Don’t Sizzle in the Summer Sun – Take Care of Your Skin!

Taking good care of your skin should be a habit all year long, but the summer months are especially important. Rising temperatures and UV rays can cause many skin problems and wreak havoc with your skin, and the American Academy of Dermatology reports that one in five Americans will develop some form of skin cancer during their lifetime.

Using sunscreen is one of the most essential summer skin care tips. Did you know that experts say more than 75% of skin damage by sun is because of unintentional exposure to the skin while you’re driving or walking? Exposure to the sun is also the main cause for premature aging of the skin.  Be sure to use a good sunscreen with SPF15 or more before going outside. If you plan to be in the sun for a while (at the beach, for example), make sure you pick an SPF with a higher SPF factor (SPF30 or more). Don’t forget to reapply!

If you do end up with a sunburn, use cold compresses to cool the burn, or take a cool shower or bath. Just be sure you don’t stay in too long, and avoid harsh soap. While the skin is still damp, use a gentle moisturizing lotion (but not petroleum or oil-based ointments). Repeat as need to keep burned or peeling skin moist over the next few days. Taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin can help with discomfort and inflammation. Aloe vera can also help sooth mild burns. Rehydrate by drinking extra liquids like water and sports drinks. Once you’ve healed, commit to protecting yourself from the sun every day, year-round.

Another key summer skin care tip is to keep your body and skin properly hydrated. Our body’s moisture levels go down very quickly in the summer due to warm temperatures and perspiration, which can make our skin lose its glow. Since skin is an organ, a lack of hydration can turn your skin dry, tight and flaky. Dry skin has less resilience and is more prone to wrinkling. In addition to drinking water, a hydrating moisturizer can be applied within 2 minutes of leaving the bath or shower to keep skin hydrated.

The Center for Radiant Skin can help you look and feel your best. We offer a variety of skin care products to help you attain (or maintain) a youthful and vibrant look, and we also carry the best in sunscreen and facial treatment products. If you would like to learn more about the skin services and products we offer, request a consultation online. You can also call our office at (309) 663-1222 or Toll Free (888) 841-4108 and one of our helpful staff members will assist you.