With Memorial Day Weekend kicking off, I thought I would share some of my favorite summer “go-tos”! It is pretty inevitable that we will be spending time outdoors (especially in Arizona!). Using these tips + tricks can help to prevent and minimize sun damage and exposure when possible and are sure to keep you “safer”.
1.) ALWAYS wear sunscreen. This seems like a no-brainer, but using SPF every day regardless of being indoors or outdoors is crucial. Keep in mind that not all SPF products are created equal, and looking for products that have the black + white seal of approval from the skin cancer foundation are most-effective. Some of our office favorites include PCA Skin’s Sheer Tint SPF 45 as well as their Active/Water Resistant formulation. We also carry SkinMedica’s Total Defense and Repair as well as their Essential Defense- depending on which formulation the patient prefers, we recommend them equally.
2.) Be sure to re-apply your SPF products every 2 hours when you will be spending extended periods of time outdoors. Another fantastic product I recommend to patients is Jane Iredale’s Mineral SPF Powder– it is light weight, easy to re-apply over makeup, and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. It can also be safely stored in the car to reapply to areas like the hands that are exposed to sun while on the steering wheel.
3.) Avoidance is key. If you cannot avoid the sun, remember that when you’re outdoors, you should always try to sit under an umbrella and wear hats (broad-rimmed) when possible. If sitting under an umbrella, or wearing a hat isn’t an option, be sure to face away from the sun. Avoiding direct exposure to the sun is always safer than facing it directly.
4.) Use Hyaluronic Acid! Being in a dry climate, like Arizona, sucks the moisture out of the skin, giving it a dry and sometimes wrinkled appearance. Hydrated skin always appears better than dehydrated skin because it helps to minimize visible fine lines.
5.) Keep in mind that professional skin care procedures (ie; chemical peels, laser resurfacing, photofacials) make the skin more photosensitive and prone to sun damage if exposed while healing. Avoidance of the sun post-procedure is key and will keep you on track with the progress you have been making.
6.) Vitamin C + E is your friend. I encourage vitamin c +e year round, especially during the summer months to prevent free radical activity. Vitamin C also helps to lighten, tighen, and brighten the skin as well as stimulate collagen- it is always a must-have for me.
For more information on a personalized skin care regimen, please call (480) 214-9955. As the practice’s Aesthetics Nurse Injector and Esthetician, it would be my honor to customize a treatment and home care tailored to the specific needs of your skin. Have a safe weekend with your friends and family. We thank all of the veterans and active members of the military who have served and continue to serve our nation! Be well!
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