Got Seborrheic Dermatitis? The Good And Bad Waiting For Your Skin In The Summer
Seborrheic dermatitis can be an unsightly and unpleasant condition to have. The itching and flaking can make a person feel irritated and embarrassed about their appearance. If you're looking forward to the summer and you're worried about your seborrheic dermatitis, you should know that there's good news and bad news about the season with regard to your skin. Here's how the summer season can help and hurt your skin.
UV Rays
These days, UV rays are seen as a negative thing more often than not. They can cause skin damage and sunburns, after all. But moderate exposure to sunlight isn't always a bad thing.
UVA and UVB rays from the sun have been shown to have a positive impact on seborrheic dermatitis. The root cause of seborrheic dermatitis is believed to be an overgrowth of a specific type of skin yeast, and UVA and UVB have been shown to kill or slow the growth of this yeast. As a result, if you spend a little time in the sun, you may notice that your skin seems clearer after a day or two.
However, never overdo it on sunlight. It's recommended that people spend 10-30 minutes in the sunlight on a regular basis to produce Vitamin D, so aim for that safe zone when soaking up the rays.
Chemical Irritants
Unfortunately, it's not all good news in the summertime. Many people look to sunscreen to help protect their skin, which is a great idea. However, for people with seborrheic dermatitis, these products may irritate your skin, itch or burn, or even cause the condition to worsen.
Not everyone has the same response to sunscreen ingredients, so it's a good idea to look around and see what works best for you. You may be better off with a mineral sunscreen that physically blocks rays instead of a chemical one that absorbs them, as they tend to be gentler on the skin.
Heat
While the summer sun can help your skin, too much heat can cause problems. People sweat in the heat, and when someone with seborrheic dermatitis sweats, it can cause the condition to get worse. The skin oils that are produced when you sweat can act as fuel for yeast, making it irritate your skin more than usual. Keeping cool is in your best interest in the summer.
If you're struggling with seborrheic dermatitis, consider visiting a dermatology center. They can analyze your skin and help you to find products and processes that will minimize your symptoms year-round.