Summer Skin Care Survival Guide

When it comes to summer skincare, there’s no messing around. By now, we’re all well aware of the dangers of spending too much time in the sunshine, and the very real threat of skin cancer. From choosing the right sunscreen to understanding the power of moisturizer, Dr. Jwala Karnik, chief medical officer at Suneva Medical, Inc., shares her expert advice on how to best protect your skin against the sun.

1. Keep an eye on the clock—The sun is strongest between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. It’s best to avoid direct exposure to the sun during these hours.
2. Drink up!—Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water each day, especially if you’re in the sun for a majority of the day. Hydrating your skin is the one of the keys to maintaining a youthful, healthy complexion.
3. Sun protective clothing—If you’re planning to be outdoors during peak hours, wear sun-protective clothing such as wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses as an added layer of defense.
4. Lather it on early, and often—Don’t wait until you’re in the sun to apply protection, your skin needs 20 minutes to absorb a chemical sunscreen completely. Also, re-apply your sun protectant every few hours, or more frequently if it gets wiped off or you are in the water. Just because it’s waterproof doesn’t mean you shouldn’t re-apply.
5. Pucker up—Your lips need love too. Be sure to use a lip balm that has at least SPF 15 to protect lips from the sun and lock in moisture. Adding a second coat of SPF to your nose, hands, ears and the tops of your feet is important too, as these areas tend to burn more easily.
6. Don’t forget your décolletage—Remember to apply protection to your neck and upper chest areas. Freckling and sun damage on this part of the body is a telltale sign of aging.
7. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize—Apply a moisturizer with SPF, such as Regenica® Day Repair SPF 15, to prevent sun spots, freckles, and early signs of aging. Moisturizing in the evening is also important, as it helps replenish and nourish skin to reveal a healthier-looking complexion.
8. The power of antioxidants—To prevent aging often caused by the sun, choose skin care products containing antioxidants, which work to eliminate some of the toxic molecules that can lead to skin aging. A multitasking BB cream with antioxidants is a great option to even out skin tone and prevent signs of aging.
9. Do your homework—When selecting a sun protectant, determine if your skin is a better candidate for a chemical or physical sunscreen. Physical sunscreens work to shield the sun’s rays and incorporate ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, whereas chemical protectants are absorbed into skin and filter or scatter the rays. If you have sensitive skin, you may be a better candidate for a physical sunscreen
10. Reverse signs of aging caused by the sun— Has the sun already taken a toll on your skin? A product formulated with an emollient tretinoin can help moisturize the skin while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time.
11. Post-sun care—After being in the sun for countless hours, your skin need a little extra TLC. First, exfoliate the skin to remove excess chemicals, toxins and dead skin, and then apply a soothing moisturizer with aloe to calm your skin and reduce redness.