Preventing Skin Damage by Avoiding Outdoor Heat

If you’re an active individual, whether you prefer a game of softball, like to go for power walks or runs after work, or simply enjoy an hour or so at the gym each evening, then make sure to take care of yourself during summer. Although the season will be over soon, you should still take precautions to ensure your physical beauty doesn’t suffer at the hands of extreme heat. One of the many problems the summer brings with it is heat-related illness and sunburn. Uptown Medical Wellness & Anti-Aging Center is here to give you some tips so you can continue enjoying the summer.

If you have any questions about how we can help your skin look healthy, glowing and radiant, then don’t hesitate to contact us!

What Can Heat do to My Body?

Heat can result in extra stress for your body, and if it isn’t hydrated or taken care of during outdoor activities, a serious illness can form. Remember, heavy physical movements and outdoor heat cause the body’s temperature to rise drastically. In order for it to keep cool, the body circulates more blood in the skin. This causes your heart rate to increase since there is less blood in the muscles. If humidity is high, stress levels can increase due to sweating.

While aging skin is something we can delay with healthy eating habits and being extra cautious with the sun, wrinkles are inevitable. Uptown Medical Wellness & Anti-Aging Center offers great treatments like the Time Machine Procedure, which combats the effects of aging skin.

What Health Issues Can Heat Cause?

In most cool conditions, blood vessels and perspiration levels will adjust to hot temperatures but could change if temperatures are too high. Drink plenty of cool water when exercising to prevent any issues. Some heat-related illnesses include:

• Heat Exhaustion: The signs of heat exhaustion include vomiting, nausea, headaches and weakness as your body temperature rises. Heatstroke can result if symptoms go ignored.
• Heat Cramps: These are painful muscle contractions. Muscles could feel firm and stiff, but the body’s temperature remains normal.
• Exercise-Related Collapse (Heat Syncope): Remaining immobile in high temperatures could lead to lightheadedness and fainting.
• Heatstroke: When the body’s temperature reaches 104 degrees, heatstroke can result. Skin is usually hot while the body stops sweating to stay cool.

Avoidance

Keep the following tips in mind when exercising or spending time outdoors in the heat. South Texas is known for issuing heat advisories, so don’t ignore them. Consider our Lifeline products, which infuse your skin with vitamins and minerals to activate new collagen production if you’ve suffered damage due to prolonged sun exposure. Here are a few tips to prevent any issues:

• Keep an eye out for the temperature. Listen to local forecasts and heat alerts. If you’re planning an outdoor excursion, plan accordingly to avoid too much sun exposure.
• If you’re active, take it easy when starting a workout. Let your body adapt to the heat and remain in shaded areas when possible.
• Know your workout level. If you’re new to exercising, be careful of doing it in the heat. Your body could have a low tolerance for high temperatures.
• Drink fluids since dehydration is the leading factor in heat-related illnesses. Water also allows your skin to replenish lost fluids.
• Dress accordingly. Loose-fitting clothing helps sweat evaporate and keeps you feeling cooler. Another rule of thumb is to avoid dark colors that absorb heat.
• Protect your skin with sunscreen to prevent burns and dryness.

Healthy Skin Starts with Us!

At Uptown Medical Wellness & Anti-Aging Center, we’re dedicated to improving the well-being of our clients. Summer is one of the most critical times to ensure that our skin is well taken care of. Visit us in McAllen and ask about our treatments or products to help you stay healthy and young looking!