With the summer months come long, hot days and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the beautiful California sun. Spending time outside is an essential part of Southern Californian culture, but skin care is vital due to the intense sun, heat and dryness that accompany this time of year that can be very hard on your skin. Excessive sun exposure increases your chances of developing skin cancer and accelerates the aging process. Luckily, there are preventative measures you can take to ensure that your skin stays healthy and radiant throughout the summer season.
The most important step you can take towards beautiful skin is daily application of sunscreen. Sunscreen usage should not be limited to just the beach or pool. Most of the sun damage we experience occurs during our busy everyday lives, so you should make sunscreen application a daily habit. Be sure that your sunscreen offers protection for both UVA and UVB rays, as both types can be extremely damaging to the skin. You may also wish to use skincare products containing antioxidants such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E, which can help reverse sun damage.
Since excessive sun exposure can thin the skin and cause wrinkles, you should give extra attention to the parts of your face with the most delicate and thinnest skin. Apply a lip balm with at least SPF 15 throughout your day, and use an eye cream at night. Warm days mean open-toed shoes and sandals, so you will want to give your feet a bit of added attention as well. You should exfoliate and moisturize your feet on a regular basis to keep them looking smooth and soft in your summer footwear.
While there are many products that you should use during the summer months, it is important to remember there are certain products you shouldn’t use this time of year, or should be used with extra caution. Retinol products, for example, can increase your sensitivity to UV rays. However, you shouldn’t let this scare you away from using them completely. Retinol products have many positive anti-aging effects. As long as you are applying sunscreen with at least a 20 SPF on a daily basis, you shouldn’t experience any negative side effects of sun sensitivity.
The summer months are a wonderful time to get outside and enjoy the beautiful Southern California weather. Just remember that your skin care may require a little extra love and attention at this time of year. Sunscreen, exfoliation, and a good moisturizer will keep you looking your best all summer long.
To learn more or schedule a free skin care consultation, contact Pasadena Surgeons today!
