Most people look forward to summer for the “Glow”. There’s something magical about having a tan. What people are actually feeling here is the Vitamin D from the sun. Vitamin D, is actually a hormone. It goes beyond bone health and helps reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, autoimmune diseases and more. Sun exposure resets our circadian clock and stimulates the release of feel good substances in your body such as serotonin, dopamine and beta endorphins.
And to keep your skin healthy during the heat, humidity, UV and windy days, and nights, here are a few tips for nurturing your largest organ, your skin.
Hydrate
Water is your friend. Hydrate your skin both inside and out. Higher temperatures and more time outdoors leads to internal dehydration, which can result in headaches, dizzy spells and more. Make every effort to drink eight, 8-ounce glasses of filtered water every day to help maintain critical moisture balance of the body and skin and to assist in detoxification. Important tip: If you drink caffeinated beverages you must triple the amount of water you drink.
Moisturize
Just as during the winter, when it’s drier, you want to increase your skin care hydration with masques, boosters and effective moisturizers. Toners are also a refreshing moisturizer prep which work to even out skin porosity. Carry a revitalizing toner spritz with you to cool off and nourish your skin at work, in the car, at the gym and definitely when outdoors. Work with your aesthetician to determine which skin care products are best for your skin type.
Clean and Exfoliate
A gentle cleanser is what your skin craves to gently remove make-up and some dead skin. Exfoliating your skin offers a better cleaning, sloughing off dead, dull skin and debris from the epidermis to prevent congestion and improve hydration from toners and moisturizers. Exfoliate in the mornings prior to applying toner, moisturizer and SPF. Make-up will go on smoother and last longer with exfoliated skin. Be sure to use a good hydrating body cream to seal in moisture and protect skin with a broadband sunscreen.
Sunscreen and Sunblock
Studies have shown that most people do not apply nearly enough sunscreen. With skin cancer on the rise, you must apply enough and apply frequently. Today’s sophisticated formulas and technology let you select sun protection that works with your skin condition. This means you can choose from oil-free, mattifying formulas, extra emollient for dry skin or chemical free for sensitive. One source we recommend for sunscreen is: www.EWG.org A teaspoon for the face is recommended and for the body as much as would fill a shot glass. Rea-apply every two hours, or more if swimming or participating in outdoor sports where you would be sweating more.
Sooth over-exposed skin
Maybe you forgot the sunscreen, didn’t apply enough or got caught in too much sun. Unfortunately, the damage is done, but you don’t have to suffer. Super soothing botanicals and cooling gels can help prevent peeling and reduce redness and inflammation. A few healing and nourishing remedies include lavender essential oil (pure), only a few drops are needed, and Aloe gel, also pure. Apply these or other soothing balms or sprays generously over exposed skin, re-apply as necessary. Keep hydrated.
Repair and treat sun damage
UV light causes photoaging in the form of brown spots, coarse skin and wrinkles, whether you have burned your skin or not. When sunlight comes in contact with skin a cascade of damage results (including stripping of barrier lipids) causing inflammation, production of reactive oxygen molecules that affect healthy cell growth and stimulation of collagen destructing enzymes. Although a tan may be popular, it indicates damage. Bombard your skin with age-fighting ingredients to help undo any damage that may occur and to further protect it from the aging effects of UV.
When in doubt, or if you have questions, contact an Aesthetician, at Moore Road MediSpa who can help you determine your skin type, what regimen you should be using and how to address your concerns. Moore Road offers a full-menu of skin care services for men, women and teens, schedule your consult and facial today.
