EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was published in Sand Castles, July 25, 2024.
As temperatures rise and sunny days become the norm, it is crucial to adapt your skincare routine to keep your skin healthy and radiant. With the summer season in full swing, we emphasize the importance of sun protection, cleansing, and regeneration to combat the effects of UV rays, heat, and humidity.
My favorite summer treatments include HydraFacial and Skin Pen. I personally recommend getting the HydraFacial more often in the summer months for deep exfoliation and cleansing.
HydraFacial is a no-downtime individualized treatment by one of our skin health care specialists to cleanse pores and remove dead skin cells and oils from your skin. It can be especially useful for those with oily skin or those prone to acne or breakouts in the summer. It is quick enough to do over a lunch break.
Skin pen is a minimally invasive no-downtime microneedling treatment where small needles puncture the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin production. It is a rejuvenating and calmer treatment to have in the summer when it is best to limit invasive skin treatments.
Following up summer in the fall with a Moxi laser by our educated and experienced advanced practice providers can also erase some of the hyperpigmentation that did occur.
It is a 1927 nm fractionated laser that usually takes around 10 minutes and corrects sun damage and pigmentation. It is commonly paired with our BBL HERO laser for a powerful antiaging skin treatment.
My favorite summer products include Sunscreen! One of the most crucial aspects of summer skincare is protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. These UV rays cause skin cancer and accelerate aging.
I recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, even on cloudy days. I apply my sunscreen before leaving the house every morning and before any outdoor activity including even just daily dog walks. Don’t forget your lips with lip balm with SPF! The lower lip is one of the most common areas to have skin cancer.
Applying sunscreen generously and reapplying every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating, is essential for effective protection. Lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas are ideal for summer, ensuring your skin stays protected without clogging pores.
I know this is hard for some of my sun worshippers to accept, as I am one myself, but it is worth it in the long run to prevent cancers and aging. You are still worshipping the sun, just now safely, with the protection of SPF.
There are options of chemical and mineral sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens absorb into your skin and then absorb UV rays and convert them to heat. Mineral sunscreens do not absorb but sit on top of the skin and reflect UV light. There are also hybrid sunscreens that have both.
Mineral sunscreens may be safer for those with sensitive skin or patients with melasma as the heat from chemical sunscreens can exacerbate pigmentation. My favorite sunscreens include the Alastin Hydratint Pro Mineral Sunscreen with SPF 36 in replacement of daily make up, and SkinMedica, EltaMD, or ZO sunscreen just to name a few.
I enjoy these products because they feel light on the skin, are not very opaque, and do not aggravate my sensitive skin. Additional protection with wide brimmed hats, sunglasses, and beach umbrellas are also recommended.
Other great summer products include Skinceuticals Vitamin C, which there are multiple formulations for different skin types and is best applied in the morning.
Vitamin C is one of the most powerful antioxidants in the skin and has been shown to protect against photoaging, hyperpigmentation, and UV-induced immunosuppression. It is antiaging by increasing collagen synthesis, stabilizing collagen fibers, and decreasing collagen degradation. It also decreases melanin (pigment) formation.
Non-hydroquinone summer safe products for pigment suppression include: Alastin A-luminate brightening serum. This contains PATH-3 technology, tranexamic acid, and niacinamide to correct and protect against future hyperpigmentation and supports the skin barrier.
Another favorite is SkinMedica Even and Correct. This contains 9% LTN complex (lotus sprout extract, tranexamic acid and niacinamide), vitis vinifera, plankton extract, pheyltheyl rescorcinol, and phytic acid to balance color changes and improve even skin texture and tone.
Hydroquinone should be avoided in the summer months as it can worsen pigmentation with sun exposure.
Finally, regenerative summer safe products include Plated intense and daily serum and SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum. I personally use both and apply these before bed. Plated should be applied first as it has the smallest molecule: renewing exosomes that are fortified with antioxidants and growth factors that minimize wrinkles, redness, and hyperpigmentation.
The TNS has TNS-MR, growth factors and peptides, French flax seed, marine extract, and green microalgae that work together to support skin repair, renewal, and collagen and elastin production.
As summer continues to bring sunshine and warmth to our lovely beaches and pools, taking care of your skin should be a top priority. By incorporating these skincare essentials—sun protection, cleansing, and targeted medical grade skincare—you can enjoy the season while keeping your skin healthy and glowing.
Remember, a little extra care now can pay off in the long run, ensuring your skin remains beautiful and protected for years to come.
These are my personal recommendations but as we all know, skin types vary widely.
If you are unsure where to start, I highly encourage a consultation with one of our many talented skin health care specialists to analyze your skin type and recommend a personalized skin care regimen. We carry all the above products and more at Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery.
For more information about Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery and its services, visit their official website at pvps.com or contact their friendly staff by calling 904-273-6200 to schedule a consultation.
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