Your Must-Have Summer Skincare Tips

 Memories are different for everyone, but I would venture to say that folks of my generation have recollections of this particular ad. When people say Coppertone this is the image that pops into my head. How about yours?  And what was the message received? In my case, it was “you can safely get a tan,” not “you need sunscreen to prevent sun damage.”  Is that a fair summation of the message that was sent? Perhaps not, who knows? But if you research on Google, you will see that Coppertone was about getting a tan “safely.”. The message was: “Don’t be a paleface” - clearly suggesting that a tan is “better” and more appealing; not necessarily a good suggestion if you ask me! (and let’s face it: cheap product = cheap advice! lol)

Tanning Will Damage Your Skin

Many of you who have already consulted at New Image have heard my opinion on tanning. It’s culturally acceptable and even desirable to tan and often considered more beautiful. Dr. Madsen and I were of that opinion in our college days. We “tanned” on the roof of his fraternity digs before our wedding and boy, was he handsome with his deep tan in those white tux tails!! Lol!  Did they have sunscreen protection messages back then? I suppose they did, but like many others, we chose to ignore them. After all, “freckles are normal,” and we didn’t have visible sun damage. Note the adjective visible.You can be sure we had sun damage from the ultraviolet UVA, UVB rays that would come home to roost in our later years! UVA are the rays that penetrate more deeply into the skin and play a greater role in premature skin aging changes including wrinkle formation (photoaging). Uh oh! Who would have thought that nearly 40 years later we would be assisting people (and ourselves) to reduce the appearance of this damage!?

Forget “Base Tanning” - Find Good Sun Protection Instead

So you want to get a “base tan” before going on your vacation to prevent a burn? Save you money and your skin and go prepared with a good sunscreen and a hat, if not more.  According to the Mayo Clinic: “There's little evidence to support the idea that a base tan protects you against sunburn. A few sessions of indoor tanning will not prevent you from burning in the sun. A base tan is no substitute for good sun protection. Plus, the risks of long-term tanning outweigh the unproven benefits of a base tan.Tanning under the sun or a sunlamp may give modest protection to those who are able to tan well. But the protection it gives does not come close to that derived from the use of a sunscreen. The larger issue is that any change in skin color from tanning is a sign of damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Repeated exposure to UV radiation — whether from the sun or a tanning bed — increases your risk of premature skin aging and skin cancer.Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing cells. Melanomas (note: the melanin in our skin is what gives us color) can be deadly and should not be thought of lightly. The overall incidence of melanoma continues to rise. In fact, melanoma rates in the United States doubled from 1982 to 2011, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.” 

Three Ways to Support & Protect Your Skin

So, while I don’t want to be a “Debbie downer” to you tan lovers out there, please protect your skin. If you are inclined at all to protect your skin health here are a few pointers:

1. Wear a Good UVA/UVB Sunscreen

Find SPF 30, but not more than SPF 50 as they are of no greater benefit, and reapply every two hours when you are out. That also means that if you started your day with it, whether you’ve been in or out if two hours have passed and you are going out again, you need to reapply.Three of my favorite sunscreens are: Colorescience Sunforgettable Brush SPF 30+ or SPF 50+Stay radiant every day without damaging your skin. Sunforgettable Brush-on Sunscreen offers powerful SPF 50 UVA/UVB protection, alone or over makeup. SPF and finishing powder in one simple, on-the-go application (so easy to re-apply even if you are wearing make-up! No worries, it comes in 4 shades!) HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36A lightweight, all physical, broad-spectrum sunscreen that provides daily protection from damaging UVA/UVB rays. The formulation is rich in antioxidants that shield against pollution induced damage, ingredients that improve skin hydration and has a natural hint of color compatible with all skin types.  Roxy’s Note: “I love this one and wear it daily!! It’s light and so good for our skin and doubles as make-up!!”   Alastin Broad Spectrum SPF30+ An elegant, moisturizing 80-minute water-resistant sunscreen that is formulated with highly effective hydrators and enhanced with antioxidants and skin soothing phytonutrients. Developed to be used daily, and immediately following skin treatments.  

2. Step Up Your Skin Protection/Support

Find a treatment product that helps stimulate the aspects of the skin that are “less than” they use to be. Products that have high levels of antioxidant-rich free-radical fighting ingredients and stimulants to collagen and elastin. My best recommendation: Alastin’s Regenerating Skin Nectar with TriHex TechnologyThis proprietary formulation is designed to support the skin before, during and after cosmetic procedures. This product works with the skin's natural regeneration process and assists in improving the skin's appearance.Roxy’s Note: “A must have when I have laser treatment done!”  Or:    Alastin’s Restorative Skin Complex with TriHex TechnologyHelps to restore and maintain skin’s health for a vibrant, youthful appearance. Emollient formulation with key ingredients to help volumize and lift aging skin. Synergistic ingredients combat all visible signs of aging.Roxy’s Note: "Part of my daily regimen for sure!”  

3.  Sun lovers or not - ALWAYS USE A DAILY MOISTURIZER!!!!

 Alastin’s Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer with TriHex TechnologyHydrating moisturizer that contains exclusive moisture building ingredients, powerful antioxidants and skin soothing phytonutrients that help promote and maintain the barrier function of the skin.Roxy’s Note: “I love this a few days post Halo thru the healing process, many of you know SkinMedica’s Dermal Repair is still a favorite of mine too!” 

Treatment is Good, Prevention is Great!

Sun damage treatment is good, but sun damage prevention is great! A regular regimen of the above types of products goes a long way to help with that! If using all three (my best recommendation of course!) after cleansing use in this order:

1. Nectar or Restorative Skin Complex (twice daily)
2. Moisturizer (twice daily)
3. Sunscreen (every 2 hours when the sun is up, and you are out).

A few last thoughts before you dive into the sun-soaked days of summer:Hats are always a great way to help protect from the damaging rays of the sun, and they’re kind of fun! Here is a picture of our grandsons on a recent beach vacation...yep we are never too young to start protecting! (And yes, their dad is a dermatologist so...)Remember, we will never screen out all ultraviolet rays, and some sun is actually good for us. As always do the best you can, moderation is always the best directive and above all, enjoy making memories whatever you do!! Check out our skincare regimen promo going on this month! Our way of giving you a “leg up” while you keep the sun damage down ;)