Lesson 1 – The Golden Rule of Summer Skin Care
The most important thing you can do for your skin this summer is protect it! The Skin Cancer Foundation noted that “the vast majority of melanomas are caused by the sun. In fact, one UK study found that about 86 percent of melanomas can be attributed to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.” However, we don’t expect you to stay indoors all summer. Keep your skin sun-safe by making sunscreen and shade your new summer BFFs!
Sunscreen! Your beach bag is never complete without a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher! You must reapply the sunscreen every two hours as well as after any dips in the pool.
Shade! The beach can be just as enjoyable from under the shade of an umbrella and your skin will thank you for it. You can also keep your skin sun-safe in more fashionable ways. For example, try wearing a wide brimmed hat to your next pool party. You can also purchase sun protection clothing that carries a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rating and is designed to provide more protection than your typical T-shirt. You can beat the heat, protect your skin, and look great while doing it!
Lesson 2 – Keep Calm and Wash Your Face
After a long day of summer fun, which often includes swimming and sweating, it’s important to take time to carefully clean your skin. When sweat mixes with the oils and bacteria on your skin, it can clog your pores and lead to breakouts. Use a clean towel to blot or dab sweat off your skin, as wiping sweat away can irritate your skin further.Take a shower as quickly as you can after swimming or sweating. Pools often contain germs and chemicals that can be harmful to your skin. A fresh, clean, and warm (not hot!) shower is just what the dermatologist ordered after a long summer day.
Lesson 3 – Adjust Your Skincare Routine
If the weather changes, your skincare routine should too! We recommend transitioning your skincare regimen to include more gentle and sun-friendly products for the summer.For instance, you should be using less retinol and vitamin A in the summer to prevent over exfoliation, sunburns, stinging, or irritation. Your winter creams can be put away and you can replace them with lighter lotions and serums to help avoid build-up and oily skin. Additionally, consider adding vitamin C to your regimen, as it supplies strong antioxidant properties and protection against an uneven skin tone.
As dermatologists, we want to help you love the skin you’re in, not matter what season it is. For more help with your summer skin, schedule an appointment with us today!
