Summer is here, and the sun is out in full force! While many of us look forward to this time of year, summer does mean some special challenges for your skin.
At Skinworks Dermatology, Dr. Javier Zelaya and our expert team are dedicated to providing you with the best in summer skin care, from skin care products to the latest in innovative skin care therapies. Our three offices in New York City, Brooklyn, and Maspeth, New York, offer the best in technology and service to help you achieve healthy, glowing skin all year-round.
As you’re starting to spend more time outside, we want to offer you some important, but fairly simple tips to ensure that your skin stays protected from the summer elements.
Sun protection is the first, and most important, step in any summertime skin care routine. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S., and increased exposure raises your risk for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
It’s important to apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of your body when you’re outside in the summer. For best protection, use a sunscreen that is SPF 15 or higher.
If you’re going to be swimming or remaining outdoors for an extended period of time, be sure to reapply sunscreen about every two hours. You’ll want to use about a teaspoon for your face and the equivalent to a shot glass-full for your body.
Your clothing is also important protection against the sun. When you’re in strong or direct sunlight, a hat with a wide brim is the best protection against the sun’s harmful rays.
The best clothing fabrics for sun protection include:
When it comes to clothing, you’ll want to select fabric with tighter weaves and darker colors that absorb UV rays, keeping them away from your skin.
Because of the increased temperature and activities in the summer, it’s important to make sure that you and your skin are well hydrated. Be sure to drink plenty of water to avoid internal dehydration and symptoms like migraines and dizzy spells.
It’s recommended that you get eight 8-ounce glasses of filtered water daily, and you should triple this amount if you regularly drink caffeinated beverages.
Hydration is an important rule for skin care too, particularly in the summer when you sweat more and expose your skin to the elements. Remember to exfoliate your skin to remove debris that leads to congestion and clogged pores.
After exfoliating, use a moisturizer on your face and body. If you’re looking for the best exfoliant and moisturizer for your skin type, talk to Dr. Zelaya for recommended products that cater to you.
To get started on creating your summertime skin care routine, call us or schedule an appointment online to visit one of our three convenient Skinworks Dermatology locations in New York today.
