Dr. Sameer Zimmo, a dermatologist at DERMA Clinic, an associate professor of dermatology and a member of the American Board of Dermatology, said sensitive skin looks normal but can be quite problematic. A survey done by a well-known skin care company has shown that 50 percent of men and women have this type of skin, he said. Many products used for shaving by men have chemicals that affect their skin. It is the same for women, he said. These products cause dryness and redness. He advised men to moisten their hair when shaving because wet hair allows it to be cut easier, like nails are easy to cut after a shower. Shaving can cause cuts and dryness on the face and this can be helped with moisturizers. He added that men should also use more than one blade to shave because this means less pressure is applied to the face. When women pluck their hair, their sensitive skin becomes bumpy and red. This can also be helped with moisturizers and creams, whether the skin is or oily or dry. Dr. Zimmo remarked that shaving does not cause women to grow more hair. Women have heavy growth of hair because of hormonal changes which occur from the age of 10 to 18. Even the diameter of the hair becomes thicker with age. Using too much soap is also not good for the skin and can dry it out. “For example we don't use dish washing liquid to clean our faces because our hands become very dry,” he explained, and added that certain shampoos can also be harmful for the hair because it dries hair out. Women with long hair should use moisturizers like conditioners and balms for their hair. It is best to use well known brands, especially shampoos that include conditioners. Dr. Zimmo said that prolonged sun exposure also damages the skin. He advised people to stay out of the sun between 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. which is the “most dangerous time of the day”. He said people who want to swim during these times must use sunscreen as protection. “But in our country men and women cover themselves, that's why we are safe from skin cancer, while in western countries skin cancer is very common,” he explained. Only 77 cases of skin cancer were found over the past seven years because of our protection and very low sun exposure. “We are against tanning, to protect us from skin cancer. On the other hand, we should go out of our houses because we need some vitamin D, which means about 10 minutes of sitting in the sun, but not during the harsh time of the day. This will also protect us from osteoporosis.” Lotions which have a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) above 30 are ideal to protect against ultra violet rays of the sun, he said. He added that summer heat can also result in the growth of fungi, especially wet areas of the body such as the toes, legs, chest and similar areas. “It's important that once you finish your sports activities, you take a shower and use anti-fungal creams. We face fungal infections due to perspiration, so clean yourself and take a shower every day or try to keep yourself dry,” Dr. Zimmo explained. He added that bacteria can also grow around the hair follicles because of sweating, which can cause heat rashes and red blotches. “In such cases, it's important to wear something light. People should try to cool their skin and stay in the shade as much as they can. Those who do outdoor work should use talcum powders to protect themselves so they don't sweat a lot. It's not an adult habit but if people use talcum powder, it will be good for them. You should also drink lots of water if you are working in the sun or even traveling around in cars.” Dr. Zimmo stressed that healthy skin comes from a healthy lifestyle. “Doing exercise and eating healthy is very important whether it is in summer or winter. We need extra products for the hair and skin if they are dry, but if they are oily, then not much extra care is needed,” he concluded.
