Erratic weather causes continuous temperature and humidity shifts, requiring skin to adapt to environmental changes. On hot, humid days, sweat and sebum often increase, creating a favorable environment for microorganisms. Inappropriate skincare can lead to clogged pores, irritation, or exacerbate dermatological conditions.
According to Doctor of First Degree Specialization Nguyen Ngoc Tran, from the Dermatology and Aesthetics Department at Tam Anh General Hospital TP HCM, maintaining the stability of the skin's protective barrier is crucial during periods of continuous weather changes. Adequate cleansing, appropriate moisturizing, and avoiding harsh treatments help the skin maintain its self-defense capabilities against environmental shifts.
Do not leave sweat on skin for too long
Doctor Tran states that on hot days, the body produces more sweat to regulate body temperature. If sweat remains on the skin for an extended period, combined with dirt, high humidity, and friction, the skin can become clogged, irritated, and create a favorable environment for fungi and bacteria to grow, especially in skin folds.
After exercising or returning from outdoors, you should shower and change into clean clothes, drying your skin thoroughly, especially in areas prone to sweat accumulation such as armpits, groin, and between fingers and toes. Choosing loose, light, and absorbent clothing also helps limit dampness and reduces the risk of skin problems.
Over-cleansing the skin
When skin produces a lot of oil, some people tend to increase face washing frequency, exfoliate, or use strong cleansing products, hoping to quickly reduce oiliness. However, excessive action can lead to dry and irritated skin, affecting the protective barrier.
Instead of intensifying cleansing, opt for gentle products, wash your face adequately, and limit scrubbing or exfoliation. Regular moisturizing also helps maintain the skin's protective barrier, especially when the weather changes continuously. If your skin shows signs of redness, dryness, stinging, or peeling, discontinue using strong exfoliating products, as they can prolong irritation and hinder recovery.
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Doctor Tran provides skincare consultation to a woman. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital |
Skipping sunscreen
Many people habitually skip sunscreen on cloudy or rainy days, believing that UV rays are negligible. However, ultraviolet rays can still affect the skin even when the sunlight is not intense, so it is still necessary to maintain sun protection during erratic weather.
When engaging in outdoor activities, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, combined with protective measures such as hats, long-sleeved shirts, and sunglasses. For prolonged outdoor activity, sunscreen should be reapplied according to product instructions and after heavy sweating, swimming, or wiping your face. Shield yourself and limit direct sun exposure, especially during times of strong UV.
Regular sun protection helps reduce the impact of UV on the skin, thereby limiting hyperpigmentation and sun damage, and also supports the prevention of photoaging.
Constantly changing cosmetics
When the weather changes, skin may experience breakouts, redness, itching, or dryness. At this point, many people hastily seek new products to "save" their skin, even using multiple types simultaneously. Continuously introducing new ingredients to already sensitive skin can prolong irritation and make it difficult to determine the cause of skin abnormalities.
When skin is sensitive, maintain a simple skincare routine, focusing on gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection. If your skin exhibits prolonged redness, stinging, itching, blisters, peeling, or widespread lesions, you should visit a hospital for a dermatologist to determine the cause instead of self-treating.
Minh Huong
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