Prevent Sunburn & Other Summer Skin Care Tips

Warmer weather means cooking out on the grill, taking a walk at the park or just relaxing by the water. 

However, summer also presents many challenges to maintaining beautiful, healthy skin. More time outside often leads to a sunburn, which increases your risk of skin cancer and premature aging. On top of that, the heat and humidity can trigger more breakouts and leave skin feeling dry and irritated, even when you’re doing everything right.

The good news? A few simple adjustments to your routine can make a big difference. Here’s what our team at Cayce Medical Spa recommends for keeping your skin healthy and protected all summer long.

#1: Take Sunscreen and Skin Cancer Seriously

Most people have had a sunburn or two and figured it wasn’t a big deal. All it takes is just five sunburns during your lifetime to more than double your risk of melanoma. That’s not a small thing.

It’s also important to remember there’s no such thing as a safe tan. Whether your skin turns red or golden after sun exposure, both are signs of UV damage. This damage adds up over time and accelerates premature aging and skin cancer risk.

Use a broad–spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day. Here’s how to make sure you’re using it correctly:

• Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before heading outside
• Reapply every two hours or right after swimming or sweating
• Don’t skip it on cloudy days. About 80% of the sun’s UV rays pass right through cloud cover
• Cover the spots that are easy to miss, like your ears, the back of your neck and the tops of your feet
• Stay in the shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV intensity is at its peak
• Pair sunscreen with a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses for even more protection

Cayce Medical Spa recommends Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Sheild in SPF 50. It provides an all-mineral water/sweat-resistant formulation that lasts up to 80 minutes.

#2: Avoid & Treat Breakouts

Many people find that acne can get worse during the summer. Hot, humid weather increases oil production, and when sweat mixes with that extra oil and bacteria on the surface of your skin, it’s a recipe for clogged pores and more frequent flare-ups.

The foundation of skincare for acne is consistency. If you have acne, it’s important to wash your face twice daily to remove impurities, dead skin cells and extra oil that has built up during the day. Daily cleansers like Vivier HEXAM and SkinCeuticals Glycolic Renewal are great to use for acne-prone skin. The use of a facial toner will aid in the cleansing process by removing residual dirt, oil and make-up left after cleansing. Toning will also restore your skin’s natural P.H. Follow up with any oil-free leave-on topicals or acne spot treatments.

Some products that are great for acne prone skin include:

• Skinbetter Science Alpharet Clearing Serum for overnight cellular turnover and breakout reduction
• SkinCeuticals Blemish and Age Defense serum for acne breakouts, oily and aging skin; this is great for spot treatment or can be used for all over application
• SkinCeuticals Silymarin Cf is a potent Vitamin C serum with Salicylic Acid to protect and correct acne prone skin from PIH and post acne marks

If a breakout happens and you want to clear it up quickly, look for over-the-counter acne treatments that contain one of these active ingredients:

• Benzoyl peroxide: targets the bacteria that cause acne
• Salicylic acid: penetrates the pore and clears out the buildup that leads to blemishes
• Glycolic acid: exfoliates dead skin cells that can clog pores over time
• Lactic acid: a gentler exfoliant that helps keep pores clear

SkinMedica’s Acne System is a good all-in-one kit to have on hand so you’re prepared when something comes up. One thing to avoid is picking at pimples, especially in summer when UV exposure makes skin more sensitive. It can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and permanent scarring that’s much harder to treat than the original breakout.

Additional services that can treat acne and acne scarring include:

• VI Chemical Peels: Purify with Precision Plus
• Diamond Glow Facials
• Microneedling
• Morpheus 8
• Acne Bootcamp: 2 VI Chemical Peels and 3 Microneedling Treatments

#3: Protect Against Dry Skin in Summer

Dry skin feels like a winter problem, but summer has its own set of culprits that can catch people off guard. Did you know that air conditioning can dry out your skin? It removes moisture from the room, which leads to skin irritation, dry eyes and other uncomfortable symptoms. Running a humidifier at home can help offset this.

When you’re outdoors, UV exposure also depletes your skin’s moisture levels, which is why using a moisturizer for your dry skin is such a smart move. Look for formulas that contain hyaluronic acid, ceramides or glycerin, as these ingredients help attract and hold moisture without feeling heavy on your skin. Avoid products with fragrance or alcohol, which can be irritating especially in the heat.

Here are some ways to address other culprits of dry skin during the summer:  

• Frequent handwashing and alcohol-based hand sanitizers: While hand sanitation is certainly important, these alcohol-based cleansers can dry out your skin. Apply a soothing lotion after washing up or using a hand sanitizer. 

• Long, hot showers: Take shorter showers using lukewarm water, as hot water can lead to irritation and dryness. After bathing, gently pat your skin dry and apply moisturizer to avoid irritation. 

• Chlorine: Although necessary for pool safety, chlorine is a harsh chemical that can damage your skin, hair and eyes. Rinse off in the shower after exiting the pool, and apply a ceramide-based moisturizer to help restore what the water stripped away. 

Start the Summer with a Skin Care Plan That Actually Works

At Cayce Medical Spa in Columbia, MO, our goal is to help you look and feel your best, all summer long and throughout the year. Whether you’re dealing with breakouts, dry skin or just want to make sure you’re protecting yourself the right way, we invite you to schedule a free consultation to get started on a personalized skin care plan specifically tailored to your specific needs and skin type.