With the arrival of summer, dermatologists are warning users of hydroalcoholic gel. Recommended by health authorities to stop the spread of the Covid-19 epidemic, this solution made up of 70% alcohol does not go well with the sun, warn Spanish dermatologists in the daily El Mundo .
According to Dr. Marta Frieyro, dermatologist at Quirónsalud Marbella Hospital in the south of the country, the rapid absorption of the alcoholic gel creates a deceptive sensation of total evaporation of the product on the skin. But in reality, "it stays on its surface for a long time" and risks causing "a burn", she explains to the Spanish daily.
"If you expose your hands brushed with hydroalcoholic solution to the beach, then you risk what is called a dermatitis charm, a characteristic burn caused by the reaction of alcohol on the skin with the sun," confirms his French dermatologist Catherine Oliverès-Ghouti, member of the National Union of Dermatologists-Venereologists (SNDV), interviewed by 20 Minutes.
Risks of brown spots
Worse, the combination of hydroalcoholic gel and the sun's rays leads to the risk of hyperpigmentation (dark spots). "Clearly, we first develop a burn, the skin is red and irritated, then the stain takes on a brown pigmentation which can last for years", warns Dr Oliverès-Ghouti.
If possible, it is therefore recommended to avoid using these solutions before or during prolonged exposure to the sun. Especially on the beaches. Dermatologists simply advise washing your hands with soap and cold water.