QUESTION: When I'm on holiday abroad, like in Malta, I always develop a rash in the second week—not on my hands or face, but on my chest, arms, and legs. No issues at Dutch beaches. A friend called it Mallorca acne. Is that what it is? What can I do?
ANSWER: "Without examining your skin, it's tricky to diagnose definitively, but this sounds like classic Mallorca acne, also known as Acne aestivalis. This condition often flares up from excessive sun exposure.
Many of us Dutch vacationers overdo the sunbathing at our destinations. Our skin isn't acclimated yet, leading to rashes. Pre-holiday tanning beds can trigger or worsen it.
Choose the right sun protection factor based on your skin type. Pale 'Dutch' skin needs at least factor 30, potentially up to 50+ depending on the location—ask your pharmacist for advice.
Reapply every two to three hours for best protection. Build UV exposure gradually and avoid peak sun hours. For a quicker tan, opt for a weekly self-tanner.
For your situation, select a non-comedogenic sunscreen with a lightweight formula—greasy products can exacerbate the rash. Don't skip a quality aftersun: it replenishes moisture lost to the sun."
Margriet van der Klught, Training Manager at Vichy
