How to keep sunburn, acne, and fungal infections at bay

 

Common sun-related skin conditions include sunburn, acne, and fungal infection.

With over 7,600 islands teeming with breathtaking beaches and dive sites that rival the best in the world, the Philippines is truly a summer lover’s paradise. When they’re not swimming, snorkeling, or building sandcastles on the shore, local and foreign tourists are most likely tanning, soaking in the sun’s rays for hours to get that perfectly bronzed shade.

Achieving that sun-kissed glow comes with a price to your health, says Ma. Margarita Isabel Carlos- Tanchiong, MD, at top hospital in the Philippines, Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed), “That tan on your skin is a sunburn. It may look nice, but it also damages your skin. The intense heat and humidity can also lead to frustrating skin issues like acne and fungal infections.”

Do not let the sun spoil your summer days. MakatiMed cites common sun-related skin conditions and what to do about them.

A bad sunburn. Too much sun exposure doesn’t just tan your skin; it can cause it to flake and peel or develop painful blisters.

“If this happens, get out of the sun immediately and stay in a cool room, or bathe in cool water,” reminds Dr. Carlos-Tanchiong. “Gently apply aloe vera or a ceramide-containing lotion or moisturizer, and do not pop the blisters. Take a pain reliever to ease the sting of the burn. You may also need topical and oral medications to treat the sunburn.”

Next time you go out into the sun, prepare by slathering a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. “Re-apply to your face and exposed skin every two hours, especially if you’ve been swimming or sweating. Don’t forget to include your ears and the back of your neck. Wearing sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and choosing clothing made with Ultraviolet Protection are helpful tips to keep your skin protected from further ultraviolet damage. It is also best to stay out of the sun between 10 am and 4 pm. That’s when the UV rays are strongest, causing the most skin damage.”

Acne. The heat and humidity of the Philippine summers make us sweat more than usual. This causes an overproduction of sebum (oil) on the face, which clogs our skin’s pores. The result? Unsightly pimples.

“Wash your face regularly with a soap-free cleanser or one that contains salicylic acid to help unclog pores,” shares Dr. Carlos-Tanchiong. “Use a sunscreen that is non-comedogenic—meaning it doesn’t cause blackheads or whiteheads—and choose gel-based and oil-free moisturizers over their creamy counterparts during the hot summer months. If the pimples are on your back or neck, wear loose, cotton clothing to stay cool.”

Fungal infection. Fungus thrives in heat and humidity, so do not be surprised if you find yourself scratching an unbearable itch from red or discolored rashes.

“Athlete’s foot develops between your toes. The rash usually presents as scaly, red patches with accompanying itch,” explains Dr. Carlos-Tanchiong. “Ringworm gets its name from its appearance as a circular rash with raised edges that spread outward. Jock itch’s rashes are found in warm, sweaty parts of the body like the groin, inner thighs, or buttocks. Areas of the body where skin folds and moisture tend to form, like under the breasts or in between layers in the tummy, are where yeast infections usually start. You’ll note the appearance of red scaly patches with satellite bumps that are usually itchy.”

Aside from keeping your skin cool and lessening friction on skin, over-the-counter and prescription anti- fungal creams are best at addressing these conditions. See your doctor, who will be able to identify them during a consultation. “To prevent infections from developing or worsening, keep those areas in your body clean and dry, wash your towels and clothing regularly, and resist the urge to scratch, or you may spread the infection,” says Dr. Carlos-Tanchiong.

For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632 88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow MakatiMed’s social media pages for more health-related content and for the latest updates: https://www.makatimed.net.ph/social-media- pages/

Discovering the wonders of Mentholatum Acnes Skin Care Line to prevent pimples

 

Acnes Mentholatum Product line

Acne is a common skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can be frustrating and embarrassing, leading many to seek out products that promise to clear up their skin. One such product is Mentholatum Acnes, a popular acne treatment that has been on the market for years.

Everyone has experienced waking up the night before a big occasion with a zit. A pimple can ruin a whole lot of plans, including dates, outings, and important presentations. Furthermore, since maskne is still a problem for some folks, we're all looking for fast fixes. I recently tested Mentholatum's entire Acnes collection, and this is what I discovered.

