Summer is here and with the mercury levels rising every day, the heat and humidity play a major role in our lives, keeping us hot and bothered. Summer brings with it a host of skin problems, some of which are:

Skin tan and burn: A suntan is actually the body’s defence mechanism against strong sunlight and the visible evidence of damage to the skin. Severe sunburn results in the redness of the skin, skin peeling and sometimes itching.

Ultraviolet (UV) light is the most important factor in the development of all types of skin cancer. That’s why you should avoid not only the rays from the sun, but also those from tanning beds and sun lamps. Skin cancer is almost an entirely preventable cancer, but most people do not adequately protect themselves from UV rays.

Increased pigmentation: Normal skin and skin with pigmentation problems seems to look darker when exposed to the summer sun. This is because exposure to sun activates the melanin to rise to the upper layers thereby increasing pigmentation.

It’s important when you choose clothing to make sure that the weave is tight enough to block out the sun’s rays. Some companies are now listing an SPF rating on their clothing. In addition to the tightness of the weave, sometimes the fabric is actually impregnated with UV inhibitors. If the clothing has an SPF of less than 15, or you are not sure how protective it is, use a sunscreen lotion under the shirt, blouse or pants.

Vitamin D is also used to treat a variety of skin conditions. The success of light therapy on psoriasis, for example, is attributed to the increased exposure to the UV rays that enable the body to produce vitamin D. Studies have also found vitamin D effective in treating eczema and dry skin, and in regulating sebum secretion. Millions of people around the world are using medicines and other skin treatment products to treat these conditions when all the skin treatment they need might be two or three hours a week in the sun.

But it is advisable not to travel a lot and avoid extended stay at a new place as the weather conditions in the new place tend to deteriorate the skin’s condition. This treatment will help you remove sun tan thus bringing an even tone to the skin. You can also get rid of those ugly spots, blackheads and whiteheads on your skin.