Summer is just around the corner, so it is time to get your skin ready for the warmer months. Start planning your summer skin care routine now to ensure that your skin is healthy, glowing and protected. Our dermatologists share tips to help you get your skin summer ready so that you will look and feel your best all season.
Get serious about sun protection
Wearing sunscreen is important year-round, but as you spend more time outside, you should increase your SPF to at least 30. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect against the more harmful types of ultraviolet rays and safeguard your skin against sun damage.
Use sunscreen on your face, the tops of your ears, your neck and everywhere your body is exposed – especially if you spend time outdoors. If you plan to participate in water activities, use a water-resistant sunscreen. Apply sunscreen regularly, based on the instructions on the bottle, to ensure you are protected all day.
Use the recommended amount of sunscreen. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, most people only use 25 to 50 percent of the recommended amount. The right amount of sunscreen to cover your body is one ounce or enough to fill a shot glass. Columbia Skin Clinic offers several sunscreen products that our dermatologists highly recommend.
Change your moisturizer
You might have switched to a thicker moisturizer to combat dry winter skin. When the humidity rises, you may not need a heavy face cream. Your skin still needs moisture, but you can try a gel-based lotion or a lighter-weight version of your favorite moisturizer. A lotion with SPF can add extra protection.
We offer a variety of moisturizers formulated for different skin types, including products with hyaluronic acid, which boosts moisture without extra oils.
Minimize breakouts
If you tend to break out in the summer months because of clogged pores, try oil-free or non-comedogenic products to minimize the extra oil your body produces. Add a cleanser specifically designed for acne to your summer skin care routine.
Body acne can be embarrassing, but there are a few ways to treat it. Wash daily with a body cleanser formulated for acne, which may include benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Change out of sweaty clothes quickly and shower after physical activities.
Don’t be afraid to exfoliate
Exfoliating sloughs off dead skin cells and helps to reveal smoother skin. In the summer months, your pores may be oilier than usual because of the humidity and heat. Exfoliating your face and body can help remove the build-up and unclog pores.
If your skin becomes inflamed or irritated, do not exfoliate until it has healed. Always use a gentle exfoliator, and never exfoliate when you have a sunburn. Check with your dermatologist before exfoliating after a cosmetic procedure.
Invest in hair removal
Shaving and waxing can be time-consuming and leave you with ingrown hairs or irritated skin. Cometic hair removal can slow down hair growth after a series of treatments. Electrolysis removes hair at the follicle and is the only FDA-approved method for permanent hair removal.
Laser hair removal kills the hair at the root to inhibit future growth. It requires a series of treatments to target all stages of hair growth. It is one of the least painful methods of hair removal and, in some cases, can offer permanent hair loss after a few sessions.
Try a cosmetic treatment
Certain cosmetic treatments may not work with your summer skin care if you’re heading to the beach or plan to be outside for long periods. But there are several treatments you can get to maintain your looks without missing out on the summer fun.
Injectable neurotoxins like Botox, Dysport and Daxxify relax the muscles in your face that cause wrinkles. These are a safe, non-surgical procedures that can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Fillers are another injectable that can enhance your appearance with little downtime. They can plump lips or fill in volume loss in the face. Kybella is an injectable that works by destroying the fat underneath the jawline that causes a double chin.
Check your skin regularly
Skin cancer is caused by exposure to UV rays from the sun or tanning beds. More than one million skin cancers are diagnosed each year, and one in five Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime.
Early detection is key in treating skin cancer before it spreads, so you should be aware of any changes in moles or irregular patches of skin. Reduce your risk of cancer by learning the ABCDEs of skin abnormalities and check your skin regularly.
Take your summer skin care seriously
Our cosmetic dermatologists and estheticians can create a treatment plan to help you get summer-ready skin this year. Call us today to schedule a consultation at one of our four locations in South Carolina.
