With temperatures rising into the 30s this week, the UK has been struggling through a sticky heatwave.
The heat can cause a range of issues for the skin. Here are a few tips on how to protect your skin through the worst of it.
Sunburn
Best avoided altogether, sunburn is very bad for your skin. Even a ‘healthy looking tan’ is actually a sign of skin damage. Sunburn is associated with increased risk of skin cancer and is also associated with premature ageing. It can cause breakdown in collagen/elastin, leading to lines, wrinkles and saggy skin. It can also cause pigmentation problems and poor skin texture.
Don’t ever be tempted to chase a golden hue. Even sitting outside for a few minutes without sunscreen is risky.
Protect the skin by using high SPF sunscreen every day and staying out of direct sunlight as much as possible – especially between peak hours of 11-3.
If you already have sun damage, then further exposure to the sun can only make it worse, so it’s vital to protect your skin.
The good news is that modern aesthetic medicine can help to improve the cosmetic signs of sun damage, improving the appearance of the skin.
Sweating
Around two million people in the UK suffer from hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating. This is a year round condition and sufferers sweat excessively even in winter; so when a heatwave comes along, it can be very difficult for those affected. The most common area affected is the underarms, where sufferers often have visible damp patches, sometimes with body odour.
Simple measures to help include showering, changing clothes and using stronger antiperspirant, but that very often doesn’t do enough to stop the discomfort and embarrassment.
Mulberry House Clinic offer Hyperhidrosis Injections which reduce sweating, giving months of relief for the patient. Treatment is relatively quick, involving a series of tiny injections of botulinum toxin (aka BOTOX®) into the armpit. This works to block the signals that cause the body to sweat and starts to work almost immediately.
Skin Conditions
Many skin conditions are aggravated by high temperatures and/or sun exposure. Sufferers of acne and rosacea often find that a heatwave will cause a flareup, as the heat triggers oil production as well as an increase in sweat, creating a very attractive environment for acne bacteria to breed.
Using a good cosmeceutical Prescription Skincare regime may help to calm inflamed skin, while professional treatments such as LED treatment, Laser Treatments or IPL Skin Treatment can be very helpful for destroying acne bacteria, soothing inflammation and stimulating deep healing and renewal in the skin.
Pigmentation Problems
Many clients suffer from Pigmentation problems with patchy discolouration or sunspots caused by overproduction of melanin. Sun damage can also cause Melasma, a very difficult condition.
More than ever, during a heatwave it is important to protect the skin from the intense UVA UVB rays using SPF30+ every day.
Pigmentation problems can be very difficult to treat, but may respond to a good Prescription Skincare routine as well as professional treatments such as LED treatment, Laser Treatments or IPL Skin Treatment.
Skin Texture/Complexion
During a heatwave, skin texture can be quite unpredictable. Some clients may find that the heat can put oil production into overdrive while for others, the skin becomes dry and crepey.
The most important thing to do is keep well hydrated, so drink plenty of water. This helps to moisturise the skin from within, but is also essential to your body’s functioning.
Sun Damage
Protecting the skin from the worst of the sun is vital; but sometimes the after effects of sun exposure appear long after the sun has gone, making the skin look more aged and less healthy.
- Lines and wrinkles can appear prematurely, as UV exposure can destroy the skin’s natural antioxidant reserves and break down collagen
- Sun spots and patchy pigmentation are more obvious without a tan – sadly the patches don’t fade
- Complexion can become lacklustre
So if you’re planning time in the sun, there are lots of good reasons to protect the skin as much as possible, with clothing, SPF and seeking shade.
If you’re already seeing the signs of sun damage, there are now treatments and skincare regimes that can provide significant help.
Private Consultation
The first step is a consultation with Dr John Tanqueray at Mulberry House Clinic, Hardingstone, Northamptonshire. As Dr Tanqueray is a former GP, the assessment includes consideration of any underlying causes. Medical history and circumstances are important to a proper medical diagnosis before agreeing the best course of treatment. Patients can be assured of absolute confidentiality and no pressure to proceed unless they’re absolutely happy with the doctor’s recommendations.
Sweating Treatment, Northamptonshire
Mulberry House Clinic based in Hardingstone near Northampton have an excellent reputation for providing effective skin treatments for a range of skin conditions and see patients from Northamptonshire and beyond. Treatments are also available for skin conditions including acne, rosacea and pigmentation as well as popular anti-ageing and cosmetic treatments.
For further information or to arrange a confidential consultation, please complete our contact form, call 01604 702630 or email: info@mulberryhouseclinic.co.uk.
