Summer is a season where skin is most exposed. As a pharmacist, the writer has observed that many patients experience flare-ups of skin concerns often due to heat, humidity, UV radiation, or outdoor allergens. But there’s more than just biology at play. Just as the outer barrier—the skin—protects the body, individuals must also consider their inner barrier. Jesus, who walked in full awareness of physical and spiritual needs, often touched and healed those with visible skin diseases (like the leper in Mark 1:40–42). These were not just physical miracles; they were restorations of dignity, cleansing, and wholeness. Today, caring for the body is part of honouring God, and that starts with protecting the skin barrier.

 

🔬 Understanding the Skin Barrier

The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the epidermis of the skin, it acts like a spiritual gatekeeper, keeping harmful things out and preserving essential moisture within. It is made of dead skin cells surrounded by lipids, a design that reflects the wisdom of the Creator. Its function includes:

• Prevention of water loss
• Shielding from pollutants, microbes, and allergens
• Maintaining pH and immune defence

 

🌡️ Common Challenges Skin Faces in the Summer

Sun Damage: Prolonged UV exposure accelerates skin aging, inflammation, and pigmentation, and increases the risk of cancer. Some medications (e.g., doxycycline, NSAIDs, retinoids) worsen photosensitivity.

Sweat-Related Conditions: Humidity leads to excess sweating and sebum, increasing risk for:

• Heat rash
• Fungal folliculitis: small bumps on the skin requiring prescription
• Acne flare-ups
• Adapalene (prescription only)
• Azelaic acid 15% or 20% depending on severity for pigmentation and acne prevention

Allergies and Sensitive Skin in Summer: During this period, there is an increase in levels of pollen, dust, insect bites, and plants which may trigger itching, rashes, flare-ups of eczema and hives especially in individuals with sensitive skin or a weakened skin barrier.

 

📌 A Pharmacist’s Top Tips for the Skin:

For Heat Rashes:

Dealing with Inflammation: Hydrocortisone 1% can be bought over the counter (OTC) for the body without prescription. It is not licensed for children below 2 years of age and is used for the face only.

Calamine lotion is common and very effective.

For dry skin:

Moisturisers can help prevent the skin from drying out and worsening the heat rash. Pharmacists often recommend Epimax, Hydromol, and Epaderm.

For Allergies:

Antihistamines can be bought OTC to reduce allergic symptoms (e.g., sneezing, itching, wheezing, watery eyes, etc.). Examples include:

• Non-drowsy examples: Fexofenadine, Cetirizine, and Loratadine.
• Drowsy examples: Chlorphenamine, Promethazine, and Cinnarizine.

 

Things to Know About Different Sunscreens (Chemical vs. Physical):

Chemical Sunscreen:

Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients that absorb UV radiation, converting it into heat and releasing it from the skin. They are often transparent, leaving no white cast, and can offer broader protection against UVA and UVB rays. However, they can be irritating to some skin types and may require 20–30 minutes after application before sun exposure to fully activate. Some ingredients have also raised concerns regarding safety and efficacy.

Mineral or Physical Sunscreen:

Mineral sunscreens use minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to sit on the skin’s surface and block or reflect UV rays. They are considered safe and gentle for sensitive skin and may be a better choice for those with acne-prone skin. Despite this, they can sometimes leave a white cast on the skin and may be less effective at protecting the skin against UVA rays than chemical sunscreens, as they may not absorb as well into the skin.

 

Tips for Children, Elderly, and Melanin-Rich Skin in Summer:

• Choose the sunscreen that works best.
• Limit sun exposure.
• Wear protective clothing and accessories.
• Stay hydrated.

When skin is well cared for, nourished, and protected, it thrives. And when it is neglected, it breaks down, making the body vulnerable to damage. In the same way, spiritual health requires intentional, daily care. In the Church’s current series, Jesus The Christ, Pastor Randolph informs the congregation about Jesus’ reflection of God the Father. Jesus, fully God and fully man, still demonstrated how to live in alignment with the Father through obedience, humility, love, service, and holiness. Though His flesh died, His spirit lived, and in that resurrection power lies both physical and internal healing. Believers are not merely called to be well; they are called to be like Him. “Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.” (1 John 2:6). Caring for the skin, the outer covering God has given, is a daily act of stewardship. It serves as a reminder of a deeper truth: lives both inside and out are to reflect Jesus. So, as one protects the barrier that guards the physical body, may the spiritual one also be strengthened through prayer, purity, and perseverance.