Summer Skin Protection

by Kerry Andersen

Summer is upon us, which means more time spent outdoors, trips to the beach and increased exposure to the sun. The stifling Louisiana heat can take its toll on the largest organ in our body—our skin.  Jamie Burks, FNP-C, with Dermatology Associates shares her best tips for thriving summer skin, including cutting edge products engineered to fight sun damage.

Protect: It’s time to go through your bathroom cabinet and throw away any sunscreen you find; it needs to be replaced yearly. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 to protect you from 97% of UV and UVB rays (higher SPF only slightly increases protection). Burks says it’s most important to apply sunscreen 15 minutes before spending time in the sun or water, slather on a shot glass size full for your body (most people don’t use enough), and reapply every two hours.

There are more sunscreen options than ever. If you’re not wearing a hat, you can sprinkle on a powdered formulation to protect your scalp, tinted sunscreens can replace foundation and you can now mist on sun protection over makeup. Some clothing and hats even have sun protection built in to the fabric. Check labels for UPF (ultraviolet protection factor).

Battle Breakouts: Hot summer sweat can clog our pores and lead to breakouts. Hypochlorous acid spray removes bacteria with a simple spritz. The antimicrobial spray also reduces redness, eases sunburn pain and naturally calms skin. (Try Magic Molecule or Tower 28 Beauty SOS Rescue Facial Spray.) Mineral based sunscreens are better for acne prone or sensitive skin; they are less likely than chemical formulations to cause a reaction. Lighter gel formulas are great for oily skin and for men who hate heavy products.

Hydrate: We’ve all been told to hydrate when the temperatures climb, but while it’s great for overall health, Burks says drinking water doesn’t directly impact the look and feel of our skin. Hydration through gentle cleansing and moisturizers combined with good genetics and diligent sunscreen use will have you looking your best.

Prevent: Skin cancer is the No. 1 cause of cancer in the US. With more skin showing in the summer months, it’s a great time to inspect your body for new moles, non-healing lesions or a change in current moles. If anything bleeds, hurts, won’t heal or has abnormal features, see a board-certified dermatologist right away. Burks says, “Don’t forget sunglasses. Shades aren’t just for fashion; they protect your eyelids from cancer where sunscreen can’t be applied.”

Treat: The shelves are full of products that promise to combat sun damage and resulting signs of aging, but Burks says to stick with the old school tried and true—tretinoin. It helps build collagen and improve skin elasticity. The derivative of Vitamin A also treats acne and helps with fine lines and hyperpigmentation. It’s important to remember that retinoids increase sensitivity to the sun, so wearing sunscreen is critical. Antioxidants found in Vitamin C serum will neutralize free radicals that cause damage to skin. There’s even an oral supplement available, Polypodium leucotomos, that combats the four types of radiation which lead to photoaging. Just two capsules daily will protect your skin against sun damage from the inside (Burks recommends Heliocare.)

Repair: If you do get too much sun, cool compresses and ibuprofen will decrease inflammation and give you some relief. A gentle moisturizer with peptides will support the skin barrier and combat dryness. (Burks loves products by LaRoche Posay, Skinceuticals and Vanicream.) Be sure to seek medical care if blisters occur.

Dermatology Associates of Southwest Louisiana is located at 2000 Tybee Lane in Lake Charles. Open Monday-Friday from 8am-4pm. Call 337-433-7272 or visit dermswla.com for more information.