The hot season is approaching and here are some expert tips that you should take into account to take care of your health.
We are in a time of transition between temperatures and we should begin to prepare for the heat because if we do not, our health could be affected.
Because it is the largest organ in our body and is directly exposed to the environment, it is appropriate to start by taking care of our skin. According to Evelyn Villafuerte, dermatologist, this is part of our appearance and there are factors, such as sun exposure, that influence its appearance.
But it is not only a question of aesthetics but also of diseases that we could develop. To prevent them, there are measures we can take:
Skincare routine
Every day, after bathing, you should follow a series of steps that will help you take care of your skin. This should be done two hours before your first exposure to the sun, according to Alejandra Fuentes, from Bellesencia.
Start with a cleansing gel specific to your skin’s needs. Follow with a cream. “This should not be moisturizing, but nourishing,” she says. Then, apply sunscreen: one for the face and one for the body. Both should have a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 50+. “This has a thicker layer of protection and lasts longer. In countries with intense sun like Guatemala, it must contain said SPF,” she explains.
If you wear makeup, you should look for products – such as foundations, lipsticks, and eye creams – that have SPF, but remember that these are not a substitute for sunscreen, as the level of protection is much lower.
Consider your lifestyle to determine how often you should apply sunscreen. If you rarely get sun exposure and work indoors, morning and midday are the best times to apply. If you work outdoors, you should apply it every two hours.
Proper hydration and nutrition
For our body to function properly, we need to stay hydrated. This should be especially the case in summer. “We need to drink plenty of fluids, especially pure water. We should avoid fizzy drinks because they are responsible for the appearance of cellulite and cause further dehydration of the skin due to the amount of sugar and gas they contain,” Fuentes adds.
There are also foods that we should include in our diet thanks to their nutrients. “Carrots protect our skin from the sun because they have a high content of vitamin A. Watermelon, according to a study by the British Journal, is an antioxidant that reduces skin burns by 40%, in addition to hydrating and nourishing,” says the expert.
Another drink recommended by Fuentes is green tea, as it has anti-inflammatory properties that help stop any progression, in this case, skin cancer.
Visual health
In addition to the skin, the eyes require special care during the hot season. “Take care of prolonged exposure to sunlight without any adequate protection measures, such as sunglasses or a hat. If you go to the sea, avoid contact with contaminated water,” says Federico Hermes, an ophthalmologist.
It is also advisable to refresh your eyes with natural tears if they are dry. Although you do not need a prescription to buy them, it is important to visit a specialist if you have symptoms such as red eyes, excessive itching, discomfort, and a feeling of sand or debris. Do not self-medicate because you could put your eye health at risk.
“Anyone who has any eye problems should consult their doctor to receive proper care. If you normally do not have any discomfort and have symptoms, see a health professional,” Hermes said.
Other tips
Sunscreen is not enough. In addition to using sunscreen, it is advisable to wear a cap or hat. Villafuerte points out that children under 5 years old should not be exposed to the sun because their skin is very permeable and could be affected. For people older than this age, it is not recommended that they go out between 11 and 12 hours, especially if they do not wear sunscreen.
“If a person under the age of fifteen suffers sunburn to the point of peeling off the skin, they could develop cancer at age 30. Sun exposure should never reach this level because it means that the light has penetrated the deepest layers of the skin,” explains the dermatologist.
Likewise, sun exposure for more than 20 minutes could cause a mole to become cancerous. Fuentes says it is important to keep an eye on your skin. Fuentes says that if you notice any changes in color, texture, or moles, it is important to consult with a specialist. This could be a sign of a medical problem, not just a cosmetic one.
The hot season is when fat is most active, as we sweat more, the pores open and become dirty with toxins. As a result, we develop blackheads and pimples. “It is good to receive professional procedures to treat acne,” she adds.
The skin is an organ that needs to be looked after, as it protects the inside of the body. That is why it is recommended that you have a medical check-up periodically, at least once a year, or, ideally, every time you change your routine, such as when you go on a trip, to be aware of any changes.