Tips for Prepping Your Skin to Handle the Summer Sun

Winter is ending, meaning no more snow and lots of sunshine. Summer is a great time of year to get outside and enjoy the warmth – but it can wreak havoc on your skin.

Keeping your skin safe and healthy in the summer isn't easy – especially when you love soaking up those rays. The good news is that you can still enjoy the sun and keep your skin looking its best with simple tips.

At VitalizeMD Skin Care & Laser Center, Dr. Zainab Nawab and the team provide various skin treatments to boost your confidence and allow you to maintain a healthy, wrinkle-free glow.

How does the sun affect my skin?

Laying out in the sun seems like an excellent option to improve your skin's glow, soak up the summer warmth, and relax – but you're doing more harm than good. Although sunbathing is a favorite pastime, it causes various issues with your skin, including:

• Wrinkles
• Fine lines
• Dark spots
• Uneven pigmentation
• Leathery skin
• Dry skin
• Skin cancer

These are only a few ways the sun affects the skin – especially with prolonged exposure. A suntan causes skin damage by increasing melanin production, which protects the skin.

UVA and UVB rays are the damaging rays from the sun that penetrate the skin, causing more melanin production. If the sun's rays reach the deeper layers of skin, you get a sunburn.

 It may not seem that dangerous, but sunburns and exposure increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging over time.

Being concerned about your skin and its appearance is the best way to protect yourself against harmful UV rays. Caring for your skin before summer arrives can keep it soft and healthy.

Tips for keeping your skin healthy

The great news about summer approaching is you can still enjoy the sun responsibly without risking damage to your beautiful skin. Taking the proper steps to protect your skin thoroughly is the best way to avoid harmful damage and premature signs of aging.

Dr. Nawab and the team provide tips and tricks to help you look and feel your best throughout the year. Some of their favorite go-to tips for summer skin preparation include:

Exfoliate regularly

Sunscreen and sweat are plentiful during the warm summer months, wreaking havoc on facial skin. Exfoliating once or twice a week during the warmer months helps clean out pores and prevent breakouts.

It's important not to overdo it — too much exfoliation isn't good for the skin. Wait to exfoliate if you get too much sun and end up with a burn. Let the skin heal naturally, and then get back to it.

Wear SPF sunscreen

Wearing sunscreen with an SPF is vital to protecting your skin. During the summer months, opt for a sunscreen rated SPF 30 or higher and get something that says broad spectrum.

Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays, keeping the skin healthier and preventing premature signs of aging. Protecting your lips is also essential, as their skin is also susceptible to sun damage.

Stay moisturized

Even with the summer humidity, you're still at risk for dry, damaged skin. Moisturizing daily is an essential skin prep to keep the skin healthy, moist, and looking its best.

Choose a gentle moisturizer that doesn't weigh your face down during the heat. Sample a few moisturizers until you find the one that works best for your skin year-round.

Beat the breakouts

Sweat, sunscreen, and makeup clog pores, causing acne breakouts. Washing your face with a gentle face wash and using specialized skincare products for your specific needs helps keep your skin flawless, even during hot summer days.

Get the right clothing

Protecting your skin is the number one goal when you're out in the summer, and choosing the proper attire is a great way to stay protected. Wear long-sleeve SPF shirts if you burn easily, and keep your head protected with a hat.

Sunglasses are also crucial for your eyes, preventing damage that can lead to cataracts and other eye problems. Finding shade is essential to avoid harmful UV rays if you want a break from hats and long-sleeved shirts in the heat.

Find a good skincare routine

Everyone's skin is different and requires various types of skincare treatments. Dr. Nawab identifies your skin type to determine what moisturizers, toners, exfoliants, and treatments are best for your needs.

A good skincare regimen is the best way to keep your skin healthy all year round. Starting the regimen now allows your skin to become as healthy as possible before the summer sun hits.

To learn more about skincare secrets, call or text our team at 508-206-9112 or request a consultation on the website.