How to protect delicate skin during summer, according to a dermatologist

Dr. Walinsundin shares dependable skincare reminders for reactive skin—from choosing the right cleansers to caring for baby clothes.

Last May 21, local skincare supplier DMark Beauty connected the beauty community for “Skin Sanctuary: A Summer Edition for Mom and Child” in collaboration with ISISPHARMA Dermatologie. The intimate catch-up introduced guests to the industry’s Secalia and Ruboril ranges while raising points around practical skincare routines for sensitive skin during summer.

Throughout the talk, one recurring observation became clear: when balancing and managing reactive skin, simplicity really matters. In fact, according to dermatologist Wilsie Salas-Walinsundin, allergic families and individuals with skin issues should avoid heavily fragranced, highly foaming, and aggressive formulations. “Everything that’s non-soap,” she advises, referring to cleanser rosters that contain fewer chemicals, toxins, and potential irritants.

Secalia ATO Balm, designed for very dry and sensitive skin and works well for families with eczema flare-ups | Photo from Isispharma

The product’s color is something to consider when looking for a skincare line, too. Salas-Walinsundin also tells The POST that those without color and with diluted consistency are better for mother and babies with allergies or skin ailments. Salas-Walinsundin adds that thicker textures, dyes, and fragrances demand chemical ingredients that may trigger, inflame, clog, or aggravate hypersensitive skin. Additionally, she highlights how the summer season can cause irritation and inflammation.

Secalia ATO Shower Cream has a mild formula and helps minimize feelings of dryness, irritation, and discomfort | Photo from Isispharma

“The heat incites a lot of things on the skin,” she puts it plainly. Even bathing routines for babies are expected to adjust in order to address the skin when it’s stressed. The dermatologist always recommends her patients to reach for tap water throughout summer instead of the steamy, warm water. Outside cleansing, ongoing moisturization remains a must—even in tropical climates where there are consumers who hesitate to use heavy emollients.

Ruboril Expert M was created for redness-related concerns and calm sensitivity while improving skin comfort | Photo from Isispharma

Accordingly, major aggressors during summer derive from sweat, pollution, and irritants persistently encountered in outdoor environments. Due to this, dermatologists shift patients toward moisturizers that are lighter, gentler, and liquid instead of thick creams that are commonly incorporated during colder days. “It depends on what type of moisturizer you’re using. Let’s switch during summer. Let’s switch to the light ones,” she concludes.

Ruboril Expert SPF50+ is a sunscreen specifically made for sensitive skin while reducing visible redness | Photo from Isispharma

The doctor, moreover, debunks the common misconception that moisturizers clog pores. “It doesn’t clog the pores,” she points out. “There’s nothing that could clog your pores if you always clean your face afterwards.” She confirms that in traditional cases, even those with excessively oily skin or highly stimulated oil glands in general may continue consuming moisturizers as long as proper layering and cleansing routines remain consistent.

Ruboril Cleansing Balm is perfect for reactive or redness-prone skin and removes stubborn impurities including makeup or buildup while maintaining cleanliness and comfort | Photo from Isispharma

For parents navigating physical allergies or atopic dermatitis during summer, however, the physician shared practical reminders premised on moderating or minimizing inflammation and irritation. This is to ensure that skincare routines remain simple, manageable, and consistent without mishandling hypersensitive skin during hotter seasons.

“Whenever a child already has an attack or is in flare, then don’t give it for now.”

Temporarily avoid suspected triggers amid flare-ups. In the event of an eczema flare, or if the child experiences a case of allergic reaction, Dr. Walinsundin advises parents to pause the possible trigger food first to prevent further flare-ups.

Take extra care of baby clothes to ensure that they are clean, temperature-safe, and sanitized.

Paying attention to clothing fabrics and colors, as per Dr. Walinsundin, is another must-do for moms. Garishly bright garments—particularly warm palettes—can cause irritation to the skin increasingly due to the dyes that may have been used in manufacturing. Because of this, minimally dyed materials continue to be a safer choice for babies.

“I don’t usually restrict unless it’s proven by tests.”

Do not permanently eliminate protein sources unless skin-tested or blood-tested. The dermatologist notes that food triggers such as chicken, seafood, and egg, are essential for children’s growth and cognitive development. Deliberately removing food groups will forfeit the resistance of the patient, potentially impacting his immunity.

Controlled exposure can slowly support tolerance over time.

Early and controlled exposure may help moderate children’s tolerance to certain allergens. According to Dr. Walinsundin, gradual exposure is good, and can cause patients to slowly produce tolerance over time. This medical theory is proven by progressive exposure practices and experiments.

“Use the baby detergent and always double- or triple-rinse.”

For babies and children with AD, it’s best to consider gentler detergents for garments. Multiple rinsing is mandatory, too, preferably four to five times to prevent bacteria build-up and resilient detergent residue. Ironing infants’ clothes is also crucial to ease insect exposure. “I cannot have insects biting them,” Dr. Walinsundin insists. “If they get bitten, the skin will flare again.”

Built around barrier repair, hydration, and redness healing, ISISPHARMA’s Secalia and Ruboril ranges ultimately reinforce an adaptive, balanced approach to sensitive skincare—specifically during seasons when environmental stressors escalate.

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