If you were to ask women in their 40s and 50s what they wish they could go back in time and do differently regarding their appearance, many would tell you, “I wish I had taken better care of my skin.” Whether they regret the time spent perfecting their tans by the pool or in tanning beds, driving with the convertible top down in the middle of summer, or playing tennis in sleeveless tops and short skirts, chances are some poor sun exposure habits caught up with them in later years.
But even if you’re already regretting a youth spent enjoying the sun without worrying about the consequences, it’s not too late. It’s always a good time to take care of the skin you’re in!
Here are some of our favorite tips for taking the best care of your skin during the summer and all year round.
- Apply sunscreen liberally. Whether you’re planning to spend a few hours in the garden, an afternoon at the beach, or just run an errand with your sunroof open, it’s worth slathering on the sunscreen. Choose a broad spectrum from a reliable brand and reapply every two hours, especially if you’re going in the water. If you choose a spray, make sure you apply it evenly for consistent coverage. It’s easy to miss spots, especially if it’s windy.
- Add Vitamin C serum. Boost the sun protection benefits of your sunscreen by adding a high-quality vitamin C serum for maximum protection. While vitamin C won’t protect your skin from the sun’s rays like sunblock, it is a powerful antioxidant that will help to mitigate any damage by aiding in skin repair. We recommend you apply the serum everywhere you apply sunblock, with special attention to on your hands, face, décolletage and neck. If you’d like a recommendation for a good serum, be sure to speak to one of the knowledgeable aestheticians in our Medspa.
- Wear a hat and sunglasses. Hats are always a fun fashion statement, and even better, they can do a great job of protecting the delicate skin of your face and and ears (not to mention the part in your hair). Add sunglasses to protect your eyes from the harsh rays of the sun and prevent fine line formation from constant squinting. It’s an added bonus that you’ll look glamorous and sun-savvy.
- Avoid tanning beds. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as safe tanning, and certainly no safe tanning in beds. People who use a tanning bed under the age of 35 increase their risk of developing melanoma, the deadliest skin cancer, by 75%. A tan may be many people’s ideal of beauty, but the most beautiful skin is healthy skin.
- Don’t forget your hands. Applying sunscreen to your face and body may be second-nature by now, but many forget the all-important skin on the hands. The skin on your hands will betray your age and any bad habits as fast, or faster, than the skin on your face, leading to premature wrinkling and age spots. So share the sunscreen love with your hands, even when you’re just driving to work. Consider wearing gloves when gardening too.
If you’re already dealing with the consequences of a little too much unprotected fun in the sun, don’t worry. From chemical peels to laser treatments to IPL, we’ve got options to help you erase the years and regain your youthful glow. Please call us at 423-266-3331 to learn more about our skin care products or treatment options for removing sun spots and minimizing fine lines and wrinkles.
And enjoy your summer!
