On the prevention and treatment of skin problems that we experience after the summer heat, dermatologist-venereologist, specialist in aesthetic medicine, head of the dermatological service of the Veselības centru apvienība (VCA) clinics, Alena Sokha, speaks. She is assisted by certified pharmacist and head of Mēness aptieka, located in the Gaiļezers hospital, Elena Bebre. Summer is a little life. But what is a vacation for us does not always please our skin. Ultraviolet rays, heat waves, flights and transfers, hiking trips, lack of sleep, swimming in the sea — all of this is a common reason why, in mid-September to October, horrible pimples appear on the face and back, or unwanted wrinkles emerge. Dryness and brittleness of hair, rough heels often make themselves known, and many experience exacerbations of chronic problems. In September, dermatologists have an increase in workload, primarily related to the exacerbation of chronic dermatoses. "We often observe recurrences of chronic acne and the debut of this disease, as well as exacerbation of rosacea, seborrheic and atopic dermatitis, psoriasis," explains dermatologist Alena Sokha. ## Stop, Acne! The VCA specialist emphasizes that autumn is a time for skin inflammation outbreaks. "The fact is that in summer, the skin has to protect itself more actively, the endocrine glands work in hot mode, and the sebaceous glands produce more secretions. Against the background of increased sweating, all this leads to the formation of a thick lipid-sweat film that clogs pores and disrupts the outflow of sebum. Plus, the permissible errors in care — in summer, few want to think about washing with the right products. The situation is exacerbated by intense ultraviolet rays. Steroid hormones also play a significant role in this process. And if the skin is prone to comedogenic inflammation, as is often the case with teenagers and young people, this is often enough to trigger an exacerbation. I am talking about "pimples" (more precisely, papules and pustules) that ruin the lives of many girls and boys," says dermatologist Alena Sokha. The doctor is confident that acne almost always causes psychological discomfort, lowering self-esteem. Therefore, it is not worth waiting for the skin inflammation to "bloom" in full force, which is fraught with pain, discomfort, post-inflammatory spots, and scars on the skin. "If there are many inflammatory elements on the skin, there is an oily sheen, for example, in the T-zone, and the first scout-pimples are already appearing, it is likely that this is the very exacerbation of acne. In this case, the first step is to start washing properly. I highly recommend pharmacy products (gels, foams, etc.) that may contain alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids, salicylic acid in the correct concentration. It is important to choose gentle special cleansing and — I insist — avoid abrasive and other scrubs, as they can irritate the skin, exacerbate inflammation, and worsen acne outbreaks! At the same time, it is worth selecting the right care products, which I advise to choose only from the arsenal of pharmacological cosmetics. Soothing substances in such preparations are also very important — these are aloe vera, niacinamide, or tea tree oil, which reduce redness and irritation." "In the pharmacy, we will always find a remedy (or prevention) for acne for everyone. From experience, I know that a gentle cleansing foam with antibacterial protection works effectively, combating both teenage and adult manifestations of acne. Cleansing occurs with undecylenoyl glycine, which effectively cleanses while protecting the epidermis from dehydration, restoring the flora of the acid mantle and regulating sebum production. Moisture in this product is provided by betaine and the amino acid arginine, which protect cells from dehydration. The presence of arginine also promotes the restoration of damaged DNA in cells and activates collagen and elastin synthesis. The pharmacist will always help in selecting such products — just let us know about your problem," pharmacist Elena Bebre joins the conversation. She adds, and this is very important, that for skin prone to acne, the use of products with alcohol, as well as cocoa butter, petroleum jelly, and other heavy oils is excluded. Dermatologist Alena Sokha clarifies that along with proper skin care for acne-prone skin, it is important not to miss the moment when the skin itself or even with your help cannot cope with inflammation and to make an appointment with a dermatologist. Acne should be treated with modern effective medical methods, and the sooner — the better the effect will be. ## Rosacea and Psoriasis – The Main Thing is Not to Harm! With the onset of autumn, many still have to deal with dermatological problems. One of the most common skin dermatoses in those over 30-35 years old is rosacea. "Since the most common triggers for this problem are the sun, heat, and humidity, it is quite possible to encounter manifestations of rosacea in autumn. Redness appears on the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin; there is a feeling of burning, warmth, or tightness. As an option, small vascular networks often