Tips for Keeping Your Skin Fresh and Healthy this Season
With the summer months well on their way; it’s time to buy those new bathing suits, fun pool inflatables, and the best skin care products out there. You may be wondering why skin care products made the “fun in the sun” list when there might be way more exciting items to spend your money on, but the answer is this: without these products, your skin might just end up being the one to pay the price.
It might be the most fun outside when the temperature reads seventy degrees or higher, but it also can be the most dangerous for your skin. Increased exposure to the sun’s rays can not only damage your exterior within hours, but can also build up over time.
“Without sun protection, this damage can build up over time,” said Kari Bohrnstedt of Seven Hills Dermatology. “Eventually you see signs of sun damage like freckles, age spots, and wrinkles.”
Dr. Alexandra Hickman of Dermatology Consultants dove deeper. “Sunshine contains ultraviolet rays that can damage the DNA inside of skin cells,” she said. “Unprotected sun exposure leads to permanent cell damage, also increasing the risk of developing skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.”
These harmful rays from the sun can be identified as “UVA and UVB wavelengths,” Dr. Jason Givan of Ridgeview Dermatology noted. He continued, “UVA light is both invisible and does not produce any warmth. UVA exposure is consistent year-round, regardless of the temperature or “cloudiness” of the day. Therefore, sun protection should occur consistently year-round.”
So, what can sun seekers do to remain safe this summer?
First, as the transition from winter to summer continues, your normal daily routine may also need to change. For those who typically use moisturizers, Dr. Hickman recommends ensuring
the bottle reads “non-comedogenic,” which means that the moisturizer won’t clog your pores.
“Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides are naturally-occurring chemicals that help your skin hold onto water,” Hickman said.
“Dermatologists recommend bland, thick moisturizers to promote a healthy skin barrier to the environment,” Givan added.
In addition to modifying your moisturizer for the sun, it is also essential to begin adding in SPF as a part of your daily routine, even if your sun exposure is limited. Ensure that all parts of your body are lathered in sunscreen, too, as it can sometimes be easy to forget about certain areas.
Those with sensitive skin, rosacea, or even those taking medications for acne, may want to avoid chemical sunscreens and select mineral sunscreens instead, as these products interact less with the skin and can be better tolerated. Hickman and Bohrnstedt both advise to look for skincare products, like SPF, that contain the active ingredients of zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as well.
Prevention and protection are the two main goals to keep in mind when being out in the sun for a long period of time. When it comes to shielding yourself against potential harmful diseases, Bohrnstedt recommends that everyone use sunscreens that offer a broad-spectrum protection which protects against both UVA and UVB rays, such as an SPF of 30 or higher that is water resistant.
“Sunscreen alone cannot fully protect you,” advised Bohrnstedt. “Additionally, we recommend taking steps to prevent skin cancer early by dressing in protective clothing, seeking shade when appropriate, and avoiding sun between the hours of 10 AM and 2 PM.”
Bohrnstedt also said that it is essential to look for shade outside, wear a hat, always use sunscreen, be careful of reflections when you’re around water or sand, and stay away from tanning beds. In addition to topical solutions, Givan also advised that “long-sleeve UV protective shirts are fantastic for outdoor events, such as the beach or sporting events.” He noted these shirts are “lightweight, cool, and very protective of ultraviolet light.”
But, if the occasional inevitable does happen, the best methods of recovery from a sunburn first start with simply being easy on your skin.
“If you are able to, take anti-inflammatory medications like Ibuprofen or Tylenol,” recommended Hickman. “Do not try to exfoliate, peel, or rub off any flaking skin. Soak in cool showers and apply ice packs to the worst areas.”
Hickman also suggested moisturizing two to three times per day with a thick product like Vaseline or Aquaphor to keep the skin protected and hydrated.
Now you’re ready for all that fun in the sun you had planned out for summer. Write down these simple steps and your skin will thank you in advance!
