Summer Skin Care Tips
Summer is finally here and in full swing which means pool time, patios, and more time outside. Even with all the fun stuff going on try to stay consistent with your skin care. Here are some tips that can take you through the summer months.
Start taking Heliocare. If you don’t know what this is, Heliocare is a daily oral supplement packed with antioxidants from the polypodium leucotomos fern that help protect against damaging free radicals. As humans, we are exposed to these electron- stealing free radicals every single day from pollution and sun exposure to the food and water we ingest because they are a natural by-product of chemical processes like your own metabolism. Free radical damage accelerates the aging process of cells and ultimately leads to their death. Heliocare steps in to disarm the free radicals while strengthening your body’s immune response and reducing inflammation that can prove detrimental to cells.
Lighten Up! Because of the increased humidity level of the summer months, lighter more breathable formulas are preferable to the heavy rich ones of winter. These lighter versions will help balance out oil production. A hyaluronic serum like B2B Quench or a light gel moisturizer such as Dew Point are great alternatives that won’t clog pores.
Don’t forget the actives. There is a misconception that active ingredients like tretinoin, hydroquinone and alpha hydroxy acids should be stopped in summer because it will make a person more susceptible to sunburn. Especially with tretinoin (Retin-A), it might feel that way when you first start to use it since you might experience some dryness and flaking. Summertime is when you need your active ingredients the most. You’re outside more which means more sun damage. If you stop now that means more chance for additional untreated photo damage. With consistent use tretinoin will actually make your skin thicker, healthier, and more efficient at healing itself. The active ingredient in Retin-A, retinoic acid, is sensitive to sunlight and will break down when exposed making it less potent. This is why it is applied only before bed. Issues like melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation don’t take a break during the summer and have a tendency to flare during the hot months. Certain types of pigmentation do not like heat or inflammation. Keep everything in check by sticking with your prescribed active ingredients.
Add a topical antioxidant. Adding a topical antioxidant like vitamin C, E, A, niacinamide, resveratrol, coenzyme Q10, and green tea polyphenols will help to reduce inflammation and help correct signs of aging, especially from sun exposure. Like taking Heliocare care for free radical damage on the inside, topical antioxidants will do the same thing from the outside. It’s just another layer of armor for your skin. Give the B2B Prevent & Correct Antioxidant Cream a try.
SPF. You would think this one is a no brainer, but so many people still do not apply sunscreen daily. It doesn’t matter what the weather is doing or if you’re just going to work, SPF is the armor for the day. The majority of a person’s sun exposure is incidental while living their day-to-day life. Find a formula you like with an SPF of 15 or higher and commit to wearing it everyday. It is the easiest thing to do that can prevent skin cancer and reduce the visible signs of aging. EltaMD UV Clear is an office favorite especially for men and those with acne-prone skin.