Summer is the perfect time to flaunt your beauty, enjoy outdoor activities, and soak up some vitamin D. However, while basking in the sun, it's crucial to maintain your skin's health and radiance. The combination of heat, UV rays, and outdoor activities can take a toll on your skin if proper care is not taken. By incorporating the right beauty and skincare practices, you can keep your skin glowing and healthy all summer long. In this blog we will delve into essentials of skin care habits that will keep you in great skin shape all summer, and in part 2, we will visit perfect in office procedures and beyond that are safe and effective during the hottest time of the year!
Diligent sun protection is the foundation of summer skincare. Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays prevents premature aging, sunburns, skin discoloration and collagen degradation- not to mention skin cancer. Advanced sunscreen solutions, innovative sun protective clothing, and tech-enhanced sun care methods are essential for comprehensive protection. These steps ensure you can enjoy the sunny days without compromising your skin's health.
Skincare routines also need to be adapted to suit the summer season. High-performance products from brands like Pavise, Skinbetter, and Alastin Skin Care can help maintain your skin’s hydration, clarity, and smoothness. Integrating lightweight moisturizers, hydrating serums, and cooling masks can make a significant difference. These products work to replenish and protect your skin from the harsh summer elements.
Additionally, maintaining your beauty routine while traveling can be challenging but not impossible. By planning ahead and packing smart, you can keep your skin looking fresh and radiant on the go. Compact beauty kits, in-flight skincare strategies, and sun protection accessories are travel essentials that ensure you stay gorgeous wherever your summer adventures take you.
Summer Beauty – The Importance of Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a critical component in the prevention of skin cancer, premature aging, and other sun-related skin damage. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the primary cause of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate the skin, making daily sunscreen application essential.
How to Apply Sunscreen Properly
1. Choose the Right Sunscreen: Select a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Look for a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Some of our favorite options include:
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 50
Pavise Dynamic Age Defense: The award-winning, one-step skin aging routine. Is current obsession! Built with our proprietary DiamondCore® zinc oxide, scientifically proven to regenerate damaged skin, and provide the highest level of protection against UVB, UVA, and visible light. Visible results in just 4 weeks for wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, skin elasticity, and other signs of aging.
Sunbetter ToneSmart SPF 75 sunscreen lotion by Skinbetter: 100% mineral actives broad spectrum protection in a tone-adapting lotion. Free of pore-clogging oils, broad-spectrum sunscreen acts as a primer under makeup or in place of a light-coverage foundation.
SilkSHIELD® All Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 with TriHex Technology®: With powerful yet gentle protection, this transparent sunscreen has an exclusive peptide blend that provides anti-aging benefits long after sunset.
2. Advanced Sunscreen Solutions for Summer Beauty:
Powder or Compact Sunscreens: Ideal for on-the-go touch-ups, these can be applied over makeup without smudging. We love Sunbetter ToneSmart SPF 68 sunscreen by Skinbetter Science .
Tinted Sunscreens: Not only do they protect, but they also provide a flawless, even skin tone, doubling as light foundation. Our hands-down favorite is HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36, providing a soft, glowing appearance
Sunscreen Sprays and Sticks: Easy to apply on the body, especially for hard-to-reach areas.
3. Application Steps:
Apply Generously: Most people do not apply enough sunscreen. Use about one ounce (a shot glass full) to cover your entire body. For the face, make sure to cover all areas including temples. Ears and the periphery of the face.
Cover All Exposed Areas: Don’t forget areas like your ears, neck, the tops of your feet, and the back of your hands. For your face, use a nickel-sized amount.
Apply to Dry Skin: Apply sunscreen to dry skin 15 minutes before going outside.
Reapply Regularly: Reapply every two hours, and immediately after swimming, sweating, or towel drying. The one exception to this rule is Pavise, which can provide coverage for 6 hours or more!
Apply sunscreen as part of your morning routine, even if you plan to stay indoors. UV rays can penetrate windows. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM. If you are outside during these hours, make sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours.
Safe Sun Exposure and Vitamin D
While sun exposure is necessary for vitamin D synthesis, it’s important to balance this with the risk of skin damage. Aim for short periods of sun exposure, about 10-15 minutes a few times a week, depending on your skin type and the UV index. You can also get vitamin D from foods like fatty fish, fortified dairy products, and supplements.
