Sunburn, Heat Rash and Summer Skin Care: How to Keep Your Skin Happy This Summer
Summer is great for BBQs, holidays and sunshine, but your skin may not always agree. From painful sunburn to itchy heat rash and flare-ups of eczema or acne, hot weather can sometimes turn into a bit of a skin drama.
The good news is that a few simple steps, along with the right pharmacy products, can help keep your skin calm, comfortable and better protected during warmer weather.
SPF: Your Skin’s Summer Best Friend
If there is one product your skin will thank you for this summer, it is sunscreen.
SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, helps protect your skin from harmful UV rays that can cause:
- Sunburn
- Premature ageing
- Pigmentation
- Skin damage
- Increased risk of skin cancer
Even in the UK, and even on cloudy days, UV rays can still damage the skin.
Top SPF Tips for Summer Skin Protection
- Choose SPF 30 or higher
- Reapply every 2 hours, especially after swimming or sweating
- Do not forget easy-to-miss areas like ears, scalp, neck and feet
- Use sunscreen daily during warmer months, not just on holiday
All skin tones need SPF. If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, look for fragrance-free or non-comedogenic products.
Sunburn: Your Skin’s Way of Saying “Too Much Sun”
If your skin feels hot, red and sore after being outside, you have probably overdone the sunshine.
Quick Fixes for Mild Sunburn
- Use cool showers or cold flannels
- Drink plenty of water
- Stay out of the sun while your skin heals
- Moisturise regularly
Pharmacy Products That May Help Soothe Sunburn
- Aloe vera gel, which can be cooling and soothing for mild sunburn
- Calamine lotion, which may help calm irritated or itchy skin
- Fragrance-free moisturisers or aftersun lotions
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen, if suitable, for pain or discomfort
Peeling skin is not a “tan developing”. It is a sign of skin damage.
Heat Rash: Tiny Bumps, Big Annoyance
Heat rash often appears as small itchy or prickly bumps, especially in sweaty areas such as the neck, chest or back.
What Helps Heat Rash?
- Wear loose cotton clothes
- Stay cool indoors where possible
- Avoid heavy or oily creams
- Use cool showers
Helpful Pharmacy Products for Heat Rash
- Calamine lotion for itchiness
- Light, fragrance-free moisturisers
- Cooling gels with aloe vera
- Antihistamines, which may sometimes help if itching is severe
Heat rash usually settles within a few days once your skin cools down.
Sunburn vs Heat Rash: What Is the Difference?
| Skin concern | Common signs | What may help |
|---|---|---|
| Sunburn | Red, hot, sore or peeling skin after sun exposure | Cool the skin, moisturise, drink water and avoid further sun exposure |
| Heat rash | Small itchy or prickly bumps, often in sweaty areas | Stay cool, wear loose clothing and avoid heavy creams |
Summer Can Trigger Existing Skin Problems Too
Hot weather can sometimes aggravate existing skin conditions, including:
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Acne
Sweat, chlorine, sunscreen and heat can all play a part.
Summer Skin Survival Tips
- Keep moisturising regularly
- Use fragrance-free sunscreen if possible
- Stay hydrated
- Shower after swimming or exercise
- Avoid harsh scrubs or heavily perfumed products
Did You Know Some Medicines Can Increase Sun Sensitivity?
Some medicines can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, including certain antibiotics and acne treatments. If you seem to burn more easily than usual, ask your pharmacist for advice.
When Should You Ask a Pharmacist?
Your pharmacist can help recommend products for sunburn, heat rash, eczema flare-ups and sensitive summer skin, often without needing a GP appointment.
You should seek pharmacy or medical advice if:
- Your sunburn is severe or blistering
- You feel unwell, dizzy, feverish or dehydrated
- Your rash is spreading, painful or not improving
- You are unsure whether a medicine is making your skin more sensitive to sunlight
- Your eczema, psoriasis or acne has significantly worsened
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best SPF to use in the UK?
Most people should choose SPF 30 or higher during warmer months. It is also important to reapply sunscreen regularly, especially after swimming, sweating or towel drying.
Can you still get sunburn on a cloudy day?
Yes. UV rays can still reach your skin on cloudy days, so sunscreen is still important even when the weather does not feel very sunny.
How long does heat rash usually last?
Heat rash often settles within a few days once the skin is kept cool and dry. If it does not improve, becomes painful or appears infected, ask a pharmacist or healthcare professional for advice.
Can sunscreen make acne worse?
Some heavier sunscreens may feel greasy or contribute to blocked pores. If you have acne-prone skin, look for non-comedogenic, fragrance-free sunscreen products.
Can a pharmacist help with summer skin problems?
Yes. A pharmacist can recommend suitable products for mild sunburn, heat rash, itchy skin, eczema flare-ups and sensitive summer skin. They can also advise when symptoms need further medical review.
Final Thought
Enjoy the sunshine, but do not forget your SPF, water bottle and a little extra skin care this summer.
If you are managing your health more widely this summer, MyPharmacyClinics also offers pharmacy-led support through its weight loss service hub, including access to treatment options such as Mounjaro and Wegovy where clinically appropriate following an online consultation.
