Common errors that damage your skin on the beach or swimming pool

Exhaustive guide, written in Spanish, about the most frequent errors that we commit in aquatic environments and that are sabotaging the health of your skin.

Going to the beach or the pool is the national pastime in summer, but sometimes we treat our skin as if it were invincible. The result is not just a momentary burn, but cumulative cell damage, premature aging and difficult-to-remove stains.

Here are the manual errors you should avoid:

The Timeline Error: “Me pongo la crema al llegar”

This is the classic fallo. Go to the beach, look for a place, plant the shade, take off the clothes and, then, empies the cream.

The Problem: Chemical filters take between 20 and 30 minutes to sit and be effective. During this half hour of “chiringuito” montage, your skin is bare before the most aggressive radiation.

The Solution: Apply the cream at home, naked, before putting on the bathtub. This way you ensure that there are no areas left without being covered by the edge of protected clothing and clothing.

The Myth of “Waterproof”

We read “Water Resistant” in the boat and think we are immune during 4 hours of rowing.

The Problem: European regulations indicate that the product is “water resistant” if it maintains its effectiveness at 50% after 20-minute baths. And then, after wearing a wide hat, you have lost the edge of protection. Furthermore, while drying with the towel, you physically remove the product by friction.

The Solution: Always reapply when leaving the water. No excuses.

Let the salt and chlorine settle on the skin

Getting out of the water and falling directly onto the towel and “drying in the sun” is a double attack.

On the Playa (Salt): Salt crystals, drying out, act like small magnifying glasses that intensify solar radiation on the skin, increasing the risk of burns. Furthermore, the salt absorbs the water from your skin (osmosis), severely dehydrating it.

In the Swimming Pool (Chlorine): Chlorine is an aggressive chemical that blocks the hydrolipid layer (natural grease) from the skin. Allowing it to dry causes itchiness, rashes and extreme dryness.

The Solution: Always go through the fresh water shower and nothing more than getting out of the bath. Remove the salt and chlorine before returning it to the stove.

Perfumes and Deodorants with Alcohol

Shower yourself, put on a towel to go to the chiringuito and leave your favorite perfume in your cello.

The Problem: Many perfumes contain alcohol and bergamot oil. When reacting to the sun, it causes a photodermotosis known as “Berloque Dermatitis”.

The Result: Some dark, brown or red spots on the sides of the skin and skin that are very difficult to eliminate with a laser.

The Solution: On the beach, clean skin. No colonies. If you want to enjoy it better, use alcohol-free body mists specifically designed for the sun.

Last Minute Hair Removal

Be aware that you have to go and use the knife or the wax just before going down to the pool.

The Problem: Hair removal (wax, laser or knife) eliminates dead cells and leaves the skin sensitized and the pore open. The sun, salt and chlorine will irritate your follicles immediately.

The Result: Red skin, clearing and risk of dark spots in pores (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation).

The Solution: Depilate at least 24-48 hours before sun exposure.

Forget the “Invisible” Zones”

We focus on the back and shoulders, but skin cancer and burns attack where you least expect it.

Los Olvidados:

El Empeine: Quemarse los pies duele very much alzarse afterwards.

Las Orejas: Very common area for carcinomas in men and women with short hair.

La Raya del Pelo: Hairy skin burns and peels off (solar dandruff).

Behind the wheels (crows).

The Solution: Go over these areas consciously or use a hat/sombrero to protect your head.

Trust Blindly in the Shadow

“Yo me no quemo because I’m all the mouse under the shadow”.

The Problem: UV radiation in the soil comes from cliffs. Rebound. The white arena reflects up to 25% of radiation, and the water is about 20%.

The Result: Even though you are in the shadow, you are receiving a high dose of indirect radiation.

The Solution: Use sun protection even if you plan to be in the shade of your dress.

Makeup on the Beach

Going with makeup and sunbathing is a recipe for dermatological disaster.

The Problem: The makeup base, mixed with sweat and solar cream, creates an occlusive effect. The pore cannot breathe or expel sebum.

The Result: Acne breakouts (“Acné Mallorca” or summer) and black spots. Furthermore, if the makeup doesn't have real SPF, it doesn't protect.

The Solution: Clean face. If you need to even out your tone, use a color photoprotector (Color Fusion), which is designed to keep your skin sweating.

The Consumption of Certain Foods and Beverages (Cítruses)

You're having a drink with lime or lemon and a drop falls on your leg or hand.

The Problem: This causes Phytophotodermatosis. Lime/lemon acid reacts violently with the sun.

The Result: A chemical burn that leaves a brown spot in the shape of a stream or drip that can last for months or years.

The Solution: Wash your hands immediately with jabón if you touch citrus under the sun.

No Hidratar al Llegar a Casa (The post-party error)

When you get tired, you shower and take off on the sofa.

The Problem: After hours of sun, wind, salt and heat, the skin barrier is compromised and water reserves are at a low minimum. If you don't repair your skin this same night, the next day it will be weaker in the sun (less natural defense) and will become naked sooner.

The Solution: Use a real After Sun or cream with Aloe Vera, Panthenol or Niacinamide. In the soil it hydrates, reducing inflammation and repairing cellular DNA.

The beach and the pool are for enjoyment, not for suffering. Avoid perfumes, last-minute waxing and “drying in the sun” with salt. Your skin will thank you, leaving it tanned in September, but it heals.

Doctor G Medical Excellence: Health, Bienestar and Longevidad

4243 W Hillsboro blvd Coconut Creek, 33073, FL

Phone: +1 (954) 638-1515