Summer Skin Tips
Summer is just around the corner and with a change of season comes a change in how we need to take care of and treat our skin.
SPF Protection for Your Skin
During the summer, the days are longer, therefore we are exposed to the sun for longer periods of time. The sun's energy is also stronger, causing our skin to become more vulnerable to damage and burns. As the summer months approach it is important to start thinking about sun protection.
It's important to find a broad spectrum UVA and UVB moisturizer with an SPF of at least 30 to give you the proper amount of protection. In Southern California the sun is really strong. Being a fair person myself, daily sunscreen is a must and I try to avoid direct sunlight completely. My obsession with protection from the sun is not just aesthetic in purpose, its because skin cancer is a very real and ever present threat.
Pairing a topical vitamin C serum with an SPF moisturizer can reinforce the strength of the SPF. Vitamin C fortifies the SPF's ability to protect your skin from the sun. It's best to apply a layer the vitamin C serum and then an SPF first thing in the morning before you head out into the sunlight.
Sun Protective Clothing
A few months before summer starts is the best time to stock up on sun protective clothing. Applying sunscreen is only part of the solution for blocking the harmful summer sun rays. When buying sun protective clothing, check for the UPF label to ensure that the fabric is providing solid protection from the sun.
Summer Skin Treatments
Invasive or deep exfoliation treatments are not recommended in the summer because of our skin's increased exposure to sunlight and heat. The increased exposure to sunlight is also not the time to try to fix any pigmentation problems due to the summer weather.
During the summer is the best time to work on strengthening our skin and maintaining the results of treatments you've undergone during the winter. If you struggle with pigmentation issues or have undergone peels or laser treatments to correct it, it is extremely important to do your very best in avoiding direct sunlight. Wear big UPF hats and sunglasses. Use your visors when driving and apply vitamin C in the morning with your SPF. Then and at nighttime use your skin brightening serums to help maintain your results.
Hyperpigmentation
When visible hyperpigmentation appears on the surface of the skin, this is evidence that damage has been done to the DNA of the melanocyte cells which are responsible for producing color in the skin. Lasers and peels can help repair the damage, but after the hyperpigmentation has appeared once, there is a good chance that it will appear again because the cell damage has already been done and those cells are now weakened.
Summer Temperatures and Your Skin
With a rise in temperature comes a general increase in regular sweat production, making summer the best time to change up cleansers and/or moisturizers. The adjustment in skincare products for summer can vary from person to person. For some it will be a change to lighter moisturizers and for others it may be to stop using antibacterial cleansers. It all depends on the person and their skin's needs. A skin therapist can be instrumental in assisting you with your transition over to a summer skin care regimen.
Exfoliating Your Skin During the Summer
It is important to continue exfoliating throughout the summer because it will help your skin to feel less oily and congested. However, it is important to be careful with how much you exfoliate because this can thin out the skin too much if done too frequently. It's very important to maintain a healthy skin barrier during an increase in sun exposure.
Summertime Skin Breakouts
The increase in the skin's exposure to heat during the summer can increase the skin's potential for breakouts. In order to avoid summertime breakouts, it is very important to keep up with your professional skin treatments with a licensed esthetician or skin therapist in order to keep your pores nice and clean and your skin in tip top shape. Have a great summer!
