Now that it’s summer, we should consider skin care strategies to protect our skin as well as improve the health, quality, and appearance of our skin. When it comes to summer protection, I take a three-point approach: block UV light, hydrate, and use antioxidants.
When blocking UV light we should make wearing sunscreen a daily routine. If you are going to be out in the sun remember to reapply at least every several hours, especially if you are in the water or sweating. Wear a hat, a big hat. I wear a ridiculously oversized hat when I play golf. I know I stand out a bit, but I don’t care since I know my face, neck and chest are being protected from future wrinkles and skin cancer. Try to avoid being exposed to midday sun (10am-2pm), and if you are, try to seek some shade.
Water intake and topical moisturizers are two forms of hydration for proper skin care. Both are important. Eight 8-ounce glasses of water are recommended each day to help maintain the critical fluid balance of our body and skin and assist in detoxification. Topical moisturizers to hydrate skin before and after sun exposure are a good idea, especially ones that contain hyaluronic acid.
I use several different topical antioxidant skin care products yearly, but especially in the summer. UV light causes the creation of free radicals in our skin which can lead to photoaging and skin cancer. Use of topical products which contain antioxidants such as vitamin E, ubiquinone, and glutathione can help minimize this damage.
To learn more about summer skin care, contact Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Guy Cappuccino in Mt. Airy at 301-829-4110. For more information visit www.DrCappuccino.com, or our Facebook Page.
