Protect your summer skin

By Laurie Gordon
Summer means the beach and sun but the latter can be quite dangerous if the right precautions are not taken. Taking good care of your skin in the summer is of paramount importance.
Dr. Robert Pampin of Skyland's Medical, with locations around the county, had this to say: "So it is recommended to use broad spectrum sunblock/sunscreen. This needs to be applied preferably indoors prior to sun exposure. The product needs to filter both UVA and UVB. UVA is more associated with skin cancer and damage known as photo-aging. It is the deeper penetrating. UVB is most responsible for sunburn as it is more superficial in penetration."
Dr Pampin recommends applying sunscreen prior to sun exposure. He stressed,"Reapply after swimming to dry skin.Wear a broad brimmed hat. Some even have additional UV protectants in the fabric. Umbrellas at beach especially noon to 4 PMwhen UV strongest." He added, "Remember that UVA can penetrate clouds.Use a quality water based skin moisturizer after exposure. Stay hydrated with copious water and limit any alcohol."
Kimberly Eben is the Salon Owner and Manager of Operation at Salon DiPanache in Newton. She said, “Since summer is upon us here, and we know you're thirsting for knowledge.” She said when it comes to foundation, “Swap out your regular liquid foundation for a lighter feel with tinted moisturizer with Sun Protection Factor (better known as SPF). You'll still achieve 'evening out skin tone' with minimal coverage but with the added bonus of an SPF.” Salon DiPanche recommends and sells Aveda Mineral Tinted Moisturizer, but there are many similar products on the market.
Regarding SPF, Eben said, “As always, wear your sunscreen. It's key to prevent premature aging, discoloration, and other health risks the sun causes.” She added, “Remember to apply sunscreen every two hours for the full effect.
Bernice Bracker Savva is a Senior Medical Esthetician at Bella Medi Spa in Andover Township, and has years of professional experience in al facets of the skincare field. “When it comes to SPF, it's not linear," she explained. "So if you use SPF number 15 it blocks out about 93% of UBV rays. If you go up to SPF 30, it blocks 97% of UBV rays, and SPF 50 only jumps you to 98%. That's why re-application, rather than number, is so important. You sweat, you go in the water or simply, time passes and your sunscreen power runs out due to these factors or simply, time. Most people under-apply sunscreens by not using enough. Apply and re-apply.”
Savva said it's also important to wear a hat if possible and stay out of the direct sun for extended periods of time.
She said that in the summer, it's especially important to exfoliate several times a week to keep the skin clear. “Basically that's when you wash or rub with a granular substance to remove dead cells from the surface of the skin. You can use a natural brush, loofaj or scrub to do so,” she said. Eben added, “Increasing your exfoliation is key in the summertime. With more sweating and use of sun screens skin gets clogged easier. Do a gentle exfoliation three times a week or more or less depending on your skin.”
Another point Savva made is about cleansing and moisturizing.
“Even if you have oily skin, it's important to moisturize. There are many quality oil free moisturizers on the market. Cleansing the skin strips it of all of its natural oils and moisture. Yes, it's good to clean and exfoliate your skin, but you need to replace that moisture so it can function properly It's kind of like drying out a sponge,” she explained. “The skin is an organ and needs all the proper ingredients including cleansing, exfoliating and moisturizing to work as it should.” Savva said that the medi spa carries SkinCeuticals and SkinMedica products and offers complimentary consultations about these lines but said, “If you can't afford the higher ends, my suggestion is to take care of your skin with these three essential steps and above all, use sunscreen.”
She said a great over-the-counter one is Banana Boat Baby Sunscreen.
Eban suggests a hydrating mask to help repair parched skin. “The aloe in a moisturizing mask offers a cooling benefit too. We suggest sticking the mask the fridge for an extra blast of cool- perfect for a hot summer night.
“Summertime UV levels can wreck havoc on exposed skin although those rays feel sensational the result of exposure can be damaging causing burns, dehydration leading to aging/ wrinkles and skin cancers,” said Tracie Van Hook, a seasoned Arbonne consultant. “You want to protect your face with a day time moisturizer that includes SPF.” In the line she sells, this is Arbonne RE9 Restorative Day Cream which moisturizes and protects skin with SPF 20. “Additional perspiration in the summer months can cause foundation coverage to cake, run and become uneven and clog pores, and may feel heavy. You should use products that offer sun protection in your cosmetics. Also, bronzers highlight cheeks and facial features natural offering a glowing finish without exposing to the sun, and sunless tanners are a great way to get the sun-kissed look of the sun without the harmful effects of the rays.”
Colleen Decker owns Salon Fig, in Newton. Her salon's approach is unique in that all services and products take the environment into consideration so everything in the salon is natural. Decker said, “People tend to forget how much fluid they loose in the summer, especially on a hot summer's day. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.” And that hydration isn't just in the form of drinking water. “You skin and hair need hydration too. Using a hydration spray for your skin and hair makes a hugh impact. If you are normally not a sunscreen wearer, you can try almost any Jane Iredale foundation products for a SPF all year.” When it comes to sunscreen, Decker recommends natural; ones including Keeki or Babo sun protestant. “Both are great for kids and adults and contain no harsh ingredients like parabens, phthalates, nano ingredients and are completely cruelty free”
Decker added, “Don't forget to protect your lips as well with a good SPF lip balm, and moisturizing the skin is definitely necessary especially while healing from any burn.” She said, “I can't stress enough how important the sun is for our health, but just like anything else, too much of a good thing is never good. Balance sun exposure and sun protection to have an enjoyable summer and beautiful skin for years to come.”
Amy Loban, of Fredon, is s skincare specialist who sells Rodan and Fields products. She said, “Cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate, moisturize, sunscreen. Everyone wants their skin to look fresh, glowing, and beautiful as well as be protected in the summer. Wash your face twice a day using a gentle, non-foaming cleanser to protect your skin’s moisture barrier. Going to bed with make-up can age your skin seven times faster. You are worth it, so wash up earlier in the evening before you get too tired. This is even more important in the summer.”
When it comes to exfoliating, Loban said, I love the Micro-Dermabrasion Paste from Rodan + Fields because it is a gentle sugar and salt scrub with vitamins C & E and added moisturizers and glides easily on your dry face and body. I call our Micro-Dermabrasion Paste ‘A little pot of Gold’ because it helps with dry skin, clogged pores, blemishes, dark spots and more and it is clinically proven to visibly improve skin tone and texture. You can also find St. Ives Gentle Apricot Scrub at most drug stores to add in exfoliation to your routine. Don’t let your dry skin make you look older than you are.”