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8 Expert Suggestions to Keep Your Skin Beautiful in Summer

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8 Expert Suggestions to Keep Your Skin Beautiful in Summer


Summer can be harsh on your skin. Increased sun exposure, pesky mosquitoes and dry skin are issues many of us will face this summer. How can you maintain a healthy glow and keep your skin looking amazing this summer? Cooper Clinic Cosmetic and Preventive Dermatologist, Helen Kaporis, DO, FAOCD, offers eight suggestions for summer skincare.

  1. Choose the right sunscreen. Most importantly, look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA (causing premature aging) and UVB (responsible for sunburn) rays. There are two types of sunscreens: chemical and physical. Chemical sunscreen, such as avobenzone and oxybenzone work by absorbing the sun’s rays; physical sunscreen, on the other hand, work by deflecting or blocking the sun’s rays. For sensitive skin, or conditions like rosacea, a physical sunscreen like zinc oxide is best. For acne patients, Dr. Kaporis recommends EltaMD® UV Clear. Both chemical and physical sunscreens can be purchased over-the-counter. Sunscreen comes in many different forms. The right sunscreen is the one you will continue to use. Creams are best for dry skin and the face. Gels are good for hairy areas such as the scalp or male chest. Sticks are good for around the eyes and easy for children to apply and reapply. Sprays are ideal in some cases but can provide inadequate coverage, as it’s difficult to know how much has been applied. Adults should use two heaping tablespoons of sunscreen to cover their body surface area.
  2. Select a sunscreen that will do the job. You need to choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to get the full benefits of wearing sunscreen. Anything less than SPF 30 won’t provide adequate protection. Sunscreens that are water resistant are ideal if you will be swimming or sweating and all sunscreens should be reapplied every two hours.
  3. Don’t bother “pre-tanning.” There is no benefit of hitting the tanning beds before spending a week laying out on the beach on your summer vacation. In fact, tanning is evidence of damaged skin and promotes premature aging and skin cancer. For a natural sun kissed glow, Dr. Kaporis recommends St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse which comes with a glove applicator to avoid obtaining pigment on your palms. St. Tropez products are available at Cooper Clinic.
  4. Wear protective clothing. In addition to SPF, use sun protective clothing with UPF (ultraviolet protection factor). UPF 40 or 50 provides excellent sun protection for your skin. This sun protective apparel can be purchased at coolibar.com and or sporting goods stores. Protective clothing can also help prevent unwanted bug bites.
  5. Wear loose-fitting clothes. Clothes that fit too tight can irritate the skin and cause heat rash called miliaria. Loose-fitting clothes allow your skin to breath, thus reducing the chance of developing this skin condition. If you do get miliaria, treat it by keeping the skin cool with cool compresses, air conditioning, and to alleviate the itch use over the counter hydrocortisone.
  6. Avoid using combo bug repellant and sunscreen products. Sunscreen should be applied every two hours on children and adults but for children, bug repellant should only be used once daily. Using separate bug repellant and sunscreen products allow you to appropriately reapply each.
  7. Take care of sunburned skin. If you do get sunburn, treat it as soon as possible. Seek the indoor shelter. Apply a cold, damp towel to the area and apply moisturizer to help trap moisture into the skin and ease dryness. If you don’t have aloe vera on hand, put a moisturizer like Cetaphil® in the fridge and then apply. The cold sensation will alleviate itch and discomfort. Over the counter Hydrocortisone cream and a pain reliever (Ibuprofen) can also help relieve sunburn pain and discomfort. Should you develop blisters, do not rupture or remove the blisters and be sure to drink extra water to prevent dehydration. The roof of a blister serves as a human Band-Aid to protect the skin from infection. If you feel sick, dizzy, or weak after getting sunburned, contact your doctor.

Your risk of developing skin cancer depends on both genetic and environmental factors. While you may not have control over genetic factors, such as fair skin and an increased number of moles, you can control environmental factors by limiting unprotected exposure to the sun.

For more information about dermatology services at Cooper Clinic, click here or call 972.367.6000.

Article provided by Cooper Aerobics Marketing and Communications.