Summer is just around the corner and the beach is #waving. But before donning that swimsuit, arm yourself against skin issues you can get from beach activities. Swimming, sunbathing, jet-skiing, or simply sitting on the sand can lead to various kinds of irritation. Keep the latter from spoiling your fun by knowing the different triggers and how to avoid them.
Heat Rash or Prickly Heat
Prickly heat or bungang-araw is a common skin condition during the summer. It occurs when sweat is trapped in the skin, forming blisters to inflamed lumps that trigger a prickly sensation when they burst. It’s an uncomfortable feeling for sure, and further sweating and scratching can make matters worse.
Laid-back beach activities like hanging out at a beachfront café or walking in the sun can cause it. And because heat and humidity do not discriminate, anyone can get it regardless of age.
You can’t help but sweat at the beach, but you can stay as cool as possible by wearing loose-fitting, cotton clothes. Try to move your outdoor activities, including working out, to the cooler parts of the day, and avoid sitting in sweaty clothes for long periods.
Bites and Stings
If you see something well, jelly-like, floating in the water, it’s best to go the other way. Jellyfish stings are common during beach activities like swimming or diving, especially in the summer. Their stings are painful and may cause redness, itching, numbing, or tingling in the affected area. You can avoid this by wearing a rash guard when going in the water.
Other creatures that can bite you on the beach include sand fleas, mosquitoes, and spiders. These bites can itch, swell, and become inflamed – ruining your hard-earned vacation. Avoid them by applying insect repellant, especially on your feet and legs, which are within their reach. If you get bitten, use calamine lotion or an anti-itch cream. Make sure to rinse your body and clothes thoroughly before returning to your hotel room to avoid bringing the critters back home!
Swimmer’s Itch
Also known as cercarial dermatitis, swimmer's itch is an allergic reaction from contact with water that’s infested with microscopic parasites. These parasites come from birds and mammals, and are released into oceans, lakes, and ponds by infected snails. Although not dangerous or contagious, the red and itchy bumps can be unpleasant.
If you notice a rash on your skin after swimming, rinse your body thoroughly and pat your skin dry. Avoid friction and scratching to prevent infection. Wash your swimsuit with soap and water, and let it dry before using it again.
Sunburn
Staying too long under the sun exposes your skin to UV rays that can cause sunburn. Not only is it painful and unsightly, but it also puts you at risk of developing skin cancer. Repeated exposure makes the risk higher, not to mention accelerates skin aging.
After prolonged sun exposure, your skin turns red and can start feeling hot and even painful over the following days. Staying hydrated helps with the symptoms, as does applying moisturizer to trap water. Apply Vaseline Healthy Bright SPF24 PA++ Sun + Pollution Protection Body Lotion during the day to protect from harmful UV rays.
Once the inflammation has subsided, you can use Vaseline Healthy Bright Fresh & Bright Cooling Body Lotion at night to help manage heat. It has 10x active niacinamide and Vaseline petroleum jelly to moisturize the skin and a cooling effect that’s perfect for the beach climate.
To prevent sunburn and premature skin aging, never go out without applying sunscreen first. You can also wear a large hat or stay under the shade to minimize exposure. For the face, use
POND'S UV Bright Sunscreen, a lightweight and non-sticky sunscreen that protects against uneven skin tone, dullness, and dark spots.
Don’t let rashes and burns rain on your sunny day! Enjoy beach activities by protecting yourself from these skin issues and bringing your skincare essentials.