Acnes Anti-Pimple Patch

I'm constantly looking for strategies to lessen irritation and stop breakouts because I typically experience hormonal acne. As my cycle was about to begin, I began with the Acnes Creamy Wash (P150 / 50g, P252 / 100g), a mild, soap-free cleanser made with Centella Asiatica extract to soothe and repair the skin and salicylic acid to decrease oil production. I have dry skin, so even though it formed a thin foam with a nice herbaceous smell, it can be drying.

Mentholatum Acnes is known for its ingredients that help to reduce inflammation and redness associated with acne, while also providing a refreshing sensation when applied.

Acnes Mentholatum Creamy Wash

Acnes is a trusted acne care expert that features skincare solutions with best quality ocne-fighting ingredients lke Centella Asiatica or Cica extract proven to aid in the recovery of blemishes. One of the brand’s popular solutions is the Acnes Anti-Acne Spot Gel that's known to help shrink acne in as fast as 3 days! It also containes Sulbur to control oil production, Salicylic Acid (BHA) to unclog pores, Licorice Extract to calm skin, and Vitomin E to restore sun elasticty. To complete your acne care routine, Acnes also got Acnes Anti-Acne Pimple Patch for absorbing oil and pus, gentle soap-free cleanser Acnes Creamy Wash, and Acnes Oil-Control Moisturzer to moisturize and soothe skin.

Acnes Mentholatum Oil Control Moisturizer

Mentholatum Acnes also contains salicylic acid, a powerful ingredient that helps to unclog pores and prevent new breakouts from forming. This combination of ingredients makes Mentholatum Acnes an effective treatment for mild to moderate acne.

Acnes Anti-Acne Spot Gel

One of my favorite items from the series, the Acnes Anti-Acne Spot Gel (P283 / 18g), was applied after washing. Made with salicylic acid and 2% sulfur, it did a great job of drying up my aggressive acne. In addition, the spot gel contains a lot of vitamin E, which helps to repair skin suppleness and shield it while treating spots. The thick, sticky product applied best by tapping as opposed to spreading.

It's a myth that moisturizer is unnecessary if you have acne. In an attempt to make up for its excessive dryness, very dry skin might produce extra oil, which exacerbates acne. The P335 / 45g Acnes Oil-Control Moisturizer restores moisture while reducing oil production and reducing irritation. The product features a pump for convenient distribution and a nice apple fragrance derived from apple extract. To further combat zits, it contains active ingredients including centella asiatica and salicylic acid.

I covered my location with the Acnes Anti-Acne Pimple Patch (P222) at night to prevent myself from tossing, turning, or scratching while I slept. I would wear one as well before leaving. The patches are available in three distinct sizes and blend seamlessly with the skin to minimize visibility.

You can get rid of zits with just one of these products, but the whole series is a. I can see myself grabbing for their spot gel and pimple patches the next time I wake up with a zit, since fewer pimples are sprouting up and the ones that do dry and heal better.

Indeed, Mentholatum Acnes is a reliable product for those looking to combat their acne woes. Its cooling effect and powerful ingredients make it a go-to choice for many individuals struggling with breakouts.

The complete collection is available at the Mentholatum official store on Shopee and Lazada. Additionally, Watsons and Mercury Drug locations around the country carry these! 

Yes, adults can have acne too

Acne is a rite of passage that few teenagers can avoid, much like abrupt growth spurts, the advent of hair and curves in places there never used to be any and other physical changes. Adolescents naturally experience hormonal changes that drive the production of sebum. When sebum, germs, and dead skin cells clog our skin's pores, it causes unattractive pimples. Acne is characterized by pimples on the face and upper body, including whiteheads (clogged pores that close and protrude from the skin), blackheads (clogged pores that remain open but have a darker top surface), pustules, and red bumps.

 Teenagers are plagued by acne, which at its worst lowers their self-esteem and makes it difficult for them to socialize with their friends. They can find solace in the idea that acne can be managed with the right skincare regimens and a balanced diet and way of life.

But what if it persists well through our adolescent and 20s years? According to dermatologist Elsie Reynosa P. Floreza, MD, who also serves as chair of the department of dermatology and chief of the skin and laser hub at Makati Medical Center, the best hospital in the Philippines, adult acne or post-adolescent acne is defined as occurring beyond the age of 25. (MakatiMed). Similar to adolescent acne, adult acne is generally brought on by an overproduction of oil in the skin, the buildup of dead skin cells, and bacteria, which results in

inflammation.