Doctor-Approved Tips For Enjoying Summer Without Aging Your Skin
Summer is here! Time for hours of outdoor fun in the sun. But the threat of premature aging of your skin (to say nothing of skin cancer) is lurking around every sunny corner. We’re not trying to rain on your sunshine parade, but, a little protection and care can have you loving the rays without sacrificing the youthful glow of your skin.
By taking a few simple precautions you can fully enjoy the sand, the sea and the sun!
Sunscreen Is Your Best Friend
We thank the sun for giving us much needed Vitamin-D. But don’t forget the sunscreen and the right way to apply it even on cloudy days. Choose a high SPF like our SkinMedica Total Defense and Repair which provides water-resistant, broad spectrum protection with transparent titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (Z-Cote). And don’t be stingy-reapply every two to three hours and every 40 minutes if you get wet. To protect your scalp from a burn and preserve that hair color (real or purchased) consider a nice big hat that shades your head and face. Add a Color Science Powder to your handbag that can easily be applied for on-the-go and it is also waterproof!
Sun Damage from Your Misspent Youth?
No problem. New treatment such as specialty products, chemical peels, micro-needling, laser/lights and elso Plus Facial Rejuvenation can take care of those pigmentation and other skin damage issues. But it’s best not to add any more problems so there’s no harm in reminding you once again: don’t forget the sunscreen.
Quench that Thirsty Skin
Like you, your skin is thirstier and needs more hydration during summer months. Feel free to switch to a lighter moisturizer, one that cools and refreshes you and your skin. If it has an SPF even better! Water can also protect your skin and your health. Its cleansing to your entire system while keeping your skin plump and dewy. Remember the 8 by 8 rule – eight 8 ounce glasses of water per day.
Out With the Old Skin In With the New Skin
Gentle exfoliation will remove impurities and other environmental damage and leave your skin looking fresh and glowing. Products containing Alpha-Hydroxy acid used daily can accomplish this.
Protect Those Peepers and Prevent Crow’s Feet
Sunglasses are more than a fashion statement. They can prevent those fine lines near your eyes from getting the best of your face especially when your squinting from the glare. The best sunnies are broad-rimmed with UV protective lens shielding your eyes and the delicate skin around them. But before putting them on give your eyes some love with an eye cream with added SPF protection.
AC Can Suck the Life Out of Your Skin
It may keep you cool on those heat-wave days but that AC is also drying you out! By taking the moisture out of the air, AC leaves you with dry, dull, dehydrated skin that may get itchy and flaky. So, get back some of that moisture – try a cool mist humidifier and of course drink plenty of water and make moisturizer a part of your skin care regimen. Also consider an anti-aging cream even if you are in your 20’s to prevent dryness which leads to premature aging of the skin.
To help answer more of your questions or concerns please call the Williams Center at 518-786-7000 today!
About the Author: Dr. Edwin Williams
Dr. Edwin Williams is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who founded The Williams Center in 1993. He has performed over 10,000 facial plastic surgery procedures and has pioneered the deep plane facelift. He served on the Board of Directors for the American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery for over a decade, and served as President from 2015-2016. In 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, Dr. Williams earned the Castle Connelly Top Doctors award in New York Facial Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Edwin F. Williams III attended Cornell University in Ithaca, New York where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1982. He began medical school at the State University of Buffalo School of Medicine and received his Doctor of Medicine in 1986.
Dr. Williams is actively involved in teaching facial plastic and reconstruction surgery to the residents of the Albany Medical Center and is former Chief of the Section of Facial and Plastic Reconstruction Surgery at Albany Medical Center where he received an academic appointment of Clinical Professor, Department of Surgery.