Checklist: Your Top 10 Summer Skincare Commandments

Before summer hits and you’re blotchy, with tan lines all over your back & a blotchy self tan that borders on a paintball massacre, why not read up on the facts from Dr. David Bank, He’s the Director of the Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic and Laser Surgery, and obviously knows a thing or 10 about what to keep in mind for when the temperatures start to rise.

1. Slather on Sunscreen – Many dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Check the sunscreen’s ingredients list; it should contain agents that block both UVA and UVB rays. Remember to apply sunscreen regularly, as it will wear off with prolonged swimming or sweating. Even if it’s cloudy, ultraviolet rays can still reach your skin, so wear sunscreen even on sunless days. Although many makeup and skin care products contain an SPF agent, don’t be fooled and use extra sunscreen if it’s below 15.  [Editor’s Note: I  recommend MD Solar Sciences SPF 40 No Touch Spray for the hard to reach places. And everywhere else.]
2. Antioxidants – Antioxidants are substances that may protect cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. Free radical damage may lead to cancer. Antioxidants interact with and stabilize free radicals and may prevent some of the damage that free radicals might otherwise cause. Examples of antioxidants include beta-carotene, lycopene, vitamins C, E, and A, and other substances. Foods rich in antioxidants berries, pomegranate, kale, artichoke, soybeans, nuts (pecans) can help fight free radical damage.
3. Give ’Em Lip Service – Use a lip sunscreen with a SPF agent even if you’re putting lipstick on.
4. Remember Hair Care – The beating sun will hit your hair hard and for those who spend their days in the pool, chlorine does quite a number to your hair. Make sure you use a clarifying shampoo to remove the chlorine. Also, don’t over wash your hair as this can remove the oils that naturally protect it. Use a conditioning spray that provides UV protection like Prive’s Thermal Detangling Spray.
5. Exfoliate Head-to-Toe – Expensive scrubs and salts feel wonderful, but if you’re on a budget, you can do just as good a job using an exfoliation mitt or glove with your regular body wash. Gentle exfoliation is essential if you’ve had any area waxed, particularly in the bikini area, as it can help prevent ingrown hairs.
6. Moisturize and Nourish With Oils – Elbows, feet, and ankles can get very dry, so try avocado oil to keep them healthy and smooth. Avocado oil not only moisturizes, but also has nourishing properties as it contains vitamin E.
7. Drink Plenty of Water – The beating sun can dry your skin and make you sweat more, so keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water. If you’re active, you need to drink at least 8 glasses during the day.
8. Control Oil – Heat and humidity can cause oil glands to work overtime. Control oiliness by washing your face with a foaming cleanser twice daily. If your skin gets exceptionally oily, you can do a midday cleansing too. But don’t get into the habit of cleansing too often. For some, a once per day cleansing may be all the skin can tolerate. Cleansing too often can break down the skin’s protective barrier, causing excessive dryness and irritation, and ultimately worsen breakouts.
9. Shower After You Sweat – Sweat can irritate acne. Shower after working out or after you’ve been sweating. Pick a body wash with salicylic acid if you’re prone to blackheads, or benzoyl peroxide if you get inflamed pimples. Other good over-the-counter ingredients are sulfur and resorcinol. By thoroughly washing away sweat as soon as possible, you can help reduce the severity of breakouts. During periods of heat and humidity, you may be more prone to a form of acne c
10. 10 Ways to Heal Sunburn

1. Noxzema – slather it all over yourself to take the sting out and cool the skin.
2. Solarcaine spray – A spray containing aloe that cools when it is applied. This also helps with moisturizing and minimizes peeling. You can buy this at any drugstore.
3. Aloe – The trick is to refrigerate to keep it cold, which also helps the relief last twice as long!
4. Apple cider vinegar – Apply apple cider vinegar to the burn with a cotton ball or make a cool compress for a large area to relieve the pain and keep the skin moistened. This remedy will prevent blistering and peeling.
5. Aspirin – Aspirin kills the pain and reduces inflammation and redness of sunburn. It short-circuits the whole sunburn process. It must be taken within 24 hours of getting sunburned. Aspirin is preferable to ibuprofen or acetaminophen because it is less stressful on the liver and kidneys.
6. Baking soda – Dissolve some baking soda in water and make a compress using a clean cloth. Another remedy is to add 1/2 cup of baking soda to a tepid bath and soak. Instead of drying the affected area with a towel, let it air dry. Baking soda is cooling and will help the skin retain moisture.
7. Shower – Take a warm shower to draw out the heat of your sunburn. The warm water will increase circulation to the area while hydrating it, thereby speeding the healing process.
8. Witch hazel – Use a cotton ball or similar and cover the burned area it has a very cooling affect and takes the sting away.
9. Tea – Make some tea, cool it, and apply to the burn. While any tea will work, mint tea, such as peppermint or spearmint is especially good. The teas have tannins that help the healing process
10. Ice Cubes – Simply take ice cubes and rub over the affected area and watch how fast they melt!
11. alled acne mechanica. Acne mechanica develops when the skin is subjected to excess heat, as well as friction or rubbing of clothes, athletic equipment, etc. In the summer, wear breathable cotton instead of synthetic fabrics.