Tips on keeping skin healthy this summer from Dr. Iza Encarnacion

Summer is the time of year when everyone is excited to make plans with their loved ones for getaways to the beach and it is during this time, according to Dr. Iza Encarnacion, when sun protection is essential.

When looking for sun protection, we must ensure that the sunscreen has both UVA and UVB protection. UVA causes early development of wrinkles and premature ageing while UVB causes sunburn and hyperpigmentation, such as melasma, of our skin.

A Board-certified dermatologist from The Medical City Ortigas, Dr. Encarnacion adds that we need to apply our SPF every 2-4 hours and it must be applied on all parts of our face, including the neck and tips of the ears, to ensure protection from the sun and avoid concerns such as sunburn.

Aside from sunburn and miliaria, the heat and prickly rash caused by the summer heat (known as bungang araw by Filipinos), another skin concern we need to be aware of is fungal infections.

Dr. Encarnacion said fungal infections are rampant during summer because this is the time that most people get sweaty because of the heat. Fungi thrive in sweaty areas, which causes a lot of discomfort to people. In the summer, there could be flare-ups of other skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis.

What's the key to a better skin this summer?

According to Dr. Encarnacion, the key to having better skin is preventive measures, including a healthy and balanced diet, and sun protection. She said we must always apply sunscreen and/or wear sun-protective clothing to protect our skin from the harmful rays of the sun.

When it comes to our skin conditions and concerns, we must not hesitate to consult a Board- certified dermatologist for early diagnosis and treatments. As per Dr, Encarnacion, proper diagnosis is essential and may help us to save time and money.

The power of teledermatology

Thanks to technology, people can do their consultations online. Dr. Encarnacion expresses her gratitude at how teledermatology helped her to reach her patients during the pandemic. She also advocates reaching and sharing skincare tips in far-fetched areas.

Dr. Encarnacion took medicine at the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health, her internship at The Medical City Ortigas and Ospital ng Makati and spent her Dermatology residency at the East Avenue Medical Center. She also did her Medical Dermatology and Phototherapy Fellowship at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City from 2019 to 2020. She did her Clinical Dermatology and Basic Research Fellowship at Osaka Metropolitan University from May to November 2022. This led her to pursue more education to enhance her knowledge and skills in dermatology.

Dr. Encarnacion strongly encourages everyone to visit Board-certified dermatologists as they have a broad scope of knowledge and expertise and can diagnose, treat and prescribe medications. They also have a wider range in treating medical and aesthetic procedures for patients.

You may set an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Iza Encarnacion at The Medical City Ortigas MATI Room 1909, 19th floor from Tuesday, Thursday to Saturday; at East Avenue Medical Center - Department of Dermatology; The Skin Center on Thursdays; at Dr Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium - Department of Dermatology on Wednesdays. She is also a part of other clinics such as AC Skin Health Shaw and Health Cube Shaw.

You may register through this link to book an appointment whether in-clinic or online or contact Julie Ann at 0906 409 3137 or at (02) 8 988 1000 local 5277. It is also recommended to book an appointment to be assured that you can be accommodated for the day.