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When the sun is higher in the sky and the days are longer, your skin may be affected by heat, sweat and the sun. A generation ago, it was taught that tans are healthy and protective. Now this is no longer the case. Too much exposure to the sun can lead to loss of elasticity in the skin, increased wrinkles and sagging, as well as uneven pigmentation. To make matters worse, using occlusive skincare can trap sweat against the skin, leading to blemishes or rashes. As the weather continues to get warmer, here are a few things to keep in mind so that your skin can beat the heat and continue to look great long after summer is over.
Too much sun exposure can leave your skin vulnerable to sunburn and skin cancer. Even a light tan destroys the natural elastic fibers in skin and make it saggy and wrinkled. Many people will get dark blotches as a reaction to sun exposure. This is called hyperpigmentation. Instead, keep your skin protected with a broad-spectrum sunscreen. It’s recommended that the SPF (sun protection factor) be 30 or higher. Your sunscreen must be reapplied every two hours while you are outside, and a coat of sunscreen should be even and generous.
Your SPF should not contain Oxybenzone, Octinoxate or Homosalate. These ingredients definitely block UV rays, but regular use shows they are absorbed into our systems and are not healthy. In a pinch using these ingredients once is preferable over getting very burned, but for your regular use choose a product free of those ingredients.
CEENTA’s SouthPark office sells Alastin Hydratint ProMineral Sunscreen. This product has great sweat resistance, provides mineral protection at the SPF 36 level and has hydrating and sheer skin tone-evening color so it looks great on everyone. For everyday makeup, there is Intellishade, which is SPF 45, moisturizing, and has very sheer light reflecting crystals.
With hotter temperatures, your body will increase oil production on your skin, meaning that it will retain moisture better. As a result, you can use a lighter moisturizer in the summer, in contrast to the richer, heavier products that would be more useful in the winter. SkinMedica’s HA 5 has five different Hyaluronic Acid formulations to bring water to your skin. It glides on light and sheer, making skin hydrated and silky smooth.
Dr. Catherine Cuite, an oculoplastic specialist at CEENTA’s SouthPark office, explains how beneficial Vitamin C can be to your skin. “Vitamin C helps your skin in several ways. It stimulates skin to produce more collagen, giving your skin a more supple and even appearance. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant that protects skin from free radical damage.”
Along with vitamin C supplements, you can take full advantage of skincare products that feature this nutrient as part of a daily routine. Lastly, Vitamin C discourages pigment cells from creating pigmented spots or blotches on the skin after sun exposure. Revision Vitamin C+ Complex has 30% vitamin C and really helps minimize the hyperpigmentation that can occur with sun exposure. If Vitamin C is not protected from air, it degrades. A quality vitamin C product will be in an air-proof container.
Before going to bed, be sure to clean your skin well and apply a light moisturizer. You can clean your skin with traditional products and go a little further with exfoliating products that remove dead skin cells for a more smooth, gentle touch.
If your skin is sensitive, CEENTA has the Revision Papaya Enzyme Cleanser. This botanical harnesses the light enzymes of the papaya for a clean that never strips and is never harsh.
For a client with very oily, blemish prone skin, Revision Skincare’s Brightening Cleanser has alpha and beta hydroxy acids, which provide oil removal and deep pore cleansing.
One often-suggested idea is to place your skincare products in the refrigerator. While it is not necessary, your eye cream is more soothing if chilled. Some products, especially those featuring natural ingredients, can be more stable when chilled. A Vitamin C+ serum is a great option for refrigeration if you like the feel of a cool product; however, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that cooling your product will not have a negative impact on its effectiveness.
During the warmer months, maintaining your skin care is a high priority if you’re looking to maintain a clear and smooth look. At CEENTA, we can help you achieve your skincare goals with our diverse set of moisturizers, sunscreens, post-procedure care, and exfoliating products based on the guidance of our facial plastic specialists. Learn more about featured skincare products at select CEENTA locations and schedule your consultation with Dr. Catherine Cuite at our SouthPark office today.
This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor. New patients can make appointments online with our doctors in North and South Carolina. Current patients can also make appointments through myCEENTAchart with physicians they have already seen.
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