Vitiligo is a challenge during summer because you need to protect your sensitive skin from the intense sun rays. It is why here is a list of the top 5 things to take care of during summer for people with Vitiligo. While your skin color changes due to pigmentation and depigmentation, you can now comfortably chill at the beach, wear what you want, and enjoy the summer.
- Know the difference between mineral sunscreens and chemical sunscreens.
Buying sunscreen can be quite tricky for people with Vitiligo. Thus, you must know the difference between a mineral sunscreen and a chemical sunscreen. First, let us discuss mineral sunscreens. Primarily, they use zinc or titanium oxide to deflect the sun rays. Though they are instantly useful, as soon as you apply them, they may quickly get rubbed away or washed off with sweat.
On the other hand, a chemical sunscreen needs to be applied at least 20 minutes before you step into the sun. They absorb the UV rays and transform them into heat. The skin releases it, and you get a more relaxed feeling. It is also an excellent way to protect your skin from scars and burns.
2. How to protect Vitiligo skin against the sun?
The best method to protect yourself from the sun is by avoiding it. Try to steer clear of outside work from 11 am to 3 pm. It is the time when the sun’s rays fall directly on you, and you may end up irritating your skin further. Please note that both sand and water are sunlight reflectors. Thus, it would help if you tried to avoid them. However, an occasional day at the beach is possible with a good sunscreen.
Since clouds do not block UV rays, you must apply sunscreen even if the sun is not hitting you directly. For those undergoing PUVA treatment, stay away from the sun as the skin gets highly sensitive to light in any form.
3. How to use cosmetics during the summer?
Summertime is fun when everyone around you is wearing the best outfits and posting multiple photos on their social media handles. But what about cosmetics? Is it safe to apply cosmetics during the summer for people with Vitiligo? The answer is pretty straightforward. You may apply natural cosmetics because chemical cosmetics may irritate your skin, leading to rashes and infections.
4. How to treat vitiligo sunburns during the summer?
Vitiligo sunburns during the summer are nothing new. You would be surprised to learn how common they indeed are. But, there is no need to panic. High-quality moisturizers and after-burn creams are readily available for Vitiligo sunburn treatment. Remember to put sunscreen to protect yourself against the sun rays. The most susceptible areas to sunburns are eyelids, the back of your hands, neck, and nose. When you protect these, you are good to go!
5. How to remain more positive amidst the negative comments?
Since Vitiligo skin looks different from the general human skin, onlookers may often become insensitive. But the key to remaining positive is by focusing on yourself instead of others. Skin color does not define anyone’s personality or character. Thus, you must maintain an optimistic outlook. Never let negativity pull you down! A great approach to handling these remarks would be to resort to humor. If you are the introvert one out there, then ignorance is bliss. Either way, happiness is a personal choice and way of life.
Individuals with Vitiligo must also focus on their dress options. Using hats, sunglasses, and linen clothes or cotton outfits can feel remarkably comfortable. Another concern that people often have is whether they can go swimming if they have Vitiligo. Yes, you must get proper swimwear, swimming caps, and swimming goggles to be pool ready! While Vitiligo is difficult to deal with, it is not impossible. One can easily overcome the restrictions.
This is your pocket-size guide on how to tackle summer with Vitiligo, and with these pointers, there is no other worry.