Obviously I will be complaining that it is too hot soon but right now I am eagerly awaiting warmer temps and spending more time outdoors. With every season change, I recommend checking in on your skincare routine to ensure happy, healthy and beautiful skin year round. Get ready for spring and summer with these tips.
Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily on exposed skin.
Sunscreen is really a must year round but in case you have been slacking, time to get back to it. There are so many options that not having one you like is really not a great excuse. Sunscreen is key to skin cancer prevention and minimizing the aging effects of the sun on the skin like brown spots and wrinkles. It does not matter if you are just making a quick trip to the grocery, we get so much exposure here in AZ it adds up quickly. Consider sun protective clothing and hats so you have to cover less area with sunscreen. Make sun protection part of every day and your future self will thank you.
Daily facial sunscreen recommendations: Vanicream Facial Moisturizer SPF 30, La Roche Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50, Cerave AM, Supergoop! Glowscreen
Add a powder sunscreen for afternoon touch ups.
Perfect if you are wearing makeup and the kids have an afternoon game or you are enjoying a sunny happy hour. These are also great to protect your part if not wearing a hat.
Powder SPF recommendations: Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush On Shield, Supergoop Resetting Mineral Powder
Reach for topical Vitamin C in the morning.
Sun exposure leads to collagen breakdown (which gives us wrinkles) and brown spots. Vitamin C is the most studied topical antioxidant which works to protect our collagen and also helps brighten and lighten any brown spots we may already have. Use it in the morning to get the most benefit from its protective effects. Vitamin C is a little tricky though because it is hard to keep stable. So definitely go with one on my list to be sure you are actually reaping its benefits.
Topical vitamin C recommendations: Skinceuticals CE ferulic, La Roche Posay Active Vitamin C 10%, Revision Skincare Vitamin C 10%
Reevaluate your moisturizer.
You may have been reaching for a heavier moisturizer during the winter to combat dryness but it may feel too heavy during the summer.
Lighter moisturizer recommendations: La Roche Posay Effaclar Matte Oil-free Mattifying Moisturizer, La Roche Posay Toleriane Double Repair Matte Moisturizer, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Revisit your retinoid.
If you had to stop or reduce application due to excessive irritation during the dry winter months, it is time to resume. Retinoids are right behind sunscreen in importance for minimizing age related changes to the skin. If you are struggling to tolerate retinol, try a bakuchiol containing product with recent studies showing similar benefits without irritation.
Retinol & Bakuchiol Recommendations: Skinceuticals Retinol 0.5, Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro+ Night Moisturizer, Herbivore Botanicals Bakuchiol Serum
Consider supplements.
I am a big fan of getting our nutrients from a healthy diet focused on eating colorful fruits and vegetables but if you want to ensure your skin has a healthy dose of protective antioxidants consider a polypodium leucotomos supplement. Also, if you are being strict with your sun protection, be sure you are taking Vitamin D.
Supplement Recommendations: Heliocare, ISDIN Sunisdin Daily Antioxidant Supplement with Vitamins and Carotenoids (30 capsules)
If you need help getting your routine sunny weather ready, your dermatologist will be happy to help!
Find the products mentioned in this article and more recommended by Dr. Jeffy at shopmy.us/brookejeffymd