Our skin is the most exposed part of our bodies and can be very difficult to care for, especially during the summer months. Although summer is beginning to wind down, there are still plenty of warm weeks ahead and it’s important to remember to treat our skin kindly during the hot and humid summer we experience in the South.
Exfoliate
While it’s important to exfoliate your skin, during the summer we have to be careful as it can greatly increase your sun sensitivity. Some suggest that you should exfoliate 1-2 times a week during the summer and to leave at least five days prior to heavy sun exposure. Danielle Lotito, a manager at A Moment’s Peace Salon and Spa suggests Jan Marini Clean Zyme and Skin Zyme for those with sensitive skin. For those with normal to oily skin, she suggests the Micro-Exfoliating Scrub from SkinCeuticals.
Moisturize
After exfoliating, it is also increasingly important to moisturize your skin. Moisturizing your skin can be done easily with facials. Part of moisturizing your skin also includes drinking water. Most health associations agree that you should drink eight 8 ounce glasses a day or a half a gallon of water. If you drink caffeine, your water intake should triple.
During the summer, it is also important to protect your skin. It’s been said, but “Apply and Re-Apply” is the key to protecting your skin. Choose sunscreen that are at least 50 spf and apply every two hours. While you can use regular sunscreen like Coppertone, Danielle suggests Physical Fusion UV defense from SkinCeuticals. Not only does it provide both UVA and UVB protection as needed, but it also enhances skin tone and boosts natural radiance. They also say to avoid mid-morning to late afternoon sun. For most places, this means avoiding direct sun from 10 am to 3 pm.
If you do have over exposed skin, it is equally important to sooth it. After sun cool balms, especially those containing aloe, helps to not only sooth skin but also to begin to repair it. The key to this is if your skin still feels warm, reapply. You can continue the repair process by using serums to repair and treat sun damage. There are many serums and ointments that can help with this including the Phyto Corrective Masque from SkinCeuticals.
Eat healthy. Eating healthy also helps your skin stay healthy. Take advantage of the summer harvest, in which you find a wide variety of fruits and veggies. Stick with whole grains and ancient grains, sugar free and natural yogurt. Stay away from no fat and low fat diets as they cause skin to dry, wrinkle, and age. Instead exclude unhealthy fats with hydrogenated/trans fats and add in healthy fats from nuts, seeds, and fish.
Finally, examine your skin keeping an eye on moles that change shape or size, or if they hurt, itch, or bleed. If you notice anything like this, make sure to see your doctor or dermatologist. Enjoying the summer sun is always fun, but keep in mind the potential dangers to the most useful and most exposed part of your body.
