Summer Skin Care Tips
Proper skin care requires special treatment during summer. The sweltering summer heat can make your skin more susceptible to bacteria, sweat, clogged pores, and harmful UV rays. Unfortunately, regular cleansing and hydration alone won’t do the trick. For residents of northern New Jersey, the board-certified dermatologists at Short Hills Dermatology have gathered helpful tips to ensure that your skin will shine all summer long!
Moisturize Properly
During the summer your skin requires moisturizers free from additives and chemicals. Many body lotions have strong fragrances and contain a wide variety of irritating ingredients like propylene glycol and toluene. Despite being common skin irritants, cosmetic companies use these chemicals to preserve their products. Expert dermatologists recommend moisturizing twice per day following your regular cleansing routine. The amount of product used on your face should not be larger than a quarter. Your skin produces more natural oils during the summer; thus, you will want to a balance to prevent shine and oily skin.
Essential Oils
Essential oils offer phenomenal benefits such as regenerating damaged skin, balancing natural oil production, and fighting bacteria. Unlike water-based moisturizers, essential oils do not evaporate. This makes essential oils more suitable for long summer days. Dermatologists also recomend incorporating these three oils into your regimen.
Jojoba Oil: Jojoba oil closely resembles sebum, a waxy substance produced by your skin glands; therefore, it can act as a natural skin conditioner. This odorless oil negates the need for any perfuming agents when used for cosmetic and healing purposes. For acne-prone patients, jojoba oil is specially formulated to prevent blocked pores.
Tamanu Oil: Known for its ability to heal wounds, Tamanu oil helps fight bacteria and regenerating skin tissue. For this reason, it helps heal broken skin, and repair damaged skin. It also has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibiotic, and antioxidant properties. Furthermore, an application under the eyes to help decrease wrinkles and darkening.
Hemp Seed Oil: Hemp seed oil helps reduce pore size by eliminating blackheads and acne. It also protects the skin from free radicals and improves elasticity. This oil contains essential fatty acids like omega 6 and omega 3. These acids help increase immunity, counteract aging skin, and improve cardiovascular health.
Manage Sweat
Sweat is your body’s natural way of keeping you cool during extreme heat. Throughout the day sweating can clog your pores, and allow bacteria to build up. Any buildup of bacteria on your skin can lead to inflammation and acne breakouts. To reduce sweating, invest in breathable fabrics such as linen and cotton. Likewise, wear moisture-wicking fabrics such as polyester if you exercise often. If you suffer from Hyperhidrosis, dermatologists recommend Botox treatment to reduce sweat glands in the targeted areas. Botox treatment provides results that will last six to nine months.
Swimming in Chlorine or Salt Water
During the summer everyone rushes to the waters to cool off! Whether you’re venturing off to the beach, the water park, or a community pool, be sure to understand the different effects that chlorine and salt water has on your skin.
Chlorine has a tendency to strip your skin of its natural oils and cause it to feel dry and flaky. Chlorine causes an allergic reaction for people with sensitive skin. Immediately after swimming, you should take a hot soapy shower to wash the chlorine off your skin.
Sea salt contains healthy skin-friendly minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium. It absorbs the toxins in the body and on the skin, including acne-causing bacteria. Sea salt works well to treat infections and encourage a natural healing process. Sea salt’s natural moisture-reducing abilities can also help to regulate the overproduction of oil that causes clogged pores. If you own a chlorine swimming pool, consider switching to salt water, as it will help soothe your skin.
Beware of SPF and UV Rays
Sunlight consists of two types of ultraviolet radiation rays: UVA and UVB. Both of these rays can potentially damage your skin. When skin becomes exposed to high levels of sunlight, you may experience sunburn. High UV exposure also results in eczema, pain, blistering, and peeling of the skin, all of which contribute to the development of skin cancer. UVB rays burn the superficial layers of your skin while playing a key role in the development of skin cancer. UVA rays penetrate deep into the dermis, the skin’s thickest layer. Unprotected exposure can lead to premature skin aging, wrinkling, and suppression of the immune system. When venturing outdoors, be sure to apply sunscreen and limit your sun exposure.
Secure Your Summer Glow
The summer comes with intense heat, harmful UV rays, and constant sweating. Be sure to adopt these new skin care regimens to protect your skin. Contact Short Hills Dermatology and schedule an appointment to learn which regimens and treatments will best protect your skin this summer.
