6 Sizzling Skincare Tricks for Summer

Summer fun in the sun can spell trouble for your skin, since sun exposure is one of the leading causes of many skin problems, including wrinkles, dark spots, and redness. Prevent these skincare troubles by following these summer skincare tips and tricks.

1. Try an SPF Eyeshadow

Did you know that the eyelids are one of the most-missed parts of the body when applying sunscreen? While SPF in makeup should never be used in place of standalone sunscreen, it can be a great addition to your routine for extra protection. Some eyeshadows like Supergoop Shimmershade and BareMinerals 5-in-1 come in lots of fun shades while offering extra SPF.

In addition to your SPF eyeshadow, make sure you are applying enough regular sunscreen to your face. You should use a half teaspoon of sunscreen to cover your face, and one ounce (a shot glass) to cover the exposed areas of your body. I recommend using an SPF of at least 15 on a daily basis, and an SPF of 30 or higher when outdoors for longer periods of time.

2. Look Stylish While Protecting Your Skin from the Sun

A 2018 proof-of-concept study found that wearing sun-protective clothing may be even more effective at preventing sun damage than sunscreen. It is still important to apply sunscreen to areas of your body that will not be covered up – but combining sunscreen with UV-protective clothing will offer ideal protection against sun damage.

The best part is that there are now so many stylish options from brands like Athleta, Sun Precautions, Coolibar, and Solbari – so you can still look stylish while keeping your skin protected.

3. Make Your Spray Tan Last Longer

Getting a spray tan is a safer alternative to get that sun-kissed summer glow without exposing your skin to UV light from the sun or indoor tanning beds. Just keep in mind that DHA, the naturally-occuring sugar that many spray tans use, can be harmful if inhaled. Ask the provider what precautions they take to avoid DHA inhalation to ensure its safety.

Once you get that perfect glow, you want it to last as long as possible. To do so, apply a moisturizer like Zerafite Ultra Rich Body Cream. This will help to keep your skin looking and feeling smooth and even, well after your spray tan.

You can also apply a small amount of moisturizer or vaseline to your eyebrows and hairline before fake tanning. This will help to prevent uneven coloring in these areas.

4. Use Summer-Safe Skin Lighteners

Sun exposure worsens pigmentation problems like dark spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and melasma. If you struggle with these issues related to pigmented skin types, talk to your dermatologist about using gentle skin-lightening ingredients such as kojic acid, vitamin C, and niacinamide.

Kojic acid and vitamin C work by blocking the enzyme tyrosinase, which is responsible for telling skin cells to produce the pigment melanin. When too much melanin is produced, pigmented issues arise.

Similarly, niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, works by reducing the number of melanosomes that carry melanin from melanocyte cells to keratinocyte cells.

Retinoids can also be used in the summer to reduce dark spots and other signs of aging, but make sure you wear SPF. Sun exposure reduces the effectiveness of these ingredients.

5. Layer Tinted Sunscreen to Match Your Skin Tone

Having trouble matching darker skin tones with a tinted sunscreen? Apply several layers of a tinted SPF like EltaMD UV Elements Tinted SPF 44 to achieve the desired shade. You will still need to reapply sunscreen every one hour when outside, however. Using more than the recommended amount of sunscreen does not give you added protection.

6. Take a Sun-Protective Supplement

Extracts from the Polypodium leucotomos fern, native to Central and South America, have been shown to provide free radical protection due to its strong antioxidant properties. This extract is found in the dietary supplement Heliocare, which can be taken daily in combination with sunscreen use to help prevent sun damage. It is important to note that Heliocare does not replace the need for SPF. Rather, it enhances your overall UV protection.

Bottom Line

Getting and maintaining healthy, glowing skin all summer long can be as easy as adding an extra skincare step or two into your daily routine. Follow these insider tips to make sure your skin is protected from the warm summer sun.

For more skincare tips and tricks from Dr. Baumann, don’t forget to follow Baumann Cosmetic on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

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