During the winter, almost every day, I silently wish for summer to arrive. I detest how many activities and plans get cancelled because of how cold it is. Everything just seems easier when there is warmth and sunshine. There is no fuss over clothes and unlike cold or rainy weather, sunshine instantly puts your spirits on a high.
This week, I found myself biting my tongue. Forty-one degrees Celsius (105.8 Fahrenheit) in Germany and I felt as if I was in hell. Like in the dreadful winter, it was surprisingly hard to get anything done. I was drained from just going around the block for milk. I thought, coming from Guyana, that I was built for any type of heat, but it turns out I am just a rookie; or perhaps my body just adapted to the climate.
I still love the sun, but in moderation. I don’t like what is does to my skin and hair. Already having to deal with the daily struggle of acne, I find that heat just aggravates my face even more. According to cosmetic dermatologic surgeon Howard Sobel of Sobel Skin, “Sweat and heat also affect the skin’s microbiome.” In addition to this, Sobel explains, certain flora on the skin are protective and when they’re out of balance, you can end up with inflammation, irritation or acne.