The Heat Is On

Easy Expert Skin Saving Tips for Summer

Hot summer weather is here and this brings us long sunny days to enjoy by the pool, the beach or simply hanging out in our own backyards. No matter where you live or how you chose to spend your summer, taking care of your skin should always be in your mind. Here are some expert tips for beautiful summer skin!

SAVE YOUR SKIN AND YOUR SANITY
Your skin and your mood are intertwined on many different levels so as emotions are played out they can be expressed on your skin. Rashes, acne breakouts, dry, itchy and sensitive skin are a few of the ways your skin lets you know that you need to add more rest and relaxation to your daily routine. Make it a priority to include activities that give you happiness. Adding relaxation to your day should be as easy as going for a walk, doing some gardening, baking a yummy dessert, exploring yoga or doing some meditation. Like the old adage says, “take the time to smell the roses”, your skin and your sanity will thank you!

SLEEP AND REGENERATE
While you do so much to get your skin to look great in the morning, you really should start with the night before so you can have that “I woke up like this” moment every morning! The best place to start for your skin is getting a restful and a good amount of sleep every night. Your skin’s cells regenerate while you are a sleep so getting plenty of sleep is crucial for healthy skin. Try to sleep on your back and with your head slightly elevated to eliminate sleep lines and improve accumulation of fluids while sleeping. If you must sleep on your side, try using a skin friendly pillow shaped a little like a doughnut – with a depression in the middle. Using a satin or silk pillowcase which will help with skin compression and irritation.

SHIELD YOUR SKIN
Protecting your skin against the damaging sun rays is a crucial step for healthy and younger looking skin. Apply daily a generous amount of a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or more to all exposed skin. Re-apply sunscreen approximately every two hours and immediately after swimming or sweating. Be extra cautious when you are near water, concrete, and sand because they reflect and intensify the damaging sun rays. Seek shade when available and keep in mind that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10: 00 am and 2:00 pm, if your shadow is shorter than you are, find a shady spot!

MASK UP
Whether you use a store-bought mask or you use your own DIY mask, masks can deliver much needed hydration, clear congested pores and provide gentle exfoliation for a more radiant skin. An easy DIY mask to apply during the summer is a Honey and Milk Mask. This mask is rich in lactic acid which will give your skin a beautiful glow. Into a bowl combine 2 tablespoons of honey, 2 tablespoons of buttermilk, 2 tablespoons of yogurt and 2 tablespoons of dry milk. Apply onto clean skin and leave on for 30-45 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser. The longer you leave the mask on the brighter the glow!

PEEL AWAY DAMAGE
Enlisting a skincare professional is always a great idea for keeping your skin looking healthy and youthful. Scheduling a professional chemical peel at least once a month can help in improving fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots and make your skin matrix thicker. There are a variety of peels ranging from light to deep. The deeper the peel the more dramatic the results will be. Trust a medical professional to guide you in selecting the best peel for your skin and help you have radiant looking skin even in the hot summer months!

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
www.prodermimage.com

Book your next appointment
with Mia de Leon, NP:
805-379-5970

ProDerm Image
Cosmetic Dermatology
960 S. Westlake Blvd. Suite 208
Westlake Village, CA 91361