Meet Our Best-Kept Summer Skin Secret
FIRST, WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT…
When your skin is refusing to play ball, nothing beats an expert opinion. For accessible support, you need Boots Online Doctor on your radar. This summer, it's quietly become our go-to, providing convenient access to expert advice and prescription treatment, when appropriate, helping you address key concerns and supporting you in your skin journey.
HOW IT WORKS
Rooted in clinical expertise, Boots Online Doctor offers access to advice and prescription treatment for a range of health conditions, including common skin conditions. First, you complete a simple online consultation, covering your health history and it may ask you to upload some photos of your skin condition. Then, all your information is analysed by an expert who can offer advice and, where appropriate, prescribe treatment. The attention to detail is impressive – you’ll be contacted if there are any follow-up questions, so you know you’re getting quality care. You can then pick up your treatment in store or have it discreetly delivered to your home.
While we all look forward to summer, the warmer weather can play havoc with many common skin conditions such as acne, eczema and rosacea. If that all sounds a bit too familiar, or if recently you’ve noticed an unusual rash, mark or change in your skin, help is at hand. You’re also not alone – here are some of the SL team’s biggest summer skin woes…
“I’ve dealt with hormonal acne since my teens but over the years, I’ve honed my routine and now in my late 20s, I’ve learned how to manage my combination skin and avoid certain triggers. But I still deal with scarring today, as well as the occasional flare-up – annoyingly, my skin tends to freak out while I’m on holiday. This year, I have quite a few trips planned and I’d love to be able to go away confident in the knowledge that my skin will be looking its best.” – Sapna
The Solution:
Acne is a common skin condition that usually clears up in your 20s but some do experience it later in life too. It can get worse while you’re on holiday due to a number of reasons but some of the key culprits can include sweat, changes in diet and even pore-clogging products – but a combination of heat and humidity can also play a part. “While summer doesn't cause acne, it can create conditions that can make existing acne flare-up or make breakouts occur more often," explains Dr Megha Pancholi, GP and clinical lead at Boots Online Doctor. "Heat and humidity are more prevalent in the summer months, which can increase oil production, making pores more likely to become clogged. Sweat can also mix with oil, dead cells and bacteria on the skin, which can worsen acne." Everyone’s journey is different but if you’re struggling with the condition, Boots Online Doctor can offer expert advice and treatment to help manage the symptoms.
“During my pregnancy last year, I experienced so many changes in my body but one I hadn’t accounted for was a change in the quality of my skin. Although I had never had eczema before, my skin suddenly felt really dry, angry and inflamed – practically overnight. I’ve tried some topical skincare with varying success but I’d love some more targeted help with managing the symptoms during the summer.” – Becky
The Solution:
Eczema can cause real discomfort and many of the common symptoms – inflammation, dryness and intense itchiness – are often exacerbated by heat. “When sweat sits on the skin, the salts it contains can cause itching and discomfort, leading people to scratch more. Higher pollen levels and persistent hot and humid conditions can make flare-ups more likely too because when airborne pollen lands on damaged skin or is breathed in, it can activate the immune system, leading to skin inflammation, redness and itching," says Dr Pancholi. “One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding eczema is that you only need to moisturise during a flare-up but it causes a weakened barrier, even when the skin looks clear. Using an emollient consistently helps strengthen and protect that barrier, locking in moisture and reducing irritation from everyday triggers such as soaps, sweat, pollen and changes in temperature." Unfortunately there’s no cure but Boots Online Doctor can help find ways to manage your symptoms so that it feels less like a constant battle.
“I actually don’t mind my freckles but I’m really conscious these days of protecting my skin against UV damage, which means daily sunscreen is a must. However I have noticed that during summer, my hyperpigmentation appears more pronounced and my usual favourite brightening serums aren’t quite cutting it, so I’m considering trying a stronger formula.” – Orin
The Solution:
Hyperpigmentation is extremely common but stubborn patches can be particularly difficult to treat. “Increased UV exposure during summer can intensify melanin production (the pigment responsible for our skin colour), making dark spots, acne marks or hyperpigmentation look darker, even when you're diligent about sun protection,” says Dr Pancholi. “One big misconception about treating hyperpigmentation is that treating dark spots is only about using brightening ingredients. Using sunscreen daily is actually one of the most important parts of treatment because even small amounts of UV exposure can trigger more melanin production and make existing pigmentation appear darker. Without consistently using sun protection, treatments like vitamin C, niacinamide, or chemical exfoliants might not work as effectively.” If you’re already using over-the-counter serums but not getting the results you want, it might be worth considering a different approach. Where appropriate, Boots Online Doctor grants you fast access to expert advice, getting you one step closer to brighter, more even-looking skin.
AND IF YOU’RE NOT EXACTLY SURE WHAT YOU’RE DEALING WITH, TRY THIS…
Digital skincare services are huge right now, but Boots’ SmartSkin Checker is easily one of the most useful we’ve tried. Think of it as your personal skin analysis tool. A skin condition being common doesn’t necessarily mean it’s easy to spot and if you’re not a trained healthcare professional, differentiating between the various conditions can be tricky. Powered by AI technology, it screens a single image of your skin for over 70 skin conditions, from rosacea and eczema to perioral dermatitis and psoriasis.* You are then presented with five potential skin conditions you could be experiencing based on your photo. Note that the findings are not a diagnosis – the tool isn’t a substitute for medical advice – but they can certainly get you closer to clarity.
For more expert skincare advice, visit ONLINEDOCTOR.BOOTS.COM
*Boots SmartSkin Checker is powered by Autoderm AI. It is not a diagnostic tool and does not replace advice from a healthcare professional. Results are for information only and provide up to five possible skin conditions. Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.
Boots Online Doctor T&Cs: Access to treatment is subject to an online consultation with a clinician to assess suitability. Subject to availability. Charges apply.
DISCLAIMER: Features published by SheerLuxe are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. Always seek the advice of your GP or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health-related programme.
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