General Sun Protection Habits
Seek Shade: Whenever possible, stay in the shade, especially during midday hours. Plan outdoor activities in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the strongest UV rays. Create your own shade with portable umbrellas or pop-up tents when enjoying the beach or park.
Wear Protective Clothing: Long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats provide additional protection. Look for clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF).
Use Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from UV rays by wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection.
Tech-Enhanced Sun Care: Use UV detection stickers or bracelets that change color to remind you when it's time to reapply sunscreen. These are great for ensuring consistent protection.
Skincare: High-Performance Routine
Double Cleansing: Start with an oil-based cleanser to dissolve sunscreen and makeup (My favorite is Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water, followed by a gentle cleanser to remove sweat and impurities. This ensures a deep clean without stripping your skin of essential oils.
Serum Layering: Incorporate hydrating serums with hyaluronic acid followed by antioxidant serums rich in Vitamin C to combat free radicals and enhance sun protection. We love the new C-RADICAL Defense Antioxidant Serum, Multi-Award-Winning Vitamin C, formulated with a novel form of Vitamin C plus 14 vital antioxidants that help protect against environmental stressors. Skinbetter’s Alto Defense serum can provide powerful antioxidants and is suitable for even the most sensitive skin.
Lightweight Moisturizers: Opt for gel-based or water-based moisturizers that provide hydration without heaviness. Ingredients like aloe vera and cucumber can soothe sun-exposed skin. IS Clinical’s Hydracool serum, Avene Hydrance Aqua-Gel, and Alastin Skin Care Ultra-Light Moisturizer with TriHex Technology® are excellent for lightweight, intensive moisture.
Night Treatments: Use gentle retinoid-based treatments like AlphaRet overnight cream by SkinBetter to help skin repair and renew itself while you sleep. Alastin’s Renewal Retinol is a lipid encapsulated retinol serum that supports smoother skin texture, and to reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles without harsh ingredients or sun sensitivity.
Cooling Masks: Use sheet masks stored in the refrigerator for an ultra-refreshing treatment. These masks can help calm redness and replenish moisture after a day in the sun.
Eye Care: The skin around your eyes is delicate and can be prone to sun damage. Use an eye cream with SPF during the day and a nourishing eye serum at night to keep this area protected and hydrated. Alastin’s Restorative Eye Treatment with TriHex Technology® fits the bill.
Traveling Tips: Beauty On-the-Go
Compact Beauty Kits: Travel-sized versions of your favorite skincare and beauty products are essential. Look for multi-purpose products like a tinted moisturizer with SPF, which can act as a sunscreen, foundation, and moisturizer. Many skin care companies now offer travel-size products, including many of our favorite products from SkinBetter Science and Alastin Skin Care.
In-Flight Skincare: Cabin air can be very drying. Use hydrating mists and overnight masks during long flights to keep your skin plump and hydrated. IS Clinical’s hydrating complex is perfect for keeping your skin moisturized on the go. Avène Thermal Spring Water comes in a travel-size spray and is perfect to refresh your skin during long flights.
Sun Protection Accessories: Pack a stylish hat, UV-blocking sunglasses, and a foldable umbrella. These not only protect your skin but also add to your travel style.
Skin Refreshers: Carry facial wipes and mini hydrating sprays for a quick refresh during travel. These can help remove sweat and grime while providing a burst of hydration.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is crucial while traveling. Carry a reusable water bottle to ensure you stay hydrated, which will help keep your skin looking its best.
MEET THE DOCTOR
Dr. Vanden Bosch
Dr. Neda Vanden Bosch ("Dr. V") is an accomplished physician with over 17 years of practice and training in dermal fillers, collagen stimulators, laser and radiofrequency treatments, and skincare. Dr. V holds medical licenses in 7 states and is board-certified by The American Board of Radiology and the American Board of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine. She is recognized nationwide as a top 1% injector of Sculptra Aesthetic and Restylane fillers.
"Advocating the proverbial 'ounce of prevention' approach, I favor doing 'a little bit all along' rather than waiting for substantial changes that make correction more costly."
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