are an absolute hit in summer. Whether you're in the mountains, doing sport or in the water, they protect your head from sunstroke and usually cast enough shade on exposed areas such as your shoulders and décolleté. And since the nineties are back in fashion, you don't have to be ashamed of looking like your grandad when fishing.
Before and after
Since I started applying sun cream at home instead of when I go out in the sun, my sun allergy has also improved. However, after a day in the sun, the skin is more stressed than you think or see. I therefore make sure that I not only remove sun cream residue from my face, but also from all other areas that are sensitive to the sun. To avoid further irritating the skin, I simply cleanse it with clear water. If you crave moisturising, I would recommend a light aftersun. I sometimes mix in a little organic coconut oil to keep my legs and arms supple. [[productlist:6374190]]
Do you have any other tips that can help with sun allergies? Then let us know in the comments column. ☀️
When I'm not distracted by a dog on the street because I'm dying to pet it and otherwise very much in love with animals and board sports, I try to understand, enjoy, question and always remain curious about the world around us. My camera is usually with me so that no story, daydream or moment goes to waste.
Beauty
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