7 Summertime Skin Care Secrets You Need to Know for a Radiant Shine

While we may love the warmth that the summer sun brings, the side effects of excessive sun exposure are quite damaging without proper skin care. Not only do we need to worry about sunburns, but other harmful effects such as skin blemishes and other damage that accelerates the aging process.

Summer Skin Care Tips

Here are the secrets to caring for your skin over the next few months. Every time you venture outside and plan to spend more than twenty minutes in the sun, please follow all precautions for healthy, glowing skin.

1.Speak with your pharmacist about medications you take, as certain over-the-counter and prescription medicines cause photosensitivity, which makes you more sensitive to the sun. This includes antihistamines such as Benadryl, Bactrim, and certain other antibiotics, many anti-inflammatory drugs including aspirin, and prescription drugs such as antidepressants.

2. Love the natural scent of essential oils? Us, too! But some essential oils can also cause photosensitivity. Avoid applying citrus oils such as orange and lemon before going out into the sun if you don’t want to burn.

3. 10 am to 2 pm is the hottest part of the day. It’s important that if you do go outside during this time that you wear protective clothing and try to stay in the shade. If you absolutely cannot, apply sunscreen to all exposed skin. You should use sunscreen during other hours as well, but these are the most crucial hours.

4. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends you use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and we agree! At Boise Image, we carry NEOVA DNA Damage Control Smart Sunscreens, which protect against both UVA and UVB rays while also repairing sun damage to reverse the effects of photoaged skin. You can also use makeup and skin care products that contain sunscreen, so your face and hands are always protected from harmful UV rays.

5. Stay hydrated inside and out! Drink plenty of water to help replace fluids lost to perspiration when outdoors. Properly hydrated skin cells appear more vibrant! And don’t forget external moisturizers! We carry NEOCUTIS and Obagi Nu-Derm products that help reduce oxidative stress and dryness, reduce redness, and fight the aging process.

6. Be consistent with your skin care regimen. This is especially important for your nightly routine, so products you’ve used, as well as any skin irritants you’ve come into contact with throughout your day, are washed away.

7. Be proactive with anti-aging treatments. Consider skin resurfacing to reverse sun damage once it’s already done, as well as BOTOX or dermal fillers to reclaim your youthful appearance as soon as you notice fine lines or wrinkles.