[Saejeonbuk Newspaper] Advice by Dr. Ryu Hyo-seop, Director of Apgujeong Well Dermatology Clinic

Many people believe that good skin is something you are born with. While some individuals are naturally blessed with healthy, beautiful skin, experts advise that lifestyle habits and skincare routines have a significant impact on skin health as time goes on. They emphasize that while beneficial skincare treatments are important, it is equally crucial to avoid environments that are harmful to the skin and to protect it accordingly. In particular, skin is more susceptible to damaging conditions during summer, so extra attention should be paid to skincare during this season.

The most harmful factor for skin in summer is intense UV radiation. Even just 30 minutes of exposure to the strong midday sun in summer can cause sunburn. Sunburn can lead to symptoms such as a burning or stinging sensation on the skin, and in severe cases, blisters and swelling may develop, followed by gradual peeling of the skin over time. It is important to be cautious, as sunburn can accelerate skin aging.

For those with sun-sensitive skin, photosensitive skin conditions such as sun allergy should also be watched for, in addition to sunburn. Individuals with photosensitive skin conditions may experience symptoms such as rashes, eczema, and blisters on areas like the face, neck, and hands when exposed to sunlight. Sun allergy tends to improve naturally after some time away from sunlight; however, symptoms such as rashes, blisters, bleeding, and peeling may occur, which can lead to skin damage and accelerated aging, so treatment should be sought if the condition is severe.

To prevent skin damage from sunburn and sun allergy, it is important to avoid exposure to intense sunlight. In particular, outdoor activities should be minimized between noon and 2 p.m., when the UV index is at its highest during the day, and one should remain indoors to avoid direct UV exposure. Furthermore, since UV rays can penetrate through windows even indoors, sunscreen should be applied not only when going outside but also while staying indoors.
When going outdoors at midday, you should minimize sun exposure by using a parasol, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and similar items. If you get a sunburn, apply a cold compress using a cool towel and try to avoid putting pressure on the burned area as much as possible. In particular, if blisters form, you should avoid popping them, as doing so can lead to bacterial infection through the wound. If the skin has not been burned but has been irritated by sun exposure, it can be helpful to apply a toner-soaked cotton pad as a sheet mask, or to use aloe vera or cucumber as a mask pack.

To address skin damage and aging caused by summer environmental conditions, it may be worth visiting a dermatology clinic for professional treatments. Among the available options, Thermage FLX is a procedure that effectively delivers radiofrequency energy to the dermis layer, inducing collagen contraction and regeneration while enhancing skin elasticity. After the procedure, patients can expect not only wrinkle improvement but also enhanced skin firmness, including a reduction in fine lines around the eyes and mouth. Thermage FLX delivers optimized energy tailored to the treatment area to maximize effectiveness, and its cooling system and pain-reduction algorithm allow the procedure to be performed without discomfort. The effects last approximately one to two years. For a safe and effective treatment, it is important to confirm that the procedure is performed by an experienced dermatologist and that the use of authentic tips is guaranteed.

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