Saving Face: Summer Skincare Tips from a Local Dermatologist

When we dream about our summer skin, we might envision it being tanned, smooth and glowing, but that isn’t always a reality.

As you tackle the risk of sweat, sunburn and premature aging due to the sunny conditions, you might be in a panic. You might even think that you need to overhaul your summer skincare routine completely, bringing in a plethora of new beauty creams and serums to fix the problems you now face. But, as explained by Dr. Juno Drysdale, a dermatologist at Hela Spa in Georgetown, when it comes to perfect summertime skin, it’s all about the details.

Between cleansing oils, retinol, serums, SPF and other necessities, perfecting a skincare routine can seem intimidating. But, before you end up with a cluttered beauty vanity and annoyed skin, Drysdale has some of the best skin-saving summer tips.

When it comes to sunscreen, which type is best to use in the summer months?

Two kinds of sunscreens — physical and chemical. They both need to be reapplied every two hours, and work best in combination with an antioxidant serum. There are two fundamental differences: physical sunscreen creates a physical barrier, sits on top of the skin, and is typically white and gloppy, the kind you may recall from childhood. Chemical sunscreen, however, is absorbed into the skin. The choice is one of preference and skin type. If you’re oily and/or prone to acne, a physical sunscreen may be the wrong choice, but it’s best to ask the experts.

There are also studies that vitamin D absorption and therefore, deficiencies, can be resultant from sunscreen overuse. So, it’s OK to go sunscreen-free off and on throughout the summer. Fifteen minutes of sun exposure can do wonders for vitamin D levels.

Is it essential to power up with antioxidants during the summer to help our skin? If so, which ones are best?

The one thing I recommend to everyone across the board is the topical antioxidant, SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic. It is my favorite. It’s been proven to be a free-radical damage repair mechanism in several peer-reviewed medical studies. It may be a little pricy, but it’s worth it, saving you in the end. To make a distinction; antioxidants repair aging, while sunscreen prevents it.

Getting a summer skin consult is the best way to decipher and simplify by knowing products, their mechanisms, what would work for you and how to use products. Essentially this will save you what’s most valued — your time and money by letting the experts analyze your skin type, tone and basic needs and goals.

How should you care for your skin when you go on vacation?

The best thing you can do for your skin as you launch into summer sun and vacation is to set up a consult at your medical spa or dermatologist for samples for vacation that are consistent with your skin type and regimen.

Are there certain foods we should be eating in the summer to help our skin?

Eat well for your summer glow. Fruits (especially citrus), veggies and fish are all great for skin; as well as exercise, sleep and staying hydrated. Also, try adding some lemon and lime to your favorite summer drinks and replace sugar with honey where possible, because it can daily boost your skin’s health.

How often should we be exfoliating in the summer?

Exfoliation is kind of a hard topic to answer. People tend to over exfoliate at home, leading to dryer skin. Depending on the climate, skin type and product/product-use, the answer varies. This is why I suggest a free, no-obligation consult, so each person is steered in the right direction to save time and money and to decipher through all the marketing campaigns out there. Skin type and medical history matter when it comes to these answers. This is why we recommend being under the care and tutelage of someone who knows your skin like an esthetician, nurse or dermatologist. Only experts can assess those things thoroughly.

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5 Skin Products You Will Crave This Summer

THE ORDINARY Lactic Acid 10 percent + HA 2 percent,  $7

What it does: This is the right solution for uneven skin tone, fine lines and wrinkles and dull, rough skin. The product provides a mild exfoliation for smoother skin and reduces signs of inflammation and sensitivity that is often associated with exfoliation.

How to use: Apply once per day, ideally in the PM. (It can be diluted with other products or treatments to reduce strength until skin develops tolerance.)

Soap & Glory Flake Away Body Polish, $14

What it does: This moisturizing body polish banishes dry skin while leaving behind a fresh, delicate fragrance. This body exfoliator is infused with shea butter, sugar and peach seed powder.

How to use: Apply a generous amount onto damp skin and massage in circular motions until the grains disappear. Rinse thoroughly, pat dry and apply your favorite moisturizer.

BRANDT SKINCARE microdermabrasion age-defying exfoliator, $79

What it does: Get to glowing with this favorite cult exfoliator that refines the look of skin’s texture. You will have a softer, smoother and brighter complexion in minutes.

How to use: Wet skin with warm water and gently massage into the skin for 1-2 minutes, avoiding the eyes. Rinse thoroughly, pat dry and use only 1-2 times a week, three days apart.

Vitamin C Glow-Boosting Microdermabrasion Exfoliator, $23

What it does: If your skin is feeling tired, dull and in need of a boost, the fine exfoliating micro particles and crushed garnet stones in this exfoliator will aid in removing dead skin cells to reveal a brighter, more radiant glow.

How to use: Gently massage into skin with circular motions. Rinse thoroughly.

Resurfacing BHA Glow Mask – Tata Harper, $62

What it does: This mask contains all kinds of natural goodies, from white willow bark extract, which provides chemical exfoliation that cleans, clears and minimizes the look of pores. There are also traces of pomegranate enzymes which sloughs off dead skin cells and smooths uneven skin and pink clay which gently absorbs oil and buildup.

How to use: Apply a thick layer to the face and neck area. Leave on for roughly 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Use up to three times a week.

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