The heat is DEFINITELY on in the Philippines! 

With the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) recently declaring the start of dry season in the country last Wednesday, plans for summer holidays are in near sight. Filipinos have always been accustomed to hot and humid climate all year round but the rising temperatures can expose our skin to discomforts such as rashes, infections, and redness. Here are changes to look out for, and how to treat them.

1. Sunburn

We know you’d like a good tan, but did you know that too much sun exposure can increase risks to skin illnesses? Daily application of sunblock can help prevent those (SPF 30 or higher), But if you have been victimised by its harmful rays, treat those burns with hydrocortisones or those that contain aloe vera. The best prevention? Avoid staying out for long periods of time under the sun.

2. Heat Rash

When you’re under the sun or heat for a long period of time, you tend to sweat more. A heat rash occurs when sweat glands get blocked which can also lead to itchiness. We know it’s tempting, but don’t scratch! Soothe these discomforts by applying ointments and keeping yourself cool.

3. More acne

Did you know that your skin’s oil production increases due to the heat? The sweat on your skin mixes with bacteria, clogging the pores and resulting in breakouts. Even if you have acne-prone skin, it doesn’t mean you’re in tough luck. Thankfully, ADVAlight can help with that. The yellow laser targets acne bacteria and the underlying vascular structure which supports cystic nodes. It also helps remove the redness in both active acne and acne scars, leading to the visible, long term results. It’s painless and quick, too!

Another recommended remedy is to blot sweat gently, using a clean towel or cloth since one’s skin has tendencies to react harshly due to irritation from wiping.

4. Dry & irritated skin

Extreme temperatures do that to one’s skin. Did you know that exposure to other factors such as pool water (chlorine) can irritate your skin as well? The best solution is prevention – don’t wait for it to dry out! While Dr. Vicki Belo does not recommend moisturisers, she encourages the usage of hydrating products or products that will allow your skin to create its own natural collagen, hyaluronic acid and elastin. 

“Moisturizers were created to make the thick outer layer of the skin (stratum corneum) feel softer. Usually when you apply moisturizer, your skin becomes soft, especially with continued use. But what people don’t know is that once you stop applying, your skin will still feel the same dryness as before,” Dr. Belo shared. “Moisturizers just provide temporary lubrication, and when you forget to lubricate, your skin goes back to its dry state.”

Dr. Vicki Belo recommends exfoliation or peeling agents that contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), tretinoin, and retinol to “reveal the softer and smoother baby skin underneath your old dehydrated skin”. 

“AHAs and BHAs help in separating the skin cells to help them shed off faster. This way, the skin can breathe because there’s nothing covering the oil glands anymore.”

Our Belo doctors can best recommend a skin care regimen for you during the hot climate. Call 8819-BELO (2356) or click here to book a consultation today!