appear. Sometimes there is thickening and bumpiness of the skin. It can manifest at any age, and women suffer from it more often. However, in men, rosacea occurs in a more severe form. The skin on the nose can swell and become bumpy... What to do? Of course, you should seek treatment from a dermatologist, without waiting for symptoms to develop. Dilated vessels can be eliminated with the help of medication and special lasers and phototherapy, which, by the way, our clinic has. Skin care is delicate; you need products with a gentle and delicate effect. Pharmacists will help you select the necessary products," advises doctor Alena Sokha. "Products with allantoin, panthenol, probiotics are suitable — cleanse the skin twice a day with warm water. Remember, soap is not for you, just as products with acids in high concentrations are. Your skin will thank you for regular moisturizing with products containing components that restore the skin's protective barrier; they maintain its hydro balance and reduce sensitivity. For this, products containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid, squalane, centella, and others are suitable. Extracts of green tea and chamomile provide instant relief from skin irritations. Come in — the pharmacy can select everything individually," emphasizes pharmacist Mēness aptieka. In the case of rosacea, it is necessary to exclude spicy and salty foods, as well as alcoholic beverages from the diet. The doctor notes that for the male population, the progression of seborrheic dermatitis — a disease of the hairy part of the head, characterized by itchy skin and dandruff, greasy hair — is typical in autumn. The balance of microflora is disrupted, which also requires timely intervention. First of all, the dermatologist recommends using the right shampoos to correct the manifestations of seborrheic dermatitis, which are available in pharmacies without a prescription. "If you encounter psoriasis — do not self-medicate," advises the doctor. "Now we, dermatologists, have many opportunities to help such patients: from basic anti-inflammatory medications, which are combined with proper skin care, to, for example, the possibility of sending a person for a course of phototherapy, which is also available at our VCA centers. Phototherapy has a very good anti-inflammatory effect on psoriasis, as well as vitiligo, which can also worsen after the summer period, especially in cases of love for tanning and lack of protection against ultraviolet radiation." ## Dry, Very Dry... To ensure that the skin meets the cold weather adequately, it is now worth loving it, that is, to take intensive care of it with suitable products. At the same time, it is important to establish nutrition that will help the body cope with the same cracks on the heels or peeling skin on the face. "As a dermatologist, I recommend eating more fish! Also, at the first signs of dry skin, after consulting with a doctor and pharmacist, use unsaturated fatty acids, such as fish oil, evening primrose oil, unsaturated fatty acids Omega-3, 6, 9 (for example, krill oil). This allows us to nourish the skin's hydrolipid mantle from the inside. It is essential to consider taking vitamin D, the deficiency of which in the Baltic region cannot be replenished even in the summer! It is useful to take a test — for example, at Centrālā laboratorija, to assess the situation accurately. "I want to add that there are many different products with vitamin D in pharmacies — for adults and children, the main thing is to strictly follow the instructions for use and not exceed the recommended dosage. Vitamin A, which will also help the skin recover after summer ultraviolet exposure and seawater, I recommend consuming more often in the form of a salad made of grated carrots with a drop of cream," smiles pharmacist Elena Bebre. "In the case of psoriasis, acne, seborrheic dermatitis, synthetic formulas of vitamin A (retinol acetate) are prescribed only by a dermatologist: precision and personalization are very important here!" ## How to Look Younger Without Magic? Dermatologist Alena Sokha shared information that the safest basic procedure, which is recommended for everyone and will be beneficial, is phototherapy, or photo-rejuvenation. This innovative method, available at VCA, allows you to remove pigments and various spots from the face — all that we have earned on our facial skin over the past summer. As a result of the procedure, the synthesis of one's own collagen occurs, and the skin begins to glow. And pharmacist Elena Bebre suggests that after the summer season, it is important to have creams and body products with ceramides (which help maintain the skin's lipid barrier), hyaluronic acid (which helps retain moisture), glycerin (an effective moisturizing component), squalane (which softens the skin and helps reduce moisture loss), and panthenol (which helps soothe sensitive and irritated skin). Gradually, products with niacinamide, vitamin C, azelaic acid, and other active components aimed at evening out skin tone can be introduced into the care. But do not use several active products at once: too intensive care can cause irritation and further disrupt the skin barrier.
