Summer Skin Care Tips

Expert Advice for a Healthy, Radiant Glow

Who doesn't savor the carefree days of summer? Summertime is filled with picnics, relaxing vacations, drinks by the pool, and trips to the beach.

Unfortunately, summer fun can lead to damaged skin. Unprotected exposure to the sun’s UV rays is responsible for premature wrinkling, sun spots, and skin cancer.

July has been dubbed The American Cancer Society's "UV Safety Month." Since beach weather (thankfully) doesn't wait until July, you should know that you can have your cake and eat it too when it comes to a golden glow without the risks.

We all know by now that we need SPF, and with many makeup and face creams including at least SPF 15 already built in, that's already a step in the right direction for many of us. I actually took a look around on my last shopping trip, and realized that it was almost harder to specifically find foundation or tinted moisturizer containing zero sun protection.

Now, if your not one to wear makeup to the beach or say, for an outdoor jog you really must get familiar with a good facial sun block in addition to one for body. Alba Botanica's sun care line sun care line is a great choice for both, offering non-chemical protection up to SPF 45, and is loved by shoppers who choose natural products either for green reasons or skin sensitivity issues.

So what about the newer SPF 90+ lotions out there? While those with very fair, sun sensitive skin may want/need to go high with SPF, Dr. Edward Lack (Chicago rhinoplasty dermatology) warns that this can become more of a marketing gimmick to make you feel like you need a higher and higher number whenever its available. Reapplying to keep that protection barrier on your skin strong is key, and will do a much better job than applying an extremely high SPF once and allowing it to wear off.

"Ideally you put on sunscreen an hour before going outside, then reapply it just before exposure. If you will maintain direct exposure as on the golf course or on a boat put the sunscreen on again every 2 hours," Dr. Lack advises as a general rule.

Now that you are refreshed on staying adequately protected, we mustn't forget the sunless tanner. If you're a recovering sunbathing addict and haven’t tried one yet, now is the time- and sticking to a cult favorite will ensure a seamless transition into a faux glow with no looking back. Lavera sunless lotion stands alone when it comes to organic self-tanners, offering deep, natural color in a rich, sweet smelling lotion formula. What's not to love?

Written by Joseph Snyder, on behalf of MetropolitanMD, a Chicago liposuction, facial rejuvenation, and cosmetic surgery center.