Summer Skin Care – Protect Your Skin from Sun Damage
Summer is finally here! That means it’s time for shorts, sandals, tank tops, and bathing suits. While you’re showing all that skin, it’s important to remember to protect it from sun damage. Although it feels great to be basking in the sun’s warmth, its UV rays can wreak havoc on your skin. Fortunately, there are summer skin care steps you can take to prevent that from happening.
Wear Sunscreen
This is pretty much common knowledge but with so many different types of sunscreen available, how do you know which one to choose? One of the most important factors is SPF (sun protection factor). The sunscreen you choose should have an SPF of 30 or higher. It should also provide broad-spectrum protection.
To provide this level of protection, the sunscreen must contain benzophenones (oxybenzone), cinnamates (octyl methyl cinnamate and cinoxate), sulisobenzone, salicylates, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, and avobenzone (Parsol 1789). Without these ingredients, the sun’s UVA rays can penetrate the sunscreen and lead to damage such as dark spots, premature aging, and even skin cancer.
Another key component of summer skin care is to find a sunscreen you like. This may sound a little silly, but if the sunscreen is too heavy or greasy, you won’t want to put it. It doesn’t matter what the SPF is or what the ingredients are If you don’t wear it. You may have to experiment but make sure you find a sunscreen you won’t mind wearing and make sure to reapply it frequently.
Clothing and Shade
While it may seem contradictory to the whole idea of soaking up the summer sun, wearing protective clothing and seeking shade should also be part of your summer skin care regimen. The sun’s rays are typically the strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM. In addition to applying sunscreen, you should minimize your exposure during these times. Finding a shady spot or using an umbrella is a good way to limit your exposure and still enjoy the summer weather.
You can also shield your skin from the sun with protective clothing. There are manufacturers that make clothing that has a UPF ( Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating that provides sun protection but you can also use pieces you already have in your closet. Tightly woven fabrics in dark colors provide more protection against sun damage that loosely woven, colored fabrics. Make sure a hat is part of your summer wardrobe. Not only will it protect your scalp but a wide-brimmed hat can also help protect your face, neck, and shoulders.
Cosmetics with SPF
While some makeup, such as darker or heavier foundation, may provide some protection, it is not enough to prevent sun damage or skin cancer. It is best to use sunscreen in conjunction with makeup or use a medical grade skin care product with SPF, such as SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield Broad Spectrum Sunscreen. It has a 35 SPF and is formulated to work well with the other products in the SkinMedica line.
Premature Aging and Dark Spots
Even with the most vigilant summer skin care routine, you may still experience some superficial sun damage. While not life threatening like skin cancer, they can still be a cause for concern. There are a variety of aesthetic treatments that can minimize these issues. In addition to using medical grade skin care, PicoSure Laser skin rejuvenation treatment can break up dark pigmentation caused by the sun and reduce or even eliminate dark spots.
Summer Skin Care and More at Vive
At Vive Aesthetics and Wellness, we offer treatments and products to help your combat sun damage. In addition to SkinMedica, we also offer Obagi medical grade skin care products, some of which have an SPF of 50. Our services also include a variety of other skincare treatments to minimize the signs of premature aging from sun exposure. Schedule a consultation to get your summer skin care on track and keep it there all year long.
