Summer Skin Health Tips

Barbeques, camping, beach days, sport and singlets: all things that make up our great Australian summer. While we spend time with mates and family in the sunny, sweltering outdoors, we must remember another, very important, summer activity: looking after our skin.

Slip, slop, slap, seek, slide! While you no doubt have heard this classic Aussie jingle, do you apply it? Medical records show that Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer worldwide – probably not the kind of competition we want to ‘win’. There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. Whereas BCC, which starts in the skin’s basal cells, rarely spreads, squamous-cell-originating SCCs often spread to other body parts. Melanoma, which starts in melanocytes, can spread extremely quickly and become very dangerous to our health and livelihood. Studies show that the diagnosis rate of melanomas in Australia is 1 person per 30 minutes, with 95% of these cancers caused by UV radiation – a statistic we must remember in our current climate.

Due to significant UV exposure during Australian summer, we have to be proactive to keep skin cancer at bay. We understand that bikinis and budgie smugglers are part of the “summer vibe”, but at SkinDoc, we encourage you to wear sun-smart clothing during the hottest parts of a summer’s day (10am-4pm) for the health of your skin. Learn a lesson from the koala and lay in the shade while you munch on your pavlova, and embrace Australian fashion with your large straw hat. Lather on that sunscreen and apply colourful patterns of zinc before you enjoy your time in the sun. And, keep your eyes peeled for any moles, spots or unfamiliar blemishes to catch nasties early.    

Water is a vital component of summer in Australia, whether it be at the beach, in your backyard pool – or, in excessive sweating… While sweating is a healthy and essential bodily function that allows our bodies to survive heat through maintaining homeostasis, it brings some negative side-effects to our skin. If sweat remains on our body for a long duration, it can block our pores with debris and cause increased amounts of acne. At SkinDoc, we care about you, your skin and your confidence, and strive to provide cutting-edge medical and cosmetic care throughout summer, and all seasons. As we support you throughout our warmer, sweatier season, we remind you to care for your skin also:

• Shower often: wash after sweating in the heat to ensure your pores do not become clogged.
• Change clothes regularly: your skin doesn’t appreciate you wearing smelly clothes, and we’re sure your mates don’t either. After a day in the sun, make sure you change into sweat-free clothes to let your skin breathe.
• Remember to moisturise: summer heat can dry out your skin, and keeping your face and body hydrated decreases chances of irritation and inflammation.
• Aloe Vera is your friend: revitalise your warm, sun-kissed skin with this soothing plant or gel.

Our staff at SkinDoc wish you a fun and exciting summer, but encourage you to look after your skin as well. Notice any spots or irregularities? Seeking professional advice for caring for your skin this summer? Please make a booking with SkinDoc today and experience the confidence that comes with healthy, beautiful skin.

Did you know you should be wearing sunscreen SPF 50 if the UV index is 3 or above?

Use the SunSmart app to work out what the UV index is at the current time and location.

• Slip on sun protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible. 
• Slop on broad spectrum, water resistant SPF30 (or higher) sunscreen. Apply 20 minutes before going outdoors and every two hours afterwards.  
• Slap on a hat – broad brim or legionnaire style to protect your face, head, neck and ears.  
• Seek shade. 
• Slide on sunglasses – make sure they meet Australian Standards

When showering, use a gentle cleanser that is pH 5.5 as they tend to avoid drying out your skin. Make sure you keep the showers short as well preferably 3 minutes!