8 Things dermatologists do every summer
20th Jun 2019 Fashion & Beauty
We've gathered the best insider advice for glowing, low-cancer-risk skin all summer long.
1. Lose old layers
Twice a week, scrub your skin with a brush, an exfoliating scrub, or a salicylic acid wash to brighten it and allow lotions and serums to absorb more deeply.
If your skin becomes irritated, exfoliate just once a week.
2. Cleanse without cream
As the weather warms, switch from a cream cleanser to a gel variety, which is lightweight yet still soothing. If you have oily skin, try a foam cleanser.
Be sure to wash your face every night in the summer: More time outside means more exposure to harmful air pollutants, which can attach to moisturiser and makeup and exacerbate signs of ageing.
3. Lighten the lotion too
Heavy creams contain lipids that can cause clogged pores and pimples in more humid months. Instead, opt for serums, lotions, or hydrating gels.
4. Strategise your sunscreen
In the morning, before you apply your makeup, slather on a sunscreen that is at least SPF 30. Reapply sunscreen every two hours if you’re outside.
If you’re worried about smearing makeup, look for a mineral sunscreen powder that is easy to reapply throughout the day.
5. Consider your clothing
Photo by Anton Mislawsky
Each inch on a sun hat’s rim increases coverage of your face by 10 per cent. Exercising outside? Wear sun-protective clothing (look for the ultraviolet protection factor, or UPF, on the label).
You cut exposure further by heading out before 10 am or after 4 pm.
6. Be wary of clouds
Burns can still occur on cloudy days, when cooler air persuades you to skip sunscreen. However, clouds block only about 20 per cent of the sun’s UV rays. Apply sunscreen as you would on sunny days.
7. Remember the sly spots
A surprising number of skin cancer cases occur behind the ears and on other areas that you may ignore when applying sunscreen.
Cover your ears, the tops of your feet, and your hands.
8. Eat for smoother skin
Studies show that loading up on foods high in antioxidants (such as colourful fruits and vegetables, iced green tea, and nuts) and probiotics (such as Greek yogurt with live active cultures and kombucha, a fermented tea) may offer an extra layer of sun protection from within.