Heading into the hot, humid, sun-soaked months of summer you’ll need the season’s most essential accessory: sunscreen. Start now protecting your skin from increased sun damage by adopting a sunscreen-specific skin care regimen. Not only is it easy to add this one simple step to your morning make-up routine, but the most advanced sun protection products offer impressive age-defying perks, too.
Most likely, you know that long-term exposure to the sun’s harsh rays can wreak havoc on your skin. But you might not realize that even a single instance of serious sunburn will do more than cause wrinkles. It could substantially increase your risk of developing skin cancer, depending on your skin type. Millions are diagnosed with skin cancers annually, exceeding all other cancer diagnoses combined, including breast, prostate, lung and colon cancers. Incorporating these sun-safe practices in your routine might save your life:
- Use high-quality broad-spectrum sunscreen every day to block the most severe skin damaging UVB and UVA rays. Don’t presume make-up with an SPF will do the trick—you’d need to apply it 14 times a day to get the same broad-spectrum SPF protection.
- Apply 1 oz of SPF sunscreen 30 minutes before leaving the house and reapply every two hours, and after swimming or sweating.
- Stick with the SPF, no matter the forecast. Rain or shine, you’re still exposed to at least 40% of the sun’s rays.
Top performing skincare products now combine sun protection with anti-aging properties that help diminish fine lines, wrinkles and correct skin laxity by hydrating, fighting toxins and stimulating cell growth. Some products address skin discoloration, hyperpigmentation or melasma issues—which usually worsen in summertime, particularly for women who are pregnant or on birth control—without using retinol ingredients. Because most retinol products that usually treat pigmentation problems can produce side effects like redness and sun burn sensitivity in the summer, it’s smarter to opt for alternative skin-lighteners until the fall.
The following sunscreens and serums are the top picks among Southern Surgical Arts’ team of aestheticians for this summer.
SKIN HYDRATING
Alastin’s Broad Spectrum SPF 30+ Sunscreen - Formulated with hydrators, it includes anti-aging anti-oxidants and skin soothing phyto-nutrients, while giving 80-minutes of water-resistant protection. Plus, it’s safe to apply immediately after skin treatments or procedures.
Obagi HydraFactor Broad Spectrum SPF 30 - A dual-function moisturizer with soothing ingredients like Vitamin E for well-hydrated, seriously sun-blocked skin with a clean, matte finish.
SKIN CORRECTING
Skinmedica Total Defense + Repair Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 34 (Tinted) - Known for its near-full coverage tint color correction ability, this advanced anti-oxidant complex formula promotes skin tone, firmness, and elasticity while defending against harmful UV and infrared rays.
Skinceuticals CE Ferulic Serum - This anti-oxidant and Vitamin C packed serum helps prevent against sun damage while also reducing sun spots and dark spots. Meanwhile, your skin is also hydrated as free radicals are destroyed and collagen production gets a big boost.
Skinmedica Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum - While not a sunscreen, this powerful skin-brightening serum pairs well with Skinmedica sunscreen for a highly effective skin correction and sun protection solution.
SKIN PERFECTING
Alastin’s HydraTint Pro Mineral SPF 36 - Color-tinted formula offers close to make-up coverage in a light-weight, moisturizing, anti-aging cream. Guaranteed to tough out your most strenuous summer workout, this daily use sunscreen + moisturizer fights sun damage, free radicals and pollution by infusing your skin with powerful botanical anti-oxidant ingredients.
Obagi Sun Shield TINT Broad Spectrum SPF 50 - Available in warm or cool shades to perfectly match skin color, this medium coverage yet lightweight solution successfully blocks UVA and UVB rays and uses infrared technology to defend against heat-derived oxidative stress to your skin.
With so much to choose from, finding the perfect sunscreen solution can be tricky. Let the skin experts at SSA help you determine the best product options and treatments to meet your personal skincare needs this summer. Call us today at 423-266-3331 to schedule an appointment.