Your Ultimate Guide to Skin Health This Summer

Your skin is your body’s largest organ and one of its greatest protectors.1 It shields you from germs, helps regulate temperature, and acts as the barrier between your body and the outside world.1 Looking after your skin is not just about appearance. It is essential for your overall health. 

With summer in full swing and more time spent outdoors, your skin faces unique challenges. Strong UV rays, hot weather, swimming, and insect bites can all affect its health. In this guide, we will cover three key areas for the season: sun safety, skin checks, and managing rashes. 

Sun Safety: Your First Defence 

Skin cancer is more prevalent in Australia than anywhere else worldwide.2 The good news is that sun damage is preventable with the right sun protection habits.2 

Follow the Cancer Council’s Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, and Slide advice2,3: 

  • Slip on long, cool clothing that covers the shoulders, arms and legs. 
  • Slop on SPF50 or higher broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen before going outside and reapply every 2 hours and immediately after swimming, sweating or towel-drying. 
  • Slap on a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, neck, and ears. 
  • Seek shade as often as possible. 
  • Slide on close-fitting sunglasses. 

Sunscreen only works if it’s used, so the best choice is the one you’ll stick with.3 There are sunscreens that absorb UV and others that reflect UV away from the skin.3 Some sunscreens use both.3 The Cancer Council recommends sunscreen that is at least SPF50 or higher, is broad spectrum and water resistant.3 Reapply every 2 hours and use more than you think you need as getting adequate coverage is important.3 Broad spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays which both contribute to skin damage and cancer.3 Applying sunscreen is only one part of sun protection.3  

What Daily Habits Support Healthier Skin? 

Healthy skin is not just about sunscreen, it is about everyday care. The Royal Women’s Hospital recommends1,4: 

  • Protecting yourself from the sun by following the Cancer Council’s advice 
  • Not smoking or stopping smoking as smoking contributes to wrinkles and reduces the strength and elasticity of the skin.  
  • Caring for your skin during daily cleansing including limiting bathtime, using lukewarm rather than hot water.  
  • Avoiding strong soaps and excessive scrubbing or washing, and making sure to moisturise dry skin.  
  • Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy body weight.  
  • Managing stress and getting enough sleep 
  • Drinking alcohol only in moderation 
  • And leaving blemishes and pimples alone.  

If you are struggling with persistent dryness, irritation, or sensitivity despite good daily care, or if you are finding it difficult to put these habits into practice, a nurse practitioner can review your skin health and suggest treatment options via an in person or telehealth appointment. 

Skin Checks: Spotting Trouble Early 

Self-checking your skin is one of the most effective ways to catch problems early. Get into the habit of checking once a month, looking over your whole body including the scalp, soles of the feet, and under nails.5 

Watch out for5: 

  • New or unusual moles or spots 
  • Changes in the size, colour, or shape of existing spots or moles 
  • Spots that now have other symptoms such as being itchy or painful.  

The ABCDE rule is helpful when monitoring moles: 

  • Asymmetry – the two halves of the spot are not equal 
  • Border irregularity – borders are not smooth or even 
  • Colour variation – spots have multiple colours 
  • Diameter greater than six millimetres 
  • Evolving (changing) shape, colour, or size 

If you notice anything suspicious, book a healthcare appointment promptly. A skin consultation with a nurse practitioner can give you peace of mind and, if needed, a referral for further testing. Early detection is key to treating skin cancers effectively. 

Rashes: When Skin Reacts 

Hot weather, sweat, and time outdoors can make rashes more common in summer. Some frequent causes include6-9: 

  • Heat rash with tiny red bumps when your body sweats more than usual 
  • Eczema and dermatitis flare-ups triggered by changes in the weather, heat or chlorine 
  • Fungal infections such as tinea (athlete’s foot or ringworm) 
  • Insect bites that cause itching or allergic reactions 

In some cases, rashes are mild and improve with simple self-care measures such as keeping the skin cool, wearing breathable clothing, and applying gentle moisturisers. Others may need further treatment. 

Seek professional advice if a rash: 

  • Spreads quickly 
  • Is painful, blistered, or shows signs of infection 
  • Does not improve after self-care 
  • Is accompanied by fever or feeling unwell 
  • If you’re ever unsure about the cause or how to manage it 

Through a telehealth or in person appointment, a nurse practitioner can look at your skin, suggest treatment, and let you know if you need in-person or further care. 

When to Seek Help 

You should see a healthcare professional if you notice any of the following: 

  • Changing or suspicious spots that are new or look different from the rest of your spots 
  • Rashes that are persistent, painful, or spreading across your body 
  • Skin irritation that is affecting daily life, sleep, or comfort 
  • Signs of infection such as pus, swelling, or spreading redness 

Even if the problem seems minor, it is worth getting a professional opinion if it is causing discomfort or worry. Earlier review often leads to faster relief.  

Nurse practitioners are experienced in assessing common skin conditions and providing clear next steps. Through an online appointment they can: 

  • Review spots, rashes, and other skin changes via secure video consultation 
  • Recommend treatment for common conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, acne, and fungal infections 
  • Advise on suitable over-the-counter or prescription medicines if required 
  • Provide guidance on when you need an in-person skin check, biopsy, or referral to a specialist 
  • Support you in developing a prevention plan for sun protection, rash triggers, or flare-ups 

This means you can get practical support without waiting for an appointment or needing to travel. A nurse practitioner can give you reassurance, advice, and where needed, referrals so that no time is lost in managing your skin health. 

Take the Next Step 

Healthy skin is about more than looking good. It is about protecting your whole body. With smart sun safety, regular skin checks, and prompt care for rashes, you can enjoy summer with confidence. 

If you are worried about a spot, rash, or ongoing irritation, our nurse practitioners are here to help. Book a telehealth or in person consultation today and take care of your skin this summer. 

References 

  1. Health Direct. Skin. www.healthdirect.gov.au. Published May 2024. Accessed September 29, 2025. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/skin  
  1. Cancer Council NSW. Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide. Cancer Council NSW. Published 2024. Accessed September 29, 2025. https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-prevention/sun-protection/preventing-skin-cancer/slip-slop-slap-seek-slide/  
  1. Cancer Council NSW. Sunscreen. Cancer Council NSW. Accessed September 29, 2025. https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-prevention/sun-protection/preventing-skin-cancer/sunscreen/  
  1. The Royal Women’s Hospital. Caring for your skin. The Royal Women’s Hospital. Accessed September 29, 2025. https://www.thewomens.org.au/health-information/staying-well/tips-for-staying-well/caring-for-your-skin  
  1. Cancer Council NSW. What you need to know about skin checks. Cancer Council NSW. Published May 1, 2021. Accessed September 29, 2025. https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/news/what-you-need-to-know-about-skin-checks/  
  1. Health Direct. Heat rash. www.healthdirect.gov.au. Published November 2023. Accessed September 25, 2025. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heat-rash  
  1. Health Direct. Eczema. Healthdirect. Published June 2024. Accessed September 29, 2025. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/eczema  
  1. Health Direct. Tinea. www.healthdirect.gov.au. Published December 2023. Accessed September 29, 2025. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/tinea  
  1. Health Direct. Insect bites and stings. www.healthdirect.gov.au. Published August 2025. Accessed September 29, 2025. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/insect-bites-and-stings  

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