Summer Skin Care Tips from a Dermatologist

These days you can access just about anything and everything you need online, and now that includes dermatology!

DermCafé, the Canadian-founded online dermatology clinic is modernizing the way people in Canada access Board-Certified Dermatologists. Co-founded in 2019 by Dr. Annie Liu, DermCafé provides personalized and rapid-access care with dermatologists in as little as 24 hours and is covered by provincial health insurance plans in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario. Skin disorders that be treated online at DermCafé include acne, rosacea, facial discolouration, facial rashes, and more.

We got the chance to speak with Dr. Liu to learn more about DermCafé and to get her tried and true summer skin care tips.

  1. Tell me more about DermCafé and how Canadians can access your services?

 

DermCafé is Canada’s only national, digital, rapid-access dermatology clinic. We care for select common conditions that many people experience – acne, facial rashes, facial discolouration, minor skin rashes (e.g. eczema), pediatric rashes, male hair loss & more.

 

If you don’t already know, there’s less than 700 Dermatologists for all of Canada, and most traditional in-person dermatology clinics have wait-times of at least one year (if there’s even a dermatologist in your town). At DermCafé, we offer Canadians the option to connect with a Dermatologist (in most provinces, without any fee), in less than one week!

 

  1. During the summer months what are the skin conditions most commonly discussed in your practice?

Sunscreen/sunburns: you definitely need to apply sunscreen year-round, but of course it’s top of mind for many people in the summer!

Heat rashes/mosquito bite reactions: Increasingly common with our changing climates. Although there are helpful over-the-counter remedies, your dermatologists also have prescription options that can most quickly resolve these concerns.

Acne: it’s simply such a common concern amongst the general population, regardless of the season. Nowadays, there’s so many great, well-studied medications, that no one should have to endure acne if it bothers them!

  1. How would you suggest someone prevent and/or treat the following at home?

 

There’s often a limit to what someone can do at home for medical conditions. If a 12-month wait to see a Dermatologist was the only option, I’d definitely focus on at-home options. But with more accessible options (e.g. less than one week wait anywhere in Canada at DermCafé), I recommend taking advantage of a Dermatologist to resolve your skin concerns first.

  1. Sunburn:
    – Prevent: SPF30 every 2 hours when exposed, wide-brim hat, sun-protective (UPF50+) clothing and avoiding peak UV hours (12-3pm).
    – Limited at-home treatments: remove yourself from the sun, apply a clean + cold compress to affected skin, take pain-relievers if you can, rehydrate. Seek medical attention ASAP if not improving.

 

  1. Heat Rash:
    -Prevent: Wear loose and sun-protective (UPF50+) clothing, rehydrate often, take breaks with physical activity, avoid the outdoors during peak heat hours (12-3pm)
    -Limited at-home treatments: remove yourself from the sun/heat, rehydrate, take a cold shower, apply a clean + cold compress to affected skin, apply a bland moisturizer to affected skin. Seek medical attention asap if not improving.
  2. Acne:
    -Prevent: keep your skin clean with a simple gentle cleanser daily, use non-comedogenic skincare products, avoid continuous occlusive face-wear if possible, keep your hands off your face/chest (touching/picking/popping!), avoid excessive skincare products usage.
    -Limited at-home treatments: Try products with known anti-acne mechanisms, such as, salicylic acid, clindamycin, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid & niacinamide. Most acne can benefit from prescription-strength products. Ideally, see a Dermatologist to get personalized and expert treatment.
  3. Oily skin:
    -Prevent: Routine cleansing (including after exercise) with a gentle cleanser, only use non-comedogenic skincare products, avoid harsh skincare practices (e.g. frequent exfoliation, facial scrubs, etc), minimize makeup and always remove it before bed, keep your hands off your face (touching/picking/popping!), & eat a balanced diet & reduce stress
    -Limited at-home treatments: slowly start salicylic acid products if your skin tolerates it, use a blotting paper (always use a new paper each time) & continue to moisturize (it doesn’t worsen oily skin!)

  1. What sunscreens would you recommend to your patients? Is there an SPF minimum? What ingredients should we avoid?

 

There are so many great options available these days! You should always choose an SPF number that is 30 or higher. Truly, the best sunscreen is one that you love applying. Assuming that the SPF is 30 or higher, it’s the correct & frequent application (every 2 hours) that matters most. So, if you have an oily & thick sunscreen that you hate, it doesn’t matter if it’s SPF100, because you definitely won’t use it often!

 

There aren’t automatic ingredients that one needs to avoid, as sunscreens as a category are well-tested and known to be safe for usage. However, if you find that you have sensitive skin or you have a young infant/baby, I’d recommend using a mineral sunscreen, as those ingredients can be more gentle.

  1. When should we book an appointment with a Dermatologist rather than treat at home?

I truly believe that Canadians should be able to access a specialist whenever they’re worried, and not have to ration their healthcare usage to only when things become truly dire or uncontrollable.

Personally, when I need help with, say, a plumbing issue (as I know absolutely nothing about it!), I would contact a plumber pretty soon after the plumbing incident!

But here are situations when you should definitely connect with a Dermatologist: your skin concern is worsening or not responding to any treatments, if you’re experiencing pain or a growing spot, if your skin concern is impacting your day-to-day life, or when you’re simply worried!

 

  1. How can people book an appointment and how long will it take to see a Dermatologist online through DermCafé vs through a traditional referral?

 

Go to dermcafe.ca/booknow
DermCafé offers unparalleled rapid access to a dermatologist – less than one week wait to see a Dermatologist.

For OHIP/UHIP/MSP/AHS-covered care (eg. no fee), you need a referral, just like with traditional in-person care. For the millions of Canadians who don’t have a family doctor, you can book with the DermCafé Family Doctor usually in a next-day appointment to request a referral.

 

  1. Anything else you would like to add or let ADDICTED Magazine readers know?

When the only option seems to be waiting one year to see a Dermatologist in Canada, it’s understandable why many would turn to social media for skincare advice or even treatment. However, to be safe, always think carefully about who is delivering information to you. And remember that there are still Canadian physicians working to offer modern & accessible care to you!

Website: https://www.dermcafe.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dermcafecanada

Nadia Elkharadly

Nadia Elkharadly

Nadia Elkharadly is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of Addicted Magazine. Her myriad of addictions include music, fashion, travel, technology, boxing and trying to make the world a better place. Nadia is also a feminist, an animal lover, and a neverending dreamer. Keep up with her on social media through @thenadiae.
Nadia Elkharadly

@TheNadiaE

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