Ah, the joys of poolside fun in the summer! The hot sun on your face, a frosty beverage in your hand, the smell of suntan lotion and chlorine in the air, the breakouts on your shoulders and back… Wait, what?
If you often battle body acne, do you notice breakouts the more you hit the pool?
Swimming pool disinfectants contain iodides and chlorine. If you remember, these ingredients are a recipe for disaster for acne-prone pool lovers. Iodides and chlorine can remain in the water, causing skin problems for frequent swimmers. The combination of hot and humid weather, the physical exercise of swimming, and the chlorinated pools can cause major acne flare-ups.
Pre-swim, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the affected area to help protect the skin against these acne aggravators.
So, how can you still have fun in the sun? Limit sun exposure and always use a sunscreen. Too much sun can cause “hyperpigmentation” which are those brown spots or darkening of the skin that seem to suddenly appear. It is also responsible for premature aging and skin conditions known as “Solar Acne” and “Acne Majorca.”
Skin cancer is also a huge concern when it comes to sun exposure. A recent article in The Clinical Advisor discusses the trend of how women who suffered from teenage acne can have a higher risk of melanoma at a later age. Sunscreen is an important part of your routine to keep your skin healthy and happy!
Planning a tropical trip to a hot and humid destination? Add an acne-safe sunscreen to your packing list. Even if you’re staying at home, use your Face Reality sunscreen every day. Your skin needs it!
