Overseas golf travel grows in popularity—but raises concerns for skin health

Hello. I am Dr. Jungha Kang, Dr. Seolreim.

As overseas golf trips by Koreans increase, so does interest in skin health after those trips. A recent survey by Golf T, ‘Everything About Overseas Travel,’ found that preferred destinations include Da Nang–Hoi An in Vietnam, Bangkok–Chiang Mai in Thailand, and Fukuoka–Okinawa in Japan. Most are cities characterized by warm weather and strong sunshine throughout the year.

Da Nang–Hoi An is popular for its many seaside courses created by world-renowned designers, including famous courses such as Ba Na Hills and Montgomerie Links. February through September is the best golf season, with pleasant weather averaging 29°C.

Bangkok–Chiang Mai is known for varied packages combining golf and sightseeing. November through February is the best season, averaging around 28°C. However, caution is needed in April and May, when heat waves can push temperatures to 38°C.

Fukuoka–Okinawa offers convenient access to many courses within 90 minutes of the airport. These nearby Japanese destinations allow year-round golf, with average temperatures above 10°C even in winter. Fukuoka's delicious food and hot springs, and rounds against Okinawa's beautiful sea, are always satisfying.

However, the warm climate and strong sunshine in these regions can threaten skin health. Golf is played outdoors for long periods, and golfers in particular spend an average of four to five hours exposed to direct ultraviolet rays.

Golfers' skin concerns: ultraviolet rays, sweat and frequent outdoor activity

Many golf lovers show off wonderful swings on the course, but their concerns about skin health are also growing. Intense ultraviolet rays are a leading cause of pigment disorders such as melasma, freckles and spots, and accelerate skin aging. Sweat mixed with dust can also block pores and cause breakouts. Frequent outdoor activity can dry and sensitize skin, leading to various problems.

I therefore recommend thorough skin care on golf trips. Key practices include applying sunscreen of at least SPF50+ PA+++ every two hours and wearing protective hats and scarves. After a round, three steps are essential: thorough cleansing, a soothing mask to lower skin temperature, and sufficient moisturizing cream.

Ultraviolet levels remain high throughout the year in Southeast Asia in particular, making pigment problems such as melasma and spots more likely. For golf enthusiasts needing both brightening and regeneration, Seolreim Clinic recommends Whitening Miracle, a combination of Excel V and Shining Rejuran, and Super Miracle Hydration Injection.

Whitening Miracle combines Excel V and Shining Rejuran to provide skin-whitening and regeneration effects together. It is a pigmentation treatment that I mainly recommend for acne-related pigmentation or golfers.

Excel V, a leading pigmentation laser developed by the US company Cutera, uses three wavelengths to improve complex pigment concerns. Shining Rejuran is an injection procedure addressing elasticity and whitening together, available exclusively at Seolreim Clinic.

Super Miracle Hydration Injection supplies moisture and radiance to the skin; after treatment, you experience a hydrated, glowing appearance.

Preparation and consistent care are important for enjoying golf while maintaining healthy skin. If you have returned from an overseas golf trip, be sure to visit a dermatology clinic and look after your skin health.